Lister00169

That they did, but in comparison to at TL, it's smaller.

Dimesions
TL: length = 189.3, width = 72.2, wheelbase = 107.9
IS350: length = 180.1, width = 70.9, wheelbase = 107.5

Interior Volume, cu ft
TL: Front = 56, Rear = 42, Trunk = 12
IS350: Front = 52, Rear = 34, Trunk = 13

Source : Car & Driver October 2005 issue

SebringSilver

Not having actually driven the IS350, it's impossible to know if I'd trade in my TL for it. Just by reputation alone, however, I wouldn't do it. The IS probably doesn't offer the same kind of roominess that the TL does. The GS, on the other hand....now that might be a different story.

In any case, it probably isn't a good idea to buy the new generation of any car in its 1st year of production. If anybody here is considering swapping their TL for an IS, it might be more prudent to wait till the '07 model comes out.

wasabe918

for those who has seen the new IS350 in person, does it look compact still, eventhough it grew like 3 inches longer. I thought the older generation looks too small.

hashsi99

Actually the IS has a newer NAVI than the new GS does. It supposedly has the nicest screen available.

As for changing things in motion, this is more of a safety feature. If you look around people have already figured out how to bypass this feature in the new GS's without any mod's. I'm sure they'll do the same with the IS.

I'll post some pics when I get my 250 AWD on October 17th (hopefully, I'm on the list and they are supposedly going to be at my dealer on that Monday )

Actuary

My quick answer is
350 costs more than TL NAVI. way more. We all agree that we never compare cars of different price range, right?
250 costs about the same but obviously slow and probably less featured.

hashsi99

250 less featured than the TL??? If you do a little research, you'll find no truth in this statement, except for the horsepower, which isn't really a big deal for most people.

If you want a quick car buy a sports car, not a TL or IS.

Juronimo

No, it costs too much.

Batman-JGII

I thought this was an interesting document. Clearly a sales document though. Enjoy.

http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=268095 (just click on the dealer education brochure link)

TL Boris

Like the look, like the speed, like the rear drive, BUT

- gotta have the manual
- less electronic gremlins
- way more rear seat room than the IS has (kids, friends, parents, etc.). This is why I could never own a 3-series.

WdnUlik2no

the only way I would even consider the IS350 if it came in a stick. I still think the TL looks better though, and I also I think the 350 is a bit over priced.

iNteGraz92

right

iNteGraz92

so that's why people buy 325s
right... because the TL is a slow pos

sftroy

I can't wait to drive one . . . I'm sure the quality will be better than my TL's. I'm gonna wait about a year until all the bugs have been worked out then bye-bye TL...

dezzzmond

The TL is a great all around car, but the IS is comething new and faster (RWD). The only problem is that it not manual. I'll be keepin my TL. I have to move up the "food chain" for my next car. It has to be in the $50-80K price range.

mlody

only if i could afford it and shit gears myself

trancemission

I second that.....ur...wait.......third that....

willz822

Now that would be a neat trick.....

apnorm

iTrader: (3)

Not a chance. Living in the Northeast, I wanted at least a front wheel drive car or AWD. Also, need a manual transmission!

mtw156

I wish the TL had lights like the IS.

ttliang

here in the NE, you have to keep your TL to get the IS350. unless you have time switch to snow tires every winter. but then the performance sucks on cold but dry days. it's just a major pain in the butt to own a RWD car here if you have to work for a living. my next door neigbor park his BMW almost for the majority of 3-4 month winter here and drove his audi. plus no stick on IS350 and pay way more. what's the point?

stingrey

Question about Lexus in general... The nav system I know is voice controlled like the TL, but Bluetooth... I've heard that you must stop the car to use this feature... That can't be right, is it? Too early to call Lexus and too tired to research further just yet. Just curious if anyone knows off the top. One thing is sure, the IS 350 comparably equipped is a little more than the TL or I'd 'be considering that car, too.

kickahlick

hell no look at that tl

stingrey

Uuh, ok... I don't get it? Look at what TL, and why? I know it has Bluetooth that works (when paired with a compatible phone) while driving, as does the nav system, but I have HEARD that the Lexus has some limitations where you must stop the car to use certain features... This was on previous versions of the nav feature anyhow, so just curious about whether or not there are still limitations like that. Your answer just kind of didn't make sense, if it was an answer to my question.

baysic tl

well we went and looked at them right after we drove the tl and for me being 6'5" the room for the driver was not there, there is no back seat for any one behind me and getting the 350 allwheel drive was like 43k or so and why buy the 250 when the tl is much better

yohan81718

There is no IS350 AWD, only IS250 has optional AWD. I don't know about TL being "much better" than IS250 AWD. IS250 AWD has standard NAVI and such and it is about the same price as TL with NAVI. Lexus in general has higher reliability and is considered little bit more luxurious than Acura (at least is for people around me).

I test drove IS350 as well. Fully loaded IS350 is 43k and base is like 36~37k. Yes, it is over-priced. But that car is NICE!!! I'm also 6'3" and yes nobody can seat behind me, but even on my TL, like dad (5'10") or my brother (6'0") can't really seat behind me without me being uncomfortably driving. Are you sure about you didn't have enough space for yourself on the driver's seat? I found IS had more room for driver if you pull out your seat all the way to the back.

Simply, it's hard to compare TL with IS since new IS just came out and TL's been out for few years. Newer engine, newer equipments and newer technology... I'm sure there are things that TL are better than IS and IS than TL. I love both IS350 and TL.

Acuracy

the IS is a great little car and notice i said little because thats what it is. I love my TL because of the value but if a fully loaded 350 wasnt 45Gs i would buy it..i just cant jusify spending that kinda money on a IS that has a cramp backseat even though the front is very comfortable, the leather was soft but i didnt like that fact you couldnt take the traction off. If i was spending that kind of money on a car i would put a little more and get a M3 or something to that extent. I test drove the 350 and its quick but i guess if it was available in 6 sp my mind would change alittle. I also got a quote oof 45Gs and it was alil to rich for my blood for a car like that. Just my

Travis

Dkrudop

IS, IMHO, is simply too small to consider as a trade for the TL....however, I would consider a trade for an M45! (might even be willing to pay the difference!)

crm_codder

Only if IS350 will cost same as TL2006 ... )

whatjones911

I would buy the IS350 in a heartbeat over the TL if it was the same price

HEK

ditto and front wheel drive...

Nandito28

The IS looks like a small civic bulky hatch back to me...

I wish our TL had the same if not more HP and AWD.

Rwd is scary when it rains....I had a 04 Lincoln LS...that shit fish tailed everytime it rained...Scary as FUCK!!!

vp911

You can use the BT while driving in the Lexus - just not to its full capability. You have to cut the VSS wire going to the navi and splice it in with another wire to get full functionatily. That shouldn't be a deciding factor in the car - but more like the size you need, the power you want, etc.

You can't use the phonebook while driving, but you can preset quick dial numbers (I think 17 or 18 of them) and you can dial those while driving.

zooyork123

alot of u guys are wrong, why dont u guys get the IS250 that model has a 6spd Manual and its RWD. anyway there are 4 models of IS

1.IS250 6Spd Manual RWD V6 204HP
2.IS250 6spd Automatic RWD V6 204HP
3.IS250 6spd Automatic AWD V6 204HP
4.IS350 6spd Automatic RWD V6 306HP

SebringSilver

I wouldn't go from a TL to an IS no matter how much (or how little) it cost. The Lexus is just too small. In fact, there isn't a single Lexus model out right now that makes a compelling argument for you to choose it over another car. The car market is just too competitive these days. That new LS460 might have something to say about that though.

neuronbob

I agree. The IS would be perfect for a single person with no family. I need the back seat for my upcoming child (a boy, woohoo! ), and for occasional transport of my in-laws.

TL wins.

AcuraVic

I've seen the new IS on the road. Its looks are not up to the TL.

vp911

Congrats on the upcoming boy!!! (wait till teenage years... )

Being single, I sold the RL and bought the IS. It costs more than the TL - but both cars are excellent. Like neuronbob said, if you need the room, the TL can't be beat. If you are single and rarely use the little available room in the IS, then go for it.

ResidualFreedom

The IS460 is coing out in the next two years, I'm seriously considering it as my next car... But since I jsut picked up the 02TL-S, I'll be waiting until the IS460 is a couple of years old. Probably grab one in 2010...damn that'll be a while.





it's going to be a nice one.....

wizlb

I will trade my paid for 2004 TL for ONLY SKYLINE. It can be a Skyline or a G35 2007 or 2008.

I want to modified my car!!!!!

Not just rear wheel drive!!!!

Nandito28

Damn, IS 460...How much HP and torque would that have?

Neuronbon- congrats on the boy...Teenage years? Hey at least you got a boy and not a girl!
Way less things to worry about, for example: boys, lol.