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02/03 Lexus ES300 vs 02 Acura RL 3.5

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Old 07-26-07, 01:38 AM
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iamgine
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Default 02/03 Lexus ES300 vs 02 Acura RL 3.5

I originally planned to buy the 02/03 ES300 but I find out that the price people are asking are higher than KBB would suggest. On the other hand, the 2002 Acura RL 3.5 seem to be selling at a much cheaper price than the ES these days, despite the higher original price.

Logic tells me that I will be getting a better deal by buying the RL, seeing how it's in a higher class than ES but lower in price. Am I right? or is there other factors I should consider? I don't really care about the difference in MPG. Please tell me your opinion.

ps. bear in mind I am talking about the 02/03 models.
Old 07-26-07, 03:08 AM
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LXMN
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Your research would indicate that the Lexus holds onto it's resale value longer than the Acura does. This proves to be an important factor in choosing a reliable, quality built, not to mention sexy, auto.
Old 07-26-07, 05:58 AM
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lexusk8
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The market is definitely bigger for the Lexus ES than the Acura RL (as far as 02/03 models are concerned). So it's no surprise that the selling price for the ES is higher than the RL. Simple economics is one reason
Old 07-26-07, 01:43 PM
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MoreMGD32
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personally i think the Lex is the way to go. I would say the status on a lexus would be highly more reputable than the acura...although acura is definately making some nice cars these days.

my feelings reside with the lexus line!
Old 07-26-07, 01:48 PM
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SirSkrip
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I believe a couple of months ago there were some major engine recalls on the Acura for several year models. I was interested in buying one a few months back and Honda/Acura announced a major recall affecting hundreds of thousands of their cars. Something about catching fire or such (not too sure). Do a google search!
Old 07-26-07, 04:26 PM
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RXGS
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if it were a 2004 acura rl then id choose the acura, but an 02? then id say go with the lexus
Old 07-26-07, 07:46 PM
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iamgine
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Originally Posted by jmd93
if it were a 2004 acura rl then id choose the acura, but an 02? then id say go with the lexus
Well, for that matter, a 2004 Acura RL is about the same price as a 2003 Lexus ES300.

I am just thinking since the RL is supposedly a class higher than the ES (I think it's in the same class as LS or at least GS), and with have virtually the same price, wouldn't it be a better deal?
Old 07-26-07, 08:30 PM
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Choas
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I would go with the es personally. Here is how I think of it what is a Lexus but a enlightened Toyota and what is a Acura but an enlightened Honda. So you have to think of the car as its parent car and think what is a better car Toyota or Honda. Both of these are very reliable dependable cars but what has more class, flare and not to mention sales. The answer is Toyota. Also when you think of Toyota or Lexus you think of style, comfort and class but when you think think of Honda you think more of ricers, speed and very little cars. So it all comes down to choise do you want the class of a Lexus or would you like a just nice but more often ricey feel of an Acura?
Old 07-26-07, 08:32 PM
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vin 78
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Did that RL come with AWD? If so, do some research there are problems with its AWD system...I may be wrong however

Last edited by vin 78; 07-26-07 at 08:36 PM.
Old 07-26-07, 08:36 PM
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Smitty
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Go with the ES. And I'm not just saying that cuz I have an ES.

-Smitty
Old 07-26-07, 08:40 PM
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aparker813
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ignore what you think to be the higher class or level of each car...go drive one of each as open minded as you can and see which you prefer

follow that up with a little research from consumer reports or msn auto or whatever you so desire and then just formulate your decision more intelligently and informed
Old 07-27-07, 03:31 PM
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RXGS
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well id only choose an 04 rl cause 04 was the year they redid the interior added the wood and leather shifter *** and navi was standard. i also just like to look of the rl and like iamgine said i would think ur getting more for ur money, but ur going to be the one driving it, paying for it, and using it so its all rly up to u i think either way ull end up with a great car
Old 07-28-07, 09:21 PM
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toddpa332
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I would go with Lexus . I traded my first Lexus I owned for a Acura TL Thinking I would love the Car , Needless to say I only keep it for a couple months untill I found a Lexus I wanted. Never Again Will I own a Acura.
Old 07-28-07, 09:42 PM
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Rollin'ES3
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Lexus hands down
Old 07-28-07, 10:12 PM
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Lexucan
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Well most of the responses seem to be biased in favor of the Lexus, not surprisingly, since this is a forum for Lexus owners

If you were to ask the same question in an Acura forum, I think you can guess what the responses there would be.

I test drove a 2001 TL a few months ago and I was not at all impressed. The driver's seat was uncomfortable and the car had NO get up and go. I've also heard that Acura has had its fair share of tranny problems.

So in keeping with most of my fellow CL members, I also vote for Lexus

Last edited by Lexucan; 07-28-07 at 10:18 PM.


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