mink92890

Hey guys,

I am in the search for a car under $15,000 for me to serve as a first car. So far I have looked into the First generation IS, the Second generation GS, and the BMW 5-Series (2002-2003ish)... I wanted some input as to suggesting other models...

Thanks in Advance

Mink92890

mmarshall

Judging from the cars you quoted, I assume you are referring to used cars only. You're not going to get a new Lexus or BMW for $15,000. You WILL get some nice new basic commuter cars for that......but I take it you want more car than that, right ?

faulks2

I had an '02 IS and i miss it soooo much....i would recommend that car to anyone. Its just a nice size, both the interior and exterior are designed beautifully, and....well its a Lexus of course.

Och

iTrader: (3)

ls400, gs4000, gs300....

mink92890

Yeah, its basically used only... I want a nice luxurious/sporty old model. The IS fits perfectly, and I am aware of all the Lexus models that I could get. I was wanting to know some non-Lexus models. I do not want the LS400 that much.

Thanks again

Mink92890

mmarshall

You could check out some older Infiniti G35's. Their interiors are not as nice as some Lexus products but they have a well-designed V6 and chassis. Performance-wise, they will give BMW 3-series a run for the money, are far more reliable, and AWD G35X versions are available for bad weather.

mink92890

How is the reliability for BMW's at the high-mileage points (80,000 and up)? What about the repair costs? I know Lexus is amazing in that area. Last thing I'd want is a first car that spends lots of time at the dealer. I will look at the G35's...

Because of the reliability, I keep coming back to the IS300 and GS300/400.

Mink92890

mmarshall

Hard to beat the IS300 reliability. Consumer Reports rates it as perhaps their best car in this area. It is NOT a car for lousy weather, though.
BMW's are quite expensive to service and repair, and their dealerships can be snooty and arrogant. Nowever, if you want a real drivers' car, it is also hard to beat the BMW chassis this side of a Porsche.....for a sedan, they have unparalled steering and handling feel.

Och

iTrader: (3)

BMW's aren't exactly reliable, but then they aren't as unreliable as MB or Jag. The real problem is that when anything goes wrong, and it will, the cost of repairs on these cars is out of this world. Basically expect to shell out $1,200 every time you go for minor repair, and several thousands when its anything majors.

And the G35 is a nice car. Interior isn't anything great, but then neither is IS300 or 3 series. And it's the fastest one out of the bunch with the most HP and torque and great potential for mods. In fact, I almost bought one before I got my GS430.

mhlamin

BMW's can be the best cars you ever own as long as you keep up all maintainance on them, ie. fluids, oil, brakes. It is a car that you actively own. haha. if that made any sense. Your best bet is to go with the E39 BMW 5. Then i would go with the IS/3series. Both will be great cars. It will be hard to find many under 15k that are truely worth it, 20k maybe. Same with the GS, 20k...maybe. My friend got a green GS300 recently for 17.5k, really nice car.

But hey, im partial to cars like the Dodge SRT-4 and WRX, but thats a no go for me at the moment. So im looking at some of these too (3-series), i need 4 dr's. I think the SC300/400 is the only 2dr i'll be able to get.

mink92890

Man... Lexus is really hard to beat... And that is a really great thing. My friend who has a 1999 BMW 740iL with 100,000 miles got it for about $13,000 with Sports Package and Navigation says its amazingly reliable, but i am kind of hesitant. The IS300 is an amazing car, fast, small yet big, and carries some luxury items. The IS300 is not the most luxurious car you will find, but no sports car is (except IS350)... Im not much of a Dodge/Subaru person, either. I want to have the 5-series as an option, but the reliability thing again. Are there any specific models by BMW which are the most reliable? Till then I'll be looking for a GS300/400 or an IS300.

Thanks ClubLexus for all your continued help.

Mink92890

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

u could prolly find a fairly good 98 LS400 for that much

mink92890

Yeah, as much as I love the LS, though, its a little too big to serve as a first car. I know how amazing of a ride it is, after driving my dad's LS430. I want something small, and more sportish like the IS or GS...

If it wasnt for that, all I would want would have been the LS

Mink92890

DriftNsc3

What about a newer e36 M3.I almost bought one insted of my sc300(I love drop tops).They are reliable cars as long as you maintan it,but thats with any car.And they can be kinda high dollar cars at the dealer ships.You might even be abel to find a older e46 for under 18k,i've seen a couple.
Richard

videcormeum

The 2001/2002 5-series went over pretty well w/ Consumer Reports' survey respondents - with above average reliability.

Ultimately, however, the reliability of used vehicles is determined in large part by the care of the previous owner(s). Even for $15,000, I wouldn't buy a German vehicle without maintenance records, CarFax, and independent inspection.

M.