Slightly used BMW vs Older Lexus
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: TN
Slightly used BMW vs Older Lexus
Im looking for a car and I narrowed my choices down to either BMW or Lexus.
The cars im looking at are either the
The cars im looking at are either the
- 2019 BMW 4 Series GC
- 2015 Lexus RC 300/350 F-Sport
As a past Lexus owner (2015 Lexus IS) (2017 Lexus LX570) I grew bored with the brand and hoped that the RC would change my mind.
I am also open to leasing new but feel that since I can buy used, most of the depreciation wont be on me.
Im reaching out in hopes of hearing some of your opinions. Im happy to see how this discussion goes! Thanks!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
The 3 series is new for 2019, I have not driven it (I've driven every year of 3 series back to 2006 as service loaners), and supposedly the 3 is back for 2019. I'm surprised that a brand new model is only 30k. I would definitely prefer a 2019 3 series to a 2015 IS, and the mileage on the BMW is 22k less? No brainer.
It's when you say 2015 Lexus and 2015 BMW where there's a question.
Owning a 2006 LS and a 2007 335i, the boring numbness of the Lexus is a trade-off. I don't expect any expensive nor any repairs for that matter, and have not had any in the 29 mos. that I've owned the LS. In the 12 years that I've owned the 335i, it had one major failure, the ABS brakes (specifically the dreaded 5DF0 and 5DF1 ABS/DSC hydro). It is not isolated to even BMW cars, it afflicts BMW motorcycles as well. But at least owners can DIY this repair for $249-$500 as opposed to spending $4,200 at the dealer. With a 2019 BMW it's so new who can predict what will happen, but you're covered for 4/50 so at $30k that's my choice.
It's when you say 2015 Lexus and 2015 BMW where there's a question.
Owning a 2006 LS and a 2007 335i, the boring numbness of the Lexus is a trade-off. I don't expect any expensive nor any repairs for that matter, and have not had any in the 29 mos. that I've owned the LS. In the 12 years that I've owned the 335i, it had one major failure, the ABS brakes (specifically the dreaded 5DF0 and 5DF1 ABS/DSC hydro). It is not isolated to even BMW cars, it afflicts BMW motorcycles as well. But at least owners can DIY this repair for $249-$500 as opposed to spending $4,200 at the dealer. With a 2019 BMW it's so new who can predict what will happen, but you're covered for 4/50 so at $30k that's my choice.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,902
Likes: 1,514
From: San Diego, CA
Is the 2019 a CPO? And do you know why it's for sale so soon with 8K on the clock? There could be any number of legitimate reasons, but check if it was either a demo or a loaner (or a customer trade-assist./buyback which was NOT recorded as a lemon). Loaners/ex-demo cars just don't get treated as well as we might wish, as they are not being driven by owners, and I'd want to know why such a new car with that mileage is back in inventory just in case it was taken as a trade assist (which sometimes manes the car was a lemon in all but name).
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,593
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
Im looking for a car and I narrowed my choices down to either BMW or Lexus.
The cars im looking at are either the
The cars im looking at are either the
- 2019 BMW 4 Series GC
- 2015 Lexus RC 300/350 F-Sport
As a past Lexus owner (2015 Lexus IS) (2017 Lexus LX570) I grew bored with the brand and hoped that the RC would change my mind.
I am also open to leasing new but feel that since I can buy used, most of the depreciation wont be on me.
Im reaching out in hopes of hearing some of your opinions. Im happy to see how this discussion goes! Thanks!
Driver
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 118
Likes: 17
From: ca
I driven the 2017 4 series before and was not impressed. The exterior is okay, interior was boring and felt cheap.
The used price was what got my attention as well but even then i didn't want to deal with the long term repair and maint costs.
My wife has the rc, she adores it and i don't blame her. I think it's better craftsmanship overall.
I would recommend a cpo for both vehicles.
The used price was what got my attention as well but even then i didn't want to deal with the long term repair and maint costs.
My wife has the rc, she adores it and i don't blame her. I think it's better craftsmanship overall.
I would recommend a cpo for both vehicles.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16,884
Likes: 468
From: Knoxville, TN
If you want to try something new and said Lexus cars have bored you, give it a shot!
I disagree that you need a CPO with a Lexus, but with BMW absolutely.
FWIW both of my Lexus cars I bought used and wouldn't have ever needed a CPO car as nothing went wrong with them in the 3-5 years (or anytime for that matter) that the CPO warranty would last.
I disagree that you need a CPO with a Lexus, but with BMW absolutely.
FWIW both of my Lexus cars I bought used and wouldn't have ever needed a CPO car as nothing went wrong with them in the 3-5 years (or anytime for that matter) that the CPO warranty would last.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 4
From: RightHere
That 4 series is probably a 428i/430i - so 4 cylinder turbo power and most likely sparingly optioned at that price. The RC is sports car looks but more of a gt/cruser in performance terms. The plus on the 4 GC is the interior room, hatchback versatility and it has most of the factory 4/50 warranty as a safety net. You don't necessarily need a CPO on the RC, it's got proven chassis/drivetrain.
The Bimmer is newer but the RC has better materials/quality for interior. It's a wash really. Bimmer for something different, Lexus for sporty looks and touring ride/performance/V6 power.
The Bimmer is newer but the RC has better materials/quality for interior. It's a wash really. Bimmer for something different, Lexus for sporty looks and touring ride/performance/V6 power.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 477
Likes: 36
From: TX
I got bored with Lexus as well and decided to try out BMW and Porsche, but it didn't take me long to come back from BMW! I had a 4 series a couple of times as a loaner and would take ANY Lexus over it. I'd prefer new Lexus or CPO Lexus myself...or a new Porsche 
I actually thought the NX was a fun little vehicle.
I actually thought the NX was a fun little vehicle.
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Rookie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
From: SC
I own an RC 350 F sport. 2015 with 38000 miles. Replaced the tires at 36000 for about 1200. Just recently replaced front brakes and rotors for another 1200. So, the RC you are looking at may be due for replacement on these items. Hopefully they replaced the tires. I love the car. I’ve owned a couple 3 series and several Porsche’s, but the RC is the one I get the most complements on! Good luck with your decision!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16,884
Likes: 468
From: Knoxville, TN
I own an RC 350 F sport. 2015 with 38000 miles. Replaced the tires at 36000 for about 1200. Just recently replaced front brakes and rotors for another 1200. So, the RC you are looking at may be due for replacement on these items. Hopefully they replaced the tires. I love the car. I’ve owned a couple 3 series and several Porsche’s, but the RC is the one I get the most complements on! Good luck with your decision!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
I driven the 2017 4 series before and was not impressed. The exterior is okay, interior was boring and felt cheap.
The used price was what got my attention as well but even then i didn't want to deal with the long term repair and maint costs.
My wife has the rc, she adores it and i don't blame her. I think it's better craftsmanship overall.
I would recommend a cpo for both vehicles.
The used price was what got my attention as well but even then i didn't want to deal with the long term repair and maint costs.
My wife has the rc, she adores it and i don't blame her. I think it's better craftsmanship overall.
I would recommend a cpo for both vehicles.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA