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Bmw 1 series vs Lexus IS 250

Which car do you think is the better buy? The Bmw has a 1.6 and 2.0 version, the Lexus is 2.5.

Id be looking at 2006 - 2008 cars with around 70k on the clock. For the record I'd get it in automatic as I dont like manual.

I go on the m25 at least once a week for 40 mins with the ocassional long distance drive of over 100 miles, most of my other driving is to my local gym or tesco. I dont drive everyday as I work freelance amd sometimes work from home.

The Lexus looks slightly nicer to me but the bmw is lovely too and more fuel economy whether I get the 1.6 or 2.0.

At the moment I drive a Lexus IS 200 2.0 litre car. The is 250 supeisingly has better fuel economy than my current car according to reviews.

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 1

AtheClassicMan

I would say go with the Lexus because it’s:
-more luxurious than the BMW
-better looking
- cheaper to maintain + likely more reliable

BMW
- it’s a ‘German whip init’ holds a more prestigious badge
- might handle better than the Lexus & more sporty
- more compact, easier to park

Personally the older model 1 Series just looks really outdated and all the failed drug dealers seem to drive them. If you were looking at a newer shape then my opinion might be different but in this case the Lexus takes the trophy.

Reply 2

Jedders

I do like the lexus a lot, just considering the bmw because the possibility of a more economic engine. do you think the difference in fuel economy between a 1.6 and 2.0 or 2.5 is that noticable?

Reply 3

AtheClassicMan

Original post by Jedders

I do like the lexus a lot, just considering the bmw because the possibility of a more economic engine. do you think the difference in fuel economy between a 1.6 and 2.0 or 2.5 is that noticable?

They both have around the same average MPG (25-30) so there probably won’t be that much of a difference tbh. Normally, there would be a significant difference between a 1.6 and a 2.5 but the BMW weights quite a lot and the 116 engine will have to work harder/use more fuel to actually get the car going.

If the 2.0 is the 1 Series then it would be noticeably better as that engine is a lot more suited to the car

Reply 4

NX172

Used to drive a 2L 1 series, got rid of it. Cramped, weak, unreliable, and as for the diesels, generally a clattery badge-w*nker car. Try both. Personally I'd go with the Lexus. (Actually looking for one right now as a daily in addition to my weekend toy)

Reply 5

Revolver72

Original post by Jedders

In terms of the 1 series, are you looking Diesel or Petrol?
The e8x chassis petrol 1 series (except the 135i) are N/A, but the diesels are turbo. The N/A motors are high revving but painfully slow. If it's a diesel you're looking at (and if you're doing long motorway miles, I'd suggest it wouldn't be silly to) then I'd say the 1 series is pretty practical.

Reply 6

ShivP_98

Don't get a 1st generation 1 series diseasel. They all have timing chain problems which are unavoidable. The lexus will go on forever like most lexus products

Reply 7

nevershear

The Lexus ticks far more boxes, looks better, and frankly doesn't purport to be anything that it isn't. The 1 series, especially the older ones basically just say "I just wanna say I own a BMW, don't care which"

Reply 8

ShivP_98

Original post by nevershear

+1 unless it's a 125i or 130i

Reply 9

NonIndigenous

To be frank, most people could probably save more on fuel economy if they just drove more sensibly, than by buying a lower consumption car.

Smooth driving, instead of break, then gas, then break, break + gas & drift round a corner, overtaking for amusement.

Reply 10

NX172

Original post by ShivP_98

+1 unless it's a 125i or 130i

Why 130i? Not only are these old but there aren't many of these. Just seems a rather random preference. The 1M coupe, M135i and current gen M140i are more notable and are known to represent a true BMW driving experience far better. Although I suppose 125d is passable for 1 series and 320d passable for a 3 series to not be seen as buying it for the badge.