Confused after test drive- Need opinions

[crosswind]

The CT is like a Prius(small hatch) but much bigger and spacious
and it's really sporty the moment you get inside one you will forget it's
a hybrid car

BTT: I would choose the MB C200, it's is the most comfortable of the bunch,spacious,and a large trunk
and it will be good in Black.
I was in your place a decade ago but decided to go for a practical vehicle and save the remaining money

[lancevp]

My 2-cents worth.

I had to give up my MB e-class 2 years ago when I relocated back to Manila. I decided I'd try the other brands. I tried the Volvo XC60 but when I drove it, it did not feel like a premium car. I tried Lexus, hoping to be impressed with the ride it is famous for, but it didn't feel special either. I must say that their interiors are extremely well-designed.

I ended up with an Audi Q5 and a BMW 318d. Both are excellent vehicles. But neither of these vehicles offered the bank-vault feel of the Benz. The Benz just felt a lot more special when living with these vehicles on a daily basis.

I find the C-class a tad overpriced but if I were to buy today, I'd still go for the C-Class.

[gwapster]

Lucky are you who can stare at the Lexus IS's front and not wonder what the designer was high on when he sketched this thing... I still can't accept the fact this design went into production.

The Lexus design would not age very well, while the more elegant looking Germans are rather more timeless, with the Benz more likely to outlast all of them. Even the interior is the same story.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Who cares if others think your car is ugly as sin, as long as it is beautiful in your eyes, right? It is your car, not theirs.

[Walter]

It's looks a bit better with plate number attached.

[keal01]

I'd like to ask how are your experience with the 3 german dealers here? Or which is possibly the best?

[keal01]

What about the new jag xe which will supposedly dethrone the 3-series?

[bjreyesmd]

Guys, sorry to bother you again but my head is aching from thinking, hehe.

Anyway, the IS350 F sport was my choice but before making the DP, I decided to exhaust all options first. I went to look at the pre-owned market just for completeness sake. If I'm ever going to consider pre-owned, it has to be 2014-2015 model. Anyway MB and Audi are out since their pre-owned were previous models and not the current ones. That leaves BMW and Lexus. I wasn't able to find any pre-owned IS350 but for BMW... 2 cars got me interested at their premium selection showroom. A 2014 320d M sport at 2.7M with 14k on the odo and 2014 520d at 2.9M with 8k mileage. Also available is their 520d APEC edition used by the dignitaries at 3.5M. All come with warranty up to 2017.

Should I save some money(?)and get the pre-owned or proceed with the brand new? The Estoril Blue colored-M sport with the body kit looked very sporty and classy at the same time. The 5 series only came in black of course.

[EQAddict]

5 series being replaced in a few months. You will regret it. Facelifted 3 series already has been previewed. Get the lexus.

[bjreyesmd]

5 series being replaced in a few months. You will regret it. Facelifted 3 series already has been previewed. Get the lexus.

Thanks for the heads up EQ, didn't know that there's an upcoming facelift with new engines for the 3 series and a new 5 series just around the corner. Made my mind a little clearer, hehe

[speed_kills]

I guess you have to figure out what you are looking for.

If it's a combination of speed (300hp) and luxury, I guess the Lexus IS350 is the best choice talaga. That's why you see many of them on our roads these days.

From my experience, downside lang is that especially the F-Sport bucket seats can get a bit tiring for everyday driving. But maybe that's only me.

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I guess you have to figure out what you are looking for.

If it's a combination of speed (300hp) and luxury, I guess the Lexus IS350 is the best choice talaga. That's why you see many of them on our roads these days.

From my experience, downside lang is that especially the F-Sport bucket seats can get a bit tiring for everyday driving. But maybe that's only me.

[gwapster]

Hmmm even though the 5 series will soon be replaced, it still looks like a great bargain for 2.9M. Roomier, classier, better interior quality and materials than the Lexus IS or even the 3 series. The design of that 5 series seems timeless anyway, and its technology was ahead of its time back then.

Question is, is that 5 series a well-equipped spec, or a stripped down Philippine spec.

[yapoy86]

Lucky are you who can stare at the Lexus IS's front and not wonder what the designer was high on when he sketched this thing... I still can't accept the fact this design went into production.

The Lexus design would not age very well, while the more elegant looking Germans are rather more timeless, with the Benz more likely to outlast all of them. Even the interior is the same story.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Who cares if others think your car is ugly as sin, as long as it is beautiful in your eyes, right? It is your car, not theirs.

agree on this. Medyo may hawig sa vios yung is350 and looks like the design will not age well and become a classic. Bimmers and merc design employs their patented curves that not veers away too much from their basic style even for a face lift or new gen model. You can always see that classic BMW look or merc look.
to TS how about the LS400? Saw one and its fast and very big

[Walter]

Get brand new. This is a toy / reward car after all. You want it to be a wonderful ownership experience. So reward yourself well.

[bjreyesmd]

I guess you have to figure out what you are looking for.

If it's a combination of speed (300hp) and luxury, I guess the Lexus IS350 is the best choice talaga. That's why you see many of them on our roads these days.

From my experience, downside lang is that especially the F-Sport bucket seats can get a bit tiring for everyday driving. But maybe that's only me.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I guess you have to figure out what you are looking for.

If it's a combination of speed (300hp) and luxury, I guess the Lexus IS350 is the best choice talaga. That's why you see many of them on our roads these days.

From my experience, downside lang is that especially the F-Sport bucket seats can get a bit tiring for everyday driving. But maybe that's only me.

Would you reckon then that getting the non F sport version would be the better and practical choice?

Hmm, come to think of it, same engine and chassis, only difference is the tamer grill, adaptive suspension, 18 inch rims, back up camera, GPS and sunroof for a lot less. I test drove the F sport but not the regular one. Have to take a 2nd look at the regular IS350 then, hehe.

[EQAddict]

The non f sport I think accelerates quicker due to the gearing and weight. Though I could be wrong

[rossph]

Based on experience PMS of BMW is cheaper vs Mercedes. I have my car serviced here at Autozentrum Alabang. I would prefer the 520d or M Sport as it would still stand out better than a Lexus. The yabang factor still goes to the eurocars here in our country. Of course just be prepared to shell out for that as well specially since this will be your daily driver.

[keal01]

Based on experience PMS of BMW is cheaper vs Mercedes. I have my car serviced here at Autozentrum Alabang. I would prefer the 520d or M Sport as it would still stand out better than a Lexus. The yabang factor still goes to the eurocars here in our country. Of course just be prepared to shell out for that as well specially since this will be your daily driver.

How about claiming for warranty issues? I've heard that there's a lot of issues bugging the new c-class.

[speed_kills]

Would you reckon then that getting the non F sport version would be the better and practical choice?

Hmm, come to think of it, same engine and chassis, only difference is the tamer grill, adaptive suspension, 18 inch rims, back up camera, GPS and sunroof for a lot less. I test drove the F sport but not the regular one. Have to take a 2nd look at the regular IS350 then, hehe.

Yes, better do. I didn't really consider the base IS350 back then as I was too excited with the F-Sport look.

[Walter]

Based on experience PMS of BMW is cheaper vs Mercedes. I have my car serviced here at Autozentrum Alabang. I would prefer the 520d or M Sport as it would still stand out better than a Lexus. The yabang factor still goes to the eurocars here in our country. Of course just be prepared to shell out for that as well specially since this will be your daily driver.

TS wants something that does not attract too much attention. Not everyone wants to show off.

[bjreyesmd]

Brought my wife to Lexus Global City to have her decide between the regular IS and F sport. Being how a practical woman she is, I was surprised she chose the F sport!

And so, F sport it is! Thanks guys for the inputs and replies. More horsepower to you guys