Damned04

Stopped by my acura dealer today and noticed they had an 04 IS w/ 34k for $26k. It doesn't have navi and my tsx does. I don't really use the navigation on a daily basis but it's handy when you need it. Im also getting tired of my A/C controls and radio controls through the navigation screen. The only downside is that the IS does not have nice projectors like the tsx, no navi, and its black. What would you do?

waTSX

Keep my TSX.

dalieu

why are you interested in the IS? from what you posted, it sounds like you want the IS because it doesn't have navi and is black.

i would keep the TSX with navi and HIDs.

siakol

TSX for me!

Mokos23

The new IS 250 and 350 are better than its predecessor the IS300.

ninjamyst

2004 IS300 for $26k? Hell, you can get a brand spanking new TSX w/o Navi for about that price....

CrazyCool[O]

iTrader: (1)

x2

jaehshim

i don't know how to put my comment down,
but i'll just say IS300 was one of the worst models made, in my opinion.
plus, 26K for a 34K ran car?
i don't know about that... i know towards 2006 when the new IS250 and IS350 came out, my friends bought the new IS300 models around 27K or 28K new.
not worth the money. stay with tsx , and save money for later.

Mskierki

The gauge cluster on the IS300 is wicked looking.

What kind of transmission?
Before I bought my '04 TSX 6mt I was looking at an '03 IS300 and it was only $17,900 with 40k. I would say you can probably talk the guy down a whole lot.

Icculus

Definitely the TSX (do you realize you're in a TSX forum?).

a) The IS has 34k miles on it vs. zero, or naught as the brits say, for a new TSX
b) You can probably get a brand new TSX for 26k
c) has no better performance than a tsx, including gas mileage
d) Cheap and cheesey looking interior
e) TSX is always fully option laden

etarui

iTrader: (2)

I've had two IS300's, and traded in my last one for the TSX. The IS300 is a great car. It is much smoother, and the inline 6 pulls in a very linear fashion. Handling is pretty good as well. Having first hand experience with both, I can tell you the TSX (at least 2006+) is a much more modern car (I.e. Bluetooth, Navigation, Dual Climate Control, Audio Input, Memory Seating, Etc.). Additionally, the TSX is cheaper in terms of fuel consumption and auto insurance...both being fairly significant. Also, the cabin and trunk is larger in the TSX. Finally...the price they are asking is, as expected, too high. Brand new my IS was $27K + TTL.

Ultimately...it's your call. Do what will make you happy.

Here's my old ride:

acura_ak

KEEP the TSX!! Unless you're going with the new IS250/350, I would say no.

aznt1217

The IS is a rip, there is no way it costs 26k, if you really want an IS look for a cheaper one. It's your call, the IS300 will definitely feel like it has a lot more power (V6 and it's tuned so torque pick up is on the lower rev ranges). You also have a lot more mod options on the 2jz engine.

Tsx6363

if thats true then he's really getting a crappy deal ;\

Damned04

For some reason, 04's are the most expensive IS300's. The dealer I saw the black one at, had a silver 01 w/ 50k and it was sold for 18k. The kbb on my car is $19,550 for trade in value and the suggested retail on the IS is $25k. If i can talk the dealer down to a difference less than $5k I may consider it.

LuvMyTSX

x3

Newplay1

That IS300 is worth about 19-21k max the IS300 doesn't hold value well..

my ex-gf had 2002 silver IS300 and that thing was smooth and joy but I will never trade my TSX in for that!

Monk302

My brother had two IS300. He had the first year model as an automatic when it first came out since they didn't offer stick. He then got a manual version two years later. To tell you the truth, I really liked the car and it definitely has a much different feel than our TSX. Plus, Lexus service on their vehicles is incredible, especially through Ray Catena. While he had them it was a great owning experience.

Deity711

I test drove an IS300 before I bought my TSX. Nice car, but what shut it out immediately was the insurance cost. I don't remember the exact figures but when my agent gave me the quote I remember my jaw hit the ground.

jlukja

blklgt05

it could be a nice daily to kill miles, im sure its reliable too... but 26k is too way much for a ALREADY replaced model of IS. However.. i did a little research and that price is about right. maybe haggle a little bit to around 24k.... BUT U HAVE TSK WITH NAVI!

joerockt

The IS300 is soooooo 2001. Design just seems really outdated already. And that gauge cluster

Brandon24pdx

They're still nice cars and all, and with the manual transmission they're probably somewhat of a bargain for a sporty RWD sedan, but the design and tech features are a little dated if you're used to having the latest and greatest. (The car wasn't exactly cutting edge even when it came out). Good platform for a tuner car compared with the new IS though.

jlukja

totally barfatrocious (sp?)

LuvMyTSX

I see I've started a new word


PS There's also barfalicious

S14 n Tsx

Icculus

The new IS250 and 350 are V6s, but isn't the IS300 an inline-6?

afici0nad0

^

yes

myblacktsx

I have a 2001 IS300 AT and a 2005 6MT Navi TSX.

Handing: IS300>> TSX. The IS is much more nimble and feels planted on the road much more than the TSX. The engine has significantly more torque than the TSX. Steering is tighter and more responsive.

Audio: IS300> TSX - better audio quality (CD) by far and better radio reception (no XM though).

Size: IS300 - very small inside, barely fits anything in the trunk.

MPG: IS300 - guzzles gas like a large SUV. City-been getting 18-19 with non-aggressive driving.

I've driven the new IS250. While the inside of it NICE, I personally felt like the IS300 handles better - much tighter - than the IS250. IS300 seems to have more torque too.

TSX420J

WTF is wrong with you kid. Stop sniffing glue with your friends. Why would you want a IS over a TSX. J/K But really, the TSX is a much better car except for the FWD part..
I had an IS and wont go back for anything. Well maybe the I-6 or fishtailing in the rainy wheather.

Roffles

My brother drives an '04 IS300 and he's a little jealous of my TSX mainly for the clean interior layout, the navigation and the XM radio. But he loves his RWD, auto doorlocks and auto lights which are essential luxury features that Acura missed the boat on. After getting the A-spec drop and high performance tires, my car seems to handle on par with his. IS300's are good solid cars, but I can't stand how counter-intuitive and outdated looking the instrument panel is. Oh yeah, and his stereo kicks solid ass for stock. I would need to replace my speakers to get audio as nice as his.

tv4184

I like your fair assessment between the cars. If I had it my way I would already have the IS300 but my parents wanted a new car and the TSX was more affordable than the IS250. My thoughts on comparing the two cars would be that you can't really compare them. The TSX is more of an entry luxury car and it comes with so many nice features that the IS300 doesn't have. However the IS300 is more like a driver's car, it doesn't have as many electronics to get in the way, it just seems like the last of the sports sedans that hasn't been complicated with the new "fangled" tech and computers. You can still turbo it and tune it to get 500-600 hp out of the car. I would recommend to the thread starter that they should browse some non-biased forums. Also find a lexus forum like clublexus and get their opinions on the daily use of the is300 before you make any concrete decisions. I also envy that you have a 6MT TSX...my parents kept me from getting one because they didn't know how to drive a manual...and they will be driving the car the first few months right now. Anywhoo, I plan on keeping the TSX in the mean time and getting a project is300 with a 5MT when I graduate. Best of both worlds

TSX420J

Is250 and Is300 are totally different cars.

tv4184

I know. The IS300 is the first gen and the IS250 is the second gen. The only reason I mentioned the IS250 is because my parents wanted to get a brand new car and the IS300 was discontinued. The two choices I had was between an 07' camry and the TSX. I also didn't like the IS250 as much as the IS300.