I just got back from the Taste of Lexus event in Dallas. The new IS twins were nice, but the backseat space was non-existent. I drove the 250 AWD and the 350. Each model is very different in terms of power and handling. The 250 was on par with the TSX, more than enough power to satisfy me, but not excessive. The 350 was an entirely different beast. The prices though were more than $8K more than I paid. Down here in Texas you can't just order a Toyota or Lexus. We are forced to pick certain options even if you don't want them (just go to Lexus.com or Toyota.com and build a car with zip code 76039). The cockpits of the IS twins were nicer than the TSX. The build quality was a bit better. I could really tell how AWD help out in the corners. I floored it and the front wheels just pulled the car through. The 350 did tail out a bit. I never looked down to see if vehicle stability control kicked in. Would I trade the TSX for an IS? No....one because I signed a 3 year lease back in May and because I don't feel there were $8K+ worth of advantages to them. I also drove the GS300 and GS430. Those were two seriously amazing cars. I didn't care for the SC430 or LS430, both seemed overpriced and boring. I have been to quite a few manufactuer backed test drives and this was the best. I haven't been to an Acura event yet though.

 

The LS 430 is amazing. The navi is cool and its so quite inside. Its very HQ and feels great to drive. S500 is less boat like tho. But in this class I think people want boat like.

 

wow..

would i trade in the TSX for an IS? ..umm yea! I think 8k is well worth it. I mean i love my car and all but i think that lexus's are more superior cars than acuras. My friend just put a deposit down on the 350 which should be coming in by the end of this week. I rode in the 350 when he test drove it andd that shit was fastt.. thats just my

 

I test drove a 350 and comparing it to a TSX is like comparing steak to chopped beef.

The IS350 is so much better than my TSX in all aspects.

What I am wondering is if the IS250 loses enough of the edge to make it boring???

The 350 is mucho $$$, so it really isn't even fair to compare it to a TSX.

 

The 250 is like the TSX in terms of performance. 0-60 for the 250 rwd is 7.9. AWD is 8.5. Also there is 4 inches less legroom in the read seat and no room under the front seats for feet. To each his own. I really liked the twins. But an IS 250 with equal equipment is $35K. So now just $5K more. eh. Could be worth it. I rarely carry rear passengers, but I I can sit behind myself in the TSX (I'm 6'0 tall). In IS 250 I had to angle my legs to the side. No way I could ride for more than 15 minutes like that.

 

i checked out the is250 the day it was in showrooms the afternoon before i bought my tsx (wanted to see if it was worth the extra $, it is in my opinion not) a similarly configured is250 to a tsx is based on cars direct prices is something ilke 8-9 grand more (though you would get some features that the tsx doesnt offer like the backup camera, then again the tsx has some the is doesnt have like, fold down rear seat etc). from what i saw the cheapest is350s are still 40k + tax.

in socal for instance you cant even order one without at least one of their premium packages and with 18" rims. (cheapest for an auto is thus $33,500 or so)

i actually asked this at the lexus dealer, if i could get 17" rims say i wanted all seasons on my car (since the 18s only have summers) and tehy said no you cant order it.


the car is seriously really cramped inside too (85.7 cubic feet).

i mean its rwd and all, but is you are driving an is250 its not to be autocrossing or racing so i think at that point its a moot point fwd/rwd. i could see tha tmattering on the is350.

but yeah,... its not worth tsx + 8-9k + tax. i think i was actually let down after seeing it in pictures and then seeing it in person.

 

Just been to Lexus dealer today and those new IS 250/350 was very impressive.
The aggresive look and luxury combined with sports. If I had a money right now, I would definitely trade in my TSX.

 

Me too. My Acura experience has been less than expected, both on the build quality and dealership fronts. My Lexus experience has been nothing less than perfect.

An IS250 with a manual and 18" wheels would be very cool. The TSX would be gone in a heartbeat if I was in position for it. Maybe next time................

 

compared the tsx vs is250AWD tonight. Both are beautiful cars, however I do think the IS is more refined in terms of sculpting. The tolerances were the same on panel gaps - great on both cars. The leather is also much nicer in the IS. Dash instruments mch clearer in the tsx. Layout is great in both. Back seat is a real mistake by Lexus - they missed the boat here.

I would consider trading my tsx if a) the IS had a diesel; or 2) IS was a convertible. As it is the tsx is a true bargain. Actuallybout the if tsx came with a diesel (as in Europe)) or with a convertible II would get another one in a minute.

You read all this crap about the Lexus experience in showrooms etc. I guess the wonderful experience begins after they screw you on the options packages.

 

I have had 2 Lexus's over a span of 5 total years of ownership. Lexus dealership experience is significantly better. The service department does every possible thing to make sure you are 100% satisfied. The Acura dealer is somewhere between my experiences with domestics and Lexus. Better than Ford, but several clicks away from Acura.

Evertime I take my Lexus in for service I get a Lexus survey. My TSX has been for at least 6 different warranty issues, some several times, and I have NEVER recieved a survey from Acura. Makes me think that they really don't care.

When I mention that I saw a tread on the internet about my problem at the Lexus dealer, they say something like "let us check into it. That sounds like others are seeing the same thing, so we should be able to find something." When I mention an internet thread to the Acura dealer I get "if I read every thread on the internet, I would think my car had a dozen problems, too." Last time the a$$ at the Acura dealer said that I almost went balistic. He was suggesting that I was imaging my dash lights failing, my brakes pulsating, my A-pillar rattling, my clutch clicking and groaning, my AC failing, etc......................

Lexus is a level above, and yes, they do cost more. I guess you get what you pay for, like everybody always says. That is why "stepping UP to an IS" is my next possible step.

 

so IS 250 is targeting TL as competitor?
35K I think TL will win........XD

I thought IS250 will be 30K....i guess I am wrong :P

TSX still my favorite sedan in 27-30K lvl then

 

Dealer ship comment so true......my Acura dealer is such a crap shit...it's like they are broke or something.
The manager is such an Ass I can't even describe it.

Lexus dealership have good coffee and donuts too hahahaha
pay 8K more for free coffee and donuts man :P

 

The IS250 is a nicer car than the TSX, but since money does matter in this world I'm going with another TSX. It's just not worth the extra $7-8 grand. Plus their electronic are inferior.

 

I priced an IS250 RWD based on my Boston zip code. You can't get the Nav in the RWD with Auto or Manual. YOu need to go up to the IS250 AWD. That makes the car 6-7 K more then the TSX. I don't even know if the Xenon are included. The '06 TSX with all its features is a much better deal then the IS250, IMO.

 

The reason why you can't get navi in RWD in your area is because this combo wasn't in the first allotment in your area. However, you can always special order the car with the options you want from the dealer.

Here in So Calif., the only option available in the IS250 6MT is the 18" wheels, nothing else. That was because all the IS250 6MT that were allocated to this region are all base with 18" wheels only. My dealer was able to special order an IS250 6MT with luxury package, navi and ML, and NO 18" wheels for me. I asked the dealer couple of times whether they're sure that this combo can be ordered, and the sales manager positively confirmed that it can be ordered. So far, I haven't received a phone call saying they have problem putting this order in.