Lem144

***F*^K*** This is so hard.

Here is my dilemma
New IS250 MT with F-sport clutch/short shift
Used 2007 328xi with 22300 miles, MT with premium (real leather and blue tooth), sport pkg and cold weather pkg.

BMW is $60 more per month in my payment over the Lex.

Any suggestions? I know I'm talking to a Lexus board, but I have to get a stick.

Lexus pros: Reliability, quality, looks
Lexus cons: Manual transmission (who knows, F-sport might improve this), no heated seats or bluetooth

BMW pros: Certified pre-owned, free maintenance upto 50k, handling, great manual tranny, AWD (I live in Boston)
BMW cons: Reliability, they're everywhere, costs more per month somewhat negated by warranty and free maintenance...

Any thoughts?

Gamble

Newer car= 0 miles vs. the 22,xxx. I would take the lexus over the bimmer. The lexus will have higher resale value in the end.

BlackGhost

I would go for the IS250 for sure

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

so what options are going to be on the 250? If you want a MT and need the awd, then go with the BMW

Lem144

I don't need AWD...don't drive in the snow too much.

Yes, the BMWs resale will be low. My guess is in a year worth about 21-24k. MSRP on this car was like $41k...

No options on the 250. It's bone stock.

Gamble

It will feel a lot better in a new car vs. a used car. IMO.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I doubt it will drop that low unless you are using wholesale value. If you go by the basix kbb.com values that car should still be closer to $30K IMHO. Heck, kbb.com still list my 2002 E46 330i at about $18K private party and over $20K retail. Mine still has under 25K miles on it though.

Anyway, buy the car you like to drive the best. Test drive both of them and see which one turn you on more

meefer

iTrader: (8)

New > used.

Hate to sound like a Cl homer, but if you're going used, why not a 350? or a 250 with Nav/ML?

I'd put in the obligatory "given the choice," but I'm on Clublexus so it's pretty obvious what I did =)

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

If you're buying the Lexus new I'm not understanding why you can't get heated seats? Premium package adds the heated/cooled seats for less than $60/mo more unless it's a 12 month loan or something.

(can get bluetooth too, but that requires the insanely overpriced nav, so better to go aftermarket for that)

Lem144

I dont want to deal with an order...I've tried that in the past. Sucked ***** and I can get the Lex at invoice.

No chance for 250awd or 350 because I want a stick!

Argh.

pkvir

Try to talk them down a little on the BMW. The 328 will have BMW handling and a better MT. As far a resale, BMW's are pretty solid. I would think the 328 would be quicker and more fun to drive.

Now if you were comparing a 328 to a 350, I would take the 350.

Of course this is only one mans opinion who loves the Lexus brand and never owned a BMW.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

This is a loaded question; I was a BMW driver for over 30 years and would have bought a 3 or a 5 series this time around if it weren't for Lord Bangle! As it is, I can not stomach the styling of any of the current BMW line. Hence, I went for the lexus (IS250), new.

Bear in mind the following:

1. You can't get a bone stock IS250 in the US. Min MSRP is about $34,000 with invoice around 30500 on the lowest spec car imported.
2. You can get them for a little over invoice ($50-$500)
3. Lease/finance rates on a new car are usually lower than a used car.
4. Ive had more problems with my RX300 than my last 2 BMW 5 series.
5. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Bottom line for me - BMW was the better driver's car while the Lexus offered the better overall package.

Lem144

Yeah, the BMW was really nice to drive...I just think the Lexus looks tons better...

The BMW is like a Corolla around here. They ***** them out on leases and everyone has one.

Lem144

Actually, the one I've got in mind has no options...just wheel locks and trunk mat. MSRP is like $31,400

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Wow, that's weird!