acuraguynj

As a TL Owner, when I first heard about the Lexus IS300, I was excited and wanted one. Then I saw one in person and it just looked too small, like Civic size (when talking in Honda Terms). But there is something very nice about that car, maybe it's my original wanting of the GS 430, but hell it's a Lexus, quality, service, etc. But again it's a little small. I wonder how the availability is for these cars. TL Type S is still looking good, but how good compared to a Lexus or BMW?

tshields2

I like it, but from what I have read it isn't quit as nice as a BMW. Maybe by adding the manual next year and hopefully some suspension changes it will be a little better.

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99 Silver TL, Navi, Foglights, Gutter Guard Grill

s2ktaxi

As much of a Honda fan that I am I must say that the lack of a manual transmission in the TL-S is a letdown. The RWD vs FWD I can live with though an RWD car would be more fun for performance driving.

NBP TL

I like the way the IS300 looks on the outside. The charcoal grey and blue are really nice colors. However i was disappointed with the interior. It looked cheap to me, not to mention it is a little on the small side.

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2001 Nighthawk Black Pearl TL

• Inspire tailights
• Weapon-R hyper intake
• Burlwood shift knob
• Razo carbon fiber pedals
• Inspire fog light switch (no fogs yet)

SoundSpeed

Outside of IS is very nice. Drop it, add some rims and a bodykit and you have a very nice car. However, for the price, the interior is very cheap. The gauges are incredibly ugly. The shift gate area and console is pretty ugly too. Plus, there is the crappy sport shift in a RWD, supposedly "sports" car. And the sportshift is on the steering wheel, which could prove to be inconvenient at times. All of this crap for $35,000.

Now look at the TL or TLS. You get a lot more standard features (the $35,000 price for the IS is for an option package that brings its features up close to that of the TL), more powerful engine, more room, and a much nicer, classier interior, and all for nearly $5,000 less.

Just comes down to whether you want to pay extra for that L symbol.

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"Man thinks that, they own things And man sits high upon thrones
When you die tell me what the fvck you own
When your skin, flesh, and bones find a permanent home
As food for worms or fossils trapped in stone."

oracion

Too small.

Guest

It looks like one can get good discounts off MSRP for IS300 currently. It may be because a) the car is not selling well or b) new models are coming out this summer.

The current IS300 is too small for me. I saw the upcoming Sportcross version in the LA Auto show. It is a sportswagon with the front passenger seat folding down for added cargo space.

I am going to wait until Sportcross is released and then compare it to TL-S. I still think Tl-S is much better value.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by iBlue on February 23, 2001 @ ]</font>

AcidHorse

Just stumbled on this website looking for more info on the Type S, which I am considering.
The IS300 was on my choice list to get but the more I look at it, the more it looks like it's based on the Corolla. I compared the dimensions of the Corolla and the IS and sure enough they "almost" match up. I guess Toyota had to reconfigure the car to accomodate the RWD layout. Plus, compare the front fascias of the IS and the Corolla; the structure/design is almost similar.
Has anyone else noticed this?
Besides, to save money, Toyota has to base the IS on a car that has already been configured for the US market, not to rework a Japan-spec car for the US.
I surely don't want to pay 34K for a RWD Corolla with 45-ZR rubber on 17's and an E-shift.

Mr Hyde

First off the car does seem like its a bargain basement Lexus to me whenever I see one. Just like the new Mercedes C Class; Especially with the interior. The car is also way too small for my taste. Combine that with the fact that it always takes me a second glance to differentiate one from a 5th gen Accord with Alteza tailights, and it sunk the car for me.

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Just call me..................Mr Hyde
96 Sherwood Green Accord EX
02 Aegean Blue TL Type-S(on the way)

chiawei

I prefer IS300 over TL. Simply put, the car handles better, quality is better, and overall ownership experience is better.

Even though I no longer own either one. IS300 is a much more fun to drive. Plus lexus quality is just years better than Acura.

chiawei

IS300 may look like corolla. But it is on a different chassis and is totally different from corolla.

IS300 is based on Japanese Altezza.

The only that I have gripes about that is we do not get the RS and 280 verions.

vandy786

Test drove the IS 300 with my friend last month. The sales rep was sitting in the back. I dropped the car from my "Possible Cars To Buy" list because of this: when the sales rep asked me to move my driver's seat up because he needed some more room, I realized how small the car was. Great looking car but unbelievably small compared to a regular TL. Eagerly waiting for my TL-S, hehe

Guest

I also recently test drove the IS 300. It is the same length as a BMW 328i but interior room is MUCH less. The driver side is like a tiny race car nook.
The salesman, sitting in the passenger seat, admitted while wewere driving that this wasn't the car for me. HE DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO SELL ME A BIGGER CAR! He said I should buy the Acura TL! My jaw almost hit the floor!
Anyway, that IS 300, while smallish inside, is one quick MoFo. I really liked driving it and that little steering wheel shifter was cool! Bottom line though. I'm 6'1" 210lbs and didn't feel right driving it. The outside looks like a souped up Civic besides!

Gomez

What an idiot! I'm in sales myself (telecom), and the #1 rule of sales is to not say anything that doesn't illustrate how the product fills the customer's needs. Second rule is to not say anything negative at all either, whether it's about the weather or your boss is a jerk or whatever. If I was trying to sell that car to you I would have said, "plenty of room back here; why don't you move the seat back to stretch out and enjoy the ride," as you crushed my shins!

The small back kinda ruined the IS300 for me, too, as did the cheap, plasticky dash and interior pieces. Maybe for $25K I'd consider the car...

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'01 White Diamond Pearl 3.2TL
-Wing, tint, wood and Whistler

Guest

Two reasons why I WOULDN'T buy an IS 300:

1. I beat one from a street start all the way to the freeway hitting speeds past 130 MPH, I was ahead all the way. For a 32K car, it better be faster than mine.

2. I dislike the chessy lights in the back. Reminds me of a riced up car. Why not just make the lights all red like a Jetta or similar to a GS 430

Personally if I was going to get a Lexus Sedan, I would only get the GS 430.

BTW, I have a Coupe, not a Sedan Accord


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<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by 2001 Accord V-6 on February 28, 2001 @ ]</font>

Guest

quote by GOMEZ:

"What an idiot! I'm in sales myself(telecom), and the #1 rule of sales is to not say anything that doesn't illustrate how the
product fills the customer's needs. Second rule is to not say anything negative at all either, whether it's about the weatheror your boss is a jerk or whatever. If I was trying to sell that car to you I would have said, "plenty of room back here; why don't you move the seat back to stretch out and enjoy the ride," as you crushed my shins!"

WOW !! Gomez, it's Sales(?)people like you that keep this site rolling. Thank god you don't sell cars! Also, don't call me about telecom, either.

Professional sales people would become problem-solvers, not just dump the product on some guy. Professionals would help find a solution. At least the referenced saleman made an attempt at a creative answer to the guy's dissatisfaction. And the poster recognized the lack of "selling-up". Too bad you didn't.

BigSkyTL

I saw the IS300 last week while skiing near Denver, and pulled up right next to it. For one thing, the entire car is smaller. To me it's just a suped up Corolla with an expensive price tag. I've also been told the gauges/controls are way too overdone (futuristic) and make them hard to see.
Bottom line is TL-S ya get a roomier, more powerful, better-driving car, and ya pay a lot less.

not much of a decision if ya ask me

....unless you're SUPER image cauntious, but if you're that, hell,....just go buy the $70,000 LS430

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mchtypeS

the car is slow and smells like ass when you floor it

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2001 cl type s
voltage blue, comptech headers, 18 inch ssr agle strusse rims,(painted voltage blue and achrome polished lip) custom iceman intake, pioneer avx 7000 tv, playstation 2, slammed on nex suspension, cross drilled rotors, nos fuel pressure regulator, greddy evo exhaust

mchtypeS

ide have to agree i dont think an accord v6(stock) will beat the is300, i use to have an accord and ive driven the IS and i know the is will beat the accord, now a tl i dont think so, especially a type s models

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2001 cl type s
voltage blue, comptech headers, 18 inch ssr agle strusse rims,(painted voltage blue and achrome polished lip) custom iceman intake, pioneer avx 7000 tv, playstation 2, slammed on nex suspension, cross drilled rotors, nos fuel pressure regulator, greddy evo exhaust

Tag66

The TL-s will win until it gets time to turn that corner. The IS handles incredibly.

acuraguynj

Hey guys thanks for your thoughts on the IS300, basically to recap, it's a nice looking car, but the interior seems somewhat cheap and it's too damn small. If you want the bang for your buck, the TL is a little a little larger (but still small on the inside) and the Type S is hot.

But as a current TL Owner, I am sold on the BMW 530i as the next upgrade car. That is a kick butt car. You can't go wrong with a BMW nameplate.

Guest

Actually, the dimensions of the IS are very similar to the bmw 330 sedan... with the exception of the rear legroom.. 4in...ouch!!

the number on the left is the IS, and Right is the BMW....

Seating (Standard) 5 5
Headroom Front (in.) 39.1 38.4
Headroom Rear (in.) 37.7 37.5
Legroom Front (in.) 42.7 41.4
Legroom Rear (in.) 30.2 34.6
Shoulder Room Front (in.) 52.6 54.4
Shoulder Room Rear (in.) 53.5 54.2
Cargo Volume (MFR) (cu. ft.) 10.1 10.7
Cargo Volume (EPA) (cu. ft.) 11 11
Curb Weight (Auto Trans) (lbs.) 3270 3373
Curb Weight (Man Trans) (lbs.) Not Applicable 3318
Wheelbase (in.) 105.1 107.3
Length (in.) 176.6 176.0
Width (in.) 67.7 68.5
Height (in.) 54.9 55.7
Fuel Capacity (gal.) 17.5 16.6

mccarlin

You are pretty funny.....hahaha
there is no way shape or form that you beat an IS300 in a Stock V6 accord....i have killed dozens of them and with the higher torque the IS has.....there is no way after 50mph that you could keep up...

The Tl-s will be a nice car......260HP WOW.....

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Later

Mike,
01 IS300, Blk on Blk, Fully loaded, SRT Intake w/ECU Mod, 20% Tint, Graphite Polished Rims, (Exhaust Coming Soon)

Guest

Why would I say something like beating an IS 300 if I didn't beat one. Believe me, the guy was a total novice and didn't launch he car well at the start. He should have caught up after 70 MPH, but I guy never did. Even after I hit 130 MPH, he didn't want to go any faster. I had to back down as well, going past 130 MPH is my car is pretty intense and suicidal. I have been also killed by a A4 1.8T Quattro on the freeway from a start at 50-125+. The guy got ahead after 75 MPH. I have been killed by my co-workers Solara SE V-6 Stick and my counsin's Infinti I30T stick as well. I've beaten my co-worker's Solara once as well because she missed a shift so anything is possible

mccarlin

hehehe.....im EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!

you cant stop me....




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Later

Mike,
01 IS300, Blk on Blk, Fully loaded, SRT Intake w/ECU Mod, 20% Tint, Graphite Polished Rims, (Exhaust Coming Soon)

mccarlin

The guy obvously didnt push the IS too hard, maybe he was still breaking it in. Believe me, you can call it a Win but dont try it again with another IS, couse you will definatly lose...point blank
I have beatin so many that now its just a waste of gas for me, i dont bother.

I know the TL would most likely beat an IS, the TL-S will for sure no doubt about that.

But the TL and the IS are 2 totally different cars and SHOULD not be considered in the same class. the TL is FWD and the IS is RWD, thats why lexus is comparing it to the bmw 330.....

Both very nice cars anyway...

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Later

Mike,
01 IS300, Blk on Blk, Fully loaded, SRT Intake w/ECU Mod, 20% Tint, Graphite Polished Rims, (Exhaust Coming Soon)

Guest

wassup mclarlain....funny seein you here...

acuraguynj

As I started this question, my conclusions are as follows:

1. Lexus IS300 is a great looking car and of the high quality Lexus quality

2. The IS300 is just too damn small. Honda Civic Size. Small looks like just one of the many sub-compact cars out there, like the Mitsubishi Mirage that has the Mercedes tail lights.

3. IS300 for the money is just OK, the interior is not as luxurious as a person would like, but you pay more for the Lexus quality and service.

4. Wait to see what the new Lexus ES300 will look like. The look of the ES300 is getting old now, so I would be anxious to see what the new generation will look like. This will do good, since the GS430 is out my range for now ;-)

5. BMW 3 or 5 series anyone?

Guest

Not sure where you guys are getting the $35K price tag on the IS. I paid just over 31K loaded to the gills with Lojack in Miami. So this $5000K less for a TL is BS.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by MSMLexIS300 on March 05, 2001 @ ]</font>

merlyn

I find it ugly on the inside...and small. Outside is nice in blue. The TL and TL-s kick it's ass.

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Mugen exhaust
now ordering AEM short ram

mchtypeS

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2001 cl type s
voltage blue, comptech headers, 18 inch ssr agle strusse rims,(painted voltage blue and achrome polished lip) custom iceman intake, pioneer avx 7000 tv, playstation 2, slammed on nex suspension, cross drilled rotors, nos fuel pressure regulator, greddy evo exhaust