Ask the Car People.SM


Pontiac G8 vs BMW 3-Series vs Lexus IS 350

102 messages,  Last post on Apr 06, 2009 at 9:22 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac G8, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS 350, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 10 of 11

#83 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [habitat1] by yankeeclipper

Jan 08, 2008 (7:01 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Jan 01, 2008 3:51 pm)
Relative sells them. Tried to keep peace in the family. No more BMWs

#84 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [rockylee] by ingvar

Dec 15, 2008 (9:49 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Feb 13, 2007 1:17 pm)
Not a chance... G8 is a HUGE full-sized sedan. I don't know who will cross shop G8 and 335i.

#85 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [ingvar] by bvdj84

Dec 16, 2008 (8:32 am)

Replying to: ingvar (Dec 15, 2008 9:49 am)
Though the new G8 is a nice upgrade from the previous models. A nice start, a little late, but a nice start to what GM "could" produce. Though performance specs may be close to the BMW, it is not BMW. Certainly has more bang for the buck in the used car market though. BMW, hold its value very well.
 
They might cross shop only in the case the G8 is cheaper, but cheaper in value too(amount $$ worth). The BMW has value for the long haul, but, expensive upkeep. I don't think Pontiac can just put a car out there and think people will look at this car and then look at a BMW, Lexus. I think they are in a different class than GM. For GM to be put up higher in class, they are going to need years of repairing the reputation of so so cars. So a few might look at it, some already have. Only because they see it being fun and appealing, much cheaper, but with a little sacrifice in refinement and value.
 
Someone would be crazy to buy a "new" G8 now, when the used market is so low.

#86 of 102 OK so it has snowed, how is G8 in the snow?? by harddrivet

Dec 23, 2008 (8:16 pm)

People must have driven the G8 in the snow at this point.
Please tell us how if you survived.
 

#87 of 102 Re: OK so it has snowed, how is G8 in the snow?? [harddrivet] by roadburner

Dec 23, 2008 (8:42 pm)

Replying to: harddrivet (Dec 23, 2008 8:16 pm)
A G8-or 3er-with good all seasons or winter rubber will get around just fine.

#88 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [bvdj84] by richardga73

Feb 10, 2009 (9:15 am)

Replying to: bvdj84 (Dec 16, 2008 8:32 am)
Have any of you bimmer fans with their feathers ruffled actually driven a G8? It might surprise you. I havent as my lease doesnt run out for a year but the local Budget rent a car has one and Im going to rent it for a week to see. If it comes close to the 5 Im getting it as I dont care about badges even though the badges have proved to be what I prefer in the past. Ive had porsches,a ferrari, several benzes, a 3, a 6, and 2 corvettes. So I dont care what emblem it is if it goes good. The steering has got to be great and makes up for a lot with the engine.

#89 of 102 Thoughts from a 3-series driver by steveinvt

Mar 08, 2009 (5:09 am)

I have a 2007 328xi coupe with 20k miles. In general, I absolutely love the car. The 3-series is simply the best practical sports car/coupe that you can buy under $50k. It is a fantastic driving experience - the care just does not put a foot wrong. That said, the 3-series is not without its downsides. I personally hate the run-flat tires and, let's face it, you do pay a big premium for the badge.
 
The lease on my BMW is up in less than a year, so I am starting to think about what to do next. Having read the reviews of the G8 in the mags, I decided to test drive one yesterday (a GT). I was seriously impressed. I have never driven a non-German car that handled so well. Very balanced and poised. Even with 19 inchers the ride was very compliant. The steering is nicely weighted and feedback is very good. The brakes were also very good - easy to modulate - though stopping distances seemed a tad longer than my 3 series. The v8 power is great with a fantastic, but muted, exhaust note. The interior is kinda black, but the car is nicely equipped and seems well screwed together. All in all, the car compares favorably with the 3-series.
 
Now, here is the kicker. Even a fully loaded GT will only run about $30k or so with the GXP coming in well under $40k. To replace my 3-series will run about $44k. There is a lot I could do with an additional 14k plus interest in my pocket, so the g8 (along with the Camaro) will definitely by on my list.

#90 of 102 Re: Thoughts from a 3-series driver [steveinvt] by bowtiefan1

Mar 08, 2009 (8:43 pm)

Replying to: steveinvt (Mar 08, 2009 5:09 am)
My G8 GT is a really nice driver and very powerful. It's very BMW feeling in ride, handling, and power. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you get one. Also, you can do much better than $30K right now. The incentives are excellent. I have seen on the various G8 boards folks paying $25K to $27K for loaded GTs at this juncture.

#91 of 102 by pafromfl

Mar 08, 2009 (9:38 pm)

I traded a 2005 330i sport premium with 18k miles for a 2009 G8 GT sport premium and have no regrets. The BMW was more refined, handled slightly better, gave better gas mileage, and had more luxury features, but the G8 GT is just way more fun. A Rotofab cold air intake and Magnaflow street cat-back exhaust system restored the muscle car sound.

#92 of 102 Re: Thoughts from a 3-series driver [bowtiefan1] by bvdj84

Mar 09, 2009 (7:37 am)

Replying to: bowtiefan1 (Mar 08, 2009 8:43 pm)
Incentives will help, but even at those prices, they do not meet the real world values. Which are much lower in resale. Even with few 1,000 miles. You will already be so upside down on your loan versus real world value, it will take you years to break even.
I would not buy new at this time. You will take a huge hit.
 
I have seen G8's piling up at my dealer, the also have them sitting in the overflow lots, so perhaps a deal could be had in your area. Of course, their new. Check the used lots first. Just being realistic.

Messages Page 10 of 11

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement