Decision time is approaching - Which car

[cleverclaire]

Ok,

So I have about $18 to $20k. I wish it was more, but it isn't.

I am considering:

+ 03/03.5 G35 with 40k-60K miles on it (premium, no sport)
+ 99-00 Lexus GS400 with 60k-75k miles on it

My thoughts are:

G35:
- much better handling car
- 3-4 years newer but only a little lower on miles
- better looking exterior

GS400
- much more luxurious inside
- maybe a little faster in straight line
- better highway ride
- a little more reliable then the G
- bigger inside, but trunk stinks.
- the new one is coming out but that doesn't bother me too much
- blends into the crowd a little too much for me

My priorities are:

1) fun to drive: quick and nimble
2) very reliable (kills BMW, Audi, etc...)
3) can carry customers, family, friends, etc... (no mustangs or WRX's)
4) is not confused with a "riced out" ride - I'm not much of a modder - sorry(no IS300 or WRX's or EVO's)

What would you buy?

Why?

Thanks!

Note: I also posted this question at Clublexus.com Clublexus thread

[Z06ified]

Well, considering the GS400 has a smelly trunk, get the G!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Given your priorities of fun to drive and being quick and nimble, the G35 definitely fits that bill better than the GS. While the GS is quick, its not nimble, and its incredibly heavy.

I would also much rather own a 2 year old car than a 6 year old car. While the Toyota may have better reliability ratings when new, don't forget that reliability tends to go downhill with age and mileage. The reliability differences aren't that substantial anyway.

[SkylineG33]

1) fun to drive: quick and nimble
2) very reliable (kills BMW, Audi, etc...)
3) can carry customers, family, friends, etc... (no mustangs or WRX's)
4) is not confused with a "riced out" ride - I'm not much of a modder - sorry(no IS300 or WRX's or EVO's)

1) I say G35
2) Both, IMO they are reasonably close
3) I say GS (It's obviously bigger and can hold more passengers)
4) If no mods, neither.

Sorry, basically that didn't help, but I suggest that you go towards the car that you emotionally feel attracted to immediately without hesitation after looking and driving it both.

[1SICKLEX]

I'll post on both forums The GS is overall the superior car, one reason the overall asking price for a then new GS 400 is nearly 20k more than a G35. Its built in what is regarded the best plant in the world (the Tahara plant) and the GS 400 won just about every award possible upon introduction in 1998.Now looking at prioritesMy priorities are:

1) fun to drive: quick and nimble
2) very reliable (kills BMW, Audi, etc...)
3) can carry customers, family, friends, etc... (no mustangs or WRX's)
4) is not confused with a "riced out" ride - I'm not much of a modder - sorry(no IS300 or WRX's or EVO's)

I would have to say go with the G35 based on #1 if you get a MANUAL, its a toss up if you get an automatic. Stock, a G35 sedan does outhandle a GS 400 sedan (even auto to auto). You don't mod your car, so it makes no sense to suggest mods. I will say in my old modded GS 400, I met a couple G35 owners shocked at the beating they got. Stock, I am positive in the curves, I would have had to slow down to the G35. On the other end of the spectrum, the VQ pulls like MAD in the G35, what a great V-6. But there is nothing like having more cylinders, and the GS is as smooth at full acceleration as cruising 80mph on the freeway. The GS is no slouch in the handling department, its coupe like handling is what helped it win Import Car of the Year and 10 best wins and comparisons wins or 2nd place finishes. The biggest issue, IMO, is the loose steering at times.
2. The GS is the most reliable car in its class. Its not perfect but close to it
In comparison, we have read the tons of complaints on the new G35s.
3. The GS is bigger, after driving both, this is confirmed. I also don't understand how people can get used to the controls on the passenger side of the console and the seat buttons under you, instead of beside you in the G35.
4. The GS is a "Lexus" so that holds much more prestige than an "Infintii". And there are sadly, riced out cars for every ride. We have a couple on Clublexus.

Looks are subjective, you think the GS looks dull, I think the G35 sedan is, "nicely put" not very pretty.

Enjoy your choice, both are simply fantastic cars.

[Z06ified]

and the GS 400 won just about every award possible upon introduction in 1998.

Actually, the G35 has won about the same amount of awards in 2003-2004 as the GS did back in '98, and then some. The G35 has won many "best value" awards, lowest depreciation, and best safety recognition than the GS did. So as far as awards go, the cars are about a wash.

In comparison, we have read the tons of complaints on the new G35s.

We have? Don't confuse complaints with reliability. I don't like the rattles my G35 has (complaint), but its been completely reliable.

4. The GS is a "Lexus" so that holds much more prestige than an "Infintii".

That's B.S. That's YOUR opinion. The fact that Lexus and Infiniti don't even exist in Japan says a lot about how foolish most Americans are about brand names. The Japanese are laughing all the way to the bank on how they can charge more for cars they call "Toyota" and "Nissan" in their own country. I own a Nissan Skyline as far as I'm concerned. They can call it an Infiniti all they want, I don't care. The car speaks for itself, not the nameplate. Similarly, when I see a Lexus, I think Toyota, because that's what it is. I definitely don't think any more highly of Lexus than Infiniti - they are comparable, IMO. And both are a step down from BMW and Mercedes in terms of prestige (which I don't care about).

[1SICKLEX]

Originally Posted by Z06ified

Actually, the G35 has won about the same amount of awards in 2003-2004 as the GS did back in '98, and then some. The G35 has won many "best value" awards, lowest depreciation, and best safety recognition than the GS did. So as far as awards go, the cars are about a wash.


We have? Don't confuse complaints with reliability. I don't like the rattles my G35 has (complaint), but its been completely reliable.



That's B.S. That's YOUR opinion. The fact that Lexus and Infiniti don't even exist in Japan says a lot about how foolish most Americans are about brand names. The Japanese are laughing all the way to the bank on how they can charge more for cars they call "Toyota" and "Nissan" in their own country. I own a Nissan Skyline as far as I'm concerned. They can call it an Infiniti all they want, I don't care. The car speaks for itself, not the nameplate. Similarly, when I see a Lexus, I think Toyota, because that's what it is. I definitely don't think any more highly of Lexus than Infiniti - they are comparable, IMO. And both are a step down from BMW and Mercedes in terms of prestige (which I don't care about).

Why are you looking for an arguement. Lets see here:
1. I never stated the G35 didn't win awards. I figure ya'll know that, this is a G35 board. So I stated facts about the GS.
2. I didn't say the G35 was unreliable. I said the GS is the most reliable car in its class (JD Power) and the G35 is good reliability but not as good as the GS.
3. That is not my opinion, that is everyones opinion. Lexus will be in Japan this year as the brand contineus to move up and forward, Infiniti is still in the midst of re-building. The fact is Lexus does exist in Europe, Infiniti doesn't. If your not impressed with names and prestige, fine, 99% of the people dumping serious coin on a car are. Is it silly, yes to an extent but it also means higher re-sale values and an extra smile on your face.

[Garnet Canuck]

Originally Posted by cleverclaire

Ok,

So I have about $18 to $20k. I wish it was more, but it isn't.

I am considering:

+ 03/03.5 G35 with 40k-60K miles on it (premium, no sport)
+ 99-00 Lexus GS400 with 60k-75k miles on it

My thoughts are:

G35:
- much better handling car
- 3-4 years newer but only a little lower on miles
- better looking exterior

GS400
- much more luxurious inside
- maybe a little faster in straight line
- better highway ride
- a little more reliable then the G
- bigger inside, but trunk stinks.
- the new one is coming out but that doesn't bother me too much
- blends into the crowd a little too much for me

My priorities are:

1) fun to drive: quick and nimble
2) very reliable (kills BMW, Audi, etc...)
3) can carry customers, family, friends, etc... (no mustangs or WRX's)
4) is not confused with a "riced out" ride - I'm not much of a modder - sorry(no IS300 or WRX's or EVO's)

What would you buy?

Why?

Thanks!

Note: I also posted this question at Clublexus.com Clublexus thread

Based on your priorities and your budget, the G35 should be a no brainer. I have not driven a GS400, however I can vouch for the G35 being quick and nimble. With the weight of the GS, I can't imagine it handling as well as the G35.

As far as reliability is concerned, I have had my G35 for almost two years with absolutely NO problems.

Carrying passengers with the G35 is no problem, I have had lots of comments on friends loving the reclining rear seats!!

Based on exterior looks alone, the hands down winner here is the G35...no contest what so ever. Plus, like Z06ified stated, you would be getting a car that is 4 years newer!

Anyways, both are great cars with their own positives and negatives.....good luck in your pusuit!!

[cleverclaire]

I am leaning G35.

I think the quality of materials if much better on the GS4 (especially center stack and seats), but I just can't justify a 3 years or older car.

I saw that there is a $500-600 service every 30k miles on the G, is there a bigger one? The GS4 has a $1100 90k including the timing belt. That isn't too far down the road if I bought one with 65-70k miles.

[Z06ified]

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

3. That is not my opinion, that is everyones opinion.

How would you know what everyone's opinion is? Could you be any more obnoxious and juvenile with that comment? It sure as hell is NOT my opinion. Should we do a poll right here, right now, to prove how wrong you are? In case you didn't know, you're on an Infiniti forum - the vast majority here view Infiniti superior to Lexus. So much for your "everyone" theory.

If your not impressed with names and prestige, fine, 99% of the people dumping serious coin on a car are. Is it silly, yes to an extent but it also means higher re-sale values and an extra smile on your face.

That's right, I'm not impressed with names and prestige. I'm impressed with performance, style, features, and bang for the buck. While there are a lot of poser wannabe's out there who are only interested in names and prestige, it sure as hell isn't 99% of them. There are a lot of performance enthusiasts out there like me who buy a car, not a nameplate.

[cleverclaire]

OK,

Please calm down. Everyone has their own opinion. One might be a little better than the other, I don't know. They both carry plenty of prestige for me.

What are the specific reasons you would pick the G35? Age of car? handling? Can you be specific? The clublexus thread is kicking your butts! :-)

[G4me]

Originally Posted by cleverclaire

OK,

Please calm down. Everyone has their own opinion. One might be a little better than the other, I don't know. They both carry plenty of prestige for me.

What are the specific reasons you would pick the G35? Age of car? handling? Can you be specific? The clublexus thread is kicking your butts! :-)

Do yourself a favor and get a new car. Check out the Scion tC, impossible to beat for the money and nice options.

Or, get the used G.. you'll fall asleep driving the Lexus.

[socketz]

I'd look around and test drive used G35s/GS400s.

Something will click with one of the cars you drive.

Both are extremely nice cars, with the Lexus edging out the G in pure luxury. G and the FM platform win on the agility/handling front.

Personally, I'd go with the G because it's smaller and with only 30k miles on the odometer, still has some factory warranty left.

[Z06ified]

Originally Posted by cleverclaire

What are the specific reasons you would pick the G35? Age of car? handling? Can you be specific?

I already explained why. Look at my original post.

The clublexus thread is kicking your butts! :-)

Well, then, you should buy the GS. Enjoy your Lexus.
If you base your car purchase decision on what a bunch of pubescent kids that are keyboard racing on some internet car forum, then I truly feel sorry for you.

[Garnet Canuck]

There are a couple things that I would like to add to this post..

First, when you post questions like this (G35 vs. GS400) on forums like these, be preparted to get biased opinions. I mean most people have not owned both cars so their personal experience is only based on one of them.....and their comments will reflect that. The majority of members here will advise getting the 03 G35, while the members at clublexus will be recommending the GS....simple human nature. Hopefully that paragraph makes sense!!

I would suggest weighing the pros and cons of each car against your priorities, take both cars out for a test drive, and at the end of the day see which car puts the biggest smile on your face.

[cleverclaire]

Originally Posted by canuck

There are a couple things that I would like to add to this post..

First, when you post questions like this (G35 vs. GS400) on forums like these, be preparted to get biased opinions.

Yeah, I understood that going in. But who better to ask why they love their car and would pick it again than a group of dedicated enthusiests?

Originally Posted by Canuck

I would suggest weighing the pros and cons of each car against your priorities, take both cars out for a test drive, and at the end of the day see which car puts the biggest smile on your face.

I have done that as well. I value the opinions of the people here on the board so I asked for them. I hope there is nothing wrong with that.

And Z06, are you having a bad day? Lighten up Frances. Did you have trouble seeing the :-)

I did read and appreciate your first post. Thank you. I was asking for OTHER's input as well. There are lot's of people with valid thougts on the board and I was just encouraging them to express them.

Do you need another smilie?

Your input was appreciated.

Claire