GF looking for a new car - A4 or any of these?

[B8kmon]

For me it was the center console fit and finish, buttons etc (I was looking at non-navi cars), the feeling of the steering wheel, and the quality of the clear plastic that was covering the speedo - seemed hazy to me. I also later sat in my friend's 2 year old IS and his black leather was showing a lot of wear, perhaps as a result of softer leather. Don't get me wrong - an excellent car, but when you're shopping in this price range I feel it's ok to nitpick a bit.

[Toronto S5]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. To answer a few questions asked:
I think if given the option she would take AWD. But my understanding is that's an option on all of the models (or is it not on the new 3 sedan?) I posted so it kind of takes that issue off the table. There'll be a lot of highway driving in her commute.

It doesn't seem like there is much support for the Infiniti. She won't want the G37 realistically (or the IS350) and no one seems to like the G25.

No support for the MB either which is fine, since I only put that on the list just for completeness - neither of us likes MB C-class.

At the outset, her two favourite choices were the new 3 series and the IS250, with a bias against the A4 because I already have an Audi.

Based on everything we've read, it sounds like she needs ot test drive all three cars, because they all have their nuances (though clearly this board is favouring the A4!)

The only other consideration is price... here are the MSRPs in Canada (I know, higher than US by a lot...):
A4 (211 hp) - $37,800
320i (181 hp) - $35,900
328i (241 hp) - $43,600
IS 250 (204 hp) - $32,900; $38,000 for AWD

Based on that, the IS clearly delivers best "value" for the buck notwithstanding its shortcomings vs. the Germans. I mean, the difference from the IS 250 RWD to the 328i RWD is not immaterial.

[av_audi]

Originally Posted by Toronto S5

But my understanding is that's an option on all of the models (or is it not on the new 3 sedan?)

If you want an AWD 328i now, you will have to get the older model.

Depending on price, what she favors in terms of content, and dealer quality (all specific to Canada), the VW CC may be something to check out as well.

[gunsmoker]

Originally Posted by Toronto S5

Thanks for all the feedback guys.
The only other consideration is price... here are the MSRPs in Canada (I know, higher than US by a lot...):
A4 (211 hp) - $37,800
320i (181 hp) - $35,900
328i (241 hp) - $43,600
IS 250 (204 hp) - $32,900; $38,000 for AWD

Based on that, the IS clearly delivers best "value" for the buck notwithstanding its shortcomings vs. the Germans. I mean, the difference from the IS 250 RWD to the 328i RWD is not immaterial.

You don't seem to be comparing apples to apples. As already mentioned BMW will release their AWD version later (I suppose next year). I guess the A4 price above is for a quattro. If you are to compare with the 32k for the IS, you could look at the FWD A4.
The AWD IS seems a bit expensive. Mine had an MSRP of $36k in 2007

[Toronto S5]

Yes sorry, that was the base MSRP for a FWD A4. Quattro base MSRP is $41,300. So in all cases the Lexus is always cheaper than the Germans.

[Nostromo]

We had the 1st gen IS250. My biggest gripe was all the radio buttons wore down too quick - within a year the buttons you used most had lost their matte finishing and were glossy looking.

Overall it was a decent car. But I did feel somewhat "swallowed up" inside - felt the blind spots were too big and the dash was too high. Kinda like the saying "it's like driving a couch." We've gone German ever since and I feel much more of a participant that a spectator in my car.

[stuckintraffic]

I still don't think we have enough info - such as does rear legroom matter, does she care for interior style over exterior, used vs new or either?

Example: If she doesn't care about used and needs rear legroom then avoid 2008 A4 due to an inch less rear legroom than 2009+.

Assuming AWD is a must and latest models then its really only between A4 quattro and G25x since there's no 2012 328xi sedan unless 2011 model is ok. I don't need AWD in Cali but my impression from research is in terms of competence Audi beats Infiniti and BMW but Infiniti is more fun.

I currently own a 2011 335 coupe and a 2009 Audi Q5. I used to own a 2010 G37S (turned out to be a lemon) and leased/rented C300 and 328 and driven G25, Acura TL, and IS250 F Sport so I feel I can be more objective than subjective. In general:

Sporty Fun:
BMW > Infiniti > Audi > MB > Lexus/Acura

Cruiser:
Audi > MB > Lexus > Acura > BMW > Infiniti

Exterior Style:
MB > Audi/BMW > Infiniti/Lexus > Acura

Interior Style:
Audi > Infiniti > BMW/Lexus/Acura > MB

Bang for Buck (Sporty):
Infiniti > BMW > Audi > MB > Lexus > Acura

Bang for Buck (Cruiser):
Lexus > Acura > Infiniti > MB > Audi > BMW

Technology:
BMW > Infiniti > Audi > Lexus > Acura > MB


This is all just super generalizing. For example, my BMW's interior is actually better than my Audi's because of the two tone and M Sport Steering Wheel + Harman Kardon, etc.

I agree w/ above poster - the G25 is like a Nissan Altima a bit except more fun to drive. I'd still tell her to test drive it anyways along with your other 3 choices you mentioned.

[gunsmoker]

If she is going to make the decision and not you, chances are what we say or you think doesn't matter at all.

When I got the IS250AWD for my wife, she just picked one smoky granite with light gray interior, said she loved it and didn't care to try anything else.
The only complaint she has had with it is that it's too tight, seat's too small, but she still loves it after 5 years. She does admit that my A4 Quattro Premium+ Sport is superior in every aspect and would love to show up at work in my car, but she is not confident driving a stick shift!

[Toronto S5]

Very helpful, thanks all. At this rate it's a matter of simply checking them all out. The IS 250 seems to be so polarizing of all cars.

I think the G37, although great value for the buck, just feels like more of a performance car (>300 hp) than she would like, but maybe we'll check it out along with the IS 250, A4 and 328/320 even if RWD.

[gunsmoker]

Originally Posted by Toronto S5

Very helpful, thanks all. At this rate it's a matter of simply checking them all out. The IS 250 seems to be so polarizing of all cars.

I think the G37, although great value for the buck, just feels like more of a performance car (>300 hp) than she would like, but maybe we'll check it out along with the IS 250, A4 and 328/320 even if RWD.

When I checked the G37 back in 2007, the engine was thrashy. You step on it and all of a sudden there's noise, vibrations, etc., nothing civilized. They might have refined it since then. On the contrary, the A4 engine is so quiet and refined for (a 4-cylinder) and surprisingly powerful, especially with a ECU tune.

The IS250 is quiet, but there isn't much oomph. You step on it and the engine revs nicely, but there is no pickup for a couple of seconds - that 6-speed auto had more cogs than others at the time, but it's simply outdated now.