pbjpb

anyone test drive them all? how do they compare (ride, looks, reliability)? tryin to help a friend..

TypeRS

tsx remains the best. the lexus navi sure does look nice but once the car is in motion, the system locks itself as a safety measure. you cant even access a detour route if you want to make changes to your destination. you have to pull over to do it.

the bmw idrive system is complicated to use period.

n3ok318

iTrader: (1)

if your friend got money, go for 330i

if not, TSX navi

hahaitzskippy

i hear lexus is 350 is super duper nice...

beemer drives nice but interior is boring and sad...

but i read both of this from car and driver havent driven them

Newplay1

Save 10G and go with TSX...

ninjamyst

If you really want the best, go aftermarket.

fuckleberry

we're talking about big $ difference

S14 n Tsx

navi= tsx>Is250>330i
over all=330i>IS250>tsx

S power

Exactly, even with the new 2007 335 coupe , the interior looks like 1907. The speeodometer/rpm looks like something I can get from Pepboys. The stereo/AC console looks like some amtrak stereo .



I'd take the Is250. It is Nice but thats $5K more.

crispy34

I agree...or even better the new 335 coupe. You also got to remember the bimmer comes with a maintanence package.

These are my picks.
335 > 330 > IS250 > TSX


And please...if he doesnt have the money to get HIDs and Leather , etc...dont get the bimmer.

waTSX

The 335i base price is $41K. Why is it even being mentioned in the same breath as the TSX?

gsrthomas

I test drove the is250 interior is much much nicer then the tsx. Thats a really nice car, im thinking about picking one up. I love the push button start.

My friend got a 2006 IS250 for $32,400 OTD here in Cali. I rather get the IS250 then the TSX. I know you lose some of the amenities that comes with the tsx standard but its worth it.

waTSX

Why is it worth it? Badge status?

Ibn Rushd

My friend's GS was in the shop and got a 250 as a loner for the day. Said it drove horribly.

330>TSX>IS.

Still Water

The green eyes of envy. Whatever you have now, something else is always better. Consumerism run amuck.

Let me see here. If I had another, oh say, $5k or $10k dollars to put into my TSX; what kind of car could I design? How 'bout a 290hp V-6 with AWD and 245-18's? But then again, it wouldn't be a TSX any more.

jpswanberg

i've driven all three (4 if you include the mb230 sport): and it all depends on what you're looking for. if money is a concern (and if it isn't, why are you looking in this segment of cars? there are bigger, faster, better handling and flashier cars for more money), the tsx gives you the most bang for the buck. none of the other cars are bad, but all have their flaws. go drive all fo them, that is the only way you can figure what is the best for you. jps

derbaff

1907! I'd expect to see a horse's ass in that picture!

JediMindTricks

overall, i think 330i > is350 > tsx > is250

i think the 300i is the best car out of the three that were mentioned.

anyways, assuming cars with navis, the is has the best interior and felt the most luxurious. (for what it's worth, i think the tsx interior is better than the bmw's.)

but the is250 is a lot of money, and after driving that car, i came to really appreciate my tsx and its value.

but if i had money, i'd go for the 330i.

otherwise, as much as i like the is and how it looks, the interior, i'd still get a tsx over the is250.

EDIT: if considering the 330i, why not the is350 instead of the 250?

STEELTOWN

1) TSX wins for value and bang for buck, nice interior
2) 330i looks fast standing still, with sports package, pretty sick. The interior may be plan jane but the materials and color combos are solid
3) ISXXX. Nice exterior, and once you start moving back cupholder covers and switches, you see where the extra money goes. The parts move as if on ice with solid clicks. Lexus goes after details, just sit inside and you will see.

Depends on what your friend is looking for, he needs to test drive and sit in these cars himself/herself. No one on this post will be helping to pay for this purchase for him. Although my choice

330i>IS250=TSX

drkangel348

The IS250 is nothing special and is even slower than the TSX.
The navi in the TSX is by far better than the IS'. The IS interface just looks cleaner but functionality the TSX's navi wins hands down.

I have yet drive or sit in an E90 w/ navi, but I have been in a new 3 series without navi/idrive. The new E90 3 Series is very nice, but I prefer the cleaner look of the E46 interior.

zot09

330 is being replaced by the 335, so after 06, there is no such thing as a "new" 330i or 325i.

Anyways, like a lot of others say, if money is no problem go for the 3-series! It's the definition of a sport sedan. And stop moaning about I-drive. It really is not all that complicated, if you can use a computer, you can probably use I-drive.

jerzpwr

never rode in a IS250 but driven both the BMW 330i and IS350.

I say go with the bmw330i no matter how many little things the japanese puts on thier cars it will not handle as well as the BMW. If you want power though go with IS350.. that car is FAST!

NJSGTI

Between these three cars I would pick the 330i or even the new 328i coupe. The 330i doesnt even really compare to the TSX and IS250. The 325i would be closer in performance and price. My friend has an 06 330i without nav and it cost $40,000.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

I don't understand how someone could be comparing the IS250 and TSX against the 330. There's got to be about at least $5k price difference there if not more between the high end of the IS and the low end of the 330.

Money being no object, obviously the 330 is the best choice based on driving dynamics, though aesthetically it's rather unattractive.

However, if money is a consideration, then between the IS and the TSX, the TSX wins hands down. The IS that I got to beat on did not impress me at all and was cramped. The TSX easily is a more enjoyable drive than the more expensive IS. If you don't care about how the car drives and you don't mind the tightness, the IS is a decent car though.

Zeeshan

I havnt driven the beemer, but i drove the IS 250 and 350. the 250 to me, was just a TSX with a larger price tag. The 350 to me way awesome!! Its got the features of our cars, but a WHOLE LOT more engine. It was a great driving car. If you've got the money, i would suggest it to anyone.

JediMindTricks

i agree about how cramped the IS is. I thought the front seats were very comfortable and soft, but the back is so tight. i'm only 5'9'' but i couldn't really sit comfortable in the back of an IS.

myblacktsx

I have a 2005 TSX, 6sp. My cousin just picked up a 2007 IS250 RWD Auto last week. I have driven the IS, ridden in his IS a few times, looked at it very carefully. First of all, it is a very nice car. Extremely well put together overall. (I did find a couple places that the fit wasn't as good as I would expect from Lexus). I found the interior, even with 18" wheels with lower-profile than the TSX summer tires to be much quieter than the TSX. The AUTO is a LOT smoother than the 2005 TSX auto that I have driven (friend of mine has this). The stock radio seemed better sounding than the TSX stock. 10-way power seats for both driver and passenger w/ power lumbar support, very good handling with the added benefit of RWD; TPMS, rear camera, brake assist, bi-xenons, push-button start, ventilated seats etc. make it a decent package overall.

Now on to things I didn't like. It seemed kind of claustrophobic inside compared to the TSX - especially in the back seat. From the back seat, it felt like I was in a 2 door coupe, like an RSX. Navigation, while it might be slightly better than the 2005 Acura, I don't think it is nearly as good as the updated Nav on the newer Acuras. Compared to a manual TSX, it seemed rather weak. Overall, driving it didn't seem as engaging as the TSX or even the TLs that I have driven. I thought the steering gave little or no feedback at all. No memory seats. No fold down rear seats. No maintenance minder. No turn-signal indicator anywhere on the side of the car.

Overall, considering that it costs more than a TL, with performance comparable to a TSX, and space less than a TSX, I think that it is only worth it if one MUST have a LEXUS. Otherwise, for that price point, there are several cars that I would consider before the IS250.

peter_bigblock

I drove a TL, a G35, and an IS350 today (6mt's for the TL and G35, auto, of course for the IS) for fun -- had some time on my hands. If I were choosing between the three today, I think I'd spend the extra dough and buy the IS. Sure, the back seat is small, and sure, it's about $7k more all things told, and sure, it's an automatic, but when I was driving through the local twisties banging through gears with those magnesium paddles and jumping on all that torque coming off curves/corners, I had more fun than with the cheapo G35 interior and rubbery shifter, or the torque-steering monster the TL is -- and the IS felt like it had plenty more torque than both (which it does).

That car is immaculately styled, flawlessly executed, and goes like hell. Totally different league than a TSX, granted, but to me the IS350 is an incredible car. And, I have to admit, the grandmother factor is there. The grandmother factor is this: if I told my little Greek grandmother (just like from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding") that I bought an Infinity or an Acura, she'd probably say "that's nice" but have no idea whether I was talking about a $35k car or a $15 watch. If I told her I bought a Lexus, she'd instantly think I was rich.

People have different perceptions of luxury connotation, I know, but I have the grandmother test and Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes are at the top.

The best part was, though, that I was really happy to get back into my TSX. For the money, and for me, it is perfect. I know, seems like that's not what I was saying, but that's how I felt. I love my TSX.

pbjpb

thanks for the responses guys..very interesting. i'm tryin to get my friend to buy a tsx..i just got one a month ago. i had an rsx before it and that car was fukkin awesome..i miss it. anyways to me with the is250 and 3 series you are paying more for the name which in my opinion is total b.s. i think people are stupid if they brag about how much they paid for their car. the tsx is top notch quality and 205 hp out of 4 cyl is nothing to laugh at. i'm glad to see there are other people out there that appreciate acuras as much as i do.

Zeeshan

Also remember, the 07 G35 is completely redone. 300+ hp.

feelgood13

the IS only comes in automatic?

dom

No, she'd say "Its spelt Infiniti dear"

dom

IS350 and IS250 AWD only come in AT. You can get the IS250 RWD in a 6 speed MT.

jerzpwr

anyone here drove the IS250 in manual.. What are your impressions compared to the 6mt tsx?

Threedom

I have a '03 330i with almost options, just got it in August, as well as a new TSX for my wife. The nav in the Acura is superior, the ride I have to give the nod to the BMW, especially with factory 18" wheels, short shift kit, and of course sport/premium, etc.
The acura is VERY nice for what it is.

As far as Nav, I was so impressed that's a huge reason we got the Acura. That and thanks to BMW I am hooked on HID lights. It's nice having a very sophisticated reliable car with a good warranty. BMW is a lot of maintenance and small problems. They are in different leagues I'm afraid to say.

rinthiran

Hi everyone, I have a 2006 IS350, fully-loaded (luxury package, navigation, ML sound system). I’ve already put 10,000 miles on the car in the past 7 months. I’ve driven a 2004 TSX manual, and am helping my girlfriend decide on either a 2006 TSX auto, or 2007 RDX. Both with the navigation package. We are leaning towards a TSX because there’s just no bargaining with the RDX right now.

Before I start ranting on my first post on this excellent forum, I want to say that I’ve been very happy with the wealth of information on this board. I’m also a big fan of the TSX as I find it to be an amazing car for under $30k. Excellent handling, well thought out and classy interior, and amenities that can easily compete with cars in the $35k range.

When purchasing my IS350 (in February), I also test drove new Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, C350, 330i, G35 sedan over the span of 3 months. All with navigation and sport packages. I’ve also played with the navigation in the RDX and in an RL. I have limited experience with the navigation in the TSX (less than 10 minutes of playing with it at the dealership).

For the navigation systems, nothing comes close to the navigation systems in the Acuras and Lexuses. The Subaru and Mercedes systems are acceptible. Audi needs in getting a better interface. Forget about iDrive in the 330i, what a pain. Whoever made iDrive should be shot for putting such a bad user interface in such a wonderful car. The voice command isn’t even that good.

I like the touchscreen in the TSX, but the RDX and RL have the most features and functionality. Without fail, the Acuras have the best voice-command recognition and functionality I’ve ever played with. It does a superb job of reducing false-positive commands. The only thing I would change is to ask for better/more clearer graphics. Lexus’ navigation is a nanny, you can’t change preferences when the car is moving. However, Lexus does have the nicest graphics and is pretty easy to use and is second place in my book.

The IS350 is first and fore-most a Lexus. It has a wonderfully luxurious interior, plenty amenities like the Acura, and for once, very pleasing to the eye. Fantastic Mark Levinson DVD surround-sound system that is very similar in quality to the RL’s upgraded surround-sound system. This is the only car besides Porsches and Ferraris that I bother for a second look and is very sexy to me. It also handles very well and has a fabulous 306 hp & 260 lb/torque engine. Complaints? Yes, electronic steering is sharp and well-weighted, but feels numb and doesn’t give enough feedback. Sport suspension is a bit too stiff, very much like the Audi sport suspension upgrade. A bit to rough for daily driving in bad city streets, which is why I didn’t get the sport package. You’ve got to rely on your other senses when driving +8/10th’s under that, it’s a breeze. Rear seats are comfortable, but not enough legroom for a car 182” in length and can feel somewhat cramped like its predecessor the IS300.

How does it compare to the G35? Who knows, its been a big debate on the Lexus forums. I really like what they’ve done to improve the interior. They’ve increased hp, but reduced torque. The 2006 G35 was a fantastic handler like the TSX. But it is a bigger car and with the new amenities and engine, is more of a competitor in size to the Lexus GS350.

What everyone in the $40k category is going to talk about is the new 335i with the twin-turbo engine. I’ll be in sedan form by spring 2007. Its already being hailed as producing more power than is stated. Check out this dyno run: http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...i_dynamometer/

“The non-turbocharged 330i, rated by BMW at 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, puts about 200 hp and 180 lb-ft to the rear wheels. That’s roughly a twenty-percent loss. Since they have similar drivelines, you’d expect the 335i to put down 235 hp and 250 lb-ft. But it didn’t. It put down a whole lot more: 275 hp and 300 lb-ft. A few quick taps on our trusty calculator shows that this engine is likely putting out closer to 350 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque.” Sorry for all those with the 2006 330i wishing they had a 335i. 

bradykp

how did he get it for 34,400 out the door with cali's 8% sales tax? something fishy in that deal.

bradykp

so it's only going to be a 3.5 litre engine? i don't think this is true.

dom

No, the 335 Coupe and Sedan use a 3.0L with twin turbo chargers. 300HP and 300lb-ft from 1400RPM to 4xxx. This replaces the 330's 255HP 3.0L.

The 325 (which also had a 3.0L) becomes the 328. Still with NA 3.0L making 230HP vs the 325's 215.

Don't take BMW's naming scheme too literally. Its more of a guide than anything else.

dom

Nice write up.

But doesn't the IS350 have 277lb-ft?