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Sedans Acura TL Acura TL vs Lexus IS 250 vs Acura TSX
236 messages, Last post on Oct 19, 2009 at 5:18 AM
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alright I will basically break it down by how I see it. I am just finishing college and am pretty much planning to buy one of these 3 in the next few months. I wanna stay as close to 30k as possible (or even go lower than 30 k) Reliability is huge to me considering I have a chevy now and have spent way to much on repairs and maintenance(hence, why I do not consider a BMW 325 an option) heres my pros and cons of each, let me know if these are correct or if you agreee/disagree. I am sure there are other pros and cons, but thse are the things that stand out most to me Acura TL Pros - most roomy cons - the most expensive if the IS was closer to its invoice Lexus IS Pros - I really love the look and interior of it Cons - small back seat, last time I went to a fleet dealer(in april), he said this costs more than the acura TL because of the high demand of it Acura - TSX Pros = under 30k but still a luxurious ride Cons - from what I read there will be totally redesigned 2008 model right now Im leaning towards the IS if its come down to closer around 30k from what I was told its about 33-34 for the most basic packages, and I can get the TL around 32-33. I would go with the TSX right now no matter what do the obvious value, but I do not like the idea of me buying a car and a new version coming out later. If this helps in giving me advice, im 22, 6 ft tall and average build. And also, right now I drive a stick shift 98 chevy s-10. So honestly, the test drive wont mean too much to me because all thse cars will blow it out the water. My main goal is to get an entry luxury level sedan from Toyota or Honda and this is what I narrowed my search down to. Thanks, Richey |
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Replying to: richey02hg (May 08, 2006 12:35 pm) As far as price goes, the IS was recently redesigned and I do not see dealerships willing to sell close to invoice. It may depend upon your location. Where I live, there is only one Lexus dealership in a city with high demand. So the dealer was not willing to go far below sticker. From what I hear TL's are often going closer to invoice. I'm not sure about the TSX as I believe Acura produces them in low volume so there is a smaller supply to fill the demand. I'm 6 ft myself and have no problems with front leg room in any of the three. However, for me there is little spare headroom in the IS. The interiors of the Acura's certainly feels more spacious than the IS in every interior aspect except leg room. Though it had nothing to do with my purchasing choice as I'm older and married. I'm assuming your not as you are a recent grad, but the dates could look more favorably upon the IS. Good luck in your search. As each one are great in their own ways it is a difficult choice.
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I was in pretty much the same boat as you, graduating grad school and trying to find a nice reliable car beneath 30k. I eventually went with the TSX, mainly because it is by far the best value of the bunch. After you add up all the options on a IS250 it comes out to quite a bit more than TSX. And there wasn't enough of a difference for me personally in the TL to justify paying the extra money for it. The car is great to drive and I love all the features and looks. And I've read rave reviews of the manual, but I drive an auto so can't say for myself how it is. And while a new one comes out in a year and a half, you don't want to get stuck waiting forever for the next big thing because by then another big thing will be happening if you wait yet another year, and you'd never end up buying a car!  You should be able to get the TSX close to invoice. Looking at other posts it's going for about ~$500 over invoice at around $28,300 for a nav. I got mine for $150 over plus dealers fees. Depends on the dealership though, some quoted me online $1500 more! |
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Replying to: richey02hg (May 08, 2006 12:35 pm) |
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Replying to: deanvit (May 08, 2006 7:39 pm) |
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thanks for all the replies... i am definetly leaning towards the IS, however I can not justify to myself why I would get it if the TL is cheaper. Is this still true or is the Lexus closer to 30K yet? also, without a doubt I would go with the TSX if it wouldnt be outdated in a year. Also, maybe you can guys can help me with a question. I noticed on the IS and TL they both require premium fuel however on the acura site is says the TSX is optional for premium fuel. If thats the case, does that mean you could go with unleaded on the TSX (thus saving another 4-5 over the long run on gas savings. WIll the TSX handle just as well whichever fuel you use? and also, I live in southern california (orange county) so with all the crappy traffic.. MPG definetly weighs in a little, which is another point for the IS over the two acuras
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Replying to: doggiebus (May 09, 2006 9:06 am) like a Chevy Malibu to you? Boy, I sure don't see any resemblance in these two cars! I almost fell off my chair when I saw that comparison. The Chevy Malibu wishes it looked like the TL. Come on! I don't really think anything out there looks like the TL, not even the Maxima, which I also happen to like. The IS is nice, but it's just too small for me, no rear seat space. That would most probably be a deal-killer for me. |
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Replying to: doggiebus (May 09, 2006 9:06 am)  I bought my TL about 30 days ago. I was initially in the market for an Accord or TSX. Then I said I would spoil myself so I started looking at the G35 and the IS350. One of my close friends bought a TSX last year and she absolutely loves the car, of course she doesn't push the car hard. I was coming off of a Contour SVT that could run circles around any car under $30K so I wanted some power. The TSX would have been my choice if it came as a lighter coupe version. The 200 HP engine is a little anemic for my needs. The IS 250 is just not worth getting when you consider for $4k more you can get the beast that is the IS350. Obviously if you don't want power then the 250 is the same car with a few performance hits. If you really like the styling on the IS250 I say just go with that. Cars, like homes, have a lot of emotional pull and aren't always logical decisions. Now having said that, the reason I didn't get a IS350 was it was ridiculously priced. Just like the OP I live in SoCal (Cerritos). Dealers probably won't go budge from retail (one dealer wouldn't budge from $200 above MSRP). Problem is the car just when through a upgrade cycle and it's in demand. Just like gas - supply demand dictates. After researching ownership costs on the IS, I decided it was way too expensive. Those staggered tires on the 350 run almost $300 a wheel and barely last 15K, and the brakes don't last that long either. Plus the vehicle stability in the IS took the fun out of the car (you probably couldn't get crazy in a 250 but a 350 was made for running Angeles Forest or Malibu on weekends  ) So ultimately I choose the TL which is clearly the best bang for the buck (TSX owners might dispute this). I was able to go well below invoice and in SoCal some people have been able to get $31500 with the protection package (not including TTL). When I first got the TL I was upset. My Contour SVT was a hoot to drive and it actually rode pretty smooth. The TL seemed firm and harsh just driving it home. I figured I spent $35K on a luxury brand I wanted to drop my kid image and be more adult - thereby avoiding the melted tires and gas guzzling rabbit starts. After reading up at Acurazine.com I realized the TL is probably the sportiest of the 3 choices you have listed. Yes it is a big beast of a car (compared to my little SVT), but it hauls. If you're looking for economy get the TSX. If you're looking for best bang for the buck and a great sports sedan get the TL. If you're in love with the IS interior just drop the $ and get the IS already. When Acura redoes the TSX in '08 and TL in '09 the values of the old models will of course drop a little more, but right not since they're more aged they are much better values. If I'm sick of my TL in 2 years I could always sell it and only be down about $6k - not bad for having fun every morning. Now if I could just find a way to clear out the 91 & 605 freeways 
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Replying to: richey02hg (May 09, 2006 2:32 pm) Save your money to build your networth first. Think about fancy cars later in your life. PS:You won't get noticed or followed if you drive either TL or TSX on 91 or 605 freeways.
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Replying to: from_fl (May 10, 2006 4:18 am) Save your money to build your networth first. Think about fancy cars later in your life. Sage advice. Especially when one has to consider the added cost of premium fuel into the buying decision. That confirms you can't afford these cars! What did you learn, or not learn, in college? |
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