Weather

Hi everyone,

I am new to this site and would like to say hello to all the regulars. I would also like to ask for your help. I am considering 3 vehicles but I am very undecided and confused with all the litterature out there. The 3 cars I am considering are the following:

1. 2006 Lexus IS 250 for its looks (front and interior...lukewarm on profile and back view)
2. 2006 BMW 325i for its handling (lukewarm on exterior and interior)
3. 2006 SAAB 9-3 Aero for its styling (especially exterior)

I understand that SAAB doesn't have the reputation that Lexus has for reliability but is it as bad as what people caim? I read some reviews that seem very favorable. Keep in mind that I am not an overly agressive driver, just someone who wants a nice looking vehicle, who's reliable and relatively low maintenance costs (2006 BMW has all maintenance costs). I can get a BWM 36 month lease for $695 (can)/month while lexus will have to be a 48 month lease to get it to that low and SAAB is very similar to BMW....I'll leave it open for your experience and expertise.....THANKS in adavnce

diablo1

Well it's a trade-off: statistically, the BMW is more likely to have problems, but any service and maintenance will be taken care of. With Lexus, you still have a good warranty, so it's not like you have to pay for *everything* if something goes wrong. Personally I decided I'da rather have the car that doesn't break as often, rather than the one that breaks more but has service included. I think I read somewhere on this site that the IS350 has 5 hours of scheduled maintenance during the first 2 years of service, or something like that. So if reliability is a major concern, Lexus for sure.

If you like Saab styling, there's not much else out there that looks like it... But I've heard their reliability isn't so good since GM took them over. If you wouldn't buy a Chevy, don't buy a Saab.

STIG

Hello, Welcome to Clublexus.

If you want a reliable car, don't even bother thinking about SAAB. BMWs arent too bad as other would say. I was thinking about 330i and IS350 when I was shooping for my car, but fortunately, it was an easy decision for me. IS350 has over 50 more hps then 330i and I just couldn't stand that plain cold interior.

Good Luck with your decision. (This is the Club Lexus, so you will obviously get some biased answers.)

unit74

iTrader: (3)

We had to sue BMW to get our car fixed.........



Basically, BMW's are great drivers. But if the shiete hits the fan and it's under warranty, they leave you high and dry.....


We just signed our setttlement agreement with them today.......at least I don't have to drive to court now....100 miles one way.

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

this is one reason why i don't purchase bmw anymore....