Well you are comparing a "Hot Hatch" and an "Executive Saloon". Therefore different shaped cars in different classes and price brackets, different engine configurations (6 cylinder silky smooth engine vs a turbo charged 4 cylinder engine), awesome interior vs not so awesome interior, sharp handling vs not so sharp handling etc.
Why these 2 cars in particular?
Why these 2 cars in particular?
Well, I had an FR, but I sold it to get the Lexus. And I just wanted to know if I made the right choice? So I guess I just wanted people's opinions. But I do love leon and I would deffo get another one. I guess I just wanted to get a car that would suit all my driving pleasures or needs. BMW is too common, but otherwise I would have considered them. All three of them are great cars.
Well, what do you think? I think the Lexus and Cupra look amazing, the Lexus is more refined and does look nicer on the inside, but the Leon is miles more fun to drive... That's about it, really. I think Leon's are pretty much the best hatch out there, wouldn't you agree?
if you like driving then cupra, if you like driving to the golf course then lexus, if alan partridge suits you then you have made the right decision 
UltraViolet
Guest
Depends on use.
If commute not far and on twisty country road - Cupra.
If commute longer and motorway - Lexus.
Both have their merits, depends on the use and what is important to you. I used to have a Lexus and it was a superb car. Not great on fuel (dated engineering) but great to drive for what it is and could be fun to hustle along quickly - plus of course very well appointed inside.
But, it wasn't my only car - I had a fun car for the weekends as well and so it was nice having the comfy 'sensible' car for work use.
I've had/have both and imho. these cars are not comparable in most ways.
My opinion the only things that are comparable: paint quality (lexus in fact is a bit worse) and rattles (the new Is is notorious for dash rattles).
If you do a lot of speedway miles then go for the lexus. The IS drives like a premium car but always feels a bit heavy and underpowered. IS-F or IS350 would be a better choice but the second will be hard to obtain. Stay away from the diesel (utter crap) and manual petrol.
Things that imho. should be avoided in a lexus: low spec. particular without the harman kardon setup, fabric especially the light interior (black or dark grey leather imho looks best), small wheels (the IS looks cheap with 16 or 17" alloys).
Biggest downside of an Is is that the rearseats don't fold so an IS wouldn't be very handy if it's your only car an you ocasionally want to ship something large that doesn't fit the ski compartment.
The Leon would be the better choice if it's your only ride and you want to have fun on B roads. The versions with bigger engines are fun to drive, feel agile and lighter than they really are.
Reliability is an issue with Seats and dealerships (at least over here) are way worse than those of toyota / lexus (a Lexus has way less problems to they will have more time for you).
The lexus in the end will cost you approx. 30-40% more than a comparable specced Seat so all will depend on your budget.
(my IS was Ice white with black leather, all specs without the sunroof and didn't have a single problem for over 50.000 miles, My cupra I have so far had about eight minor and bigger issues on reliability but still is soo much fun to drive....)
My opinion the only things that are comparable: paint quality (lexus in fact is a bit worse) and rattles (the new Is is notorious for dash rattles).
If you do a lot of speedway miles then go for the lexus. The IS drives like a premium car but always feels a bit heavy and underpowered. IS-F or IS350 would be a better choice but the second will be hard to obtain. Stay away from the diesel (utter crap) and manual petrol.
Things that imho. should be avoided in a lexus: low spec. particular without the harman kardon setup, fabric especially the light interior (black or dark grey leather imho looks best), small wheels (the IS looks cheap with 16 or 17" alloys).
Biggest downside of an Is is that the rearseats don't fold so an IS wouldn't be very handy if it's your only car an you ocasionally want to ship something large that doesn't fit the ski compartment.
The Leon would be the better choice if it's your only ride and you want to have fun on B roads. The versions with bigger engines are fun to drive, feel agile and lighter than they really are.
Reliability is an issue with Seats and dealerships (at least over here) are way worse than those of toyota / lexus (a Lexus has way less problems to they will have more time for you).
The lexus in the end will cost you approx. 30-40% more than a comparable specced Seat so all will depend on your budget.
(my IS was Ice white with black leather, all specs without the sunroof and didn't have a single problem for over 50.000 miles, My cupra I have so far had about eight minor and bigger issues on reliability but still is soo much fun to drive....)
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I'm 26. And thanks for the feedback so far. It's interesting. I know these cars aren't comparable. But all I want is a comfortable car, that has enough speed and some space, too. Easy to drive and just fast enough when you want to have a fast flowing day. It depends, really. 20k is about the budget, really. 5 Series is too big, 3 Series is so common. There's so much choice, really. I don't mind 20-25mpg, either. These forums are the most friendly and advice driven ones on the entire internet where opinions are not biased. That's why I love it. Kudos to all. =)
gaRy cupra
Guest
I went from an IS300, my 3rd Lexus and a faultless car for 4 years, to an Fr Tfsi dsg. Reason, I had become bored.
They are entirely different and both do what they do very well. The IS is a lot more money and will provide a turn the key and go experience as long as you own it. The leon is cheaply finished and -others say -prone to niggles, I've been reasonably lucky so far.
I think at 26 you would be missing out on too much of the fun of driving by going for a lexus now. My 3 began in my 40's and the last of them followed a Cooper S lots of fun but just too hard riding. I'm back to fun as a middle aged man.
At 26 you should not be in doubt between a quick hot hatch and a junior managers car!
They are entirely different and both do what they do very well. The IS is a lot more money and will provide a turn the key and go experience as long as you own it. The leon is cheaply finished and -others say -prone to niggles, I've been reasonably lucky so far.
I think at 26 you would be missing out on too much of the fun of driving by going for a lexus now. My 3 began in my 40's and the last of them followed a Cooper S lots of fun but just too hard riding. I'm back to fun as a middle aged man.
At 26 you should not be in doubt between a quick hot hatch and a junior managers car!
Leon for value, Golf for the interior if you spend long periods in the car, Audi if you have met your performance targets and are invited to a bonding weekend with the senior management at a c*untry club, Bmw if you have more money than wit and want to make it obvious.
Lol, that makes sense. I don't like the Golf interior. The Audi doesn't seem as spacious inside as the Leon, but looks nice on the outside. So I guess it's between and Audi or Cupra. Not an S3, though. That's 20k+, lol.
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