Lexus IS AWD or MB C300 4matic?
01-01-2017, 04:25 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Lexus IS AWD or MB C300 4matic?
I am selling my affected VW Jetta Tdi back to VW so now I need to look for a new DD to take to work almost 100 miles per day. I will not buy another VW. I really like the car and would like to get another but I hate VW and the local dealer.
I am looking to go all wheel drive so I don't have to use my 4x4 diesel pick up truck on long trips where I might get significant snow.
I am trying to decide between a C300 4matic Benz and a Lexus IS 250 or 350 AWD.
Who has had one of these vehicles? What are the pros and cons?
How do they hold up against salt(rust)? Engine longevity? Any common major or minor frequent problems?
Any info you can give is appreciated. Thanks
I am looking to go all wheel drive so I don't have to use my 4x4 diesel pick up truck on long trips where I might get significant snow.
I am trying to decide between a C300 4matic Benz and a Lexus IS 250 or 350 AWD.
Who has had one of these vehicles? What are the pros and cons?
How do they hold up against salt(rust)? Engine longevity? Any common major or minor frequent problems?
Any info you can give is appreciated. Thanks
01-03-2017, 10:25 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
My DD is a 2015 Lexus IS 350 F Sport AWD. I was in your shoes (with a long commute) when I was shopping for a vehicle, so reliability was a prime motivator.
Pros - I have owned the IS for two years now and have had zero issues with the car. Lexus reliability rocks! AWD makes it very capable in snow and slick weather. I run all seasons and have never had an issue getting around in the snow. Power, handling and braking are all very good. If power is important to you, go with the IS 350 - I had an IS 250 as a loaner (for regular service visit) and the 100 horsepower deficit was a night and day difference.
Cons - Not many to speak of. The F Sport package - while making handling very sporty - also leans towards a firmer ride. Strange as it sounds, the F Sport package also negates memory for your seat position. If you are not looking at an F Sport, these won't apply.
All in all, I most certainly recommend the IS 350 AWD. Good luck with your vehicle search!
Pros - I have owned the IS for two years now and have had zero issues with the car. Lexus reliability rocks! AWD makes it very capable in snow and slick weather. I run all seasons and have never had an issue getting around in the snow. Power, handling and braking are all very good. If power is important to you, go with the IS 350 - I had an IS 250 as a loaner (for regular service visit) and the 100 horsepower deficit was a night and day difference.
Cons - Not many to speak of. The F Sport package - while making handling very sporty - also leans towards a firmer ride. Strange as it sounds, the F Sport package also negates memory for your seat position. If you are not looking at an F Sport, these won't apply.
All in all, I most certainly recommend the IS 350 AWD. Good luck with your vehicle search!
Last edited by 91Vette; 01-03-2017 at 12:51 PM.
01-03-2017, 11:22 AM
#3
Whichever you go with, get one with as many options as possible because they really transform the car.
Also consider Audi A4, BMW 3 series with X drive, and Cadillac ATS-4.
Also consider Audi A4, BMW 3 series with X drive, and Cadillac ATS-4.
01-08-2017, 12:02 AM
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
My DD is a 2015 Lexus IS 350 F Sport AWD. I was in your shoes (with a long commute) when I was shopping for a vehicle, so reliability was a prime motivator.
Pros - I have owned the IS for two years now and have had zero issues with the car. Lexus reliability rocks! AWD makes it very capable in snow and slick weather. I run all seasons and have never had an issue getting around in the snow. Power, handling and braking are all very good. If power is important to you, go with the IS 350 - I had an IS 250 as a loaner (for regular service visit) and the 100 horsepower deficit was a night and day difference.
Cons - Not many to speak of. The F Sport package - while making handling very sporty - also leans towards a firmer ride. Strange as it sounds, the F Sport package also negates memory for your seat position. If you are not looking at an F Sport, these won't apply.
All in all, I most certainly recommend the IS 350 AWD. Good luck with your vehicle search!
Pros - I have owned the IS for two years now and have had zero issues with the car. Lexus reliability rocks! AWD makes it very capable in snow and slick weather. I run all seasons and have never had an issue getting around in the snow. Power, handling and braking are all very good. If power is important to you, go with the IS 350 - I had an IS 250 as a loaner (for regular service visit) and the 100 horsepower deficit was a night and day difference.
Cons - Not many to speak of. The F Sport package - while making handling very sporty - also leans towards a firmer ride. Strange as it sounds, the F Sport package also negates memory for your seat position. If you are not looking at an F Sport, these won't apply.
All in all, I most certainly recommend the IS 350 AWD. Good luck with your vehicle search!
From what I read the Lexus has a lower cost of ownership and is very reliable. Just took out a 2014 IS250 AWD with 32K on it. It was very nice. Wife loved it. Filled out the paper work and put some money down and will decide on it Monday. The power doesn't matter to me. That's what the vette is for. I want this for the 18-20k miles a year I drive. That is why I bought the diesel Jetta for the 40+mpg. It more than paid for itself. I should get another 40mpg car but don't really like what is out there. I actually really liked the VW but I hate the company and dealer and that I have to get everything through the dealer or order online including oil and filter.
01-08-2017, 12:09 AM
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
Those are all nice cars though.
01-08-2017, 12:17 AM
#6
Race Director
You really have only one choice between those two. You can get a brand known for reliability, quality, and insane resale value... or you can get a German car known for frequent issues, expensive service, and terrible resale values.
I'd maybe look at an Acura in your position. The TSX or whatever they have like that nowdays.
I'd maybe look at an Acura in your position. The TSX or whatever they have like that nowdays.
01-14-2017, 10:46 PM
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Jul 2007
Location: Texas Hill Country
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If you are talking about a 2015+ C300 then I would definitely recommend that. If you are talking about a previous gen (say 2010) C300 or the like then I would get the Lexus.
I buy and sell these cars all day, every day. New C Class is nice, old C Class is not that nice. Lexus are always the same, vanilla soul-less. Better than some, worse than others.
I buy and sell these cars all day, every day. New C Class is nice, old C Class is not that nice. Lexus are always the same, vanilla soul-less. Better than some, worse than others.
03-18-2017, 07:30 PM
#10
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03-21-2017, 07:24 AM
#11
Team Owner
I can't stand Lexus styling so it would be the Benz or another of the Germans for me. I've had nothing but German cars for a very long time now and have never owned one that wasn't great... their styling and feel has always hit the spot for me.
04-02-2017, 02:37 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
If you are talking about a 2015+ C300 then I would definitely recommend that. If you are talking about a previous gen (say 2010) C300 or the like then I would get the Lexus.
I buy and sell these cars all day, every day. New C Class is nice, old C Class is not that nice. Lexus are always the same, vanilla soul-less. Better than some, worse than others.
I buy and sell these cars all day, every day. New C Class is nice, old C Class is not that nice. Lexus are always the same, vanilla soul-less. Better than some, worse than others.