TL or IS
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CO
I'm a newbie here and this thread caught my attention. Full disclosure, I own two Acuras and one Lexus at the moment. I am looking to purchase a 2011 IS350 AWD as a replacement for my 2005 TL 6MT. I have a lot of experience with both cars.
The TL is a great car and has been super reliable for me. Scheduled maintenance only, with the exception of a CV axle and motor mounts, both of which I consider to be wear items on a 120k car. Although FWD, with the 6-speed you also get a limited slip differential and oversized brakes, so the handling is very good for a FWD car of this size. Performance is not great off the line, but once you're rolling, the TL really scoots.
The IS is also a great car and my friend's 250 has been completely trouble free since new. The 250 is downright slow compared to the TL--no way around it. The 350 is a step up in performance.
MPG in the TL ranges from 25-32, so probably on par with a sensibly driven 250 and a little better than a 350.
The main difference for me is the interior space. The TL is a bigger car all over, but you really feel it in the cabin. Back seat is great for my bigger friends and clients--3 adults is no problem at all. Lots of elbow room! The IS is cramped by comparison, but smaller package has other benefits
Styling is a wash to me. The IS looks great, but a little dated nowadays. The TL also looks great, but dated. IMO it's easier to forgive the 2004-2008 TL for being dated since all the newer Acura models are straight up ugly!
The TL is a great car and has been super reliable for me. Scheduled maintenance only, with the exception of a CV axle and motor mounts, both of which I consider to be wear items on a 120k car. Although FWD, with the 6-speed you also get a limited slip differential and oversized brakes, so the handling is very good for a FWD car of this size. Performance is not great off the line, but once you're rolling, the TL really scoots.
The IS is also a great car and my friend's 250 has been completely trouble free since new. The 250 is downright slow compared to the TL--no way around it. The 350 is a step up in performance.
MPG in the TL ranges from 25-32, so probably on par with a sensibly driven 250 and a little better than a 350.
The main difference for me is the interior space. The TL is a bigger car all over, but you really feel it in the cabin. Back seat is great for my bigger friends and clients--3 adults is no problem at all. Lots of elbow room! The IS is cramped by comparison, but smaller package has other benefits
Styling is a wash to me. The IS looks great, but a little dated nowadays. The TL also looks great, but dated. IMO it's easier to forgive the 2004-2008 TL for being dated since all the newer Acura models are straight up ugly!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Il
I had a 2005 TL, and mind you, the car was a great car. Mechanically it was superb. The only thing i could not get use to was the front wheel drive and it did have some audio system gremlins that I would chase around during repairs. I switched to a 2013 IS350 AWD, and it has been great.
Thus, you can't go wrong with either vehicle, but with occisional snow in the mid west, I prefer the awd over front wheel drive.
Thus, you can't go wrong with either vehicle, but with occisional snow in the mid west, I prefer the awd over front wheel drive.
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ICEBERGS
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
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Jun 17, 2006 02:52 PM
