I currently have a 2006 IS250AWD and am in the market for a new car this Spring/Summer. Even though the IS250AWD has served me well, I would not buy it again (just a little too slow), but would consider an IS350. I am currently considering the following:

1. Audi A3 quattro S-Line with APR Stage 1
2. Audi A4 quattro S-Line with APR Stage 1
3. Audi S4 quattro (stock, no need to chip it, 333HP)
4. BMW 335i xDrive (been lurking on BMW forums and am SERIOUSLY concerned about reliability)
5. VW GTI with APR Stage 1
6. Lexus IS350

The A4 and GTI are the front runners now, but don't know about reliability compared to the Lexus I have had for almost 4 years.
I was happy enough with the 250 for 4 years, but want more zip in my next car. The cars above all have AWD, except for the IS350. I live in the city of Chicago, where streets are narrow and alleys MIGHT get plowed a week after a snowstorm. Getting into my current garage with the IS250AWD is always a challenge as the garage is VERY narrow and up an incline, the back end fishtails and almost hits the garage door. Can any IS350 owners share their experiences in snow in highly urban areas? Also, my street has so much crown that 4WD vehicles get stuck and when their tires spin, its like the curb is a magnet that pulls them toward it. I have read IS 350 owners say that with Snow tires, they are fine, I KNOW that I would be fine in the suburbs, but the city offers a different set of challenges altogether. Can anyone with experience in urban cities (Midwest, the Northeast, or Canada) weigh in on if an IS 350 can handle the snowy streets of Chicago with Bilzzaks and sandbags?

Thanks
Mike

 

I have the 250 rwd in Chicago, and it's fine. I don't even need to use winter tires, just good all-season tires (kuhmo ecsta asx).

I think tires might be your problem.

 

I have an IS350 with all seasons up in NY and its fine

 

IS350 or S4 both sound good to me

 

IS-F trumps them all.

 

that S4 looks nice, or get some really good winter tires for the IS350

 

I took my 250 to the snow last week without chains or anything, it drove fine. If you are more concern with reliability, go with Lexus....BMW I've been there and hated driving loaners more than my own car.

 

Thanks for all your responses. So, it sounds like with the right tires, the 350 is OK in the snow.

 

With all seasons, you should be just fine... + Add some weight to the trunk even better...

 

i would vote for the s4 just to change it up

 

I work in Des Plaines, IL; the IS350+Blizzaks works like a charm during these months around here.

 

if i were to totally ignore price id get an s4 but audis are terribly overpriced for the specifications you get. a4 is a joke for how much they charge, would never even consider that car.

 

I work in DesPlaines, too and commute to just outside the Loop in Wicker Park. Do you put sand in the trunk, or are the Blizzaks enough?

 

No...with the exception of the spare tire, the trunk is always empty. You'd be surprised how well a RWD+Winter tire handles during snow/sleet; its very hard to lose traction...even if you try to lose traction during snow, the electronic nannies kicks in at the right moment.

 

I drive an IS350 in Minneapolis with lots of snow and ice. With a staggered 18" setup, this car is beautiful sledgehammer in the dry months. And for the snow months, I have a 17" winter setup shod in Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 snow tires... Perfect for snow and ice! I previously used Bridgestone Blizzaks and liked them also, but the Michelins are quieter, cost less and last longer. A second set is the best option, as you don't ruin your summer wheels during the winter months, you get more mileage from both sets and you don't incur the expense of repeatedly remounting tires.

Also, I came close to buying an Audi S4. Do some research, but you'll find that the S4 is poorly balanced due to the position of the engine... In short, it's very nose-heavy. And I agree with the others about the A4, it's ridiculously priced for what it offers. It's also an expensive car to repair and the reliability (still) isn't quite there yet. I won't even consider a BMW, but like most BMWs, Audis seem to be priced based on the cache of it's name.