I've just test driven Lexus IS300, it seems it is much more smooth, quiet, and seems to be faster than our TL-Ss. Friendly front dash, but much more complicated design, but it seems much nicer. I decided to sell my TL-S because so much of tranny problems and my car seems to be weaker everyday. It gave me so much problems for tire/rattle at 45mph/55mph, and already replaced transmission 2 times. I was one of car owner since 2001. Now, everything seems to be TL is not a great car. For the money I will buy new Lexus IS300. They have great resale value than any others such as BMWs/MB/Acura. New 2004 TL is a nice car but I can't trust anymore. Well, what's your opinions?

 

the IS300 is NOT faster then the TL-S, it is definitely quicker off the line, about up to 35-40mph, after that, they just stand still and the TL-S blows by them. They are a lot smoother but at the same time, a lot more body roll. There's always a good and bad with every automaker, just pick the company with the stuff you can tolerate. Do a research on the Lexus, they had a tranny issue as well, not sure what years, but I know they did, as well as Toyota. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

I love the IS300, it almost beat out me purchasing the TL-S. But I couldn't stand the interior (suede or soemthing like that) of the IS, the gauges for the odometers were so lame to me and that corny chrome shift knob that played 50% of me not getting it. It was as if they were trying to hard to be trendy inside. And the other 50% was lack of horsepower, what 215-220hp I said heck no! If your not into modding the engine, manual or auto you'll be stuck catching beat downs from slightly modded four bangers all day long. But I thought it was the cutest four door exterior wise on the market at that time. The exterior design was just awesome! IS300, definitely a head turner! Either way your getting a nice car! Just my $.02

 

I like the IS300 but i find it smaller than a TL....i would get the 04 TL .....because of the room and i like the new design.

 

I'm thinking my next car might be a Lexus GS 430.

 

2004 TL hasn't had tranny problems.

 

Yes, my next car would also be a Lexus GS 430, 2006 model which will go on sale in early 2005. Check out http://www.edmunds.com/future/2006/l...enav..2.Lexus* and

http://www.cars.com/go/features/auto...ction_Lexus_GS

 

Seotaiji,
Funny you say that your car seems to be weaker everday. I've had two trannies replaced and I have been thinking myself that my car seems to be loosing some power. Does anyone know a way to check if your car is loosing horsepower? I'm having the same thoughts as you. My 01 TL has 55,000 mi. on it and I have been looking at an Audi and a BMW. As for the new 04 TL's they look great and have great options but considering how Honda has handled this current tranny problem, I won't make the same mistake twice.

 

IMHO you should not be considering an IS300 unless you are going to mod it up SIGNIFICANTLY (i.e. turbo). You'll be missing the TLS every time you get inside that thing. On another note, if it's within your reach, get the GS430. Great looks, true performance, and solid reliability. If you have some time on your hands, it might be wise to check out the new RL (AWD!) before making any decisions.

 

if i were to replace my car i would get the 05 acura RL. the only car from lexus that im a fan of is the gs430 but i think the RL looks alot better. and BMWs are ok, the maintenance costs way too much its not as dependable as a japanese car.

 

The IS 300's look too ricey for me, I'm not into the euro lights on the back at all. Are there any normal looking lights to mod them with? They might be a contender then.

As for the GS 430s - my gf has one, they're nice as hell. The car just feels solid, for lack of a better word, and you get the impression that subs won't cause them to sound like they're about to fall apart (compared to the TL). The only thing I notice compared to the TLs is the handling on the TL feels significantly better (even before I got springs, but especially after), although the steering on the gs 430 feels like it takes less turns end to end. I do love the 300HP V8 though, my TL-P is no match for the 430 off the line

one more annoyance on the 430s - you can't enter or change nav system data while you're moving, so you have to play with it while stopped at a light or parked. I realize the reason for this but that doesn't take into account the passenger could be entering the location (and you know the car has a weight sensor in the passenger seat cause it will blink a no seat belt light if you don't have it on).

 

thats is the GS430 mpg ?

 

I second that.

 

Man, that sucks. I'm also having problems with my car, but I'm working to fix it. As much as I hate the car for its problems, I love it. It's going to take more than that for me to get rid of it.

Good luck.

 

the '05 RL is already in my dreams. Finally Acura has a very good looking car to compete with BMW and Lexus. I do like my cars looks, but the new RL is amazing IMO.

 

The IS300 actually has a N/A Supra motor. You can turn the car into a total monst0r with the right turbo kit. It's also RWD. Also a great reliable car even if you don't plan on modding. If I had the choice between my 99TL (handles like a tank) and an IS300, it's obvious which one I'd choose. Good luck!

It seems you are looking for luxury sports. Other cars to consider:
1999.5 Audi 1.8T (this is the non dbw version)
2001.5 Audi S4
Honda S2000
Infiniti G35
Nissan 350Z
Volvo C70 (a real sleeper!)

 

I can only tell you about my neighbor who has a nearly three year old one. He is having engine seal problems. Toyota now has a recall on the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES 300 builit between 98-02 for 8 years and unlimited miles. Apparently, Toyota has been having trouble with premature engine wear on their V6 engines. Fortunately, the IS 300 has the old incline 6 cylinder used on the Toyota Cressida in the 1990s, and does not have this problem. My friend, however, is not so happy... he is thinking about buying a new TL (oh, the irony in this!)

 

i was thinkin bout gettin the sc 430 but decided against it so i could pay for college

 

Well, to my knowledge the IS300(Toyota Altezza) was really the car that made that look famous, hence calling them "Altezza's."

How about a Infiniti G35? I've been in a few and they're pretty zippy. I'm not sure about mechanical problems though.

 

The 2005 or 2006 ACURA RL is on my radar screen.
My next car will be AWD I don't like SUVs over passenger cars.
The LEXUS IS300 is not in the same class as a TL the IS300 is to ricey & not for me.
I am 42yrs old & the TL fits my bill as it did when I got mine at age 38.
I drove the 2004 TL & 2004 LEXUS ES330 a few weeks ago around a course.
This was at the GM AutoShow In Motion out at the FedEx Field were the WASHINGTON REDSKINS play in the parking lot sections. They had 7 courses to drive for all types of cars the TL was in the luxury car bunch. They also had the ES300,BMW325ia,BENZ C320,SAAB 9-3 & 9-5, Cadillac CTS,DHS,DTS in the luxury car bunch. The passenger cars bunch Pontiac GTO,Grand Prix GTP,GT2, Bonneville GXP, Monte Carlo, Impala, Accord, Altima, Camry & many others. They also had small Suvs like the Buick Rendezvous,Envoy models ACURA MDX, BMW X5 Lexus RX330,HONDA Pilot & many others. They had the larger SUVs & Trucks each in there own bunch & the Corvette & SSR course. They also had a HUMMER course to drive that thing around & up over stuff.
I drove most of the luxury cars & small SUVs & a few Pontiacs. The 2005 RL might fit me well.