I am getting ready to wave goodbye to my '07 TL Base. I love it, but with 150K miles I am getting ready to move on. The real issue is my need for AWD. Can anyone make a recommendation as to what to replace it with? I am looking at a '13-'14 BMW 3 Series xDrive or a Lexus IS250 AWD.

I am a fan of reliability and need decent gas mileage. Both seem about the same in terms of reliability and cost of repair. Any thoughts? Much appreciated.

 

I am eyeballing the new Wrx/sti for later on ? Actually I want the Sti version without the spoiler. I have the same sort of concerns as you but I am used to driving fwd vehicles through crap conditions so its not a big issue and i get around fine but having AWD is definitely a good thing in my area.

 

AWD, decent gas mileage, and reliable. . . .

Porsche Panamera 4S

 

If AWD and reliability are a must, IS250 AWD is a solid choice. Subaru has surprisingly good reliability as well. Definitely something to consider.

 

After almost two years and 22k miles I haven't had any big problems with my Q50 AWD (couple minor things covered under warranty). 2014-2015 VQ engine is solid, and it's a bit bigger and more powerful than a IS250. G37x's can be had cheap too and my service advisor has said major issues are very far and few between with them. Q50 had a totally different take on technology from the G37 so 2014 models had some minor quibbles that got sorted for 2015.

 

Honestly, OP. Try everything. EVERYTHING. Figure out what you like and look at the reliability as a separate thing. Also, we were talking in another thread about this, but remember brand reliability and model reliability are too different things and the model reliability is the only one that matters.

 

This is exactly what I was thinking. In the past only luxury cars came with AWD. Now you can get it on many cars from almost every manufacturer. There are full time systems, fwd based, rwd based...etc and many in between. Go test drive a bunch of stuff and see. My biggest issue is that I narrow down my choices to 2 vehicles and then end up getting second thoughts after I purchase. This time I want to try multiple vehicles as well and see what I can find.

 

I think you might be dissapointed with the size of the IS250. It really isn't a big car, and the back seat is fairly tight.

 

Agreed... I started out looking at the IS350 but it was tight. I ended up with the GS350 F Sport and have loved every minute. While it has been reliable, it's definitely not good on gas. I don't know many AWDs that are. About a year ago I helped my Pop find a nice uses 13 G37X. He raves about it, it was cheap, it's reliable, AWD, and he loves driving it.

 

My girlfriend has an F30 328ix which I have been able to drive extensively for the past 3 years. X-Drive does great in the snow. Car has decent power and gets relatively good mpg since it's the 4cyl. I wouldn't expect Honda reliability however. Her car has had about 3-4 recalls, one replacing the turbo. I would expect more maintenance than your TL in frequency and expense.

Why not look at a 4G TL SH-AWD or TLX SH-AWD?

Someone also mentioned Subaru so I figured I would chime in there since I have owned two. Short of the Legacy 3.6R, you will most likely be disappointed with the fit and finish. My roommate had '16 WRX and I feel that for a $30-40k car it falls short. The car has next to no sound deadening and still has cheap plastics despite the new generation. My legacy had slightly better materials but still not as nice or quiet as my 10 year old TL. Besides the WRX/STi, Subaru falls short on performance. The econobox 4cyl have good fuel economy but that's about it. Subaru reliability is also not as good as people claim.

 

Since reliability is pretty high on your list I don't think you should be looking at a BMW, not that they are horrible but there are better options for reliability. Lexus on the other hand sounds like a good fit for you.

 

This pretty much sums up my problems with Subarus. The Honda fit and finish on the H models are just a lot better than anything Subaru has going.

 

Have you looked at Audi, Mercedes, or Porsche?

 

I admit, even owning one, I'm still not used to thinking of Audi as one of the "reliable" brands out of Europe. Yet, the statistics are fairly clear: Audi is the most reliable European brand outside of Porsche.

 

^ Yeah, people still look at you funny sometimes. We bought our first German in 2005 (B7 A4) and it was trouble-free. Upgrade to an A6 after that... one issue that was easily fixed under warranty, otherwise, nearly 100k of trouble-free miles. Same with the E350 we traded over the summer.

15 years ago I'd say no way... but over the last decade or so they are pretty much on par with most Asian makes. My TL gave me more problems than any of our Germans combined!

 

If you include BMW in this statement, *hell no*! It is my favorite brand, but I saw their 'engineering' long-term at work and their design made me think WTF what were they thinking... Audi is not without fault either. Major oil consumption issue over 3-4 years on the 2.0T that was solved.... in court. Long-term German cars are hits or misses. I guess that my 2007 BMW was a miss with $8237CA of expenses after warranty, 50-85K miles. I spent also ton of money on an Audi but that is too much an old history to be a consideration for the current crowd of Audi.

If it was to own UP to 6 years, I would take my chance and recommend an A6 3.0T 2014, not much more expensive than the 328Xi. For REAL long term (10+ years), stick with Lexus, Infiniti or Acura. Possibly you don't like it or want a change, but why not a TLX V6 SH-AWD? You can have an almost new 2016 for low $30K. I would trust it 150K miles.

 

The IS will be reliable but it's rather small and the 2.5 V6 is incredibly slow. AWD is available on the more potent IS350 though Plus, the Lexus CPO program is basically a 6-year/unlimited mileage warranty from the date of first use.

I don't know much regarding reliability or maintenance cost of a comparable 3-Series, but they're pretty damn fun to drive. Just research all of the package options and make sure you get one with everything you're looking for

 

Nor is Honda.

Honda extends Accord, CR-V warranty over fouled piston rings - LeftLaneNews


American Honda settles class-action suit over oil-burning claim : Design caused spark plug failures

 

Tesla!

 

Honestly, now is not the time to buy a Tesla.

1. The politics surrounding oil and gas look favorable for petroleum cars
2. Tesla's model in a reasonable priceline is a pipe dream (still)
3. Unless you're set on driving electric, almost every gasoline based car is better.

 

This replaced my 04 TL. While it doesn't fit your AWD need, it's a pretty awesome car for $22k brand new.

 

That thing looks awesome, TL-GIXXER!

 

Honestly unless he's in the Colorado mountains or someplace that gets crazy snow... an Accord with Blizzak's for the winter is always a great option...

 

The only Honda or Acura in the last almost 10 years that has me considering going back. I LOVE the new Accord Sport.

 

If I could get it in manual form, except with the V6 instead of the I4, I'd be looking to dump the TL. But otherwise, No Bueno. It's hard to give up torque once you have it.

 

Yeah a 6mt V6 option would be awesome, but I bought a Honda for the torque was said by no one ever.

 

 

Their V6s have plenty of torque for daily driving purposes. I'm having a hard time moving back down to a 4 cylinder. While their V6s are far from performance machines these days, they have enough grunt to have fun, while not necessarily getting you into trouble.

 

Oh I know. I had an 03 Accord V6 6mt. Great car, fun to drive, but I wouldn't have called it torquey.

 

Yeah, ummm, I once thought the V6s had enough torque...until I didn't any more.

 

 

Best word I could use to describe the torque of a J series engine is "adequate".

 

I picked up this M35X with 84,000 on it last spring for just under 14k. I did the brakes and tires. I'm up to 97,000 on it now and it's been a real nice ride, mix of luxury/ sport, with lots of room. Mileage isn't the best, been averaging about 20 mpg.

 

thank you! I seriously loving it. There are pros/cons about it but now that I'm past the break in period- i can say I am 100% happy with it.

 

Snapped this when I installed the LED headlight bulbs which really, really bring the LED fogs and LED running strips all together very nicely..... but I'm still just staring at how aggressive the styling is. It truly is a fine car for $22k brand new.

Thinking of wrapping the roof in gloss black now.

 

This 1000% and I have driven just about every iteration of J-series out there dating from very early 2000's to the latest earth dreams DI ones. But I think what Adam is trying to say is that the 6MT makes them feel torquey vs Honda automatics which absolutely sap the hell out of the power.

 

I replaced my TL with a Honda Element. Not the most exciting car and I'm not a big fan of SUVs, but the price was right. Having a ton of cargo space is also pretty handy