So we're looking for a new car for my wife. We've narrowed it down to the Lexus IS250 (maybe IS350) or the Infiniti G35s.
I'm sure a few on this board own these cars...any input? Reliable (I'm guessing yes), still like them after 40,000 miles, etc.
Thanks!
Just in case people want to give alternates...we also considered the BMW 328i and Audi A4. The BMW just seemed plain...like less car for the $$...probably due to the lack of all the tech. gadgets (which she loves). We're driving the A4 today, so we may love it...but we're worried about reliability.
can't go wrong with a lexus, probably one of the most reliable cars made
Quote from: cyrus buelton on September 07, 2008, 08:57:08 AM
can't go wrong with a lexus, probably one of the most reliable cars made
Kinda what we're thinking...although our Nissan has been dead reliable as well, so I'd expect the Infinity to be. The Inifinity engine gets great reviews as well. They're both really nice.
Aren't those both luxury divisions of Nissan & Toyota which have excellent reliablilty ratings?
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 07, 2008, 09:29:40 AM
Aren't those both luxury divisions of Nissan & Toyota which have excellent reliablilty ratings?
JM
From what I understand, yes.
I've ridden in a G35s and G37s. Really really nice cars and VERY sporty. I like the look of the Lexus more tho. YMMV.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 07, 2008, 09:29:40 AM
Aren't those both luxury divisions of Nissan & Toyota which have excellent reliablilty ratings?
JM
yep...just looking for 1st hand experience. Not just reliability...ANY input. :)
Lex 204 hp :-\ 4 door
Inf 330 hp [evil] 2door
depends on what you're using them for.
G35 hands down. For about the same price you get over 300 hp and a stonking great motor, and a much more sporty chassis and feel. The IS is (no pun intended) a typical Lexi - expensive, quiet, comfy, boring, with too many electronic interferences. The only gripe I have with the G is a lack of rear leg room, the cabin is fairly cramped (it's much smaller than an Altima, for instance). But the driving experience and torque-addled motor will make you forget about your passenger's complaints from the backseat. :D I am referring to the sedan, not the coupe.
I agree with a lot of what Neuf said. I looked at both of these cars (sort of) when I was looking to replace my 330 BMW. I have to admit that I like the way the Lexus is styled better, but it just felt dead to me. They are great cars, but if you are looking for something that will be driven by a spirited person, then you might be better off looking elsewhere. Lexus seems to have put the focus more on the luxurious (soft and quiet) side of things with sportiness being on the short end of the stick. But having said that, maybe that is what you and your wife are looking for.
The Infinti on the other hand had a monster of an engine, and was definitely designed with performance in mind. The BMW 3 series was their primary target when these new cars would spec'd out and IMO they did a great job going after them. The one thing I will say that takes away from the engine is that it does feel a little "mechanical" and unrefined when compared to the BMWs though.
Just out of curiosity, why are you concerned about reliability with Audi? I have had a VW GTI since 2000, car has about 110K miles on the clock, and it has been a great car. I know that a lot of the tech differs between the two marks, but they are essentially the same brand.
Quote from: DRKWNG on September 07, 2008, 10:27:52 AM
Just out of curiosity, why are you concerned about reliability with Audi? I have had a VW GTI since 2000, car has about 110K miles on the clock, and it has been a great car. I know that a lot of the tech differs between the two marks, but they are essentially the same brand.
There have been a few threads here...maybe on the old DML...where people said they absolutely love their Audis. BUT...small things on them always seem to break. The consensus as I remember it was they're a great car to drive, but be prepared to constantly deal with little issues. ???
New Challenger nuff said. ;D
I prefer Lexus over Infiniti. G35s interior is no match to Lexus, but their engine is much more sportier. But Toyotas are well, known terrorist vehicles. old 4runners still running on OEM oil with their beds chopped of to mount .50cals.
Its a testament to why they never fail. But of course you are not using the IS for that reason. But you cant compare an IS250 engine wise to a G35. IS is a 2.5Liter 4cyl, G35 is a 3.5L v6.
Lexus are known for fuel efficiency. Living in Miami with my friend, his FX35(same engine) only got 13mpg. its lugging 1,000 more lbs and aerodynamics dont really play a role since its all city anyway. Never drove the RX350, but ive heard it gets more in the 16-18range. You cant go wrong with either or. Oh dont forget, to air the car out. New car smell = bad for you. Throw a few slabs of bacon in there. [bacon]
When I was looking at new cars, Consumer Reports rated the G35 as its top pick for small luxury sedans. After test driving both, I would've picked the Lexus. (Honestly, how exciting can something with 4 wheels really be? ;) )
I ended up going with an A4 because the lease was cheap and I found it with a manual transmission.
One of my buds has a 6 speed G35 sedan and it's fun as shit to drive. I've driven the Lexus also, not as much fun. It was an automatic though.
Typically Lexus has better resale value than Infiniti. Dealer network is supposed to be better also...I have no FHE so I'm sure someone could refute.
FYI, they're putting the 3.7 liter motor out of the coupe in the sedan for '09...http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130826
Thanks for the input so far everyone! [thumbsup]
So we drove the IS350 and G35 back to back. Overall we prefer the IS350...even though it is $6-$9K more, depending on options. The IS is more comfortable, and the transmission is smoother...being a 6-speed v. 5-speed (we're getting auto since my wife wants that and it's easier to find).
That said we liked the G35, so if Lexus can't get the price of the IS350 quite a bit lower, then we'll go the G35 route.
Quote from: stateprez on September 07, 2008, 12:05:15 PM
FYI, they're putting the 3.7 liter motor out of the coupe in the sedan for '09...http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130826
That's good information. [thumbsup] Hopefully they'll have some '09s in next month when it's buying time...might change our mind.
Quote from: cyrus buelton on September 07, 2008, 08:57:08 AM
can't go wrong with a lexus, probably one of the most reliable cars made
[thumbsup]
Our current ES300 has about 80K on it and no problems.
The first one we bought with about 50K. We drove it another 60-70K. No problems. [thumbsup]
I had a Toyota Corolla that I drove up to about 170K miles with no problems and then handed off to my little sister. She drove it for a few years after that.
Toyota/Lexus run forever!!
M will be very happy with the IS250/350 J!! We've had them a few times for loaners. If you go to the Lexus dealer in Bellevue, you'll get top notch service!! Their facilities are VERY nice too if you ever have to wait there!!
i love my 07 G35... the 08 is even better with minor tweaks. the coupe is sexay.
if you're gonna get one, do yourself a favor and consider the sport model if ONLY for the limited slip diff. as already stated, the motor is STONKING fast and will tear even the 18" sport tires to shreds in low speed corners. handling is marvelous and damping is perfect. the sound system (studio on wheels upgrade) is one of the best ive ever heard.
the lexus is nice and very chic, but imo not as appropriate for the types of drivers we tend to be. it's soft, and there is less room in the back for passengers.
Quote from: Ash on September 08, 2008, 12:52:52 PM
i love my 07 G35... the 08 is even better with minor tweaks. the coupe is sexay.
if you're gonna get one, do yourself a favor and consider the sport model if ONLY for the limited slip diff. as already stated, the motor is STONKING fast and will tear even the 18" sport tires to shreds in low speed corners. handling is marvelous and damping is perfect. the sound system (studio on wheels upgrade) is one of the best ive ever heard.
the lexus is nice and very chic, but imo not as appropriate for the types of drivers we tend to be. it's soft, and there is less room in the back for passengers.
Thanks Ash...I was hoping you'd chime in. I thought I remembered you buying one last year or so. :) If it was my car we'd be getting the current G37s coupe...wife wants the 4 doors though. Actually, we'd probably be getting a 350Z, but...she prefers the softer Lexus. The Lexus dealer was a little "arrogant" yesterday, so we may end up with a G anyway...we'll see.
This wasn't mentioned as an option, but did you look at Acura? We've had a TL for several years with over 100K on it, with no problems and great dealer service. Not the most exciting car I've ever had, but definitely good value for the money.
Quote from: iDuc on September 08, 2008, 01:49:28 PM
This wasn't mentioned as an option, but did you look at Acura? We've had a TL for several years with over 100K on it, with no problems and great dealer service. Not the most exciting car I've ever had, but definitely good value for the money.
We've considered Acura...too boring for her. She likes the TL (her boss has a newish one)...just doesn't want one. NSX? [evil]
Quote from: Triple J on September 08, 2008, 01:58:42 PM
We've considered Acura...too boring for her. She likes the TL (her boss has a newish one)...just doesn't want one. NSX? [evil]
i recommend against the TL. I had one and sold it to my mom. she loves it, and its a good car, but with the same mileage as my G now, it's got soooo many squeaks and rattles. the G is just really well put together.
that said, the TL-s actually has better roadholding than the G and the IS, which i find mind-blowing...
oh, i should also say as a caveat... dont expect to get more than 18 mpg out of the motor, even if you just cruise. it's the only downside to the car imo. it's got a drinking problem [laugh]
Quote from: Ash on September 08, 2008, 02:13:16 PM
that said, the TL-s actually has better roadholding than the G and the IS, which i find mind-blowing...
he he. You should try my S2000. [evil]
Quote from: Ash on September 08, 2008, 02:15:01 PM
oh, i should also say as a caveat... dont expect to get more than 18 mpg out of the motor, even if you just cruise. it's the only downside to the car imo. it's got a drinking problem [laugh]
That sucks. Our Xterra only gets 14-15 mpg, so we were hoping for a little better than 18. :-\
There is a refresh to the IS in '09: http://my.is/forums/f41/changes-2009-lexus-what-we-know-so-far-368353/ (http://my.is/forums/f41/changes-2009-lexus-what-we-know-so-far-368353/)
I've driven the IS350, and that thing's got plenty of balls (actually tests faster in accerleration times than the G35). It would be an interesting comparison to the '09 G37. Either way, you're looking at some great options.
Quote from: Triple J on September 08, 2008, 03:11:06 PM
That sucks. Our Xterra only gets 14-15 mpg, so we were hoping for a little better than 18. :-\
That Nissan V6 (which the bottom end is common to almost all of Nissan/Infinity's V6 cars) is a stinker.
It develops great power, pulls very hard, but it drinks gas like crazy.
I am sure Nissan could do something about -- maybe direct injection + turbo -- which would get more power and lower fuel consumption, but it is a pain.
The G35 is one of the nicest designed cars on the road imho -- the G37 looks like a beefed up altima.
Having bought my wife one of the first G35 Coupe that hit the States back in '03 I can tell you that she still loves it. With 60K miles on the clock it's still tight and squeek free. Handles great and has balls to back up the good looks. It only got better with the G37. Nice thing about Infiniti is the loaner car program. Even for an oil change she gets a loaner for the day.
Maintenance has been normal. Brake pads, oil changes, rear tires. Be prepared to spend on tires.... although the 4 door might use different tires than the coupe. Her rears were $300 EACH. The early years had problems with the power window motores. Both of hers were replaced under warranty. I believe the fix has been done on the new cars.
My mother in law has the new Lexus. She's 63... nuff said. LOL
Chas
Yeah, it should be noted the G doesn't get great fuel economy. In Canadian gallons, my dad averages around 30-35 on the highway and low 20s in town if you drive it gently. The 3.5 Altima we used to have got considerably better economy, close to 40 on the highway and high 20s around town. So about 5+ mpg better all round. Surprising considering the Altima is physically larger and had a four speed auto while the G has a five.
Canadian gallons?
Quote from: trouble on September 09, 2008, 09:21:00 PM
Canadian gallons?
Canadian gallon = imperial gallon = 1.2 gallon, in other words,a bigger gallon.
Quote from: trouble on September 09, 2008, 09:21:00 PM
Canadian gallons?
[laugh] they still use imperial units for that.
although i believe most fuel sales is in litres, no?
Quote from: Ash on September 08, 2008, 02:15:01 PM
oh, i should also say as a caveat... I dont expect to get more than 18 mpg out of the motor, Because I don't just cruise. it's the only downside to the car imo. I've forced her into a drinking problem [laugh]
Fixed, for Ash's driving style [laugh]