Acura TSX vs. Lexus IS 250

gdoctsx1- I had noticed the head-turning styling of the Lexus IS 250 AWD only AFTER having already purchased my 2006 Acura TSX, so I found your detailed assessment rather interesting and informative. For the record, I think the TSX has rather nice styling too -- don't you think it's reminiscent of the previous BMW 3-Series styling?? To-date, no buyer's remorse, though I agree that the seat on the TSX is a bit too firm. Since I'm 6'2" with a bit of a bad lower back, I was curious about YOUR SPECIFIC ISSUES with the "too firm" and "too soft" seats on the TSX and IS 250, respectively. I also find the TSX to have a somewhat narrow driver seat back with bit too substantial side bolsters to keep you in place during turns. For me, this seat firmness/bolstering leads to lower back stiffness during longer drives. From a handling perspective, I've also read that the IS 250 has poor road feedback through the steering wheel and can be a bit jittery/twitchy on the highway in taking the turns of the road. Is that your experience with your GF's IS 250 too?? My overall assessment of the TSX vs. the IS 250 is that the TSX is a much better value at $28,500 US with GPS vs. $38,000-$40,000 US for the IS 250 with comparable equipment that is standard on the loaded TSX. I agree that the TSX is roomier -- especially in back. I would assume it's also roomier in front/back vs. the former BMW 3 Series you had?? Plus, the TSX has an excellent driver's position for viewing the road and driving the car vs. feeling like it's driving you. Do you feel like you're in a hole when you're driving the IS 250? I did in the G35X which I had also test driven. I've also wondered if it's harder for a taller person to get in and out of the IS 250 because it seems lower to the ground than the TSX with a lower roofline. Though I have an automatic, the TSX is very fun to drive, with nimble handling (even better than the Acura TL). I feel it also has very good acceleration, especially for a 4 cylinder. The TSX is an excellent car, but perhaps only second to the IS 250 AWD in exterior/interior styling, fit and finish. That said, I'd purchase the Acura TSX again, which I guess says it all.

Replies to this message:

gdoctsx1 (Jun 06, 2007 10:14 pm)
- from_fl (Jun 11, 2007 9:25 am)
  - pat (Jun 11, 2007 10:38 am)
  - gdoctsx1 (Jun 13, 2007 9:30 pm)

#313 of 318 Lexus IS 250 '07 vs. Acura TSX '07. by kclb

Apr 05, 2007 (7:32 pm)

Aloha all...

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.

#314 of 318 Re: One month feedback on TSX and IS250 [browee] by gdoctsx1

Jun 06, 2007 (10:14 pm)

Replying to: browee (Mar 24, 2007 5:28 pm)

It's hard to say really, I drive my gf's car a lot, so i'm back and forth on the seat issue. Everytime I drive her car i think, man these seats are too soft..nice, but kinda like thick leather foam. I don't feel the lexus feels as connected to the road as the acura. My previous 3 series had great road feel, but car felt more narrow (not sure what the stats are) and overall dash, cabin was not as nice as the tsx. I just put the gun metal "nickel" finish a-spec rims on the car. So, with the black it looks rather aggressive/cool:)

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

Replies to this message:

from_fl (Jun 11, 2007 9:25 am)
- pat (Jun 11, 2007 10:38 am)
- gdoctsx1 (Jun 13, 2007 9:30 pm)

#315 of 318 Re: One month feedback on TSX and IS250 [gdoctsx1] by from_fl

Jun 11, 2007 (9:25 am)

Replying to: gdoctsx1 (Jun 06, 2007 10:14 pm)

From your post,
"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?

Replies to this message:

pat (Jun 11, 2007 10:38 am)
gdoctsx1 (Jun 13, 2007 9:30 pm)

#316 of 318 Re: One month feedback on TSX and IS250 [from_fl] by pat

Jun 11, 2007 (10:38 am)

Replying to: from_fl (Jun 11, 2007 9:25 am)

This answers your question: gdoctsx1, "Acura TSX vs Lexus IS 250" #309, 2 Feb 2007 6:02 pm.

#317 of 318 Re: One month feedback on TSX and IS250 [from_fl] by gdoctsx1

Jun 13, 2007 (9:30 pm)

Replying to: from_fl (Jun 11, 2007 9:25 am)

If you read my post and realize what forum I'm posting in - you'd know I was refering to the TSX

That's the thing with you Lexus guys, more money than neurons firing

Kidding! Both fun cars, but I'll keep my 15grand difference in the bank

#318 of 318 Re: One month feedback on TSX and IS250 [gdoctsx1] by sader2004

Jun 14, 2007 (3:18 pm)

Replying to: gdoctsx1 (Feb 02, 2007 6:02 pm)

I am in the market for a new car and the IS 250 and the TSX are my two finalists. I have test driven both cars. They are both fabulous vehicles in their own right. The TSX certainly handles better then the IS. However, the IS is quieter and more refined. The fit and finish on both vehicles is excellent, but I prefer the IS' real wood trim and heated AND VENTILATED seats. Both navigation systems are excellent, however the TSX's is less fussy(no need to switch regions and can be operated while the vehicle is in motion). The stock audio systems are both great, unless of course you opt for the Mark Levenson in the IS. The ML system blows just about any stock audio system out of the water. Unfortunately, in order to get the system, the IS must be ordered and it would take at leat a month. However there several reasons I am leanig toward the TSX. It is roomier than the IS. I am only 5'9 but I felt crammed in the IS. Second of all is the price(42K for the IS with NAV and ML package and TSX 30K fully loaded). You can not go wrong with either car but I will save the extra 11K for something else.

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