i've never owned an audi myself but a few friends have owned them. 2 out of 3 of them said they would never buy an audi again. Spends far to much time in the shop for a new car.

I would go Lexus, it's a toyota product so you know it's reliable.

 

Watch this video review by Matt Farah who takes an IS350 F-Sport through its paces via Southern California's most technically challenging road.

The entire video is VERY informative but at 9:25 to 9:45 of the video, he makes explicit comparison to BMW 3 series and Audi A4 :


I like how he says at 8:25 : "It's like the GS F-Sport, the harder you push it, the more fun it gets!"

 

Thanks for posting. It's also interesting what he had to say about the speed of the car.

 

I had this exact dilemma. Started the search for a replacement for our Mini Cooper S in March. We wanted a sports car, but also wanted something practical and more comfortable than the Mini. Road trips in the Mini were not an option, the ride on the freeway was too rough, too loud, and too tiring.

The S4 went to the top of the list right away and stayed there. The interior, exterior, engine, transmission, and adjustable suspension checked all of our boxes. We were ready to place an order for a 2014, but I dragged my feet because I wanted to see the IS350 (F-Sport) in person. The pictures out there don't do that car justice.

Finally, two weeks ago we went by Lexus and saw the IS350 in person. Then drove one and we were pretty much sold. The Audi was going to be about $7,000 more, but the money wasn't really an issue if it was the right car. Two days later we came home with our white IS350 AWD F-Sport and I'm positive we made the right decision. The Lexus just "feels" better.

The S4 is an incredible car, but mechanically is pushed to it's limit. The 3.0 liter engine is rated at 333hp, but it's putting out closer to 350 (Audi is underrating the power for some reason). The transmission is great, but the engine has to be stressing it. I tend to keep cars for about 8 years and I think the Lexus is just going to be more reliable in the long run, fewer little things going wonky.

In the end it comes down to what one wants in a car, for us we want a comfortable road trip car that, at the turn of a **** and some pressure on the accelerator can get really fun, really quick.

 

i think it would be kind of crazy to get a german car with dealership 6 hrs away.

 

I feel that way about any badge.
Especially a German badge.

 

If it weren't for Audi's horrendous reliability, I'd have one. I think they are some of the nicest looking vehicles on the road, but their reliability is atrocious.

 

It's a tough call. They're both great cars from great brands with (IMHO) great interiors.

My wife has a Q3. Delightful car, as was her A3 before. I didn't consider Audi if only because I already have the keys to one...

But at that price differential, I'd go with the Lexus.

 

Wow the Audi red is fugly compared to the Lexus matador red.

 

I did some research prior to the 3is 350. My only other choice was the M3. S4 seemed like it was missing something for the price they wanted to sell it to me for. At the end of the day how satisfied was i gonna be with the new car parked in the garage? I felt that i was gonna be paying so much for the name and the power because everything else made me feel like i was in a VW. So at the end the IS350 got my approval and haven't been happier.

Also the 2014 c350 coupe had me intrigued for a bit lol.

 

Does he have the time to spend in service dept?If he does spend the extra 8k and get the stasis package b/c I believe the package your speaking of does not include brake upgrade,which will be greatly needed when your putting 370+ hp at wheels.

 

Truth be told, if he decides on an S4 the ONLY mod he needs to get is the REVO Technik remap. The car will go faster than an RS4, guaranteed. Oh and if you notice carefully on the video, one of the S4 lights arent working. See what I mean about bad electrical reliability? Video for proof -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KfMY96v_Gc#at=366

 

Thanks for everybody effort here. I'll let him have all the info before the final decision.

 

S4 hands down

 

If you can wait it out, the all new Audi S3 sedan should be available sometime early to mid next year. The S3 price point should compete with the IS350.