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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

#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.

#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.

Messages Page 9 of 11

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