has anyone here had any expirences with the is300?

it just doesn't feel as solid as the new TL does. the interior for sure could use some work but how does it compare or would u prefer the is300 over the new TL?

 

I test drove the IS before buying my '01 CL Type S and before getting the '04 TL... the car is nice with a few key drawbacks for me:

- small
- underpowered
- expensive when finally optioned out
- uninspired shape
- was trendy, now its a bit passe

Just my .02...I hope you find the car that is best for you.

 

TL>IS new technology
TL>IS space and room
TL>IS acceleration
TL>IS not flashy, fits in
TL>IS features


IS>TL based off more expensive car (GS) not cheaper car (Accord)
IS>TL handling
IS> TL aftermarket
IS>TL reliability
IS>TL service (Lexus over Acura)

ISs are being sold loaded for 30k nationwide, dealers are dealing em. The Tl is now 10% more expensive. I think 95% of the people would get the TL over the IS. The IS is for special and much younger people who really value individuality or plan on modded their car or for people that really value the Lexus experience.

The Tl really blends luxury and performance well.

 

IS = Ugly
TL = Smart looking vehicle.

 

actually the it depends... the IS is sportier and looks like a car for a much younger age group... the TL gives the impression of a mid-life crisis car (oops!)... (its due to FWD drawback, and weight... just too many compromises on performance!)

Both cars look good tho, to each his/her own.

before im roasted id just like to mention i drive a TL.

 

I hate ISs. They ride terribly, understeer, won't corner worth a damn on a real, bumpy canyon road with bumps in the corners. They are cramped. They look like a ricer kid car.

The TL is a ringer for my GS430 interms of comfort, quiet, power (different but as fast), ride and luxury.

My 330i is the target for the IS300 and it misses by 2 or 3 miles.

I returned the GS, end of lease.

 

IS = Ugly
TL = Smart looking vehicle

AS copied as the car is, from the character line that is now identical in the Altima, to every Honda owner (seemingly) and every car maker slapping Altezzas on, it can't be that ugly

 

Drove an IS 300 for 3 years.
Just switched to 04 TL and couldn't be happier .....

 

Raven.. same deal bro.

 

Looked at IS300 a couple years ago, was nice when it first came out. It was a good price for a LEXUS. But alot of kids were buying them and turned them into rice burning, muffler screaming, cheapo cars. Just brought down the LEXUS name.

 

Bingo. Of course, the same could be said of the Integra. The RSX is a bit more grown-up.

 

ive seen some turbocharged lexus IS300's making over 400 hp and beating M3's

 

Anybody here actually realize that the IS300 is SOOOOOO much smaller than the acura? Just try to put you client in the backseat of one of those! No sale! One the other hands, all who have ever sat in my new TL are quite impressed by the interior size.

 

There you go, starting a fight again. I actually like the look of the Altima, and I generally do not like the alteeza lights. But I have never cared for the IS, especially the back end. However I am a 41 yearold and my 14 yearold son is 14 and thinks the IS300 is awesome. I am guessing 1SIXLEX is a bit younger than me.

 

Oops, I just checked your profile and based on your cars you could be an old man. Mind you, the ES is a manual.

 

I agree

 

Too tiny, its like Civic size. The only Lex I still like is the GS. And by the looks of the 06 coming out next year...I won't be liking any of the Lexus car line. Now thier SUV's are another story.

 

Is + stage 2 turbo = 40k and 400+ whp (ok well 350hp with th daily driver boost)
Tl + aspec = 40k and 230whp


....not to mention RWD

 

I've always thought that IS300's were kinda cheap looking and not worth the money. Before i got my 03 TLS, i was considering the IS but it didnt seem worth buying. The only nice lexus imo is the LS430(now thats a car!) As for the comment about young people liking it, i think its true for some. It never appealed to me at all and i got my TLS when i was 16. IS300's are pretty damn fast though when turbocharged. My friend has a turbocharged IS and he is running 11's-13's quarter mile depending on weather conditions. I think the best he ran was 11.8 or 9. His car is an m3 killer. He only makes a few miles per gallon but i guess thats what you sacrifice to make your car fast. With all this said, i still dont think its a car worth buying

 

aren't they redesigning the IS like this year or next year? hopefully they'll give it more power and make it a little bit bigger.

 

The IS can be had for about $28,000 fully optioned. Very cheap right now because its in its last year. If you want to mod a car using turbo, there is no better platform. The TL will never be as mod friendly as the IS. However, most will not really spend that much on mods so the TL is probably the better overall car. If handling is your thing, there is NOTHING you can do to the TL that will make it handle as well as an IS.