SunsetDee

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum, this is my first post. I have a 335I lease that will be ending in less a month. I'm thinking if I should get the 2014 IS350 F Sport or get the 2014 435I. I have never owned a Lexus before and wanted to get some opinions.

Also I went to my local Lexus dealer last week without doing any research. The initial offer they gave me for a 27 months lease was $2,000 drive off, 15K miles a year for $550 plus tax which comes to around $600 a month. After a little negotiation, I was able to get it down to $1,000 drive off, 15K miles a year at $580 including tax. I thought I got myself a pretty good deal and told the sales person to give me a couple days to think it over. After I got home, I came to this forum to do a little research and I saw on average people are paying about $460-490 a month depending on the states. So I decided to call another dealer and give them an offer. I spoke to a fleet manager and gave him an offer for 27 months lease, $500 drive off, 15K miles a year at $490 a month including tax. He told me that the best he can do is $495 a month which I'm ok with that, but they didn't have the color combination I wanted (White on Red) and he said they deal is only valid on the ones the have in stock and they are not willing to do a dealer trade. I then call the third Lexus dealer and spoke to a fleet manager and gave him the same deal that the second dealer offer me at $495 a month. He started talking to me like I'm crazy and thinks I'm lying. He's like that sounds like a great deal, don't hesitate, you should buy it from them no matter what color it is. He said you will never find a deal like that and we are FAR FAR away on payments. He said the best he can do is $4,000 off MSRP of $48,2xx which cap cost is $44,2xx residual at 68% and money factor 0.00140 and my monthly payments will be at $620 a month including tax.

I wanted to know which number seems more realistic to you guys, $495, 580, or 620. That seems like a huge difference between 3 dealers.

Thanks

zhawks

A 24 month/ 15K mile lease has a residual of about 71%, so your 68% residual looks about right. Your money factor is too high though in my opinion. Should be more like 0.00085. At least that what I was quoted. You'd probably get a better deal on a GS350 F Sport. The money factors on them are around 0.0006 due to the lower demand.

LexFather

Can't go wrong with either, big fan of the 435i as the M sport package..

SunsetDee

I ended up submitting internet inquiry to a few more dealers and one dealer got back to me said they are willing to do $485 including tax, $500 drive off, 15k miles a year for a 27 months lease. But they said the deal has to be done before the end of the month because they are trying to hit their quota

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Well you're no stranger to BMW, so you'd fit right into a 435i. But the question is have you test driven an IS350. That right there will tell you if you want to lease the BMW or the Lexus.

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

if lease go for the 435i, BMW has some of the best lease deals amongst luxury brands and with leasing you wouldn't have to worry about long term reliability of the bimmer. if you purchase, go with the IS350 f sport, way cheaper than a similarly equipped 435i m sport (about 10k cheaper), and with that tried and truth 3.5 L natural aspired V6, you'll be driving with peace of mind for 100k miles or more.

Aeromotive

A test drive is definitely what will make you decide. My wife drives an F30 335i with M-Sport package and I have to admit, this car is a beast. I can't imagine what the 435 would be.

markb3

I was in the market for buying not leasing, so I bought the 350 F sport AWD over an Audi S4/S5 because my previous Audi was a piece of junk, spent 6 grand in a year and a half after warranty on BS repairs. That doesn't include the regular maintenance I did on it. Had a stretch where it got towed 4 times in 3 weeks due to electrical problems. I should mention my audi was only an A4. High oil pressure problems all the time, sledge/gunk 1000km after an oil change (always took care of the car and did everything regularly), electrical issues non stop, car shutting off randomly due to a fuse blowing by the ECU and car wont start after that. I have a friend that is a VW mechanic and he told me the s4/s5's are nice cars, but its 10x the headache of an A4 if I end up having one that has problems all the time and my pockets will run deep.

The redesign of the 3IS, the big grill, the seats, Lexus known reliability, the same engine as previous 350's (lots of people and reviewers critique that engine since its only naturally aspirated and hasn't been changed in years) however from a reliability standpoint its better. These are factors that made me change my mind. Also, considering I'd save about 10 grand on purchase price, I finally went away from the German's.

However.......if your leasing its personal preference. Go with what you believe makes you feel better and what drives better for you. Based on what your saying, it doesn't sound like your having a great experience with Lexus having 3 dealers saying opposite things, someone is trying to rip you off, Im glad you came to this forum. My experience with buying my 350 was amazing. In fact when I went to check out S4/S5's the sales guy thought I was wasting his time because I was 23 back in August when I was car shopping. I waited on the lot for 15 minutes standing beside the s4 I wanted to drive while he was "looking for the keys." At least thats been my experience and what drove me to get a Lexus.

Not sure if this helps your decision, but maybe gives you perspective. A family member had a 335 and got rid of it while it was still on warranty. Too many problems. Sometimes she was at the dealer twice a month. Yeah, maybe she was just unlucky..again previous experiences help determine your future decisions.

Glashub

If you're in LA PM me. I got an amazing deal for a cash buy, no trade in, no dealer add ons from Longo Lexus. Maybe they can do you right on a lease. My guy was very straight forward, no games. He's been there 25 years.

ISISGUY

4 Series with m package looks sick! Definitely a tough decision, but Lexus reliability and redesign sold me. I initially wanted white, but based on similar circumstances of dealer only giving me price I wanted on what was on the lot, I went with Obsidian. Absolutely no regrets, unless your heart is completely set on white, IS looks great in any color.

hoosier1

The list price on a 435i fully equipped similar to a Lexus IS350 will run well over 60 grand. I don't feel that you can compare the two cars. Perhaps you should wait for the RC350.

After owing several BMWs, they are nice cars, but not one to own when the 48 month warranty expires. My guess is that the BMW lease will exceed $750 a month.

While all of my BMWs had aggravating problems, after almost six months of owing the IS, I've had zero problems. I also find the IS to be more engaging to drive with practically no squeaks or rattles, and, for the most part, has a top notch fit and finish.

I'm also a cash buyer, so leasing is a game changer. Nothing like holding the title and trading when your ready. However, I did obtain my IS through the Toyota Family Member discount program and have to keep the car for at least a year.

The new 435i is a great looking car but overpriced. If you can afford it and don't mind hanging out in the service department waiting room, go for it. The RC350 and 435i will be on my shopping list in about a year.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

4 series looks outdated by the time RC comes out and 60k similarly priced is out of this world. 435i doesn't even look that much different from previous 2-door 335i. If you want a unique car go for RC. Bimmers are everywhere on the road.

an3i7rust

They are making way too much at those numbers.. the fleet manager is lying to you.. at 27 months the residual is 73% and money factor is 0.00075 .. i Know this because I am getting a white is 350 f sport awd this week.. my deal is already locked in if I pick up before the 31st its 415 with 1400 out of pocket.. after the 31st it will change.. I am just waiting for my current lexus lease to transfer .. waiting for lexus financial to send me the contract