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

[Imported]

Test drove a m235i and a 228i with the M package. Leaning towards the 228i now. It feels more balanced and the power is plenty adequate. Cheaper to boot.

Now to work with BMW on getting the price down.. one dealership didn't want to negotiate at all so I'm trying another today. People at 2addicts were getting 6% off MSRP so I'm aiming for atleast 5%.

If all that fails, then I really don't mind getting the IS350 instead.

 

[amdhunter]

CLA45. YouTube it now. Exhaust note is worth it alone.

I'm debating it myself. CLA45 or IS350 Fully loaded F-Sport.

Been wasting money like water lately travelling though, and I need a car now less than ever...

 

[Midwayman]

CLA45. YouTube it now. Exhaust note is worth it alone.

I'm debating it myself. CLA45 or IS350 Fully loaded F-Sport.

Been wasting money like water lately travelling though, and I need a car now less than ever...

For the price of the CLA45 I'd be looking at the upcoming C400 with the advanced agility package too. (Not officially in the US, but you can order it. Includes magnetically adjustable shocks, variable steering rack, and shift package. Turns the C class from a nice ride to hard edged car with the push of a button) Similar HP, but with much less strained large turbo v6.

 

[Imported]

CLA45 approaches 55k+ with options I'd want. And the tacked on Garmin nav looks horrible.

I got a good deal on paper for a 228i with M Line but it doesn't have the lighting package.. Looking at Tech+Premium+Lighting+Heated Seats+Backup Camera.. the one we priced yesterday has all but the lighting. They said they'd extend the same discount for another so I'm weighing my options.

 

[Imported]

Its down between the IS1350 and a 228i. Similar pricing for both due to how much the Lexus dealers around here are willing to go down to. Heading back to BMW tonight to see if they have any in CA that they could do a dealer trade for. If nothing, I have to ask myself if waiting 2 months for a custom order is worth it. I'd be happy with both cars which makes it even worse?

BTW, its really annoying BMW even had the option for the "steptronic" transmission over the sport auto. The sport auto is the better transmission and more than half the cars I've seen in inventory have the damn steptronic option instead which loses launch control and sport+ modes. Or maybe I should just teach the fiancee to drive stick.. it's a lease anyways!

 

[Midwayman]

Its down between the IS1350 and a 228i. Similar pricing for both due to how much the Lexus dealers around here are willing to go down to. Heading back to BMW tonight to see if they have any in CA that they could do a dealer trade for. If nothing, I have to ask myself if waiting 2 months for a custom order is worth it. I'd be happy with both cars which makes it even worse?

BTW, its really annoying BMW even had the option for the "steptronic" transmission over the sport auto. The sport auto is the better transmission and more than half the cars I've seen in inventory have the damn steptronic option instead which loses launch control and sport+ modes. Or maybe I should just teach the fiancee to drive stick.. it's a lease anyways!

If you're happy either way, the Lexus will be cheaper to own in the long run. Resale, reliability, etc.

 

[smackababy]

If you're happy either way, the Lexus will be cheaper to own in the long run. Resale, reliability, etc.

Plus, the Lexus is larger I believe. That may have an impact on performance and feel, but you will have more room.

I've only heard great things about the IS line, as well as most Lexus vehicles. They just have a reputation of being incredibly solid.

 

[Imported]

The BMW would be leased. As I tend to go through cars every few years (5 cars in the past 12 years, though all but one have been bought used) I'm still debating on leasing the Lexus too..

The IS350 is about 10" longer but the overall interior volume isn't much different. 2 cubic feet I believe. The 228i had more rear leg room than my G35 Coupe did though! I should say the backseat will get used maybe 10 days out of the year for out of towners so the room of an IS350 isn't necessarily a selling point to me.

I have a few quips about the IS350. The mouse-thing for nav is kinda wonky to use. No memory seats on the F Sport package. The rear fold down seats on the IS350 are pretty bad from a usable standpoint. They don't fold flat (there's like a 6" rise from truck floor to seat) and they made an oval opening. I don't remember how the BMW was but I'll take a look again tonight.

 

[Imported]

And the 228i with the M Sport line is the winner. They had to do a dealer trade before the car gets to the port, but should be arriving first or second week of May.

Got a great discount off MSRP ($2800ish) with the packages I wanted. Nothing's been signed but here's hoping they don't jack me when it arrives. If they do.. I just got an offer on a IS350 F Sport for under $42.7k that I'd be tempted by.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Wow. I didn't realize the IS is barely bigger. It sure looks a lot bigger.

 

[Fritzo]

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.

Yeah, that's an awesome car. It's essentially an M5 at half the price.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Yeah, that's an awesome car. It's essentially an M5 at half the price.

Didn't it have no manual option or something ridiculous like that? I thought I remembered reading that the auto in it was pretty bad and that was the only downside. You could always get an e39 M5 (and in some cases e60) for even less than that car and it would have significantly better fit and finish. Just be willing to put up w/ the maintenance.