Opinion wanted on 08IS250 vs 09TSX vs 08Accord

[htekric3r1200]

I am planning on buying a new car before this year ends. I have narrowed down my choices to:

1. 2008 IS250 w/ preium pkg w/ rear spoiler
2. 2009 TSX base w/ aspec body kit
3. 2008 Accord coupe 6sp EX-L

The biggest concerns are driving feel, comfort, luxury, and performance. Having said that here are my opinions on each. I also don't carry passengers too often and it never snows here.

1. I was able to drive one. Initial thoughts were crammed rear pax space, ergonomic controls, decent acceleration, and a good overall size(not too big/small). This car has good gas mileage for the auto. Exterior looks pretty sweet.
http://xec.xanga.com/ec9c4a1100233186497312/z143142385.jpg

2. This is fairly new to the market. From initial observations, the interior looks great, with a hint of German. Unfortunately, the exterior is a whole different story, esp the wheels and the big chrome grill. The center dash is a bit cluttered with controls. 17/25 mpg isn't too pleasant. Here is a euro spec accord aka: USDM TSX w/ the aspec exterior
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3866/hondaaccord2008006yn6.jpg


3. I chose this as a possible option due to the performance and standard features. It lacks some luxury, but has some performance to make up for it. Some things I didn't like was the overall size, area where the hood meets the grill doesn't match, Honda's notorium wheel gap, not much low end tq, and FWD.
http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/2008_honda_accord_coupe_official_image005.jpg


Has anyone had first hand experiences with any of these and/or like to share some input?

[Silentwolf]

Why those choices?


And wait till Bob sees this thread.

Why don't you check out a G8 (V6 version) if you want RWD.

[evan938]

i LOVE the look of the new accord coupe EX-L...i was actually thinking of looking into one until i saw the 28k MSRP

[SuperGLS]

I feel that the new Accords are pretty ugly.

If I were to ever buy an IS, I wouldn't get the 250.

[hyunelan2]

Of those, the Accord is the only that doesn't require premium fuel. Might be worth considering that.

Also, you're paying the name premium for Acura and Lexus. The high-end Accord can compare to the luxury brands, when loaded up, and usually at a lower cost.

[Pete03GLS]

IF i had to pick, id gte the TSX i love how it looks.

[jayupark]

If you can wait a few months, get the Hyundai Genesis Sedan...

[BobMs_wht2k2]

The new TSX just arrived, and IMO is ugly as sin. Terrible flow. What's worse is they added weight and girth but no extra power. If you could get your hands on an 08 certified TSX, that's the one to go for. If you do decide to go the Acura route, send me a PM. Our salesman are great and our selection is second to none.

Personally, I hate all 3 choices and wouldn't waste my money on any of them. The newer US built accords suffer in the quality portion and I won't touch anything with a toyoduh stamp on it.

[Qyn]

I personally like the IS250, but agree that these would not be my 3 in this price range. Buy/Lease? How long are you keeeping the car (if buying)? Mazda6? Acura TL? I understand that you probably arrived at these 3 out of personal preference, and if these are YOUR top 3, the IS250 would be my 1st choice, then the Accord, then the TSX.

Lastly, don't forget we all drive Hyundais, so our priorities may be different than yours. By that I mean that for some of us, ANY luxury car is a waste of money. That includes Hondas.

[htekric3r1200]

I personally like the IS250, but agree that these would not be my 3 in this price range. Buy/Lease? How long are you keeeping the car (if buying)? Mazda6? Acura TL? I understand that you probably arrived at these 3 out of personal preference, and if these are YOUR top 3, the IS250 would be my 1st choice, then the Accord, then the TSX.

Lastly, don't forget we all drive Hyundais, so our priorities may be different than yours. By that I mean that for some of us, ANY luxury car is a waste of money. That includes Hondas.

Planning on buying the car and keeping it for 7 years, max I plan to spend is 37k before TTL.

[Qyn]

What about the Nissan Maxima/Altima? I assume you're looking for image almost as much as cost effectiveness.

[SWortham]

My friend has an IS350 and it seems very nice. I know he likes it. The IS250 is obviously a lot cheaper, although considering it's supposed to be a sport-luxury car from Lexus it seems to be a little lacking in power for its weight. Still, out of those cars I'd probably pick the IS250.

Of course I don't have any direct experience with either the Accord or TSX.

But if it were me shopping in this segment I'd seriously consider the Subaru Legacy GT, or Spec B. The Legacy has a lot going for it for the money. It's actually a very comfortable car to be in, but with a slightly more sporty attitude than an Accord. I almost bought one myself, and would have if they hadn't made the moonroof mandatory on all models for '06. Oh... and it's faster than all of the other cars in your list. ;)

http://www.subaru.com/media/image/2008/legacy/photos/08TDI_LEG028_lg.jpg

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Oh. . .good call Steve-o

[Qyn]

Forgot about the Legacy... and I love Subaru products!

[hyunelan2]

Looked at insurance rates for any of them yet (since you're only 22 - it's gonna be expensive)?

[htekric3r1200]

Looked at insurance rates for any of them yet (since you're only 22 - it's gonna be expensive)?

It will be, hence I plan on buying the car a few months after I turn 23. Also, the cost of insurance is relatively close for these three.

[hyunelan2]

Sure about it dropping at 23? I thought it was 25 years old for the rate-drop in Illinois?

[htekric3r1200]

Sure about it dropping at 23? I thought it was 25 years old for the rate-drop in Illinois?

I moved to AL due to getting my first corporate job. The rate drops slightly when you turn 23, but more significantly at 25.

[CornbreadXD]

mine just dropped when i turned 23 it went down $13 so now I pay $38 a month for my 280z at 22 w/ a clean record i was quoted at $165 a month full coverage for an EVO 9

[hyunelan2]

I never saw any drops until I got married at 24 (no accidents, no tickets). Once I got married though, we paid less for both of us on 2 cars, than I was for just myself. Now at 28 (wife's 27) both with clean records - we pay $91 a month for both of us on both cars.

But, this is going off in a tangent... let's get back to car suggestions.

Regarding the TSX - being a "new" model, do you want the first model year?

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Other than sheet metal, the under carrieage and drivetrain is the same as the outgoin model.

[hyunelan2]

So, other than appearance, it's essentially a 2004 model?

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Pretty much. It picked up width and height and weight but no more power.

[hyunelan2]

If I were buying a 2009 car, I'd want 2008/9 technology, not 2004. TSX would be off my list.

The Accord is new. The Lexus is what, 2006 in design?

[BobMs_wht2k2]

The Accord is the Same. Y'all will believe any marketing hype won't you! Just reskinned. It's the 04 TL platform.

The only "new" car on his list is the IS.

Personally, I think I'd go G8 V6.

[hyunelan2]

The accord just went through a total redesign that made it longer/wider

The Accord is Honda’s midsize car that is completely redesigned for 2008. With more dramatic styling and an increase in size, the 2008 Accord Sedan offers the most room and comfort ever offered by an Accord.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

The accord just went through a total redesign that made it longer/wider

Yeah, it's the 04-08 TL now.

[hyunelan2]

Ah, I see. I didn't realize they made it a TL. Are they using different powerplants? I would assume so, since the Accord does not require premium fuel, but the TL does.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Same 3.2L engine, different PCM tuning with less advanced timing and less aggressive fuel maps.

[chaldowhiteboy]

if i were to get a lexus IS, i would go with the IS-F\
http://www.plunderguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/lexus_f_1.jpg

[Silentwolf]

Saw one of those the other day, didn't realize it till i saw the quad stacked pipes.


As for the accord, Its a 3.5 v6 not a 3.2

[htekric3r1200]

Saw one of those the other day, didn't realize it till i saw the quad stacked pipes.


As for the accord, Its a 3.5 v6 not a 3.2

Correct it is a 3.5L engine. It is slightly different than the TL-S engine. The accord v6 uses a SOHC vs the Tl-S's DOHC. The compression of the accord is also lower at around 10:1 compared to 11:1.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

NO honduh V6 is DOHC. None. The NSX was the only engine to use DOHC and was a 90* V, not the newer 60* THe new TL-S uses the same 3.5 as the MDX, Pilot, Odyssey and RL. Trust me, I know my new honduh's. It's PCM tuning and airbox/exhaust configurations making the power differences. About the only difference in hardware is the plastic covering between the vehicles.

[Munky]

If I had to choose out of those three, I would go with the Honda.

But I'm with Steve...the Legacy would be a great choice.

[SWortham]

Also with the Legacy you get the great aftermarket support. The car will respond to power mods very well thanks to AWD, and it'll respond to suspension mods thanks to a strong chassis. In fact, the Legacy chassis is better & stronger than the chassis used in the pre-'08 Imprezas. That's why the '08 Impreza/WRX/STI was designed on a slightly revamped version of the Legacy chassis.

As for the power, you can go with the tried & tested COBB AccessPORT route to get dependable STI power out of the Legacy...
http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/?id=2436

I know, I know... I'm a bad influence. :D