Deciding Between IS200t and A4
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: California
Unless you are taking you car to the track frequently, how much power do you actually need for a mixture of city and highway driving? I have the 3IS 250 F Sport and I handle the Dallas metrplex traffic just fine. I have 'No problems' passing trucks on the highway and the sport mode works well if I need some extra power. Please ignore the 0 - 60 sec talk because a high percentage of drivers don't drive that way in the first place.
I agree with phoenix888 that a CPO IS 350 may be the best bet for you and the Nov-Dec timeframe is going to be the best time to buy.
I agree with phoenix888 that a CPO IS 350 may be the best bet for you and the Nov-Dec timeframe is going to be the best time to buy.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: California
Here in the UK we are swamped with Audi...I left Lexus for a few years to BMW before driving a 3 series, A4 and IS200t back to back
The Lexus won. The Audi A4 looks and drives like a barge, if you want to know about reliability research Audi forums in the UK where masses of these cars are dumped on an unsuspected public after 3 year PCP plans....the same with BMW....common as muck but filled with coil pack, Injector and Turbo issues amongst others that would make your head explode with worry...not all of course but you dont see any of these issues around Lexus other than the odd creak in the dash or sticky caliper.
If you want simple 3 year ownership and chop it in after for new then go for what fits.....if you want longevity - go with the Lexus.
The Lexus won. The Audi A4 looks and drives like a barge, if you want to know about reliability research Audi forums in the UK where masses of these cars are dumped on an unsuspected public after 3 year PCP plans....the same with BMW....common as muck but filled with coil pack, Injector and Turbo issues amongst others that would make your head explode with worry...not all of course but you dont see any of these issues around Lexus other than the odd creak in the dash or sticky caliper.
If you want simple 3 year ownership and chop it in after for new then go for what fits.....if you want longevity - go with the Lexus.
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,664
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From: TX
Audi has been improving in reliability ratings for years. Lexus is unequivocally #1, but Audi reliability shouldn't be a concern. Here you go...
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/26/automobiles/lexus-ranked-no-1-on-consumer-reports-annual-brand-report-cards.html?_r=0
http://www.newsnet5.com/money/consumer/consumer-reports/audi-gmc-volvo-crack-consumer-reports-vehicle-reliability-survey-top-10
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/26/automobiles/lexus-ranked-no-1-on-consumer-reports-annual-brand-report-cards.html?_r=0
http://www.newsnet5.com/money/consumer/consumer-reports/audi-gmc-volvo-crack-consumer-reports-vehicle-reliability-survey-top-10
Last edited by dseag2; Sep 24, 2016 at 08:15 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 294
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From: CA
Personally, if handling and sportiness isn't a deciding factor, I would go for the A4 over the IS200t. I've driven it and it handles pretty poorly, but the styling is nice and the technology/interior surpass the IS.
Given they just redesigned the A4, it's definitely going to be ahead in terms of tech. I only drove it briefly, but I actually enjoyed driving the IS more, I also think the IS looks better. That being said, the A4 interior is absolutely gorgeous and feels incredibly well put together. If it's A4 or 200t, I'd probably get the A4, but if it were an IS300 (not sure if your dealer offers it since they have the 200t)or a 350, even used, I would go IS.
Last edited by RXGS; Sep 25, 2016 at 09:02 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
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From: California
Given they just redesigned the A4, it's definitely going to be ahead in terms of tech. I only drove it briefly, but I actually enjoyed driving the IS more, I also think the IS looks better. That being said, the A4 interior is absolutely gorgeous and feels incredibly well put together. If it's A4 or 200t, I'd probably get the A4, but if it were an IS300 (not sure if your dealer offers it since they have the 200t)or a 350, even used, I would go IS.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: uk
This is where I'm ending up after thinking about it over the weekend, The 200t isn't the right engine to be comparing thr A4 with. The Lexus has RWD dynamics and better steering, so the missing ingredient--power--can be solved by stepping up an engine. I will need to go back and make sure the cabin isn't too snug for me, though.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
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From: California
I'm having an issue with my left knee hitting / rubbing the side of the centre console...In addition I have the steering column/ wheel set as high as it will go yet when I get in and out there is a risk of me taking off the cruise control stalk....so yes it's snug but I'm 6'2".
Driver School Candidate
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From: uk
(major seller) came bottom of the reliability polls over here, I know its not the A4 but it tells me enough about the company to avoid - unless of course you intend to keep short term with the warranty protection.
It might be role reversal with you but over here an IS is a rare beast and a head turner, that combined with my previous experience of bombproof Lexus reliability its the reason I came back.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: California
Of course....I absolutely love the car - despite coming from a BMW 135i and all of its fantastic German grunt I feel I can now sleep without worrying about extended warranties etc. Incidentally the Audi A1
(major seller) came bottom of the reliability polls over here, I know its not the A4 but it tells me enough about the company to avoid - unless of course you intend to keep short term with the warranty protection.
It might be role reversal with you but over here an IS is a rare beast and a head turner, that combined with my previous experience of bombproof Lexus reliability its the reason I came back.
(major seller) came bottom of the reliability polls over here, I know its not the A4 but it tells me enough about the company to avoid - unless of course you intend to keep short term with the warranty protection.
It might be role reversal with you but over here an IS is a rare beast and a head turner, that combined with my previous experience of bombproof Lexus reliability its the reason I came back.
Yeah, over here, there are a lot of Lexus in general, and a lot of similarly angular Toyota cars as well, so the IS doesn't stand out too much. The Audi's cleaner lines are actually more unusual where I am. But I'm not buying the car to look at it--or else I would find a mint E39 BMW!
I personally would get the 200 over the A4 due to long term reliability. I'm not a fan of the newer A4 look. It look closer to the WV Jett than the 2012 A4. Is200t looks better. Can't go.wrong with Toyota. Get what you want though. Either way, I think u will get support regardless of ur choice.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 118
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From: CA
I buy car base on reliability. Anything else is a bonus.
Any car is suck the moment you put that triangle flasher on and hope it make to the emergency lane. That is when all kind of cursing start and all fun are gone.
If you lease, doesn't matter and go with your wallet and fun factor. If you buy, get the one you think more reliable.
When I bought the Sienna, a friend suggest the Sedona. I told him the last thing I want from the road trip is strangled in the middle of no where with all your love one in there.
Any car is suck the moment you put that triangle flasher on and hope it make to the emergency lane. That is when all kind of cursing start and all fun are gone.
If you lease, doesn't matter and go with your wallet and fun factor. If you buy, get the one you think more reliable.
When I bought the Sienna, a friend suggest the Sedona. I told him the last thing I want from the road trip is strangled in the middle of no where with all your love one in there.
Last edited by MatrixPC; Sep 26, 2016 at 12:41 PM.
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