IS 350 compared to C320
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E320
IS 350 compared to C320
I test drove the new Lexus IS 350 last night with a friend, and I really don't know at this point why anyone would choose the Mercedes C320 over that now (I own one myself).
I mean the thing's got 306 HP, paddle shifting, keyless entry, keyless go, heated and ventilated seats, kick-*** dvd navigation system, bluetooth, great handling, and it costs like $40k (w/ the nav).
Unless MB thinks up something great with the upcoming C class, Lexus pretty much has us beat. Damn only the E class comes with keyless entry/go and ventilated seats, and the IS comes with it STANDARD!
And let's not get into that argument that "but it's a cheapo Japanese car". Remember, Lexus is #1 in reliability, while MB has fallen behind many crappy domestics...
I mean the thing's got 306 HP, paddle shifting, keyless entry, keyless go, heated and ventilated seats, kick-*** dvd navigation system, bluetooth, great handling, and it costs like $40k (w/ the nav).
Unless MB thinks up something great with the upcoming C class, Lexus pretty much has us beat. Damn only the E class comes with keyless entry/go and ventilated seats, and the IS comes with it STANDARD!
And let's not get into that argument that "but it's a cheapo Japanese car". Remember, Lexus is #1 in reliability, while MB has fallen behind many crappy domestics...
Last edited by oggle; Nov 12, 2005 at 10:52 AM.
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Originally Posted by oggle
I test drove the new Lexus IS 350 last night with a friend, and I really don't know at this point why anyone would choose the Mercedes C320 over that now (I own one myself).
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From: Louisiana
E320
Originally Posted by trust203
I believe you mean " C350" right ?? C320 is not even close to IS350 !!
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2005 C320wz
yeah it's not a fair comparison since the IS350 is a brand new car and the C350 is really an old car (w203) with a new engine. You have to wait until the w204 comes out to fairly compare the two.
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From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
MB reliability isn't that bad..... my only complaint is that my 1 touch button for the roof doesn't work anymore. My car sits in the driveway in the FLORIDA SUN ALL DAY LONG. I only drive it twice a week and that's in the evening. I guess I will have them "fix" the switch this next service. I think the problem is in the dealers not knowing what the fudge they are doing. Just my .02 cents..........
Kenny..... remember AlBostons IS300? Remember how much of a PITA it was and how he finally dumped it? Anything is possible for any car.....
Kenny..... remember AlBostons IS300? Remember how much of a PITA it was and how he finally dumped it? Anything is possible for any car.....
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From: So-Cal
W211 E55 AMG, ML63 AMG, Past 996GT3,ZCPM3,Brabus C32,ML 500
Bah, my C32 has 350hp and heated seats for 10K more new 3 years ago.
They don't have anyone beat, plus it's German.
The Is more of a youthfull sports car. C320 is a grown up driver
2 different things.
Now if I had to choose between the 2, I would go Is without thinking twice.
They don't have anyone beat, plus it's German.
The Is more of a youthfull sports car. C320 is a grown up driver
2 different things.
Now if I had to choose between the 2, I would go Is without thinking twice.
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Originally Posted by LorinserCClass
Kenny I wanted to trade my car in so bad for it 
But I don't want 2 sedans anymore....
But I don't want 2 sedans anymore....back to the subject, i was debating this too, but at the end, i think the MB looks way better, i dont really like the way the rear of the IS looks. but to each his own, and if you do get it, we would need pics!
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From: Louisiana
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Originally Posted by electromethod
MB reliability isn't that bad..... my only complaint is that my 1 touch button for the roof doesn't work anymore. My car sits in the driveway in the FLORIDA SUN ALL DAY LONG. I only drive it twice a week and that's in the evening. I guess I will have them "fix" the switch this next service. I think the problem is in the dealers not knowing what the fudge they are doing. Just my .02 cents..........
Kenny..... remember AlBostons IS300? Remember how much of a PITA it was and how he finally dumped it? Anything is possible for any car.....
Kenny..... remember AlBostons IS300? Remember how much of a PITA it was and how he finally dumped it? Anything is possible for any car.....
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From: Louisiana
E320
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
Kenny, have you tried the new Z4M?
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From: Allen (Dallas) Tx.
2005 C230K SS
Oggle,
When you state the IS350 is like $40K, is that BEFORE tax, title, delivery, etc, etc?
Also, any idea what sort of warranty it comes with?
My '05 C230K came with 4 Years 50K miles, and I upped it to 7 Years 70K miles for an extra $3K.
The Cost pre-delivery was $30.5K with delivery charges and the extended warranty it was around $34.5K
So I'd be curious to know what the Lexus REALLY costs after all is said and done.
Also.... While Jap cars are built VERY well, and have excellent maintenance records, they just don't seem as solid as German cars like Mercedes, BMW, Audi and even VW for that matter.
And... A Lexus is just as expensive to maintain as any of the for mentioned German makes.
Just something to consider.
When you state the IS350 is like $40K, is that BEFORE tax, title, delivery, etc, etc?
Also, any idea what sort of warranty it comes with?
My '05 C230K came with 4 Years 50K miles, and I upped it to 7 Years 70K miles for an extra $3K.
The Cost pre-delivery was $30.5K with delivery charges and the extended warranty it was around $34.5K
So I'd be curious to know what the Lexus REALLY costs after all is said and done.
Also.... While Jap cars are built VERY well, and have excellent maintenance records, they just don't seem as solid as German cars like Mercedes, BMW, Audi and even VW for that matter.
And... A Lexus is just as expensive to maintain as any of the for mentioned German makes.
Just something to consider.
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My moms Lexus LS430 doesn't have that thunk that my X5 does, because it's got four automatic door closers. It's got a much softer ride than a S500, yet when it's put into Sport mode, it stiffens up considerably. It's quicker acceleration wise as well to 60mph, and I don't have figures, but I'd probably assume upto 120 as well. That is comparing with the 5speed not the 7speed S500 though.
Lexus Warranty is 4year/50k mi.
First two schedules maints are no charge.
BMW beats both Lexus and Mercedes warranty and maint. wise.
I think it's kind of silly to say this late in Lexus' life, that they still aren't built as solid as any other German make, because they really are. It's just a psychological thing when you sit in an IS350 and then a C350 and think the C350 is more 'solid'.
Oh well, it's all subjective. Pick what you like
Does anyone find it curious that so many folks are talking about the new IS350, but when the 3er came out, it was just another 3er (which I think means the new 3er has failed to up the bar).
Lexus Warranty is 4year/50k mi.
First two schedules maints are no charge.
BMW beats both Lexus and Mercedes warranty and maint. wise.
I think it's kind of silly to say this late in Lexus' life, that they still aren't built as solid as any other German make, because they really are. It's just a psychological thing when you sit in an IS350 and then a C350 and think the C350 is more 'solid'.
Oh well, it's all subjective. Pick what you like
Does anyone find it curious that so many folks are talking about the new IS350, but when the 3er came out, it was just another 3er (which I think means the new 3er has failed to up the bar).
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by oggle
Yeah the old IS300 looked like a rice rocket and was pretty weak.
New car is better looking than the old one, but the look is still sharpened camry. Can't argue with the straight line accelleration though. I still wouldn't want one. Its automatic only, I don't dig the look, and from all reports, still pretty soft around the corners. And the C350 is only a couple tenths off the pace. But I wouldn't want the C350 either...two many doors.
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
Does anyone find it curious that so many folks are talking about the new IS350, but when the 3er came out, it was just another 3er (which I think means the new 3er has failed to up the bar).
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
I haven't heard anyone mention the comfort level of the IS350. 1-2-3-4 tenths of a second difference in 0-60 mph times, and G forces around corners don't impress me anymore but comfort level does. If I want to race I'll buy a proper car and go to the track. I have to admit that the specs on the IS are great but I have learned specs are meaningless in daily driving. I also don't like the packages available with the IS....I'm not interested in NAV and you have to get it to have the rest of the features I want. Price before taxes is more like $42K.
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From: Allen (Dallas) Tx.
2005 C230K SS
Originally Posted by mick1
i saw this pic of the w204 at a german forum. It looks too big to be a C-class, don't you think ?
If the headlights on that new W204 are really what we are in for, I say YUK!
It looks more like a luxury Riceburner (such as a Toyota Avalon) than a Mercedes Benz!
In fact the separate head and parking lights of the E class are in my opinion one of the things that really set the Mercedes front end aside from other cars in it's class.
The C class headlight design isn't bad either, it's sort of a cross between the new W204 and the current E class, but the new design leaves me bland.
Thankfully, they kept the traditional looking grill and raised/hood ornament emblem!
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i guess we should wait to see what the W204's have in store to have a true comparison with the E90 3-series, IS350 and the B7 A4. problem is the others will have a couple years heed start on its life cycle
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Originally Posted by mick1
i saw this pic of the w204 at a german forum. It looks too big to be a C-class, don't you think ?
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by 230Kompressor
i thought somebody just posted a pic of a new upcoming c63, that pic shows the seperated headlights, now we are seeing this one? o man, its gonna be a long wait to see the w204
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From: Louisiana
E320
Originally Posted by Jay J
Oggle,
When you state the IS350 is like $40K, is that BEFORE tax, title, delivery, etc, etc?
Also, any idea what sort of warranty it comes with?
My '05 C230K came with 4 Years 50K miles, and I upped it to 7 Years 70K miles for an extra $3K.
The Cost pre-delivery was $30.5K with delivery charges and the extended warranty it was around $34.5K
So I'd be curious to know what the Lexus REALLY costs after all is said and done.
Also.... While Jap cars are built VERY well, and have excellent maintenance records, they just don't seem as solid as German cars like Mercedes, BMW, Audi and even VW for that matter.
And... A Lexus is just as expensive to maintain as any of the for mentioned German makes.
Just something to consider.
When you state the IS350 is like $40K, is that BEFORE tax, title, delivery, etc, etc?
Also, any idea what sort of warranty it comes with?
My '05 C230K came with 4 Years 50K miles, and I upped it to 7 Years 70K miles for an extra $3K.
The Cost pre-delivery was $30.5K with delivery charges and the extended warranty it was around $34.5K
So I'd be curious to know what the Lexus REALLY costs after all is said and done.
Also.... While Jap cars are built VERY well, and have excellent maintenance records, they just don't seem as solid as German cars like Mercedes, BMW, Audi and even VW for that matter.
And... A Lexus is just as expensive to maintain as any of the for mentioned German makes.
Just something to consider.
