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

[Ash]

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. 

[Triple J]

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.

[iDuc]

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.

[Triple J]

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? 

[Ash]

We've considered Acura...too boring for her. She likes the TL (her boss has a newish one)...just doesn't want one. NSX? 

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...

[Ash]

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   

[DRKWNG]

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.   

[Triple J]

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   

That sucks. Our Xterra only gets 14-15 mpg, so we were hoping for a little better than 18. 

[sidm]

There is a refresh to the IS in '09: 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.

[ducatiz]

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.

[Charlief]

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

[NeufUnSix]

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.

[red baron]

Canadian gallons?

[Howie]

Canadian gallons?

Canadian gallon = imperial gallon = 1.2 gallon, in other words,a bigger gallon.

[ducatiz]

Canadian gallons?

they still use imperial units for that.

although i believe most fuel sales is in litres, no?