[Kamui712]

Difference in price is only a few K's , the TSX's being newer.

But I'm wondering what your opinions are, which one would you chose?


For me... it's comming down to a choice between name brand of Lexus ... and little conveniences such as steering wheel controls... mp3 playback on the TSX

... but I see fewer Is300's than TSX's...

[L-S-D]

id get lex ..... jus because lexus >acura but if u want a almost new car then get the tsx

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

first gen Altezza is soooo outdated now dude, that shit is old


it doesnt even look like a lexus now, but like a rebadged slightly bigger civic. yup tats pretty much wat it is, SIZE wise....its really a small car.

I was in the market b4 for IS b4, engine has tons of potential. RWD, 2 jay z engine, very elegant interior layout. TSX doesnt look outdated compare to the IS


in this case TSX hands down

[optiblue]

if I were looking for a car in that luxury class, I'd be searcing for the first gen tsx... if I had to buy a tsx, I'd still get the models before this years... have you seen the current metal tank plate in the front o_O

[cococly]

TSX is better designed.

IS300 wasn't meant to be a luxury-sport sedan in the first place.

[ChyahGT]

lexus.

[thumper]

lexus.

i'm biased because i like RWD more than FWD (and i drive a FWD car :cry: )

[roastpuff]

If you're not going to mod/race it I'd go with the TSX. It's a better daily driver... more luxurious etc.

[jigga250]

I'd get the TSX, the IS looks pretty outdated

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

I'd get the TSX, the IS looks pretty outdated

totally 90s design

and the first trend of RICER mod tailight

[illwdt]

you guys make me cry :crybaby: go with Lexus cause its for the lovers.

[Adsdeman]

Lexus man more if a drivers car! people u must agree with at least that

[roastpuff]

Lexus man more if a drivers car! people u must agree with at least that

Lexus is from Toyota, and they want it to be the Japanese MB. Honda wants Acura to be Japanese BMW.

Go Acura for drivers' car, even though it's FWD.

[L-S-D]

Lexus is from Toyota, and they want it to be the Japanese MB. Honda wants Acura to be Japanese BMW.

Go Acura for drivers' car, even though it's FWD.

...... dude... dont even compare acura to lexus

there are 2 tiers of thesetype of luxory/sporty cars

1: LEXUS ,MB , BMW
2:Acura , infinity

and audi would be somewere inbetween 1,2

[cococly]

^^ ACURA is NOWHERE up to standard of LEXUS.

That's why they are trying so hard in recent years to improve themself, but they are failing..

[roastpuff]

...... dude... dont even compare acura to lexus

there are 2 tiers of thesetype of luxory/sporty cars

1: LEXUS ,MB , BMW
2:Acura , infinity

and audi would be somewere inbetween 1,2

I'm not saying that they are equal in luxury. Acura has always struggled to match Lexus in that regard.

I just find that the Acuras tend to be more of a driver's car compared to Lexus (excepting the current IS series).

[L-S-D]

what about the new GS? LS? RX? ... all of those are beter than the acuras ...

[LowTEC]

I just find that the Acuras tend to be more of a driver's car compared to Lexus (excepting the current IS series).


I don't see any model from the whole Acura lineup right now is any near to be a driver's car. :confused:

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

what about the new GS? LS? RX? ... all of those are beter than the acuras ...

kinda and sort of not


MDX > RX anyday

[svelt]

I'm not saying that they are equal in luxury. Acura has always struggled to match Lexus in that regard.

I just find that the Acuras tend to be more of a driver's car compared to Lexus (excepting the current IS series).

What? An old 5-speed IS300 is faster than the IS250 which is the only incarnation of the IS with a manual now.

Of course I'm biased since I quite enjoy mine, but I would pick the IS300 anytime. TSXs are a dime a dozen throughout metro Vancouver... they are closer to a Civic than any IS. Plus it's a FWD 4banger, so a 5-speed I6 IS300 with limited slip diff. could probably run rings around that little honda.

Design-wise, certainly the TSX is newer and more luxurious in its interior, but I find it very sedate and bland. It hardly catches any attention and blends right in. An IS300, polarizing as they may be with their clear tail-lights is still eye catching and easy to spot on the street. Note that they have been "refreshed" in 2004, if you wanted a slight facelift.

Acura couldn't be further from the Japanese BMW in its current form; Lexus' lineup is both sportier (IS-F, SC430, GS450h) and more luxurious.

[impactX]

Hop inside a new IS and you will see how dated the old IS is.

[ienhz]

i can't believe people are suggesting any Acura as a driver's car. My dad owns a 2006 TL and that car is in no way a driver's car or even close to an IS in terms of being a driver's car. That's not to say it's a bad thing though, cause he didn't buy it for that reason, but anyone looking for a driver's car shouldn't even consider an Acura.

[L-S-D]

kinda and sort of not


MDX > RX anyday

no way bro..... have u seen the new rx?? ... mdx is nothing even close to being as good , not even the technology... the navi system in the new mdx are garbage

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

really? hmm maybe im just digging the SH-AWD and the powerplant, overall look of the car > RX


i do love ES/GS/LS tho

[Mkhun]

kinda and sort of not


MDX > RX anyday

Hop inside a new IS and you will see how dated the old IS is.

+1


somehow IS kinda feels smaller than tsx...:confused:

i would go with TSX.




side note: if you are thinking abt family, MDX > RDX.

Driving = Fun ,

ppl @back seat = squeezed + uncomfortable ride quality especially going over bumpy roads.

i do drive rdx , its really fun to drive and nice car , but friends always complain

[kuri]

I have both cars. A 2002 IS300 and a 2004 TSX. Well, technically the IS is my wife's car.

IS:
+ More powerful engine. Much more torque down low.
+ Lexus brand appeal for some
+ RWD fun
+ Quicker steering
+ Much more comfortable ride
- Car's exterior & interior look more dated
- Interior is smaller (front and rear seats AND cargo area)
- Rear seats do not fold down (TSX is 60/40)
- Tail light style now associated with rice
- If you're getting the auto, the IS's auto doesn't allow you to hold 1st gear. It might not bother you but it bugs me a lot
- The IS is in storage during the winter months. Even with snow tires, the car just can't seem to get enough traction. It's sure fun to slide it around though.

TSX:
+ Nicer interior and more up-to-date exterior
+ Some minor features that the IS doesn't have (e.g. steering mounted controls, dual zone climate control, speed sensitive intermittent wipers, etc.)
+ Better traction in the winter thanks to FWD layout
- FWD is less fun to drive
- Less low end torque means you'll be reving higher often (this could be a +? ;) )
- More bodyroll than IS with the stock suspension, yet it still rides firmer (i.e. less comfortable)
- Weak stock brakes

Btw, as far as I know, the 04-08 TSX did not come with MP3 CD playback capability. The 06+ came with a AUX/MP3 audio jack though if that's what you're referring to. Bluetooth was introduced in the 06 as well.

They both have their +'s and -'s. If you are into modding the cars, you can improve on some of the -'s too.

Make your own decision. :)

[L-S-D]

lol trust me man.. rx beter than the mdx in every way once u drive both of them ull notice the difference... even somthing as simple as adaptive headlights the mdx doesent have or the tilt steering wheel

[roastpuff]

i can't believe people are suggesting any Acura as a driver's car. My dad owns a 2006 TL and that car is in no way a driver's car or even close to an IS in terms of being a driver's car. That's not to say it's a bad thing though, cause he didn't buy it for that reason, but anyone looking for a driver's car shouldn't even consider an Acura.

It may just be my Honda fanboyism showing through. :D The TL is a bloated Accord, I'll give you that. I've not driven many Lexuses beyond the ES350 and a short stint with a friend's IS350, but they felt rather bloated (the IS much less, with a lot more power, but the ES definitely. There's just this "heavy" feeling to those cars). The TSX is light and nimble, with enough power for around-town use - it really needs some more for sporting usage though. The suspension is willing but the engine is weak.

Honda products have more "character" than Toyota products, IMO. More interesting to drive. Haven't had a chance with the old IS300, so I can't really say how the driving experience with that one is.

What? An old 5-speed IS300 is faster than the IS250 which is the only incarnation of the IS with a manual now.

Of course I'm biased since I quite enjoy mine, but I would pick the IS300 anytime. TSXs are a dime a dozen throughout metro Vancouver... they are closer to a Civic than any IS. Plus it's a FWD 4banger, so a 5-speed I6 IS300 with limited slip diff. could probably run rings around that little honda.

Design-wise, certainly the TSX is newer and more luxurious in its interior, but I find it very sedate and bland. It hardly catches any attention and blends right in. An IS300, polarizing as they may be with their clear tail-lights is still eye catching and easy to spot on the street. Note that they have been "refreshed" in 2004, if you wanted a slight facelift.

Acura couldn't be further from the Japanese BMW in its current form; Lexus' lineup is both sportier (IS-F, SC430, GS450h) and more luxurious.

I wouldn't really call the SC430 sporty, it's more of a GT. And it's rather ugly.

The TSX is definitely outclassed by the IS300 in terms of pure speed/handling, but it's a more practical car around town, especially for gas mileage. And yes it's rather common/sedate nowadays. OP's choice, practical sports or less practical more sports.

The GS-F is sporty, the GS450h not really...

And Acura's trying. ;) They're shifting to a AWD-optional performance setup now. Hopefully the TSX will get it too. And the V6 option now... only if a manual transmission was offered...

kinda and sort of not


MDX > RX anyday

RDX > MDX > RX.

The RDX is actually very nice to drive. And the SH-AWD + turbo powerplant is FUN.

[jigga250]

what about the new GS? LS? RX? ... all of those are beter than the acuras ...

RDX >> RX as far as being a drivers car. Great handling, 0-60 in 6.3, not even close.
09 TL > ES (boat) too

I don't see any model from the whole Acura lineup right now is any near to be a driver's car.

apparently you didn't look very hard

[sexyaccord]

TSX

[L-S-D]

.

[L-S-D]

RDX >> RX as far as being a drivers car. Great handling, 0-60 in 6.3, not even close.
09 TL > ES (boat) too



apparently you didn't look very hard


hmm i dont really like ES .. es is kinda like an old persons car lol...

is350 > 09TL ,G35 coupe , G37 coupe , 350z

[Kamui712]

wow, I didn't know this topic would generate so much discussion! :thumbsup: I was hoping there would be more unanimous votes but I guess I really do have to sit down and look at all the ups and downs, and i'll know for sure once i test drive them.

I have both cars. A 2002 IS300 and a 2004 TSX. Well, technically the IS is my wife's car.

Btw, as far as I know, the 04-08 TSX did not come with MP3 CD playback capability. The 06+ came with a AUX/MP3 audio jack though if that's what you're referring to. Bluetooth was introduced in the 06 as well.


Seriously?? I just looked that up, that's ridiculous! Honda's starting in '06 have mp3 why wouldn't their luxury class follow suit...


damn, maybe I'll just save up for a 09 TSX... lol or get a IS250.. decisions, decisions

[thumper]

going off topic!

I've not driven many Lexuses beyond the ES350 and a short stint with a friend's IS350, but they felt rather bloated (the IS much less, with a lot more power, but the ES definitely. There's just this "heavy" feeling to those cars).

please... no one base their lexus experience on the ES! to borrow your comments, it's a bloated camry... i still remember bursting into tears whenever i had to drive one for a courtesy car at the dealer :cry:


I wouldn't really call the SC430 sporty, it's more of a GT. And it's rather ugly.

agreed. made the solara convertible look like a deal, and that isn't saying much... they are cancelling it soon (if not already) and i'm not going to miss it.


The GS-F is sporty, the GS450h not really...

yeah i don't get that. i just watched footage of a lexus-sponsored gs450h racing at the 2008 newfoundland targa... i was like witnessing a whale going ballistic :o


RDX > MDX > RX.

The RDX is actually very nice to drive. And the SH-AWD + turbo powerplant is FUN.

has the RX ever been advertised for it's performance/handling? i thought it was strictly luxury sport-utility.

i don't know if it's just me but i don't see too many new RDX/MDX's around (or is it because i'm not in rmd?), and my only (passenger seat) experience in an RDX was not stellar, punctuated with a harsh ride and turbo lag :(

back on topic!

my vote is still for the lexus! :thumbsup:

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

thats because RX is boring as hell to drive, hence only C-Lai mom drives those???

[kuri]

Seriously?? I just looked that up, that's ridiculous! Honda's starting in '06 have mp3 why wouldn't their luxury class follow suit...

damn, maybe I'll just save up for a 09 TSX... lol or get a IS250.. decisions, decisions

I should clarify. Acura *OFFERS* a MP3 CD player for the car, but it is an extra option. It doesn't replace the 6-disc CD changer though. You install it just below the center console area:

http://acurapartspeople.com/images/Acura/TSX_03MP5_1.jpg

If you're lucky you might find a used one with the option installed. :)

[L-S-D]

just save your money and get the is250 AWD , way beter than the tsx even the TL , as far as luxory/ beter looking... and ull get the same great interior as the 350 , and if u decide to modd ur car in the future the 250 has great potential and lots of different ways u can modd it ;)


LEXUS ftw > acura anyday
http://http://www.desktopcar.net/wallpaper/29408-2/Lexus_IS250_07.jpg

http://www.gayot.com/images/auto/lexus/is250/int.jpg


acura
http://http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/2004_acura_tsx.jpg

http://autos.augusta.com/images/reviews/2003/08/scanlan_080703_1_400.jpg

[Bender Unit]

^ after read most of your posts on RS
You are quite biased on Lexus
Your pictures are showing an old TSX interior compared to new IS interior :(

Nothing against it, Lexus build good quality car
I owned an Acura TSX. I love it, but as we all know it is under power for heavy car.
It can be fun if you go for a 6MT while the old IS300 is 5MT (hard to find)

If I was in the market for a used car, I will get a newer model lower mileage despite Lexus or Acura...

[bobyu]

hands down on modded is300. imo looks way better than modded tsx.
dont get offended since im driving one =D

[L-S-D]

^ after read most of your posts on RS
You are quite biased on Lexus
Your pictures are showing an old TSX interior compared to new IS interior :(

Nothing against it, Lexus build good quality car
I owned an Acura TSX. I love it, but as we all know it is under power for heavy car.
It can be fun if you go for a 6MT while the old IS300 is 5MT (hard to find)

If I was in the market for a used car, I will get a newer model lower mileage despite Lexus or Acura...

im jus a lexus lover :jerkit:

[!Yaminashi]

Having never driven both, I vote for the IS based on looks

[freakshow]

Although the IS does look a bit dated, let's face it: The TSX is not a head turner.

I would choose the IS on the basis of looks, performance and nameplate.
If you want a MT IS, I think you need to look at 2002+. I think 2001 only came in auto.

[icemiko]

I'd chose the TSX because the IS is a bit too small.

The 04-08 TSXs doesn't come with mp3, it's an option actually. The TSX will be better in the winter too since it's FWD.

[2damaxmr2]

2jz > hondu pos

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

2jz > hondu pos

quite a bold statement there


:rolleyes:

[PNF]

I am biased.. IS300 > TSX

I still thinks my car, after 8 years and 225K kms, still look better than TSX.


http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7378/dsc01990axv9.jpg

I agree that IS300 is pretty small (interior cabin wise), but it is definitely not any smaller than the TSX, for my ex GF had one..


If you want just luxury, newer car, TSX.. but anything else, IS300 > TSX.

[Honyoung]

acura tsx

[L-S-D]

2jz > hondu pos

word

2JZ

[saveth]

i have a tsx and would get an IS if i went back in time. I dont know many people that would do the opposite.

[svelt]

I am biased.. IS300 > TSX

I still thinks my car, after 8 years and 225K kms, still look better than TSX.


http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7378/dsc01990axv9.jpg

I agree that IS300 is pretty small (interior cabin wise), but it is definitely not any smaller than the TSX, for my ex GF had one..


If you want just luxury, newer car, TSX.. but anything else, IS300 > TSX.

That is a nice ride. Stock? And wow, still going strong at 240kms... I'm going to look forward to my next few years! (I'm at 140,000km, nowhere near "old" for Lexus standards)

Since we're already hijacking this thread, this is mine

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v249/121/65/21003995/n21003995_36230281_7827.jpg

And a stock '04 for reference

http://www.aagcars.com/images/cars/10241.JPG

So "dated" yes, it is a bit boxy looking, but I find it still has a lot of character.


I referred to the GS450h and SC430 as "sporty" only because the GS450h is faster than most of Acura's lineup and the SC430 is the 2-door car that Acura hasn't had since the demise of the RSX. Of course, in their own respect those cars are not exactly nimble pocket rockets.

[thumper]

I'd chose the TSX because the IS is a bit too small.


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.

[PNF]

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.

[icemiko]

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

[syee]

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.

[bing]

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

[thumper]

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

[Kamui712]

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

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

LOL wtf


defeats the purpose of the thread

[roastpuff]

LOL wtf


defeats the purpose of the thread

x2. Worse than either original option. :haha:

[bobyu]

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

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

nice ride though

[Todd Martinez]

lexus by far
rwd makes that car