[souljas_1]

now try to be honest here...if the BMW 330 and the Lexus IS 300 were the same price, which one would u buy?...both are fully loaded and they have the same out of door price...what i have found interesting after looking at a lot of posts is that people like the IS 300 for drivability and alot b/c of looks...i have read numerous posts in which people say there are too many BMW's where they live and that a IS 300 is different...does that mean you are buying the IS 300 for looks and b/c its exoctic...i must admit they do look real sweet and stare at ones that pass by, but a car shouldn't be bought b/c it looks different...so when this question is answered, just think that there is the same amount of IS 300's as 330's...damn, i wrote alot...sorry if i upset anybody...hit me back...

 

[kota]

I would go with BMW. Lexus is still new at this "compact sports sedan" thing while BMW whole business revolves around the 3 series (and the 5 to a lesser extent).

 

[cis300]

I would still buy the IS300 'cause Im giving this car to my baby sister, when she got her licence. And i'll get the new M3, there's no point driving 2 diferrent E46 w/in 2 yr period.

 

[Mustard]

I would still get the IS300. I very nearly got the BMW 330i, but changed my mind after doing a serious test drive in the Lexus and trying out the S4 too. The Lexus has better handling in my opinion than either of them, and the styling is less stuffy and more original (my opinion of course).

When I bought this car I went through the mental exercise of imagining that I had unlimited money to use to buy an everyday car, and that everyone else who looks at my car also has unlimited money. This essentially takes away the money factor in the purchase, and takes away the prestige factor, because if everyone else has unlimited money, they sure as heck aren't going to judge me by what I drive.

Mustard.

 

[mrclam]

i would take the 330i by far. the is300 beats out bmw because its a great value....performance-wise, thelexus loses(albeit not by much). i've heard both the lexus and the bmw at WOT and i honestly prefer the bmw's sound

 

[paulwu]

330... the reliability issue may make me think twice though.

 

[dude]

I would definitely go with the IS300 because German cars (BMW, MB) gave me the creeps when it comes to the amount of time spent in the shop (ended up driving loaners sometimes, and sometimes they only give you rental cars!!)

Cost to maintain is also too high.....Definitely Japanese for the realiability.....

 

[oh-dawg]

I'd have to say Lexus.. no offense to any German automobile owners.. but it just seems that there's a stereotypical attitude that comes with German ownership.. also growing up with Japanese cars, I feel more at "home" under the hood of a Toyota versus a BMW.. also all the costs associated with ownership of a BMW are a little discouraging.. maintenance, BMW aftermarket, etc..