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Lexus IS 250 AWD vs. Audi A4 2.0 quattro

30 messages,  Last post on Sep 01, 2008 at 12:23 PM

You are in the Audi A4 Forum.

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

Messages Page 3 of 4

#13 of 30 Re: Driving an Audi A4 rental car right now... [sjaieve] by taruky

Aug 08, 2007 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: sjaieve (Aug 07, 2007 7:07 am)
Well, I went ahead and purchased the IS 250. Sold the A4 to carmax. Interestingly I made a small profit (got more than my premium purchase payoff), turned out better than waiting 5 more months to turn it in. Here were the factors in my decision:
 
1. The Audi dealer couldn't find any A4 2.0T's with navigation. He asked me if I would instead go with the 3.0 "for a few thousand more". Thousands more, worse gas mileage, and power I really didn't need in the first place...hmmm, enticing.
 
2. Lexus reliability. I just cannot get beyond the fact that the A4 2.0T's don't last long. I remember someone in the Audi finance office once telling me that if I wanted to purchase the A4 instead of leasing, I should get the extended warranty "because the turbos eventually break down". I wanted my next car to be nice but something I keep for many years and eventually save money on.
 
3. Rear view camera, smart key...very cool features which I find myself using and enjoying.
 
4. Lexus dealerships/service are first rate. The dealer service dept in our area is open 365 days a year until 9 pm. Loaner Lexus car for $5.00/day (the Audi dealer offers a piece of crap Enterprise rental). Service waiting area is cush cush cush. May sound frivolous, but having a pleasant dealer experience means more to you after bad dealer experiences (not with Audi, they are OK).
 
Both interiors I really like; while they are very different they are both high quality. Power is the same, let's face it. Each goes 0-60 in about 8.0-8.3 sec. As a matter of fact I read that the IS AWD may be a fraction of a sec faster, but who cares.
 
I love the car, do not regret my purchase for one moment. Were I leasing again I might have gone with the Audi, but for a $35K purchase I am happy.

#14 of 30 lexus v audi by britcrlvr

Aug 08, 2007 (9:05 pm)

Clearly you can't go wrong with the Lexus, reliability is a guarantee materials are top notch, and it holds its value well. The downside is that in my opinion, after have driven both Lexus and Toyota models, they feel so vanilla, compared to the Audi I feel like I have a connection. However, if this doesn't bother you the Lexus should make you happy. The last complaint I have with the Lexus is the fact that its rear looks awful with the over protruding wheel arches. I don't think the IS has sold particularly well, but I would offer 7000 off the MSRP not including tax title and registration.

#15 of 30 Re: lexus v audi [britcrlvr] by taruky

Aug 09, 2007 (6:48 am)

Replying to: britcrlvr (Aug 08, 2007 9:05 pm)
From what I've read the IS 250 has sold a little more than the A4. Both are behind the BMW and Infiniti in sales. I do agree with you on the Audi connecting with you, I felt the same way with my A4. It was a wonderful car.

#16 of 30 Re: lexus v audi [taruky] by sjaieve

Aug 09, 2007 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: taruky (Aug 09, 2007 6:48 am)
I think thats great that the IS is behind the BMW & Infiniti, those guys have more models on offer than the IS and so would cater for a larger cross section of the market. Can you direct me towards where I can get the information for sales numbers for the cars. I have been trying to get it with no luck. Congrats on your purchase, that was a wise decision, esp the Nav option

#17 of 30 Re: lexus v audi [sjaieve] by taruky

Aug 09, 2007 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: sjaieve (Aug 09, 2007 12:42 pm)
JD Power report.
 
Here is the link for the A4;
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/reviews/review.aspx?ID=929
 
Here is the link for the IS 250;
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/reviews/review.aspx?ID=883
 
The information is at the bottom of each page. Hope that helps.

#18 of 30 Re: lexus v audi [taruky] by britcrlvr

Aug 10, 2007 (12:14 am)

Replying to: taruky (Aug 09, 2007 8:33 pm)
your advice on the JD power report is invaluable especially for the total number of cars sold.

#19 of 30 more info than jd powers by britcrlvr

Aug 10, 2007 (12:22 am)

does anyone one know where information can be found on the total number of each individual car model is produced by the manufacturer.

#20 of 30 Re: lexus v audi [taruky] by sjaieve

Aug 10, 2007 (11:09 am)

Replying to: taruky (Aug 09, 2007 8:33 pm)
Thanks, the website had all the information I needed.

#21 of 30 Lexus - needs a 6-spd manual AWD by nyaudi

Aug 11, 2007 (9:35 pm)

The IS250 AWD would have been on my list if they offered a manual... without it, it's just another generic Japanese car that gets lost among the camrys and accords. I drove the last gen IS300 manual and really liked it and that car really stood out a bit more. Unfortunately, AWD was a must for me so we got an A4 3.0.
 
The day Lexus offers AWD with all of their powertrain options, I think their sales will really start to ramp up in the northeast.
 
Would also like to see a redesign that looks less like a Mazda... take Audi's styling, BMW's handling, and let Lexus engineers manage the reliability of the components and then you'd have my dream car

#22 of 30 Re: Lexus - needs a 6-spd manual AWD [nyaudi] by louiswei

Aug 11, 2007 (9:49 pm)

Replying to: nyaudi (Aug 11, 2007 9:35 pm)
I'll appreciate a lot if Lexus stay away from Audi's styling. BMW's handling? Definitely, but not Audi's styling.

Messages Page 3 of 4

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