I know this group will be a little biased, but since I'm leaning Lexus, I thought it would be helpful. I'm trying to decide between the IS 200t and the Audi A4.

The IS is attractive to me for the great reliability, lower price, and great chassis. Everything about it feels like I could buy the car and not worry about it for a long time. Things I don't like about the IS: not a fan of all the black plastic on the interior dash; visibility wasn't as good; I felt more cramped; the car feels heavier, negating some of the chassis' abilities, and it is noticeably slower than the competition and less fun to drive as a result (and I'm not a speed demon by any means). I also don't care for the exterior, especially the 2017 refresh which would probably be on the lots by the time I'm ready to buy (I'm moving to Washington, D.C. in a month and would buy after I get settled).

The A4 has a better interior, is more fun to drive while still feeling solid (unlike the C class, which feels too light), and has AWD, which probably isn't necessary in DC, but might be helpful. I am cautious about Audi reliability simply because the cars were so bad for so long. Perhaps this is unfounded.

Did is any members cross shop these two vehicles? How did you decide?

 

A4 if you plan on modding, there is a tune available from APR that can push you over 300hp.

IS200t is you don't plan on mods and want reliability

 

Though I've never had an Audi, I hear their new car reliability is much better. How long do you plan on keeping the car? It sounds like there are quite a lot of things you don't like about the Lexus (interior AND exterior). I'd say you should go for the A4.

 

No plans to mod. I'll be driving low mileage, so I plan to keep the car about 10 years. That would probably be about 80-90k miles. I would hold onto a car longer if I liked it and it was working fine, but would plan to be able to step into something new by then.

 

Sounds like your mind is already made up =)

 

IS200t vs A4?

A4 hands down. Might be a lil more expensive if you compare option to options tho.

I feel the is200t is more comparable to the A3, whereas is350 is more comparable to the A4. (similar pricing)

Regarding realibility of Audi, my friend had a 2012 A4 and there hasn't been any major problems. Just routine maintenance.

 

Thanks for the replies!

Interesting, I hadn't thought about that regarding where the 200t slots in. Versus the A3, it's a much more competitive vehicle. Versus the A4, it's competitive for me on price and RWD dynamics. Given my feelings toward the exterior/interior, for the price of a IS350, the A4 feels like the better pick. Certainly the IS200t's acceleration numbers match up better with the 320i/A3.

 

Have you driven the IS350 F-sport? Its a different drive and feel than the IS200t. The Sport+ mode isn't available on the IS200t which doesn't have the adjustable suspension. The IS350 feels very nimble and the only car in its class that has better handling is the ATS. If handling and reliability are your top criteria, than the IS350 is the best choice in the class. The A4 excels at other things like interior refinement and comes with AWD.

 

When I was cross shopping I was debating between the S3 and IS350 FSPORT. Similarly priced, but the IS had a better interior compared to the S3 (mainly because its kinda the same interior of the A3), but more sport orientated). Ended up with the IS350.

You might want to research on the year differences as well... both cars, 2016 and 2017 have some changes.

2017 IS, have a facelift with minor changes in interior.
2017 A4, have minor facelift with "major" changes in interior.

 

I haven't driven the IS350 yet because it's on the high side of my price range because it's hard to find ones that aren't loaded up to the high 40s with options. I can get everything I want in a 200t for about 40-41, or an A4 for 42-43, but it's hard to find an IS350 in that price range. However, it does sound like it would solve the issue of the 200t feeling underpowered, which would make the pros and cons of the IS vs A4 a little more even. This thread has me realizing that I need to look at the 350 in order to make a better comparison with the A4.

 

Yeah, I would be looking at 2017 for both out of necessity—I want to get the car once I'm on the East Coast. I would be fine with the 2016 IS if I could find one with the colors/options I like, but for the A4, I'm only interested in the 2017 because the engine got a 30 hp boost and some improvements to the handling. I tested a 2016 and 2017 A4 and strongly preferred the 2017.

 

a conservative tune is coming out soon for the 200t. should put it past 300 lbs of torque. IS200t is 258 lb ft. IS350 is 277 lbs. and the IS200t torque would come on at 1,650 rpm. IS350 requires something like 4600 rpm to make its torque. something to consider. future proofing.

 

the technology in the a4 also blows the competition away. it's absolutely incredible.

 

Does the Year really matter for you on the IS350? If not, 42-43k is completely within your price range, and if you prefer the IS for the reliability then you just have to do some smart shopping. I picked up my 2014 IS350 fully loaded at the tail end of 2015 with only 12k Miles...Which in my opinion the engine was barely broken in... If your in Cali like I am, just hit up Auto Trader and set up alerts. It seems like you already know what your looking for, so you can jump on there and do a search and look at the pricing scale on 2015 and 2016 used. (even outside your local area)

We are nearing the end of the year, a lot of Leases are coming up so your going to have Lease Trade In's and new Models hitting the car lot's. The deals ARE THERE, dealerships simply need to MOVE INVENTORY the 4th Quarter of the year, PERIOD. You just have to set your search area and when your specific Model with option's come up you jump on it.

Many times, a Lease is traded in at another dealership (Lexus at a JEEP dealership in my case) because they need something different, and that dealer just wants the car off their lot so they can get a NEW car in and make more $$ on the sale so they will let it go below what you would "NORMALLY" find.

Case in point, IS350 UW/RR Interior, F-Sport, ML, BSM and Sunroof was only $38k, w/ taxes and everything else $40k. When I was pricing this out on Lexus lots I was consistently over $45k.

So, if your in love with the styling of the IS & only want the A4 because it has more power than the 200t in the same price range you don't have to sell yourself short. You just have to do some smart shopping, and this time the year is the PERFECT time of year to jump on a deal you have 2016 New Models they just need to UNLOAD, 2017 Models are starting to trickle in (Dealers just want new models 90% of the time), leases are coming due (December to Remember... remember haha) so there is going to be an overabundance of inventory over the next 60-90 days that you can take advantage of.

Hope this Helps Brotha and Happy Hunting

 

IS200 is way too slow for me. I would go A4 all day. Technology is going to be way better too.