Has anyone given up their TL-S to go into an IS-350 F-Sport? I ask because while I am still looking for a TL-S, the new IS has become impossible for me to ignore. There are some things I would change about its looks, but they're not enough to keep me away. I was originally interested in the GS, but it has too much of a CEO look to it, and it's almost $10k more IIRC.

My take:

Putting aside the difference in years and what that means in terms of tech, they are pretty much the same car overall. The new body style makes it appear to have the same exterior size as the TL, but I'd say the TL has the edge (I don't have the official measurements). Fuel economy is still 19/28 (RWD), about the same horsepower, and has the same features...at least all the ones I care about. I test drove one today to see what it's like after seeing pictures and watching video reviews. My impression was overall positive...my only remarks were that it was not as spacious as my TL, and there was a bit of lag between throttle position and engine response (drive-by-wire?). It also seems to have steer-by-wire, but that seems to be the standard now. I really liked everything about the interior except for the exposed cup holders (the TL has spoiled me), and the aforementioned smaller space.

To me, the IS F-Sport has the same elegant-yet-sporty look that the TL-S has, without being too much of a boy-racer car like a WRX or too much of an executive's car like a Buick LaCrosse. One other thing I've noticed is that while it wouldn't keep me from getting the car, the IS is fucking everywhere. I can't feel special anymore (not that I really care about that).

Anyway, that's what I've noticed, but I know there are some users who switched to Lexus, so I'd like to see what you have to say about it, and if there's something to watch out for if I decide to go for it.

 

Lexus is a great and reliable car brand(Toyota). If you like it and it gives you satisfaction go for it. I don't really care for Lexus I think their styling is meh, but that's just me. A lot of folks think they look pretty sexy.

 

I test drove a 350 F sport a couple months ago just for fun. Even though I'm not buying one, my impressions were similar to yours. I currently have a 6mt Type S. I love the looks of the F sport and the interior felt great and like the car was built around the driver. The downside is that I felt pretty cramped in that car, infact when I got back in my S I felt like I was in an SUV (not a bad thing). The F sport drove good and for sure felt tight. To sum things up quickly, I wouldn't give up my mint 15k mile 6mt Type S for one!!! If I had neither and money wasn't a factor I would obviously get the F, but as a current owner it isnt enough to get me to switch.

 

As far as the interior space, while it felt smaller compared to my TL, it still felt acceptable for me, being 5'11". It's definitely something I can get used to, and definitely better than the old civic I'm driving now. James, if I were in your position, I would come to the same decision that you did.

 

I don't know for you guys, but for that sort of money in Canada (~$50K) I'd likely get a C400 Mercedes or go for a CLA 45 AMG.

Just food for thought.

 

I understand, but none of the German marques are exactly the picture of reliability.

 

I don't agree. A well kept Mercedes will last you forever, the problem is people buying them then not taking care of them because they don't have the funds. They're not cheap to run, but they're definitely fun cars.

CLA 45 AMG does 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and has the highest horsepower producing 4 banger to ever come out of a factory (2.0L 260hp) It's definitely more coupe than a TL though, hence my C400 suggestion.

Either way the IS 350 F-Sport is a really nice car but there's something about the center console that just irks me. Just something off, can't really put the finger on it.

 

I'm sure you meant 360hp from the 2.0 turbo.

There's something about the interior of the cla that I can't stand. It's the most affordable entry level car in the lineup and the interior clearly proves it.

I really hate those circular AC vents and the Navi display just sticks out like a sore thumb. It doesn't retract to hide and it's not recessed in a cubby. It just sits there in the wide open on the dash.

Enough cla talk. I would hands down choose the IS350 over a TLS if money wasn't a issue.

Latest tech and features are the main reason for me. Not to mention interior design looks more up to date. Available with red leather seats.

Digital LFA inspired instrument cluster....

TLS doesn't have much going for it when compared to the 3IS stock for stock but that is expected for a car that is 7 years old

I would still choose the IS350 over a TLX.

I'd choose a GS over a RLX.

Lexus > Acura

 

by that logic, ANY car will last you forever. Just put more money into it, and anything can be fixed right?

Reliability isn't dependent only on parts going bad, its a factor of parts going bad and the cost to fix said parts.

 

my friends 2015 is350 has a lexus app that can track the car, remote start, and a bunch of other features. That alone is pretty significant IMO

 

Seems odd to be cross shopping a 7-8 year old, 20k car against a new 45k car. I wouldn't say they're even close to being the same car, one being FWD and the other RWD or AWD. The IS is pretty sweet though. Seems to be a love it or hate it dynamic. It may have only 20 horse over the Type-S, but the 8 spd automatic will make it markedly quicker than the Type-S 5AT and still a bit quicker than the 6MT. The new IS 350 is a bit slower than the prior one due to added weight and a less aggressive final drive. You can't really go wrong with whichever you choose. The IS, especially in F Sport trim is going to be a lot more rewarding if you're a "driver". One's obviously going to be a lot more expensive, but they both represent good value and won't depreciate too rapidly; although in this area, the TL is a better value, since clean, used cars are a smarter buy as long as you do your homework. A slightly used IS350 would be better than a new one.

The Sweet Science: IS350 F-Sport v. BMW 335i v ATS V6 v Q50 - R&T Comparison

 

I'm cross shopping them because I don't really see any other car out there that satisfies me quite like the TL-S did. I know there are some key differences, but considering Acura's TLX isn't exactly an updated TL-S, the IS seems like a good fit for me if I go for something newer.

 

Yes, little typo there on the hp. As for the Navi, I do agree with you it sticks out really weirdly, although it annoys me less than the IS 350 F-Sport weird interior that I don't know why. To each their own obviously.

Obviously, but the point is since the parts cost more for a luxury brand people who barely make it with their payments (there's a great amount of people buying luxury cars so they look cool...) are less inclined to put money towards fixing things. I'm not saying Lexus or Toyota aren't reliable, they are, I'm just saying Mercedes reliability isn't any close to "bad".

 

Yeah, I don't see how it makes any sense to get a car one can't afford or can barely afford and risk ruining one's credit. I can definitely afford the IS, and when I had my TL, I did whatever was necessary to keep it in good working order, never cutting any corners.

Also, as an aside, I've had the opportunity to drive many cars between the wreck and now, including my beater civic that I have now. I must say, having a TL-S as a first car really spoiled me. I guess it's one of those "once you go black, you can't go back" things.

By the way, this Lexus tracking app is really intriguing. I agree that it's pretty significant.

 

yeah its pretty cool you can roll up the windows, and check if everything is locked. Its a new feature for 2015 I believe. I know I would definitely feel safer with that app. It's basically like factory lojack, plus more.

 

That's pretty cool and useful. I'll keep this in mind.

 

IMO I love the new IS. That grill Is so aggressive looking ! Then again your comparing a $45,000 car to a $15-20,000 car.

I'm going to wait until Lexus starts using the 2.0 turbo engine in the 2016 IS250.

 

Always liked the IS350, great well balanced car, like the TL.

Sucks that it only comes in auto.

 

Between the two, I would personally stick with the TL-S. For me, the IS is too small of a car for me. I'm not super tall or anything, it just feels a bit more cramped to me. I mean the only living thing I really transport in my TL now is one person and/or my dog (big Golden Retriever) and he pretty much grew up in the back of a 2dr civic. The IS didn't feel bigger than my old 2dr Civic to me, the TL does.

 

What exactly are these neglectable "parts" you're referring to that cost more in a luxury vehicle?

My idea of a reliable vehicle is one in which you're only required to provide it with regular oil changes for the first 100k miles (~160,000km) or so. There aren't any "parts" to replace. No part should require service or replacement until after that interval (this obviously does not include regular wear items such as brake pads and tires). In my experience, Toyota is king here.

 

If you only drive with yourself and no more than a front seat passenger, the IS should be big enough. Back seat space is a bit tight. RWD is a huge plus, IMO and Toyota/Lexus automatics seem to last forever. But what I don't understand is how after they redesign the car they didn't add any more power.

 

RWD is actually a huge negative and is useless for most of the country that deals with slippery conditions in the winter season. That's why the AWD version would be the way to go :-)
I bet the 7 year newer IS350 F Sport is no quicker than a 6mt Type S. Like I said, amazing car, but if it was going to be enough of a change to get me to switch, it better be a quicker car than my old Type S.

 

well that is typical for toyota eg the 1/2jz engine family has been around for 20 years with no real significant power increase except for 93-98 supra. Toyota recently just trying to get back into sport car by introducing the IS-F but it's too has flaw when compare to other car in similar class. I didn't buy a IS because the rear leg room and that keep holding me back for buying a IS-F, however the new IS some what address the cramp interiror issue. I had a is350 f-sport as a loaner and I didn't quite felt it much better than my type s.

Positive things I can point out about the IS 350 Fsport
1. Power definitely is better than my TL.
2. Rwd is fun to toss around in corner.
4. That red interior is a killer along with ventilated seat which took Acura 8 years later to catch up before that you have to get advance package.
5. Aggressive looking from the front and rear along with nice LFA wheel style.
6. LFA gauges moving style.
7. 8 spd AT gear box is fun.

Negative things.
1. Navi is a pain in the ass to use.
2. Voice recognition is terrible compare to my TL.
3. No power increase compare to previous gen with additional weight.
4. I hate the way the navi screen is sitting lower than the dash, I have to hunch over sometimes.
5. Oh that analog clock is retarded.
6. It's took an F Sport model with red to achieve .93g on the skid pad which is the same goes for type s front heavy.
7. Mirror is somewhat smaller than my tl in contrast.
8. If you think Acura joy stick with rotation knob is annoying, wait until you try lexus mouse pad lol.

At the end of the day I persoanlly use new car as a metric scale how advance technology of my TL was. You can't compare a TL which is 8 years old car to a brand new 2014/2015 vehicle, 8 years which consist of almost two generations behind. I found that it is not anytime soon to de

 

^ nice review

 

^^ Well compared and put.

 

I'd want a GS-F, strictly for the extra room...
what's the point of having 4 doors, if the back seat has basically zero leg room?

Never made sense to me.

 

Thanks for all the input so far guys. Among all the negatives mentioned here, none of them seem to be deal breakers for me personally. I checked the car out again yesterday, and I sat in the driver's seat, the passenger's seat, and the back seats. The space seemed adequate for me, and I usually drive alone anyway.

One thing I realized is that the mirrors don't tilt down when in reverse, which is something I used a lot in my TL, to the point where I went through the trouble of taking them apart to regrease them when started stuttering. This isn't a huge deal, but it's something I would miss for sure.

 

^^^it's amazing how many new cars DON'T have that feature. definitely a useful one.
good luck with your new ride...

 

The IS does have tilt down mirror, make sure you
Have it turn on tho, there is a setting for it somewhere.

 

I was just going to say that myself......

 

I know that it's not a fair comparison, and in my original post, it's first thing I said before making any remarks.

 

^^i agree, you weren't comparing the two, like "which is better".

you are just looking for a new car that will be similar/comparable to the S, in terms of feel, sportiness, and 4 doors...and the IS fits that bill.

I wish i could have RWD all year long..

 

RWD is a plus. Coming from an older acura and driving RWD was day and night for me. IS350 is a great car and loved the test drive. Another car that can compete w/ that is the Q50. have you thought about that car? I am not to found of the interior and also has the steer by wire which will take time to get use to. But the Q is cheaper then the IS

 

96SC4, you put my sentiment into words much better than I could have ever done. Also, the TL was my first car, so I haven't had much to play around with RWD.

Bluedevils, I haven't actually. I've never really been a fan of Nissan interiors, but the one for the Q50 seems very different. I guess I should give it a look. Also, I've heard nothing but negative reviews of the steering, with people calling the driving experience "fake", but I like to be the judge of things like that for a car I would potentially be driving.

I feel like an idiot confusing electric power steering with steer-by-wire, which is what I thought the IS had (I mentioned it in my original post). It just seemed strange that no one ever complained about it until they drove the Q50, which is when I realized my mistake.

 

Q50 is a heavy cow in comparison to TL and IS.

Sharp looking car though.

 

The IS350 was the only serious other option when I bought my TL. Check clublexus.com for details on the IS if you haven't already.

Getting to the point, RWD > FWD. Everything else is comparable or minor. So you being in FL, means IS350 wins easily. Just get the model year and features that match your budget...

 

When I was looking for a new car I drove both the Lexus IS and the TL-S. My husband is 6'1 and as soon as he sat in the passenger seat of the IS his knees were in the dash! The back seat is TINY and the trunk is ridiculously small. If you arent going to be taking very many passengers and you arent over 5'10, this shouldn't matter. Also, the dash in the IS looks just... well, plain. The TL's dash just looks better, I dont know how to explain it, just does haha Good luck in the car hunt!

 

That's nonsense. When has Toyota ever won a F1 World Championship or even a race for that matter. Or, when have they not left a racing series worse off than when they entered. That's how I consider a good car, win on Sunday sell on Monday.

 

Even with perfect maintenance a German car will give you problems and often big problems. I have a buddy that works as for a mechanic at a Mercedes dealership and he said I would never ever buy a german car - he said you won't believe how many problems these cars have and most of them are serviced regularly at their dealership and driven by older people.

 

I think some where on the consummer report or Cars.com the CLA actually rated worst in reliability of all Mercedes line up.