Hey guys,

Well, the wife and I have decided to keep my 2007 Acura TSX w/ navi and only 22k miles. However, we need to get another car. We've been looking at the new TSX's, but I'm just really not that fond of them.

After attending the auto show, the wife has expressed a lot of interested in the Lexus IS 250 AWD, and the BMW 3 series XI. If I went with a BMW, it most likely be something like a 328XI. However, I'm not really a huge fan of BMW's interior. I love the exterior of them, but the interior looks like it's about 10 years old compared to the Acura, Lexus, etc.

So, I was just wondering if anyone has actually driven both the Lexus IS 250 AWD, and the BMW 328XI (or comprable 3 series). If so, what are your thoughts? How do they perform in the snow? We live in the Midwest, so we definitely want to get an AWD sedan.

Well, I'd love to hear some thoughts!

Thanks,

Jeff

 

How about Audi A4? its interior is more "flowish" compared to BMW and I hear a lot of good stuff about Quattro AWD system. It also has a turbo. Reliability isnt bad too.

 

Anyone knows the BMW will greatly out-handle the Lexus IS. I've heard people complain that the IS250 is not that much more powerful (dispite it's V6) than the TSX after considering the price. I would bet that what the BMW lacks in interior style will be compensated for by the drive-quality. I personally like the looks of the IS. I also concur with my dislike for the 'old' look of the BMW interior.

I personally like the styling on Audi better than BMW too.

 

Not the exact models, but I've driven the IS350 and the 335i. Handling and suspension wise, the 3 series wins hands down. 3 series feels very solid throughout the turn and especially on bumps, even the IS350 with sports package I drove felt a bit too soft. The IS felt more plush and comfortable inside. I actually think the IS has a nicer interior, but felt more cramped than the 3 series. The engine on the 328 will provide much more adequate power and broader toque range. Personally I think the IS250 is overpriced.

I'd imagine the AWD systems aren't that much different. Just make sure you get some snow tires if snow is a concern (a set of good snow tires makes a night and day difference)

 

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I do like the exterior of the new Audi A4, but I've never really considered an Audi because I've heard that they're not very reliable, and that they tend to have oil pressure issues? However, I think that I will take a look at them now.

As far as the BMW/Lexus goes, after looking at Lexus again tonight, I think that I prefer the Lexus exterior/interior to the BMW's. I really like the BMW 335xi, but that's pretty pricey.

I'm also still contemplating the idea of getting the new TSX with the V6 engine, but I'd like to get an AWD sedan, so that kind of throws that out. The RDX is still in the running, but I'm not so sure that I want a 4 banger SUV anymore.

Once again, thanks for all of your inputs!

 

I was also going to suggest taking a look at Audis

 

c class?

 

key words in this thread: (perform in the) snow, AWD, turbo.

Answer: LGT

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/subaru-thread-702236/

 

Yep

 

have you thought about Infinti at all.
Either their G, or even an M35x which could be had relatively new and cheap, and one of the top cars for reliability apparently

 

Its not really how many cylinders a car has that matters. Its the discplacement or combustion area. In that case both the IS250 and the TSX are basiacally equal. 2.4L vs 2.5L.

The IS also has a less sophisticated engine IMO, thats not a bad thing, but it makes for a car that is less fun to drive than a TSX. The IS350 on the other hand is a blast to drive. But there is no manual transmission option on the IS350.

I've driven IS's and 3 series and they are both really great cars to drive. If you're buying used then the Lexus will be more expensive they do not depreciate fast at all. If you're buying knew and do not plan on keeping the car for more than 5 or 6 years get a BMW. They drive so much better than anything else in their class/price range that it is truly astounding. There is one exception to this...the new G35 is simply superb in everyway. Its not better than the BMW in the way ti drives and feels. But turn in is fantastic and the responses of the vehicle from behind the wheel are quite impressive. The G35X is something i would strongly consider, the interior in the G35 looks better and is laid out better than the BMW, but the overall quality is not quite on BMW's level. But the long term costs associated with operating the G35 will be substantially lower than the BMW.

 

AWD sedan?

G37S

 

Not to get too personal or anything. Do you and your wife plan on having any kids in the near future? If so, you might want to look at a bigger sedan. I had an '05 TSX which is the same model as you have. I really wanted an IS 250 AWD, however, it's just too small in the back. I put a child seat back there just to see and it was about 3 inches from rubbing the back of the front seat. You might want to look at a bigger sedan or a small SUV/CUV.

 

Like someone else mentioned, have you considered the G35x? I feel like it's a nice combination of power and styling. The older G35 sedans were hideous but this current model is pretty sweet. Luxurious, all wheel drive, powerful. Sounds right up your alley.

 

the G was the first thing that came to my mind.

 

Subaru Legacy FTMFW.

If you don't want a turbo, the 3.0 is a nice ride,, and you will not want for power. The interior is nice. Drive one and you will be convinced.

Plus, your payment will be less, your insurance will be less, and the grin on your face from driving it will be very wide.

 

For the price of the 328xi, I would seriously consider the G37x.