Seeking advice on new car

wicklowmale

I am considering buying a new car, probably this year if i can get a good deal.

Considering Hybrid cars are great for the environment etc, i am starting to discover the manufacture of the battery system is not, Rare Earth Elements.

So i am considering either a toyota Avensis/Lexus 220d 2008 model/ bmw 320 or 520.

Toyota (Diesel) is very reliable, great mileage, great mpg but a bit plastic looking inside.

Lexus (Diesel): very reliable, pretty good mileage, 40mpg, fantastic interior, but a bit pricey

BMW: Reliable but expensive to maintain, good mileage, good interior

Obviously i would love the lexus, but something in the back of my head is saying hold on and think about it more

I am looking for any advice that will help me decide.

I appreciate everyone's advice in advance.

Looking forward to hearing from you all

biggus

What sort of driving/ commute do you do ? have you a family to cart around ? what have you at the moment ?

mickdw

You are wise to realise that there are downsides to the whole hybrid idea. Diesel is the better option really. I would go for a 2008 520d if within budget. I wouldnt go for older than 2008 in a 520d due to the differences in road tax leading to great resale problems I would think. My second choice would be The IS220d. Third BMW 2008 320d. Avensis is not at the races here.

Gumbo

personally speaking i would opt for the 520d then the 320d.

my dad has an E60 520d MSport, My GF has an E90 320d MSport and my cousin has an IS220d. i drive them all on a daily basis and i would have the 520d over them all, it tips the 320d purely on a size and space perspective and appearance for me.

lordnoah

Personally I wouldn't buy a BMW of any type. Too common and unoriginal.

I'd go with the Lexus IS but also try the Honda Accord and Alfa Romeo 159 diesels.

biggus

Bm's are common for good reason

peter_de_tool

biggus wrote: »

Bm's are common for good reason

Yes status anxiexty, most BWM owners will claim reliabillity as the main reason for the choice of motor, so why don't they buy a Hyundai, they are statistically much more reliable, they have lower MTBFs (mean time between failures) acording to jdpower & the AA (not alcohlics anon.)

EPM

But most people with a pulse would opt for a BM above a Hyundai. Nothing at all wrong with a Hyundai but they aren't anywhere near as nice to drive or spend time in

Henry Ford III

Toyota/Lexus 2.2 diesel is a bit rattly. Lets it down in this company.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

peter_de_tool wrote: »

Yes status anxiexty, most BWM owners will claim reliabillity as the main reason for the choice of motor,

No most BMW owners choose the brand because they are the best drivers cars, have the best engines, and have a premium feel and branding.
OP if economy is what you want and environmental status, try the new 318d ED BMW its crazy efficient and still well over 100 BHP.

whiterebel

wicklowmale wrote: »

I am considering buying a new car, probably this year if i can get a good deal.

Considering Hybrid cars are great for the environment etc, i am starting to discover the manufacture of the battery system is not, Rare Earth Elements.

So i am considering either a toyota Avensis/Lexus 220d 2008 model/ bmw 320 or 520.

Toyota (Diesel) is very reliable, great mileage, great mpg but a bit plastic looking inside.

Lexus (Diesel): very reliable, pretty good mileage, 40mpg, fantastic interior, but a bit pricey

BMW: Reliable but expensive to maintain, good mileage, good interior

Obviously i would love the lexus, but something in the back of my head is saying hold on and think about it more

I am looking for any advice that will help me decide.

I appreciate everyone's advice in advance.

Looking forward to hearing from you all

I was looking at similar last year, and went for an Audi A6. Brilliant car, well pleased with it.

Tragedy

Kennedy Disgusting Prizefight wrote: »

No most BMW owners choose the brand because they are the best drivers cars, have the best engines, and have a premium feel and branding.
OP if economy is what you want and environmental status, try the new 318d ED BMW its crazy efficient and still well over 100 BHP.

In fairness, most BMW owners do buy because of the brand. Seriously, how many average drivers are keen/enthusiastic drivers, and how many just want a BMW(and any BMW at that)?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Tragedy wrote: »

and how many just want a BMW(and any BMW at that)?

Ah the 318d and 316i effect, thats true.

colm_mcm

If the OP can't afford an 08 IS220d then an 08 520d isn't realistic.

wicklowmale

biggus wrote: »

What sort of driving/ commute do you do ? have you a family to cart around ? what have you at the moment ?

Mainly i commute from Sth wicklow to sth dublin to work.
So mainly its motorway/Dual carraigeway driving

I single

wicklowmale

Thanks to everyone for your feedback.

I test drove Lexus IS 200/is220/is250 and i feel in love with them all.I prefer the 220 as its diesel and it looks amazing. MPG on the 220 is (officially: 40+) it has the avensis engine.

My next car will be diesel, petrol is getting too expensive and economy isn't as good as diesel

I have been driving a 95 BMW 316 for the last 5 yrs and i admit it just keeps going and going although the mailtenance can be costly at times.

I have read numerous threads etc stating that the diesel engine in the 220d is noisey, i didn't think so when i went for a test drive and started her from cold.

The avensis is very reliable, great mpg (so does BMW from what i read so far) but it is a bit plasticy inside, although the bmw can look a bit too.

In an ideal work i would take the lexus with no second thought, but... (jury are out)

biggus

There's two thread s on here(search IS 220D) with Lexus mechanics detailing serious probs on Lexus IS diesel issues (not exactly the same engine as Avensis)

colm_mcm

what's your budget? do you actually need back doors?

wicklowmale

With or without back doors! I haven't really thought about that

Any suggestions?

bazz26

Subaru Legacy diesel:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200926194409614

kennethk

lexus diesels had a big problem, friend of mines was in and out of the garage!!
Think they have sorted it though, on the later models?