328i vs. IS350
Oh snap! Thanks for bringing this thread from the dead! I totally forgot to update you guys. My friend ended up picking up an IS250 (RWD Auto)! For him, a lot of it came down to pricing. BMW did have free maintenance, but the monthly cost was a lot higher for less features. Also, for whatever reason BMW had a mandatory fee at the end of the lease, whereas Lexus did not.
As far as the free scheduled maintainence is concerned, I do not have to worry about labor costs as I would with Lexus. Would you believe Lexus charged me $243.27 recently for a coolant flush alone ? I have the invoice to prove it & I can post it up if questioned. Labor alone was $144.55.
For my BMW's labor costs = $0 and to date I had a brake fluid flush, multiple oil changes, wiper blades, air filter, cabin filter on the X3 & old 335. If the brake pads and/or rotors need changing, no cost to me. BMW labor & parts are not cheap so it is well worth it.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
Oh snap! Thanks for bringing this thread from the dead! I totally forgot to update you guys. My friend ended up picking up an IS250 (RWD Auto)! For him, a lot of it came down to pricing. BMW did have free maintenance, but the monthly cost was a lot higher for less features. Also, for whatever reason BMW had a mandatory fee at the end of the lease, whereas Lexus did not.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: ca
As I said before, the longer you have a car, it's going to be better to go with a more reliable car with more inexpensive services, ala Lexus. If you don't plan on keeping the car long, then it's always better to get the free maintenance on the car. Just my thoughts.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Why do you want to insult Lexus owners here that own one on a Lexus forum?
Funny I just drove an IS 250 last weekend and I loved it. It doesn't feel underengined but of course the 350 makes it feel very slow.
Do you realize a lot of peoples priorites are not on HP, speed and acceleration? A lot of people want a nice reliable entry level luxury car.
The Germans know that more than ANYONE.
So how is the IS 250 a chicks car? DO EXPLAIN
why would the is250 a chick car? who says all men need car with more power?
if that's the case, all gs350 are chick cars, all e350 are chick cars, all 535 are chick cars, and all a6 3.0/3.2 are chick cars?
that's so BS
if that's the case, all gs350 are chick cars, all e350 are chick cars, all 535 are chick cars, and all a6 3.0/3.2 are chick cars?
that's so BS
He went with the IS250 because the power was adequate for his use. The power increase in the 350 did not justify the additional cost for him, especially since he was able to get all the other features he wanted in the 250.
He also calculated the estimated maintenance cost over the lease period, and the BMW still came out more expensive at the end, without any tangible advantages (For his needs).
One interesting note is that he wants to drive my car just to see what it's like. That's gonna be fun! I'll post his impressions when that happens.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 3
From: Alberta
Option 1 Upgrade - The standard No-charge Scheduled Maintenance may be upgraded to a 3 year or 60,000 kilometres** Service Inclusive Program. The Service Inclusive Program includes all items covered under the Scheduled Maintenance Program. In addition, it includes the replacement of wear items such as brake linings, brake rotors, engine belts, wiper blades, and clutch components***.
I'm not sure if it's a different program down there, but up here the "included maintenance" does not include the brakes/rotors. You can pre-pay it as an upgrade/addition at a significantly lower cost than you would pay if you didn't do it....but ultimately you're paying for them:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...e/Default.aspx
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
If I offend any female out there, I apologize.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 3
From: IL
Do you really feel by me calling a car "a chick's car" is an insult? What if I call a car a man's car, is that a compliment? Generally, man and woman buy cars with different priorities in mind. A woman's dream car is somewhat affortable, look nice, usually small. Power doesnt mean much to most female, that why the IS250 is so popular among female.
If I offend any female out there, I apologize.
If I offend any female out there, I apologize.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Do you really feel by me calling a car "a chick's car" is an insult? What if I call a car a man's car, is that a compliment? Generally, man and woman buy cars with different priorities in mind. A woman's dream car is somewhat affortable, look nice, usually small. Power doesnt mean much to most female, that why the IS250 is so popular among female.
If I offend any female out there, I apologize.
If I offend any female out there, I apologize.
affordable
look nice
usually small
Then the entire continents of Europe and Asia and South America drive mostly "chick" cars as the majority of cars sold there are small subcompacts and compacts.
You think the RX is a chicks car, which I can understand. Now the IS 250 is a chicks car?
The car in question was bought by a MAN, Primecut's friend.