Time to give up my 06 525i for a 06 Lexus GS350?
- Thread starter k3nny
- Start date
-
Click here to become an Official Member of BMW Club Malaysia Download Form
Spaceman
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2005
- Messages
- 1,163
- Points
- 38
The best time to buy a 3/5er is when Sport Package is launched! I wont miss it next time round if my next car is yet another Bimmer!
The norm for sport package usually comes after 1-1.5yrs of fresh new model launched.
I think the F10 should basically equip with Navi, HUD, Nite Vision, Internet, Voice Command, Comfort Access.... The sport package should come with 7 speeder, Dual Clutch, Paddleshifters...and last but not least a Twin Turbo!!!
The norm for sport package usually comes after 1-1.5yrs of fresh new model launched.
I think the F10 should basically equip with Navi, HUD, Nite Vision, Internet, Voice Command, Comfort Access.... The sport package should come with 7 speeder, Dual Clutch, Paddleshifters...and last but not least a Twin Turbo!!!
WOW Spaceman.
You've got me dreaming already. After driving a friend's M5 the other day, im jealous over the HUD, the EXTENDED LEATHER PACKAGE. DAMNN MAN.
Everything from the dash to the door panels to EVERY DAMN THING is wrapped in leather.
Sigh.
Returning back in to my 525i was positively depressing.
You've got me dreaming already. After driving a friend's M5 the other day, im jealous over the HUD, the EXTENDED LEATHER PACKAGE. DAMNN MAN.
Everything from the dash to the door panels to EVERY DAMN THING is wrapped in leather.
Sigh.
Returning back in to my 525i was positively depressing.
thule
Club Guest
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2008
- Messages
- 1,009
- Points
- 0
you've gotta learn on how to appreciate your car more... it's good to envy other ppl's ride. Don't you sometimes think that other ppl's car is always better??? 
If you channel it positively, it might be a motivational factor for you to get a better ride in the near future...
If you channel it positively, it might be a motivational factor for you to get a better ride in the near future...
David Yong
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2006
- Messages
- 2,301
- Points
- 0
thule;387664 said:you've gotta learn on how to appreciate your car more... it's good to envy other ppl's ride. Don't you sometimes think that other ppl's car is always better???
If you channel it positively, it might be a motivational factor for you to get a better ride in the near future...
Does that also apply to other people's women ???
David Yong
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2006
- Messages
- 2,301
- Points
- 0
Well we normally associates "cars" with "women". It's absolutely normal :wink:
Hayashi
Club Guest
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2006
- Messages
- 9
- Points
- 0
I totally agree wif you guys ...as a TOYOTA renamed Lexus or Texas or any other name is still a TOYOTa with only a fifty odd year history and no pedigree ! whist a BIMMER is Always a BIMMER with years and years of history....The performance and handaling once teeweaked slightly ...is second to none!!!
David Yong
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2006
- Messages
- 2,301
- Points
- 0
thule;387926 said:nah.. in my opinion, sometimes you don't have to own beautiful things. You might "want" it but do you really "need" it? I wonder
Maybe only if we can lay our hands on them once
There are a lot of things in this world that is "nice" to have but is not "must" to have.
funfer_fahrer
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,928
- Points
- 0
Hey guys!
So now my 06 525i CKD which i bought from AB is coming to 3 years this March and its now at approx 120,000 kms.
Ive asked around and the resale value for this car is only around 220k - 250k now if you are lucky. Maybe 10k more if you are selling to an end user as opposed to a dealer.
Business is expected to be slow in 2009. Why must you part with your car? Is it started to give problems? Scared of resale value? A BMW can last up to more than 10 years if maintained properly. Japs car lifespan is rather short.
If i were to keep the car, it has to be all the way to 2011 when the new 5 series comes out or the new Lexus GS comes out. (I have taken a liking to Lexus cars of late. Very very quiet and a better compromise for me. Driving my family of 5 to penang in the E60 is quite bumpy and uncomfy in the rear, ive been told)
For now, ive got some offers from dealers at around 230k - 240k and im considering letting her go an getting a Jap Spec Lexus GS350 from Naza.
If you want to settle with GS350, you might as well settle with 2.4 Camry. Passenger comfort is better than than E60. Trust me. After all, what's so special about the GS350? If you really like Lexus, buy a "proper" Lexus such as the GS450h. It is voted as the winner for Australia's Best Cars under Best Luxury Car segment. I am sure you are aware of this. Don't let the numbers scare you. The engine is also 3.5L, plus it is also a hybrid. THAT is something special. As of today, no other German car maker manage to come close. And, this car is coming to town.
My only gripes with the Lexus is that there is no Lexus specialist in KL bar Lexus Mutiara Damansara. What happens if something major with the electronics goes haywire, what with the EMV touchscreen and all?
Come on man, you are not scared to buy an E60 but you are scared to buy a Lexus? It is one of the most reliable cars on this planet.
Secondly is that everything is in Japanese. The buttons on the dash that represent Audio, Climate, System etc are all in Japanese but once i press them once and figure out what it does, i dont forsee it to be a problem.
But as you do deeper into the system, everything is in Japanese. The system, setting the lights and convenience settings etc are ALL in JAPANESE. Even the display on the instrument cluster displays Japanese.
The radio also plays Japanese bands only.
Nonetheless, i will work on solving those issues once i actually buy the damn car. Im sure there must be a way around it.
But for now, what do you guys think?
If you really like the Lexus, go to Mutiara Damansara. NAZA is not in my good book.
Keep the E60 525i till 2010 - 2011 when the new 5 series/Lexus GS is out or sell her now and get a Lexus GS to keep me company till 2010 - 2011.
As far as I can see, you only have to two options. You either keep the E60 if is not giving problems. Or, you buy your dream GS350 while maintaining your E60. Now is a good time to buy cars when there's a lot of desperados car dealers out there but not a good time to sell your E60. If I were you, I just hang on to my E60 for a while then, I go straight for GS450h probably in two or three years' time.
Either way, i lose the same amounts. Now at 230k, ive already lost 190k or so from my purchase price of 420k.
If i keep till 2011, i expect maybe to lose an additional 80k and sell at 150k which would be a total loss of 270k on this car value.
If i change to a Lexus GS now, my loss on the BMW is 190k + the Lexus im buying for 250k which i expect in 2 years i might be able to dispose at 150k - 160k which means a loss of around 100k which brings the total to 290k.
Bro, buying cars is about losing money. You can never untung. The big question is are you willing to lose money in this current economic situation? Or, are you willing to lose money when the economy is better? That's why people often ask the question "what's your budget?" meaning, how much money are you willing to throw away?
Thereabouts similar to keeping the BMW but dont forget, the Lexus has only around 30k kms on it, maintenance is bound to be cheaper, i get 1 year warranty from Naza and i get a new toy to play around with.
The BMW is knocking on 120,000kms. If i keep her, i would respray the whole car to touch up any scuffed areas, change the leather and who knows what else would happen to parts like the gearbox or active steering or whatever may fail in higher mileage bmw's.
At 120,000 in terms of BMW standards, the car is still considered "young". For the same mileage, a Japanese car can be considered as an artifact for Tokyo Museum.
Shes been treated like a pricess but who knows, she might be a temperamental princess. I sure hope i dont find out.
BMW is always temperamental and unpredictable. Well, it has to be this way. Otherwise, don't call it a BMW. After 3 years, I am sure you are already used to it.
The feedback ive gotten is very mixed. Some are pro Lexus as a classier ride, and definitely giving a more upmarket feel and image to people who see it whilst some say that peoples perception of a Lexus is a japanese car no matter what you say.
Yup, it is indeed classier provided you buy the GS450h. If you buy the GS350, you might as well settle with a brand new Camry. What's wrong with a Camry anyway?
A BMW is always a BMW it seems.
You can say that again.
Anyhow, any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for any feedback and input!
It's OK if you don't want to listen to my advice. Just my 2 cents.
So now my 06 525i CKD which i bought from AB is coming to 3 years this March and its now at approx 120,000 kms.
Ive asked around and the resale value for this car is only around 220k - 250k now if you are lucky. Maybe 10k more if you are selling to an end user as opposed to a dealer.
Business is expected to be slow in 2009. Why must you part with your car? Is it started to give problems? Scared of resale value? A BMW can last up to more than 10 years if maintained properly. Japs car lifespan is rather short.
If i were to keep the car, it has to be all the way to 2011 when the new 5 series comes out or the new Lexus GS comes out. (I have taken a liking to Lexus cars of late. Very very quiet and a better compromise for me. Driving my family of 5 to penang in the E60 is quite bumpy and uncomfy in the rear, ive been told)
For now, ive got some offers from dealers at around 230k - 240k and im considering letting her go an getting a Jap Spec Lexus GS350 from Naza.
If you want to settle with GS350, you might as well settle with 2.4 Camry. Passenger comfort is better than than E60. Trust me. After all, what's so special about the GS350? If you really like Lexus, buy a "proper" Lexus such as the GS450h. It is voted as the winner for Australia's Best Cars under Best Luxury Car segment. I am sure you are aware of this. Don't let the numbers scare you. The engine is also 3.5L, plus it is also a hybrid. THAT is something special. As of today, no other German car maker manage to come close. And, this car is coming to town.
My only gripes with the Lexus is that there is no Lexus specialist in KL bar Lexus Mutiara Damansara. What happens if something major with the electronics goes haywire, what with the EMV touchscreen and all?
Come on man, you are not scared to buy an E60 but you are scared to buy a Lexus? It is one of the most reliable cars on this planet.
Secondly is that everything is in Japanese. The buttons on the dash that represent Audio, Climate, System etc are all in Japanese but once i press them once and figure out what it does, i dont forsee it to be a problem.
But as you do deeper into the system, everything is in Japanese. The system, setting the lights and convenience settings etc are ALL in JAPANESE. Even the display on the instrument cluster displays Japanese.
The radio also plays Japanese bands only.
Nonetheless, i will work on solving those issues once i actually buy the damn car. Im sure there must be a way around it.
But for now, what do you guys think?
If you really like the Lexus, go to Mutiara Damansara. NAZA is not in my good book.
Keep the E60 525i till 2010 - 2011 when the new 5 series/Lexus GS is out or sell her now and get a Lexus GS to keep me company till 2010 - 2011.
As far as I can see, you only have to two options. You either keep the E60 if is not giving problems. Or, you buy your dream GS350 while maintaining your E60. Now is a good time to buy cars when there's a lot of desperados car dealers out there but not a good time to sell your E60. If I were you, I just hang on to my E60 for a while then, I go straight for GS450h probably in two or three years' time.
Either way, i lose the same amounts. Now at 230k, ive already lost 190k or so from my purchase price of 420k.
If i keep till 2011, i expect maybe to lose an additional 80k and sell at 150k which would be a total loss of 270k on this car value.
If i change to a Lexus GS now, my loss on the BMW is 190k + the Lexus im buying for 250k which i expect in 2 years i might be able to dispose at 150k - 160k which means a loss of around 100k which brings the total to 290k.
Bro, buying cars is about losing money. You can never untung. The big question is are you willing to lose money in this current economic situation? Or, are you willing to lose money when the economy is better? That's why people often ask the question "what's your budget?" meaning, how much money are you willing to throw away?
Thereabouts similar to keeping the BMW but dont forget, the Lexus has only around 30k kms on it, maintenance is bound to be cheaper, i get 1 year warranty from Naza and i get a new toy to play around with.
The BMW is knocking on 120,000kms. If i keep her, i would respray the whole car to touch up any scuffed areas, change the leather and who knows what else would happen to parts like the gearbox or active steering or whatever may fail in higher mileage bmw's.
At 120,000 in terms of BMW standards, the car is still considered "young". For the same mileage, a Japanese car can be considered as an artifact for Tokyo Museum.
Shes been treated like a pricess but who knows, she might be a temperamental princess. I sure hope i dont find out.
BMW is always temperamental and unpredictable. Well, it has to be this way. Otherwise, don't call it a BMW. After 3 years, I am sure you are already used to it.
The feedback ive gotten is very mixed. Some are pro Lexus as a classier ride, and definitely giving a more upmarket feel and image to people who see it whilst some say that peoples perception of a Lexus is a japanese car no matter what you say.
Yup, it is indeed classier provided you buy the GS450h. If you buy the GS350, you might as well settle with a brand new Camry. What's wrong with a Camry anyway?
A BMW is always a BMW it seems.
You can say that again.
Anyhow, any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for any feedback and input!
It's OK if you don't want to listen to my advice. Just my 2 cents.
I hope you dont mind i take your last bit first.
Thanks for your kind advice and taking the time to type it out here. Of course all advice that one receives, we have to give due thought and revevaluate our decisions and subsequently make new ones but nonetheless, thanks for taking the time to give it.
1. Business is expected to be slow in 2009 but as i calculated, the impact on my bottomline (ie: instalments) is quite similar if i keep the BMW or go to the Lexus. In fact maybe the Lexus will end up slightly less too.
What could potentially cost less is maintenance with the BMW at 120,000kms and the Lexus at close to 30,000kms.
Not to mention cost of tires and all other incidental costs of ownership except roadtax which is a killer on the 350.
2. Ditto on the GS450h. Ive seen so many reviews on it and i think the car is a real innovation but once again, the reason why im jumping to the Lexus is to be able to continue paying the same instalment, have a car with lower mileage to drive and hopefully lower maintenance costs until the new 5er comes out so in a sense, the GS450h wouldnt meet this criteria as it is even more expensive than the top of the line GS430 in the US!
3. Im not scared to buy a Lexus because of its reliability. Im scared because i might not be able to source spare parts or there is no reputable workshop. BMW has plenty (M1, Raymond etc) but im not too sure about Lexus so i was wondering if someone had some feedback? Afterall the car im contemplating is a parallel import from Naza.
4. Mutiara Damansara was my option and i did see a few pre-owned example because to satisfy criteria no2, the car has to cost less than RM300k and i dont want to spend too much and suffer too much depreciation as i will sell the car late this year/early next year to make way for the new 5er but i didnt find anything below RM300k. No preowned examples with demo's going around RM320k - 340k.
5. This was indeed an option for me too and split my usage amongst the 2 cars but once again, it wouldnt be a cost saving exercise anymore then.
Now if the instalments are the same, my monthly bottomline remains the same. The only thing that changes is the maintenance. Cost of maintenance is less although roadtax goes up, but not by much. Owning 2 of them might be too much of a burden (considering one is already quite painful).
6. I think youre right and i was smitten by the Lexus' soft analine leather for awhile. Maybe now might not be the right time to jump into such a decision after all, my E60 treats me like a king whilst i treat her like a princess. Shes getting a fresh coat of paint now for CNY as we speak!
7. Thats true but the general perception of the general non-enthusiast community is that Lexus ranks amongst the big german 3 (Audi/VW, Merc BMW). Infact some say the brand seems more "atas" and "premium" over BMW's and are surprised to find otherwise when you give them the customary remark about Lexus' being expensive Toyota's.
8. Im quite used to it but as you can see, im fresh out of my warranty which has helped ease the burden so im not sure how "used" to it i can be in the near future but we'll have to see. So far shes been pretty trouble free, even in warranty and fresh out of, her water pump decided to give way so im stuck with that bill. Other than that, shes been lovely so im not too worried.
9. Nothing's wrong but if i had to go Camry, im more of a Honda fan and i also currently have an Accord so theres no point getting a Camry to replace an E60 :O
Thanks anyhow for all the advice. I have decided against the Lexus.
Im keeping the E60 and in celebration of keeping her, ive gone out to get her a new BMC airfilter, shes now getting a fresh new coat of paint and a new Nappa leather interior!
should keep me happy for another year!
Hehe
Anyhow, thanks for all the feedback.
I've driven the GS350 a few times and even the local GS300. Its actually quite a good car. Has a somewhat Japanese-ish feel to it in the doors and the way the car drives but really, unless you're very very used to BMW's, you'd be hard pressed to find a difference.
I have 2 friends that went GS300 local spec after the Merc E200 and E240 respectively and both swear by the GS300 and would never go back to Merc.
I have however 1 friend from an E60 who went to a GS350 japan spec from a dealer in cheras and he swears it will be the last Lexus with him going back to BMW as soon as the new F10 is out.
So i think its all really mixed. Anyone have any feedback to share?
Thanks for your kind advice and taking the time to type it out here. Of course all advice that one receives, we have to give due thought and revevaluate our decisions and subsequently make new ones but nonetheless, thanks for taking the time to give it.
1. Business is expected to be slow in 2009 but as i calculated, the impact on my bottomline (ie: instalments) is quite similar if i keep the BMW or go to the Lexus. In fact maybe the Lexus will end up slightly less too.
What could potentially cost less is maintenance with the BMW at 120,000kms and the Lexus at close to 30,000kms.
Not to mention cost of tires and all other incidental costs of ownership except roadtax which is a killer on the 350.
2. Ditto on the GS450h. Ive seen so many reviews on it and i think the car is a real innovation but once again, the reason why im jumping to the Lexus is to be able to continue paying the same instalment, have a car with lower mileage to drive and hopefully lower maintenance costs until the new 5er comes out so in a sense, the GS450h wouldnt meet this criteria as it is even more expensive than the top of the line GS430 in the US!
3. Im not scared to buy a Lexus because of its reliability. Im scared because i might not be able to source spare parts or there is no reputable workshop. BMW has plenty (M1, Raymond etc) but im not too sure about Lexus so i was wondering if someone had some feedback? Afterall the car im contemplating is a parallel import from Naza.
4. Mutiara Damansara was my option and i did see a few pre-owned example because to satisfy criteria no2, the car has to cost less than RM300k and i dont want to spend too much and suffer too much depreciation as i will sell the car late this year/early next year to make way for the new 5er but i didnt find anything below RM300k. No preowned examples with demo's going around RM320k - 340k.
5. This was indeed an option for me too and split my usage amongst the 2 cars but once again, it wouldnt be a cost saving exercise anymore then.
Now if the instalments are the same, my monthly bottomline remains the same. The only thing that changes is the maintenance. Cost of maintenance is less although roadtax goes up, but not by much. Owning 2 of them might be too much of a burden (considering one is already quite painful).
6. I think youre right and i was smitten by the Lexus' soft analine leather for awhile. Maybe now might not be the right time to jump into such a decision after all, my E60 treats me like a king whilst i treat her like a princess. Shes getting a fresh coat of paint now for CNY as we speak!
7. Thats true but the general perception of the general non-enthusiast community is that Lexus ranks amongst the big german 3 (Audi/VW, Merc BMW). Infact some say the brand seems more "atas" and "premium" over BMW's and are surprised to find otherwise when you give them the customary remark about Lexus' being expensive Toyota's.
8. Im quite used to it but as you can see, im fresh out of my warranty which has helped ease the burden so im not sure how "used" to it i can be in the near future but we'll have to see. So far shes been pretty trouble free, even in warranty and fresh out of, her water pump decided to give way so im stuck with that bill. Other than that, shes been lovely so im not too worried.
9. Nothing's wrong but if i had to go Camry, im more of a Honda fan and i also currently have an Accord so theres no point getting a Camry to replace an E60 :O
Thanks anyhow for all the advice. I have decided against the Lexus.
Im keeping the E60 and in celebration of keeping her, ive gone out to get her a new BMC airfilter, shes now getting a fresh new coat of paint and a new Nappa leather interior!
should keep me happy for another year!Hehe
Anyhow, thanks for all the feedback.
I've driven the GS350 a few times and even the local GS300. Its actually quite a good car. Has a somewhat Japanese-ish feel to it in the doors and the way the car drives but really, unless you're very very used to BMW's, you'd be hard pressed to find a difference.
I have 2 friends that went GS300 local spec after the Merc E200 and E240 respectively and both swear by the GS300 and would never go back to Merc.
I have however 1 friend from an E60 who went to a GS350 japan spec from a dealer in cheras and he swears it will be the last Lexus with him going back to BMW as soon as the new F10 is out.
So i think its all really mixed. Anyone have any feedback to share?
funfer_fahrer
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,928
- Points
- 0
K3nny,,
I wish you the best of luck with your new Lexus. In your situation, I believe you did the right thing.
I wish you the best of luck with your new Lexus. In your situation, I believe you did the right thing.
Spaceman
Club Guest
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2005
- Messages
- 1,163
- Points
- 38
IF i were U, alrite, since I am determined to get the F10 in 12-15 months, i wouldnt get the Lexus unless the there's someone (new buyer) waiting to take over from me at an agreed price. Changing to Lexus from now and sell it back later to get F10 would incur some losses. IF the 'losses' = E60 subsequent maintenance + depreciation, i would seriously consider. Is your E60 is having big trouble?
If you worry the resale value is low when F10 is released, u can sell the E60 now since it fetches better value and get a 'normal' car which doesnt incur too much loss like the Lexus. How's the Lexus resale value and how much would you loss in 1 yr usage?
If you worry the resale value is low when F10 is released, u can sell the E60 now since it fetches better value and get a 'normal' car which doesnt incur too much loss like the Lexus. How's the Lexus resale value and how much would you loss in 1 yr usage?
funfer_fahrer
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,928
- Points
- 0
thsaw99;388721 said:
He's leaning towards the Lexus.
funfer_fahrer
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,928
- Points
- 0
You got to read between the lines.
