LeslieRC

Because this is a Lexus forum I'm sure that there's probably not going to be much love for Audi, so I would like to share my perspective. [I also have good familiarity with Lexus as can be seen from my signature below.]

I needed to get a "daily driver" last year when my job moved from downtown D.C. to Northern Virginia and I was deciding between the IS 250 AWD and the A4 Quattro. AWD/Quattro was a MUST because of winters here, and also because I really like the way the GX470 handles. [The GX470 is my wife's ride.]

I bought the A4 because I liked the way it handled during the test drive. The 2.0 Turbo (200hp) is vigorous and responds extremely well with the Quattro system and Triptronic shifter. I negotiated a price ($34K OTD) that included the sports package, Sirius, clear bra, road hazard wheel protection, and a 4-year/50K miles free maintenance. Other than the 5K service (oil change), the A4 has not seen the dealer since I bought it last August.

The IS250 had not hit the street yet when I got the A4, but I had done some research. To me, it appeared that the IS250 AWD would be fairly comparable to the A4 2.0T Quattro. Because it would be a Lexus, I knew it would be a perfect, problem-free car. Because it was a brand-new model, I also knew that there would not be much room to negotiate price for the IS, and that I would probably be looking at over $40K OTD.

Based on what I've read here and what I know about the A4, I think the A4 may have the edge on performance against the IS250 AWD, but perhaps only slightly so. As I said, the A4 has not given me any problems thus far. I also am averaging 28 mpg on 93 octane int he A4.

Good luck with your choices!

cspec

TSX for the money. It's such a breat car for what you get. We actually have one in the family as a beater for everyone to use. It's just so good for what you pay for it. But it's a night and day difference from the 2IS, or maybe we've just had the TSX for so long that the interior's all beat up. Haha...

My friend's A4's have tons... and I mean tons of problems. I wouldn't get an Audi.

rsx2is350

Sk72, here is a pic of the Honda 4 doort Sports Concept this should give you a very accurate idea of the 08 TSX. Preliminary specs are 2.2 liter turbochraged engine with 240 hp and SH-AWD.

bmoney12

I've had 2 Audi's an 05 S4 and an 03 RS6 both were trouble free. I'd go with the A4 it's faster and handles much better. They also always seem to have good lease deals.

Cali_Girl

Don't feel bad about getting the ES330 versus ES350. From reading the ES350 forum, I've learned about transmission problems with earlier built 2007 model.....not a good thing since I have the ES350 too. Knocked on wood so far...car is still very young at 2000 miles, but others are not that lucky.

As for the TSX, it was something I was considering prior to buying the IS250 RWD. Both drives the same to me....I can't tell the difference in power or RWD versus FWD (I'm car challenged ). Although TSX has more to offer for less than the IS250 price tag, I like the look of the IS250 more......better exterior and better interior in my opinion. My husband wanted me to go with the TSX (we even had an argument over this), but who's the one driving it? ---ME ). So if she likes the IS, go for that. I'm the type who always follow my heart and if my heart says IS, I go for the IS. Otherwise, she'll have buyers remorse, and everytime she sees a IS250, she'll never been fully content. Just my 2cents.

jezza

Sorry, but the IS without 306hp just doesn't do anything for me. Of the cars you're considering, I've go with the A4 hands down, followed by the TSX.

socalJD

The current gen TSX is a rebadged Accord from europe. So basically, you're getting a gussied up 4 cyl Accord, not a sports sedan. I've driven the TSX as a loaner, you have to keep the revs up for power, otherwise it pretty tame. Dimensionally, it's roomier than the IS, more back seat space and bigger trunk. Bottom line, it's really a smaller version of the Accord, so if a Fwd 4 cyl family sedan appeals to you - it's the best bang for the buck, but I don't think it's a true comparison to the IS250, you really ought to look at the TL instead.

linh811

ditto for me. flame if you want, but i don't consider the 250 even in the same league....

for ABOUT the same price, i'd have to go with a g35

SLEXC400

Bottom line: Have her test drive the cars she thinks she might like and then start narrowing the choices down. There has many a time when I have really loved the look of a new model but was dissappointed when I actually sat in it or drove it. The decision becomes easier then ...

hsk73

Yes, TSX = Euro Accord... At least go for TL if you are thinking about getting Acura...

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

and your point, the TL uses an USDM accord chassis

Cali_Girl

You do know that some people are not into HP right? A4, TSX and IS250 are all in the low 200 HP range. If they are happy with low 200ish, so be it.

SugarRush

^ just want to concur with Cali_girl's post: not everyone place HP on top of their shopping list.

I dont really care about HP.
0 to 60 in 7 tp 9 seconds are acceptable to me.
Of course >10 seconds is not adequate.
I care about ride quality (comfort) and good handling.
I care about safety and build quality

I think that's explain my 2IS choice.

Poman

TSX should be plenty for your fiance/wife. I bought my IS first then got my wife the TSX. I got the IS350 instead because I want more power. I do love the TSX except it's not fast enough. But for the money you can not find anything on the market that looks as good loaded around 29k, period! Not fully loaded Accord, not Camry either. So my wife does not need that much power hulling kid and grocery around, TSX with Navi fits her just fine and she loves it. I was going to make two ISs in the garage (IS250 and IS350) but the idea got shot down...bummer. Enjoy!

TLe2006

My sis has the 06 TSX and it runs pretty smooth.