So just to give you guys a little background, I'm a member on the IS forums and have been a Lexus fan since day 1. On my 3rd is300, and just got one for a steal a couple weeks ago. Although I appreciate the fact that I got this one for a sweet deal and by far the nicest of the three I've had to date, sometime I feel like I want something out of the Lexus scene since being a college student I obviously can't afford an IS-F or I'd be all over that!

Anyways, I have always been a fan of the G35 for what it is, a 280+ hp handling machine but have never been a HUGE fan of them aesthetically. Especially the entire wise; I mean don't get me wrong, they're pretty but I feel a little outdated sometime interior wise with the Infiniti's and the issue with the G35 for me budget was (although I'm not a super knowledgeable Infiniti person), that from 2005 is when they did serious changes, especially to the interior, ie. tacho, dash, etc. And being I was only interested in 05 and up, they were kind of pricey and I was like why pay the same amount for a Lexus and Infiniti! NOT HATING guys just talking brand name. But anyways, I did come across this Infiniti that seems like a great deal, too good to be true, but I might be in the market for some G's if I find a good deal. I need some help from you all though!

These are my concerns/questions:

1. mileage - how high is "high" for Infiniti's? With Lexus, they'll run to 200k+ miles on the ISs because they are Toyota's. This G has 71,000 miles on it, how does that sound, maintenance wise and all that?
2. maintenance wise, how much of a pain are Infiniti's? I'm not looking for a car that's going to be like a bmw or audi to maintain but more like an Acura but really a LEXUS to maintain if you know what I mean.
3. insurance - how does this compare to other sedans like the tsx and stuff, just because the IS300 insurance is known to be insane (I'm 22 years old with definitely not the best driving record)
4. Year-to-year changes - like i said, from my own research I learned that 2005 was the big change in years but like what things should I definitely look for (ie. this G35 seems like the MOST basic package, no body kit, lame wheels, no navi, no spoiler, and when did Brembo's become included?) With this question, is 05 a good year to look at. And I've heard some came with LSD, how do I tell?

*Finally please give me your take on this g35. You guys all know the selling prices roughly of these cars now and I can get this one for probably around 11, he's asking 11,900 for it now and blue book is like 13,900/15/16 so it seems almost too good to be true. Before you ask, I ran a carfax and it's completely clean *No accidents and *No salvage title.

Note: First couple pics of my is300 now that I'd be selling, and the rest of the g35, not the best of conditions it looks like from pics, but still a great price right?


















thanks for any and all help guys! Please be as helpful and informative as possible, I MIGHT be around these parts soon!

 

I test drove a few IS and Acuras before I settled on the g35. I am very happy I did as well, but the 2JZ motor in the IS300 was very tempting.

 

From the looks of it those are 17's on the car. I believe g35 AT coupes with 17's don't have lsd. From what I've been reading they are on the sport package. Brembos were only from 03-04 on MT's I believe someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

i was between the IS300 and the G35 before i went with the G. I liked the IS but i couldnt find the right one for the right price - for the price tho, that ones in not-so-great shape. it could use a good cleaning and you can generally tell if someone neglects the little things such as that, that there is the likelihood of maintenance neglect as well. I honestly would prob just hold on to that IS, its sharp and it will prob outlast a G if maintained properly. mines not had any major problems (few electrical issues - but what G hasnt?) I think the G looks and handles better but your IS/ 2JZ is solid and looks good i’d trade you on it lol

 

I would definitely go for the G35.

G35 coupe years are 03-07

03-04 had brembo's as an option
05 gets an updated interior - no brembo's from 05+
06-07 gets the 05 interior, projector headlights, new tail lights, and couple new exterior panels (front, skirts)

I would get manual if I were you...

 

I'd stick with the IS

 

My best friend bought an IS350 and it was very smooth and tight..even the way the doors closed.. I bought my G and I think the IS is a nicer car but it didn't do much for me for some reason. Then the fkr went out and traded his IS in for an IS-F.. and that car ruined me.

 

I loved the IS back in the day before I was turned off of sedans and really started liking coupes...

I'll say it like this: I wouldn't trade my G35 for any car in its class and relative price range. My G35 will outlast me.

 

i have driven both and i would say th g was more fun...to me the is300 looks way outdated and the g can still look sexy.. but remember if u live u the snow belt u will need snow tires for both cars..

 

I would trade the IS for a G, but not THAT G. It looks like they didn't take very good care of the interior and is that a dent in front of the rear wheel? Or is it just a reflection? Also, that one doesn't have the sport package, hence the 17's, so no LSD. Your IS looks like it is in great shape so I wouldn't trade it for a G unless you find one that has been taken care of.

Reliability wise G's aren't bad, mine has had a few small problems like window motor dying, rear endlinks wearing, small rattles, etc. but nothing major.

 

I agree with b fife22, that g looks like sh it bro. Look for a better one

 

I miss my old IS, 02 black onyx on black single turbo..


I think that coupe you have showing in that picture could definitely be in better condition..

Can't beat the lines of a G..

 

yup is300 looks hella old and outdated.

 

wow guess u learn something new every day!! 2jz in the is300... wow.. ive been wanting a 2jz for a min. i know u can beef them bad boys up. My advice is, for style and looks id go with the G.. if you plan on having a car that u are going to modd the **** out of id stay with the IS300... on my G im slowly working on the looks.. its soo hard cus i find it sooo sexy. all a G needs to look striper bomb is a nice set of rims and a good drop. Speed wise you will go broke modding

 

I always liked the lexus IS series... But the g isn't too bad. Just search and you can find most of what you want.