I would consider a Lexus IS in the same boat as a CLA250. Granted you can get into a CLA250 for $30k, but the reality is after you finished adding all the options (putting it on par with other vehicles), you're paying about the same price.
On a side note, the 2011 Lexus IS250 F-Sport I owned was way higher quality than the CLA250 I ordered and had way more options (Like Keyless-Go, Credit-Card Key, G-Link sending you emails that you forgot to lock your car/roll-up the windows/and your car shaking more than normal - ie vandals, Leather/Alcantara seats). Granted I did pay $60k for it, (cars cost a lot more in Japan - even the local Japanese bland), but I'm guessing it would've cost around the same as the CLA I ordered which is at $40-$45k. I never owned a Lexus in the USA before, but if it was like anything than the I owned while living abroad, I would go with it again (had the new IS model that just came out not have been so hideous).
On a side note, the 2011 Lexus IS250 F-Sport I owned was way higher quality than the CLA250 I ordered and had way more options (Like Keyless-Go, Credit-Card Key, G-Link sending you emails that you forgot to lock your car/roll-up the windows/and your car shaking more than normal - ie vandals, Leather/Alcantara seats). Granted I did pay $60k for it, (cars cost a lot more in Japan - even the local Japanese bland), but I'm guessing it would've cost around the same as the CLA I ordered which is at $40-$45k. I never owned a Lexus in the USA before, but if it was like anything than the I owned while living abroad, I would go with it again (had the new IS model that just came out not have been so hideous).
