This will be my first real car upgrading from a used 2002 Honda Accord. I'm in my early 30s and debating between these 2 models. How is the sizing of the IS? I like the sportiness of the exterior but it seems a bit cramped. Reliability is huge for me as well and the ES is the pinnacle of that benchmark. Maybe I should embrace the cool factor and go for the RC instead?

 

It's essentially 3 different vehicles that would serve 3 completely different purposes.
If the choices are ES, IS, and RC...then I would get the RC.
Rationale: If a 2 door was an option, then you have no physical need for a 4 door sedan, so might as well go for the cool, fun, sporty vehicle that you will enjoy.

 

If it were me I would...

1. IS - My current car at 23, but I can see myself still enjoying it when I'm 30.
2. ES - This will be the most practical, comfortable, and more luxious out of the 3.


RC...I don't think I would ever pick the RC. It is slow, heavy, not practical, and the MOST expensive one out of the three for some reason. If its the RCF, I would do that lol.

 

Well said. If budget is no factor, definitely go for the RC.

 

Also, if you can swing it, the Is350 is a MUCH better car for a little more money. The F-Sport comes with Adaptable Variable Suspension which makes it the best handling in the family and the engine loves to be revved. It's a far better drive than the ES350 (which is kinda an old mans car )

 

^ well said.

 

Coming from a ES300h <- made me wanna kill myself...

pros of es
-slow
-slow
-old man car
- relaxing drive
pros of is
-car is sporty
-turbo is fun to play with
-is350
-rev happy

 

But how bout that 700 miles range?

 

With my driving I got 300 on a full tank {13-16mpg**

 

With a hybrid... I find that hard to believe. Unless you are going full throttle every single time. Hybrids get better mpg with city driving as well. The es300h is rate at 40+ mpg.

 

considering I do 6.8-9mpg in a 2.0t it's not so hard to believe lmao I have pictures

 

Don't forget that the IS is a RWD (or AWD) car as opposed to a FWD. I hate driving FWD cars after having RWD for 9 years. Big difference IMO.

 

RC bro, my co-worker just bought an ES 2015 he regret it.

 

Sounds like you want the ES. The IS IS cramped. Took me a while to realize it. But now the car feels needlessly cramped. Large-ish on the exterior but small on the inside. Seems a little poorly done. BMW F30 3 Series is noticeably roomier on the inside.

If you want comfortable, reliable, nice, quiet, go for ES.

If you want all those with less comfort and don't mind a small interior, go IS.

If I'm not mistaken the IS interior is about the size of a civic. It's certainly not the most practical choice.

 

If you think the IS is cramped, I would say go for the ES. I find the size of the IS to be tight, but I would say it's more form-fitted for my taste - it's not airy or open by any means. If you don't see it this way then don't make yourself live with the smaller size on a daily basis. You will appreciate the more spacious interior of the ES. I sat in one at the dealership, and it's pretty darn comfy.