| Author | Message | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Advanced Member Username: Peter Post Number: 2630 Registered: 12-2000 |
DES, what most people will say about Japanese cars having no soul, no character, etc... is true. What one does admit (and from the sounds of it, you experienced it first-hand), they make a damn excellent car. Quality/craftsmanship and ergonomics are always #1. The NSX has that, plus the performance - what a package! Getting back on topic in this thread (although I think its past the point), the Lexus IS300 is my first choice amongst the two. Reasons why are what I said above... | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2751 Registered: 6-2001 |
was it billy's? they are nice cars, but underpowered. They need another 50ftlbs of torque and 25 more hp, at least. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3178 Registered: 8-2002 |
LMAO, Peter, not exactly but you wouldn't believe how close you are... It was an NSX... Not sure what you all think of them, but i got a very good first impression... Hope i didn't get everyone's hopes up too high...  Haven't even been in a new Z, but the NSX left a very lasting impression on me... Kida weird, too, but i felt very at home and right in place in it... Very comfortable car- almost as if it was DESigned for me... It felt like i had been driving it all day, everyday for years... Awesome car... | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Advanced Member Username: Peter Post Number: 2629 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'd guess an old (late '80's/early '90's) Lotus Esprit... | ||
| Greg V. (512tr17teeth)
Junior Member Username: 512tr17teeth Post Number: 71 Registered: 3-2003 |
maybey its an old 911 | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 77 Registered: 8-2002 |
DES, TELL ME PLEASE!! MAYBE ITS THE KEY TO WHAT IM LOOKING FOR!! THIS SUSPENSE IS GONNA PUT ME INTO SHOCK. | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
New member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 33 Registered: 1-2003 |
Oh yeah probably a 350Z, S2000's not that exciting | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 694 Registered: 1-2002 |
Probably a 350z or an s2000. Not much in the $30's. | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
New member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 32 Registered: 1-2003 |
Tell us DES your killing us all... Brian, don't read this, just make your decision, DES I need to know | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3169 Registered: 8-2002 |
But i don't want to make the decision harder for Brian...! i just know once i say it, he'll immediately consider it and then he'll have THREE cars in his scope of cars to consider... i don't want to burden him like that... what if i say what it is and he thinks about it and the decision becomes too tough and he goes into shock or something...? i could never live with myself, knowing that i've caused such grief... i'll wait for him to make his decision, THEN i'll tell you... | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
New member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 30 Registered: 1-2003 |
Tell us NOW DES | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3166 Registered: 8-2002 |
But i fear it'll just make your decision harder... i'd hate to do that to you... It was the first real sports car i've ever driven - not a Ferrari, but the closest i've ever come... Holy crap! the steering on this thing was unbelieveable, i was beyond thrilled... acceleration was sweet- i would've given a testicle for the chance to take it on the parkway... ...but i don't want to make your decision harder than it already is... | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 76 Registered: 8-2002 |
Des, tell me the car! | ||
| Brian C Thenhaus (1day)
New member Username: 1day Post Number: 27 Registered: 3-2003 |
Re: Not getting the BMW because of the stigma - I definately understand your resonaning and even find it admirable. However, if YOU want the car, then to hell w/ what everyone else thinks or will think. That's their problem. I get the feeling that you really want the BMW....get it! You can own a nice car without being a stuck up ass (look at all the great people on this board!), regardless of what your classmates etc. might think. Enjoy whatever you get! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3153 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian- maybe things are different out by you, but out here, the type of stigmas you're referring to, as being attached to BMWs, are attached to Lexuses (Lexi? ), too... i'm still pulling for you to get a bimmer, but whatever you get, i hope you enjoy... i drove an incredible car last night that i think is in the price range you've set, but since you're having so much trouble with this decision, i won't mention it... | ||
| Gordo A. (Gordo)
New member Username: Gordo Post Number: 44 Registered: 2-2003 |
Brian, All the best with whatever decision you make, I was 40 before I got my dream F-car, I am sure you will beat me to it by a long way! | ||
| Greg V. (512tr17teeth)
Junior Member Username: 512tr17teeth Post Number: 70 Registered: 3-2003 |
http://www.maxbimmer.com/videos.html A great site for some excellent BMW videos!!!! Brian, you should check it out to see some 3-series in action. Greg | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 75 Registered: 8-2002 |
I am young, and I really think the bimmer has too much stigma for a youngin like myself. I do not want to attract lots of attention with a flashy car. I dont think the kids at my school would appericiate it too much. I dunno. I still have some thinking to do... I have been working since I was 9, I am a co-dive instructor, and I operate a small ticket buisness. I also invest most of my money, and lately believe it or not, Ive been doing pretty well. | ||
| Gordo A. (Gordo)
New member Username: Gordo Post Number: 42 Registered: 2-2003 |
Brian, You lucky dog. Any chance your parents have more spare and would be interested in adopting? ;0) Get the BMW, you know it makes sense, spend it before they change their minds.. | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
New member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 27 Registered: 1-2003 |
Quote: "Chevy is doing 0% on ALL their vehicles. Get a Corvette - cheap and fun!" I wholeheartedly second that motion, I have one and I like it better than my 348 almost (I said almost, please don't kill me f-chatters) they are great feeling little (well, big) cars with tons of power and are very comfortable. | ||
| Mike B (Srt_mike)
Junior Member Username: Srt_mike Post Number: 90 Registered: 12-2002 |
Just one comment... You can't buy a 325 for "like 4k down and 400 a month". The cheapest 325 you can get is a 325i and with NO options it lists at $28,500 - and you add anything to the car and you're over $30k. I got navigation, sport package, titanium paint, HK stereo, and a few other things and mine was over $35k... and that was with no premium package, no leather, no sunroof, and a manual tranny. Any 325 is going to be easily over $30k. Financed over 5 years (60 payments) with $4k down is going to be a LOT more than $400 a month. Chevy is doing 0% on ALL their vehicles. Get a Corvette - cheap and fun! | ||
| John (Cohiba_man)
New member Username: Cohiba_man Post Number: 26 Registered: 1-2003 |
Quote: " have to put down 16k for the car" Just curious, how did you save up so much cash at age 16? Good luck with the decision, I have a 330ci and I love it... someone once said that BMW's feel like they were carved from a solid slab of granite | ||
| Greg V. (512tr17teeth)
Junior Member Username: 512tr17teeth Post Number: 68 Registered: 3-2003 |
Brian, It depends on how you drive the turbo. If you drive it hard, when finished, let the engine idle for a little to let the bearings cool down, and let the car warm up, before just blasting on the turbo. If you take care of a Saab, it will last you a life-time. Take a look in my profile for proof. I bought it last april with 130K in perfect condition, and it still is. Greg | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 74 Registered: 8-2002 |
LOL, I was about to come mention the Saab 9-3 Vector. This car would probally be perfect for me, but how when does a turbo burn out??? | ||
| Greg V. (512tr17teeth)
Junior Member Username: 512tr17teeth Post Number: 67 Registered: 3-2003 |
IMO, I have driven both, and would have to say the BMW is better. It feels more solid and surefooted than the Lexus, and the BMW has heritage you know you can trust. Note: there are other cars such as the Saab 9-5 AERO which is comparable to both, and the top of the line model is about as much as the 330. The Saab has a huge turbo and was great fun to drive, out of the three the Saab was the most thrilling, because of the turbo. Its up to you, but between the Lexus and the BMW, I would choose the BMW. goodluck! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3135 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian, from your test drives, which ones drives better...? i'm assuming you want a sporty car for it's sporty capability as opposed to its sporty looks, right...? Which one could you drive with your eyes closed and feel closer to being in a race car...? DESclaimer: i, in no way, endorse, advocate, permit, condone or otherwise side with the act or idea of driving while closing ones eyes. | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 73 Registered: 8-2002 |
Well, no, lol, I have not yet made a decision. They are so similar, its hard to pick the perfect one. I am young, and want a young sporty car. The BMW will have stainless steel trim, with only a sport package. I love the silky transmission. I also do not want to get lots of attention, so maybe the lexus will be better. The clock is ticking indeed. I think the BMW has a tighter feel inside the cockpit with the sport seats, and stainless trim, but the lexus has a certain feel too that I cant seem to put my finger on. I really do not like the shift knob in the lexus, but the extra features I love. AGGGHHHH! P.S, I am paying for half the car. I have to put down 16k for the car, and my parents are picking up the rest. Ive worked hard!! Two years of working my ass off at a very very tough private school. Thats part of the reason why the decision is so important to me. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3133 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tim, i'm not sure what you're referring to- i never made any comment about cost or age in the capacity to which you've referred, so if you could expound a little, that'd be great... Brian, make a decision yet...? The clock is ticking...! | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 684 Registered: 1-2002 |
The is300 is the greatest value for the money, and has more std. features v. it's closest rivals; i.e. 3 series, audi 3.0, and the Acura CL is very close to matching it. If you want a sporty sedan, get the is300. If you want a sporty coupe, look at the CL type s. If you want a sedan to carpool with to the country club, get the BMW. | ||
| Andrew Wanamaker (Androza)
New member Username: Androza Post Number: 6 Registered: 2-2003 |
I'm 18. Get a slightly used 328. I bought one a few weeks ago, and its a wonderful car. Everything is so smooth and quiet. Plus BMW is a much more distinctive car then a Lexus, a real head turner. Plus you can get a BMW in steel blue... | ||
| Brian C Thenhaus (1day)
New member Username: 1day Post Number: 24 Registered: 3-2003 |
...and yep, the Acura is a rebadged Honda (as the Lexus is a Toyota). But 100K miles later, you know it will still be running good as new. BMW has been having some quality issues as of late. The BMW will get you more attention, the Lexus more prestige, the Acura more value for the $ IMO. Damn I wish I had that problem too :-) | ||
| Brian C Thenhaus (1day)
New member Username: 1day Post Number: 23 Registered: 3-2003 |
I may get flammed for this, but have you checked out the 6spd Acura CL TypeS? The Bimmer and IS will have the advantage for driving in the twisties, but the CL-S will greately out accelerate either car. Plus, the CL is about 5K cheaper than the Bimmer, with similar options. I've had mine for a year, and it has been nothing but positive All 3 are great cars IMO. You'll be very happy no matter what you choose. Good luck! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2737 Registered: 6-2001 |
brian, if you cant decide then just pick one. you can always get another car later. its not like its a tattoo or something. I think you will get more for the money if you got a certified pre-owned BMW or lexus. | ||
| Ron Vallejo (Ron328)
Junior Member Username: Ron328 Post Number: 55 Registered: 3-2003 |
Brian, Both cars are excellent...it's a win-win situation, and that's what makes deciding difficult. And not to add gas to the fire, have you thought about the Volvo S60? Eventually, you'll just have to go with what makes you happy. Good luck! | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 654 Registered: 12-2001 |
For more info on the Lexus try www.clublexus.com The question is, who is paying for maintenance. I know BMW picks up the first 50K miles, but who pays for tires? brakes? If you have to foot the cost of operation I would go with the Lexus. Having said that, I would not get either one. I'd get a used Miata or S2000 or 97-98 M3. Pocket the remainder of your alloted funds for maintenance and for tires(your at a great age to get involved in Solo 2). If you go with the Miata you could get involved in Spec Miata racing too. Good luck with your choice. | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 22 Registered: 12-2002 |
Brian: I was faced with essentially the same choice last November and I went with the BMW 325. Reportedly, the Lexus has been the more reliable of the two. Resale value is probably pretty close between them. The BMW has been around a lot longer and has lots of outstanding tradition behind it. The BMW Car Club, on the internet and with a magazine is great -- nothing comparable with the Lexus. When you get the BMW you are entering a community of car nuts/enthusiasts. When you get a Lexus, you're buying a car. Check both out on the internet and see which community you want to be a part of. I think the BMW forum is: http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/ Don't know about the Lexus but I'm sure you can find it. I always say, "If you aren't sure, get more data." Read about both cars, look them up on their internet websites, talk to people who already own them. What the heck, between the BMW and the Lexus you really can't go wrong. Both great cars. | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 72 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tim, I have driven both in the same day. The salesmen did not seem to care about my age, they just went with me. It seems that the is300 has more for the money, but the bimmer may still just be good value. I cant make up my mind! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2730 Registered: 6-2001 |
Test drive both back to back on the same day. You will know what you want after that. I dont think you can tst drive a car if you are under 18 for insurance reasons. the bimmer is probably a better choice. just sack up and spring for a 330!, and make sure you get the sport package. DES- i dont know what crap you are talking about. 325's start at $27k, and i am friends with people who are my age (18/19) that have cars that are equally as nice, or nicer and they pay for them themselves. $4k down and like $400 a month for 5 years will buy you a 325. Leasing is even cheaper, and BMW has good lease programs because at the end of the lease if you want to buy the car, you pay for the remaining part of the car you didnt pay for yet, not fair market value like some leases. | ||
| Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member Username: Kennyh Post Number: 729 Registered: 8-2001 |
I was in the same sitation you are in a few months ago. I had a Volvo S40 1.9t for my first car (I am 17 now) for about a year and a half. My lease was up so I started looking. I looked at the 350z, 330xi, IS300, SLK320 etc, and was happiest with the little BMW Z3 3.0 which I ended it up. I get the 325xi when the Z3 is in the shop and it is not really impressing at all. I don't really enjoy the style of the non- "Ci" 3-series. If you're going to do it, get the 325ci, if not, get the Lexus. | ||
| Jason Williams (Pristines4)
Junior Member Username: Pristines4 Post Number: 189 Registered: 12-2002 |
Get the BMW. | ||
| "The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 3517 Registered: 8-2002 |
TCO is less on the Lex | ||
| David R. (Rodsky)
New member Username: Rodsky Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2003 |
Go for the BMW. I have one - an M3 - it is a great car. The BMW is a great balance (sport/handling/luxury/) and is classier than the lexus. To the person who suggested a Ferrari, I would suggest that I would not get a Ferrari 308 or a used 911 as a daily driver - especially at age 16. The 325 will not cost you anything in maintenance at least for 3-4 years, whereas something used will. IMO get a 308 as a second car - when you can afford the repair bills - maybe your parents already can. | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Junior Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 245 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hell, go for an S2000 and really have some fun But, if the choice is the 325i or the IS300 or nothing at all... better off when I was 16! | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 763 Registered: 10-2001 |
Why would you need a 325i at 16 ? Cant you get something funnier ? Those cars are so boring to drive.Start with a little RWD sporty car and then move up to something bigger as a 350 Z or even a used 964 . | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 3354 Registered: 2-2001 |
Yeah seriously, why get the knockoff brand if you can get the real thing. Lexus might as well starting putting Mercedes badges on some of their cars. | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Junior Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 244 Registered: 2-2003 |
BMW 325i, without question. | ||
| Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member Username: Questioner Post Number: 264 Registered: 1-2003 |
BMW has the heritage that the Lexus cannot share. Lexus uses more glitz to get your attention while BMW puts theirs in places you generally cannot see but is much more important, ie: tire size, brake size, thickness of the steel used in the car (BMW is 2 mils thicker) and the fact that BMW uses virgin steel as opposed to recycled. Virgin steel has a higher tensile strength than the thinner recycled steel that the Japanese cars use. Why do they use recycled steel? Because Japan does not have any steel manufacturing processes and must import all the steel they use. It is also cheaper to use recycled than virgin steel. Also, I believe, unless they have changed in the past two years, Lexus still uses timing belts as opposed to the timing chains that BMW uses. Lower maintenance cost with chains. Yes, Ferrari uses belts but this is because of the high rpms of the Ferrari and the actual mileage use is much less than a Lexus. You might drive a Lexus 15K per year. This could cause belt replacement to come too often and be more cost prohibitive. And, the BMW just handles better. It involves you more as a driver and gives better information back to you through the chasis and steering and engine sound. Just my thoughts, for what they are worth. | ||
| Alfie (Tsalfie)
New member Username: Tsalfie Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2003 |
I would go with the BMW as it is an overall better car when it comes to performance, but being the owner of one, I might be biased in this decision. I look at it this way: BMW is a sports car that is luxurious and the Lexus is a luxury car that is sporty. So do you want performance or comfort (although BMW will give you both). Alfie | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3125 Registered: 8-2002 |
Pat, no worries... i already know that both Lexuses and BMWs come with cup holders... & since it seems like he's not getting the basic package, i didn't feel the need to advise on cup holders... But it's nice to see that you're always on the look out... Had he said he were buying, let's say, a '94 Saturn SL, i would've definitely mentioned that he reconsider due to the cup holder factor (or rather, lack thereof)... It's nice to know, though, that there are others out there, such as yourself, keeping the important things in mind... ...hey Rob, can you add a cup holder forum to the board...? Maybe to AutoWrench...? Pictures would be really cool... Could you all imagine if he actually did that...? i would get endless hate mail...! LOL... | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 377 Registered: 2-2002 |
What about cupholders Des??? He needs cupholders!!! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3124 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian- that's awesome, congratulations...! Whichever car you get, i hope you enjoy it in good health...! If the decision were mine, i'd go with the BMW (as long as it has a cd player )- like you said, sport seats, sweet engine, etc, etc... i hold BMWs in high regard and always seem to favor them over similar models... If you're that hung up on real leather and heated seats, then go with the Lexus... BMW seems to make really awesome cars, though, as far as safety and reliability are concerned... i lament that i can foresee all the crap you'll get for getting one of these cars at "your age", but i know how it feels to be seen as a number and not a person, so just prepare yourself for it... Some people might think "someone your age" would be best fitted in a '78 Corolla or something like that... Youth doesn't necessarily constitute irresponsibility and with that said, lol, i hope you drive responsibly... Hopefully you'll get a load of opinions about the cars, but it's my impression that the BMW is a better bang for the buck... Good luck in whatever you get and definitely keep us posted... | ||
| Jason Wesoky (Wesokyjb)
New member Username: Wesokyjb Post Number: 49 Registered: 1-2003 |
neither. for the cash you'll be dropping on one of these, you could get a lot more. needless to say, a 308 is certainly possible; a used 911; a used M3 (if you like the bmw); a used 'vette. The list goes on and on. But, if it really is between these two, I'd go with the BMW. The lexus really is a toyota with nicer hides and more chrome (case in point, compare the new es300 and the new camry). just my $.02 and it's worth less than that. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Junior Member Username: Davem Post Number: 212 Registered: 1-2002 |
I wish i had these problems when i was 16!! Brian good luck i think you will be happy with either. | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 71 Registered: 8-2002 |
Hey, Finally my parents have come up with the money to spare, and I am going to GET A BRAND SPANKIN NEW CAR. I have narrowed it down to the BMW 325i, and IS300. I can not seem to decide which car I like more. They both drive great, however the BMW revs thru 1st gear so fast, that you are always shifting outa it. I love both interriors, and both cars. The lexus seems to have some advantages..ie real leather as opposed to the BMW leatherette, kickin sound system as opposed to the Harmon Kardon, heated seats, as opposed to no heated seats, spoiler, as opposed to no spoiler. The BMW has this silky smooth tranny, so much fun to shift. I LOVE THE SPORT SEATS IN THE BMW, I think they are much nicer than those in the lexus, lots more bolstering stuff. At this time, I am thinking more towards the IS300. I am only 16, and I think its a younger car than the Bimmer. Please give me some input, either for or against the lexus, and tell me why I should go for the bimmer if you think its better. They come out to the same price. I will order the car (either the bimmer or the is300) saturday, probally, so let me know!! |