New car: BMW, Lexus or Audi

jdlowery · 05-06-2007, 05:16 PM

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on a new ride. I've narrowed my choices to the 335i, IS 350 and the A4. All are new 2007 models. The A4 is the long shot. The choice is really between the Beemer and the Lexus.

Just wanted to hear some opinions, pro and con on my choices. At the moment, I'm looking for the best deal on my top two choices.

slow&rusty · 05-06-2007, 05:21 PM

335i

thinkfloyd14 · 05-06-2007, 05:27 PM

Is the 335i the turbo. Because if it is, you can tweak the software for some god awful 400 lb/ft of torque, for not that much money. I heard BMW majorly detuned the motor because they were afraid of it being able to keep up with the new M3. So by all means, I would choose the Bimmer

HardDrive · 05-06-2007, 05:57 PM

My wife and I have been very happy with our Lexus. The quality of the vehicle is excellent, and the service has been very good as well. Around 28,000 miles on our RX330, and nothing but normal maintainance.

I can't speak to a choice here specifically, but did go check out an IS350 when, they came out. Impressive car all around, but I felt the interior was pretty cramped. Damn fast though.

On the flip side, I think BMW has done a tremendous job with the styling on the new 3 series.

tonypeoni · 05-06-2007, 06:23 PM

Only problem With BMW is the build quality of the interior. I had a 98 M3 about 4 years ago Its interior was already very tatty with just 18,000 miles. This is one area that Mercedes I think still reigns supreme.

Chocaholic · 05-06-2007, 06:28 PM

Kind of depends on what you're going to use it for. If you want bullet proof reliability and tasteful styling, go for the Lexus. I recently bought a 2006 GS after considering the GS and the IS. Comfortable, quiet, quick, great interior, nice looking, etc.

It's a decision only you can make.

BGCarrera32 · 05-06-2007, 07:11 PM

335i

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Look at the depreciation rates for the vehicles

pwd72s · 05-06-2007, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdlowery
I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on a new ride. I've narrowed my choices to the 335i, IS 350 and the A4. All are new 2007 models. The A4 is the long shot. The choice is really between the Beemer and the Lexus.

Just wanted to hear some opinions, pro and con on my choices. At the moment, I'm looking for the best deal on my top two choices.

Doesn't matter which...those folks you'll never know, driving with you on the morning commute, will think you are "wayyy cool"! Isn't that what it's all about?

BGCarrera32 · 07:35 PM

Since you're in CA I doubt you'd have much need for an all wheel drive Audi. I have an A4, good car, crap suspensions...feelslike a building is gonna tip over when pushed around a freeway ramp or quick u-turn. Lexus would be top notch quality, great car in every way. 335i is stonkin fast, very comfortable, handles great...if you buy new it will be under warranty and maintenance included for first 4 years.

I drove a 328i with the 3.0 liter this weekend at the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience event, it was the 4 door sedan and I was very impressed with it for what it was. Might be my next ride if I can swing it. Overheard a guy at the same event who owned an M3 that drove the 335i next to me and said it was the best blend of everything he has driven and best he's been in yet.

HardDrive · 05-06-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s
Doesn't matter which...those folks you'll never know, driving with you on the morning commute, will think you are "wayyy cool"! Isn't that what it's all about?

Oh geez, who let Mr Grumpy pants out of the old folks home?

jdlowery · 05-06-2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s
Doesn't matter which...those folks you'll never know, driving with you on the morning commute, will think you are "wayyy cool"! Isn't that what it's all about?

Not at all. It's about performance, luxury and comfort. The only person driving with me in the morning will be my son and he already thinks anything I drive is way cool.

jdlowery · 05-06-2007, 10:36 PM

I've been browsing some of the 335i boards and there seems to be a problem with the fuel pumps. A recall may be on the way. The even bigger problem seems to be that the replacement pumps are hard to come by.

On top of that, dealers in the Bay Area and maybe other areas too, are marking up the 335. The convertible is marked up $5K and the coupe is $2K. No budging from MSRP either.

pwd72s · 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HardDrive
Oh geez, who let Mr Grumpy pants out of the old folks home?

LOL! Yep..old folks home is right. I celebrated earth day a bit late today, and placed a few fir trees in the wood shed. Chain saw & splittling maul makes me sore these days, and when I get sore? I get cranky! jdlowery? Go for it...that comfort, luxury, and performance thing. I'm sure whichever car you choose, the dealership rep. will tell you that you made the perfect choice.

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jdlowery
I've been browsing some of the 335i boards and there seems to be a problem with the fuel pumps. A recall may be on the way. The even bigger problem seems to be that the replacement pumps are hard to come by.

On top of that, dealers in the Bay Area and maybe other areas too, are marking up the 335. The convertible is marked up $5K and the coupe is $2K. No budging from MSRP either.

Had the same problem when purchasing my MINI, simply take your business elsewhere (out of state) and get it at MSRP and have it shipped in or fly out and drive it home.

aigel · aigel's Garage

You are just looking for the best deal, I know. But I'd rather buy the BMW over a glorified Toyota.

I favor the BMW styling and am fond of their engines. I also like their heritage - you should probably appreciate that too, with the certain toys listed in your sig ... can you get the Lexus with a stick?

George

jdlowery · 05-07-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aigel
You are just looking for the best deal, I know. But I'd rather buy the BMW over a glorified Toyota. I favor the BMW styling and am fond of their engines. I also like their heritage - you should probably appreciate that too, with the certain toys listed in your sig ... can you get the Lexus with a stick?

George

Unfortunately not the 350, only the 250. The 350 does offer paddle shifters.

I do like the 335i just a little concerned about first year problems.

aigel · aigel's Garage

I would be a bit concerned too, about the first year. Nothing wrong with putting your $ in a CD and buy a nice 335i next year. Should help with the pricing too, once the new-ness has a bit worn off especially in the Bay Area.

I have never bought a new car, so take my advice with a grain of salt. While there are new cars in my price range, I immediately see what I can get used for the same buck and then that's it ...

Cheers,

George

Jim727 · 05-07-2007, 01:12 AM

We bought a 2003 A4 new. It was the only car we could find that met all the requirements of all-wheel drive, 4-cylinder turbo, 5-speed manual. Extremely satisfied with it. AWD great in the snow, turbo doesn't care that it's going over the passes, comfortable, and mileage runs about 32 on the highway. It's ok in the twisties, but who cares -- that's what the 911 is for and the Audi suspension is for the snow, not a/x.

Only gripe is that Audi electronics are good, but not as good as they could be. I'm a luddite about some of that stuff - there is too much gee-whiz in cars, imo, and you can't get away from it.

We bought it through Costco. Dealer cost plus 4%. No haggling.

David · David's Garage

The Lexus is a great car that would probably run for over 200K miles with minimal problems.

I just don't think it has the soul of the Audi or BMW. When it came time to replace our 99 323i, I mentioned the new Infinity to the wife since it's also available with a manual tranny. She said, "I will never drive another car besides a BMW."

While the numbers show the japanese and german cars being on par, in reality they just don't feel the same.

I would be a little concerned with the fuel pump issue on the 335i. When it came time for our new BMW, we choose the 328i. It just didn't seem like we needed 300 hp for a daily driver.