[cdizzle_996]

In the next few months I'm looking to purchase a sedan. I've been a honda fan for years, but am completely unbiased.

I'm looking for personal opinions and experiences on the following:

Lexus IS250
Lexus IS350
Acura TL-S
Acura RL
Infiniti M35X

TIA
Posted via RS Mobile

[dared3vil0]

Does it have to be those? If not i'd go for a G37S over the M37 anyday...

[donjalapeno]

^ x2

M35 is a elephant. Unless you get the M45.

[EmperorIS]

If ur a honda fan boy... You wouldn't like the IS... the steering feel will not satisfy you
but its a nice car nevertheless... go for the is350 tho.. 250 will leave you wanting more and gas mileage is not that much different

Having said that .. depending on the package and model of the IS ... it may come under equipment.. ex. only the navigation package has memory seat/bluetooth ..etc..

I'd go for the Acura TL-S or the RL if it has SH-awd

[LiquidTurbo]

In the next few months I'm looking to purchase a sedan. I've been a honda fan for years, but am completely unbiased.

I'm looking for personal opinions and experiences on the following:

Lexus IS250
Lexus IS350
Acura TL-S
Acura RL
Infiniti M35X

TIA
Posted via RS Mobile

RL? How about the RLX? Seems way more exciting.

[mj_39]

Does it have to be those? If not i'd go for a G37S over the M37 anyday...

^ x2

M35 is a elephant. Unless you get the M45.

I agree with the both of you g37s over the m35 but m45 over g37s if you can find a clean one and don't mind the fuel economy.

My picks in order would be
M45
G37s
Acura TL s
Is350

Take them all for a drive and make your decision on which one you liked the most.

[Marshall Placid]

Go for the new upcoming IS 250 or 350.

[z3german]

is350's are sweet!

[a00755836]

dont go for is250. they are gutless and always have engine problems. is350 now comes with awd but not sure about the newest model though. is350 engine is smooth and fast, but doesnt really have a good sound. but if you add a f sport exhaust...etc...it sounds very good.

do consider the g37. i tried a 370z auto (assuming they have the same 7speed trans) and it has quick shifts up and down. g37 does come with a manual but its clutch point is quite abrupt so im not used to it.

[cdizzle_996]

Thanks for the input. I will be purchasing something a few years old, 06-08ish
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[AVS_Racing]

Is350 is quite small. Suspension is pretty stiff for oem. Transmission is jerky in auto and slow as hell in manual mode. M35 is nice but under powered especially if x model.
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[dmak4]

I personally drive an IS and have driven both is250 and is350, it really depends on what your need are. Family car? or just yourself or +1? Family car I wouldn't recommend it because the rear is really tight, trunks not as big as you want it to be and the seats don't fold down. If its just you or +1 it's not a bad dd at all is350 definitely makes it a bit more fun to drive, but gas is a bit more expensive. AWD is these cars are not bad either, but if you choose to drive in the winter with RWD make sure to have good snow tires and some weight in the rear or you'll be slipping with even a bit of snow on the ground.
The cars above average in my opinion, it does have some "lower" qualities to it in the interior, any noises in the cabin will be fixed by the dealership if you buy one under warranty still you could get it fixed (has been a CSP warranty thing filed). Nevertheless it is a Lexus so reliability isn't a problem, seen a few of these cars hit over 200k miles even though there aren't many that are that high out there lol. If you hear about the "Carbon buildup" problem in either models Lexus has recently decided to extend their warranties to 10years unlimited mileage so don't have to worry about the engine so much. Overall it's reliable, decent as a daily driver, but a bit too compact if you're carrying a few passengers or are tall.

[4444]

Tl-s is significantly cheaper than is350 (at least new when i was looking in 07) - great bang for the buck, but like all honda's the 6 spd transmission needs improvement. Otherwise great car

[LP700-4]

Our family has been looking at a TL-S for quite some time now. But being a Type-S it's rare there aren't very many on the market. Right now there's probably only 2-3 being sold in all of Vancouver.

Lexus IS is a bit too small, and the Infinities drink a lot more gas.

[AVS_Racing]

If you are looking for mid size. Why not Lexus gs?
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[Energy]

Tl-s is significantly cheaper than is350 (at least new when i was looking in 07) - great bang for the buck, but like all honda's the 6 spd transmission needs improvement. Otherwise great car

What's wrong with the 6 speed? Honda makes some of the best manual transmissions IMO.

[4444]

What's wrong with the 6 speed? Honda makes some of the best manual transmissions IMO.

based on your signature, i see you don't drive one - this matters as you only realize their weakness when you drive them daily. initially, it's buttery smooth, but under the surface, the weaknesses come through within a couple of trips

i have owned multiple 6 speed honda transmissions, my family owns and have owned numerous honda 6 speed transmissions

all of them suck! gears grind under quick/aggressive shifting (shift cable is not strong enough, back in the day when there was a stamped metal connector, it was way better.

also, every single one has had a weakness in shifting into 3rd gear - consistent across every single one.

hondas are known for poor transmissions, but amazing engines - my experience supports this. Their autos also suck in a major way

i'm talking from the perspective of someone who is hard on transmissions, hard and heavy shifting, quick shifts, aggressive driving - honda's ONLY weakness is their transmission when you drive like this

[heleu]

New or used? Why not other brands?

If used, a few other options are:
Subaru Legacy GT (and Spec. B)
Mazdaspeed6

[cdizzle_996]

New or used? Why not other brands?

If used, a few other options are:
Subaru Legacy GT (and Spec. B)
Mazdaspeed6

Not a fan of there looks.

Size isnt much of a factor, its me +1, just having the back seat is nice for when I do occasionally have extra passengers.

Im not looking for anything "insane fast" I have a 400hp Civic to thrash on, this will just be a comfy daily.

I appreciate all the input so far!

[VRYALT3R3D]

price range?

[Groot]

my vote goes for the RL

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/887025_448812381860136_2008551685_o.jpg :sweetjesus:

[cdizzle_996]

price range?

20ish
Posted via RS Mobile

[jpark]

based on your signature, i see you don't drive one - this matters as you only realize their weakness when you drive them daily. initially, it's buttery smooth, but under the surface, the weaknesses come through within a couple of trips

i have owned multiple 6 speed honda transmissions, my family owns and have owned numerous honda 6 speed transmissions

all of them suck! gears grind under quick/aggressive shifting (shift cable is not strong enough, back in the day when there was a stamped metal connector, it was way better.

also, every single one has had a weakness in shifting into 3rd gear - consistent across every single one.

hondas are known for poor transmissions, but amazing engines - my experience supports this. Their autos also suck in a major way

i'm talking from the perspective of someone who is hard on transmissions, hard and heavy shifting, quick shifts, aggressive driving - honda's ONLY weakness is their transmission when you drive like this

he used to have a s2k...

[4444]

he used to have a s2k...

RWD vs FWD probably has a lot to do with it then, as mentioned, i think the weakness is the connection between gearbox and shifter (not 3rd issue though, which is well documented for civic si's), with a RWD the connector will be completely different and likely a lot stronger/more responsive/better.

perhaps i should have qualified my prior statement, but given the lack of RWD hondas, i didn't consider it - fair point, though!

[BBMme]

My pick goes to the tl-s. 3.5L v6 - 5speed auto - fwd(gas) - brembo - quad exhaust - reliable
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[LiquidTurbo]

My pick goes to the tl-s. 3.5L v6 - 5speed auto - fwd(gas) - brembo - quad exhaust - reliable
Posted via RS Mobile

Not many nice ones for sale..

[Energy]

based on your signature, i see you don't drive one - this matters as you only realize their weakness when you drive them daily. initially, it's buttery smooth, but under the surface, the weaknesses come through within a couple of trips

i have owned multiple 6 speed honda transmissions, my family owns and have owned numerous honda 6 speed transmissions

all of them suck! gears grind under quick/aggressive shifting (shift cable is not strong enough, back in the day when there was a stamped metal connector, it was way better.

also, every single one has had a weakness in shifting into 3rd gear - consistent across every single one.

hondas are known for poor transmissions, but amazing engines - my experience supports this. Their autos also suck in a major way

i'm talking from the perspective of someone who is hard on transmissions, hard and heavy shifting, quick shifts, aggressive driving - honda's ONLY weakness is their transmission when you drive like this

Interesting. I've driven the 8th Gen Si and an RSX-S and their transmissions were pretty good. Nice short throws and excellent feel. But then my experience with those were only for short stints driving friends' cars and not on a daily basis so you may be right.

[cdizzle_996]

Not many nice ones for sale..

American rebuilds.. :(

[Skittlez160]

Cool, thanks for posting my car!


my vote goes for the RL

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/887025_448812381860136_2008551685_o.jpg :sweetjesus:
Posted via RS Mobile

[Skittlez160]

My pick goes to the tl-s. 3.5L v6 - 5speed auto - fwd(gas) - brembo - quad exhaust - reliable
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The 05-08 RL has the same motor as a 07-08 TL-S. The RL also had SH-AWD and also has 4 piston brake calipers. It took me 2 years to find my RL and I'm thrilled to finally own one.

Cam (OP), this is EM1SiR btw, lol.
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Edit: Amongst other geek features that I'm into. Such as the rear sunshades lol

[cdizzle_996]

I love the RL as well. My uncle has one back east, I love it!

Hi Glen :)
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[4444]

Interesting. I've driven the 8th Gen Si and an RSX-S and their transmissions were pretty good. Nice short throws and excellent feel. But then my experience with those were only for short stints driving friends' cars and not on a daily basis so you may be right.

I owned an 8th gen si, now have another 6 spd Honda, I'm not making this up, look at any si forum, will prob be on other Honda forums for other 6 speeds, it is a huge problem since 2006 or so.

And u've proven my point - they're so nice to drive for a short sprint, any issues u probably put down to human error, but it's not

[4444]

My pick goes to the tl-s. 3.5L v6 - 5speed auto - fwd(gas) - brembo - quad exhaust - reliable
Posted via RS Mobile

No, get the 6 speed, even though I do complain, I've driven the auto with paddles, horrid, slow shifts, clumsy... Boring

Gas usage isn't great, 9/10 L per 100 km... Guess that is ok, but I want better than that

Quad exhaust, while good looking, shouldn't really be a consideration

The chassis/suspension is another huge plus on this car, takes corners almost as nicely as a civic si (which I think is one of the best chassis for the money)

[dared3vil0]

I owned an 8th gen si, now have another 6 spd Honda, I'm not making this up, look at any si forum, will prob be on other Honda forums for other 6 speeds, it is a huge problem since 2006 or so.

And u've proven my point - they're so nice to drive for a short sprint, any issues u probably put down to human error, but it's not

My '07 Si had terrible transmission problems until i put in an aftermarket cmc. Now it's perfect.

[tofu1413]

09+ cadillac CTS ?? I think those are pretty good looking cars.. good size too.

[PJ]

I miss my TL :(

I can weigh on the Lexus, as my cousin and my friend both have the IS350, and I test drove a 250.
The IS is very comfortable, but the 250 is weak as faaawwk. You'll want the 350 if you go this route.
The back seat leg room is also veerrry tight - this was an unpleasant surprise when I went to test drive them. I always thought IS's had decent backseats, so that was very disappointing. But the front seats are some of the most comfortable out there.
The ride is very smooth. So smooth to the point where it's almost boring.
All depends on what you're looking for, but the IS is more comfy than sporty

[v_tec]

In the next few months I'm looking to purchase a sedan. I've been a honda fan for years, but am completely unbiased.

I'm looking for personal opinions and experiences on the following:

Lexus IS250
Lexus IS350
Acura TL-S
Acura RL
Infiniti M35X

TIA
Posted via RS Mobile

Don't get me wrong, the Lexus IS is an awesome car.
But it's no where near "mid size". Have you tried siting in the back?
No where near the TL or RL.
It's worse than what you would get from a Corolla or Civic.
Have you ever considered the new GS as an alternative?

[!Aznboi128]

Glen's RL......

FUCKING JIZZED ALL OVER MY COMPUTER!

[Skittlez160]

Glen's RL......

FUCKING JIZZED ALL OVER MY COMPUTER!

Hahaha thanks Jimmy
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[vash13]

How about the newer TL 2008 - present? I have been on the look for one that is 6 speed manual and SH-AWD. Anybody have any input on it?

[Skittlez160]

Would you consider an Infiniti M45? Pretty sweet car, V8 though lol.
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[Groot]

lol, yeah the legroom in the back of a IS...:heckno: when it came out went to test drive it with my parents. I was like 14-15 y/o and 5'8"ish...sat in the back felt really confined. what made it worse was I was sitting behind the passenger seat and the asshole salesman moved his seat really far back giving me no room to move :pokerface::okay:

[Timpo]

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/User/853637/p1.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p1.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p4.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p5.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p3.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p2.jpg

[cdizzle_996]

Would you consider an Infiniti M45? Pretty sweet car, V8 though lol.
Posted via RS Mobile

Yeah I really like the 05+, just the fuel that scares me.

I've been looking at all of these for a while, and when I read people on foums getting 30ish MPG out of their TL-S on highway trips, it makes me lean towards that. When I see guys getting 16 city, and 20 on the highway out of the Infiniti, it really turns me off lol.

[CP.AR]

I miss my TL :(:(:(:(

...I mean Camry :pokerface:

[silva95teg]

Yeah I really like the 05+, just the fuel that scares me.

I've been looking at all of these for a while, and when I read people on foums getting 30ish MPG out of their TL-S on highway trips, it makes me lean towards that. When I see guys getting 16 city, and 20 on the highway out of the Infiniti, it really turns me off lol.

I have an 06 6spd TL and see over 30 on the hwy usually about 31-33 and get about 19 if just in the city. I agree on the transmission posted above, but mine were all resolved with the GM/ACdelco fluid. There is a valve on the slave cylinder that is supposed to make the shifting smoother, however all it did for me is make it harder to be smooth by reducing clutch feel.(It can be removed)

Separate note: Love Skittlez160 RL above, was initially looking for one but there are almost none around :(

[Skittlez160]

How about the newer TL 2008 - present? I have been on the look for one that is 6 speed manual and SH-AWD. Anybody have any input on it?

Oooh yes that's a good choice too.

My friend got a '09 TL SH-AWD w/ navi and it's really nice. Has a lot of tech features, Honda/Acura reliability and lots of luxury features.

I guess it depends on his budget. These still go for high $20,000s to low $30,000.

[Skittlez160]

Separate note: Love Skittlez160 RL above, was initially looking for one but there are almost none around :(

Thank you!

Yeah they're hard to come by. You'll see 1-2 pop up on Craigslist from time to time and that's about it. Like I was saying, in my 2 year hunt none were coming up at the right price point. When I saw this one, I knew it was time to pull the trigger.

[CP.AR]

One thing I hated about my car though (04 TL, base 5AT... though I think this goes with ALL 3rd Gen TL)

The seats don't fold down. So if you plan on carrying any large objects you can forget about using the trunk. All there is, is a small opening big enough to fit a 2x4 thru and maybe a set of skis.

That being said, the trunk is pretty spacious

About the transmission problems - I had/have none. Bought it in 2009 with 12,500km on the clock (that's right bitches, barely broken in) and still continues to drive fine today even though it's now under the daily abuse of my dad's heavy foot


lol, yeah the legroom in the back of a IS...:heckno: when it came out went to test drive it with my parents. I was like 14-15 y/o and 5'8"ish...sat in the back felt really confined. what made it worse was I was sitting behind the passenger seat and the asshole salesman moved his seat really far back giving me no room to move :pokerface::okay:

must be a noob as fuck salesman lol

[cdizzle_996]

Would you consider an Infiniti M45? Pretty sweet car, V8 though lol.
Posted via RS Mobile

After doing some serious reading last night, the M45 sounds pretty damn good. Tons of features as well..

[BBMme]

I just drove my friends IS, and damn the back seats were tight. I felt bad for my friends because I had to extend my seat all the way back. I don't think I can do long road trips with it =( The front was border line, but the steering wheel was nice =P

[Jackygor]

My pick would be TL-S. It still looks great (and has aged very well). Rare, great transmission, and handles great.

[Skittlez160]

After doing some serious reading last night, the M45 sounds pretty damn good. Tons of features as well..

Oh snap son!

[Acura604]

i'm obviously biased..

i was close to selling off the TL-S 6MT..but decided
against it for financial reasons.
(was going to sell and get into a lease but decided
the lease wouldn't make sense)

My commute from North Delta to Richmond via the Tunnel
gets me 7-8L/100km easily... in city, it climbs up to 10L/100km
which is still acceptable to me given the size of the motor.

but yah, very rare at the moment..

the 3 for sale:

1. carbon bronze pearl rebuild / 5AT (too bad, awesome color!)
2. black / 5 AT at 148000km. dunno the history.
3. white 6spd BUT something is wrong with it. (base bumper/no fog lights?)

[LP700-4]

Theres one more TL-S for sale at Destination Hyundai, but autocheck shows its from Ontario and has been there for 3 years. Has 129K already. Only $19K

Are there usually any problems with buying a car originally from ontario?

[tofu1413]

possible crusty undersides if the previous owner didnt wash the bottom of the car regularly during winter. same goes for jams and the engine bay... some corrosion here and there.

most mileage might be freeway miles too, so stone chips are common.

[J89]

M35/M45 for sure..

I can't believe people would choose a Tl type S over one..

[jpark]

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/User/853637/p1.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p1.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p4.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p5.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p3.jpg
http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/usercar/000/000/718/332/718332/p2.jpg

that actually looks fucking sick

[cdizzle_996]

M35/M45 for sure..

I can't believe people would choose a Tl type S over one..

I've yet to drive the TL.

I drove an M45 on the weekend, and loved it.