Help: 325/330i vs. IS 300

[brooksidegolfer]

Hey everyone:

Test drove many cars out there, now down to the 3-series vs. the Lexus IS 300. Found a IS 300 for $31,000 out the door price.
Here are my thoughts:

IS 300:
-More power than the 325i (not too important for me)
-Don't like the instrument panel in the IS 300, but can live with it.
-IS 300 has smaller interior, but more luxurious and snug as well.
-Reliability: my impression is that I may not be such a huge BMW fan to live with the reliability issues of the BMW, even the 3-series. While the 3-series is the most reliable in the BMW line, I am confident that it will have more problems than the IS 300.
-Obviously less $$$: I'll save about $5,000 compared to a comparably equipped 325i.


325i:
-Slightly better ride and balance.
-Better exterior styling
-Costs more to buy, maintain, and less reliable than the IS 300.

Also, please offer your opinions and thoughts on the BMW Leatherette...I'm trying to save some money.

Thanks for all your comments and thoughts.

 

[brooksidegolfer]

One more thing...

I've eliminated the 330i from consideration: too much $$$.

I'm sure some of you considered the IS 300 before settling on the BMW...it would be interesting to see your reasoning.

 

[Blue]

I, too, had narrowed it down to the IS300 or a 3-series. IS300 is more powerful on paper, but doesn't really feel like it on the road. The tail lights are too "teenager Honda" for my tastes. The steering wheel shifting buttons on the auto aren't very intuitive - the 3's steptronic is much better. The Lexus is a nice car, but it feels like a little compact car - way too small inside. The IS300 dash is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it experience...I loved it. After driving both, I just had to go with the BMW. BMW Financial's 2.9% vs. Lexus' 16% was the real clincher.

 

[codex57]

Run the numbers on the IS300 vs. the 325. Manual, they both are the same. Auto, the IS300 is faster by a bit. You test drove both right? Which do you think has a better ride? That's usually one factor. The BMW is bigger by a bit. Is that important? BMW also has the free maintenance thing. Pretty nice but not a deal breaker for most people. BMW looks more mature and is German which non-enthusiasts seem to like more. Does image matter?

I blew off the IS300 early on when deciding. I've moved a lot and being able to comfortably fit my friends and more stuff in the car was important. I like compact cars tho so I wanted one that's more space efficient. Plus, I was tired of looking like a ricer (previous car was a Civic). The BMW just had a much more mature look about it, both inside and out. Plus, it just felt more solid.

Only reason to get the IS300 is if you're a ricer who wants to turbocharge the thing. Well, that and cuz it's so freaking cheap. It's a great value. I think fully loaded (including Nav), they're like $29K around here.

My final choice was between the G35 coupe and the 325Ci. The BMW won out mainly for the reasons I stated above.

 

[brooksidegolfer]

How much should I pay for a 325i?

I have test driven both cars 3 times each, back to back as well.

I can feel the difference in the rides, but I have no preference one way or the other with respect to ride quality.

I prefer the 3-series exterior - I think it is a timeless design. Interior wise, its a toss up.

I am no ricer racer...just a conservative driver who wants to drive a fun car with automatic tranny.

The value of the IS 300 is unbeatable...I think this is why I lean towards the IS 300.

I can get one out the door at 30-31K. For the 325i with comparable options, the best I have come up with is about 37K - what's the lowest price anyone here has gotten for a 325i (with leather, moonroof, automatic, power seats, zenon)

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Lets see you mean leather interior and the premium package (premium package contains sunroof, power seats, OBD) with auto and zenons.... That should be just about 36k MSRP Nobody pays MSRP..... Find out the invoice value on the car and bargain with them using that number.