Lexus IS250/350...Infiniti G35s...Any Experience?

[Triple J]

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.

[cyrus buelton]

can't go wrong with a lexus, probably one of the most reliable cars made

[Triple J]

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.

[the_Journeyman]

Aren't those both luxury divisions of Nissan & Toyota which have excellent reliablilty ratings?

JM

[jdubbs32584]

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.

[Triple J]

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. 

[red baron]

Lex 204 hp  4 door

Inf 330 hp   2door

depends on what you're using them for.

[NeufUnSix]

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. I am referring to the sedan, not the coupe.

[DRKWNG]

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.

[Triple J]

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. 

[He Man]

New Challenger nuff said. 

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.

[sugarcrook]

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. 

[stateprez]

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

[Triple J]

Thanks for the input so far everyone! 

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.

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.  Hopefully they'll have some '09s in next month when it's buying time...might change our mind.

[IZ]

can't go wrong with a lexus, probably one of the most reliable cars made

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. 

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!!