Well it might be time to get rid of the old Mercedes. My wife wants another Mercedes, but I want either a Lexus IS 300 or Acura TL Type-S. Right now we are just talking about it and unless they come with a manual transmission, suppose to be avalible in both cars for 2002, then we will most likely get another Mercedes. But has anyone out there driven one, or both of these cars, and if so what did you think.

 

Let's stick with the family and go with another Honda. Although the IS300 is sportier appointments to the TL's luxurious appointments. The TL has the optional DVD Nav system. However, the IS has that cool chronograph instument pod. All the car magazine rave about both cars but more IS-300 endorsement than the Acura. Whatever, you decide I am sure that you will enjoy.

Tan

 

If your wife wants another Mercedes she may not like the IS300 unless she is looking for a cute and or sporty car. The TL typeS may be a great value but she may think of it as a downgrade. Anyhow, I would pick any MB that isn't a C240 or coupe over the two cars you mentioned unless you're on a budget and need the room that the TL offers. Might want to look into Infinity and the new ES300. These new cars look tempting.

 

I've spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel of both.

IMO despite the fact that the two cars have similar price points, there really isn't any other comparison. Both cars are fantastic vehicles and stellar values in their own respect. They just take two different approaches to transportation.

The IS300 is far more of a canyon carver. It's RWD. It drives every bit as well as a 330i (under real world conditions) and better than the 325i. It's not as quick as either the 330 or the TL-S for that matter, but I think it gives a much better feel for the road. And by the way, it will also be available with a Nav. system for 2002.

The TL-S is more a cruising sedan that also hustles. Don't mistake me, I think it handles very well and the engine is a real jewel. It is still FWD though and has a little torque steer (especially in tight low speed turns) and just isn't as "crisp" as the Lexus. It does; however, have a lot more room and more of an "upscale" feel to it (to my mind anyway) than the lexus. It gets better mileage (18/25 lexus 19/19 Acura I think) and has a bigger trunk and a far bigger back seat.

I kind of summarize it this way. If you really want to carve canyons and are more concerned with dealership experience, go Lexus. If, on the other hand, you want to hustle down the road but not quite as vigorously (nice pun??) and you can live with giving up some edginess for comfort than go TL-S.

Either way, great choices and great values.

Let us know what you decide.

PS - I was lucky enough to hustle a C320MB around an autocross course on Sat. Beautiful car. Felt very heavy and solid. Not as tossable as the IS300 (or 325i BMW) but not bad. The only down side is the price. A reasonably equipped C320 is approaching the low to mid $40 thousand mark. Too rich for me!!!

 

hey lets not forget that is300=altezza(kinda) in japan, only difference it that the altezza is really an is200, but, altezza=highly tunable car so you can do a lot of stuff to it!!

 

IS300: It comes in stick this fall and it's a lot of fun to drive (for a seden). However, it is also small, bad value (as in worse than so-so). If you already have the stook, do you really need IS300?

TL-S: It isn't nearly as fun to drive as IS300. My wife went from the stook to TL-S for just one day, she was all over the place and cursing the car every other minute. It does, however, beats other near luxury sedens and can be fun to drive if you get used to it.
It is big and of very good value. It's a safe family car that offers a little bit of fun. It also doesn't take much to put it over 300 HP, if you are interested. Comptech springs lowers it by 1.5 inches and does a good job stablizing cornering.

I picked TL-S over IS300, GS300, C320 and 530i when I bought a family car. The bottom line is that unless I decide to spend money for more luxury (LS430, Q45), TL-S is best for my money.

I also cancelled my order for M3 for TL-S. I kinda regret that because M3 came out a week after I cancelled it.

 

I agree with what's already been posted. . . My best friend has an IS and another friend has a 2000 TL (not the Type-S). . .

IMO, the TL is a MUCH MORE (SIGNIFICANTLY MORE) upscale purchase. . . The IS is more of a compact sports sedan (330i, A4, etc), so if that's what you're looking for the I say its a good choice. . .

However, for the money the TL would win a comparison hands down. It has more power, more refinement, more room, and more standard features for the same price. . .

In addition, with the exception of the dash board (chronograph styled display), I'm not a fan of the IS's interior. . . The car has too many contrasting styles and doesn't measure up to the "Lexus" standard of fit and finish.

My only problem with the TL is its size. . . IMO, its a pretty big car. . . However, this is coming from a guy with a 2+2 coupe, a 2 seat roadster, and a sportbike

Either way, you'll be happy. . . But, you'd probably be happier with the TL-S. . .

 

I probably would wait for the next Accord and see what Honda would be doing for the TL .....

With a S2000, dont think there is the need for the IS, and the TL is based on the Accord frame, but much nicer.

I think the next Accord is coming with 240 horses, I am not sure if its coming with a new engine, but if it does, TL might get something even more powerful.

Have fun shoping, good luck on your purchase.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I think you guys are right about the size of the IS. My wife has a 2 seater and I have the S2000 so maybe our third car sould be a bigger sedan. I will let you guys know what we decide to do, like I said before we just talking about it now and have not decided what to do yet, but your information has been very helpful.

 

kuni,

I was with Da Hapa this weekend on that autocross course. We drove an IS300 and it was a blast. Much more fun to drive than the Acura. I was considering buying the IS300 when it first came out, but decided against it, since I had just bought the S2K. The maunal transmission should make it even more fun to drive that car. Too bad they don't make it in a coupe.