Looking at one of the entry lux cars

[Insomniator]

$540 really seems like a lot for 'entry level' luxury... i don't get it... are they really selling all these cars at 500-800 a month?

A friend of mine pays like $650 a month for a BMW 335is... she makes like 12 dollars an hour and lives at home still (24). Its totally idiotic but is this what people do? I'm 28 and make... a lot more... and am having trouble deciding if a $300 payment is really worth it.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

$540 really seems like a lot for 'entry level' luxury... i don't get it... are they really selling all these cars at 500-800 a month?

A friend of mine pays like $650 a month for a BMW 335is... she makes like 12 dollars an hour and lives at home still (24). Its totally idiotic but is this what people do? I'm 28 and make... a lot more... and am having trouble deciding if a $300 payment is really worth it.

The C-Class, A4, 3-Series (excluding the 320i), IS250, Q50 are all in the $38-50k range now. :\

 

[RampantAndroid]

The A4 can be had for under 38k I think, but you'll be bare bones and without quattro...and buying an audi without quattro is....well, doing it wrong.

Look at an ILX. As much as I abhor Acura and had a TERRIBLE experience with my 2010 TSX, it's a cheaper lux car.

Infinitis are also cheap to lease.

 

[evident]

im in the same market as you right now.
test drove a CPO 335i with sport, premium and cold weather, IS350 F-Sport over the weekend and A4 Quattro and Q50S yesterday. all of the cars i drove were AWD, all of the dealers said they don't carry RWD unless if ordered

I think they were all great cars, but I am personally leaning towards the Lexus for many reasons.

i think all of the reviews about the Q50S being lifeless, blah blah blah is complete bullshit. i feel like all of the autoblogs and rags just needed something to complain about in this very competitive class and since it was a new feature they started ripping it apart. the adaptive steering just works IMO. my salesmen let me hoon it in an office parking lot and gun it to 60 a couple times, lol. was also able to go on a twisty road.

there are definitely faults for the car, and it has nothing to do with the powertrain or handling from what i could tell. the touch screen apps and stuff is what would make me hate living with this car in the future. it took 30 seconds for the damn thing to boot up and the menus are confusing as heck. the interior is nice, nice mature evolution of the G37.

the lexus to me just has a nicer chassis and i really dig its funky look, predator grille and all. it's definitely slower than the infiniti going 0-60 by a smidge, i didnt get to really wring it out on my test drive. interior blows away the infiniti's.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

im in the same market as you right now.
test drove a CPO 335i with sport, premium and cold weather, IS350 F-Sport over the weekend and A4 Quattro and Q50S yesterday. all of the cars i drove were AWD, all of the dealers said they don't carry RWD unless if ordered

I think they were all great cars, but I am personally leaning towards the Lexus for many reasons.

i think all of the reviews about the Q50S being lifeless, blah blah blah is complete bullshit. i feel like all of the autoblogs and rags just needed something to complain about in this very competitive class and since it was a new feature they started ripping it apart. the adaptive steering just works IMO. my salesmen let me hoon it in an office parking lot and gun it to 60 a couple times, lol. was also able to go on a twisty road.

there are definitely faults for the car, and it has nothing to do with the powertrain or handling from what i could tell. the touch screen apps and stuff is what would make me hate living with this car in the future. it took 30 seconds for the damn thing to boot up and the menus are confusing as heck. the interior is nice, nice mature evolution of the G37.

the lexus to me just has a nicer chassis and i really dig its funky look, predator grille and all. it's definitely slower than the infiniti going 0-60 by a smidge, i didnt get to really wring it out on my test drive. interior blows away the infiniti's.

I've heard that a lot about the Q50 and it's App/Tech. I think that and its meh exterior design held me back on it even though I could have probably got it in the mid $300s.

My buddy has the IS250 F Sport with the red interior and it's beautiful. The 350 would be great. I just kind of held off on it because it felt small inside and I didn't want to copy my buddy.

Even though I didn't like the 2015 C300, the Mercedes dealership let me drive the hell out of it. This is in Newport Beach so its a nice, open, hilly area. Hit 100 on the freeway and was taking hills at about 70. The CLA45 AMG was a beast hitting the freeway.

 

[evident]

I've heard that a lot about the Q50 and it's App/Tech. I think that and its meh exterior design held me back on it even though I could have probably got it in the mid $300s.

My buddy has the IS250 F Sport with the red interior and it's beautiful. The 350 would be great. I just kind of held off on it because it felt small inside and I didn't want to copy my buddy.

Even though I didn't like the 2015 C300, the Mercedes dealership let me drive the hell out of it. This is in Newport Beach so its a nice, open, hilly area. Hit 100 on the freeway and was taking hills at about 70. The CLA45 AMG was a beast hitting the freeway.

which model were you looking for that you could have got it in mid 30's? the Q50S that I drove was pushing $49K.

I've heard people getting the IS350 FSport AWD for $43K + tax etc... but never anything lower. i'm more likely waiting for the CPO's to come in a year. Yeah it's small inside, but not so much more/less than any other vehicle in this class. the drivers position is cramped but that's the "cockpit" feel i guess. I think the trunk and fold down seats will be more than enough for me to put all my crap in, go snowboarding and weekend trips to lowes. i said this in my other thread, but for this class any car that doesn't have fold down seats is a total deal breaker for practicality. it's something i've had my entire life and i just cant see not having it, especially for a car in this price range

The reviews make the new C class to be the most refined in the class, i'm surprised you didnt like it. unless if it's total garbage, cars are really subjective and we all have our biases

 

[AznAnarchy99]

which model were you looking for that you could have got it in mid 30's? the Q50S that I drove was pushing $49K.

I've heard people getting the IS350 FSport AWD for $43K + tax etc... but never anything lower. i'm more likely waiting for the CPO's to come in a year. Yeah it's small inside, but not so much more/less than any other vehicle in this class. the drivers position is cramped but that's the "cockpit" feel i guess. I think the trunk and fold down seats will be more than enough for me to put all my crap in, go snowboarding and weekend trips to lowes. i said this in my other thread, but for this class any car that doesn't have fold down seats is a total deal breaker for practicality. it's something i've had my entire life and i just cant see not having it, especially for a car in this price range

The reviews make the new C class to be the most refined in the class, i'm surprised you didnt like it. unless if it's total garbage, cars are really subjective and we all have our biases

Mid-high $300s as in for a lease lol. It wouldn't be for an S but a base Q50 with nav.

My co-worker got an IS350 F sport for right at $42 out the door.

The 4 series has a pretty nice space in the trunk. Gonna be so nice since for years I haven't had trunk space with my subwoofer box in my current car.

The interior design of the C-Class is amazing. I actually really love the door lol.

It was the drive that felt meh even pushing 100mph and the tech system was kind of laggy when using it. Plus they weren't prepared to give me a good deal on it vs. what BMW was offering.

 

[evident]

$540 really seems like a lot for 'entry level' luxury... i don't get it... are they really selling all these cars at 500-800 a month?

A friend of mine pays like $650 a month for a BMW 335is... she makes like 12 dollars an hour and lives at home still (24). Its totally idiotic but is this what people do? I'm 28 and make... a lot more... and am having trouble deciding if a $300 payment is really worth it.

I hear you. i'm a year older than you and know people in similar financial situations that should have no reason driving the cars they drive. it's tough/impossible lecturing friends about money though. as for purchasing for myself, I think the only way these cars make sense is to get a certified preowned. otherwise you'll be paying that huge first year depreciation and ridiculous monthly payments. whatever I buy I plan on keeping for 8-10 years. my accord has had a trouble free 125K miles but it's a coupe and looking to get something speedier and nicer than it that i can live with when i have kids

 

[smackababy]

Have you looked at the normal CTS? Every CTS-V I've been in was pretty nice. Might be worth checking out for entry level.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Have you looked at the normal CTS? Every CTS-V I've been in was pretty nice. Might be worth checking out for entry level.

Haven't looked too much into them yet but it seems that they start at $45k and go up to 70k D:

 

[smackababy]

Haven't looked too much into them yet but it seems that they start at $45k and go up to 70k D:

I didn't realize the sedan was so much, even on lease. The Coupe has a $299 a month deal, and I figured a similar one would be offered for the sedan at like $359 or something. Nope, $459!

 

[Midwayman]

the tech system was kind of laggy when using it.

FWIW I think they put a new firmware on the old ntg 4 hardware and called it 4.5 for the 2015 w205. Hopefully they'll update the electronics, but I don't think they got the big update people were hoping for with a chassis swap.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

FWIW I think they put a new firmware on the old ntg 4 hardware and called it 4.5 for the 2015 w205. Hopefully they'll update the electronics, but I don't think they got the big update people were hoping for with a chassis swap.

Never used the old one so I couldn't compare. Kind of a pitty though, I really liked their touch/wheel system.

 

[RampantAndroid]

Mid-high $300s as in for a lease lol. It wouldn't be for an S but a base Q50 with nav.

My co-worker got an IS350 F sport for right at $42 out the door.

What?! I was looking at a non-F IS350 AWD with the nav system (new), and Lexus of Bellevue first put me at 48k and low balled me calling my TSX in poor condition (no body damage ever, new tires, main issue was oil burn but Acura signed off on the car) - worth at least 18k by blue book....they offered me 10k. I tried to walk, the salesman BEGGED me to not walk and I stipulated I needed both more on the used car, and a better deal on the new car. They went to 18k for the TSX, 46k for the new IS350.


Needless to say I walked, and had an 2014 A4, Quattro, sport package, premium plus, black appearance package with 19" wheels and nav for around 41k. I was below the curve at the time according to true car...never have I heard of an IS350 F Sport going for so cheap.

 

[evident]

What?! I was looking at a non-F IS350 AWD with the nav system (new), and Lexus of Bellevue first put me at 48k and low balled me calling my TSX in poor condition (no body damage ever, new tires, main issue was oil burn but Acura signed off on the car) - worth at least 18k by blue book....they offered me 10k. I tried to walk, the salesman BEGGED me to not walk and I stipulated I needed both more on the used car, and a better deal on the new car. They went to 18k for the TSX, 46k for the new IS350.


Needless to say I walked, and had an 2014 A4, Quattro, sport package, premium plus, black appearance package with 19" wheels and nav for around 41k. I was below the curve at the time according to true car...never have I heard of an IS350 F Sport going for so cheap.

a lexus board that i frequent has a thread on how much they paid for their cars. $42 for AWD 350 F Sport is def. the lowest price posted by anyone, but it's not common. buying a car sucks. dealers always stiff you on your trade in and sale price. too many variables. thats why i'm going to try to sell my car privately, and have my own financing ready before i'm ready to buy.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

What?! I was looking at a non-F IS350 AWD with the nav system (new), and Lexus of Bellevue first put me at 48k and low balled me calling my TSX in poor condition (no body damage ever, new tires, main issue was oil burn but Acura signed off on the car) - worth at least 18k by blue book....they offered me 10k. I tried to walk, the salesman BEGGED me to not walk and I stipulated I needed both more on the used car, and a better deal on the new car. They went to 18k for the TSX, 46k for the new IS350.


Needless to say I walked, and had an 2014 A4, Quattro, sport package, premium plus, black appearance package with 19" wheels and nav for around 41k. I was below the curve at the time according to true car...never have I heard of an IS350 F Sport going for so cheap.

Don't know how he did it either. Been meaning to get him to send me his purchase agreement.

 

[Phanuel]

IS350 F-sport for 42K? Sign me up. Somehow I'm thinking that's a IS250.

 

[RampantAndroid]

IS350 F-sport for 42K? Sign me up. Somehow I'm thinking that's a IS250.

Eh, I'll still keep my A4. To be clear: IS350 F-Sport != Lexus F Sport. The former is just a package for the 350. Regardless, their V6 engine is slightly anemic for its size, required premium gas if I remember right, had a super funky trackball like interface and the cup holders were where the passenger's arm would normally rest.


Oh, and the transmission stuck WAY out into the driver's space. If Audi can shove a massive 8 speed transmission into the A4 and not have a giant wart taking up leg room, Lexus can do it too.


Even prices being equal, I made a choice I'm happy with...that said, Lexus strikes me as being incredibly overpriced.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

So I got offered this car at 42,405.00.

$0 down, $1000 for first month and taxes, $541 a month. This is before $750 innovations credit and $1000 graduate credit. However, I don't really like the color of the interior and exterior. Also I would have to drive to Santa Barbara.

http://www.bmwsantabarbara.com/new/BMW/2015-BMW-428i-a77466830a0a0064165b6636ac8d64ba.htm

The dealer close to my house told me that was insane and his manager was not willing to match it.

They instead offered me this car at $42,900. Before $2000 innovations credit and $1000 student credit which would bring it down to $39,900.

http://www.crevierbmw.com/detail-2014-bmw-3_series-328i-new-12459072.html

They also told me I could lease this one, which used to be a loaner car. They won't budge at $40,800. Told me I can get the same lease deals but there is no innovations credit and the student credit is only $500. However, they said since the lease is based off of MSRP I could potentially get this for much cheaper. I told them to run the numbers.

http://www.crevierbmw.com/detail-2014-bmw-3_series-328i-used-12329009.html

What do you guys think? I really really love the 4 series and its look but the deals on them are almost non-existent. Also Santa Barbara was willing to place a custom order on the car for me. Has anyone ever done this before? How long does it usually take and does it usually have an extra cost?

 

[smackababy]

Of those 3, I'd go with the 4 series. Unless you live in Chicago or New York, driving to Santa Barbara can't be that bad. =)

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Of those 3, I'd go with the 4 series. Unless you live in Chicago or New York, driving to Santa Barbara can't be that bad. =)

The 4 series is just so sexy.

Here's what they just emailed me with.

For the Loaner vehicle. 2014 328i $50,200 is MSRP. Sale Price is $40,815+Fees. Based upon good credit we can get you to a $447.34 per month payment including your taxes and fees per month. That’s at 10k miles per year and $1941.74 due at signing.

For the 2014 328i New, what we can do is $49,400 MSRP. Sale Price is $42,995+Fees. Based upon good credit we can get you to a $519.87 per month payment including your taxes and fees per month with $1100 due at signing and the payment already includes the $1,000 student credit.

One of the other dealers emailed me saying they will beat the 4 series quote and will get back to me tomorrow. Let's see what they say.

 

[evident]

Eh, I'll still keep my A4. To be clear: IS350 F-Sport != Lexus F Sport. The former is just a package for the 350. Regardless, their V6 engine is slightly anemic for its size, required premium gas if I remember right, had a super funky trackball like interface and the cup holders were where the passenger's arm would normally rest.


Oh, and the transmission stuck WAY out into the driver's space. If Audi can shove a massive 8 speed transmission into the A4 and not have a giant wart taking up leg room, Lexus can do it too.


Even prices being equal, I made a choice I'm happy with...that said, Lexus strikes me as being incredibly overpriced.

the f-sport gives you an upgraded suspension, not to mention nicer bucket seats and the cool gauges. same engine as the non f-sport 350 (2gr fse). the anemic engine is the 250. that's a total POS for this class of vehicle. is350 still makes less power and has barely slower numbers than q50 and 3 series but i still think the overall package appeals to me the most out of those 2.

the transmission you're probably talking about is probably the AWD system, apparently. the RWD's don't have the bulge there. it also explains why they werent able to put the 8spd transmission in the awd models.

the audi is just as expensive as the lexus in question too btw, at least on the website... didnt really talk price at the audi dealership though. the audi has a great design inside and out, but i'll be honest i'm brand biased and im just afraid of vw/audis. my in laws had an audi that had tons of problems, not to mention a passat that break down all the time. i'll gladly sacrifice some "fun" or "prestige" to have a car thats liveable and wont cost me a ton in repairs in the long run. the IS350 seems to be easy to work on (oil change, spark plugs, etc). all of the cars are so good and so close to each other in this category.

 

[evident]

So I got offered this car at 42,405.00.

$0 down, $1000 for first month and taxes, $541 a month. This is before $750 innovations credit and $1000 graduate credit. However, I don't really like the color of the interior and exterior. Also I would have to drive to Santa Barbara.

http://www.bmwsantabarbara.com/new/BMW/2015-BMW-428i-a77466830a0a0064165b6636ac8d64ba.htm

The dealer close to my house told me that was insane and his manager was not willing to match it.

They instead offered me this car at $42,900. Before $2000 innovations credit and $1000 student credit which would bring it down to $39,900.

http://www.crevierbmw.com/detail-2014-bmw-3_series-328i-new-12459072.html

They also told me I could lease this one, which used to be a loaner car. They won't budge at $40,800. Told me I can get the same lease deals but there is no innovations credit and the student credit is only $500. However, they said since the lease is based off of MSRP I could potentially get this for much cheaper. I told them to run the numbers.

http://www.crevierbmw.com/detail-2014-bmw-3_series-328i-used-12329009.html

What do you guys think? I really really love the 4 series and its look but the deals on them are almost non-existent. Also Santa Barbara was willing to place a custom order on the car for me. Has anyone ever done this before? How long does it usually take and does it usually have an extra cost?

i'd also take the 4 series.

 

[smackababy]

The 4 series is just so sexy.

Here's what they just emailed me with.

For the Loaner vehicle. 2014 328i $50,200 is MSRP. Sale Price is $40,815+Fees. Based upon good credit we can get you to a $447.34 per month payment including your taxes and fees per month. That’s at 10k miles per year and $1941.74 due at signing.

For the 2014 328i New, what we can do is $49,400 MSRP. Sale Price is $42,995+Fees. Based upon good credit we can get you to a $519.87 per month payment including your taxes and fees per month with $1100 due at signing and the payment already includes the $1,000 student credit.

One of the other dealers emailed me saying they will beat the 4 series quote and will get back to me tomorrow. Let's see what they say.

That MSRP is complete BS on that 3 series. It is a loaner. It is used. It is worth like $38k tops. If the other dealer can beat the 4 series, I'd do it. Also, the 3 series for 2014 is all sedan right? Those are yuck compared to a 4 series IMO, and I actually like sedans over coupes in most cases.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

That MSRP is complete BS on that 3 series. It is a loaner. It is used. It is worth like $38k tops. If the other dealer can beat the 4 series, I'd do it. Also, the 3 series for 2014 is all sedan right? Those are yuck compared to a 4 series IMO, and I actually like sedans over coupes in most cases.

Yup the 3 series is all sedan. The 4 series I'm looking at is a gran Coupe so basically it is a 4 door Coupe.

Well I asked all my friends and all of you guys are completely on the side of the 4 series lol (not one person said go for the 3). I'll keep looking and try to see which dealers will play ball. I might end up ordering one since they don't have much inventory at the moment. Do any of you guys have experience ordering your car? How'd that go?