Huiezzy

• 2019 BMW 4 Series GC
• 2015 Lexus RC 300/350 F-Sport

From my searches around my area, they are priced about the same at around $30,000 but the BMW only sits at around 8000 miles while the Lexus is at 30,000. And the BMW is from an actual BMW dealership as opposed to the Lexus which is from a used car dealership.

As a past Lexus owner (2015 Lexus IS) (2017 Lexus LX570) I grew bored with the brand and hoped that the RC would change my mind.

I am also open to leasing new but feel that since I can buy used, most of the depreciation wont be on me.

Im reaching out in hopes of hearing some of your opinions. Im happy to see how this discussion goes! Thanks!

Johnhav430

The 3 series is new for 2019, I have not driven it (I've driven every year of 3 series back to 2006 as service loaners), and supposedly the 3 is back for 2019. I'm surprised that a brand new model is only 30k. I would definitely prefer a 2019 3 series to a 2015 IS, and the mileage on the BMW is 22k less? No brainer.

It's when you say 2015 Lexus and 2015 BMW where there's a question.

Owning a 2006 LS and a 2007 335i, the boring numbness of the Lexus is a trade-off. I don't expect any expensive nor any repairs for that matter, and have not had any in the 29 mos. that I've owned the LS. In the 12 years that I've owned the 335i, it had one major failure, the ABS brakes (specifically the dreaded 5DF0 and 5DF1 ABS/DSC hydro). It is not isolated to even BMW cars, it afflicts BMW motorcycles as well. But at least owners can DIY this repair for $249-$500 as opposed to spending $4,200 at the dealer. With a 2019 BMW it's so new who can predict what will happen, but you're covered for 4/50 so at $30k that's my choice.

swajames

Is the 2019 a CPO? And do you know why it's for sale so soon with 8K on the clock? There could be any number of legitimate reasons, but check if it was either a demo or a loaner (or a customer trade-assist./buyback which was NOT recorded as a lemon). Loaners/ex-demo cars just don't get treated as well as we might wish, as they are not being driven by owners, and I'd want to know why such a new car with that mileage is back in inventory just in case it was taken as a trade assist (which sometimes manes the car was a lemon in all but name).

arentz07

If you had a 2015 IS, the RC is very similar. Much of the interior and powertrain are shared. However, I think actually sitting in the RC does feel a bit different. It evokes some different emotions to get into the car. The RC is lower. That said, the interior is much smaller than a 4-series GC. I've been in one of those, and it is actually roomy. The RC on the other hand, is more a 2+2 car.

rmason

I driven the 2017 4 series before and was not impressed. The exterior is okay, interior was boring and felt cheap.
The used price was what got my attention as well but even then i didn't want to deal with the long term repair and maint costs.
My wife has the rc, she adores it and i don't blame her. I think it's better craftsmanship overall.

I would recommend a cpo for both vehicles.

AJT123

If you want to try something new and said Lexus cars have bored you, give it a shot!

I disagree that you need a CPO with a Lexus, but with BMW absolutely.

FWIW both of my Lexus cars I bought used and wouldn't have ever needed a CPO car as nothing went wrong with them in the 3-5 years (or anytime for that matter) that the CPO warranty would last.

MattyG

That 4 series is probably a 428i/430i - so 4 cylinder turbo power and most likely sparingly optioned at that price. The RC is sports car looks but more of a gt/cruser in performance terms. The plus on the 4 GC is the interior room, hatchback versatility and it has most of the factory 4/50 warranty as a safety net. You don't necessarily need a CPO on the RC, it's got proven chassis/drivetrain.

The Bimmer is newer but the RC has better materials/quality for interior. It's a wash really. Bimmer for something different, Lexus for sporty looks and touring ride/performance/V6 power.

Frog98

I got bored with Lexus as well and decided to try out BMW and Porsche, but it didn't take me long to come back from BMW! I had a 4 series a couple of times as a loaner and would take ANY Lexus over it. I'd prefer new Lexus or CPO Lexus myself...or a new Porsche I actually thought the NX was a fun little vehicle.

LexRuger

I would not get a 428. I've driven 4 cylinder 3 series loaners and they are pretty under powered.

tex2670

But the 4-Series is not.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

What do you think of the RC when you test drove it?

When I first test drove a '13 IS250, I loved it and that's what got me back into a lexus after a hiatus (06-'12).

JennK

AJT123

Do you drive it hard? New rotors at 40k sounds way too early, unless you drive it pretty hard.

Johnhav430

Steering was horrible from 2012-2018. Change it to sport+ and it got heavier but still no feel. Have not driven it but apparently corrected with the 2019 3 series. Even on the up through 2018 340i, the exhaust is incredibly cheap (1/5 the cost of a 2010), like a Pontiac G6 with a muffler turned sideways. Look at the tiny diameter of the tips (reminds me of any year Acura MDX with dual exhaust), horrible. But apparently BMW listened, and being taken off the 10 best list after 23 consecutive years wasn't exactly a compliment. A 2019 3 series for $30k? Please, someone go and buy it.

Johnhav430

Gotcha, nice catch. I would not spend 30k on a 430i, as mentioned, zero steering feel. If this has been corrected on the 2019 3 series, imho who wants to buy the one that is deficient, unless one has 30k to throw away.