Lexus IS
12-05-2006, 01:24 PM
#41
Senior Moderator
not a fan of the new IS.
the old one had more character, esp the front end. new one is just a whole lotta "meh".
the old one had more character, esp the front end. new one is just a whole lotta "meh".
12-05-2006, 02:08 PM
#43
mmmmmm....
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Umm sorry but pictures prove that I am right. The IS has way too much plastic. No real alum trim but painted plastic trim everywhere. Poor quality materials. It is a known issue on the lexus forums. That is why I posted pictures. It's as bad as the 03-04 G35's. The TSX/TL own the IS in this catagory. The older IS300 was better quality.
12-05-2006, 02:20 PM
#44
Safety Car
Hmm they both have the same interior. There is nothing different. You can get the wood trim put on either model to hide most of the cheap plastic which then it makes it look much better. But the 03-04 G35 interior sucked anyways. The IS350 isn't that much better over the 05+ G35 now.
12-05-2006, 02:33 PM
#45
mmmmmm....
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Hmm they both have the same interior. There is nothing different. You can get the wood trim put on either model to hide most of the cheap plastic which then it makes it look much better. But the 03-04 G35 interior sucked anyways. The IS350 isn't that much better over the 05+ G35 now.
12-05-2006, 03:28 PM
#46
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Umm sorry but pictures prove that I am right. The IS has way too much plastic. No real alum trim but painted plastic trim everywhere. Poor quality materials. It is a known issue on the lexus forums. .
What makes them an issue exactly? Post a link please.
I used to bitch on how much plastic the IS had till i sat in one. Its not bad at all with the wood by the shiftgate. Still think the IS has a better interior than the TSX. But it better be for the price difference.
12-05-2006, 04:15 PM
#48
Burn some dust here
As far as the interior goes....IS > TSX (not even close IMO)
Now as far as the class goes:
1) E90/E92: Still the king....best leather, best seating position, best materials, and the ability to pick and choose your interior color options with all exterior colors
2) A4: Great materials, good driving position, center stack is well laid out, and (like the BMW) you have the ability to choose different interior colors/trim with all exterior colors
3) IS: Great quality, good materials, probably the most comfortable seats, great radio, backseat is cramped
4) Tie G35/TL: Both have good materials and build quality, great features for the $$$, best guages and navi systems, still lag behind the others on some materials and the fact that you cannot "tailor" the interior the way you want it (Ex. G35: can only get wood with non-sport models and only in some interior colors......TL: 2-tone for type-s and cannot pick between aluminum or wood; you must go with whatever Acura gives you)
Now as far as the class goes:
1) E90/E92: Still the king....best leather, best seating position, best materials, and the ability to pick and choose your interior color options with all exterior colors
2) A4: Great materials, good driving position, center stack is well laid out, and (like the BMW) you have the ability to choose different interior colors/trim with all exterior colors
3) IS: Great quality, good materials, probably the most comfortable seats, great radio, backseat is cramped
4) Tie G35/TL: Both have good materials and build quality, great features for the $$$, best guages and navi systems, still lag behind the others on some materials and the fact that you cannot "tailor" the interior the way you want it (Ex. G35: can only get wood with non-sport models and only in some interior colors......TL: 2-tone for type-s and cannot pick between aluminum or wood; you must go with whatever Acura gives you)
12-05-2006, 04:33 PM
#50
mmmmmm....
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
What makes them an issue exactly? Post a link please.
I used to bitch on how much plastic the IS had till i sat in one. Its not bad at all with the wood by the shiftgate. Still think the IS has a better interior than the TSX. But it better be for the price difference.
12-05-2006, 04:58 PM
#51
Safety Car
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
What makes them an issue exactly? Post a link please.
I used to bitch on how much plastic the IS had till i sat in one. Its not bad at all with the wood by the shiftgate. Still think the IS has a better interior than the TSX. But it better be for the price difference.
I sat in one. Those are my pictures. I sat in one again recently at the car show. And yes I do agree with the wood is makes it 100x better. But without you get to see how cheap the interior really is.
Last edited by pimpin-tl; 12-05-2006 at 05:00 PM.
12-05-2006, 05:00 PM
#53
Senior Moderator
Can you please post a link to the lexus owners who are complaining about poor material quality "issues".
Is the plastic chipping or somthing?
But yea, the interior looks pretty bad without the wood around the shiftgate.
Is the plastic chipping or somthing?
But yea, the interior looks pretty bad without the wood around the shiftgate.
12-05-2006, 05:05 PM
#55
The pic of the TL's interior shows just how fast this segment moves. A few years back I would've said the TL's interior was the best in its class, but now looking at it in comparison with the new ones, it needs an infusion of new design fast!
12-05-2006, 05:08 PM
#56
Safety Car
12-05-2006, 05:09 PM
#57
Moderator Alumnus
Originally Posted by Fibonacci
I think the IS is by far, the best looking Lexus in their line-up. And the upcoming IS500 will be an absolute beast.
Lexus still hasn't mastered how to build a great feeling 6MT, just like Acura hasn't mastered great brake feel.
I'm a value guy though, and even though I could easily afford to drive a vehicle 2x more expensive, I'm still thrilled to get in my TSX after almost 3 years.
Lexus still hasn't mastered how to build a great feeling 6MT, just like Acura hasn't mastered great brake feel.
I'm a value guy though, and even though I could easily afford to drive a vehicle 2x more expensive, I'm still thrilled to get in my TSX after almost 3 years.
Have you driven a 6MT TL?
12-05-2006, 05:10 PM
#58
Safety Car
Originally Posted by phile
The pic of the TL's interior shows just how fast this segment moves. A few years back I would've said the TL's interior was the best in its class, but now looking at it in comparison with the new ones, it needs an infusion of new design fast!
12-05-2006, 06:36 PM
#60
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Oh i thought you were talking about IS owners who have issues with their plastic materials.
12-05-2006, 06:38 PM
#61
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Fibonacci
I'm really liking the new G35. Depending on what the next TSX looks like, the G could very well be my next car.
12-05-2006, 06:52 PM
#62
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
The TSX is probably a better value, but if you want RWD...
Base price of the new G is 31k, its pretty close to the TSX and comes with gobs more power, higher quality interior and standard features not available on the TSX period. Though I think the TSX is an apples to oranges comparison, 4cyl FWD vs. confused V6(thinks its a V8 sometimes) in RWD or AWD
12-05-2006, 07:29 PM
#63
Safety Car
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Oh i thought you were talking about IS owners who have issues with their plastic materials.
12-05-2006, 07:39 PM
#64
I feel the need...
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
The TSX is probably a better value, but if you want RWD...
Greenie, without a doubt - TSX (in my humble opinion) is the best sports sedan value out there (which is why I own one
). The only reason I don't have a G already is because like you, we live in the snow belt.
12-05-2006, 07:44 PM
#65
I feel the need...
Originally Posted by SiGGy
Have you driven a 6MT TL?
Drove the 5AT back when I was deciding between 04 TSX and TL. I'm sure the brembo's are oustanding in the 6MT TL, but as a general rule of thumb - Honda doesn't put superb brakes in their vehicles.
If you want to sample a prime example of this - drive the RDX and the BMW X3 back to back.
12-06-2006, 12:07 AM
#66
Burning Brakes
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Originally Posted by Fibonacci
Drove the 5AT back when I was deciding between 04 TSX and TL. I'm sure the brembo's are oustanding in the 6MT TL, but as a general rule of thumb - Honda doesn't put superb brakes in their vehicles.
If you want to sample a prime example of this - drive the RDX and the BMW X3 back to back.
If you want to sample a prime example of this - drive the RDX and the BMW X3 back to back.
and i dont care what anybody says, the old BMW 3 series interior was the best interior ever put in an entry level car. the materials used were 100x better than the plastic crap they put in the new 3 series. ya, ya, there's more wood now but who cares? the simplicity of the interior and arrangement of everything in the old 3 series was what made it perfect. the seating position was great, the steering wheel was thick and leather-wrapped, the center console so simple and easy to use, none of that shit-hole I-drive, not to mention the seats in the sport package were amazing . all the companies now want fancy buttons and switches for every little thing but the BMW accomplished everything inside a box that only took up half of the center console. compare the simplicity of the design in the old 3 series to the jungle of buttons and knobs in any other entry level sedan. it's crazy.
Last edited by daemonicus; 12-06-2006 at 12:10 AM.
12-06-2006, 12:14 AM
#67
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by daemonicus
and i dont care what anybody says, the old BMW 3 series interior was the best interior ever put in an entry level car.
I'd consider the Toyota Yaris to be "entry level" ... FWIW
12-06-2006, 08:31 AM
#69
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Fibonacci
Greenie, without a doubt - TSX (in my humble opinion) is the best sports sedan value out there (which is why I own one ). The only reason I don't have a G already is because like you, we live in the snow belt.
). The only reason I don't have a G already is because like you, we live in the snow belt.
My CLS is my first FWD car (well, 2nd if you count the 84 olds cutlass ciera station wagon I owned briefly in the early 90's). And it might very well be my last FWD car.
I've driven for the 20 years prior to my CLS purchase on RWD and all season tires in New England, and decided to try out FWD 'cause the CLS was a great value. I'm don't think I want to take the "cheap" way out next time, so I'll be looking at a rwd vehicle next time around. I'm just more comfortable with the dynamics of a RWD vehicle.
My wish list is almost all RWD. Acura sub-nsx coupe, BMW 3 series, BMW M2, Ford Mustang GT, Honda 8th gen Accord Coupe, Infiniti G25/G35c, Lexus IS250/350 coupe, Toyota Supra, Subaru Legacy GT..... Yeah, some of 'em are merely rumors, but there isn't anything out there currently that I feel passionate enough about to dump my 6spd.
I don't think I could daily drive a 4cly. FWD vehicle unless I had a sportscar (vette, 911, etc) in the garage for the weekend. If someone made a RWD 4banger, I'd be all over it tho'...
12-06-2006, 08:57 AM
#70
Full-Time IDIoT---DoH!!!
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Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
OMG that BMW dash is ugly. Sorry but that is not a good design.
it takes some time getting used to...thats my i got my e90 w/the idrive, which makes it much more upscale imo
12-06-2006, 09:46 AM
#71
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
Originally Posted by unsure
it takes some time getting used to...thats my i got my e90 w/the idrive, which makes it much more upscale imo
12-06-2006, 12:05 PM
#72
Persuit of twin turbo
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Umm sorry but pictures prove that I am right. The IS has way too much plastic. No real alum trim but painted plastic trim everywhere. Poor quality materials. It is a known issue on the lexus forums. That is why I posted pictures. It's as bad as the 03-04 G35's. The TSX/TL own the IS in this catagory. The older IS300 was better quality.
I HAD both cars and the '04 TSX looked and felt way cheaper on the interior than my IS now does. And I am on the Lexus forums, and no one talks about this? WTF, where are you getting this from?
Older IS300 better quality?
12-06-2006, 12:11 PM
#73
Persuit of twin turbo
LMAO at links.
12-06-2006, 12:13 PM
#74
Persuit of twin turbo
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
They have complained in the past. Even in those topics they mention poor materials in the IS and ES.
Hell my 330ci had the same scratches.
And all these complaints that you found and in reading through them, one dude complained about a scratch in his wood? What makes this cheap?
My old Burberry coat had a tear in it, that I caused. Does that make it inexpensive?
12-06-2006, 12:16 PM
#75
Persuit of twin turbo
Originally Posted by daemonicus
BMW has always been known for amazing brakes. They used to beat all cars in comparison to them in braking but lately they get beat a lot. Still, I've driven enough cars and BMWs to say that even though they might take a couple ft. longer to stop, they certainly have the best brake feel.
and i dont care what anybody says, the old BMW 3 series interior was the best interior ever put in an entry level car. the materials used were 100x better than the plastic crap they put in the new 3 series.
and i dont care what anybody says, the old BMW 3 series interior was the best interior ever put in an entry level car. the materials used were 100x better than the plastic crap they put in the new 3 series.
12-06-2006, 01:26 PM
#77
Safety Car
Originally Posted by RyanDe680
Find a car forum though where owners haven't complained about their "wood scratching" for example.
Hell my 330ci had the same scratches.
And all these complaints that you found and in reading through them, one dude complained about a scratch in his wood? What makes this cheap?
My old Burberry coat had a tear in it, that I caused. Does that make it inexpensive?
Hell my 330ci had the same scratches.
And all these complaints that you found and in reading through them, one dude complained about a scratch in his wood? What makes this cheap?
My old Burberry coat had a tear in it, that I caused. Does that make it inexpensive?
Painted plastic and plastic all over the dash, doors is proof its not made as well as it use to be.
So stop being a Lexus fan boy.
Yes the IS300 had better quality. Chrome solid feeling shifter and ball. Solid door panels, less plastic on the dash and so on.
12-06-2006, 01:47 PM
#78
Persuit of twin turbo
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Pictures state a thousand words. It was proven above. And the links are there as well.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=321952
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=350768
It's called regular wear-and-tear to me.
12-06-2006, 01:50 PM
#79
Originally Posted by einsatz
I test drove the 250 AWD and the 350 at the local Taste Of Lexus event, and I think that given the choice between an 06 TSX and an 06 IS 250 AWD, I'd still decide on the TSX. Mostly because of value. The 250 on the road course they set up didn't feel as nimble and sporty as the TSX, and the room in the back is cramped!
The 350 was another story. I really liked it, but with the sport package, the 350 is over 40k which is waaaay too much. The one they had on display at the event had a sticker of $48k - What the hell?!
The 350 was another story. I really liked it, but with the sport package, the 350 is over 40k which is waaaay too much. The one they had on display at the event had a sticker of $48k - What the hell?!
12-06-2006, 01:50 PM
#80
Safety Car
Your arugement isn't valid.
Lexus doesn't use as good materials as they use too. They have cut back on quality. There are even news articles out there talking about it.
That is all I will say, because its obvious your a fan boy.
Lexus doesn't use as good materials as they use too. They have cut back on quality. There are even news articles out there talking about it.
That is all I will say, because its obvious your a fan boy.