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Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro

30 messages,  Last post on Sep 01, 2008 at 11:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus IS 250, Audi A4, Car Comparisons, Sedan


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#1 of 30
Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro by taruky
Jul 31, 2007 (7:10 pm)
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I am a 2004 Audi A4 quattro owner. My premium purchase plan (basically a flexible lease/balloon payment program) ends in a few months and I've narrowed my replacement choices to the A4 and IS 250. I have test driven both and like certain features in each. Audi: The drive is a little more peppy with that European purr. Interior materials are first rate, but the car is a little short on bells and whistles. Lexus: Not quite as athletic, but very quiet and comfy ride. Also great interior materials and I like the voice activated nav and rearview camera.
 
I would like your opinions on how useful the high tech stuff in the IS 250 is such as the voice activated navigation. Do you find yourselves just using the touchscreen mostly, or is the voice activation practical and efficient? Does the smart key system make things much easier?
 
Can any of you comment on build quality/reliability comparisons between the two? I would like to purchase my next vehicle and keep it the next 8 years or so. I've been told that the Audi turbo engines can wear out over time, is that an advantage the Lexus has?
 
I know a lot of it is a matter of personal preference, but I'm really torn between the two. Any advice is much appreciated.
#2 of 30
Re: Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro [taruky] by jzalkin
Aug 01, 2007 (6:43 am)
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Replying to: taruky (Jul 31, 2007 7:10 pm)

I use the touchscreen all the time, but the 2006 has an override to use the NAV while driving that the newer models don't.
 
I will never own another car without the smartkey. It is great to walk up, open the door, push button and go. Not try to dig out a key. Really usefull when I am carrying things or it is raining.
 
Voice system works well, but I find it easier to reach over to hit a button than pause for a beep and then speak.
 
I had an Audi A4 Cab and loved it and have an IS 250 and love it. The Lexus leather and wood quality is better. Long term reliability will vary, but odds are better with the Lexus. I have had less little things with my Lexus than with the Audi so far.
 
Hope it helps.
#3 of 30
Re: Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro [jzalkin] by taruky
Aug 02, 2007 (8:07 am)
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Replying to: jzalkin (Aug 01, 2007 6:43 am)

Thank you for the input. I suspected that the voice command might be superfluous technology, although I'm wondering if it allows you to enter a destination while driving? That would be nice, because God knows in my wife's Sienna how often we need to enter one while driving but can't.
#4 of 30
LEX AUDI by sjaieve
Aug 02, 2007 (4:41 pm)
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When I bought my 07 IS, I compared the 325, A4, TL. 325, I dropped this from my list cos its pricey for 30 more hp, has a plain interior, the i drive has not received great reception and the run flats have a lower threadlife are expensive to replace and not as comfortable as regular tyres. The A4 has the worst interior of the ELLPS IMO,is second in price to the BMW in price, not as reliable as the Lexus (see consumer report magazine), as you rightfully said, is lacking on the bells and whistles, even a 2007 nissan altima has more features than this car. The TL, it was a matter of personal preference why I chose the Lex otherwise the TL is a great car as well. I am very happy with my purchase, love everything about this car. The only drawback is the HP. When I bought the car I was not shopping for a car with lots of HP but lots of luxury, reliable, great interior and fuel efficient. I am assuming HP is of no concern to you as well.
#5 of 30
Re: LEX AUDI [sjaieve] by taruky
Aug 02, 2007 (9:24 pm)
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Replying to: sjaieve (Aug 02, 2007 4:41 pm)

Horsepower is not as critical to me as handling and a ride that is comfortable yet lets me feel the road. Honestly I was OK with my A4's 180hp, I'm sure I would be fine with 200 or so (whether the IS or A4). I've gotta disagree with you on the Audi interior though, as I think the materials are first rate, better than most. What it is is a little plain, but I'm OK with that. I definitely felt like I was in the lap of luxury while test driving the IS.
 
Both cars were far and away better than the G35 I test drove. While the G is high on horsepower I found the ride to be much like driving an Accord. I was less than impressed by the interior. I haven't test driven the BMW, but like you I'm turned off by the price and an interior that isn't too appealing. The TL was out for me because I want AWD.
#6 of 30
Re: Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro [jzalkin] by kc567567
Aug 03, 2007 (5:13 pm)
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Replying to: jzalkin (Aug 01, 2007 6:43 am)

I have never even bothered to program the voice commands ,,,,, just don't think its worth the hassle. I like the smartkey a lot too ,,,, I only touch the remote to open all 4 windows and moon roof as I approach the car. Faster cool off, and I usually drive with air off and windows down anyway.
KC
#7 of 30
Re: LEX AUDI [taruky] by sjaieve
Aug 05, 2007 (6:56 pm)
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Replying to: taruky (Aug 02, 2007 9:24 pm)

I guess we can agree to disagree on the interior of the A4. I will just give you my experience with the IS AWD to help you with your decision. Mine came equipped with navi, a must on this car IMO:
Miles driven to date 20,000 (I had a long commute to work)
Never replaced the tyres, should be able to go for another 10,000 miles.
Average mpg to date 27
Max mpg hwy 32
lowest ever recorded mpg, stop and go, 18
repairs to date: none
Issues with car: like other IS owners, brake dust.
Great performance in snow, can take on any snow storm
Excellent dealership experience, maintenance costs are reasonable.
 
You will have absolutely no problems with this car since everything that comes with it works flawlessly every time.
 
Good luck with your purchase, whichever one you decide to buy
#8 of 30
Audi A4 vs Lexus IS250 by andrey600
Aug 06, 2007 (7:44 am)
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In my opinion, A4 is much better car than IS250. Audi is faster than Lexus. I have a 6-speed manual, but even auto vs auto Audi is faster and more responsive. The quality of interior in Audi is better, especially the seats. Exterior is a matter of taste, but with a S-line package A4 looks more sportier than Lexus. In terms of handling, Audi again is on top.
I agree on the fact that Lexus will have more options for the same price. But that's always the case when you choose between German vs Japanese cars. Driving experience vs more options. If you want a good alternative to Audi, you should consider BMW or MB. Lexus is different department.
#9 of 30
Re: Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro [jzalkin] by rjlaero
Aug 06, 2007 (2:46 pm)
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Replying to: jzalkin (Aug 01, 2007 6:43 am)

I don't think any car brand has a better looking real wood veneer than Audi, but everybody has their own opinion.
 
Lots of the japaneses brands are not real wood, they're actually painted metal and fiberboard.
#10 of 30
Re: Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro [rjlaero] by sjaieve
Aug 06, 2007 (5:00 pm)
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Replying to: rjlaero (Aug 06, 2007 2:46 pm)

I guess audi a4 is well known for their interiors
 
acura tl does not use wood but the other japanese vehicles, Lexus and Infiniti do. Go to their websites to confirm this, its really easy.

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