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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 2 of 4

#5 of 30 Re: LEX AUDI [sjaieve] by taruky

Aug 02, 2007 (10:24 pm)

Replying to: sjaieve (Aug 02, 2007 5:41 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 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: jzalkin (Aug 01, 2007 7:43 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 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: taruky (Aug 02, 2007 10:24 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 (8:44 am)

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 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: jzalkin (Aug 01, 2007 7:43 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 (6:00 pm)

Replying to: rjlaero (Aug 06, 2007 3:46 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.

#11 of 30 Driving an Audi A4 rental car right now... by louiswei

Aug 06, 2007 (9:34 pm)

and I am an IS350 owner. I have no input on the performance of IS250 AWD and A4 Quattro since I have driven neither before. However, interior wise, hands down goes to the IS. The IS interior utilizes higher quality material and looks more "modern". The only area that the A4 is on par with the IS is the fit-n'-finish.
 
Also, I don't like the 4 banger turbo, the turbo-lag is horrible. It maybe faster than the IS but the 2.5L V6 is definitely smoother (I have driven the IS250 before, just not the AWD version).

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

Aug 07, 2007 (7:07 am)

Replying to: louiswei (Aug 06, 2007 9:34 pm)
I think in the grand scheme of things, the A4 in terms of perfomance, is not going to achieve much on the road than the IS. I mean, there are both similarly powered and I admit the A4 is faster than the IS. Both cars will be slower than say, the cheaper 2008 altima coupe, probably the cheaper honda accord V6 model and the list of cheaper cars goes on. I would rather be in the more luxuriosly appointed, more modern, more bells and whistles car (and bear in mind I paid less for this car than the A4). At least I am paying a premium for those luxuries. I cannot pay a premium for the A4 for performance, that is nonsense since 200hp does not give you performance. if you want perfomance, the same amount of money will buy you the g35, and guess what, you will still have more bells and whistles than the A4.

#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.

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