2004 is300 or 2004 acura rl
#16
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
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
#18
Lexus Fanatic
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.
Last edited by UDel; 07-19-16 at 09:25 PM.
#19
Lexus Fanatic
I don't want a civic way to small. I have 3 kids. And don't really ride with be,but when they do I want some room. I have the money to spend more. But I'd rather keep it low. Due to the fact I'm trying to buy a house. And I live in san jose California. Which is one of the most expensive places to live. I also know that the honda trans are pretty from 98 to 2004. My brother has a 2003 tl type s.... 2 trans. He bought his daughter a Accord 2 trans rebuilds then finally a full swap. I'm worried about that. I know is300 has head issues. So I'm kinda In a rut right now lol.
Salvaged don't really bother me it's only for a year or 2 maybe.
I don't drive much. I bought my ls430 with 109k and sold it with 122k after 2 years
Salvaged don't really bother me it's only for a year or 2 maybe.
I don't drive much. I bought my ls430 with 109k and sold it with 122k after 2 years
#20
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.
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.
#21
Lexus Test Driver
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.
#22
Lexus Champion
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!
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!
#24
Lexus Champion
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.
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.
#25
Rookie
iTrader: (15)
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.
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.
96-04 4-speed RL = Good
05+ 5-speed RL = Bad
#26
Lexus Champion
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.
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