http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/9391/spoilsport-sedans.html take a look at it. I would say neither Lexus or BMW. Infinti M or Acura RL. Infiniti M has a good price around $42,000. The RL is about $50,000. I went to the Lexus to dealer took look at the GS it starts around $48,000 and I wasn't impressed. The BMW is probably the most expensivest. Also consider the Audi A6, but I would go with the Infiniti M.
The A6 is pretty pricey, at around $50k. I've always been a fan of the 5-Series, as it's really sleek. In fact, once I finish b-school, I'll probably buy one myself. You won't get the same reliability on the Beamer as you will on the GS300, which will probably last you for years and years. Drive both cars, and see which one suits you the best. You can't go wrong either way.
I would choose between 3 cars. Infinti M, Acura RL, Lexus GS. Since there all japaneese they all are good choices, but I think its The M or RL. If you want to save money the 07 Lexus ES is pretty nice.
lexus' are very very nice. especially the new gs, but there is nothing like a BMW. imo. Those new 3-series are beautiful. You could save a few bucks and "down-grade" to a 3?
I'm thinking that in about a year I'm going to get a BMW 525i. I like the fact that all of the maintenence is included and they always have great lease deals on them. I think with $5000 down the lease payments are at about $600 a month which is no problem (15k miles/year). With a car like that I want to be able to get a new one every so often. If I get a new one every 3 years, its never out of warranty and I get all of the maintenence included. That isn't a bad deal at all. I'm just having to be responsible for a while now so that I can get the car with no regrets. It's so nice to have finally turned the corner financially. I wish I could go back and kick my own ass at about 18-23 or so. But the best part (oh Lord this is going to be heaven!) is going to be driving my brand new beamer up to my ex-wifes when I drop the kids off. That's going to be so fun that I'll probably jack myself off the whole way home. Hmm, probably wish you hadn't ****ed the broke mother ****er at work now, huh, b****? Oh, and thanks for taking all my ****! It's been fun getting much better, brand new **** THAT'S MINE! but I'm not bitter
I remember they offered a lease on a 5 series for $569/month...with i believe $2500 down. sometimes they offer promos like that if you want to go to their website and check it out.
I owned a 1998 BMW 528I and it ran like a champ. In fact a several months ago I traded it in on a 2003 530I. The 528I had over 140,000 miles on it. I will never buy anything else but a BMW. My friend who turned me on to BMW's has five M5's. He even has a 1983 M5 with over 200,000 miles and has had no major problems with any of them. I do not have any clue why people are saying that they break down after 100,000 miles. take care of a BMW like its a machine and you will have no problems. I have a friend that just bought a 650I a few weeks ago. That is the best car on the road. What a Rig.
Thanks for all the responses. For the most part, the responses have fallen in line with what i've read and previously believed. As for Acura: i just feel they are inferior in quality compared to Lexus and priced accordingly. As for the A6: I currently have an A4 and really enjoy it. I like the Audi brand and will check out the A6. That said, unless there's been a serious redesign in the last 3 years, I'll probably shy away. I distinctly recall it having a reliability issue. I drove teh 525i today. I was very impressed with the breaking and handling. Corners flawlessly. Absolute feel of control. The engine on the 525i was a little light in the pants for what they're asking. You can get around that issue with using the tiptronic function, but it's lacking in high end torque. The interior was nice, but not impressive for the price. Clearly, it's sold for the driving experience, and the luxury is secondary. I'll have to research the reliability issue, but I appreciate the comments re consumer reports. I love the exterior design, particularly the front. The idrive feature is a bit of technological overkill, and seems unintuitive and potentially irritating. I'm going to test the GS 300 tomorrow. I may try to revisit the 525 and look into the 530, but that's just tacking onto the price. Separately, If I do this, it will be the first major financial decision I make that is "financially irresponsible." It's doing something that I know I'll look back and say, I probably didn't need to do that, but I'm glad I did.
Mercedes Benz E350 - No question. To me there is no comparison in the looks between the BMW and Mercedes. The E Class Mercedes is an absolutely beautiful vehicle, inside and out, the E350 has like 260 hp, I think, the electronic brakes are great, and the most impressive thing to me is the speed sensitive steering. After driving other Mercedes without it, it is a dream. Very roomy, smooth ride, classic Benz looks and prestige. I've never driven a BMW, but to me the 5 series is just a very ugly car, especially the headlights, and the lack of moldings on the doors. . As far as the Lexus goes or any other Japanese luxury car, I would hate to spend that kind of money to get a dolled up Toyota or Nissan.Before I did anything I would definetely drive the E350
Mercedes is not a good value for your money. You can get an S500 and realize the cd player doesnt even come factory. Mercedes stiffs you in a harsh way. In terms of being a smooth ride, I would rank Lexus, Bimmer and then Merc.
For me, this choice wouldn't even be a choice... get the Lexus if you're worried about reliability and maintenance. It's like I always tell people - if you're going to buy a BMW, buy a "real" BMW, buy a "real" Mercedes, buy a "real" Jaguar, etc. The BMW 525i is has got a relatively weak engine with pathetic torque. It's the BMW 5-series for people who can't afford a BMW 5-series. Sorry. Look at a GS300, M35 (if you can get past the hideous back end that looks like somebody whacked it, but great bang for the buck) or even an Acura RL (looks great from the front, but bland as hell from the back - great technology onboard though). The MB350 is a nice car, but again, you'll be getting a less reliable car (in past similar models) than the Lexus and you'll be paying MB (major bucks) for the repairs. It's also a bit more expensive than the cars you're looking at. If your'e looking at an MB350, you really need to consider an Infiniti M45, too.
To me, I'd go with the Infinity, but I'm a Nissan lover. As for "real", I've owned a "real" Land Rover and a "Real" Jag. I'm not sure how good "real" means. BUT I will say this. Don't buy any of the new Ford hybrids of Jags and LR's. They are like driving a Cimmarron. (people who know this car will get it)
I don't ahve mch experience with bimmers, but my reaction is that the 525 is too weak in the engine. i am not particularly relied about reliability or maintenance - this is already a decision that is not grounded in practicality. that said. this car is intended to be my ultimate ride for the next 8 years or so. i can't get past the ugliness of the M35, but I might drive it anyway.. The acura styling and handling makes the lexus feel exotic.
As much as I love BMW I dont think i could ever recommend anyone a 525 now that I think about it. Car is just a tad too big for the engine. I mean at least the 530i would be considered but 525 is a bit too underpowered for that line of vehicle. I don't know if I could recommend the GS300 either knowing that for about the same price I could get a killer engine in the M45. Gas Guzzler yeah but relatively efficient for a V8. I guess if it was me in your situation w/o knowing the factors of why you need a larger car. (tall person? big family?) I'd probably opt and move down a level to the 3-series, IS, G35, A4 series just so I can get a more sport oriented luxury sedan. That's just me though. I was leaning to the 525 earlier but after mentions of the M45, though I stinking hate the rear end, the rest of the car is clean and the performance is a level beyond the other choices.
