Fifa World Cup Trophy

As a longtime automotive journalist who's test-driven everything from beat-up sedans to supercars, I've developed a sixth sense for which vehicles age gracefully and which become automotive dinosaurs. When people ask me whether the 2016 Lexus IS350 F Sport still holds up today, my mind immediately goes to that fascinating basketball game I watched last week where Barangay Ginebra staged that incredible comeback after being down 94-76 during the third quarter. They even briefly led 101-100 after opening the fourth quarter with a stunning 14-2 run, only to have NorthPort demonstrate remarkable composure and respond with big shots of their own. That game perfectly mirrors what makes the 2016 IS350 F Sport such an intriguing proposition today - it's about whether initial excitement can sustain against newer competition, much like how NorthPort had to dig deep to counter Ginebra's explosive rally.

Let me be perfectly honest - I've always had a soft spot for Lexus' design language during this era. The spindle grille, which seemed controversial back in 2016, has aged remarkably well compared to some of the overwrought designs we're seeing today. When I slide into the driver's seat of a well-maintained IS350 F Sport, there's an immediate sense of quality that many modern cars have sacrificed for cost-cutting. The leather-wrapped dashboard, the perfectly damped controls, the way the doors close with that solid thunk - these are things that matter in the long run. I recently drove one with about 65,000 miles on the odometer, and apart from some minor wear on the driver's seat bolster, the interior felt as tight and well-put-together as when it left the factory. That's the Lexus build quality we've come to expect, and it's why these cars can still command respectable resale values.

Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V6 remains an absolute gem. With 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, it's not going to shock you with neck-snapping acceleration like some turbocharged competitors, but there's a linearity and refinement to the power delivery that I genuinely miss in today's downsized, turbo-happy world. The engine revs smoothly to its 6,600 rpm redline with a satisfying growl, and the 6-speed automatic transmission, while not the quickest-shifting unit by modern standards, operates with a silkiness that many newer 8 and 10-speed transmissions struggle to match. During my testing, the car managed 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds, which remains respectable even by 2023 standards. Where it really shines is in real-world driving scenarios - merging onto highways, passing slower traffic, that instant response when you need to make a quick maneuver. It reminds me of how NorthPort responded to Ginebra's comeback - not with panic, but with calculated, effective countermeasures.

The F Sport package transforms what could be just another luxury sedan into something genuinely engaging. The adaptive variable suspension strikes what I consider to be nearly perfect balance between comfort and control. On my favorite winding backroads, the IS350 F Sport displays remarkable poise, with sharp turn-in and minimal body roll. The steering provides decent feedback, though I'll admit it's not quite as communicative as some German rivals. Still, there's a sense of connection that many newer electric power steering systems have lost. The brakes, with their larger 13.1-inch front rotors, provide confident stopping power even during spirited driving. I recently took one through some mountain roads, pushing it through consecutive corners, and it never lost its composure - much like how NorthPort maintained their focus despite Ginebra's relentless pressure.

Now, let's talk about where the 2016 model shows its age. The infotainment system is, frankly, the car's weakest link. The remote touch interface feels clumsy compared to modern touchscreens, and the graphics look dated. There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which for many buyers is a deal-breaker in 2023. During my week with the car, I found myself using my phone mounted on the vent more often than the built-in system. The rear seat space is also tighter than some competitors, something I noticed when I had to shuttle colleagues to a photoshoot. These are significant considerations, much like how Ginebra's initial deficit forced them to play catch-up - the IS350 has some catching up to do in the technology department.

What really surprises me about the 2016 IS350 F Sport is its reliability track record. Having spoken with numerous owners and technicians, these cars have proven remarkably dependable. The 2GR-FSE engine has an excellent reputation for longevity, and major issues are uncommon. Maintenance costs are reasonable for the segment, with average annual repair costs hovering around $450 according to my research across various ownership forums. I know of several examples with over 150,000 miles that still run beautifully with proper maintenance. This reliability is the automotive equivalent of NorthPort's fundamental strength - it's what allows them to withstand pressure and remain competitive even when facing flashier opponents.

The used market presents some compelling value propositions. A clean 2016 IS350 F Sport typically sells for between $22,000 and $28,000 depending on mileage and condition. Compare that to a new IS350, which starts around $42,000, and the value becomes apparent. You're getting about 85% of the performance and luxury for roughly 60% of the price. Depreciation has done its brutal work, but unlike some luxury cars that become money pits, the IS350 remains relatively affordable to maintain. In my opinion, this represents one of the sweet spots in the used luxury sedan market - enough modern features to feel contemporary, but avoiding the complexity and depreciation of newer models.

So, is the 2016 Lexus IS350 F Sport still worth buying today? If you value driving engagement, build quality, and reliability over cutting-edge technology, absolutely. It's like appreciating NorthPort's composed response to Ginebra's explosive comeback - sometimes, steady competence outweighs flashy theatrics. The IS350 F Sport isn't the fastest, isn't the most technologically advanced, and isn't the most spacious car in its class. But it executes its core mission with a level of polish and reliability that few competitors can match. For driving enthusiasts who appreciate naturally aspirated engines, for buyers tired of overly complex infotainment systems, for those who value long-term ownership costs - this car makes a compelling case for itself even seven years later. Sometimes the best play isn't the flashiest move, but the one that consistently delivers when it matters most.