Hello, I am a Honda driver and have been for years. I have always wanted a “nicer” car because I spend alot of time commuting and my car is my own little space. I have recently come into some cash (though not alot of it) and was thinking about upgrading to a 2009 BMW 328XI AWD or Lexus IS250 AWD. I…

Make sure you take a long test drive in the Lexus, the IS is pretty tight inside, tends to ride a bit rough, and the 250 is not overy-powerful.

If you get the BMW you will spend a bunch more money on repairs and maintenance than you have gotten used to spending on the Honda. Lexus is a premium Toyota brand and would be similar to your Honda experience.

I wouldn’t call the BMW a money pit, but it’s likely to cost quite a bit more to maintain. As for the Lexus, I believe I’ve read that the IS, at least for some years, has a very harsh ride, so make sure you try it on all the types of roads you might drive on. If you like your Honda, maybe an Acura…

Why not buy an Acura ? It’s a fancy Honda .

Well, here’s the question - do you want a nicer car or do you want a status symbol? The real rub is that you can get some VERY nice mainline models now that are just as nice as luxury cars of not-so-long-ago. I’d argue that a top-of-the-line trim in a Toyota, Honda, Ford, Mazda, etc, would give yo…

Wow, thanks for the comments. I am in the Boston area and working against harsh winters (though not this year thankfully). I thought I would try out the AWD instead of RWD - which seems pretty prevalent at this level. As for the brand, I am kinda tired of looking at the same switches, gauges, dash …

Well, with the Boston area, you’re looking at enough inches of snow on average that AWD might be worthwhile, but it also may depend on the type of roads you’re on. I’ve lived in several places with that much or more snow per year, but the roads were flat enough that FWD always worked just fine for …

Me, I got an ES300 (now ES350), lots more room and comfort than an IS, Camry-priced parts and maintenance.

<bWell, with the Boston area, you’re looking at enough inches of snow on average that AWD might be worthwhile, No way…Boston only averages about 40"/year…NH a little more. If you drive to the mountains a lot…then awd/4wd is worth it…but not in the Boston area.

Used cars: BMW versus Lexus?

General Discussion

mleich March 1, 2012, 7:51pm 2

Sounds like you already know the answer–Lexus (as a brand) is a more reliable car that is in the long run cheaper to own and maintain.

Where do you live that you think you need AWD?

Topic		Replies	Views
New car possibly - BMW? Maintenance/Repairs	34	2020	July 30, 2017
2021 BMW Z4 - Why buy a luxury brand? Maintenance/Repairs bmw	50	2276	June 29, 2020
BMW or Lexus?!?! General Discussion lexus , bmw	21	9006	December 1, 2015
The myth of German engineering Maintenance/Repairs bmw , used , fuel-economy	55	7916	March 1, 2008
Buying or Lasing a New Car. Advice Wanted! Buying/Selling bmw	45	2879	July 1, 2018

Used cars: BMW versus Lexus?

Related topics