I currently own an 07 IS250, but I'm interested in getting a new 08 Honda Accord Coupe (268-HP V6, 6-speed automatic transmission) with VCM control. The VCM is neat in which the engine senses when to run in 3cyl, 4cyl, and 6cyl modes. They call it "Eco" mode. Seems like a breakthrough technology. Just how stable is this anyways? Hope there won't be much problem with this technology in the future.

Anyways, that's a little run down on what the new Accord is all about. The IS250 that I currently own has way less power and no nav system. Uses way more gas than this model Accord as well. Basically, this new Accord has everything the IS250 does not have (excluding the sequential shift transmission and paddle shifters)--like I ever use it that much anyways. Even comes with optional proximity sensors which I think is still useless.

Do you guys think it's a fair trade? The new Accord coupe is actually smaller, but it's all about performance compared to the IS. Even has an optional 19" chrome wheels which I like to get.

Price comes out to be a little more than the IS250 though which kind of sucks. You're probably thinking, "Well-if this guy wants power, why not just get an IS350 loaded for almost the same cost?". I think for a lot of people, we've grown more gas conscious. The new Accord combines tons of power with VCM feature which can get amazing miles per gallon. Getting a Hybrid Lexus is out of the question. Cost way too much!!! Plus, hybrid vehiles have higher maintenance cost too. With a Honda, cost are a lot lower.

 

I don't think so. Unless if you don't need the performance.

Both cars provide different functions.

The IS may be slower, but it definitely can handle much better, especially with simple modifications. It also provides far more luxurious appointments, although the Accord has slowly upped the ante with luxury amenities as well ONLY AND IF you get the top-of-the-line EX-L V6, which starts at about $29k.

The Accord is bigger and does pretty good as far as FWD performance is concerned. I feel that it's a boat of a car; too big for my taste, and is not confident on sharp turns and curves. But then again, do you need that confidence when you drive, or would you drive it like a boat?

 

I would keep your 250 so you don't take a huge hit on it. The hit will far exceed the difference in gas savings over three years from the Accord vs 250.

 

The Accord did not make Car and Driver's list of 10 Best Cars some two decades in a row by being a boat on curvy roads. It is one of the best-handling FWD sedans, especially among other mid-size cars of its type.

 

You mean depreciation right? The IS250 will still retain it's value from what I hear.

I didn't realize the Accord was rated that high. I don't know. I personally, have never driven an Accord before--let alone the new 2008 Accord Coupe version.

I mainly want something that has quicker acceleration, more power. Which is why I opted for the V6 instead of the 4-cyl Accord (so underpowered for a mid-size sedan in my opinion). I'm just tired of driving 4-cyl, so the Civic, Corolla, or anything like that is out of the question. Cheap, but no glory over the need for speed.

The regular Accord sedan looks very similar to the rear end of the new BMWs. Huge resemblance. The coupe stands out all on its own though. Standard projector headlamps, drive by wire technology, complete side curtain airbags (front and rear), 18" standard wheels, standard black leather, heat and cooled front seats, etc. Dang, it's loaded. Plus, the top of the line Accord Coupe has voice activated controls for the stereo system (kind of like Microsoft Sync). It's got auto volume control, bluetooth wireless technolgoy, MP3, 6-disc changer, stock aero body kit (makes it look so good), dual sport tuned exhaust system (louder than stock exhaust), moonroof, maintenance reminder (oil change life indicator, coolant, air filter, and tires). Wow. It doesn't have a 13-speaker system, but it does have a pretty powerful 7-speaker system including a subwoofer.

If only I were married. Then I would ask my wife to buy that car...what's hard for me to give up the Lexus is it's brand value and what it's worth. It's unique design makes the IS the sexiest car I've ever seen in my life. Parting with it is going to be hard.

 

I recently reviewed an Accord EX-L V6 coupe. It had plenty of power, and the steering was vastly different from past Accords. It essentially felt like what a FWD BMW would, chassis-wise.

 

Your decision alone may very well push me to getting the new coupe. I researched this car further as well (spec-wise) and found that it offers everything Lexus has to offer including remote engine start, home-link remote for car garages, auto dim rear view mirrors, and the all new head restraint system for rear end collisions--something even Lexus doesn't have. Plus, the cup holders are a nice touch. The IS only has one cup holder--not good. I always have a passenger next to me and they always end up holding their drink.

Their front seats are fully electric and identical controls to that of the IS. All the windows have an "Auto" control so they can all go down or up by itself instead of holding onto the switch.

I did find out that the Lexus IS do have better gas mileage, not by much. It has an EPA estimated 19 mpg city/28 hwy/22 combined for V-6 models with automatic transmission and VCM. Damn, I'm getting 31mpg with my IS250, lol. You would think with VCM, it would be dramatically higher!!! I wonder what gives?

They still hold the record for lowest emissions though, hehe, even for the Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

I'm still debating whether the Accord Coupe is right for me. I was even thinking about going smaller, but what affordable compact sedan are available with excellent performance? Not a whole lot.......

 

Reasons not to trade down to the Accord Coupe:

1. FWD
2. Interior material & build quality
3. No manual shifting if you are getting the auto tranny
4. Dealership/maintenance experience

By the way, even with VCM you are not going to save much gas compare to an IS350. The VCM only works well if you do a lot of highway driving, it is almost a non-factor in the city. Even with that in mind I am not sure how well would the Accord V6 perform on the highway compare to the 2GR-FSE given that I constantly record 27 mpg (@80 mph) on highway with my IS 350.

 

Have you test driven the Accord yet?

 

the is250 does pretty darn well in the gas mileage area.

if you plan on getting the accord V6, then its about the same as the 21/29 of the IS. the Accord, according to the honda website, gets 21/28 so its even 1 mpg worse. so i dont know if you should be basing your choice on gas mileage. the only thing is that the honda can use regular fuel.

but i can see what you mean as your getting 50+ horses for the same economy.

it doesnt however, have the lexus badge, and to some, thats worth all those "downfalls" youve listed for the IS.

 

Accord Coupe is a very sharp looking car but obviously quite different in execution from an IS250 (which is also good looking).

I would NOT trade for the difference in gas mileage or difference in power. I would trade if I wanted a coupe vs. the 4 door, and you said the coupe is smaller than the IS250? That seems hard to believe. So I guess I'd trade if I wanted the bigger/smaller size. The Accord sedan must be a good bit bigger than an IS.

They're both nice vehicles.

 

A badge alone is meaningless except for posing.

 

I thought one of the main reasons you wanted to trade was MPG.....then you posted the MPG is actually better in the IS than the Accord.

So are you just looking for more performance or ????

I'd stick with the Lexus, you definitely don't want LESS MPG!!!!

You'd also be taking a step down from a luxurious car brand to Honda (nice but definitely NOT a Lexus).

 

x2

The badge on the hood should not even be a concern if you have a small budget. It fits right into the "poser" category given that many will save up all their pennies just to own a car with X badge on it.


IS250 vs Accord...It's a tossup for me. I wouldn't mind either car.

 

TRD Corolla, seems the IS 350 has slightly better MPG than the Accord and is faster.

Sounds like you like the looks and want something new, the novelty of owning an Accord, even a loaded one, will wear off quickly. Just get the IS 250, gas prices won't decline.

It is pretty amazing that the Accord offers a lot of great features. I hate the front end though. I find the IS one of the best looking cars on the road.