[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by rjd598

So a quick background of where I'm coming from and what I'm looking for right now:

- I used to daily an E36 M3 for about two and a half years until I totaled it this past December.
- I have an E90 M3 sitting in the garage.
- I picked up a 2016 F30 328i built the way I wanted it as my new daily and absolutely love it.

When I bought the 328i, I was originally set on keeping the M3, but my preference changed. I've just come to realize that I don't care about having a car like the E90 M3 anymore because it's too much for me. The 328i is fitting my needs much better than the M3 because I want comfort first then some performance. So, I plan on selling the M3.

But at the same time I do still like to have some performance. So, I'm also ditching the 328i - giving the it to a family member. I'm not a track guy at all, but I would still like the performance factor in the car I drive.

M2 was high on the list, but I've decided I need four doors. And, honestly, I want something that has comfort first then "performance". I was thinking about the 340i, but I feel stupid getting another F30. It was my fault for not just going 340i with msport the first time around.

What do you guys recommend? I feel like the market has nothing to offer me due to my budget mainly. I wouldn't go past the $50k-$60k range.

Ideally I think the S4 is what fits the bill best for me, but I've always heard the lease deals on them are really bad. I'm not trying to pay $700-800 for that car. If any S4 owners would like to chime in please feel free. I know I should be banned for trying to switch to the dark side, but I've always been a sucker for the S4. Drove a B8 a few years ago and while I love the tech, interior, and looks I wasn't blown away with how it drove. Apparently the new B9 should be improving the car in many aspects.

I would like to stay german because I'm a snob, I admit. Don't see myself really moving away from the German crowd even though I've admitted other car companies have come such a long way from even five years ago. It's getting harder to justify paying a premium for cars like Audi/BMW/MBZ.

If I can't find anything that fits the bill then I will keep my 328i happily. I really don't care as I don't let cars run my life

Wow. I'm pretty much in the same boat....I made a post similar to yours a few months ago and got some interesting responses. OP what segment are you interesting in? Smaller sports sedans or midsize? I have it down to 335/340 vs '15 GS F Sport.

[Never_Enough]

Just go drive a 2009+ V or Chevy SS. Power there when/if you wanna hammer it & you're cruising in comfort the rest of the time.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by 991GT3

A CPO 2015 Macan S

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

If you have to go German, the Macan is a great car. The Jag XE is also getting very good reviews.

okay now this is something i never thought about! i've heard great things about the macan and i actually am becoming an "suv guy". i wish i could grab the new x5m. love that thing so much it's unreal.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Wow. I'm pretty much in the same boat....I made a post similar to yours a few months ago and got some interesting responses. OP what segment are you interesting in? Smaller sports sedans or midsize? I have it down to 335/340 vs '15 GS F Sport.

glad someone is facing the same questions! it's funny you ask because i've never cared about space, but i've almost always had a four door (except the e36) and never had anything bigger than the e60. i was considering the new 5 series based on that beautiful render that came out a couple of days ago, but i have a feeling i will get bored with that even though the new tech and everything will be pretty cool.

the s4 really is perfect for me i think. size, looks, tech, and performance. i wish bmw created a competitor for a reasonable deal. if there was a 335is equivalent i would have been probably going that route. m235i is awesome, but don't want a coupe and something that small.

what have you come across? curious to see what your suggestions were since it seems like we are both looking for the same thing.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by OrangeZ06

Just go drive a 2009+ V or Chevy SS. Power there when/if you wanna hammer it & you're cruising in comfort the rest of the time.

best bang for your buck without a doubt, but i want to stay german most likely. i'm one of those guys who thinks they offer better value

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

What other post?

Anyway, just want to complement the OP on his amazing and refined communications style. Quick turnaround on that too!

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by rjd598

glad someone is facing the same questions! it's funny you ask because i've never cared about space, but i've almost always had a four door (except the e36) and never had anything bigger than the e60. i was considering the new 5 series based on that beautiful render that came out a couple of days ago, but i have a feeling i will get bored with that even though the new tech and everything will be pretty cool.

the s4 really is perfect for me i think. size, looks, tech, and performance. i wish bmw created a competitor for a reasonable deal. if there was a 335is equivalent i would have been probably going that route. m235i is awesome, but don't want a coupe and something that small.

what have you come across? curious to see what your suggestions were since it seems like we are both looking for the same thing.

My search was limited to almost the same. Among my initial selection, I narrowed it down to the F30 335/340 and the GS 350F Sport.

I first went to drive the BMW. Coming from an E93 M3 I was expecting a decrease in overall quality from what I am used to. After the test drive I came out both impressed and disappointed. I was really impressed with the overall appearance and usability of the car. With four doors, larger trunk space, and a fantastic engine, this car is truly a great package. However, the disappointments I found with the car over-shadowed the positives. Firstly, in-order to get the car anywhere near what I would want, it would be way to expensive for what it is (Msport, tech, nav, led, track, drivers, etc). F30 335/340's are wayyyy to expensive. Secondly, while the F30 interior is more modern than E9X interiors, I feel as if BMW skimped out on the quality. The interior is crap IMO. I know Dakota will never be as good as Novillo, but I don't think I could ever live with Dakota. Lastly, the BMW is a hardly a balance between performance and luxury. Since my priorities are luxury and comfortable DD over performance, I knew that the F30 isn't my top choice.

A few days later I went to go drive the Lexus. This is the one that really surprised me. Exterior-wise, I absolutely love the looks and the design language speaks to me. Interior-wise is as expected. The seats are 18-way (or 16-way, can't remember) adjustable, windows double-pane windows, cabin bank vault quite, 12.3" nav screen, etc. The interior is everything I am looking for; it's perfectly comfortable on long drives and is ergonomically perfect. I think the interior is most important part when finding a new car, since it's the place where you'll spend all your time! Driving in the GS was a great experience as well. Don't get me wrong, it's no M, but it still handles well. The GS does have a slight body roll (as expected with Lexus), but when switching the driving modes (eco, normal, sport, sport+), the chassis and throttle adjusts accordingly. Over all, I think the Lexus ticks all the boxes for me. The interior is gorgeous, has plenty of room, and drives well. Other positives on the side are: low future maintenance costs, reliability, durability, definitely a buyers market.


I know that was really fragmented, but that's my summary of experiences with my search. For the time being, I've decided to ride my M3 (DD) until it dies. I don't have an extended warranty on it or anything, but my philosophy on my M is that it's paid for and if it breaks, it breaks. I'll just collect the check for it's totaled amount and go get myself the Lexus.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

My search was limited to almost the same. Among my initial selection, I narrowed it down to the F30 335/340 and the GS 350F Sport.

I first went to drive the BMW. Coming from an E93 M3 I was expecting a decrease in overall quality from what I am used to. After the test drive I came out both impressed and disappointed. I was really impressed with the overall appearance and usability of the car. With four doors, larger trunk space, and a fantastic engine, this car is truly a great package. However, the disappointments I found with the car over-shadowed the positives. Firstly, in-order to get the car anywhere near what I would want, it would be way to expensive for what it is (Msport, tech, nav, led, track, drivers, etc). F30 335/340's are wayyyy to expensive. Secondly, while the F30 interior is more modern than E9X interiors, I feel as if BMW skimped out on the quality. The interior is crap IMO. I know Dakota will never be as good as Novillo, but I don't think I could ever live with Dakota. Lastly, the BMW is a hardly a balance between performance and luxury. Since my priorities are luxury and comfortable DD over performance, I knew that the F30 isn't my top choice.

A few days later I went to go drive the Lexus. This is the one that really surprised me. Exterior-wise, I absolutely love the looks and the design language speaks to me. Interior-wise is as expected. The seats are 18-way (or 16-way, can't remember) adjustable, windows double-pane windows, cabin bank vault quite, 12.3" nav screen, etc. The interior is everything I am looking for; it's perfectly comfortable on long drives and is ergonomically perfect. I think the interior is most important part when finding a new car, since it's the place where you'll spend all your time! Driving in the GS was a great experience as well. Don't get me wrong, it's no M, but it still handles well. The GS does have a slight body roll (as expected with Lexus), but when switching the driving modes (eco, normal, sport, sport+), the chassis and throttle adjusts accordingly. Over all, I think the Lexus ticks all the boxes for me. The interior is gorgeous, has plenty of room, and drives well. Other positives on the side are: low future maintenance costs, reliability, durability, definitely a buyers market.


I know that was really fragmented, but that's my summary of experiences with my search. For the time being, I've decided to ride my M3 (DD) until it dies. I don't have an extended warranty on it or anything, but my philosophy on my M is that it's paid for and if it breaks, it breaks. I'll just collect the check for it's totaled amount and go get myself the Lexus.

that's very interesting. you've convinced me to at least go take a look. never been a fan of lexus, but the gs does sound pretty cool. let me know if you find anything else in the meantime.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by rjd598

that's very interesting. you've convinced me to at least go take a look

Let me convince you otherwise, google it and take a look at that front end few times.
Now close your eyes and imagine yourself approaching that on parking lots every single day for next 2-4 years

Kidding of course, well, only partially. I find it crazy ugly , but looks are subjective.

[Never_Enough]

Originally Posted by rjd598

best bang for your buck without a doubt, but i want to stay german most likely. i'm one of those guys who thinks they offer better value

Blind badge loyalty. Got it. A shame.

[991GT3]

Originally Posted by rjd598

okay now this is something i never thought about! i've heard great things about the macan and i actually am becoming an "suv guy". i wish i could grab the new x5m. love that thing so much it's unreal.

The Macan is the best DD around.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by 991GT3

The Macan is the best DD around.

Adding it to my list of cars I want to test drive. How are lease deals for the car?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by 991GT3

The Macan is the best DD around.

Second this. Best car we have had in a LONG time. Was sad to see it go after just 6 months. If I was forced to just have one car the Macan would be it hands down. Drove Philadelphia to Buffalo in back in under 24 hours and the thing just killed it.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Second this. Best car we have had in a LONG time. Was sad to see it go after just 6 months. If I was forced to just have one car the Macan would be it hands down. Drove Philadelphia to Buffalo in back in under 24 hours and the thing just killed it.

really selling me on it. want to go test drive this weekend. how are the deals on them in general?

opinions on non s vs. s?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by rjd598

really selling me on it. want to go test drive this weekend. how are the deals on them in general?

opinions on non s vs. s?

Not sure haven't looked at them in over a year. Dad got the first one delivered in our area it was used at the launch party. I wish we could have kept it but his knee and hip issues made entry and egress a problem after a while.

I have not driven the base model as it was not available back then. I have driven the S and the Turbo. To be perfectly honest unless you need it for ego purposes, I think the Turbo is a waste of money for US roads. The S is plenty fast. It's also a turbo keep in mind so tons of low end fun.

The car just does everything amazingly well. Has some room in it, handling is exceptional considering the size, interior is top notch, etc. Best Buy out there if you need one thing that's good / borderline great at everything you'd do with a car.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Not sure haven't looked at them in over a year. Dad got the first one delivered in our area it was used at the launch party. I wish we could have kept it but his knee and hip issues made entry and egress a problem after a while.

I have not driven the base model as it was not available back then. I have driven the S and the Turbo. To be perfectly honest unless you need it for ego purposes, I think the Turbo is a waste of money for US roads. The S is plenty fast. It's also a turbo keep in mind so tons of low end fun.

The car just does everything amazingly well. Has some room in it, handling is exceptional considering the size, interior is top notch, etc. Best Buy out there if you need one thing that's good / borderline great at everything you'd do with a car.

I agree with the s vs. turbo comment. I'm definitely going to check this car out.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by rjd598

I agree with the s vs. turbo comment. I'm definitely going to check this car out.

Wouldn't try it during your test drive but I regularly power slid ours. Thing is a blast.

[Sedoy]

Something unexpected: what about Tesla Model 3...

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

Something unexpected: what about Tesla Model 3...

definitely gave that some thought as well. it's still on the list, but i think it'll be too long before any reviews get in and whatnot. ideally i'm looking to get into something by the end of this year. if not the following time next year as i'm not in a major rush.

[991GT3]

Originally Posted by rjd598

Adding it to my list of cars I want to test drive. How are lease deals for the car?

Not too sure on the lease end of it but if you can get a low mileage CPO, they're better than new. I bought a 2012 Cayenne Turbo with only 8000 miles on it. The certification pushed the warranty for three more years and up to 100,000 miles. Thats 42000 miles of warranty more than new.

[gonzo]

17' Macan GTS. Lower, more hp than S but not Turbo hp or price. Best looking Macan too.

Air Suspension, Sport Exhaust and Sport Chrono...zip.

New color Volcano is sweet.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by 991GT3

Not too sure on the lease end of it but if you can get a low mileage CPO, they're better than new. I bought a 2012 Cayenne Turbo with only 8000 miles on it. The certification pushed the warranty for three more years and up to 100,000 miles. Thats 42000 miles of warranty more than new.

i'm trying to stay away from buying as i have major car add

edit: shit i just looked up pricing. slightly used ones are going for great prices. ugh i hate you. have to test drive one now.