I've done some very basic, light reading at this point -- looking to be pointed in the right direction, however.

Currently in a 2010 Audi A5. I've had zero complaints, great ride (first Audi), just itching for a change (for various reasons).

Right now I'm looking at the IS 250 (FSport, of course) and some other rides such as the 535i, and perhaps the S4. Essentially, looking for a sedan (life happens) at this point.

I don't necessarily worry about the "cost of owning" an Audi or BMW, but I feel as though an IS would offer a little more peace of mind.

Appreciate any advice or experience/stories anyone can share.

Cheers.

 

What's your budget?

And do you modify your cars?

 

If you're looking at the 535 and S4, you really should be looking at the IS350. IS250 is about as fast as my minivan while the 535 and S4 are rockets. The 535 also isn't a direct comparison as the 335 is a much better comp.

 

I was going to ask what engine you currently have in that A5. If you have had the 2.0T, you'll probably be ok with the IS250. If you have the 3.2......you might want to think 350 instead. Either is an excellent choice though!

 

I'd go with the 350 instead, it's a big difference in horsepower and honestly the IS250 doesn't have a very performance minded engine.

 

Tough decision, I have a 525i BMW and an IS250 f2, between those two I greatly appreciate the reliability of the IS250 but as far as the drivability I prefer the BMW; manual tranny, great engine with no major maintenance costs. Granted, you will go less often to a garage for maintenance with a Lexus who has a legendary reliability but German engineering has some advantages.

 

Agree with some comments. If you're considering an S4 and 535i, you're at the 50-60k+ price range and sub-5s 0-60 performance figures. I love my 250 F Sport and performance is adequate for me as a daily driver, but if you think you'll be itching for the extra power, for less than 4K more, get an IS350 F Sport and loaded will still be well under 50K.

 

Yeah get the is350! I wish I did! In glad I got the is250 because of economical reasons.

 

Appreciate all the replies thus far - thank you all.

This seems to be the overwhelming theme here...

350 certainly in consideration, probably more so than the 250 for obvious reasons all pointed out here. Good call.

I know this is a Lexus forum, but any additional (unbiased opinions) would be greatly appreciated; regarding 535 vs 350 vs S4 etc.

Thanks again.

 

535 mediocre reliability. Electrical and powertrain issues common within the first years of ownership. I would avoid it.

Would be between the S4 and IS 350F Sport. If long-term ownership is in sight, get the IS as it's the most reliable and best all around in ride comfort, handling, with strong acceleration. If you're leasing, can handle 100$+ larger payment over the IS, and want a firmer but most powerful drive with the surefootedness of Quattro awd, the S4 is in your future.

Good luck.

 

IS250 should be a bit slower than Audi 1.8T, I was switching from BMW118i it has 1.6 turbo engine and I am not satisfied with the Lexus 2500cc NA engine, it's just slow. probably the car is too heavy or the outdated gearbox.

 

like someone stated above, the 535 is in a different class. when I was in the market for a car (2 months ago), it was between the 335 and the 350 fsport. there's a thread buried in this 3is forum about comparing the cars in this class. for me, what it came down to was reliability. I traded my '03 is300 for my 350 fsport; my 1is had 260k+ miles on it and didn't have any issues. I talked to a couple of my friends who are bimmer owners and asked them about their opinions and they all said the same thing. they bought the bimmer cause of how it drives (power, motor, etc) but when it breaks, it's quite costly...especially after warranty. then they said, that 3is isn't a slow car and looks way better and more reliable. I concurred with those statements so here I am with the 3is. one other factor for me is that I'm familiar w/ Toyota/Lexus engines so that helped sway my decision. I'm not very familiar w/ german enginuity...like bmw or audi. but just like the other thread stated, majority came down w/ reliability being the big part in purchasing their cars.


and not to beat a dead horse, 250 isn't in the same category as you listed...not hating on the 250, but some 350 owners are kinda bummed that the motor is already under powered by it's competition. just know the 250 would be lower.

 

I love the NA engines... Reliability is a big consideration for me too. I had a G35 coupe with the VQ3.5LDE and I beat on that car everyday for 100k miles. Rock solid! I pretty much redline my IS350 everyday too and plan to keep this car for 100k miles too.

 

What do you mean, "of course"? The non-F is unworthy of consideration? Frankly the 250 F-sport makes about no sense, to me.

 

Weeeell, everyone is talking about more power, faster car etc. etc. I don't know about elsewhere in America but here in Montreal - Canada, the roads are similar to the roads in Irak after the bombardments.
A more powerful and a faster car is totally useless. I think the IS250 has more than enough power for our roads.
Just a thought...