We are looking between these two cars. Opinions? Anyone own the Lexus? I like the GS430 more, but I cannot justify the price difference.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Lexus GS300 vs Acura RL
- Thread starter NetViper
- Start date
My Brother just picked up a 2002 GS 300 34,000 miles for $24,500 traded his 92 SC 400 with 180,000 miles on it. So far he loves it...I will have to drive it this weekend.
NSX 3.0 said:
Thanks. We are looking at 2006 GS300 vs 2006 RL. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.
NetViper said:
I was in the same boat as you. I wanted the GS430 but for 58k I said forget about it. the GS300 Awd was 48k non navi which is competitive with the RL, but you can probably get a RL for less then the msrp but not 40k like they were saying in another thread. I asked about getting a RL a few weeks ago and they were not budging on the price and wound up getting a 06 TL. I think there is a bit more technology in the RL but it does not seem as plush as the lexus interior and the lex just looks like more of a car then the RL. I think that if it were between the two and the lex was alittle more money I would go with the Lex IMO. Good Luck with your choice.
I know this is a completly different car. But why not a BMW 5 series? Even the pre-gen 530i, the best car ever made...according to ALOT of magazines and such.
The 96 LS 400 I have has been the best car I have ever owned as far as reliability and comfort (besides the 92 LS 400 I replaced it with), its not too slow either!!...I personally wouldn't compare an RL to A GS300 because the Acura is FWD and that's just not the same.......
I would get the lexus hands down .....however I would get the LS430 because the styling of the new GS is not very attractive to me...Just my 2 cents...JZ
Get a 2004 lease return LS430..thats the smart buy IMO.
I would get the lexus hands down .....however I would get the LS430 because the styling of the new GS is not very attractive to me...Just my 2 cents...JZ
Get a 2004 lease return LS430..thats the smart buy IMO.
The Acura RL is all wheel drive and has a lot of technology built in. They are both around the same price range and size. I test drove both cars and for me, the Lexus GS300 AWD fit like a glove. It just felt better in every aspect for me. The Acura just didn't feel nice and tight or stable around the curves compared to the Lexus. The GS communicated the road to the driver better. Acura was a little numb in that area. The Acura has a high rev 6 cylinder much like the NSX or S2K. The GS felt very strong (almost like a an 8 cylinder) and torquier? Here in Houston, you could get the RL for 42-43k brand new. Sticker was 48k on the Lexus. Choose either vehicle and you won't be disappointed, it's up to your preference. But for me the Lexus has the edge in every category inside and out.
Over all ownership is cheaper with RL, that is if you're going to finanance it. RL has special lease and finanacing rate. It is also cheaper MSRP with no option (with everything you can think of), and should perform better with SH-AW.
GS300 is kinda boring....
GS300 is kinda boring....
You're right it's not the same because the RL is AWD.zahntech said:
Dave,
Why are you getting rid of your TL?
Humm.. interesting..I was told 2 years ago by the Acura DSM that AWD would be "available" but not standard...oh well just more stuff to break....still go with the lexus..:wink:92NSX said:You're right it's not the same because the RL is AWD.
Dave,
Why are you getting rid of your TL?
My wife has an 05 RL - had it since January (GS and M weren't on the market at that time) so nearly a year of driving experience now.NetViper said:
On the positive side it is very quiet and the electronic goodies are entertaining. The sound system is excellent - particularly when playing DVD Audio disks. (Note that the system does not play Super Audio CD's, so if you have a bunch of those already know they won't work in this car). Mechanically, the car is solid (as you would expect) but we have had a few too many glitches with the electronics. There were 3 recalls this year to replace the nav computer, upgrade the engine ECU firmware and reprogram the tranny. We've also had problems with the keyless entry system (car would not start on several occassions). Steering feel is excellent and the suspension tuning is a good compromise between ride and handling. Seats are great and the driving position spot-on.
On the downside, the power is disappointing - like most honda engines, it is low on torque, particularly in low revs so 0-30 feels really sluggish. The engine really needs a manual tranny to get the most out of it - or another gear or two in the auto. Despite SH-AWD it understeers like a typical FWD car. Also, the gas mileage isn't very good - according to the trip computer, my wife gets just under 15 MPG in mixed driving - which is similar to what many others owners have experienced that I've talked to. Also, RL depreciation is bad, as it was with the previous generation RL. Dealers in my area were selling RL's for $7,500 below MSRP back in June, which really pissed me off - knowing that the resale on my 6 month old car had to be about $10k below what I paid for it.
If you're looking for a driver's sports sedan, the RL probably won't meet your expectations. If you're looking for a solid, comfortable luxury car with lots of electronic goodies to play with, the RL should be considered. My wife loves hers.
wow I feel like a cheapskate. I could never spend $40k+ on a daily driver.
My Honda Accord with a quarter million + miles is my favorite daily driver.
My Honda Accord with a quarter million + miles is my favorite daily driver.
tc said:
The car has nearly 60% of its weight up front - and its a heavy car at some 4300 lbs - so understeer is to be expected. And most drivers probably won't utilize SH-AWD (other than in wet/snow driving) because when the car starts to understeer the natural reaction is to lift off the throttle, which cuts the power and the SH-AWD system then has little or no torque with which to overdrive the outside rear wheel.
Lexus will have better resale, reliablity, and looks more prestigious than Acura. RL has been outsold by Lexus 4-1. Most buyers think Lexus is a better car. I do to.:smile:
I bought an '05 RL & did the full ASPEC pkg, suspension, 18" wheels & body.
I am happy with my decision.
Handles great, lots of technology and I still am getting about 20mpg...The Lexus, comparably equipped, would have been about $10K more in my market.
I am happy with my decision.
Handles great, lots of technology and I still am getting about 20mpg...The Lexus, comparably equipped, would have been about $10K more in my market.
I have no idea what the Lexus cost, but you obviously can't compare sticker to sticker. I was shocked to see that some dealerships were offering the new RL's at $10,000 off sticker price posted here a few months ago. I just looked on ebay and a dealership has brand new one for buy it now of 44k which is about 7k off sticker right? Something is wrong with that, but if you want to get something nice cheaper, then it may be ok.
jlindy said:
TC said:
Yeah earlier in this thread I said that the car was FWD and some people stepped up to say that it was AWD ..however if you look at the layout and design of the vehicle it is set up like a FWD car and therefore it drives like one.
Hothonda said:
Hothonda said:
How are you getting 20 mpg - I've reset the average mileage on the trip computer twice since June - both times the number leveled out at just under 15 mpg over a 3 month period. I talked to the dealer and other owners on tov.net - the general consensus is 15-17 mpg. Are you doing lots of steady (ie, not stop-and-go) highway miles?
NetViper said:
Acura NsX Pilot said:
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