New Is Vs Competition - What To Order

[cdave]

The PCP on my current IS200 is up for renewal at the end of the year, just as when the new IS comes out.

What other brands should I consider? My requirements are that the car should be reliable, an automatic, possibly a diesel (as long as it is available in auto). I was also thinking of the Toyota Rav4, but I think there is a new model coming out in 2006. I am a family guy, so need 4 doors and as large boot space as possible.

Up to £25K is the top end of my budget. Was thinking of the new BMW 3 series? Any other suggestions that have high residual value?

I would appreciate experiences the board members have had with other brands?

As the dealers have started taking pre-orders on the new model, making a decision now means that I can get the new model just as when the contract on my old one expires.

Thanks

[cheeky]

slightly used, possibly exdemo fully loaded Jag 'S' type would get my vote. Drove one of these the other day - bloomin' marvellous.

[cdave]

Good suggestion, but I don't want to go bigger in size to a S-Type / GS / 5 Series etc....

I want to stick to IS size vehicle. Thanks

[Matthew_McNally]

well - the competition really hasn't changed.

BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Merc C Class, Jag X type is the traditional competition at that range of the market.

if you are looking at buy new - then you will (should) get a lot more car for your money in terms of standard equipment with the Lexus, traditionally pricing the competiton up to the same standard as an IS has been much more expensive.

if you are looking to the used market - there are a lot more choices, and spec levels will obviously vary.

[T7RY B]

slightly used, possibly exdemo fully loaded Jag 'S' type would get my vote. Drove one of these the other day - bloomin' marvellous.

←

S-Type Jaguar SE THE worse car I have ever owned!

The dealer had it more than I did. After 9 months I went back to Lexus.

Great looking car but I had nothing but problems and I wasn't on my own. A lot of other Jag owners swore that they would not buy again.

[cdave]

I was wondering if there is any other car that is outside the traditional box, e.g. VW Golf GTI?. Its a specialist car and traditionaly holds it value well (expect dealer service is meant to be rubbish!)

Mercedes C Class is too expensive new and too common.

Jaguar X-Type is too old.

Audi A4 looks good - not sure about dealer service. Most items are an extra from the options list.

BMW 3 series looks good - Arrogance of dealers who love to put you down (I have had this experience from 3 dealers in my area). Everything is an extra from the options list.

What about a Volvo S60? - Anybody have experience of this car and dealers?

[Zee007]

Audi RS4.......

[cdave]

Audi RS4.......

Slightly out of my budget.....

[Mr Singh]

M5 ?

[chib1177]

any of the new volvos. the s60 d5 diesel especially, we use the s60 as our standard police pursuit car and its a great car, ours are doing 100000 miles a year and on the whole they have been trouble free.

[cdave]

Thanks for the suggestions of performance 4dr cars, but this would be my daily driver. I need to keep servicing, insurance under control plus the fact I live in London and would be too worried about people damaging an expensive specialist car.

[uncle_rob]

M5 ?

←

yeah you pick a nice one of them up 4 £25 grand do ya?????? :P

Jags are noisy engined, don't like the really light steering on mercs, and am a big BMW fan. Ok the value for money new isn't good, but htere are great 2003-2004 fully loaded 325, 330's etc for less than £25k.

Makes me wonder though, if u r thinking Rav4, and thinking new 3 series as well, thats 2 considerably different cars. can u not narrow it down a bit.

isn't there a new audi A3 4door diesel around, don't know the price though sorry

[cdave]

What I am looking for is something different. I don't want a car that every Tom, ***** and Harry will have (3 series).

I want a car that is special and that is where I think the new IS is fast becoming the default choice.

I was thinking of an X-type, but with Jaguar in financial diffuculty and the X-type losing sales fast, I am worried that if they cancel production, the resale values will drop like a lead balloon

I have had a look at an Audi A3, the spec on them is pretty poor, most desirable items are an option.

As long as Lexus keep their pricing straight and don't introduce an options list, it looks like it will be the most value for money.

[amolkarnik]

Alfa 156?

[cdave]

I am too scared to try an Alfa and reading too many horror stories on reliability and dealer support.

[Dayu]

Ok, I don't live in the UK so I'm sure what the prices are, so the best I can do is list some of the cars that are (will be) in the same price bracket as the upcoming IS250 over here.

1) facelifted Audi A4 (the 2.0 FSI turbo one looks decent)

2) Saab 9-3 (it's called the 'Troll' spec here. Basically the model just below the Aero spec)

3) 2nd hand VW Golf R32

4) Volvo s40 (2.5 LPT version)

5) Mazda RX-8 (well, it does have 4 doors and 4 seats... just no boot)

6) Honda Accord (2.4 i-vtec... the accord is often passed over, but well worth taking a look. If you can find one, the 3.0 version is v.v.nice)