Just Got my IS350
10-16-2005, 08:42 PM
#121
Advanced
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by vtecracer
I don't know if I would go as far as saying the IS350 is better than the TL in almost every aspect. Thats kinda far fetched. I don't have any personal experience with an IS yet, but from what I can read on paper, the only major thing that the IS350 has on the TL is performance. In fact, in Car & Drivers Sports Sedan test, most of the points that the IS gained over the TL were from the performance category.
Here is a list of the results:
Category (points possible): Acura/Lexus
Driver Comfort (10): 9/9
Ergonomics (10): 9/9
Rear-Seat Comfort (5): 5/2
Rear-Seat Space (5): 4/2
Trunk (5): 3/4
Features/Amenities (10): 8/8
Fit and Finish (10): 8/9
Interior Styling (10): 9/9
Exterior Styling (10): 8/8
Rebates and Discounts (5): 0/0
As-Tested Price (20): 18/18
Powetrain Performance (20): 17/20
Engine Flexibility (5): 4/5
Fuel Economy (5): 5/5
Engine NVH (10): 8/9
Transmission (10): 8/8
Chasis Performance (20): 20/17
Steering Feel (5): 4/4
Brake Feel (5): 4/4
Handling (10): 7/9
Ride (10): 7/7
Gotta-Have-It Factor (25): 19/23
Fun To Drive (25): 19/22
So really, I don't see the IS having much of an advantage over the TL in anything but performance. I'll save my final opinion until I get some hands on experience with the car next week.
Here is a list of the results:
Category (points possible): Acura/Lexus
Driver Comfort (10): 9/9
Ergonomics (10): 9/9
Rear-Seat Comfort (5): 5/2
Rear-Seat Space (5): 4/2
Trunk (5): 3/4
Features/Amenities (10): 8/8
Fit and Finish (10): 8/9
Interior Styling (10): 9/9
Exterior Styling (10): 8/8
Rebates and Discounts (5): 0/0
As-Tested Price (20): 18/18
Powetrain Performance (20): 17/20
Engine Flexibility (5): 4/5
Fuel Economy (5): 5/5
Engine NVH (10): 8/9
Transmission (10): 8/8
Chasis Performance (20): 20/17
Steering Feel (5): 4/4
Brake Feel (5): 4/4
Handling (10): 7/9
Ride (10): 7/7
Gotta-Have-It Factor (25): 19/23
Fun To Drive (25): 19/22
So really, I don't see the IS having much of an advantage over the TL in anything but performance. I'll save my final opinion until I get some hands on experience with the car next week.
10-16-2005, 08:44 PM
#122
I love my G sedan
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: CA
Age: 46
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The big four sports sedans(Acura TL, BMW 330i, Infiniti G35 sedan, Lexus IS350) each have their own advantages and disadvantages. None of them are strong or weak in every category, so depends on the buyers' tastes. I personally think they have far exceeded the other competitors(Audi A4 3.2, Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport, Saab 9^3 Aero, Volvo S40 T5, Jaguar X-Type 3.0, etc). I wouldn't want to own more than one in the same class, because I like to compare to others' when I drive on the street, it would make me very very happy to see a TL or IS or 330i/325i when cruising in my G35 sedan.
10-16-2005, 08:57 PM
#123
Police
Originally Posted by SilverCL225hp
I personally think they have far exceeded the other competitors(Audi A4 3.2, Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport, Saab 9^3 Aero, Volvo S40 T5, Jaguar X-Type 3.0, etc).
10-16-2005, 09:51 PM
#124
Resident auto maniac
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central, Florida
Age: 40
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Saying that a car is "better" is merely a matter of opinion. Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lexus, Acura... All have high and low points. Thats why there is a menu at a restaurant... everyone likes something dfferent. I dont think its necessarily the money involved, as it is a change... RWD is nice though.
Congrats on your purchase, and I hope you have good luck with it
Congrats on your purchase, and I hope you have good luck with it
10-16-2005, 10:17 PM
#125
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Chinatown, NYC
Age: 47
Posts: 912
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by w1n78
here you go
i was at a dealer yesterday with a friend who was gonna get the IS350, there's a 6 week wait for an IS350, similar shortage to the 04 TL. i had to wait 6 weeks.
i was at a dealer yesterday with a friend who was gonna get the IS350, there's a 6 week wait for an IS350, similar shortage to the 04 TL. i had to wait 6 weeks.
Why wait 6 weeks for a car and pay the absolute premium if not more?? Just be patient and wait for 6 months, everything will be cheaper then.
10-16-2005, 11:54 PM
#126
CLS 6MT Navi
Wow, lots of comments. My interest in the IS was in a coupe version, with MT which ain't gonna happen and this car is too small and overpriced. I hate Lexus pulling the German crap of 'we price it for what people will pay', not for what it's really worth.
I say cudos! to Acura!! for building great cars and meeting their price point goals.
None of this bait and switch crap/add-ons (BMW) to get the real features you want.
$45k little Lexuses are offensive. Amazingly as a Lexus admirer in the past, they make absolutely nothing I would buy now. I like coupes anyway and that ugly turtle of a SC430 they make is embarassing.
I'd rather have a Scion coupe, those are amazing in that price segment.
Come on Acura, bring on my new coupe!!
I say cudos! to Acura!! for building great cars and meeting their price point goals.
None of this bait and switch crap/add-ons (BMW) to get the real features you want.
$45k little Lexuses are offensive. Amazingly as a Lexus admirer in the past, they make absolutely nothing I would buy now. I like coupes anyway and that ugly turtle of a SC430 they make is embarassing.
I'd rather have a Scion coupe, those are amazing in that price segment.
Come on Acura, bring on my new coupe!!
10-17-2005, 08:14 AM
#127
Cruisin'
Join Date: May 2004
Location: NC
Age: 49
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Ka0tik
yeah, i got tl cause like, i have to pay for gas and it is the only mid sized nice car with decent hp that gets 29mpg on highway
. your prolly gonna get like 18 mpg on highway....
. your prolly gonna get like 18 mpg on highway....
The IS350 has direct injection, if anything, it will get better MPG.
10-17-2005, 01:54 PM
#128
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 2002 Maxima SE
Thats an educated statement.
The IS350 has direct injection, if anything, it will get better MPG.
The IS350 has direct injection, if anything, it will get better MPG.
10-17-2005, 02:21 PM
#129
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Age: 42
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by EZZ
The mpg that R&T and C&D got were in the 17-18 mpg range. Pretty low compared to a TL.
10-17-2005, 02:27 PM
#130
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 2005Aspec
That's odd because real life I get 19 in the TL living in Chicago, isnt too much higher than 17-18.
The other members on this forum have reported higher averages than you but it could be a variety of things such as traffic, driving style, etc... The Acura is 29/20 while the Lexus is 26/18 so Acura should be higher in most cases. I personally don't know why the G35 gets blasted so much for getting 18-20 mpg by most people. Doesn't really make a difference to me if I get 18 vs. 20
10-17-2005, 03:05 PM
#131
What's a TL?
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Porter Ranch, CA
Age: 43
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had a deposit in on the IS350 for 8 months and could not wait for it to arrive. They day it came, I drove it, and realized that it really is not all that. The car is very, very quick, yes, but the TL interior is really attractive and roomy, while the IS is so cramped and uncomfortable. Once I optioned it out, the car came out to nearly $45K. Now I'm looking at the GS350 (coming in April) or the 430...the IS really is not so great IMO
10-17-2005, 03:10 PM
#132
Instructor
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: North Miami Beach, FL
Age: 44
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting thread, since the TL and the IS are actually my 2 finalists when i buy my car at the end of the year.
I heard many negative things about rattles and vibration in the TL. you think the 06 improved on that?
the IS is potentially priced itself out of the market, since the 350 plus the sport package is already 40K, with no nav, no premium stereo, and no nifty screen. its a fast car, and a powerful car, and the lexus badge certainly get more mileage than an acura one, but i wonder if it is worth the $4k premium.
I heard many negative things about rattles and vibration in the TL. you think the 06 improved on that?
the IS is potentially priced itself out of the market, since the 350 plus the sport package is already 40K, with no nav, no premium stereo, and no nifty screen. its a fast car, and a powerful car, and the lexus badge certainly get more mileage than an acura one, but i wonder if it is worth the $4k premium.
10-17-2005, 05:30 PM
#133
Senior Moderator
On the topic of MPG, C/D 400 mile trip (October 2005 issue):
Acura TL 6MT - 17 mpg
BMW 330i 6MT - 17 mpg
Infiniti G35S 6MT - 16 mpg
Lexus IS350 6AT- 16 mpg
Acura TL 6MT - 17 mpg
BMW 330i 6MT - 17 mpg
Infiniti G35S 6MT - 16 mpg
Lexus IS350 6AT- 16 mpg
10-17-2005, 06:06 PM
#134
2005 Acura TL w/ Navi
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: San Diego, CA
Age: 44
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by WDP-Acura TL
I WENT TO A CAR SHOW TODAY IN WINTER PARK, FL I saw the IS350 for the first time in person. It looks good on the outside, but the inside is another story. The car is too small for my taste. Passengers that sit in the back will feel cramped. I'm happy with my TL and you get more for your money and thats always a good thing 
... and i definately wouldnt touch a german car ...cough cough...BMW...cough cough (personal issue), ive got NO problems with my '05 TL and i LOVE driving it 
10-17-2005, 06:28 PM
#137
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NY
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Snoopy
Ok, test drove IS350 and IS250 this weekend . Personal observations:
Pros:
1. nice interior
2. better ride than my 04TL. TL suspension needs to be loosened up a bit. too damned harsh especially running through un-even surfaces. Acura enginers must have thought they built cars for Indy 500 speedway.
3. seem quieter but its a new car so it should be quiet
4. Nice stereo DVD system . I would say on par w/ TL
5. acceleration is about the same even though it has 300hp engine.
Cons:
1. small interior for me anyway. I am 6.5 so the leg rooms front and back are too
narrow.
2. rear looks like a Toyota Corrola.
3. wood trim - I hate wood interior.
4. shifter - I like TL's shifter better
5. too expensive for my taste. the sale guy said a loaded IS350 would be around 45k+ or more. Lexus is smoking something.
6. as for people who want to race their cars, buy a corvette for about the same price. I am not an agressive driver so the TL engine is good enough plus I don't
want to kill my 2YO either.
To me, Acura has to fix some things :
1. rattles , should be easy to fix.
2. vibrations , should be easy now that they identified it unless Honda don't care.
3. Loosen up the suspension or put in a switch like Nissan used to have with Maxima which drivers can switch to soft/normal/hard
4. annoying low speed humming. I believe it was caused by bad exhaust system design.
Thats all guys.
Pros:
1. nice interior
2. better ride than my 04TL. TL suspension needs to be loosened up a bit. too damned harsh especially running through un-even surfaces. Acura enginers must have thought they built cars for Indy 500 speedway.
3. seem quieter but its a new car so it should be quiet
4. Nice stereo DVD system . I would say on par w/ TL
5. acceleration is about the same even though it has 300hp engine.
Cons:
1. small interior for me anyway. I am 6.5 so the leg rooms front and back are too
narrow.
2. rear looks like a Toyota Corrola.
3. wood trim - I hate wood interior.
4. shifter - I like TL's shifter better
5. too expensive for my taste. the sale guy said a loaded IS350 would be around 45k+ or more. Lexus is smoking something.
6. as for people who want to race their cars, buy a corvette for about the same price. I am not an agressive driver so the TL engine is good enough plus I don't
want to kill my 2YO either.
To me, Acura has to fix some things :
1. rattles , should be easy to fix.
2. vibrations , should be easy now that they identified it unless Honda don't care.
3. Loosen up the suspension or put in a switch like Nissan used to have with Maxima which drivers can switch to soft/normal/hard
4. annoying low speed humming. I believe it was caused by bad exhaust system design.
Thats all guys.
10-17-2005, 07:33 PM
#139
Drifting
Originally Posted by invincible569
from clublexus.com
10-17-2005, 07:51 PM
#140
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by BUD001
Interesting thread, since the TL and the IS are actually my 2 finalists when i buy my car at the end of the year.
I heard many negative things about rattles and vibration in the TL. you think the 06 improved on that?
the IS is potentially priced itself out of the market, since the 350 plus the sport package is already 40K, with no nav, no premium stereo, and no nifty screen. its a fast car, and a powerful car, and the lexus badge certainly get more mileage than an acura one, but i wonder if it is worth the $4k premium.
I heard many negative things about rattles and vibration in the TL. you think the 06 improved on that?
the IS is potentially priced itself out of the market, since the 350 plus the sport package is already 40K, with no nav, no premium stereo, and no nifty screen. its a fast car, and a powerful car, and the lexus badge certainly get more mileage than an acura one, but i wonder if it is worth the $4k premium.
Dont freak out on the rattles, My 05 has NO rattles, remember you only post if you hear them !!!!
10-17-2005, 08:42 PM
#141
Instructor
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Pittsburg, CA
Age: 45
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just be happy with what you have. Stop comparing which one is better or best. If you had tons of money, you would probably buy much more expensive car anyway. I'm happy with my car, no rattles or anything whatsoever. You just have to learn, any manufacturer has its own problem, so stop saying TL is better than this or this is better than TL. It gets really annoying.
10-18-2005, 12:13 AM
#142
Instructor
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: California
Age: 40
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by invincible569
from clublexus.com
10-18-2005, 12:19 AM
#143
Three Wheelin'
I suspect both Honda/Acura and Nissan/Infiniti are secretly overjoyed at how Lexus has priced the IS. The dealerships are now given even more ammunition to make a convincing argument for why car shoppers should opt for the TL or G35 (4DR).
10-18-2005, 12:21 AM
#144
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Chita79
WDP-Acura TL, I couldnt agree with you anymore! IS's are a rip off plus the navi cant be used while driving ... and i definately wouldnt touch a german car ...cough cough...BMW...cough cough (personal issue), ive got NO problems with my '05 TL and i LOVE driving it
... and i definately wouldnt touch a german car ...cough cough...BMW...cough cough (personal issue), ive got NO problems with my '05 TL and i LOVE driving it Thats just dumb , that you cant use the NAVI when driving the car. You can't ask for nearest resturant while car is in motion either?
10-18-2005, 01:51 AM
#146
6MT & LSD
Join Date: Apr 2005
Age: 39
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by WDP-Acura TL
Thats just dumb , that you cant use the NAVI when driving the car. You can't ask for nearest resturant while car is in motion either?
So if you think about it, this is actually ingenius - those who know enough about cars & its electronics will do the bypass, while others (coughcough**most female drivers**coughcough) will have one less thing to distract them.
The side profile in that pic looks like a blend of the tC and the new 3.
10-18-2005, 02:49 AM
#147
9.5+10.5 22m=Hella Flush
Originally Posted by youngTL
OH...MY....GAWD! You're telling me that in order to get an IS350 with nav (an essential feature in my book), you have to pay:
$50,575.00
+$2,250.00
+$2,550.00
+$850.00
+$5,150.00
---------------
=$61,375.00
HOLY SHIT!!
The TL I would want is the Dynamic Package w/ Nav (that's the 6 speed), and it comes to $44,800. I mean the IS350 has nicer and more features for it's price, but the fact that if I wanted Nav means I have to pay over $16k more...no thank you. For that price I can buy an M45.
$50,575.00
+$2,250.00
+$2,550.00
+$850.00
+$5,150.00
---------------
=$61,375.00
HOLY SHIT!!
The TL I would want is the Dynamic Package w/ Nav (that's the 6 speed), and it comes to $44,800. I mean the IS350 has nicer and more features for it's price, but the fact that if I wanted Nav means I have to pay over $16k more...no thank you. For that price I can buy an M45.
HOLY SHIT IS RIGHT!!!! $60K for a freakin little Toyota
in Canada. What a rip off!!!! We are getting shafting big time here in Canada charging us so much since our cdn$$ is very strong now. US$ 45k equal approx $52K Cdn $$. So you guys down south is getting a pretty good deal for the IS350. But it is pretty disgusting to see a sport import compact size car to be so expensive. Therefore, I am really happy of what our TL has to offer for the price we pay. Can't beat it!!
10-18-2005, 03:38 AM
#148
Instructor
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: North Miami Beach, FL
Age: 44
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Simont for the advice. I mean if not for the FWD/RWD difference i would have hopped onto the TL train much sooner. I am going to see my Lexus dealer soon and maybe then he can give me some real answers abotu money matters. I want a good deal and the TL is too good to pass up, but i want to get another option.
BTW, anyone with 18s on their TL: is the ride bad? i live in south FL so its mostly highways (not well-maintained ones at that). I love the look and hoping that the extra money (if i dont get the IS) would be able to spring for them. How much are they to install, anyway?
BTW, anyone with 18s on their TL: is the ride bad? i live in south FL so its mostly highways (not well-maintained ones at that). I love the look and hoping that the extra money (if i dont get the IS) would be able to spring for them. How much are they to install, anyway?
10-18-2005, 05:55 AM
#149
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by SebringSilver
I suspect both Honda/Acura and Nissan/Infiniti are secretly overjoyed at how Lexus has priced the IS. The dealerships are now given even more ammunition to make a convincing argument for why car shoppers should opt for the TL or G35 (4DR).
The ability to get fairly well equipped TLs and G35s for under $40k makes a strong case for them.But I think Lexus' attitude seems to be that of disregard for the Acura and Infiniti brands. They have been and continue to aim their focus at the Germans (mainly BMW and MB). Even at the Taste of Lexus event, there was NO Acura or Infiniti representation there...which is noteworthy given how well both the TL and G35 sell.
Incidentally, Infiniti is starting to do the same thing in aiming the G35 at the 3-series (E46 initially).
10-18-2005, 10:44 AM
#150
Racer
Originally Posted by 2005Aspec
STOP
They are not 10k more, period. You dont get to compare the Is350 to the non-navi TL at 32k. If you want to compare Lexus' top dog you compare it to the Loaded Aspec which is 40-41k. (So it's actually only 3-4k more expensive)
They are not 10k more, period. You dont get to compare the Is350 to the non-navi TL at 32k. If you want to compare Lexus' top dog you compare it to the Loaded Aspec which is 40-41k. (So it's actually only 3-4k more expensive)
Ummm...No. The A-Spec kit is a dealer add-on. Why should the $5-6k some people pay for it get added into the equation? The difference is $8-10K, which is a lot of money.
10-18-2005, 10:49 AM
#151
Racer
Originally Posted by Donte99TL
Wow a lot of haters in this thread that are in denial. No matter what they say the IS350 is a bad ass car and is worth every extra penny that you spent. Lexus is on top of their game and everyone else is scrambling to catch up. Congratulation on the new car.
Isn’t it sad that Lexus entry level car is better than Acura’s second highest car in the their line up.
Isn’t it sad that Lexus entry level car is better than Acura’s second highest car in the their line up.
This is an irrelevant point. It's like saying the cheapest Bentley (Continental GT) is better built than the RL. Well, of course it is. It also costs 3X as much.
10-18-2005, 11:22 AM
#152
2005 SSM/Ebony/5AT/NAV
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento
Age: 53
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by simont53
Dont freak out on the rattles, My 05 has NO rattles, remember you only post if you hear them !!!!
10-18-2005, 12:14 PM
#153
Cruisin'
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TO
Age: 52
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 2 cents on this is that 'pound for pound' the TL wins every time. I do like the IS, I think its a great car. BUT, it has an inferior NAVI system, sound system, back seat room and gas mileage. Moreover, its considerably more pricier than a comparable TL. I have a 05 TL with NAVI and I have had 1 rattle so far and 1 engine problem so its not been ideal but at the end of the day its worth the money I paid for it. I'm not a magazine car reviewer who reviews a car for a short while and never has to own it or deal with the day to day practicalities of commuting. I'm a commuter with a family who wants a solid appealing car with great features and gas mileage - and thats the TL. I have thought about upgrading to the RL but when I do the maths its the best pound for pound car out there. The IS is a great car but for that price I would expect no-charge maintenace ala BMW and AUDI, but it doesn'nt......
One other thing, my brother-in-law is always telling me about the Lexus service..........not the great customer service but how the servicing, oil-changes etc are such a rip-off!!!! He cant wait to get rid of his Lexus. I have buddies who own Bimmers, Mercs, G35's etc and there is no perfect car brand who can 100% guarantee a flawless trouble-free purchase....
One other thing, my brother-in-law is always telling me about the Lexus service..........not the great customer service but how the servicing, oil-changes etc are such a rip-off!!!! He cant wait to get rid of his Lexus. I have buddies who own Bimmers, Mercs, G35's etc and there is no perfect car brand who can 100% guarantee a flawless trouble-free purchase....
10-18-2005, 12:30 PM
#154
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by BUD001
Thanks Simont for the advice. I mean if not for the FWD/RWD difference i would have hopped onto the TL train much sooner. I am going to see my Lexus dealer soon and maybe then he can give me some real answers abotu money matters. I want a good deal and the TL is too good to pass up, but i want to get another option.
BTW, anyone with 18s on their TL: is the ride bad? i live in south FL so its mostly highways (not well-maintained ones at that). I love the look and hoping that the extra money (if i dont get the IS) would be able to spring for them. How much are they to install, anyway?
BTW, anyone with 18s on their TL: is the ride bad? i live in south FL so its mostly highways (not well-maintained ones at that). I love the look and hoping that the extra money (if i dont get the IS) would be able to spring for them. How much are they to install, anyway?
I came out of a IS300 for my TL,I too was concerned about the FWD thing , but with Aspec Suspension and 18's plus a comptech RSB I can now say I love the TL.
10-18-2005, 01:12 PM
#155
Advanced
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The IS is a nice car... but let's take emotion out of this comparison and think logically.
A BASE IS250 is $29,9 - NO HID, no Leather, no sunroof, manual tranny. For that price you can drive out a TSX fully loaded.
Now if you want some "stuff" in the new IS, you will have to buy options.
Sports package? I think it's $2900? Don't want sports but want premium, $3500 I think. Want NAVI? $4000.
A base IS350 I believe is priced close to $36k? Now add those options and you'll see.
For the person that mentioned a spec. Fair enough... BUT who in the right mind would pay $5k for it from the dealer when you can pieace it together from ebay for MUCH less. I mean there's only two things from the ASPEC kit you need to "compare" to an IS sports, the suspention $750 from ebay, and the wheels ($1800?)
Now, we drove the IS250 over the weekend. My wife wants to replace her RSX-S with a bigger car. That day we drove the 330i, C230 sports, TL 6 speed, IS250.
The IS has a pretty interior. The leather is nice and soft. It's got some awesome feature sets. It's not that slow, but I don't believe it'll be any faster than the revised TSX. I am SURE the IS350 will go like stink, but no manual is a HUGE turn off for us.
Now as nice as the IS was I was marginally impressed with construction. There were some cheap plastic pieaces to be found: the sunglasses holder and the knob for the sunroof. Both look cheap and the feel is not "substaintial". But these are minor things really if you think about it. What was not as minor was the fact that the car did not infact feel "solid". The new 330i felt subjective(very important key word, don't miss it) more solid than the IS. When changing lanes and going over those "dotted" lane markers, the 330i was very solid. Steer was tight and the sound was solid. The IS on the other hand, while it didn't rattle, the steer got vague and the sound had more high pitch tone(aka more tinny) than the 330i.
Where does the TL come in you ask? Well, the TL felt like the 330 going over the same dots. Yes TL steer was not as firm and responsive as the 330, but certainly it was subjectively more solid than the IS.
Now, the IS could be and very well might have a stronger chassis than the TL. But the fact is, for most of us, driving a car is all about subjective feelings.
Oh remember the leather I talked about? The TL's leather actually isn't far off from the feel of the Lexus. BMW leather sucks BTW. Very hard and rough.
So, to say the ISx50 is "SO MUCH MORE BETTER" than the TL might e a stretch depending on what you are talking about. From a feature set perspective, I can aggree. From a value, it's a big heck no. From a subjective feel, probably not.
A BASE IS250 is $29,9 - NO HID, no Leather, no sunroof, manual tranny. For that price you can drive out a TSX fully loaded.
Now if you want some "stuff" in the new IS, you will have to buy options.
Sports package? I think it's $2900? Don't want sports but want premium, $3500 I think. Want NAVI? $4000.
A base IS350 I believe is priced close to $36k? Now add those options and you'll see.
For the person that mentioned a spec. Fair enough... BUT who in the right mind would pay $5k for it from the dealer when you can pieace it together from ebay for MUCH less. I mean there's only two things from the ASPEC kit you need to "compare" to an IS sports, the suspention $750 from ebay, and the wheels ($1800?)
Now, we drove the IS250 over the weekend. My wife wants to replace her RSX-S with a bigger car. That day we drove the 330i, C230 sports, TL 6 speed, IS250.
The IS has a pretty interior. The leather is nice and soft. It's got some awesome feature sets. It's not that slow, but I don't believe it'll be any faster than the revised TSX. I am SURE the IS350 will go like stink, but no manual is a HUGE turn off for us.
Now as nice as the IS was I was marginally impressed with construction. There were some cheap plastic pieaces to be found: the sunglasses holder and the knob for the sunroof. Both look cheap and the feel is not "substaintial". But these are minor things really if you think about it. What was not as minor was the fact that the car did not infact feel "solid". The new 330i felt subjective(very important key word, don't miss it) more solid than the IS. When changing lanes and going over those "dotted" lane markers, the 330i was very solid. Steer was tight and the sound was solid. The IS on the other hand, while it didn't rattle, the steer got vague and the sound had more high pitch tone(aka more tinny) than the 330i.
Where does the TL come in you ask? Well, the TL felt like the 330 going over the same dots. Yes TL steer was not as firm and responsive as the 330, but certainly it was subjectively more solid than the IS.
Now, the IS could be and very well might have a stronger chassis than the TL. But the fact is, for most of us, driving a car is all about subjective feelings.
Oh remember the leather I talked about? The TL's leather actually isn't far off from the feel of the Lexus. BMW leather sucks BTW. Very hard and rough.
So, to say the ISx50 is "SO MUCH MORE BETTER" than the TL might e a stretch depending on what you are talking about. From a feature set perspective, I can aggree. From a value, it's a big heck no. From a subjective feel, probably not.
10-18-2005, 02:20 PM
#157
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by shingles
The IS is a nice car... but let's take emotion out of this comparison and think logically.
A BASE IS250 is $29,9 - NO HID, no Leather, no sunroof, manual tranny. For that price you can drive out a TSX fully loaded.
Now if you want some "stuff" in the new IS, you will have to buy options.
Sports package? I think it's $2900? Don't want sports but want premium, $3500 I think. Want NAVI? $4000.
A base IS350 I believe is priced close to $36k? Now add those options and you'll see.
For the person that mentioned a spec. Fair enough... BUT who in the right mind would pay $5k for it from the dealer when you can pieace it together from ebay for MUCH less. I mean there's only two things from the ASPEC kit you need to "compare" to an IS sports, the suspention $750 from ebay, and the wheels ($1800?)
Now, we drove the IS250 over the weekend. My wife wants to replace her RSX-S with a bigger car. That day we drove the 330i, C230 sports, TL 6 speed, IS250.
The IS has a pretty interior. The leather is nice and soft. It's got some awesome feature sets. It's not that slow, but I don't believe it'll be any faster than the revised TSX. I am SURE the IS350 will go like stink, but no manual is a HUGE turn off for us.
Now as nice as the IS was I was marginally impressed with construction. There were some cheap plastic pieaces to be found: the sunglasses holder and the knob for the sunroof. Both look cheap and the feel is not "substaintial". But these are minor things really if you think about it. What was not as minor was the fact that the car did not infact feel "solid". The new 330i felt subjective(very important key word, don't miss it) more solid than the IS. When changing lanes and going over those "dotted" lane markers, the 330i was very solid. Steer was tight and the sound was solid. The IS on the other hand, while it didn't rattle, the steer got vague and the sound had more high pitch tone(aka more tinny) than the 330i.
Where does the TL come in you ask? Well, the TL felt like the 330 going over the same dots. Yes TL steer was not as firm and responsive as the 330, but certainly it was subjectively more solid than the IS.
Now, the IS could be and very well might have a stronger chassis than the TL. But the fact is, for most of us, driving a car is all about subjective feelings.
Oh remember the leather I talked about? The TL's leather actually isn't far off from the feel of the Lexus. BMW leather sucks BTW. Very hard and rough.
So, to say the ISx50 is "SO MUCH MORE BETTER" than the TL might e a stretch depending on what you are talking about. From a feature set perspective, I can aggree. From a value, it's a big heck no. From a subjective feel, probably not.
A BASE IS250 is $29,9 - NO HID, no Leather, no sunroof, manual tranny. For that price you can drive out a TSX fully loaded.
Now if you want some "stuff" in the new IS, you will have to buy options.
Sports package? I think it's $2900? Don't want sports but want premium, $3500 I think. Want NAVI? $4000.
A base IS350 I believe is priced close to $36k? Now add those options and you'll see.
For the person that mentioned a spec. Fair enough... BUT who in the right mind would pay $5k for it from the dealer when you can pieace it together from ebay for MUCH less. I mean there's only two things from the ASPEC kit you need to "compare" to an IS sports, the suspention $750 from ebay, and the wheels ($1800?)
Now, we drove the IS250 over the weekend. My wife wants to replace her RSX-S with a bigger car. That day we drove the 330i, C230 sports, TL 6 speed, IS250.
The IS has a pretty interior. The leather is nice and soft. It's got some awesome feature sets. It's not that slow, but I don't believe it'll be any faster than the revised TSX. I am SURE the IS350 will go like stink, but no manual is a HUGE turn off for us.
Now as nice as the IS was I was marginally impressed with construction. There were some cheap plastic pieaces to be found: the sunglasses holder and the knob for the sunroof. Both look cheap and the feel is not "substaintial". But these are minor things really if you think about it. What was not as minor was the fact that the car did not infact feel "solid". The new 330i felt subjective(very important key word, don't miss it) more solid than the IS. When changing lanes and going over those "dotted" lane markers, the 330i was very solid. Steer was tight and the sound was solid. The IS on the other hand, while it didn't rattle, the steer got vague and the sound had more high pitch tone(aka more tinny) than the 330i.
Where does the TL come in you ask? Well, the TL felt like the 330 going over the same dots. Yes TL steer was not as firm and responsive as the 330, but certainly it was subjectively more solid than the IS.
Now, the IS could be and very well might have a stronger chassis than the TL. But the fact is, for most of us, driving a car is all about subjective feelings.
Oh remember the leather I talked about? The TL's leather actually isn't far off from the feel of the Lexus. BMW leather sucks BTW. Very hard and rough.
So, to say the ISx50 is "SO MUCH MORE BETTER" than the TL might e a stretch depending on what you are talking about. From a feature set perspective, I can aggree. From a value, it's a big heck no. From a subjective feel, probably not.
10-18-2005, 02:31 PM
#158
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by TheMainEvEnt
^ enjoy reading your post. I think I will visit a local Lexus dealership this weekend just to test out the 5MT IS250.
I didnt see the IS250 but DiFeo Lexus has a blk/blk IS350 demo out front. I'll probably be there on Saturday flogging the new IS' and maybe a GS or two.
10-18-2005, 02:32 PM
#159
Advanced
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by TheMainEvEnt
^ enjoy reading your post. I think I will visit a local Lexus dealership this weekend just to test out the 5MT IS250.
Soemthing else interesting: the dealer told me that they won't order anything without atleast an option package for now. So in otherwords, if you can live with spending $30k on a lexus with no leather, no sunroof, no HID, they won't do it for you.
10-18-2005, 03:01 PM
#160
AZ Community Team
Well written posting, I agree also.
I drove a 2006 330i at a Lexus event recently (as well as GS300/430, 530i, E320,...). I was impressed with the new 330i, not the interior but it's handling was so well balanced in terms of feel and response.
I didn't get a chance to drive a IS, the line was too long (should have driven as soon as I got there instead of munching on Lexus's H'orderves). A neighbor drove the IS350 and my brother drove the IS250 AWD, both said they were nice.
I looked over the static IS350 and GS's pretty well and it is nicely constructed but one thing that occured to me after looking at all the Lexus cars is that the new GS and IS are more similar to the Acura TL and RL than they are to the older Lexus line. The interior panel gaps and body gaps were similar to my TL. One thing that was prominent was the styling of the interior, the IS/GS displays and switches are more German like sleek and styled than the older LS/LX/RX/SC which look very Japanese-like with alot flashy/shiny switches and displays. The engine bay of the newer IS also looks more like the TL than the older Lexus's there also. Overall the IS is a nice car, the back seat is small though. Wish I could have drove it also.
I drove a 2006 330i at a Lexus event recently (as well as GS300/430, 530i, E320,...). I was impressed with the new 330i, not the interior but it's handling was so well balanced in terms of feel and response.
I didn't get a chance to drive a IS, the line was too long (should have driven as soon as I got there instead of munching on Lexus's H'orderves). A neighbor drove the IS350 and my brother drove the IS250 AWD, both said they were nice.
I looked over the static IS350 and GS's pretty well and it is nicely constructed but one thing that occured to me after looking at all the Lexus cars is that the new GS and IS are more similar to the Acura TL and RL than they are to the older Lexus line. The interior panel gaps and body gaps were similar to my TL. One thing that was prominent was the styling of the interior, the IS/GS displays and switches are more German like sleek and styled than the older LS/LX/RX/SC which look very Japanese-like with alot flashy/shiny switches and displays. The engine bay of the newer IS also looks more like the TL than the older Lexus's there also. Overall the IS is a nice car, the back seat is small though. Wish I could have drove it also.
Originally Posted by shingles
The IS is a nice car... but let's take emotion out of this comparison and think logically.
A BASE IS250 is $29,9 - NO HID, no Leather, no sunroof, manual tranny. For that price you can drive out a TSX fully loaded.
Now if you want some "stuff" in the new IS, you will have to buy options.
Sports package? I think it's $2900? Don't want sports but want premium, $3500 I think. Want NAVI? $4000.
A base IS350 I believe is priced close to $36k? Now add those options and you'll see.
For the person that mentioned a spec. Fair enough... BUT who in the right mind would pay $5k for it from the dealer when you can pieace it together from ebay for MUCH less. I mean there's only two things from the ASPEC kit you need to "compare" to an IS sports, the suspention $750 from ebay, and the wheels ($1800?)
Now, we drove the IS250 over the weekend. My wife wants to replace her RSX-S with a bigger car. That day we drove the 330i, C230 sports, TL 6 speed, IS250.
The IS has a pretty interior. The leather is nice and soft. It's got some awesome feature sets. It's not that slow, but I don't believe it'll be any faster than the revised TSX. I am SURE the IS350 will go like stink, but no manual is a HUGE turn off for us.
Now as nice as the IS was I was marginally impressed with construction. There were some cheap plastic pieaces to be found: the sunglasses holder and the knob for the sunroof. Both look cheap and the feel is not "substaintial". But these are minor things really if you think about it. What was not as minor was the fact that the car did not infact feel "solid". The new 330i felt subjective(very important key word, don't miss it) more solid than the IS. When changing lanes and going over those "dotted" lane markers, the 330i was very solid. Steer was tight and the sound was solid. The IS on the other hand, while it didn't rattle, the steer got vague and the sound had more high pitch tone(aka more tinny) than the 330i.
Where does the TL come in you ask? Well, the TL felt like the 330 going over the same dots. Yes TL steer was not as firm and responsive as the 330, but certainly it was subjectively more solid than the IS.
Now, the IS could be and very well might have a stronger chassis than the TL. But the fact is, for most of us, driving a car is all about subjective feelings.
Oh remember the leather I talked about? The TL's leather actually isn't far off from the feel of the Lexus. BMW leather sucks BTW. Very hard and rough.
So, to say the ISx50 is "SO MUCH MORE BETTER" than the TL might e a stretch depending on what you are talking about. From a feature set perspective, I can aggree. From a value, it's a big heck no. From a subjective feel, probably not.
A BASE IS250 is $29,9 - NO HID, no Leather, no sunroof, manual tranny. For that price you can drive out a TSX fully loaded.
Now if you want some "stuff" in the new IS, you will have to buy options.
Sports package? I think it's $2900? Don't want sports but want premium, $3500 I think. Want NAVI? $4000.
A base IS350 I believe is priced close to $36k? Now add those options and you'll see.
For the person that mentioned a spec. Fair enough... BUT who in the right mind would pay $5k for it from the dealer when you can pieace it together from ebay for MUCH less. I mean there's only two things from the ASPEC kit you need to "compare" to an IS sports, the suspention $750 from ebay, and the wheels ($1800?)
Now, we drove the IS250 over the weekend. My wife wants to replace her RSX-S with a bigger car. That day we drove the 330i, C230 sports, TL 6 speed, IS250.
The IS has a pretty interior. The leather is nice and soft. It's got some awesome feature sets. It's not that slow, but I don't believe it'll be any faster than the revised TSX. I am SURE the IS350 will go like stink, but no manual is a HUGE turn off for us.
Now as nice as the IS was I was marginally impressed with construction. There were some cheap plastic pieaces to be found: the sunglasses holder and the knob for the sunroof. Both look cheap and the feel is not "substaintial". But these are minor things really if you think about it. What was not as minor was the fact that the car did not infact feel "solid". The new 330i felt subjective(very important key word, don't miss it) more solid than the IS. When changing lanes and going over those "dotted" lane markers, the 330i was very solid. Steer was tight and the sound was solid. The IS on the other hand, while it didn't rattle, the steer got vague and the sound had more high pitch tone(aka more tinny) than the 330i.
Where does the TL come in you ask? Well, the TL felt like the 330 going over the same dots. Yes TL steer was not as firm and responsive as the 330, but certainly it was subjectively more solid than the IS.
Now, the IS could be and very well might have a stronger chassis than the TL. But the fact is, for most of us, driving a car is all about subjective feelings.
Oh remember the leather I talked about? The TL's leather actually isn't far off from the feel of the Lexus. BMW leather sucks BTW. Very hard and rough.
So, to say the ISx50 is "SO MUCH MORE BETTER" than the TL might e a stretch depending on what you are talking about. From a feature set perspective, I can aggree. From a value, it's a big heck no. From a subjective feel, probably not.