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Acura TSX vs Lexus IS 250
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Comments
Playing Nintendo can also be fun, but I thought we were talking about driving fun. In any case, I don’t think you should be playing with sound system and navigation while changing lane 1 to 6 at 90MPH
This statement perfectly explained your position and made me understand why you bought a Lexus: “I think there's more life than just fun.”
Don't blame you at all since I used to think like you when I was in college 12 years ago. Now, I am a section manager for one s/w development group and I want more than just "driving fun" from a car. I do consider luxury, quality/reliability, performance and safety are the most important factors and IMHO, Lexus is the best choice. I don't think TSX should be put on par with IS or 3-series but as for value it's a better choice than IS and 3-series.
FYI, I bought a Lexus not just because I don't want to have fun...As I have said from time to time...IS is a car that you can have tons of fun. I just don't need the "ultimate fun" that you referred to. And of couse there is something else more important ...it's an ownership experience...
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=14&article_id=3193
I only mentioned BMW in this discussion because it was relevant to the question asked, as Glenn did not purchase his vehicle yet. You turned it in to an argument, again.
It’s funny that you mentioned what you do for a living, I was about to ask you that too. Based on your arguments in this forum and others, I honestly thought that you just graduated from college and got your first car. Don’t get feisty now, it’s just my opinionJ
I don’t need a survey to feel better about my ownership experience; my car is flawless and I have the best dealer. I never said that Lexus does not take care of it’s customers; it does not change the fact however, that both three and TSX offer much better driving experience. IS is the one and only Lexus that being marketed as a sporty type of a car. I have to admit that it’s a step in the right direction, but they still have a way to go.
I think we need to stop arguing which is the better car, as it’s going nowhere. IS is clearly the best car for you and TSX is the best for me, we just have different preferences.
What important at this point is which would be the best car for Glenn? Clearly Glenn is looking for a fun car to drive (point to TSX), however he did not mention anything about luxury and gadgets. Glenn, can you give us a better idea on what is more important to you, so we can give you our opinion in that respect.
My wife and I Currently own a TL (2months old), a 2003 Yukon, and a 2001 Honda Civic.
The Yukon covers my trips to Montana to photograph and Paint Wildlife (perfect for the intended use). My wife is a vp for Chain of hospital's and drives 30K per year so the comfort of the TL is perfect. The Civic is going to be passed down to my 16 year old daughter when she gets her license next month (again the perfect car for a new driver). But, when I was looking for the TL I drove the IS 250, GS 35x and Audi S4, and realized that I really wanted a fun to drive ...weekender. I don't need the car for any other purpose. (self imposed...wife imposed?..$35K limit)
The IS was the clear leader after I drove THE is and the TSX automatic. When I drove the TSX Manual everything changed. I now believe the IS is a better car but the TSX is a better value.......thus the my indecision.
I see the TSX as 90% of the car at 80% of the cost.
i could go either way, but I would definitely wait until September for the 07 if I could get rdx's turbo engine in the TSX. The Dealers say they don't know if the TSX will have the same engine in 07 or the RDX Turbo.
Has any one heard definitively if the TSX retains the current engine in 07?
Out of cucuriosityhave you looked at MIMiniI think it's an ulultimateun car.
I also thought so
Again, better how? Better by your definition is a well-appointed luxury cruiser (based on what I've read of yur posts).
By my definiton, it's a car that offers a better connection to the road, and a nimble handling feel, with a high fun-to-drive factor. I think the TSX is the better car by this defintion.
Really, you must define your terms before you enter into an arguement.
That said, the last poster has it right. Buy what makes you happy.
How about just plain opinion, these two cars have thousands of variables. Asking others opinion may just bring out a finer point that I wasn't considering.
I have test driven both cars three times, so a grand total of maybe 30 minutes +/- in each. I respect the opinion of anyone who owns either of these cars, they have a much larger base of knowledge than mine.
I doubt that lexus_in will ever be persuaded that you are correct, that the TSX is the better car. Will he ever convince you that the IS is a better car than your TSX?
I respect both of your opinions. As I said, I am interested in your greater base of knowledge and experience with your respective cars.
No need to argue or win a debate, in my book.
Thanks to both of you for your help in evaulating your cars.
Comparing the 1st Gen IS 300 against the 1st Gen Acura TSX would seem to be a more realistic debate. Lexus had 5-6 years to learn and improve their product and understand their sales demographics and modified the IS 2nd Gen to reflect this change. I haven’t seen a lot (or any) forums comparing the previous Gen IS to the current IS 250, I think the majority of folks would agree the 2nd Gen is better overall. I think comparing 2nd Gen IS to 1st Gen TSX is like taking a test when you know the answers. Lexus has shifted its market focus based on the information it gather over the last 6 years. It will be interesting to see how Acura interprets the same data and what demographics the 2nd Gen TSX will try to capture. This is the forum I’m waiting for: 2008 TSX –vs- 2008 IS 250 (apples to apples).
I’m a proud owner of a 2006 TSX w/ Navi. I pick this vehicle because it was the best overall combinations of all the factors I (and my wife) were looking for in a vehicle. I expect the 2nd Gen IS to be better and I would be disappointed in Lexus if it wasn’t. I found the 1st Gen TSX was better for me. When the 2008 TSX arrives, I will be there for a test drive (I won’t purchase until 2010, work out the new model bugs).
Just a thought
Please don't give crappy answers like should have RWD.
My farm tractor has RWD. does that mean it can be compared in the sports car segment?
Then we should find out whether the TSX or the IS accomplishes that.
Go!
Sounds as though you bring a bit of an 'edge' to your perspective. Let me guess--you aren't persuaded that RWD makes a sports sedan just because a lot of enthusiasts say so. I like your take on this, i.e. you want to identify some outcomes/criteria and then see which cars meet those. It's a very logical and sound approach IMHO. I would only add that even if you can reach a conclusion with data, it won't entirely settle the issue. For instance, car A may prevail on a particular data set. But, most likely, there are other considerations about a sports sedan the data set in play doesn't include. Moreover, while one car may 'win' on points, it doesn't mean it's the desired car overall. For instance, the 100 meter run in the Olympics or other international track events usually has eight entrants, but only one wins. It doesn't mean the others are blow out losers. In fact, they're world class. So too potentially with cars. In addition, there are other factors/features that attract potential owners besides sports dimensions. Nonetheless, you invite a conversation based on some agreed upon elements and that is worthwhile. Let's see what it attracts.
What I really want is the die-hard sport car fan define what the sport car should be able to do. Then based upon those criteria, let us see which car achieves the best scores. Let the performance decide the designation of a "sports car", rather than aspects such as RWD or double-wishbone suspension or a V6 / Inline6.
Anyway, to shorten the story, after 3+ months and 7000km later I'm very pleased with the TSX. At the end of the day it's whatever turns your crank and gives you a bit of a rush when you start it.
I am in a similar dilemma. Need to make a decision soon. Do you mind sharing what kind of a price you got the 07 TSX ?
Thanks.
It's great you guys are happy with your cars. :shades:
I bought a TL, and loved it, and for a second car I was looking at the G 35, IS, etc. then I got a TSX loaner, and fell in love with. I use the TSX for buzzing around the city, and the TL for highway driving. TSX gets very good mpg driving around the city. :shades:
I'm totally jealous reading some of the posts about pricing of cars in the US. My god! 27k for a TSX??? 35K for the lexus???? Grrrrrrrr. A honda civic SI costs about 25K in Canada!!!! Sweet lord of mercy!!! Freaking joke! Anyways. Ltr.
I would like some feedback regarding purchasing a car. I am looking into either the IS 250 or TSX. I had a good experience with driving the cars. My problem is that I've always wanted the IS 250. I just like the style, interior design, front / backup sensors, and smart key feature. The price is quite high...about $36, 494 for the particular package that I want. I'm hoping to drop the price but I'm not sure how much they would give me.
There is only one Lexus in Hawaii and only one Acura in Hawaii. Here are the numbers...
Lexus: $587 per month / 60 months @ 5.75 apr - Financing, trading in my current Toyota Corolla S '05, and also putting down $5000. That was the deal they gave me without any price negoitating.
Acura: $550 per month / 60 months - thru Honda Financial I believe, trade in my car $9000, with $5000 down, he drops the price from $32755 + $255.40 door guards + fees to $29015.40 + fees. He will check other banks and/or credit unions if I can get a better deal on financing.
What do you think people? I'd love to get some good feedback. I really think I should get the car that I want but I'd probably save more financially if I got the TSX over the IS250.
Thanks.
I've read all of the 0-60 figures, comments on the various threads and I'm kinda surprised at what people have to say about the tsx's performance. I've driven and owned some fast cars and the tsx pulls great in comparison to my previous 3 series. I love it in 3,4th gear on the highway and love the smootheness of the engine. Many of the 3 series cars had about 180-225hp for quite sometime (granted more torque than the tsx). It's only recently they bumped it up from 255hp to 300hp. It was rare to read a thread about someone complaining about the 325 or 323 being underpowered. I don't think the car is underpowered, in fact, i have a blast cranking the car out everyday. I've raced (on a select few occasions:) some cars on the highway and the tsx is a very quick car. The reality is, the tsx is a close to perfect car for the money. I guess people want to pick on every cars potential short comings. However, the is250 is far being any faster than the tsx. It has a couple good gears, but feels slow cause it's so damn quiet and smoothe. My dad loves driving it. If the Is350 had some back seats i'd consider it later on. For now, i'll drive the best car in the segment :shades:
"It's hard to say really, I drive my gf's car "a lot", ..."
"..For now, i'll drive the best car in the segment.."
IS? :shades:
That's the thing with you Lexus guys, more money than neurons firing :P
Kidding! Both fun cars, but I'll keep my 15grand difference in the bank :shades: