The IS comes straight from Japan, not sure where the TLX is built, but I'm guessing not Japan. That for me is a deal breaker. There's a reason why Lexus is #1 in JD reliability reports. Its because of that. The minute it moves out of Japan reliability will go down the list, like so many other Japanese branded cars. Plus, lets not kid ourselves, the TLX is a luxury domestic car, even if it tries to be sporty. The IS has sports in its genes.

 

It's important to note that this isn't always the case. The Camry I had before this was assembled in Kentucky - only had one issue (brake rotors were warped and needed replacing), which was present when I drove it off the lot. Other than that, it ran like a champ for the couple of years I had it. And... it was used. I bought it with about 22k miles, traded in at about 48k.

 

Just traded 2018 TLX A-spec AWD to IS250 AWD

 

Acura is not worth it. If you want a TLX, go for an Accord V6...you will be a lot happier. TLX feels just like the Accord.

 

Really?!?! You dumped your TLX Aspec already???

 

yes, after 2 month

 

WOW!! I have been hearing many positive comments about teh A Spec - I had many Acura products and the TLX is where I stopped, that stupid ZF unit is what did it for me!! Why did you drop it? Did you have the 4 or V6?

 

V6
It drives amazing, much much better than lexus. AWD system is perfect, but interior doesnt look to good, seats are not bad but thats it. Interior looks old and not luxury.

 

Well you literally got the worst driving IS variation possible. I bet the is350 F-Sport RWD would feel just as good or better than the A-Spec you had. Why didn't you just get the IS350...I think the IS250 is a big downgrade from your ASpec

 

It is downgrade by the engine and size. I took a test drive at 350, still not as good as Acura AWD, wasnt impressed, so why to pay extra. Anyway is going to be a work car and it doesnt matter with how many hp to sit in s morning traffic )))
As for a pleasure im going to buy something next year, maybe a will come back to Mercedes again, i do like the new E coupe

 

Hmm, curious what you weren't impressed with... My intuition would be that the IS is better balanced due to its weight distribution, but then again it doesn't have SH-AWD magic either.

 

I have not test driven the 2018 TLX ASpec but the 2015-2017 was horrible because of the ZF unit. That being said, I owned a 2012 TL with SH-AWD and that was BY FAR a more fun and handling car than my 2015 IS 350 F Sport (and my new 2017 model). Had the 2017 moved away from the ZF unit, I'd have one in my driveway as I much prefer Acura's tuning of their suspension and throttle response (pre-TLX). The IS feels heavy and not as crisp but I love the smaller interior as I am very slim and small framed individual.

I love the Lexus interior and feels more upscale than Acura - I will say that I miss my 2012 TL, that interior was so nice at night with the plethora of ***** and buttons, the cockpit felt like a airplane and loved it....I know, I am the exception with hating dual/touch screens and prefer buttons.

 

TLX is amazing car, SH-AWD is probably the best on a market especially when you make turns on highways ramps at 40-50 mps, you could see on display how every wheel receive their power. Looks like they did fix vibration and transmission issues. I had the car for 2 month and did 2k miles on it.
But interior of Lexus is much better to my taste. TLX exterior looks good now, especially with A-Spec but interior and info graphic still from 2000....they tried, new red seats, red ambient lighting...but its not enough, you dont feel any premium inside. I do feel it in Lexus, yes, its doesnt drive and probably never will as good as TLX but i do feel premium

 

Tlx might be nice it just seems like Acura has fallen behind Lexus. I'm sure the fatter wallet would choose a GS350 over a TLX any day

 

despite being shorter in length these two vehicles weigh about the same. the 2018 tlx a-spec accelerates faster in a straight line than the 2017 is350, but the IS likely handles better in the twisties. both these cars will noticeably understeer when pushed to the limit. both these cars have excellent reliability ratings. these vehicle markets do overlap, in fact GCBC lists both under the same category (Small/Entry Luxury Car). these vehicles traditionally sold in equal volume, however sales of the IS have dropped precipitously so it now lags behind. i would say they both are nice cars and you can't go wrong with either one.