Well, thinking things over, I think I'm narrowing my search down to two cars.

The G35 coupe and the Lexus IS300 (whatever car I choose will be in red.).

At this point, I don't know which I really want. In the past, I wanted the g35 coupe because of its great looks and amazing power. Four doors is not a absolute neccessity. However, the rear seat sucks a lot. There is plenty of rear legroom unlike many other coupes but the headroom is absurd. Sitting straight up in the back, my head is firmly touching the rear windshield. This could be a saftey disadvantage if I people are sitting in the back.

The IS300 is more practical and looks very sporty. The interior is quite unique. And while there isn't as much power as the G coupe, the IS300's engine is powerful enough providing lots of low end torque and reaching 0-60 in the low sevens. However, the IS is a bit older design (2 years in North America).

Both cars would probably be very simmalarly priced and I would be buying them in an auto transmission. (No manual vs auto arguements plz). The G does have a tiptronic auto but the IS300 has F1 style paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

And while I'm not choosing my purchase based on winter weather, I do believe that the IS will be a little better in the snow.

So I have one question I need answered for sure. 17 all season tires- are they ok for moderate winter driving?




Legend in Time

 

Dont get the IS300 opt for the coupe. I just bought a coupe yesterday and have a IS300. The IS300 is just plain boring. Get the G coupe or the 4dr you can get a screaming deal on the 4dr right now.

 

Yes, the A/S's should be fine for moderate winter driving. And the previous poster is right. I test drove the IS300 and the G35 Coupe among many other cars in the class. It was just no match as far as exterior styling and power. The G35 will blow the IS300 away as far as the juice goes.

D. Graphite/Graphite | Premium | Splash | Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's

 

depending on your timetable... I believe the IS is due for a major redesign in 2006, that last I heard would net a considerable increase in power.

I drove both before making my decision (along with several other cars) I liked the IS a lot. Its a very smooth car, comfortable and the Sportdesign model's interior is even better looking than the standards. But utimately I decided against it because of the power. Even though it does have enough I wanted a car that had more.

Really the decision comes down to 4 door vs 2 door and how much power you want. Other than that both are well built, good looking, sporty and luxurious.

good luck with your decision... I know it took me a long time to make mine once i test drove all the cars on my list.

2005 G35 Coupe 6MT (On Order) | Diamond Graphite/Graphite | Prem. Pkg. | Nav. Pkg. | Splash Guards | Sirius Sat.

 

I had it narrowed down to the same two cars. I previously owned a Volvo C70 HPT 5spd and I made a promise to myself that my next car would be faster. The bottom line is that the G performs toward the top of its class and the IS300 is relatively middle of the road in terms of performance.

I chose the G because of the fun factor. It's a sports car with all the goodies. I test drove both and found the Lexus to be fairly underpowered. After driving the G I knew the decision had been made. When the lexus dealer called me to ask if I was still interested in the IS, he asked me what other cars I was considering... when I said G35 coupe, he told the if money was no object, get the coupe.

Another HUGE turnoff was the fact that you simply can NOT find the IS300 with Navigation. That was a MAJOR factor for me as I am not a big fan of buyers remorse. I even called up corporate Lexus and they told me the same thing the dealer did: "the navigation is really a non-existant option on the IS, they may tell you they can get it for you but in reality... it's nearly impossible, if there are any out there, they are likely on the west coast." After that, my decision was final.

I could have walked out of the dealer with a fully loaded (less the navi) IS300 for $29K, truly a bargain. The G35 coupe I ended up with cost me $37K but I have every possible option and the car is a constant head turner and source of compliments. There's nothing quite like a G, any of us will attest to the feeling of owning this car.


2004.5 Black on Black 6MT, Aero, Premium, Navi
"You can live in your car but you can't drive your house"

 

G35 comes in a sedan it dosn't make sense to compare the IS300 to the coupe.

 

Well put ryguy84.

If you like the coupe but want a full back seat, get the G35 sedan!!! Either will out perform the IS.

 

Wellz I just ordered my car today, and cannot wait to get it. As for the IS, wellz to me, it never came down to this car, at least when the G first came out. I must admit that when the IS first came on the scene, it was a HOT car. I really wanted, but didn't have the money for it, now I do. But now is to late for the IS, its old, it looks boring now. It just doesn't look nice anymore. For someone to buy it now would be stupid because of that fact the model is going to change in either 2006 or 2007. The G right now looks so much better. Of course I rather have a nice smoove ride, but hey, with a lot more HPs then the IS, I really don't mind =) The G is less expensive the the IS overall. I won't get a 4DR G though, just not my thang, coupe all the way. Wellz good luck with ur discision.

2005 G35 6MT COUPE (ON ORDER) - BLACK ON BLACK - NAV - AERO SPOILER W/ SPLASHGUARDS - TRUCK MAT