samir786

I'm getting offered the demo 2004 IS300 with < 1,000 miles w/navi for about $27K. That's a bit cheaper than the new TSX w/navi.

Both are great cars to drive, IS300 has a better punch because it's a V6. It's really a toss-up. What would you guys take?

dom

IS300 = Better overall performance, maybe better reliability
TSX = More luxury far better interior and Exterior styling (although its subjective), More space. Fuel economy (IS is terrible)

What the TSX loses in performance it more than makes up for in other areas. If you plan on using the back seat and care about space and MPG then TSX it should be.

teg_to_bike

1SICKLEX would've loved this thread.

Too me, the IS is a little old now. I think its due for a redesign soon. Also Acura Navi > * Navi. But if your into snob appeal, you'll probably get more from the Lexus.

jlukja

A search could have helped. https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16044

cmf

IS300 is as big a slush box as the TSX is, even though it has a 6. If you want old styling, with great possibilities for engine upgrades, go IS. You want new styling, w/ nothing really exciting yet on the market to boost power, go TSX.
Both cars have positives and negatives, but you mention punch, so I am guessing you are looking for overall performance or capabilities w/ performance.
Stock for stock, the IS runs probably the same in regards to punch/ quickness. Don't forget the IS weighs a whole lot more than the TSX. Styling is big to me, and the current IS is old looking and soon to be extinct.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

That's an I6 and not a V6 and I would still take the TSX. The IS300 just seems too damn small, even for me. Plus those gauges are just .

In fact, the IS has less rear legroom than a Toyota Corolla.

jojo77

The IS does look outdated. Every modded car has those tails now. If you put both cars side by side, the exterior/interior look of the TSX blows it out the water.

dom

Thats just it, some things are too big for some people to overlook. When I got an look of the IS's interior I knew there was no way I could buy that car. Too small and ugly. But that may not matter to others. All depends on the situation.

supraken

iTrader: (1)

I was faced with the same dilema a year ago, I was offered a demo IS for $28.5k out the door (no navi tho), but after I put my deposit down, I started to regret and was evetually turned away by:

1. outdated/plastic looking interior
2. somewhat racer boy image (it used to be my dream car before it and its taillights got played out by the so-called ricers)
3. extrememly cramped rear seat (not that I use it....)
4. Higher maintanence cost and gas
5. SNOW (not that you have to worry about this)

I got my deposit back very soon, test drove the TSX the same day and realizing that its handling and performance wasn't that far off from the IS (at least for regular, spirited driving). I was glad that I made that choice, never regretted.

It's ironic how the IS was my dream car during college and when I was able to afford it, I chose another car over it...

TSX 'R' US

very true!! I test drove one about a month ago and there wasn't much room inside...compared to the TSX. After about 5 minutes of driving, I missed my TSX interior allready...

oh..and the IS look is soooo yesterday...

supraken

iTrader: (1)

I don't mean to be picky, but the IS weighs about the same as the TSX.....actually IS weighs about 50lbs less than a TSX.... just want to be fair to the cars..

The next IS is nice IMO.....

sipark

IS looks so bland, even Chip Foose couldn't make it look good.

jaydub

what the hell is with everyone going to this Mazda6 looking back end?

sipark

The next IS look is so Mazda-ish..

jojo77

that front is hot but the back looks just like a mazda wtf

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

That's saying a lot considering how good Foose is at making just about anything look good.

jaydub

He's so awesome to talk to also. He drew a one-of-a-kind picture on a poster of one of his cars at last year's SEMA show for me.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Sweet......

I would really like to meet him. His shop isn't too far from where my parents live in Cali. Big fan of his work on Overhaulin'. Did you see the Corvette that they worked on?

jaydub

Yeah that's a definite "not to miss" show. I also met Courtney this year at SEMA, she's pretty damn cute in person. I didn't have the guts to tell her that though.

keg1997

I'll chime in as I looked long and hard at the IS over the summer before I got the TSX.
I loved the I6 and the smooth power. Not mind-blowing power but very smooth. I did really like the look from all angles but the rear end is definitely getting played out. The interior is not "luxorious" but is definitely a love/hate thing. The back seat is small...so small that it would not fit a baby seat and allow for a person in the front seat. Gas mileage is bad too. Still, I loved it....

I love my TSX and am glad that I got it instead of the IS. The new IS will make the old IS look very dated (more so than now) and the TSX is a better rounded package in my mind.

biker

The 05MY comparison is not all that fair considering the TSX is just in its second year and the IS is in its 7th and thankfully last. A better comparison will be the upcoming 06 IS250 (concept probably shown early next year).

esk

I test drove the IS a few times before getting the Acura (automatic and manual trans.). I didn't think the IS handled all that well or was quick and it reminded me too much of my Corolla. The TSX just felt overall like a better car (manual transmission). I wouldn't think of buying a TSX with an automatic and would get the IS300 instead. The first TSX I drove was automatic and I lost all interest in the car until I drove the manual a few months later.

vkewalra

I'd been looking at an IS for months before I started getting serious about buying a new car. Mostly because there were a bunch of used ones out there and really no used TSXs. I went and test drove an IS, it was nice, kinda cramped, not layed out very well, the fuel economy sucked. It was pretty fun to drive. I told the dealer I was going to test drive the A4 and the TSX, then probably come back. Never did, hell I didn't even make it to the Audi dealership. After getting some finances in order I went and bought the TSX. After driving my gf's A4 I know I didn't miss anything there either.

SirWaWa

front end of that lexus kinda looks like camry headlights

TSX_Tim

esk, my experience was exactly the same as yours. The first time I test drove a TSX auto, the dealer sat beside me and asked me to floor it on a straight road, I floored it, and he asked proudly, "Feel the acceleration?" I was like ehhh, thats it? I didn't feel anything. The I went out to test drive IS-300 (the RWD is really sweet and engine is smooth, but the interior is so small, I felt my left arm had no place to rest on), Accord EX-V6 (Love it a lot, but its ugly exterior...), etc and finally I came back to TSX to give it a final try because of its handling and nice interior, and this time I got the 6-speed, and i have never regretted ever since. A lot quicker IMO.

Fibonacci

A good friend of mine has happily driven an IS for a few years - I really liked it and thought about buying one until I saw the TSX. IMO Acura has much better interior, very tastefull and classy exterior. Like everyone, I'd love more power but then again I also love getting 34mpg on the freeway.

Personally, I think Navi is overrated, my only regret -- not getting the 6MT.

drkangel348

I think navi is underrated, while 6mt is overrated... especially on these forums.
I got an auto for my TSX mainly because its not a performance car.
Its a 4 door daily driver semi-luxury car, but its not a performance car at all.
Sure cars like the S2000 and 350Z should only be driven with a 6mt but a 4 door sedan marketed for entry luxury? no.
A car like that should be able to drive itself... although I think what Realtime racing is doing with the TSX is awesome. my

subtledreamer

and camry headlights look like es300/330 which is also similar to solara headlights

sauceman

BlackTSXer

ok.. its not a performace car at all but you love what rtr is doing with the non-performance oriented tsx? hahaha

btw: navi and 6mt are underrated here..

biker

Have you ever heard of a BMW 325?

RMATIC09

The TSX is a sporty car, it's a mix of luxury and sportiness, it';s just not a FAST sporty car. It has great handling, and it is quick, and with aftermarket mods it sure as hell can become a performance car.

The cars still a baby, give her time, she will grow....

95gt

My biggest issue with the IS, already mentioned here, is the atrocious gas mileage. The car is nothing resumbling fast (in the 7s with auto and 6's with stickshift) but gets gas mileage rated the same as my wifes toyota highlander. That engine is a piece. But when I drove it the damn thing handled amazing. AM going to give it that. But seems a little old to me now.

But back to the first post, that seems like a pretty good deal. It will hold its value well, service will be awesome, and it is a lexus (name recognition has to count for something). TSX is a better overall car but it is still a nice car

iamhomin

Everybody talks about the mpg issues for the IS, but what are the exact numbers? 16/23??

ianS

Manual transmission is not just for speed, it is more for fun. I dun mind how powerful my car is but I mind how smooth slick shift it is on my shifter. Drive an automatic is kind of boring for me. I enjoy every shift on my tsx even when I am driving it slow.

tsxhondatuner

wow that is weird. it happened to me also with my dream car. Except i was tossed between an EVO and the TSX. i thought i could never get an EVO cause i couldn't afford it but then when i was able to i chose the TSX. i never regretted my decision though...but id still like an EVO

corbs

Well, you could buy a used 2001 IS for about $18k then spend about $8-9k for a turbo setup and have a little sedan with RWD and 400+ whp (which would be cool), for about the same price of a TSX. But then you still have a LITTLE sedan, which may as well have been a coupe for the lack of space in the back seat and trunk.

drkangel348

I was about to purchase an EVO until I went off in a test drive with one. The 1-2 shift would sometimes require alot of effort, it wasn't that comfortable, the interior looked like crap, and its a Mitsubishi. So... driving an average of 50 miles per day in Los Angeles I went down to the Acura dealer to get a TSX with 5AT and Navi, I've been happy ever since.

GIBSON6594

I was in the Subaru ship, downpayment check in hand, with my pre-pickup factory washed 04 STI gleaming in the lot, waiting to be driven home that night. They handed me a newly cut (non-factory) key because they "lost" the factory key. One of the employees took it home with him and when they contacted him he said he didnt have it. Was way too sketchy. When I asked them to have the locks changed, they said I would have to pay to have that done. I told them they were crazy, they were the ones who lost the key!!!! Anyway, 5 days later i walked into Acura to price out a TL, saw the TSX, then saw the price tag, and never looked back, bought it the next day after a test drive. Aint love grand?

dom

From an STi to a TSX, quite the change.

That key thing definently sounds sketchy. Probly would have went missing from your driveway, two weeks after buying it.