I think a Regal Turbo would suit him down to the ground.
Insideline.com just recently did a comparison with the IS and it did very well, superior in some areas, slightly less so in others, but a very good value indeed compared to the Toyota Lexus.
Do you have a link for that? I went to the comparison section at insideline.com but the only Buick/Lexus comparo I could see was from back in Aug of '09 (2010 LaCrosse vs 2009 ES 350)
I know you're just trying to stir the pot, but I'll indulge you your silliness.
The car they were comparing it to was the IS250, NOT the incredible IS350.
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/04/2011-buick-regal-cxl-turbo-vs-lexus-is-250.htmlI've gone on record and will do so again in saying the IS250 is underwhelming in most every way to me. I've even called it incredibly slow, and said it'd a "POS" with the 2.5L V6. The only saving grace is you can get a 6 speed manual. Despite the IS250 being slow, that didn't stop it from "smoking" the Regal Turbo in their impromptu race despite being down 16HP and a substantial ~70 TQ. I'm sure the ~250 lbs lighter weight in the IS helped. They also preferred the handling in the IS over the GM. These 2 important qualities and the Regal fails miserably. No reason for me to consider the Regal, even though I know your suggestion was tongue in cheek.
The IS350 with the Sport Package is a car transformed. The engine is incredible, and with my minimal mods put down 65 MORE HP and similar TQ to the wheels than the GM does at the crank. The bigger wheels and tauter suspension make it a handler. The huge brakes pull the car down from speed with authority. The IS350 is a pretty incredible package, and those here who have driven my car were very impressed with the performance. Julie with zero experience in my car nailed down consistent 13.7s in my car at the dragstrip. She also preferred several things in my IS to her BMW 335i.
All in all the IS350 was an incredible car. It was a bit too common, as I want something a bit more unique. I also wish the IS350 was a bit more distinctive than the IS250 looks-wise. The car was problem free, and required only oil. The recalls I brought it in for WERE annoying, but my dealership experience was great and the $250/$1500 bribes from Lexus for the inconvenience were appreciated. I really have nothing bad to say about the car, and would have kept it longer were it not for the mileage I was ringing up. I had 170,000kms when I sold it, and no doubt would have reached the 200,000km mark quickly. To me, that's a psychological number for many car buyers, and I know I would have a difficult time selling the car once that mileage was reached despite the greatness of the car. So away it went....
The car I want is a Porsche 911 Turbo X50. But I'm a bit hesitant to drop $50K+ right now with the current US monetary problems. So for the time being, I'll replace my winter beater with something fun with AWD.
JohnGenX....yes I love the WRX STi. But I hate the fact the STi looks like a run-of-the-mill WRX now that they have put the STis wide body onto the normal WRX. Now that may sound anal, but for me the "unique" body of the STi was one of the main reasons it made the car special and a standout. Now anyone can buy a regular WRX and be confused with an STI. So the STi has lost a ton of appeal to me for that reason. I'd only consider one if it was a crazy deal. I did find a great deal on one that was stage II (300 AWHP and 350 AWTQ) for a great price, but it was sold by the time I called.
