Been shopping around and had pretty much decided on cl-s but then drove is 300 yesterday. Not as fast as cl-s. Driving characteristics different - kinda fun actually, was somewhat surprised. Drove the 5sp.

Would be interested in hearing from those who compared is 300 and cl-s and why they chose cl-s.

 

If you want a small 4 door car with tons of japanese mods, go for it. If you want a nice 2 door 6 speed with mediocre mods (until the S/C comes out), go with the CL-S.

 

new to mods marketplace - is 300 has more mods available than cl-s?

 

the is300 is built on a japanese specific toyota altezza. And there are tons of mods for that japanese toyota that you can get for the is300.

 

i also test drove the IS300 before getting the CL-S...the handling on the IS is great....but that is where my praises for it end...the engine is flat out anemic....what a dog....if any car is in need for a boatload more HP its the IS....215??? that car is heavy as hell to boot.....sorry, but the IS is not a fast car...sure, drop 7K on a turbo, its a fast car, but how many people are willing to spend 33K on the car, then another 7,000 on the turbo, AND lose the warranty in the process??? the CL-S is easily the better choice.... alot more power is definately at the top of the list. and, sure, the mod list isnt extensively long, there are plenty of mods available to keep the average guy busy for a few years and happy to boot...also, a CL-S with that supercharger and other mods will smoke any turbo IS300 any day of the week. some may say the CL-S styling is bland.., ehh, to each his own, personally i still find the IS300 ricey as a result of their continued use of the Altezza taillights that became the rice standard the world over. the Acura is definatley a more comfortable, inviting car. the interior is great on the acura....the IS is very Toyota-ish on that interior. anyhow, thats as far as im going to dig into this topic.

 

neither

 

I agree with the above, I too was down to 2 choices between the IS and the CL-S. I noticed the turning circle of the IS is good and the car is nimble. I also liked the styling even though it was a bit cramped. $30 k and above is way too much money for that car, and definetly not enough power. as soon as I test drove the CL-S, I had made up my mind. Just test driveem both, IS first, then make up your honest opinion. Personally, I would also consideer the 350 Z now that it ism available. I love my car and all, but I have a few regrets about modding it, If i were to do it again, I would by a car that didn't need to be lowered more than the factory height( ie the bmw, just an example, or 350z) and just toss on some cosmetic modds and some rims.

 

Then what?

 

G35

 

I was set on getting the Z, but have small children and would like to tote one of them with me when running around. Z did not offer anyway to turn off passenger airbag.

35G coupe looks sweet, has rear seats for the chillren, but probably looking $35k and interior is just ugly, IMO.

 

Try G35 sedan or wait for the coupe also. Or try the new Accord V6. But my suggestion among IS300 and CL Type S is IS300.

 

I drove 'em both before I bought my CL and I thought that the IS300 was cool. I really wanted one but didn't want to pay 33K for it. I thought I got a lot more car for the money with the CL. Looking back I'm glad I got my CL b/c of the added room, more HP and I like the sleeker (sp?) look. One thing I didn't like about the IS300 was the big bulge in the hood. I hated looking at that from the drivers seat. How stupid is that

Also... My decision was made easier b/c the Lexus dealers in my area seem to be pricks toward younger folks.

 

depends on what kinda car u want. 2 or 4 door? since your in houston if u want drive my cls and see how u like it. i wouldnt go g35 for sure! if you want a pimp 4 door get a s type jag or a lex gs. acura is just so played out to me now. with all the tranny bullshit i say dont get the cls for sure. you can get great deals on the jag and gs used right now. i have 2 children also so the cls and its downshifting tranny on the freeway...gots to go!

 

why not get a 6 speed CLs and avoid all the tranny nonsense?

 

If I were to get a 350 Z, I would wait for the model to come out next year, turboed Why get the 290 hp track or touring models, when you can get the 350 Z TT next year? Sure you could add your own turbo's when you want to, but under factory warranty? Great buy.

Nick out

 

IS 300, IMO.

 

The CL-S or wait for the G35 coupe.

 

Actally, thats what I'm shopping - CL-S 6sp and IS 300 5sp.

I'm a 42yr old dad and need the extra seats for the little guys to tag along on occassion. We got an 02 Chrysler T&C for the family stuff, so 90% of the time its just gonna be me on a short commute to work and running errands and stuff.

Its been said here and on the is300 board that the cl-s has more power, and the is300 is more "fun to drive".

Thats exactly how I felt after the test drives. Do I go with "more power" or with the more "fun to drive" quotient.

And prices on the is300 are down a bit, making it closer to the cl-s in price. Its a tough call.