IS 350 Test Drive
06-09-16, 05:44 PM
#46
I will rephrase it as a waste of money instead of a ripoff. You pay thousands of dollars and it is worth only hundreds in the 2nd hand market.
I will agree that most BMW's are not that great anymore. BMW has lost its way in the past 15 years which is why I was testing a Lexus in the first place. Nothing BMW offers currently is as fun or enjoyable as a 15 year old e46 M3. It's very sad.
If i had kids to lug around and needed 4-doors I would certainly choose the IS 350 over a 3-series.
My sites are now set on a 2-door, most likely M2.
I will agree that most BMW's are not that great anymore. BMW has lost its way in the past 15 years which is why I was testing a Lexus in the first place. Nothing BMW offers currently is as fun or enjoyable as a 15 year old e46 M3. It's very sad.
If i had kids to lug around and needed 4-doors I would certainly choose the IS 350 over a 3-series.
My sites are now set on a 2-door, most likely M2.
06-09-16, 05:56 PM
#47
I'll put in some feedback since I had a 14 F-sport 350 for a few months.
Seats - I felt they were really good and better than the ISF seats. I was able to adjust the lumbar to my liking. That being said, this isn't the first time someone has complained about the seats in this forum, so maybe some people just need more support.
Dash brightness - Never had a problem and this was living in Florida.
Tactile feedback of turn signals - Yeah, this annoyed me as well when I first started driving the car. Not enough to be a deal breaker, but I had to get used to it.
Analog clock - Didn't bother me.
I think overall, the seat complaint would be the biggest issue since what's the point of getting a car you can't be comfortable in. Best of luck in your search, op. If you get a M2 let us know how it is in the car chat forum or something.
Seats - I felt they were really good and better than the ISF seats. I was able to adjust the lumbar to my liking. That being said, this isn't the first time someone has complained about the seats in this forum, so maybe some people just need more support.
Dash brightness - Never had a problem and this was living in Florida.
Tactile feedback of turn signals - Yeah, this annoyed me as well when I first started driving the car. Not enough to be a deal breaker, but I had to get used to it.
Analog clock - Didn't bother me.
I think overall, the seat complaint would be the biggest issue since what's the point of getting a car you can't be comfortable in. Best of luck in your search, op. If you get a M2 let us know how it is in the car chat forum or something.
06-09-16, 06:01 PM
#48
Consider this too --
Here are 30 major brands by 10-year estimated maintenance costs. The precise size of the data set is unknown, but YourMechanic calls it “massive.”
Brand with cost next to it. Look who's at the bottom.
1 BMW $17,800
2 Mercedes-Benz $12,900
3 Cadillac $12,500
4 Volvo $12,500
5 Audi $12,400
6 Saturn $12,400
7 Mercury $12,000
8 Pontiac $11,800
9 Chrysler $10,600
10 Dodge $10,600
11 Acura $9,800
12 Infiniti $9,300
13 Ford $9,100
14 Kia $8,800
15 Land Rover $8,800
16 Chevrolet $8,800
17 Buick $8,600
18 Jeep $8,300
19 Subaru $8,200
20 Hyundai $8,200
21 GMC $7,800
22 Volkswagen $7,800
23 Nissan $7,600
24 Mazda $7,500
25 Mini $7,500
26 Mitsubishi $7,400
27 Honda $7,200
28 Lexus $7,000
29 Scion $6,400
30 Toyota $5,500
Here are 30 major brands by 10-year estimated maintenance costs. The precise size of the data set is unknown, but YourMechanic calls it “massive.”
Brand with cost next to it. Look who's at the bottom.
1 BMW $17,800
2 Mercedes-Benz $12,900
3 Cadillac $12,500
4 Volvo $12,500
5 Audi $12,400
6 Saturn $12,400
7 Mercury $12,000
8 Pontiac $11,800
9 Chrysler $10,600
10 Dodge $10,600
11 Acura $9,800
12 Infiniti $9,300
13 Ford $9,100
14 Kia $8,800
15 Land Rover $8,800
16 Chevrolet $8,800
17 Buick $8,600
18 Jeep $8,300
19 Subaru $8,200
20 Hyundai $8,200
21 GMC $7,800
22 Volkswagen $7,800
23 Nissan $7,600
24 Mazda $7,500
25 Mini $7,500
26 Mitsubishi $7,400
27 Honda $7,200
28 Lexus $7,000
29 Scion $6,400
30 Toyota $5,500
06-09-16, 06:16 PM
#49
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If you dont mind very high TCO, an M2 or C43 are great cars. They make better in-warranty leases.
I think the IS350 more than holds its own when looking @ 5-10 years of planned ownership. With self-driving and electric cars rapidly advancing along with a decrease in driving enthusiasts Im not sure any of these are a great longer term bet. Im holding out for the 2017 to at least get partial autonomous driving not because I want it but in 5 years I bet others looking at $20k cars will. Will also consider a lease leaving resale risk on them.
I think the IS350 more than holds its own when looking @ 5-10 years of planned ownership. With self-driving and electric cars rapidly advancing along with a decrease in driving enthusiasts Im not sure any of these are a great longer term bet. Im holding out for the 2017 to at least get partial autonomous driving not because I want it but in 5 years I bet others looking at $20k cars will. Will also consider a lease leaving resale risk on them.
Last edited by sdiver68; 06-09-16 at 08:05 PM.
06-09-16, 06:52 PM
#50
06-09-16, 08:36 PM
#51
Rookie
Thread Starter
Consider this too --
Here are 30 major brands by 10-year estimated maintenance costs. The precise size of the data set is unknown, but YourMechanic calls it “massive.”
Brand with cost next to it. Look who's at the bottom.
1 BMW $17,800
2 Mercedes-Benz $12,900
3 Cadillac $12,500
4 Volvo $12,500
5 Audi $12,400
6 Saturn $12,400
7 Mercury $12,000
8 Pontiac $11,800
9 Chrysler $10,600
10 Dodge $10,600
11 Acura $9,800
12 Infiniti $9,300
13 Ford $9,100
14 Kia $8,800
15 Land Rover $8,800
16 Chevrolet $8,800
17 Buick $8,600
18 Jeep $8,300
19 Subaru $8,200
20 Hyundai $8,200
21 GMC $7,800
22 Volkswagen $7,800
23 Nissan $7,600
24 Mazda $7,500
25 Mini $7,500
26 Mitsubishi $7,400
27 Honda $7,200
28 Lexus $7,000
29 Scion $6,400
30 Toyota $5,500
Here are 30 major brands by 10-year estimated maintenance costs. The precise size of the data set is unknown, but YourMechanic calls it “massive.”
Brand with cost next to it. Look who's at the bottom.
1 BMW $17,800
2 Mercedes-Benz $12,900
3 Cadillac $12,500
4 Volvo $12,500
5 Audi $12,400
6 Saturn $12,400
7 Mercury $12,000
8 Pontiac $11,800
9 Chrysler $10,600
10 Dodge $10,600
11 Acura $9,800
12 Infiniti $9,300
13 Ford $9,100
14 Kia $8,800
15 Land Rover $8,800
16 Chevrolet $8,800
17 Buick $8,600
18 Jeep $8,300
19 Subaru $8,200
20 Hyundai $8,200
21 GMC $7,800
22 Volkswagen $7,800
23 Nissan $7,600
24 Mazda $7,500
25 Mini $7,500
26 Mitsubishi $7,400
27 Honda $7,200
28 Lexus $7,000
29 Scion $6,400
30 Toyota $5,500
I think it has averaged about one trip to the shop per year not counting oil changes and routine things. Each item is about $800 - $1,500. If I were mechanically inclined it would be far less expensive.
What does scare me on the M2 is that it is not NA. I have always shied away from turbos because I feel like they make cars less reliable. The 335I was horrible when it first came out.
06-09-16, 08:40 PM
#52
Rookie
Thread Starter
If you dont mind very high TCO, an M2 or C43 are great cars. They make better in-warranty leases.
I think the IS350 more than holds its own when looking @ 5-10 years of planned ownership. With self-driving and electric cars rapidly advancing along with a decrease in driving enthusiasts Im not sure any of these are a great longer term bet. Im holding out for the 2017 to at least get partial autonomous driving not because I want it but in 5 years I bet others looking at $20k cars will. Will also consider a lease leaving resale risk on them.
I think the IS350 more than holds its own when looking @ 5-10 years of planned ownership. With self-driving and electric cars rapidly advancing along with a decrease in driving enthusiasts Im not sure any of these are a great longer term bet. Im holding out for the 2017 to at least get partial autonomous driving not because I want it but in 5 years I bet others looking at $20k cars will. Will also consider a lease leaving resale risk on them.
A self driving car? I'm one who finds that to be blasphemy. I drive a manual for the love of God. Self driving is something that would have zero impact on me unless I were super old and unable to drive safely anymore.
06-09-16, 08:44 PM
#53
As per your Mercedes comment, that isn't exactly true that for older retired people. Go to Vancouver, Canada, I see those (including other luxury cars) driving around everywhere and being driven by all age groups! A lot more than what we see here in WA.
06-09-16, 08:58 PM
#54
Rookie
Thread Starter
The price is reasonable and I do believe part of it is marked up because is marked up from this seller than if you were to get it directly from Lexus Japan. Since it is a JDM part, they are generally more expensive since it was intended to be sold for their market only.
As per your Mercedes comment, that isn't exactly true that for older retired people. Go to Vancouver, Canada, I see those (including other luxury cars) driving around everywhere and being driven by all age groups! A lot more than what we see here in WA.
As per your Mercedes comment, that isn't exactly true that for older retired people. Go to Vancouver, Canada, I see those (including other luxury cars) driving around everywhere and being driven by all age groups! A lot more than what we see here in WA.
It is well known that Mercedes is a straight line beast and can not compete in being fun to drive or in the handling department. They don't even have manuals, I mean come on.... They are not meant for driving enthusiasts. Although the GTS is a razor sharp tool on the track, it's also six figures so It's not really something to consider.
If you want a pretty car and want to be comfy yes, a Mercedes is definitely the right choice. If you don't care about cars at all and just want a badge then yes, a Mercedes is right for you. If you want a driving enthusiasts car then Mercedes is not for you unless you have $100+K...
They know their customer base and make their cars accordingly. Small sporty, good handling cars are unlikely to be made by Mercedes because that is not their demographic and they know it.
06-09-16, 09:06 PM
#55
Rookie
Thread Starter
If you dont mind very high TCO, an M2 or C43 are great cars. They make better in-warranty leases.
I think the IS350 more than holds its own when looking @ 5-10 years of planned ownership. With self-driving and electric cars rapidly advancing along with a decrease in driving enthusiasts Im not sure any of these are a great longer term bet. Im holding out for the 2017 to at least get partial autonomous driving not because I want it but in 5 years I bet others looking at $20k cars will. Will also consider a lease leaving resale risk on them.
I think the IS350 more than holds its own when looking @ 5-10 years of planned ownership. With self-driving and electric cars rapidly advancing along with a decrease in driving enthusiasts Im not sure any of these are a great longer term bet. Im holding out for the 2017 to at least get partial autonomous driving not because I want it but in 5 years I bet others looking at $20k cars will. Will also consider a lease leaving resale risk on them.
06-09-16, 09:43 PM
#56
In the metro Seattle and Bellevue area you see plenty of luxury cars including Mercedes, Tesla, Porsche, Ferrari etc.. The Mercedes are usually older people who want comfort and class.
It is well known that Mercedes is a straight line beast and can not compete in being fun to drive or in the handling department. They don't even have manuals, I mean come on.... They are not meant for driving enthusiasts. Although the GTS is a razor sharp tool on the track, it's also six figures so It's not really something to consider.
If you want a pretty car and want to be comfy yes, a Mercedes is definitely the right choice. If you don't care about cars at all and just want a badge then yes, a Mercedes is right for you. If you want a driving enthusiasts car then Mercedes is not for you unless you have $100+K...
They know their customer base and make their cars accordingly. Small sporty, good handling cars are unlikely to be made by Mercedes because that is not their demographic and they know it.
It is well known that Mercedes is a straight line beast and can not compete in being fun to drive or in the handling department. They don't even have manuals, I mean come on.... They are not meant for driving enthusiasts. Although the GTS is a razor sharp tool on the track, it's also six figures so It's not really something to consider.
If you want a pretty car and want to be comfy yes, a Mercedes is definitely the right choice. If you don't care about cars at all and just want a badge then yes, a Mercedes is right for you. If you want a driving enthusiasts car then Mercedes is not for you unless you have $100+K...
They know their customer base and make their cars accordingly. Small sporty, good handling cars are unlikely to be made by Mercedes because that is not their demographic and they know it.
I'm there there are lots who just want the badge, but they have the money so it's fine.
There was an accident that my friend was involved a few years ago that had his Mercedes E350 totaled due to a careless driver which could have avoided. He had the right of way, going at about 60 km/h. Car at intersection comes and makes a left turn - but the left turn has to be careful because because it's a 6 lane street (3 each way), and my friend was in the fastest. Unfortunately, that driver popped out suddenly that my friend could not react, with about less than 10 feet and could not react in time to get on the brakes - bang. The driver who made the left thought it was good because the 2 lanes were good to go because the cars were stopped but did not check the third lane he popped out to make his left turn - 100% fault.
The insurance company said the car saved his life because he's about 6 ft - a smaller car, he would of been injured pretty badly. Total loss and he is entitled to a brand new car, in which he gotten a new Mercedes SUV. There is some moral to why to get Mercedes.
Last edited by Sango; 06-09-16 at 09:48 PM.
06-09-16, 09:59 PM
#57
People think correctly that BMWs are money pits and I will only gladly support them in this conviction. After my 13 years of ownership of 528iT I can attest that the car needs much more than regular preventive maintenance. It needed transmission replacement twice (!) within the first 100K miles, door ***** break down, hatchback locking mechanism fail, etc, etc. completely unexpected thing break down - in my case the metal support for the battery collapsed (mechanics could not believe it) and had to be re-welded. The main drive shaft failed and had to be replaced ($3000), traction computer failed ($1000), list is very long and I never tried to add it all up - I could get a heart attack. What in other cars lasts for life and you don't even know it is there - the odds are in BMW it will fail, very under-engineered cars. BMW can be the ultimate driving machine but with ultimate break-down statistics.
Last edited by Olasek; 06-09-16 at 10:03 PM.
06-09-16, 10:12 PM
#58
Rookie
Thread Starter
I've seen more in Bellevue than in Seattle. When I say Vancouver, I do mean GTA, and there are lot more luxury cars by far. Lambo, Ferrari, Porche, Lexus, Mercedes etc... and usually sometimes seem imported cars which are RHD as well.
I'm there there are lots who just want the badge, but they have the money so it's fine.
There was an accident that my friend was involved a few years ago that had his Mercedes E350 totaled due to a careless driver which could have avoided. He had the right of way, going at about 60 km/h. Car at intersection comes and makes a left turn - but the left turn has to be careful because because it's a 6 lane street (3 each way), and my friend was in the fastest. Unfortunately, that driver popped out suddenly that my friend could not react, with about less than 10 feet and could not react in time to get on the brakes - bang. The driver who made the left thought it was good because the 2 lanes were good to go because the cars were stopped but did not check the third lane he popped out to make his left turn - 100% fault.
The insurance company said the car saved his life because he's about 6 ft - a smaller car, he would of been injured pretty badly. Total loss and he is entitled to a brand new car, in which he gotten a new Mercedes SUV. There is some moral to why to get Mercedes.
I'm there there are lots who just want the badge, but they have the money so it's fine.
There was an accident that my friend was involved a few years ago that had his Mercedes E350 totaled due to a careless driver which could have avoided. He had the right of way, going at about 60 km/h. Car at intersection comes and makes a left turn - but the left turn has to be careful because because it's a 6 lane street (3 each way), and my friend was in the fastest. Unfortunately, that driver popped out suddenly that my friend could not react, with about less than 10 feet and could not react in time to get on the brakes - bang. The driver who made the left thought it was good because the 2 lanes were good to go because the cars were stopped but did not check the third lane he popped out to make his left turn - 100% fault.
The insurance company said the car saved his life because he's about 6 ft - a smaller car, he would of been injured pretty badly. Total loss and he is entitled to a brand new car, in which he gotten a new Mercedes SUV. There is some moral to why to get Mercedes.
As for durability, one time my e36 328i got hit by a Saturn on the highway. The Saturn was so damaged by the impact that it could not drive away from the scene. My 328i merely had a slightly bent fender. Seemed to be a case of plastic vs metal.
On a side note I find it very funny that when i searched for Mercedes C43 AMG youtube gave me a Viagra commercial. Even Youtube knows the Merc demographic. lol
Such a rare situation as your friend's does not compel me to drive a big, heavy un-fun vehicle for the rest of my life. Perhaps in my 50's ill go for something like that. At the very least not until I have kids to protect.
Last edited by CraigMak; 06-09-16 at 10:17 PM.
06-09-16, 11:00 PM
#59
This can be said of any large car including pretty much every SUV and truck. They take hits well. My e46 M3 on the other hand has avoided many, many accidents that would have been unavoidable in other cars through sheer handling capabilities. Rapidly breaking, accelerating and maneuvering with inches to spare between medians and cars. I am certain that any other car would have been hit about 3 times in my 8 years of ownership. All 100% due to morons trying merge right into me.
As for durability, one time my e36 328i got hit by a Saturn on the highway. The Saturn was so damaged by the impact that it could not drive away from the scene. My 328i merely had a slightly bent fender. Seemed to be a case of plastic vs metal.
On a side note I find it very funny that when i searched for Mercedes C43 AMG youtube gave me a Viagra commercial. Even Youtube knows the Merc demographic. lol
Such a rare situation as your friend's does not compel me to drive a big, heavy un-fun vehicle for the rest of my life. Perhaps in my 50's ill go for something like that. At the very least not until I have kids to protect.
As for durability, one time my e36 328i got hit by a Saturn on the highway. The Saturn was so damaged by the impact that it could not drive away from the scene. My 328i merely had a slightly bent fender. Seemed to be a case of plastic vs metal.
On a side note I find it very funny that when i searched for Mercedes C43 AMG youtube gave me a Viagra commercial. Even Youtube knows the Merc demographic. lol
Such a rare situation as your friend's does not compel me to drive a big, heavy un-fun vehicle for the rest of my life. Perhaps in my 50's ill go for something like that. At the very least not until I have kids to protect.
My friend choose biger because he wanted to feel safer after that accident. Initially if I recall he wanted to go AMG. Of course, I encouraged him to go Lexus but to no avail! Of course he then teases me about me not getting that "F" (the IS-F or now RC-F") since knows I have money.
06-09-16, 11:19 PM
#60
Rookie
Thread Starter
Oh yikes, watch out for those search results
My friend choose biger because he wanted to feel safer after that accident. Initially if I recall he wanted to go AMG. Of course, I encouraged him to go Lexus but to no avail! Of course he then teases me about me not getting that "F" (the IS-F or now RC-F") since knows I have money.
My friend choose biger because he wanted to feel safer after that accident. Initially if I recall he wanted to go AMG. Of course, I encouraged him to go Lexus but to no avail! Of course he then teases me about me not getting that "F" (the IS-F or now RC-F") since knows I have money.
To be honest I don't think your friend could go from a Mercedes to a Lexus and be happy. The interior of Mercedes is decadent. Lexus is nice but I don't think anyone is on Mercedes level when it comes to that.
The m235i that I tested also seemed to have higher quality materials than the IS 350. Although the IS didn't have any luxury packages or anything like that. It was basically a run of the mill F-Sport.