Need help picking a car. Possibly narrowed down to IS350 / TT / M235i

[Imported]

In the process of looking for a new car to replace the Prius. Trying to keep under 50k. Something fun and a bit practical. It would be our only car. Fiancee has pretty much ruled out anything American (otherwise I'd consider/test-drive the 2015 Mustang and ATS) and anything European will be leased. Would appreciate any thoughts.

Weekend of test driving ruled out the following:
A3: Sterile.
A4: More sterile.
A5: Was a maybe. Didn't feel fun to drive. Tech gadgets galore though.. loved the Google maps. Design while nice, is getting old. Preferred driving IS350 over it.
BRZ/FRS: Not enough creature comforts for the fiancee. May not be comfortable enough for a long drive (SF to LA for example). Would make a great second car though.
M235i: Too expensive options I'd want. 228i drove better, oddly enough..
3-series: Fiancee hates them (BMW in general actually). Preferred driving the IS350 over it.
TT: I love driving this car. I know it is overpriced, underpowered, etc. But its just a fun car to drive. I've been smitten since I drove one at Sears Point a few years ago. This car reminds me of a more luxurious BRZ that feels more stable in the corners. Worry is the new 2015/2016 model has been announced and comparing feature for feature to the IS350, it lacks quite a bit. Outdated console/nav.
Miata: Too small, but so fun to drive with the top down.
Q50S: Didn't test drive as I'm not a fan of the aesthetics.

Still in the running:
IS350 F Sport: Suprisingly fun to drive. Good room all around and I love the exterior. Nice array of gadgets and features, however nav looks dated compared to the A5. Wish ventilated/memory seats came on the F Sport trim though. LFA-inspired gauge cluster is neat.
228i: M Sport packaged drives much better than the base model I drove before. More fun, cheaper than the M235i and I don't think I'll lose sleep over the additional power. Feels lighter.

Still to test drive:
ATS:

 

[Jimzz]

IS350, more reliable than the Euro cars and very good motor. My SiL has a IS350 convertible. More power and much more reliable than her last car, Audi A4.

 

[halik]

IS350, more reliable than the Euro cars and very good motor. My SiL has a IS350 convertible. More power and much more reliable than her last car, Audi A4.

The only problem is it will be far more boring compared to something like 335i.

One of my coworkers took an S5 out for a drive, had the same conclusion - vague, sterile and just missing the sporty part.

 

[MiataNC]

Take a look at the Chevy SS
http://www.chevrolet.com/ss-sports-sedan.html

4-Door Sedan
V8
RWD
@415HP (with unlimited aftermarket tuning potential)
0-60 in 5.0 Secs.

 

[Imported]

The only problem is it will be far more boring compared to something like 335i.

One of my coworkers took an S5 out for a drive, had the same conclusion - vague, sterile and just missing the sporty part.

You'd be suprised. I felt the IS350 handled better. The 335i obviously has more power. Both Road & Track and Car & Driver preferred the IS350 over the 335i as well.

 

[Imported]

Take a look at the Chevy SS
http://www.chevrolet.com/ss-sports-sedan.html

4-Door Sedan
V8
RWD
@415HP (with unlimited aftermarket tuning potential)
0-60 in 5.0 Secs.

Thanks for the suggestion! No American made cars per the fiancee.. but I'll see if I can test drive one anyways.

 

[smackababy]

From your 3 choices, I'd certainly go with the IS350. They are solid cars, all around. I have an A5 right now and when my lease is up, I am more than likely going to be getting a IS350.

 

[Jimzz]

Thanks for the suggestion! No American made cars per the fiancee.. but I'll see if I can test drive one anyways.

Its not made in America if that helps. Its a Holden from Australia, like the Pontiac G8.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_VF_Commodore

 

[MiataNC]

Thanks for the suggestion! No American made cars per the fiancee.. but I'll see if I can test drive one anyways.

Is she an expert on cars? Does she keep your balls in her purse? :biggrin:

Anyone who refuses to look at or consider American made cars is simply ignorant. There is nothing special about Euro or Japanese cars anymore. Times have changed.

Speaking of purses...Why pay more to maintain a Euro car, when you can get the same or better performance for less?

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/2014-chevrolet-ss-drive

...The SS feels like an American version of the BMW M5, with the only demerits being the acquired-taste chrome flashes and demure sheetmetal. We don't need to advertise our speed, but the SS is essentially a four-door Corvette. It should have a bit of swagger.

 

[ProchargeMe]

I vote lexus. I bought a 2002 is300 and I love the car. It's not tremendously fast but it's quick and small, can carry my dog around when needed, and it's like a go - cart especially in corners. Also it's been more reliable than most cars I've driven. So far I've only had to change the oil and it's almost time for brakes.

 

[brainhulk]

I saw an uncamouflaged Lexus RCF yesterday on the road. It looked really nice. I didn't even know they were released yet

 

[Imported]

Is she an expert on cars? Does she keep your balls in her purse? :biggrin:

Anyone who refuses to look at or consider American made cars is simply ignorant. There is nothing special about Euro or Japanese cars anymore. Times have changed.

Speaking of purses...Why pay more to maintain a Euro car, when you can get the same or better performance for less?

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/2014-chevrolet-ss-drive

Is it really M5 sized? In general, I prefer a smaller sized car. IS/3-series size is about the max I'd go and one reason I almost want to wait for the S3.

 

[Sidekicknichola]

I am bias, but I've had three IS350s now, and my wife has one. My next car will also be an Is350 (or maybe an IS-F).

Current IS350 is at 80k miles, other two went past 130k each, ZERO problems with any of the cars... basic scheduled maintenance was all I ever did.

I highly recommend one, if for nothing else the reliability over Euro cars.

 

[Imported]

I saw an uncamouflaged Lexus RCF yesterday on the road. It looked really nice. I didn't even know they were released yet

My guy at Lexus told me August-October delivery. Looks awesome though.

 

[cyclistca]

I tried a lot of the same cars you looked at. In the end I almost got the IS350 F Sport. It's a fantastic car but even though I can afford it decided I wanted to spend less money. Then the new WRX came out. Waiting for the dealer to get one I can test drive but pretty sure I'm going to pull the trigger on one.

Anyhoo if you can afford it go for the IS350.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

I don't know how anyone can stand those absolutely hideous front ends on all the new Lexi.

You'd be suprised. I felt the IS350 handled better. The 335i obviously has more power. Both Road & Track and Car & Driver preferred the IS350 over the 335i as well.

Obviously you have to drive them to make the real determination yourself, but it's hard to see how when both the ATS & 335iM are more powerful, lighter, and brake quicker. The BMW specifically has more torque available sooner which is something very real you will feel every day.

 

[brainhulk]

I was talking to one of my friends and he said they tested a stock m235 at streets of willow and ran a 1:26. That is crazy fast for a stock car if they were stock passenger tires

 

[Arkaign]

The IS350 is, and for each year they've been out, been a wonderful little car. It will hold it's value better than many others (such as the Audis).

$50k buys a lot of car though.

Anyone who dismisses US brands (or Euro brands, or Asian brands) is frankly, a moron. The industry is thoroughly international these days anyways, perhaps the most 'true' cars of origin are the Koreans, and of course those are spectacularly derivative of other cars (imitation is a high form of flattery, and that's wonderful when they often do such a competent job these days).

Anyway, you need to tell her :

(1)- I'm a man, and I've worked hard for the money I've earned.
(2)- I'm picking what I want, you can pick what you want.
(3)- Gimme a sandwich.

If it so happens that you pick the excellent IS350, or BMW 2-series, or a righteous 662HP Mustang GT500, that's fully your call. Don't let her start walking all over you even before you're married.

 

[Phanuel]

Anyway, you need to tell her :

(1)- I'm a man, and I've worked hard for the money I've earned.
(2)- I'm picking what I want, you can pick what you want.
(3)- Gimme a sandwich.

If it so happens that you pick the excellent IS350, or BMW 2-series, or a righteous 662HP Mustang GT500, that's fully your call. Don't let her start walking all over you even before you're married.

And this is probably the most useful advice thus far in this thread.

Waiting for the S3 myself to see if it's good or not before deciding between IS/S3/V60(for the utility I guess?)

 

[Imported]

I don't know how anyone can stand those absolutely hideous front ends on all the new Lexi.



Obviously you have to drive them to make the real determination yourself, but it's hard to see how when both the ATS & 335iM are more powerful, lighter, and brake quicker. The BMW specifically has more torque available sooner which is something very real you will feel every day.

The front is an acquired taste. It looks 100x better on the F Sport models than without though.

Agreed on paper the 335i and ATS are more powerful and lighter, but the ATS is actually slower than the IS350 and myself and both magazines preferred the IS350's handling to the BMW.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/the-comparison-65-3-roa1013-5

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/final-scoring-performance-data-and-complete-specs-page-5

 

[Imported]

The IS350 is, and for each year they've been out, been a wonderful little car. It will hold it's value better than many others (such as the Audis).

$50k buys a lot of car though.

Anyone who dismisses US brands (or Euro brands, or Asian brands) is frankly, a moron. The industry is thoroughly international these days anyways, perhaps the most 'true' cars of origin are the Koreans, and of course those are spectacularly derivative of other cars (imitation is a high form of flattery, and that's wonderful when they often do such a competent job these days).

Anyway, you need to tell her :

(1)- I'm a man, and I've worked hard for the money I've earned.
(2)- I'm picking what I want, you can pick what you want.
(3)- Gimme a sandwich.

If it so happens that you pick the excellent IS350, or BMW 2-series, or a righteous 662HP Mustang GT500, that's fully your call. Don't let her start walking all over you even before you're married.

Haha. I like your style. :awe:

I still plan on test driving the ATS. Maybe a Mustang GT if the 2015 models are out anytime soon.. though I'm hearing September when I want to buy in May. Same issue with the S3.. not out til October or so and I'm afraid it'll be sterile like most other Audis..

 

[Midwayman]

If you can afford the 2014/15 IS350 Fsport, that would be my first choice. You should drive the 335 or 235 if you found the BMWs bland. Much better. All AWD models I drove recently seems less communicative than the RWD varients FWIW.

Other stuff not on the list
G37 (Especially the vert) Looks nice, drives nice. Interior is a little Meh for a car that spendy. The new Q50 looks nice, but I'm hearing some issues with it.

Acura TLX coming in June will be completely new. Worth checking out if you end up waiting that long. Current TL is nice, great value, but not super sporty.

MB c350. 302hp, nice interior. Larger backseat than most in its class and fold down rear seats for practicality. There is a new chassis coming this summer though. I have a 2012.

I'm always surprised how many high end cars don't have fold down rear seats, or they are an option buried in some option package. They're standard equipment on cars half the price. When I got my 3G TL I didn't think to check and was kinda WTF when I went to fold them down later.

 

[Jimzz]

The front is an acquired taste. It looks 100x better on the F Sport models than without though.

Agreed on paper the 335i and ATS are more powerful and lighter, but the ATS is actually slower than the IS350 and myself and both magazines preferred the IS350's handling to the BMW.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/the-comparison-65-3-roa1013-5

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/final-scoring-performance-data-and-complete-specs-page-5

The ATS has a good engine but is held back by its 6speed trans. The BMW/Lexus have a 8speed and it helps more than many think.

 

[Nebor]

Is she an expert on cars? Does she keep your balls in her purse? :biggrin:

Anyone who refuses to look at or consider American made cars is simply ignorant. There is nothing special about Euro or Japanese cars anymore. Times have changed.

Speaking of purses...Why pay more to maintain a Euro car, when you can get the same or better performance for less?

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/2014-chevrolet-ss-drive

What a boring looking car. Yuck.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Agreed on paper the 335i and ATS are more powerful and lighter, but the ATS is actually slower than the IS350 and myself and both magazines preferred the IS350's handling to the BMW.

In the back of my mind, I was using the 435 as a point of reference. I did not realize it actually had different suspension than the 335 and that it has been updated with improved electronic steering the 335 has yet to receive. That's really disappointing.