It sounds like those are quite similar options, one thing that stuck out to me was the loaner car. If you don’t have a spouse or another car to get around that will be very important, can’t really go anywhere if your car is in the shop.
My car car had an exhaust issue, it was in and out for 2 weeks. Just my two cents there.

also if you are at all thinking about buying at end of lease term the 2018 is immediately a better investment from that standpoint. Less depreciation.

I actually just bought the identical car as the 18 in late January, color and everything. I didn't like the linden wood trim with the leather originally. Brown wood with black leather? It turns out after a week I would not trade it for anything. It gives the car such a class feel, and the wood itself has incredible depth. I wanted the black natural grain trim, but was virtually impossible to find in MY18. Didn't really consider the CF.

What I didn't realize until after the purchase is that you need the parking assistance package to get any front parking sensors. That's kind of a bummer to me but I'm adjusting to no front sensors after having them since 2005.

I agree with others that the Performance Exhaust is defo not required. It pops and crackles like mad in S+ with the standard sport exhaust. I live in metro Boston and it's a bit embarrassing in S or S+. I keep it in C most of the time in the city. I wouldn't use the PE button hardly ever, and can't see using it outside of S+ mode anyway.

My priorities may be different than others. I wanted a luxurious but fun-spirited car. I have been driving larger vehicles for family reasons since 2007. My fiancé got a big 3-row this time so I got a smaller more fun car. I wasn't looking for the ultimate in sportiness, I have a sport bike and supermoto if I want to be faster than everything else on the road.

I had been waiting for a Tesla Model 3 to become available but couldn't wait any longer (and after seeing the QC complaints I'm glad!). I cross shopped several Audis (RS3 couldn't make a deal and had a much more basic interior...really wanted an S5 sportback but the roofline was soooo low it's ridiculous) and BMW (like the M2 and 240i but need 4 doors for the kids).

In the end I'm very happy with the decision, and don't even have any envy after seeing the face lifted MY19. I read complaints about the stereo, the rattles and the suspension. I don't share them. I think the stereo is wonderful, but I do always leave it in surround mode. I don't have rattles yet, and I'm ok with the suspension; I did replace the 19" run flats with conti DWS all seasons before picking up the car and I have the tire pressures set to those listed inside the gas door.

No front sensors was a definite shocker. I bought a Fensens setup, which is a license plate frame with sensors and Bluetooth to a phone app, but it didn't fit the front mount (which is not flat) so I returned it. The c43 is also pretty light on safety features compared to other brands. No active lane assist or radar cruise control unless you get the driver assist package, which is an extra $2250. So you basically have to pay an extra $3500 to get features that are standard on every Toyota. I can't think of anything other than those relatively minor quibbles. The only thing I would add to my car is the front sensors and maybe the AMG steering wheel. It looks neat.

I didn't say the SE sounds like the PE. I said it is plenty loud (in sport it is actually too loud on the highway for me) and that I would never use it, and yes, the SE crackles and pops. The downshift/revmatch when slowing & stopping is cool when your alone but in traffic is pretty silly. Ppl definitely think I'm trying to race them. However, I will say Boston is not known for friendly drivers!!

I have to disagree on the PE. To me it is the one must have option. I would not buy either of these without it.

Otger than that personal deal killer, I do not care about the parking capability, I have been parking cars unassisted for 40 years. I am not a fan of carbon fiber , especially in a relatively heavy car , so linden wood is fine (prefer black ash), like the 5 spoke better than the multi spoke, so if had to choose it’s would be the 2018.

Congrats! Hey we have the same car now

PE is not a must. Either they’re old farts or they’re just snooty