OK, as some of you are aware I totalled my G35c about 2 weeks ago. This weekend I went over to Inf and to Lex to test drive the new '06 sport sedans.

The two vehicles are very similar in features and eye-for-an-eye in the price. Those of you in-the-know already know. I am not going to post a full review of the vehicles. You can google that up and find that all over the net. I am just going to post my experiences at the dealerships and the test drives.

2006 Lexus GS300
Pros
Awesome, cushion like ride. Leather is buttery soft. Outside mirrors have power fold-in and tilt down when car is put into reverse for parking. Salesperson didnt make me feel like I was there buying a car. I felt as if I was having a conversation with an old friend. Nice fella. I showed up totally unexpected and he had me test driving within 5 minutes. Probably will also hold its value better than Infiniti because Lexus brand name is solidly established worldwide.

Cons
Toyota looks. Pretty simple interior layout. Handles not as reponsively as I would like it.

2006 Infiniti M35 AWD
Pros
Exterior looks very serious....niiiiiiiiice. Great kick in the butt on acceleration. Smooth ride. Not as buttery as Lexus but buttery enough. Excellent handling. Interior is jaw-dropping.

Cons
Still no power outside fold-in mirrors. Talks with 3 dealerships for 2 weeks and still they dont budge on sticker. Infiniti is outdoing Lexus but yet its name still doesnt seem to hold the "prestige" most people associate with the Lexus brand. Go figure...

Overall
I cant make these kind of life altering decisions. Its just too close to actually call it. Theyre almost the same price fully loaded. They both have AWD, bluetooth, nav, memory seats, laser cruise control, etc.

Everyone and anyone who "KNOWS", please reply with some suggestion on which direction to go.

I know I wont get any biased opinions because we Infiniti owners are highly intelligent and we just dont choose sides without good reason to do so. LOL

I posted this in the 'other cars' forum also.

 

My mom has a LEX - GET THE INFINITI!!! I think they both will lose value, but the Infiniti being completely redesigned may help it hold more in the future. I am not up to date on the LEX but I saw the M in person and nearly spooooooooooooooged! It is hot!!! Especially the M45 with those sick **** wheels!!! Get the 35 all wheel drive and see if they get at least put the M45 wheels on it!!! That would be slammin!

 

Both Infiniti dealers that I have visited thus far, the salesmen, have been complete ****** (one at Grubbs no doubt). Do they not understand that you aren't just going to waltz in there and spend $35k at the drop of a hat. For that large of a purchase, I'd expect someone to make multiple visits, multiple test drives. The guy you described at Lexus, is how they should be!

Good luck with your decision.

 

Da M da M!! The lex looks like the freakin maxima. I like the M a whole lot better. I gotta see if I can schedule a test drive, dying to see how they drive..

-Vin

 

The M drives like the G35 coupe, only smoother over bumps in the road. Great feel...I felt really natural driving it...flooring it. I was cautious with the Lex because its not as responsive and doesnt handle as tight as the M.

 

I think everyone has it right on the looks. The M is great looking. The GS looks like your grandma's car. I think if you like to drive, the M is for you. If you just need some luxury transportation, then pick the Lexus. If your looking for a bigger car, you should also take a look at the 545's. This is a sweet car, but you also pay for it. Just a suggestion.

 

Jus,

Buy the LEX...Lets face it when it comes to quality and reliability you will not have the stupid little rattles and non sense that these Nissans have ,Yes even our beloved G's

The Lex is built for luxury on par with all the rest in the Luxo class, Infiniti trails and with good reason the interior plastics look cheaper than that of Lexus, MB, BMW,etc...Nissan has more HP and bigger engine of course and will give up more speed and the handling is great but as far as comparison to the GS300 its not in the same class of power...the GS300 is a 6 cyl and doesnt have the 300HP and TQ of the GS430 which would actually be a better acceleration comparo.

Looks is all about opinion, so thats up to you...but when it comes to quality, reliability, materials, resale value and how many times you will be back and forth to the dealer for BS....LEXUS kicks Infiniti's *** POint blank...

and I own a G also so I am not hating on it...and you all know I love my G!

 

OK, yea I was tryna stay away from the Lexus but most people I know are biased towards Lexus. Therefore I have been thoroughly researching Lexus and their quality, resale, service, etc.

Infinitis brand doesnt hold the same "prestige". Even when I had my G35c, some fine felines flew in from the UK to visit and they didnt know what the hell my car was. I felt bad. Alot of people always asked me "Why didnt you buy the Z?".

I know they know nothing but still I would like Inf to get the recognition it deserves, I mean they are thisclose to totally knocking Lexus off their horse. (I think. Please dont chew my head off for this comment) I admire Inf for making the comeback from the dead with the introduction of the G35. The FX helped show they werent just a fad and that they were serious. The new M will only solidify (hopefully) their global presence. Q45 needs a major REFRESH (uggggh so ugly). That really big monster truck is just an Armada with new clothes. That should be built from the ground up or totally done away with. They have some excellent cars. They just have to get the craftsmanship quality, and service and support game tighter. Rattles on cars claiming to be LUX is a no-no.

I checked resale values on 2000 q45, 2000 ls400, 2002 q45, and 2002 ls430 with same amount of mileage, similar options, etc. The Lexus were at about 10k over what the Infiniti's brought back. That is a FACT. I am now leaning heavily towards Lexus. LOL.

My purchase will be made in 1st week of May if all goes as planned....(insert evil laugh here).

 

I hate to break the news to you all but there were a couple of articles this month on MSN that the infinity G35 and the Nissan 350Z are among the leaders in projected resale value so dont sell them short on that aspect. I think Lexus/toyota is an excellent brand as far as reliability and resale but lets face it, how many real car enthusiasts own one? The Lexus will deliver a more comfortable ride but do a couple of hairpin turns and high speed corners or emergency maneuvers and most lexus's are sliding off the road where most infinity's are hanging tuff. It really depends on what you want. Hey, the GS 400/430 will be more cushy, reliable, and hold its value better than a BMW M5 but would any of you enthusiasts choose the Lamb over the Lion? The lamb certainly wont bite tho lol Ill take the Lion, rough edges and all

 

Get the Lexus....I was reminded today why I loved my IS300...beside the fact that it felt like brand new at 60k miles, I loved the service department. Talk about yes men...they never told me NO!

I called today to make my first appointment for my Infiniti and already feel the dealer BS coming on. I told them I needed a loaner car as they needed to locate the 4 rattles in my car. I heard blah, blah, blah....some cars have "natural rattles." WHAT?

I NEVER heard that with Lexus. If I were a patient man...I would have waited for the new IS300, but man...I like new toys. Just my .02.

 

I agree with lawboy. Back when I had my G35coupe..the service department would constantly bring up some kinda BS to try to avoid giving out the loaner car.

 

I am still in favor of the M. Although Lexus may have better service, I think the new M will have better resale value and looks hot to boot! If you could work a deal to get the M45 wheels on a 35, it would be the sweetest ride around!!!

 

hell, go for the m45 instead. 335 hp sh@t that could be mt next ride after i pay off the g next year!! i saw it in person a couple of weeks ago unless the gtr is hot, untill then i ll keep playing with the g

 

Well it seems very split here...Jus...
all I have to say is...I got both (Inf and Lex) and I love them both for Very very different reasons

Like Max said Inf does have the speed and handling, and its an enthusiasts car...and he is right about the resale thing as far as the G and Z goes but on everything else on the sales floor Lex got Inf beat in resale value....but like he said its a more fun car to own..

HOWEVER....if you want good power, aftermarket-add on-ability, great service and a "rattle-less" reliable car....You get that GS430 and call it a day


I will tell you the truth...if i had it may way I'd have Toyota build the G35 and just have Nissan make the Body panels...


We all have had our share of non-sense with this car that in my opinion should not be

I mean look at the TSB's on Any Toyota
and compare it to any Nissan TSB list

DONT GET me wrong ..I mean yeah all of you know (G-Squad) I love my G...but if i were looking into a $40K Lux sports sedan....Inf would not see me in the dealership

Between the rattles, grease streaks, window motors, 6 speed tranny failures, brakes wearing out after "10 minutes", brake dust, seat heaters, B.O.S.E "upgrade" system (Buy. Other. Stereo. Equipment), clicking axles, etc etc, etc

I mean come on....but what saves them is the
"DAMN THAT CAR LOOKS HOT" comments and the feeling you get when you are at that light and you step on it....that "damn she fast!?!?" feelin....

trust me....I know,.....we all know... that those feelings make up for the trips to the dealer and BS we've put up with from Nissans "luxury" division...

BUT deep down inside we all know what the clear "smart" choice would be
yet that pedal to the metal feelin and look of the Inf M may cure all of that.
Its not a horrible car but lets face it...its not a Lex build

BUT its beats the HELL OUT OF A HYUNDAI XG300....LMAO!!......OOPs no offense Hyundai peeps...LMAO

 

Is the Lex available in AWD? If not I am going to assume it's a FWD? FWD's suck the opposite end of a P#*IS!!!