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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 Lexus IS Forum.

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

Messages Page 9 of 11

#73 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [r by circlew

Nov 19, 2007 (12:16 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Nov 19, 2007 12:04 pm)
RB, I considered the GTO but the exterior did the same to me. Now that I see them once in a blue moon on the road, I know I did not make a mistake.
 
Again, I do not see anything GM makes that says "i just got to get that".
 
Hopefully the Camaro will change that impression. The 'vette is still the only thing worthwhile in their stable of cars.
 
Regards,
OW

#74 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [r [circlew] by roadburner

Nov 19, 2007 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Nov 19, 2007 12:16 pm)
Again, I do not see anything GM makes that says "i just got to get that".
 
I built a Q-Ship Monte Carlo back in the late '70s. Back then, GM was still king of the hill- in the US at least. I've bought a couple of domestics since- both used: a 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe(work beater) and the 1999 Wrangler I still own. I was going to buy a Shelby GT instead of the Mazdaspeed but I couldn't find a dealer who hadn't slapped a $15K ADM sticker on the side window. I suspect we'll see the same situation with the new Camaro- particularly with respect to the SS/Z28 models.

#75 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [r by circlew

Nov 19, 2007 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Nov 19, 2007 12:44 pm)
I was going to buy a Shelby GT instead of the Mazdaspeed but I couldn't find a dealer who hadn't slapped a $15K ADM sticker on the side window. I suspect we'll see the same situation with the new Camaro- particularly with respect to the SS/Z28 models.
 
It is why GM will flounder. Suck the life out of the customer! It will probably be similar to the G8. Initial sales will be high due to the low supply high demand. Then, the lack of inventory and long import times will drive customers away. Finally, lack of interest will initiate incentives to get customers back...instead of being fair up front. Sickening!
 
It will happen with the CTS and the Lambda triplets. Even the salesman are dumbfounded at the apparent lack of logical execution even when a decent product is introduced!
 
Regards,
OW

#76 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [r [circlew] by roadburner

Nov 19, 2007 (1:50 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Nov 19, 2007 1:25 pm)
Initial sales will be high due to the low supply high demand. Then, the lack of inventory and long import times will drive customers away. Finally, lack of interest will initiate incentives to get customers back
 
That's exactly what happened with the PT Cruiser and the latest version of the Thundebird. Initial demand was very high, but there was not a lot of cars to move. When supply caught up with demand so many were cranked out that they sat on lots- even with factory incentives out the wazoo. It seems that only MINI has been successful at maintaining a fine balance between supply and demand.

#77 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [sknabt] by kdshapiro

Nov 23, 2007 (8:29 am)

Replying to: sknabt (Nov 18, 2007 1:11 pm)
Probably the biggest automotive disappointment in my life. A horrid drive. The suspension was punishing and the steering required far too much effort at moderate speeds. The hard seats quickly wore out my back and backside.
 
Exactly the difference between BMW and Caddy. You get blueguydotcom into a 7 series and he would say it's too floaty. :confuse

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

Dec 31, 2007 (11:39 pm)

Replying to: sknabt (Nov 18, 2007 1:11 pm)
I have owned a 2004 X3 and now a 2006 325i. They both handle great. They are very expensive for what you get. Not very reliable, A/C problems, radio replacement, interior trim worn in a short period. Paint coming off center console and driver's door grip. Weather stripping on both cars on both fron doors had to be replaced a number of times.
Not much bang for the buck. We are brainwashed with these status vehicles and except all their short comings.

#79 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [y by circlew

Jan 01, 2008 (7:08 am)

Replying to: yankeeclipper (Dec 31, 2007 11:39 pm)
Going in, that's what I anticipated could be the problem so I leased it. The answer I received was a new wiring harness to fix a air bag sensor problem but since then perfect.
 
Regards,
OW

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

Jan 01, 2008 (9:19 am)

Replying to: yankeeclipper (Dec 31, 2007 11:39 pm)
We are brainwashed with these status vehicles and except(sic) all their short comings.
 
My experience with owning/servicing/competing in BMWs goes back to 1983, and for me at least, it's not about status. Rather, it's about an involving driving experience and an excellent balance of performance and comfort. My wife currently drives a 57,000 mile 2004 X3, which we purchased as a CPO. The console was replaced at purchase to correct the finish chipping, and an SRS sensor has been replaced. Other that that the car has been perfect. Ditto for my 1995 3 Series, which I purchased new. At 112,000 miles, non-scheduled repairs have consisted of a couple of idler pulleys, a thermostat and a brake light switch. And yes, I do own non-BMWs as well; my garage also contains a Mazdaspeed3, a Jeep TJ Wrangler, and a Triumph Speed Triple.

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

Jan 01, 2008 (3:51 pm)

Replying to: yankeeclipper (Dec 31, 2007 11:39 pm)
A rather obvious question is why did you decide to get a second BMW? I hope you aren't that brainwashed by status. Personally, I don't think BMW has any status advantage over Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, and some of the others. As roadburner says, the driving dynamics are what sets them apart. But if I had a negative experience like you, I certainly wouldn't come back looking for a second spanking.

#82 of 102 Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [y by jrynn

Jan 08, 2008 (5:25 pm)

Replying to: yankeeclipper (Dec 31, 2007 11:39 pm)
I have owned a 2004 X3 and now a 2006 325i. They both handle great. They are very expensive for what you get. Not very reliable, A/C problems, radio replacement, interior trim worn in a short period. Paint coming off center console and driver's door grip. Weather stripping on both cars on both fron doors had to be replaced a number of times.
Not much bang for the buck. We are brainwashed with these status vehicles and except all their short comings
 
I own a 2006 BMW X3. It's the most trouble-free vehicle I've ever had. Nothing but routine (which, with BMW, is included in the purchase price) service visits in the 2 years, 1 month I've had it. (Knock on wood.)
 
Before my children were born, I owned a 2004 Acura TSX. Even it was in the shop for things like broken seatbelt retractors and other non-routine items.
 
But that's all beside the point. I'm posting on the 3 series board because the service loaners I've gotten from BMW have been 3 series and because while I was visiting relatives over Christmas I had a chance to put about 100 miles on a relative's Lexus IS350.
 
If I were shopping now for a sports sedan, I'd take the BMW in a heartbeat. Pure personal preference for a car that's "fun to drive."
 
But if you can't feel a difference in 20 or 30 miles of test driving -- or if the difference doesn't matter to you -- then by all means, go with a less expensive option.

Messages Page 9 of 11

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