n33raj94

Hi,
I have a 2012 G37x that was leased and I have to give it back March 11. Damn good car, but was looking into the 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. I love the looks, and interior, but the only problem is that they haven't changed the engine at all. I was also considering a Infiniti Q50s, or 335

I can get a IS350 F Sport with navigation and all for $45,000. If you have any lease deals, lemme know.

WHAT color do you guys like. I can decide between the white, grey, or black. Lemme know pls

JDR76

It's my understanding that Infiniti didn't change the engine on the Q50, and nor did BMW change the engine on the 335, so I wouldn't use that as a determining factor.

n33raj94

yea i know but it is still the slower out of the three

vapid2323

But its the best design with DI, perhaps I am biased

chris2k5

Best design? The 335i blows the Q50 (non hybrid) and IS350 out of the water. The engine is a gem. Lexus is last place in terms of engine. Low on power and grunt for the segment.

Slust

Have you test drove all 3 yet?

I would really make that the determing factor. You really just don't know what you like till you give each a fair shot. I test drove a 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 BMWs and I was floored by difference from the 2011/2012 335i and the 2013/2014 335i/328i. The ride signature was completely different. BMW tanked hard in its handling in 2013/2014 - no where near as fun.

By including the 335i you are definitely comparing a completely different price too. In this area the 335i is extremely rare so you would pretty much have to special order unless you are willing to wait for one to come in and take it in whatever option/color package it arrives in. With similar options the 335i is around $58-63k. Might as well include the S4 and IS-F in the consideration too at that price point.

If you haven't already test drive the Q50 with and without the Steer By Wire. I personally couldn't stand the Steer By Wire in its current form - I think it needs more work before I will consider it. It is an option though so if you really like the Q50 than you can get it without that ...or with if you actually like that drive system.


After driving the competition (minus the Caddy ATS) I went the F-Sport.

n33raj94

yeah i drove the q50 and 335xi. Still haven't driven the lexus. Anyone have any lease prices?

salvadorik

iTrader: (1)

It all depends on what you want and your budget. I can speak of myself by sharing my experience. Basically I was in your shoes about 3 weeks ago. My opinion is 335i and S4 are in their own league. They are way better sports cars than IS. FI German powertrains simply blow any competition. 335i inline 6 was chosen ward's 10 best engine for several years. S4's 3.0 supercharged engine is still in ward's list. Yes, you can find some faults in those cars but the total package that germans provide is far more appealing to me. In my case there are two main reasons I did not go with European cars: 1 - nearly $60K price (main one) and 2 - worse reliability than Lexus. If I could afford to buy bimmer and did not intend to keep it after the warranty expires, 335i would be in my garage right now.

Slust

Short answer, some are getting into the $450-550 / mo price range for a 350 F-Sport.

See this thread, most are leases ...especially the Californians - Price Paid on 250/350

hoosier1

You are correct...don't want to own a BMW out of warranty. And they have more squeaks, rattles, run flat tires and cheaper interior quality. With that said, I still love BMWs and German cars. I almost ordered a 435i. If the OP has the bucks to spend, buy the BMW 335i, as it's a pocket rocket and will put a smile on your face every time you punch the accelerator and get pushed back into the seat.

UncleSpud

Let's put the Bimmer engine comparison aside, b/c the BMW I-6 is simply in another league. While it's true Nissan's 3.7 V6 is more powerful than the 350 V6, its transmission doesn't hold a candle to the Toyota 8-speed, which to me is second only to a good DSG. The Toyota V6 is also more refined the Nissan V6.

Steering is another key factor. The electronic power steering in the F30 BMW is dreadful. It's totally numb on center. I also test drove a Q50 (without the drive-by-wire steering). IMO it was twitchy. The Lexus, particularly in sport and sport plus mode, was accurate and felt more natural.

Suspensions? BMW took a leap backwards with the F30. The Q50 I drove (standard suspension) was rock hard with no increased handling trade off.

Tires? BMW and Infiniti will saddle you with run flats, but Lexus will at least give you conventional tires (far better ride quality).

Finally, there's the issue reliability, which would immediately disqualify BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. Infiniti and Lexus are probably tied in that regard.

Here's my point to the op: while the Lexus doesn't score a knockout punch in every area, it's good enough overall to win.

Slust

Those are exactly the same points I bring up but yours are well delivered.

caesosa

Am I the only one who thinks the current engines available are brilliant because they have been around forever - will last forever ?

Personally the new "turbo" cars I am not a fan of (even at the cost of a few MPG's)

KumaF

I think the current engines are brilliant. First, I prefer N/A engines to FI ones since I like the way they build up hp through the rpm range which gives me a reason to rev up higher and more often. The N55 is a great engine, but it simply feels too easy with peak torque starting at 1500 rpm. Second, the V6s in the 3IS are some of the best N/A engines I have ever driven, it feels as smooth as, if not smoother than, the good old N52.

Lost808

OP, have you looked at a 370z? I have a 13 Z with the sports package and it is awesome! Granted, it is not as luxurious as the IS, but for the budget you are looking at, you can get the touring package that comes with leather and Bose, and get the Navi. They handle great, good ride, and great power. Oh, and no run flats.