kevinslee

Hello,

I am currently shopping between the Lexus IS250/350, the BMW 328i/335i, and the Audi A4 2.0t/S4. After test driving them, I am currently leaning toward the 335i, but am still hesitant of purchasing after the problems I had with my 04' 530i. Any suggestions?

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

Well youre in a Lexus forum, so you know Im gonna say the IS350! I love the car due to its luxury and reliability hands down compared to the other cars you listed. Dont get me wrong the 335i is bad *** too but its a BMW so Im scared of problems that may occur later on.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

IS350 IMO is the best overall car, while it doesnt have the performance of a 3 it makes up for it in other areas, build quality, reliability, etc

Red@8

You are looking at the exact same cars I was, except i was looking at the Acura 3.2tl type s aspec as well. Anyway The 335 had better handling (imo) and has better options for modding. That motor seems to be responding quite well the the chips that are already out for it. As long as you dont mind the auto the lexus has more features (in cdn models anyway) than the 335 and costs about $7k less (cdn).

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Are you leasing or buying? If you're leasing, go for the Bimmer. You'll have free maintenance for the term of your lease.

If you're buying, go for the IS. It's long-term reliability will (hypothetically) trum its European competitors.

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

Very good point.

IS250 4 Me

If you want feel, handling, off the dealer's lot performance, and like to visit the shop frequently, then go for the BMW.

If you want to stay away from the shop, want better gadgets for the money, and want to save $7K to $8K, then buy the IS350.

The IS turns like it is on rails, so make no bones about its handling...it handles quite well. I personally don't know how BMW can even compete.

RamshakleZ

The BMW does win hands down in terms of performance. Back to back you definately feel more connected to the road with the BMW... but there is where it stops. I think BMWs suck in every other aspect from luxury to reliability to service to amenities to looks to ... well, you get my point. If you care about anything else other than raw performance... then don't get the BMW. If performance is 70% of all you care about, then get the BMW. That's not to say that the IS has shabby performance... I think it ROCKS! But, admittedly it's no 335i.

Oh, and FORGET THE AUDI!!!! Keep your list between the BMW and Lexus.

IS250 4 Me

Yeah, but time is money. I considered a BMW before buying the IS, and the free maintenance bit didn't play into my decision because I don't want to visit the shop, period, end of discussion. It didn't matter that maintenance was free. Who wants to take their valuable time to visit the shop, even if it is free?

How about leasing a Lexus and not needing non-routine maintenance?

Evitzee

The new BMW's are having all kinds of problems with their fuel pumps, with many of them off the streets for weeks. That kind of nonsense would scare me away, warranty or not. They are a fine car, but way too many problems for me to ever buy one.

kevinslee

Well, currently I drive an 04' BMW 530i that is giving me all sorts of problems (first model year). My wife has an RX330 and I guess going to the dealerships for regular service has spoiled me. Compared with the Lexus dealership service, the BMW dealer is simply atrocious.

Between the IS250/350, BMW 328i/335i, and the Audi a4/s4; the BMW is, like many have said before, the hands down winner in terms of fun-to-drive factor. However, the Lexus is the winner in terms of quality and interior design.

The only reason the Audi is on the list is because I love the look of the exterior and the interior comes close to Lexus. My dad and brother have also recommended the brand to me as my dad has an 05 A6 (no problems surprisingly) and my brother an 04 A4 (pretty reliable according to him.)


OH, BTW I plan on BUYING my next car.
Wow, this is a hard decision.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Like everyone said, it all depends on what you're looking for. With the BMW, you are sacrificing some luxury for performance. Lexus is sacrificing some performance for luxury. The Audi (IMO) is kind of in between. Unless you get the S4, it isn't going to keep up well with the other two(in a straight line), however, an A4 with quattro is a fine car, just stay away from that 3.2 v6. Also, the interior of the A4 is better than the BMW, but I still prefer the IS.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

it's fine if you are not going to keep the car for a long time (3+ years), otherwise turbo from 335i would be a potential issue.....

IS_Mine

All cars have their problems. The IS350 isn't perfect either. It seems more and more frequent that cars are having the VVTI issue and I'm sure the VVTI issue will have our cars down for a lot longer than the BMW Fuel pump issue.

I say go with the one you like and have the most fun driving. However, I do have to throw in.. if you're a automatic person than the IS350 is perfect, if you prefer a 5/6 speed BMW all the way.

Forget the AUDI, the only thing they got going for them is interior.