Robles84

I picked these because the rl is ALMOST as big as a ls430 and the is300. Is the 2nd lexus I've owned and didn't have any issues with it. I was also thinking about a toyota avalon the 2001+ models. I heard they have the same platform as the es300/es330

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

ES300/ES330 were largely based on the Camry. The latest ES is closer to the Avalon than the Camry.

UDel

Everyone I have talked to or known that has owned those generation RL's did not have any issues with the transmission, they are solid. My dad has a Acura CL with a similar but not same transmission, it has over 160K miles and has never had any issue with the transmission. Ex GF's mom still has the RL with over 200K and no issues with the transmission. The transmission should be checked, there was a tsb for added lubrication jets, but most of the transmissions are fine and they were mainly TL's and CL 5 speed auto's, not RL transmissions, with issues, most issues were with Type S models that were driven very hard.

UDel

An IS300 is not really any more roomy then a 4 door civic, in fact it might have less rear leg room. You may want to look into a ES300 or older Accord if you want more room but ES300 have engine sludge issues you have to watch out for. The RL has much more room then the IS, civic, or older Accords. From those pics it looks nice and I would choose the RL over that IS.

Aron9000

If you have documented paper proof that the IS300 has had the timing belt service done and it seems like the oil was changed regularly(look for a sticker in the top corner of the windshield, note the miles on that sticker vs the miles on the odometer), and it drives straight down the road with no weird clunks/noises, go for that. You can take the oil cap off and shine a flashlight down there, I know you can't see much, but you should see clean metal with a light film of oil if its had regular oil changes.

The 2JZ/automatic combo is pretty damn indestructible if you change the oil and timing belts on them. I don't really know that much about the Acura's drivetrain, but speaking from experience after 4 years with a 2JZ the motor is awesome.

Fizzboy7

My mom had two RL's and neither of them gave any problems at all. Extremely solid. With what you presented here, I'd go with the RL. It's much more car than the IS.

JDR76

As much as I like the 1st gen IS, I don't think it's really large enough to carry around 3 kids. They'd be more comfortable in the RL.

Might want to consider something like a Camry or even a good first gen RX for family duty. Lots of good CR-Vs and RAV4s out there as well.

Good luck!

bagwell

that IS300 looks ghetto... I'd go with the RL for sure

tex2670

http://repairpal.com/acura-extended-...-warranty-524#

And since that transmission has been in service so long, there's been recalls and warranty extensions for numerous Acura and Honda models. I had a 2000 TL that received a warranty extension.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

That link covers two generations of RLs (with a total of 7 posts). The 05+ RL has a different transmission, similar to the infamous one in your TL. I do not believe Honda ever issued extended warranties on the older 4-speed. Occasionally some owners will have slipping issues, but that's more due to maintenance than design. The culprit is generally a clogged valve body from dirty fluid, but it's salvageable unlike the 5-speed that can grenade on you.

96-04 4-speed RL = Good
05+ 5-speed RL = Bad

MattyG

Yeah the Acura is a roomier car because of the fwd platform and it's a nice car. I considered one myself. The IS300 is the sportier option but it's not going to be roomy. You would have to think about potential maintenance on the RL if the timing belt hasn't been done. Really depends what you find out on a test drive and a look under the hood.