A friend of mine is debating which car to buy. He is more inclined to buy a BMW 3-series, since they are great cars and great brand value. Some others have recommended to go for G35, instead, citing its better value for money and also that 3-series design is getting pretty stale now (its in since 99) and the new shape is expected to come next year as a '05 model.
The prices are quite comparable, however for about the same price he will get more goodies and a 3D Navigation system in G35, which he won’t get in BMW.
Here you go:
BMW 330i - Compact Sedan
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And the Infinity G35 4-Dr Midsize Sedan
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Ignore Sadi. He/She surely has no say. I personally say dont go with the 3 series. Go with the G35. The 3 series and C class scream "Im too cheap to buy a 7 series, or S class. " They are for people who solely want to associate themself with the “BMW” or “Mercedes Benz” lifestyle, but cant afford the “real” thing. I personally despise people who own a 3 series, or C class - and say “I got a BMW” or “I got a Mercedes Benz”, yet they never tell you the model. If your friend is in love with the 3 series for other reasons recommend he gets the coupe or m3. They are worthy of praise unlike the sedan.
If you’re friend plans of buying the BMW because he/she wants to a “bmw” tell him/her to look into buying a used 5 series or 7 series. Atleast then you have some dignity.
I recommend the G35 , because it does not pretend to be something it is not. When your friend drives the G35 people will see it and say “Hey thats a nice car”. Not “What a looser. Cant afford a real BMW - so just bought a 3 series”
I am also inclined to say G35 because it is an entirely new model. The 3 series has been around for a while and is just a normal car. You are correct - a redesigned 3 series is coming. But if the 7 series , and the soon to come 5 series are a sign i predict an ugly 3 series.
humm i would definately go for Infinity becuz it's got a new look and it's lot more appealing and unique. On the other hand, i don't know much about those series or engine stuff of BMW but for sure i am sick of looking at this type of car everywhere for long time. Its just not impressive anymore.
3 series is lacking in power seriously. design is getting old but is still a nice design. a huge price diff between a loaded g35 and an M3. if its between a bottom of the heap 3 series and a run of the mill g35 thats a diff question too.
lets compare apples to apples..similar price range g35 with a similar price range 3 series. lets look at the power and features, handling etc etc.
Otherwise its opinions really not an actual comparison
^ Interesting. Though I think he will definitely go for 4-dr and not coupes. However, the difference in performance is quite visible. G35 seems like a more powerful vehicle and that is what I meant by "more value for money", but the other factor which I am sure all desi car-buyers tend to keep at the back of their mind, is the brand name recognition. Meaning, someone in Pakistan will instantly recognize "BMW, wow!", whereas they'd say "Infinity, huh, ay ki ay??".
Coming back to hskhan's point, M3, no doubt a great car, is out of the range. We are talking about $35k-$37k out-of-the-door kinda deal. Merc is also out of the equation, cz he considers it "sofiana" car, more suited for aged folks. And similarly he's ruled out 7-series or S-class, saying he'll consider those once he's past 50 or something. At his age, he is probably looking for powerful luxury cars, suitable for younger (ages 30-35) drivers, and no used cars as well. Similarly, no sports cars or SUV's. He is pretty much narrowed his choice to these two cars i.e. BMW 3-series or Infinity G35.
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*Originally posted by PakistaniAbroad: *
Is he hell bent on selecting between these two or is he considering other manufacturers too.. like Acura or Lexus or even VW?
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Yeah.. these were considered and taken off the list.
Acura's RSX was considered ugly. TSX is not here yet. 3.2 TL Type S was considered too "sobre" and rejected. 3.2 CL is a coupe, while he is looking for a sedan. RL is out of range, and in any case, is deemed for oldish ppl.
Lexus IS 300 is deemed unattractive. ES is nice but same thing as TL. GS and LS is for oldish ppl
VW was never considered. Audi's A4 is a contender. But if going for A4 then why not BMW? A6 and A8 are out of range.
hskhan, i was merly giving my opinion without knowing much about the technical factor of both cars, in my eyes the BMW looks more elegant and nice, even if you guys say the design is old, but still its nice. I am sure that Faisal's friend won't buy a BMW because I said so, so I think I was only saying which one would be my choice just looking at the design, because seriously the second one G35 is ugly.. as for the real thing, i don't think that Faisal's friend would want to show off by buying a brandname, as who cares what series, some can't even afford the 3 series. I think nobody is a looser whatever car he or she drives, its just personal preferences.
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*Originally posted by Faisal: *
^ Interesting. Though I think he will definitely go for 4-dr and not coupes.
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Yeah i just compared the coupes to compare apples to apples. the question really is what is he looking for, image, performance, resale value, reliability..I know he is probably looking for all but in which order.
I have driven botyh the g35 and the 3 series, and from a performance perspective, I would say G35. heck yer run of the mill accord has more power than a 3 series now, and even an altima. handling is a diff issue when u think about those 2, but I really felt that teh g35s handling was much superior to that of the 3 series.
I have been a 3 series fan, but BMW really needs to bring the performance of that car a notch up, the brand image can only take u so far.
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*Originally posted by Fraudz: *
Faisal btw, has yer pal looked at the audis :)
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Yeah, he did. Checked out A4. Wasn't too crazy about their tail lights design.
You see, with cars, its not just he price-performance and all the other nice stuff. Some cars just turn you off with their styling or the image they represent.
Kick your friend. He aint interested in a coupe? How old is he? 40?! I am assuming he is a bachelor. If that is the case point him towards the g35 coupe. Design & Performance wise its a treat. And the price is only one or two thousand higher. Find a nice dealership and they will give you one for the same price as a sedan. And if seating is a problem-not to fear it seats two in the rear.
If not the coupe- the sedan will do. But your friend will regret it for the rest of his life.
I think I know which friend you are talking about...tell him to look into the new BMW Z4, and be done with it. I get back to town next monday, and we can go for a test drive then
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*Originally posted by Faisal: *
He thoroughly disliked the styling of Z4, and in any case, he wants a 4-door sedan.
Ah well... so G35 it is? or is it the 330i?
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G35 it is. Send him off to the Infiniti dealership before he reconsiders buying a mini scooter.
If your friend utilizes our input (which I doubt he will) I will feel glad, but yet sad. Sad because although a great car the G35 only has two colours worth looking at- and sadly the general public nowadays is fashion savy and almost everyone has either one of these two colours. Id say go for the *Desert Platinum * or *Ivory Pearl *, but knowing 70% of G35 sedans are these colours I am obliged to say- go for the *Black Obsidian * instead.
Ignore Sadi. He/She surely has no say. I personally say dont go with the 3 series. Go with the G35. The 3 series and C class scream "Im too cheap to buy a 7 series, or S class. " They are for people who solely want to associate themself with the “BMW” or “Mercedes Benz” lifestyle, but cant afford the “real” thing. I personally despise people who own a 3 series, or C class - and say “I got a BMW” or “I got a Mercedes Benz”, yet they never tell you the model. If your friend is in love with the 3 series for other reasons recommend he gets the coupe or m3. They are worthy of praise unlike the sedan.
