Another Car Question...GS300 or the BMW 545i

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nowstime · #1 Post by **nowstime** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:25 pm

Thank you so much for your replies on my other questions...

Finally I have narrowed it down to the Lexus GS300 or the BMW 545i...

Here's where I need your advise...If I have $50,000, should I use it on a New GS300 or a year old (2004) 15,000 miles driven BMW 545i?

All the cars that I have driven were over 65,000 miles when I bought them so I have no idea how a new car or 15,000 miles driven car feels like...

The upsides of GS300 are that it's new, Lexus quality, full warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles.

For the BMW 545i, it's retails over $61,000 but with one year of usage it drops to around $48,000...better horse power and ride but USED...

Sorry to bombarding you guys with car questions but I wanted a good car for a long time but there's no people around me who are car experts...

Thanks in advance...

Austin, TX

DavidNZ · #2 Post by **DavidNZ** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:31 pm

i didn't weigh in on the previous thread (in fact, didn't even read it!), but make sure that BMW is *thoroughly* checked by a dealer or a specialist. It'll cost you, sure, but one thing you do not want is a slighly used BMW that has been kicked to sh*t. The first few miles of any car, yes, is critical, but apparently more so for these one.

I assume it's a new 5 series (i.e., the most recent body styling). I've never been a big fan of the interior, as I much prefer the new 3 series styling (even if it does look a little 'heavy').

Good luck! I'm jealous - we're still kicking around in our 95 318i.

pphilipko · #3 Post by **pphilipko** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:25 pm

I'd go for the Lexus. It's probably going to save a lot of hassle.

JHEM · #4 Post by **JHEM** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 8:44 pm

My heart says to take the Beemer, but my wallet would vote for the Lexus and its warranty!

Regards,

James

emorphien · #5 Post by **emorphien** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:03 pm

The Beemer is nice and all, but the Lexus is still smooth, pretty powerful and the reliability of the Lexus would be the main reason I'd choose it.

GoEatFood · #6 Post by **GoEatFood** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:17 pm

depends on what you are going for...

bmw is always gonna drive well. new or old pretty much. it's a look most people have now-a-days, BMW is a name to have on your car though. 5 series has a good size and sports a good look. 325hp will get you around pretty quick in a v8 but, it will take a bit more gas.

lexus don't really know much about this car. looked it up online real quickly and it seems to be at level with the bmw. this must be a really tough choice at this point. I'd say it really comes down to which look better suits you. remember lexus is just a nice toyota. but, I must say I drive a toyota now and it is a very good car. I personally would lean more towards the bmw because I am going to be getting in M3 in a few months.

with that said. good luck. finding a car is hard. even more so when you get a car to your fullest choosings.

#7 Post by **AlphaKilo470** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 11:55 pm

Both cars are really nice and I've driven both at one point in time back when I had a job at a hotel last year. I like the Lexus GS300 because for the overall drive and the way Lexus managed to make it look somewhat sporty wihtout giving up the traditional elegance of a Lexus but I did find the acceleration and the handling on the one I drove to be slightly quirky. All in all, the GS300 provided a good experience and gave an overal comfortable ride but didn't match the handling or overall smoothness of it's LS cousin.

The 545 I drove I enjoyed for the styling and the nice ride. The handling, while still giving the feel of a sports car, retained the managability of a normal family car. I also found it to be confortable to drive in. When I was driving it, I just had this feeling that there was something missing but still, overall, the 5 series is one of my favorite cars. For me, the experience was bold, sporty, stylish and yet, comfortable and managable. I think the current 5 series is the best one yet.

Still, this is my opinion and it might differ from other peoples opinion and there are also other small factors like where I was driving and whether or not the owner has ever done anything to the car. The only real way to decide which car is best for you is to actually test drive one yourself but either way, you'd be going for a nice car. The ultimate descision should ulitimatley boil down to which one you see as matching your preference best.

ThinkPad · #8 Post by **ThinkPad** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:12 pm

BMW all the way

ThinkPad · #9 Post by **ThinkPad** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:14 pm

JHEM wrote:My heart says to take the Beemer,

emorphien wrote:The Beemer is nice and all,

Bimmer*

Beemer=motorcycle
Bimmer=car

JHEM · #10 Post by **JHEM** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 3:13 pm

Thinkpad wrote:Bimmer*

Beemer=motorcycle
Bimmer=car

Yeah, yeah, I know!

But you're trying to teach a new trick to a dog that's old enough to remember when the most commonly seen BMW automobiles were entered via a door on the FRONT of the car, had three wheels, and any of their motorcycle offerings, even the 250cc one-lunger, would leave the car in the dust!

Besides the fact that the residents of Nord Bayern refer to them ALL, motorcycles AND automobiles, as BEEMERS!

Regards,

James the Unrepentant

Torque · #11 Post by **Torque** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 5:29 pm

JHEM wrote:
Thinkpad wrote:Bimmer*

Beemer=motorcycle
Bimmer=car

Yeah, yeah, I know!

But you're trying to teach a new trick to a dog that's old enough to remember when the most commonly seen BMW automobiles were entered via a door on the FRONT of the car, had three wheels, and any of their motorcycle offerings, even the 250cc one-lunger, would leave the car in the dust!

Besides the fact that the residents of Nord Bayern refer to them ALL, motorcycles AND automobiles, as BEEMERS!

Regards,

James the Unrepentant

Yes, I love the old Isetta's aswell. Actually, there a guy in my home town who renovates them. They are horid, but their cute looks saves them

...and yes, it is Beemers. In Danish, we say Bimmer - but english (and german) its Beemer. For what I know that is.

EDIT: And by the way, sorry for off-topic.

#12 Post by **daeojkim** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:17 pm

If one looks only cars then BMW for sure. More HP, newer, the ultimate driving machine, 545 is a beast compared to GS300.

This is a tough question because the choice of a car is not only about the car itself but also on the stage of one's life, financial situation, and amount of disposable income.

If you already own a big house, you are 40+ year old, your current income is in excess of $150K / year, your retirement plan and other real estate investments are well in place then I would say go for the bimmer, you deserve a reward for hard work.

If you are still in your 30's, don't own a house or still paying morgage, did not start retirement investment early (i.e. a second real estate e.g. a condo etc) then go for the GS300.

Basically, one should not buy a car that is worth over 1/3 of one's yearly income.

Another Car Question...GS300 or the BMW 545i

Another Car Question...GS300 or the BMW 545i

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