DRIVING MYSELF CRAZY deciding.

[SinCityG35]

on which to get. Either the G35 or the IS250. The IS250 is approx. $1500 less. Yes the G is a far better performer, but the lexus does have slightly better fit and finish. The way the IS is put together is phemoninal in a car of this price range. They have similar handling characteristics. Now I am used to driving an 05' S4 so I am very critical when comparing cars to that one.

I really am on the fence here. I mean if I would base it on performance alone then I would hands down get the G, but I know this is not a performance car class. When I can afford the twin turbo porsche then I will get a car based on performance. So should I just get the lexus, save $1500, and have a slightly better interior fit and finish OR get the G and have a car that has some good lines, better performance, and a little more backseat room?

The thing that turns me off about the G is that you have to lower it on 20s to make it look great. I think other cars you can get away with leaving stock and be happy with it. I just think Infintis and Audis need a few enhancements to look great (ie wheels, tires, coilovers) which would equal approx. $6000.

[shaneotool]

if you like to drive - get the g35

[Altersys]

they do not have similar handling characteristics... that's precisely one of the main differences between the two cars.

you drove both and feel that way? wow...

that said, it sounds like you've made your decision already and are a "looks" buyer rather than performance... if you already know you prefer the looks of the IS off the lot, and that's more important to you, why not get it?

[shawnost]

Have you driven the IS250? That was the clincher for me, after that it was G all the way! Actually my brother owns the 250 so I really got to give it a good test drive and I just found the Lexus' interior to be too cramped for me (but I'm 6'3") and the power/sporty feel was a bit lacking IMO.

Seriously though, both are great cars, but you may get some biased opinions on this forum . Good luck with your decision.

[RRG35]

if you like sexy style and fast go with the G35 , If your conservative and family like go with the Lexus.

[Garnet Canuck]

Originally Posted by SinCityG35

They have similar handling characteristics.

That's the first time I have heard that.

[Altersys]

Originally Posted by Garnet Canuck

That's the first time I have heard that.

that's a big plus one, capt.

[Canadian144]

The IS is a lot smaller, and really doesn't have nicer fit and finish than the new G. The center console in the G is a lot nicer than in the IS (IMO). Also, you don't need to drop a G and put it on 20"s to make it look good, you can leave it stock and still have a car that is much nicer/ sexier/ better looking than the IS.

[Altersys]

Originally Posted by Canadian144

Also, you don't need to drop a G and put it on 20"s to make it look good, you can leave it stock and still have a car that is much nicer/ sexier/ better looking than the IS.

all of that is totally subjective so it doesn't necessarily apply to the orig. poster...

that said, i agree with you- the IS is fugliness (but it's a useless statement).

[G35Now!]

Originally Posted by SinCityG35

They have similar handling characteristics. Now I am used to driving an 05' S4 so I am very critical when comparing cars to that one.

They don't have similar handling characteristics, unless you leave out acceleration, cornering, and braking...? And you're coming from an S4, but the IS250 performance is fine for you? Uh...

I really am on the fence here. I mean if I would base it on performance alone then I would hands down get the G, but I know this is not a performance car class. When I can afford the twin turbo porsche then I will get a car based on performance.

There have been many discussions about the G not being a "sports car", and agreed - it's not. But it does have better performance than most other cars, including many sports cars. So...either you're throwing away performance characteristics, or you're staying in the genre. Your call.

The thing that turns me off about the G is that you have to lower it on 20s to make it look great. I think other cars you can get away with leaving stock and be happy with it. I just think Infintis and Audis need a few enhancements to look great (ie wheels, tires, coilovers) which would equal approx. $6000.

Huh? 20s? $6k in wheels and suspension work? Are you sure you don't want an Escalade...?

Sorry, I'm lost. You're going from a performance car, but saying you can't feel a performance difference in two clearly different cars. And you won't like it unless you spend an additional $6k? I'd tell you buy the Lexus, but think even you will get tired of the 250 pretty fast...

[Altersys]

Originally Posted by G35Now!

Huh? 20s? $6k in wheels and suspension work? Are you sure you don't want an Escalade...?

Sorry, I'm lost. You're going from a performance car, but saying you can't feel a performance difference in two clearly different cars. And you won't like it unless you spend an additional $6k? I'd tell you buy the Lexus, but think even you will get tired of the 250 pretty fast...

agreed.

this guy needs a focus group.

[SinCityG35]

Hey G35Now, have you ever priced a set of HRE, Marion, or Iforge. They are all in the $1000/wheel price range and I have never seen those on any Escalade. Have you ever seen "Hikos_G" car. It is very nice on Marion wheels. Take a look at it and say They belong on an escalade.
I am a "DRIVER" I have had 2 S4s and 1 M3 in the past 5 years. I am used to impeccable handling. Neither the IS or G have near the handling of the either an M or S audi. They are not expected to handle as well they are 15K less. The G and IS are both great cars, but compared to what I used to have they are not in the same category. Neither of them are "sports cars" so why try to make it one. I am 27, it would not go over well with clients and don't particularly care for putting exhaust and chip on a naturally aspirated car where gains are minimal, and the sound is not classy. For the younger crowd, cool. Not for me. My S4 was modified to the moon, but you can get away with it in a car like that.
With all that being said performance is secondary. Room, fit and finish, comfort, these are all first priority concerns. I really didin't like the steering to much in teh G, so it through the handling off. The lexus has better road feel, in my opinion.

[///M32G35]

SinCityG, any particular reason you're getting rid of the S4? I had a B5 S4, as well as an E46 M3. I really regret getting rid of either of those cars, I can guarantee you that you will definitely not be satisfied with either the G or the Lexus. Maybe a stupid question, but are you local? If so click link.
for the vegas people

[cipriopt]

Now tell me, really...
what answer did you expect to receive when you posted this question on a G35 forum?

[Skaterbasist]

Originally Posted by SinCityG35

They have similar handling characteristics.

Not even close.

The G35 will run laps around the IS250; the IS250 has a "typical" luxury sedan suspension.

Do this an im sure you will have your mind made up. Smash on the throttle in both the G and the IS250. By the, I think you will have a clue of how slow the IS250 is.

In my opinion, these two cars (IS250 & G35) are so different in style and personality that I cannot see what's so hard to decide in.

If it were the IS350 & G35, then I guess it would make more sense to me.

Goodluck either way!

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