Mid level luxury sedan

[Nocturnal]

I'm probably going to be ditching the econobox and going with a semi-luxury sedan in the next few months, most likely with a lease arrangement.

If the CTS-V was reasonably priced I'd pick up one of those, but the sticker is just way too high. The standard CTSs just don't appeal to me. I've never been a BMW fan but they are starting to really grow on me, but I like Lexus and Audis.

Car needs to be in the low 30s to make the lease payments in my price range. 4 or 2 door, I'm flexible there

BMW 335i (pre owned) or 328i
Lexus IS250
Audi R5?

Other suggestions?

edit, seems that 335s are new for 07, they are prob out of the price range then

[Pat The Baker]

The 335i. You might have to wait a little for the pre owned ones, but you never know, some might already be up for sale.

[(_8(I)]

Based on looks I'd go with the Audi. I'm assuming you meant the A5. The only one I actually have experience with is the Lexus. It drives alright, but the base models are pretty boring and nothing special really. Plus the way they look just seems awkward, the backend doesn't really go with the rest of the car.

[97GAGT]

Why would you lease? You want to be put on a mileage limit and have to give the car up after ~5 years? I say buy flat out.. Anyway.. I would go with an Audi, there are alot of luxury models to choose from.

[Kazimierz]

A5. You didn't mean S5 did you? Cause that won't be in the low 30s.

[ThaiTanium22]

Well based on what you've said, an Audi A5 is definitely not what you're looking for. You'll have to wait a while for one of those anyways. I think you mean the A4. A BMW 335i will cost you over $40,000 and a 328i will cost you around $33,000. A4's (FWD) start under $30,000. With Quattro you'll pay just over $30,000. A Lexus IS250 costs about the same as an A4Q. Another car you might want to consider is a G35 which cost a little more than the A4Q and IS250. I have driven a 325i, IS250, 1st generation G35, and I own an A3. The 325i is a driver's car. When I test drove it, I was unimpressed by everything except for how it handles. This car to me is just mediocre. If you really must have BMW, get a 328i, otherwise, I think there is no reason to pay so much for one. The Lexus IS250 is not by any means a fun car. When driving it, you'll feel like you're in air. The feel of steering and pedal pushing were clearly designed for older people. What's nice about it though is that of the cars mentioned in this post, it is the most luxurious. The Infiniti G35 is a direct competitor to the BMW 3 series and I will say that the only thing the 3 series has over the G35 is the feel and performance, but even then you'll have to pay another $10,000 for a 335i to get only marginally better performance. Having driven a 1st generation G35, my only complaint is that driving feels awkward due to the stiffness of the steering wheel and pedals. Hopefully the 2nd generation G35's are better in that aspect. I have never driven an A4 so I can't say much about it; however, based on my A3 I will say you can't go wrong with it. I have heard that the A3 is more fun to drive than an A4 though if that means anything to you. In conclusion, don't get a 328i just because it has a BMW badge, the IS250 is boring but luxurious, the G35 is overall a good car, and the A4 is 1 more than the A3. Go test drive the cars and good luck.

[Nocturnal]

Why would you lease? You want to be put on a mileage limit and have to give the car up after ~5 years? I say buy flat out.. Anyway.. I would go with an Audi, there are alot of luxury models to choose from.

Leasing will give me much lower payments. My income will be rising a good deal in the next 3 years (lease duration) so savings now matter more. Also I'm moving to two blocks from work so I don't have to worry about high lease mileage.

Time for some test drives. :)