Hi everyone!! i've been reading this forum for quite a while now, and i've been enjoying everyone's posts. A lof of info on tl-s! Anyway, i am planning to buy a car within few months, and i can't decide between a tl-s or is300(manual). what do you guys think? i think is300 fully loaded is around 35K(manual with navi too).

 

Well, being that you live in So. Cali, the RWD in snow won't be an issue so it's a tougher call for you than it is for me.

I hear the IS300 is more fun to drive, but the interior is cheap, in addition in straightaways, the Type-S will take it.

In terms of value, the Type-S wins hands down. Although the base price of the IS300 is pretty low, adding the standard options will raise the price considerably.

My friend's sister bought an IS300 and for only one or two grand more, she could have gotten an S4! He did his best to change his sisters, mind but she ended up with the IS300. Recently he and a couple of other guys had to push it back a block from their house after the car got caught in the snow.

If you are young and looking to mod your car and enjoy it, I say go for the IS300, but if you are probably going to keep the car for a while, get the TL-S. I hear it's coming in manual in August too...

 

I was in the same position in getting the IS or the TLS. I test driven both and had to say the TLS is a better choice. TLS has more room, horsepower, and DAMN IT has an adjustable armrest. Also typeS models pretty much have all the options you need aside from the navigation system. While the IS, price depends on if you want to add options like leather, sunroof, and heatseats. WTF!! And personally I think the IS is fugly. I had the TLS for less than a week and I notice everyone seems to stop to take a look at it when they pass by. So it is your call. I know I made the right choice in getting TLS.

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2002 Black on Black TL TypeS

 

I was in the EXACT same predicament as you. But I have to admit after test driving both cars, I could picture myself keeping the TL type S longer. Its got so much more room and the interior of the is300 is just terrible. The is300 looks like a child's car, it's been called a "super civic with leather" while the Acura looks much more mature and classy. I find the interior room of the is300 to be a joke, and the back seat seems like it would only be fit to hold some small children or maybe a dog. (of course this is all subjective) Another thing you should seriously consider is that the 2002 IS300 should come out sometime around august or september of this year, and it will have many minor modifications, like new front grill,option for full leather (instead of that current half-leather/half-cloth setup), updated gauge cluster, silver trim interior, as well as an ARMREST!! (the current is300 doesn't have an armrest and I simply cannot stand not having an armrest in a car) I need a car quick and I just don't have the time to wait until august for the is300. If all goes well, I should be picking up my TL-S silver on saturday.

good luck to you.

 

thanks everyone for the reply. yeah, i am only 24, and i like to drive a lot. so, i thought is300 with manual would be more fun to me. i like the styling of is300, but like everyone else i think interior is just too small. im 6'1''. i like everything about tl-s, except it's a front wheel drive and plain style. which ca r is faster though, given the fact that is 300 is manual?

 

If you are worried about the "plain style", do the spoiler/body kit/springs "upgrade" and presto! Not plain anymore!

:-jon

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02 TL-S NAV w/Spoiler, Body Kit, Bowling Ball Wheel!
Comptech Springs
Comptech Exhaust
Pictures at: <A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1626677&f=0
" TARGET=_blank>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1626677&f=0
</A>

 

I owned both TL and IS300. My opinion that IS300 is just better than TL.

IS300 handling is way better. Assembly quality is head and shoulder above my TL.

TL/TLS is a great value. But the it's not as fun as IS. Quality is just no up to standard.

It really depends on what you want. IS300 is a driver's car. TL/TLS is a great family car and that's it.

 

I test drove both. I think the IS is an awesome car in terms of handling and its pretty fast (tls is faster), but i found it way too cramped inside. if the IS was bigger, IMO it'd be a perfect car .. the handling is just AWESOME. the TLS is faster, has more room and is more luxurious. it really depends on what you're after. If you want sporty handling and great road feel, get the IS. If you want to spend less money, get a faster car, and get more options for the money as well as near-luxury status, get the TLS.

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-Fiddler
Creator - Voice Recognition Unit
1998 Accord EX V6 Coupe (HomePage)