When making my decision between the exact same cars, I came to this discussion group, as well as http:
www.bimmer.org. I asked the same question, plus many others. When it came to bimmer.org, they all said to go with BMW, but could never say why. They were offended that I would even CONSIDER buying something other than a BMW. I felt like I was crashing a frat party. "Dude, just buy a BMW and be satisifed. All other cars suck." Well, that was BMW (and yes, I know that not EVERYONE on that DG is like that). When I got onto THIS discussion group, I was met with OBJECTIVE, INFORMATIVE, and INTELLIGENT answers to my questions. In fact, many respondents had a lot of great things to say about the BMW, as well as the Lexus...even Geoff, who will no doubt flame this thread with a CL-S comment (also a sweet ride).
PLEASE NOTE THAT I DID NOT BASE MY DECISION ON THESE DISCUSSION GROUPS. NOR SHOULD YOU. EVERYONE'S OPINION IS DIFFERENT, THANK GOD.
Ultimately, after assimilating a sh*tload of information, I got an is300. I haven't regretted it for a second. I was treated better by Lexus, spent less money, and got a faster, better handling, less common, more feature-rich car.
Good luck with your decision. It won't be an easy one, but whatever choice you make, you'll wind up in one heck of a ride.
Jesu Cristo people, I think I just motivated MYSELF to go out and get ANOTHER is300!
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-jb-
'01 Black Onyx