hmmm.... not sure about that. i'm 6'2" and i'm not a good fit in either front or back seats of a tsx (mostly legroom). i'm better in an IS, but admittedly not by much.

trunk space is also an issue... i once had to transfer stuff from a packed IS trunk to a TSX for a road trip with 4 people inside and we couldn't get everything to fit.

From front angles, i personally dont think the IS is boxy at all... the front curve and design is still pretty good in today's standard IMO...

yes, the car is stock.. and at 140K km.. thats pretty low! I think my IS is gonna be with me for a long time.. just had my transmission oil changed (for the 2nd time)!

With proper maintenance, these will go at least 400-500K IMHO.

Again, back to topic, for fun-factor, IS > TSX, RWD alone is worth it.

really? I never sat in an IS before but I always thought the IS looked smaller then the TSX. lol

OP needs to post how much he/she is willing to spend and their priorities. The fact that they're looking at an IS300 makes me think the budget is going to be <$20k. If that's the case, then there's not much point in talking about an IS250/350 because it's just not a fair comparison between a 1st gen TSX and an IS250/350. It's easily at least $10k more in price.

Here's what I think it comes down to - if you want your creature comforts, then get the TSX. Pretty much all the basic "luxuries" are standard on the 1st gen TSX - HID, heated seats, leather interior, sunroof and power seats, and on the later (2006+) bluetooth, TPMS and memory seats. I'm pretty sure most of those are probably paid options on the Lex.

If the OP is looking for performance, go for the IS300. RWD and more powerful engine. The IS300 does look a little "weird" and definitely dated though.

The TSX seems powerful enough for regular city driving (I currently own one), and does pretty well on the highway. To be honest, the only time I've wished it had more power was when I was driving up the Coquihalla Hwy fully loaded with 4 people and a trunk full of luggage. However, I don't think many cars will make it up that without a struggle anyways.

The only complaints I have about my TSX is the very soft paint, and the crappy leather used on the seats. MP3 would have been a nice option but I put in a USA Spec iPod adapter and use that with my iPod which works just as well.

IS
-RWD
-2JZ engine
-back seats are kind of cramped but I rarely drove people
-more rare than TSX
-looks more dated compared to TSX
-very reliable car, I never once had a warranty issue or anything break. NOTHING, even after 2 major accidents.
-fun to mod, and the parts aren't too expensive if you find them used
-big IS community on MY.IS

I owned this car for 6 years. My IS in its final form.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7152/is300nh2.jpg

bing: 2 major accidents and an RIP in your sig... is it my understanding that it's no longer of this world? :(

Lol thread is still going, well i couldn't decide between the two. The TSX being kind of plain, and the IS300 couldn't find it in the color i wanted. So instead i just decided to get a v6 accord coupe, black on black. Time to put my flame suit on... :D

LOL wtf


defeats the purpose of the thread

x2. Worse than either original option. :haha:

IMO ur wald lip looks too big for your l tuned sideskirt :D

nice ride though

lexus by far
rwd makes that car