2017 Lexus IS vs 2018 Toyota Camry

ptl93 on 06/10/2018 - 11:35
Last edited 06/10/2018 - 11:35

Hi Ozbargainers,

I’m in the market looking to upgrade my car. Please note I don’t work for Westpac so this is not a high yield invesment.
I’m interested in a used 2017 Lexus IS 200t entry level model but the new generation - top of the range V6 Camry SL also looks cool. Both of which can be bought for approx $45000 with Lexus being a bit more expensive. I will mostly use the car to drive to work and going road trip sometimes - no kids.
I’m interested in used luxury German sedan (C class, A4, 3 series) as well but have heard horror stories about their unreliability and resale value so I would stick to Japanese brand as I want to keep the car for at least 3-5 years.

Which would you choose between a new fully loaded Camry vs a smaller luxury base version IS and Why? Any other recommendation is welcome.

Poll Options

  • 9
    Lexus IS200t Luxury
  • 33
    Toyota Camry SL
Automotive Car Lexus Toyota

Comments

  • justaperson on 06/10/2018 - 11:49
    -1

    Very good choices and having driven both I'd have to say go with a Camry Hybrid SL. But I'd also add the Infiniti Q50 to the list too. They can be had for well under $40,000 for a 1 year old demo. New they're expensive but at 1 year old they are the bargain of the century. They don't depreciate much after the first year either so they're a financially sound purchase too.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2018 - 17:39

      Lol at an Infiniti not depreciating much after the first year. The reason they are so cheap @ 1 year old is because no one actually wants them. Even the dealers can't shift them. That's not to say they are bad car, they aren't and they do represent tremendous value for money as a demo or at 1 year old, but you are going to struggle to sell one when it comes time, and you're not going to get much money for it.

      • justaperson on 06/10/2018 - 17:56

        Check out 2014 and 2015 prices for the Q50. Still sitting around 26-31k. Granted I've been monitoring them and they do take about 4 months before they sell but they generally don't depreciate much after the first year and that's a fact.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2018 - 10:52
          -1

          The listed price and selling price are very different things. That's a fact. No way you'd get $31k for a 2014 Q50 .

          • justaperson on 07/10/2018 - 14:02

            @[Deactivated]: You're pulling things out of context to fit your narrative. Generally one would think with that price bracket I gave that 31k would be for a 2015 with low km, whereas the 2014 ones would be sitting around $26k. Again, I highly doubt they'd be selling for less than 26k for a 2014, considering 09-12 V36 Skylines are just a few thousand lower than that figure.

  • JIMB0 on 06/10/2018 - 12:43

    From what I've heard the IS is quite small in the back seat and the ride is rather firm as they are meant to be a sports sedan. The hybrid version of the Camry would be a good choice unless you really wanted a V6.

  • Randxyz123 on 06/10/2018 - 13:46
    -4

    I’m interested in used luxury German sedan (C class, A4, 3 series) as well but have heard horror stories about their unreliability

    This is old rubbish. They are a little bit more to maintain yes but saying they are unreliable is complete BS. Find a good German mechanic /specialist and maintenance costs are pretty reasonable. Resale value sure it plummets a bit but a 3 series will always be nicer to drive than a Lexus. Note: This is with the possible small exception of Audis with the various gearbox issues.

    Anyway… I drove a mid-range IS recently and HATED the CVT transmission. It felt shit on the freeway and shit around town. Some people like them I didn't. For that reason, I'd look for a previous gen IS200

    @JIMB0 it isn't a sports sedan.

    Personally, I'd go for a 3 series. You don't have any kids, on your budget you can get one used but reasonably new so it will have fixed price servicing for the next 3-4 years. Buy a Camry when you have kids and need to save money to deal with all the crap that comes with that. Audis or Mercedes will have similar deals on pre-owned cars. Buy from their "selected" used cars which mean they are mechanically sound, probably driven buy their clients who swap their cars every 2 years and will have a warranty and the balance of fixed price servicing.

    This comment won't come well on here but if I was in your situation that's what I'd pick. In fact, I'd probably buy this https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/BMW-330i-2017/OAG…

    • Randxyz123 on 06/10/2018 - 17:33
      -2

      And what do you know?

      3 hours later I have 3 negs for daring to have a different point of view. For even slightly suggesting a Euro car is better than a Japanese car… I never said better value I just said better to drive.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2018 - 17:42
        -1

        Mate, people here will downvote you if you suggest anything other than a Falcon on gas. I wouldn't waste your time. I agree with everything you're saying, apart from the fact that they just released a new 3 series 2 days ago, so you're going to take a big hit on the value.

        If I was the OP, unless I was desperate need of a car, I would save my money up and buy a Tesla Model 3 when they are released here (probably late next year). It's a better car than the competition.

      • smuggler on 06/10/2018 - 17:45
        -1

        I was gonna neg you too but I ran out of neg votes for today.

        I never said better value I just said better to drive.

        I prefer my Corolla over a Merc, BMW or Audi. There's one or more of each brand in my extended family and I've had zero enjoyment driving those cars. A Mercedes Benz is the Apple of the car world. Whose idiotic idea was to have that irritating electronic brake and having to press the brake to change gears using that gear wand on the top right, behind the steering wheel.

        The AMG GTR also feels like I'm sitting in a space shuttle. The window feels like it is gonna break and there are too many buttons in the centre console. Can't even do a handbrake turn too. I have a pretty heavy foot, so the bloody back tyres have trouble gripping the road. It's a shaky car that I would never want to own.

        Nothing like a CVT droneeeeeeeeeeeee……

        • haimrevolution on 07/10/2018 - 07:57

          Sounds like you might need lessons just saying

    • maybeamacy on 06/10/2018 - 19:19

      The 3IS is regarded as the better drivers car though vs the F30, the E90 was a better drive than the 2IS but that changed when they switched from hydraulic to electronic steering…

    • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2018 - 17:37

      Mercs are quite reliable, so is the BMW, can't say about the same on Audi.

      Very small population, based on ownership experience amongst direct family members. Might not reflect other's experience. Non of those "I have a friend's friend" BS.

      Mercs - current gen A, B and C class, no issues at all to-date with the oldest vehicle around 5 years old. 7 cars in total.

      BMW - 1 and 3 series, across current gen and previous 2 gens. 5 vehicles. Only an aircond compressor that need to be replaced in the 325 in its 3rd year.

      Audi - a1, a3, a4, q5 and q7. A1 and A3 both suffered the DSG issue around 20km 1.5 years in. A4 and q5 with fluid leakage that needed engine replacement after 2 years. Only the q7 experienced no major issue to-date.

      All japanese vehicles, as well 5 mini cooper s have been reliable and no major issues noted.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2018 - 14:01
    -4

    I'd go 1yo used 2017 Ford Mondeo Titanium.

    Luxury/features at least equal to those options, more room, more flexibility with hatchback, still with decent warranty remaining, looks nice in titanium spec. You'll also save at least $10~$15k.
    With cars like the Stinger & Mondeo I really can't see any reason to buy a sedan.. why not have something with more flexibility? ..with these models you still get the sedan like shape.
    If looking prestige for me it would have to be 4 series, A5, S5 and I'd skip everything in-between or stick with a non-premium brand.

  • smuggler on 06/10/2018 - 15:19
    +2

    I'd get a top of the range hybrid Camry with the moon roof. Stuff paying for extra fuel for a V6.

    • pantsparty on 06/10/2018 - 17:04

      Agreed - 4.5L of fuel per 100km

      • smuggler on 06/10/2018 - 17:49

        However, if money wasn't an issue, Lexus all the way. Those RX Hybrid SUVs are kinda cool. They look like a Japanese Gundam or crush gear in car form. So edgy and sharp

  • Euphemistic on 06/10/2018 - 17:46

    Is the Lexus rear wheel drive? That’d sway my vote towards it.

  • ptl93 on 06/10/2018 - 20:32

    Thanks guys.
    I'll probably go for a Hybrid Camry but will wait for next year model as they might have Apple Carplay.

    • smuggler on 07/10/2018 - 10:03

      as they might have Apple Carplay.

      Toyota never really cares for such things.
      I would place Android AUto and Apple Carplay on your low priority list. Just get the car now.
      Everything you need is available from your phone and Toyota's new car UI.

  • Micko179 on 07/10/2018 - 09:01

    Camry Hybrid, used… Just crazy buying new when you can buy near new for much, much less!

  • BNR34 on 07/10/2018 - 10:24

    I personally buy german cars because I prefer the styling and in my view they are engineered better than japanese. However, my father has always bought lexus and i can say hands down that as far as build quality and relibaility goes, the lexus is orders of magnitude better. Thats if you can put up with the styling.

    Now to your question…they are actually very different cars. Camry is much bigger especially insid but if front wheel drive. The rear drive layout of the lexus is is much much better.

  • gbones on 15/11/2018 - 10:04

    Camry Hybrid of RAV4 Hybrid 2019?

  • YoungQuan on 11/01/2019 - 17:49
    +1

    both great cars, Lexus better drive and much better finish. Camry is more practical but no 'badge'.

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