328i vs. IS350
08-09-09 | 09:26 PM
#106
I was going to suggest the IS250 as a nice cost savings option since you mentioned he's not an enthusiast, but it wasn't an option you originally gave for what he was looking at ... but since he now is ... 
I would say get the 250 with every option he might want, it will be nicer than the BMW as a car to drive around (though not as a 'drivers car').
For 'fun' I would work out how much (ballpark) service w. Lexus will cost him over the lenght of time in the lease and see if that makes a difference to him; don't forget to discount future expenditures and add inflation in those clacs
I would say get the 250 with every option he might want, it will be nicer than the BMW as a car to drive around (though not as a 'drivers car').
For 'fun' I would work out how much (ballpark) service w. Lexus will cost him over the lenght of time in the lease and see if that makes a difference to him; don't forget to discount future expenditures and add inflation in those clacs
I second that very much. If the guy isnt really looking for power, the IS250 is every bit as nice as the 350, and its quite a bit cheaper. Also, the 250 will depreciate less than 350 - check out the used car prices, 250's and 350's the price difference between used ones is not as great as between new ones. And theres the AWD option on the 250, which IMO is a must have.
08-09-09 | 09:44 PM
#108
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lets all get back on topic please.
Thanks for updating us!! Lexus is aggressively trying to move IS 250 RWD and AWD units as the 2010s are coming fast. $359/36 months 2500 down
Anyways... 
Unfortunately my friend still has not decided, but here are my thoughts on some of the OT stuff in this thread:
1.) After doing my own research on various Lexus/BMW/MB boards before my car purchase, IMHO it's easy to see that the BMW/MB guys are far more "brand loyal" and biased than the Lexus guys. For example, search "ISF" on the BMW boards, then search "M3" on the Lexus boards.
2.) My friend is leasing, and that's what works best for him at the moment. Lease vs. purchase depends on the situation. One is not better than the other.
Now back on topic... in no way am I putting down the IS350 by comparing it to the 328i as opposed to the 335i. We all know that the IS350s direct competitor is the 335i. However, in this situation, the 328i with options has shot up its pricing to equal the IS350; Thus, my friend is now making a choice between those two. I'm just looking out for him to make sure he is aware of everything that contributes to the pricing premium for the BMW.
He is now also looking at the IS250 as well, since he might be able to save more money and get even more options he wants in the car. While he is drawn to the brand of BMW, in doing so, he is also making more compromises than he'd like for features and options.
I think the main points I got (In favor of the BMW) are free maintenance, driving experience, and obviously subjective opinions on styling. He is going to test drive the cars soon, so I'll keep you guys posted. Please continue to chime in with your thoughts! Thanks.
Unfortunately my friend still has not decided, but here are my thoughts on some of the OT stuff in this thread:
1.) After doing my own research on various Lexus/BMW/MB boards before my car purchase, IMHO it's easy to see that the BMW/MB guys are far more "brand loyal" and biased than the Lexus guys. For example, search "ISF" on the BMW boards, then search "M3" on the Lexus boards.
2.) My friend is leasing, and that's what works best for him at the moment. Lease vs. purchase depends on the situation. One is not better than the other.
Now back on topic... in no way am I putting down the IS350 by comparing it to the 328i as opposed to the 335i. We all know that the IS350s direct competitor is the 335i. However, in this situation, the 328i with options has shot up its pricing to equal the IS350; Thus, my friend is now making a choice between those two. I'm just looking out for him to make sure he is aware of everything that contributes to the pricing premium for the BMW.
He is now also looking at the IS250 as well, since he might be able to save more money and get even more options he wants in the car. While he is drawn to the brand of BMW, in doing so, he is also making more compromises than he'd like for features and options.
I think the main points I got (In favor of the BMW) are free maintenance, driving experience, and obviously subjective opinions on styling. He is going to test drive the cars soon, so I'll keep you guys posted. Please continue to chime in with your thoughts! Thanks.
11-05-09 | 11:20 AM
#112
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: ca
In regards to leasing and buying, if you're going to lease, the BMW is the better option as you won't have to pay for anything out of pocket as long as it's regular maintenance. I have a friend who has a BMW 3 series and it just hit 100k and since 90k, he's spent close to 5500 in repairs . . . he also has a forerunner at close to 120k and has only had to to routine maintenance. I had an Acura Legend 2 door coupe 6-speed and it was totaled last year in a car accident and I had over 200k on it and had mainly maintenance issues although there were little things here and there that started to have problems. Either case, if you're going to buy and keep, it's better to get a more reliable ride . . . if you plan on leasing, get the best deal with the best service.
11-05-09 | 01:37 PM
#113
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 102
From: Waiting for next track day
Anyways...
Unfortunately my friend still has not decided, but here are my thoughts on some of the OT stuff in this thread:
1.) After doing my own research on various Lexus/BMW/MB boards before my car purchase, IMHO it's easy to see that the BMW/MB guys are far more "brand loyal" and biased than the Lexus guys. For example, search "ISF" on the BMW boards, then search "M3" on the Lexus boards.
2.) My friend is leasing, and that's what works best for him at the moment. Lease vs. purchase depends on the situation. One is not better than the other.
Now back on topic... in no way am I putting down the IS350 by comparing it to the 328i as opposed to the 335i. We all know that the IS350s direct competitor is the 335i. However, in this situation, the 328i with options has shot up its pricing to equal the IS350; Thus, my friend is now making a choice between those two. I'm just looking out for him to make sure he is aware of everything that contributes to the pricing premium for the BMW.
He is now also looking at the IS250 as well, since he might be able to save more money and get even more options he wants in the car. While he is drawn to the brand of BMW, in doing so, he is also making more compromises than he'd like for features and options.
I think the main points I got (In favor of the BMW) are free maintenance, driving experience, and obviously subjective opinions on styling. He is going to test drive the cars soon, so I'll keep you guys posted. Please continue to chime in with your thoughts! Thanks.
Unfortunately my friend still has not decided, but here are my thoughts on some of the OT stuff in this thread:
1.) After doing my own research on various Lexus/BMW/MB boards before my car purchase, IMHO it's easy to see that the BMW/MB guys are far more "brand loyal" and biased than the Lexus guys. For example, search "ISF" on the BMW boards, then search "M3" on the Lexus boards.
2.) My friend is leasing, and that's what works best for him at the moment. Lease vs. purchase depends on the situation. One is not better than the other.
Now back on topic... in no way am I putting down the IS350 by comparing it to the 328i as opposed to the 335i. We all know that the IS350s direct competitor is the 335i. However, in this situation, the 328i with options has shot up its pricing to equal the IS350; Thus, my friend is now making a choice between those two. I'm just looking out for him to make sure he is aware of everything that contributes to the pricing premium for the BMW.
He is now also looking at the IS250 as well, since he might be able to save more money and get even more options he wants in the car. While he is drawn to the brand of BMW, in doing so, he is also making more compromises than he'd like for features and options.
I think the main points I got (In favor of the BMW) are free maintenance, driving experience, and obviously subjective opinions on styling. He is going to test drive the cars soon, so I'll keep you guys posted. Please continue to chime in with your thoughts! Thanks.
11-05-09 | 05:00 PM
#114
Oh snap! Thanks for bringing this thread from the dead! I totally forgot to update you guys. My friend ended up picking up an IS250 (RWD Auto)! For him, a lot of it came down to pricing. BMW did have free maintenance, but the monthly cost was a lot higher for less features. Also, for whatever reason BMW had a mandatory fee at the end of the lease, whereas Lexus did not.
11-05-09 | 05:59 PM
#115
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: NV
11-05-09 | 06:31 PM
#116
"free maintenance" is 4 oil changes, brake pad change, and wiper blades? I dont see how this is a huge perk. I received 2 years of oil changes (6 oil changes) free when I bought my IS new. Most dealers give you free oil changes already. I dont see BMW's deal as an omg perk
11-05-09 | 10:52 PM
#117
Guest
Posts: n/a
Oh snap! Thanks for bringing this thread from the dead! I totally forgot to update you guys. My friend ended up picking up an IS250 (RWD Auto)! For him, a lot of it came down to pricing. BMW did have free maintenance, but the monthly cost was a lot higher for less features. Also, for whatever reason BMW had a mandatory fee at the end of the lease, whereas Lexus did not.
11-05-09 | 11:32 PM
#118
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 102
From: Waiting for next track day
"free maintenance" is 4 oil changes, brake pad change, and wiper blades? I dont see how this is a huge perk. I received 2 years of oil changes (6 oil changes) free when I bought my IS new. Most dealers give you free oil changes already. I dont see BMW's deal as an omg perk
11-05-09 | 11:49 PM
#119
every dealership i bought from offered a pre-paid maintenance package that works out to be cheaper than what BMW builds into the price of their cars. my mom had a benz that came with free maintenance back in the day (90's), they stopped that crap now.
11-06-09 | 12:23 AM
#120
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 102
From: Waiting for next track day
BMW is not going to do anyone any favors