boneweavr

I'm thinking of purchasing a new car. Choice between audi A4 and IS 300. In view of the fact that the IS is going to have an "overhall" what would be a fair price for the car now? For a AWD A4 (2005) 1.8 quatro with some added options the cost would be about $33,000. Please help! Would appreciate any advise.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the price of the is300 is still about the same, i think you can get a fully loaded for about 31k?

anyway, where in cali are you in? i have my 03 is300 fully loaded with nav for sale, only 11000 miles

i am in cali too

curiousg

I am in a similar boat and was looking at a the A4s, as well as BMW 325 and IS300. I must say that the interior of the the Audi is a work of art - better than the BMW and way ahead of the IS 300 in terms of materials and, personnal preference here, looks. The Audis have gotten a little better in terms of reliability over the last 2 years, but are generally among the worst German makes right now. Electrical problems and CV Joints are/were prevelant. Also, the IS 300 will pretty much smoke the 1.8T in terms of performance (dry weather of course!).

If you want a current IS, I would wait until closer to the release date of the 2nd gen. My local dealers had fire sales on the 2nd gen GS over the past couple months to clear out inentory. You would run the risk of not being able to find what you want, but I would think that you could make a good deal coming out under the Audi price point (but then again the Audi has a lot more features than an IS).

mmarshall

Unless you are really snowed under and need AWD right now, I would strongly suggest waiting for the upcoming IS250 or 350 AWD.....it will give you the Audi's Quattro AWD traction with a LOT better reliability.

curiousg

Very true! Is there any word on availability of an AW variant? I have not heard a peep.

mmarshall

At the Washington, DC Auto Show at Christmastime the Lexus rep told me 18 -24 months...which would be the later half of next year.....if you can wait that long. The regular IS debuts this fall.
I didn't make the big Detroit show so I didn't get the scoop there. Try PM'ing Longo Lexus here on CL (Elizabeth Hyun). She and flipside 909 are in regular contact with the West Coast Lexus HQ...and they would know more than I would on that.

If you can afford to spend a little more....or can't wait that long.....the GS 300 V6 AWD will debut very shortly, but it will probably run mid-40's at least...a pretty good chunk of cash.

Also, for the money, take a GOOD look at the 2005 Subaru Legacy / Outback AWD's, with their outstanding fit-and-finish this year....they run $20,000-$32,000 depending on model and drivetrain. Turbo and six-cylinder models are also available. These cars are truly a bargain-and-a-half......Lexus-quality interior and refinement for a Subaru price. They are totally unlike anything Subaru has ever offered before. I am so impressed with them that I may buy one myself....and I don't say that lightly. I look at a LOT of new cars.
BTW, Consumer Reports now ranks Subaru in a virtual tie with Toyota / Lexus as the most reliable overall nameplate.

dolesun

Audi is known for electrical problems on the long run so reliablility is an issue. If your considering AWD, why not look at the Legacy?

flipside909

A4 is very slow. It looks very nice but the quality issues are something to think about.

dolesun

It won't be slow if you get it chipped from APR or something.