iahkem

What's up guys, i'm fairly new to the forum. I have looked around and browsed a couple threads and discussions around here. But... I have had a burning question. I'm due for a new car. I've had my 2004 Es330 for about 2 years now, received as a gift from my uncle, but it does not fit my wants and needs. I've been browsing the car scene for a new(ish) car. I've become particularly interested in 3 cars, Lexus GS430 or GS350 , Lexus LS430, and BMW E92 335i. My budget is around 10k. I figured i would ask you guys on which car i should be looking into. I love my Lexus i have now, but it's kind of kicking the bucket on me, (HAHA DRIVING AND PARTS ARE FALLING OFF). The previous owner of es330 wasn't too good to it. But why did you guys pick the LS? I'm not looking into anything in particular, i love the body style, i just want something that can get my to school and work while looking good when i'm driving it. I've never really worked on cars, but i really want to learn how. And i'm open for suggestions on any other car to look into. Thanks Guys appreciate the help!

On a side note, my buddy has an ls430 and he absolutely loves it, and i kind of do too. Do you think an LS is appropriate for a broke college student?

Ellesse

No it's not, you need an accord or civic or Camry or corolla.
Spend about $8k on a 2012 or so accord in decent shape and put the extra $2k in a savings account to pay for any repairs that might come up.
The LS is one of the more reliable cars but not for a college budget or schedule even if you could diy

Bocatrip

jonathanz

iTrader: (2)

all your listed cars required time/money which isn't good for college, go for something new and under $10k. you'll thank us later.

Ellesse

One more to look at is mazda too, maybe a mazda3. In my experience they are as reliable as a honda but priced lower since everyone is looking for Honda's or toyotas.
I used to have a Mazda protege5 stick shift a while ago, all around the most fun driving car Ive ever owned!

unless you have serious diy abort and/or an additional $10k to spend on repairs do not buy the BMW.

jayclapp

So how does your ES330 not fit your wants and needs. How many miles do you have on the ES? If you have $10K, that will go a long way in fixing any failures on the ES. The ES is better quality than the cars suggested and about the same size.

iahkem

I was only looking into the BMW because i'm a big fan of the body. But thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.

iahkem

Car has rust damage, Various parts are calling a quits on me, and many problems that i can't resolve. I guarantee the car has at least 20k - 35k more miles in it. I'd rather dump my money in a car that has a body style I like, than a car i settled for.

TXMeatball

Depends on whether or not you're willing to wrench on it. I'm a student myself and I never encountered anything really outrageously expensive with my LS (granted the previous owner took care of the timing belt/water pump/etc). This forum has most issues and their fixes well documented. $8k should get you a sorted LS and the rest of the money gives room to replace the tires/brakes.

iahkem

BCT

Sounds like you should be looking for a car with the lowest operating cost per miles. You need to consider cost of maintenance and parts, gas mileage, insurance.

LS is very reliable with probably one of the best v8. But it is old car, and things will break. Even if you wrench yourself, parts are probably going to be more expensive than ES330.

Gas mileage is not good if you looking for lowest operating cost per miles (you mentioned using it for commuting). GS and BMW is also not even close to lets say 4 cylinder FWD sedans. You got a good taste for nice cars, but anything nice and pretty is not going to be cheap LS430 definitely will use more gas than ES330.

I dunno about insurance, but my guess is LS insurance probably cost more than your ES330.

So.... imho LS is not for a broke student (or anyone). Sorry and good luck!