[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by EXE46

Domestic cars never do much for me lol, perhaps it's because I am an immigrant unlike people who are natives and grew up with the big 3.

I didn't wanna say it so as not to come across as a badge snob... but thats part of it as well. I've never been a fan of domestics. The C8 is an amazing car... but I'd much rather pay double the price for a 15 year old ferrari mostly because one's a chevy and the other is a ferrari.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by EXE46

We think alike in this regard, IS500 does look nice. I have been watching CL fanboys posting about their deliveries and it sure is one slick machine. I need a test drive lol, also looking forward to yours since you've test driven most of what is available lol. Domestic cars never do much for me lol, perhaps it's because I am an immigrant unlike people who are natives and grew up with the big 3.

I'm not an immigrant and I'm not interested in the Big 3 for what it's worth.

I care too much about interior quality on top of performance metrics and as wtwo3 pointed out, even with the CT4V BW or similar variants, they NEVER do anything that doesn't steal from the cheapo parts bin. It's sad. At least with the C8 it "looks" more like a true exotic but I know that's not a comparable car as sedans are the primary focus here.

[EXE46]

It's not badge snob at all, my first car when got off the banana boat was an Acura integra-used of course. Later had 2 Nissans (Maxima SE and a lousy sentra- first and only engine that blew up lol) and another Integra before I could afford to get my first bimmer.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by EXE46

It's not badge snob at all, my first car when got off the banana boat was an Acura integra-used of course. Later had 2 Nissans (Maxima SE and a lousy sentra- first and only engine that blew up lol) and another Integra before I could afford to get my first bimmer.

You've come a long way my friend. But no, it's not being a badge snob. We just like what we like. I want quality AND performance.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by EXE46

It's not badge snob at all, my first car when got off the banana boat was an Acura integra-used of course. Later had 2 Nissans (Maxima SE and a lousy sentra- first and only engine that blew up lol) and another Integra before I could afford to get my first bimmer.

Maybe "badge snob" was the incorrect term. Hell I've driven Nissans and Lexus before getting into BMW. I guess I also have issues with domestic brands specifically, regardless of if it's a Dodge, Chevy or a Cadillac.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

At least with the C8 it "looks" more like a true exotic but I know that's not a comparable car as sedans are the primary focus here.

One of my issues with the C8, apart from it being a Chevy, is that it looks like a kit-car masquerading as a mid-engined exotic. There's just SOMETHING I can't quite put my finger on where a 458 Italia looks like true beauty but a C8 looks like the fake knock-off. Maybe it's psychological because it's a Chevy... but I'm not sure. I get the C8 is a fraction of the price of a new mid-engined Ferrari, but I don't go around buying a Chrysler 300 because I can't afford a Rolls (bad analogy? or just right? )

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

One of my issues with the C8, apart from it being a Chevy, is that it looks like a kit-car masquerading as a mid-engined exotic. There's just SOMETHING I can't quite put my finger on where a 458 Italia looks like true beauty but a C8 looks like the fake knock-off. Maybe it's psychological because it's a Chevy... but I'm not sure. I get the C8 is a fraction of the price of a new mid-engined Ferrari, but I don't go around buying a Chrysler 300 because I can't afford a Rolls (bad analogy? or just right? )

LOL yeah I hear ya. I only used the C8 as a reference because it at least does a better job with the interior than other Chevys.

Well at least the Corvette has a history and If I'm being honest the C8 is a beast in its own right. Yeah it may come across as a kit car because it looks drastically different from the models before it and not so different from an Italian exotic. I give Chevy props for designing and building a mid-engine sports car though. Nothing beats the balance of a mid-engine IMO. I owned a 2006 Cayman S and to this day is the purest car I have ever owned. It was sublime albeit a tad bit underpowered, but it did the job considering the body weight, etc. I don't need to go into details as to why P-cars handle as sublimely as they do.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by EXE46

It's not badge snob at all, my first car when got off the banana boat was an Acura integra-used of course. Later had 2 Nissans (Maxima SE and a lousy sentra- first and only engine that blew up lol) and another Integra before I could afford to get my first bimmer.

I had a Maxima SE...that was one of my favorite cars! It was also my first feel of "luxury" so maybe my memory is skewed lol

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

I had a Maxima SE...that was one of my favorite cars! It was also my first feel of "luxury" so maybe my memory is skewed lol

Maxima SE was great, mine was manual and I learned to drive manual on it too. Love those white gauges back then. It sure was a fine car lol. Also my first taste of luxury back then too.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by EXE46

Maxima SE was great, mine was manual and I learned to drive manual on it too. Love those white gauges back then. It sure was a fine car lol. Also my first taste of luxury back then too.

Mine was a manual as well with the white gauges. It was my first car with leather as well...I felt like a king hahah.

[wtwo3]

I think it's weird and cool at the same time that our car histories are so similar... Maxima... IS350.... m340i

Edit... not similar (because @Burrcold changes cars like I change pants) but we've had some similarities I feel more than other people.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I think it's weird and cool at the same time that our car histories are so similar... Maxima... IS350.... m340i

Edit... not similar (because @Burrcold changes cars like I change pants) but we've had some similarities I feel more than other people.

I do change cars a lot, but there's an obvious affliction for similar enthusiasts minded vehicles that we all share

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

One of my issues with the C8, apart from it being a Chevy, is that it looks like a kit-car masquerading as a mid-engined exotic. There's just SOMETHING I can't quite put my finger on where a 458 Italia looks like true beauty but a C8 looks like the fake knock-off. Maybe it's psychological because it's a Chevy... but I'm not sure. I get the C8 is a fraction of the price of a new mid-engined Ferrari, but I don't go around buying a Chrysler 300 because I can't afford a Rolls (bad analogy? or just right? )

Pontiac Fiero

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by EXE46

Pontiac Fiero

Hey c'mon now.... Recognize the legend

[EXE46]

Haha, oh man. I feel the same regarding domestic sports cars. They just never fascinate me especially on the interior. It's like how the Camaros today are very competent sports car and a true bargain for the money. I can respect that but just could never buy one. The sheer largeness of them is also a turn-off and those cars also attract a certain type lol. Gladly accept the A-hole bmw driver versus that other stereotype lol.

[khearon23]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

One of my issues with the C8, apart from it being a Chevy, is that it looks like a kit-car masquerading as a mid-engined exotic. There's just SOMETHING I can't quite put my finger on where a 458 Italia looks like true beauty but a C8 looks like the fake knock-off. Maybe it's psychological because it's a Chevy... but I'm not sure. I get the C8 is a fraction of the price of a new mid-engined Ferrari, but I don't go around buying a Chrysler 300 because I can't afford a Rolls (bad analogy? or just right? )

I considered the C8 Vette the best deal of the last 20 years until dealers started adding the $25k market adjustment! No way, I'd pay over $100k for one. I wonder what folks will pay for the Z-cars when they're released.

That said....it still has no competition when sold at MSRP!

[RustyNail19]

Originally Posted by khearon23

I considered the C8 Vette the best deal of the last 20 years until dealers started adding the $25k market adjustment! No way, I'd pay over $100k for one. I wonder what folks will pay for the Z-cars when they're released.

That said....it still has no competition when sold at MSRP!

The C8 is an awesome car. Drove one for a day in Hawaii on The Road to Hana. So much fun whipping around curve after curve up in the mountains. The only unfortunate thing was that I couldn't come close to utilizing the power it has. Handling wise though it blew away anything I've driven.

Thought long and hard about getting one after the trip. M340i won out in the end, between the back seat and being able to drive it year round in Northwest Ohio. That combined with the dealer markups made it an easier choice.

[RedKloud]

Originally Posted by RedKloud

My lease is also up later in 2022 and I am trying to decide what to do. I really want to get the i4 M50 but not sure about how the lease deals will eventually pan out so don’t want to place an order right now.
The problem is that the car market is crazy these days - no discounts, dealers asking above MSRP, missing equipment etc. Let’s see if things settle down in a few months… otherwise I might just buy out my M340i - which will be a first for me.

Just an update on this… I ended up buying out my lease. I am now the proud sole owner of a M340i .

[justinu909]

I had a M340i, dealer bought me out my lease early with the way car prices are I made a little over 5K on it. My mom has a G70 3.3T (pre facelift) I've been borrowing until my new car gets here.

As someone who analyzes the small things most ppl don't notice I love the G70. The BMW does feel more smooth through the steering wheel but I think that's because the G70 has actual steering feedback. I much prefer the steering and ride on the Genesis over the BMW.
Brakes on the Genesis could be better, even with them being "Brembo" brakes.
The BMW trans is slightly quicker but both are good regardless and BMW does have better throttle response.
The rear legroom in the Genesis is E90 tight IMO.
I also found the seats in my M340 to be very uncomfortable after a hour ride.

The Genesis gets a ton of looks & compliments ( some ppl ask if it's a Bentley &#128514
It's a tough decision bc a BMW is always gonna be a BMW but after driving the Genesis for over a week I wouldn't really miss not having a BMW as much as I thought I would.

[premier3is]

I'm on the same boat as many here. Debating to buy out my lease on my G20 in August. Was really hoping to get into a M340i but with the chip shortage, inflated lease pricing, the new iDrive system looking horrible and given the fact that my 330i is optioned pretty well with only 8500 or so miles on it I'm having a hard time deciding and letting it go.

Like the others I don't like much out there in the market, and buying out a lease is probably not a smartest idea since you end up paying MSRP overall. But…. nowadays from what I see you have to pay MSRP + more anyways.

Interesting times we are in.. never though I'd see so many people consider buying out leases too.

[Giggler]

Originally Posted by EXE46

We think alike in this regard, IS500 does look nice. I have been watching CL fanboys posting about their deliveries and it sure is one slick machine. I need a test drive lol, also looking forward to yours since you've test driven most of what is available lol. Domestic cars never do much for me lol, perhaps it's because I am an immigrant unlike people who are natives and grew up with the big 3.

Former ISF and is350 owner with RCF owner in the family to chime in: You won’t be able to live with the IS500 interior electronics/infotainment after experiencing iDrive7. It’s last gen with a few very minor updates. You think you will be able to live with it, but the buyers remorse will slowly set in after a few months as you realize how slow, ass backwards, and unintuitive everything is. It’s just a massive step backwards in usability and intuitiveness, especially if you have HUD and Driver assistant pro (executive package). The new Lexus infotainment in the 2022 UX looks like a step in the right direction, but I digress. My next car will have iDrive 8, not a downgrade to Lexus’ garbage.

And just my opinion, but it’s hard to believe people still get so excited for the Lexus 2UR V8 that’s been around since 2007… yes, the engine makes more power today compared to then but the cars are much heavier so it’s a wash. I raced my brother’s RCF on the highway 60 to 120 just recently, he JUST BARELY pulls ahead by half a car and only after we cross 120mph, and I can easily take him off the line… Lexus V8’s are notoriously difficult to launch (takes careful feathering of the throttle and manual shift at just the right spot going into 2nd gear or that old school torson LSD just wants to chatter and spin the tires off the line and confuse your shift point). The M340i is pretty much point and shoot thanks to the active M differential which seems to put the power down in a physics defying sort of way if the tires are warm.

I personally would be a holdout for the new 4-cyl high performance hybrid system in the Mercedes just to experience the future tech… I believe this could essentially be hyper car tech trickling down to the cheaper nameplates from the AMG One platform. Exciting time to be alive, lots of interesting things on the horizon. Only time will tell.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Giggler

And just my opinion, but it’s hard to believe people still get so excited for the Lexus 2UR V8 that’s been around since 2007… yes, the engine makes more power today compared to then but the cars are much heavier so it’s a wash. I raced my brother’s RCF on the highway 60 to 120 just recently, he JUST BARELY pulls ahead by half a car and only after we cross 120mph, and I can easily take him off the line… Lexus V8’s are notoriously difficult to launch (takes careful feathering of the throttle and manual shift at just the right spot going into 2nd gear or that old school torson LSD just wants to chatter and spin the tires off the line and confuse your shift point). The M340i is pretty much point and shoot thanks to the active M differential which seems to put the power down in a physics defying sort of way if the tires are warm.

The difference is those of us who love the 2UR V8 love it for the character of it, and not for the performance. We don't really care about 0-60 or 60-120 times. It's about the feel and sound of a naturally aspirated V8 that gives it more satisfaction to wring out to redline as opposed to anything turbocharged where your torque drops significantly in the higher revs. That coupled with the fact that naturally aspirated V8s are going the way of manual transmissions, it's not hard to see why they're desirable. They provide an experience that's quickly on its way out for something a lot more clinical feeling.... I feel like a broken record at this point