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*shrugs* I think I am spoiled..........I don't like being spoiled though, makes me feel bad. I'll just say I'm lucky to get a car at this age.

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I think being "spoiled" really comes from things other than expensive gifts from parents. I know some great kids who have been lavished with luxuries, and don't ACT "spoiled" at all. Kids who do behave like spoiled brats usually have had other, more important issues go wrong. Like being given those expensive things in place of real caring by their parents. THAT will "spoil" them for sure...

 

first off, lets clear a few things up.

1. you like gundam, neat
2. the 210 hp rx8 dynoed at around 160, that sounds about right to me theres a better version with 247hp
3. for a "crap" car its still putting quartermile times down between the auto and the manual versions of our car.
4. is300 is great but dont buy i dont suggest it if your keeping it stalk, the car just screams TURBO!
5. im 19, expect the dealership to be kinda snobby towards you, because your a kid, i suggest going into a couple without your parents and seeing how they react.
6. as already mention the majority of this board is biased as hell, whenever i see an STi, 350z, rx8, or is300. i have a split secound of regret, it quickly fades and if it doesnt i go out and by something new for my car, makes me feel much better.

-moooooo

 

Unless you're shameless, ultimately get the one your parents want to get. If you like the G35 Coupe, then propose it to them and provide them with all the information, but its their money, and frankly the Lexus is the best (well, least bad) investment from a purely financial perspective.

The comments about horsepower and torque here are generally correct (if exaggerated), but here's the thing: you're 15. Unless your parents drove you to school in a Porsche, any of these cars will feel faster than you know what to do with. Frankly, I'm not sure how much I like the idea of a 15 year old zooming past me in a G35 Coupe with the VDC off. I'm 30 with an automatic, and still catch myself doing dopey things with this car because it gives you such confidence at high speeds.

Anyway, for my money, it was the G35, and an easy choice at that. For my parents money, I'd bring up the G35, but if they want the IS300, I'd consider myself damned lucky to have it. The G is completely superior in my opinion, but the IS300 is superior to 90% of the other cars out there. As for the RX-8, that's a great car too, #2 on my list, and if there's any time to drive a car that looks like that, it's when you're young. But here's the other thing to consider: a couple years from now, you may decide you want a completely different type of car, like a SUV or a convertible. When that time comes, the Lexus traditionally will hold its resale value better than the Infiniti, and certainly the Mazda. That may change due to the great success of the G35, but a high resale for Lexus is as reliable as anything in this market. If you really want to save up those rich kid dollars, lobby for the G35 or RX-8 and then "compromise" on the Lexus. Then when it's time for a graduation gift, you can say, "I really appreciated your generosity, but this wasn't really the car I wanted," and go from there.

Besides, you'll be ruined for all other cars if you get the best one right from the start. You need to drive lesser vehicles before you'll fully appreciate a G. My first car was a 5 year old Subaru Brat, but I was the only guy I knew who didn't pay a dime for his own car, so I thought I did well.

-Jack
Obsidian '03 G35 Sports Coupe
Titanium '03 MX-5 Shinsen #532

 

I have nothing against a young person being lucky enough to have parents buying him a nice car. what worries me is the safety issue. I really don't think a 280HP high performance car is a good first car for anybody. Let's face it.. teenager have the highest rate of accidents, and odds are that he will wreck the car. All you can hope is he doesn't take someone's life.

 

So far, I haven't messed up in driving and my parents said I'm doing better everytime I drive ( I know theyre not exagerating because I know how they react on how I drive). I know the car is high performance and might not be a good idea for a first car. So far, I have been practicing mainly on a Honda Accord, Lexus GS300 and a Lexus RX300. But, yeah.....Maybe a high performance is not a good first car..It'll be nice to have as a first car for sure. I'll have no regrets if I get that car.

 

Switch, I didn't say it was a crime to have money. I assume you were replying to another post and just hit reply on mine because it was last at the time?

Leaving out my personal opinions on whether or not a teenager should have a 280hp coupe, the G35 is actually a pretty darn safe car to stick a kid in. More active and passive safety features than most cars on the road.

You know, my parents bought my first car, and paid for gas, maintanence & insurance. Of course, it was an '83 Crown Victoria. A teen can be pretty reckless behind the wheel of anything. I know I made that big boat fishtail around many a corner. Some corners it fishtailed on all by itself. The only thing making it "safe" was the fact that there was so much of it.

You may want to see if your parents will spring for one of the race school teenager defensive driving classes. Where the state-approved courses simply tell you in a book what to do, these other classes give you hands-on experience at accident avoidance maneuvers and car control.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Its great that you are afforded the opportunity to select from a great range of cars as your first. I am sure most of us here (inc myself) would've loved that opportunity. You should get what you want, but I my instant feeling is the safety/age combination. This is not a judgement against you personally, as you might be a great responsible driver, however as JDMan said, most accidents are caused by young inexperienced drivers. I certainly remember when I was 16 and started driving my dad's Toyota Tarago Van (Australia). Yeah it was a pig on the road, so it was not like you could do anyting in it. But as all men are built equal, once you get some power under that foot and a stiff suspension, the driving devil comes out. Now at 29 with a G35 and an MR2 Turbo, I have learnt my lessons of speed and recklessness, however the devil does come out from time to time to play.

I think my message is, "Make a safe choice that satisfies you (and your parents since they are footing the bill, hehe)."

Also just to mention here, and this is an observation about driving instruction and DMV tests, the quality of most USA drivers is below that of some other countries. I am not saying as an Aussie that I am a superior driver, but our driving tests are more strict compared to the USA. My driving test in Aus. was like 90 mintues long (here in SoCal, it was like 20 min)and there are a minimum number of driving instruction classes you have to take. Its like they give away licenses here in SoCal like they are going out of fashion. So make sure you are ready for the car you are going to drive. The G35 is certainly not a Honda Accord or RX300.

Sorry about the rant and again this is just friendly advice to you.

Good luck and drive safe.

Mike.

2003 6MT Coupe Black/Graphite/Prem./Nav/Aero
1994 MR2 Turbo 5MT Black/Prem.

 

I'll make the right choice sooner or later. But isn't most accidents also caused by old people (not to be rude or anything). But true, teenagers also get into accidents.

Driving test 90 minutes?! Thats long! I don't know how long will be mine. I almost got a waiver, but the teacher I had was so picky on the way I was driving. Like for instance...I turned the wheel just enough to make a left turn and he yelled at me and said I was breaking the power steering. I complained about that and I was put back in class ( I got kicked out of class because of his bs). I ended up getting a c+ and now I have to take that driving test. I know I'll do good.

Its ok, I didn't take any of the stuff you said the wrong way, I could understand that. I joined the site for advice on which car I should get and also about safety.

 

Don't let it get to you.. first time I took my driving test, a fire truck came barrelling down the street. I pulled over and slowed down to about 3mph (and there was nothing but an empty field to my right).

I failed for "failure to yield to an emergency vehicle."

I double-checked the law. Yielding does not imply a complete stop. I had to take the test again the following week with the same instructor. Whoopee!

What I wouldn't give to find that instructor and take the test again using my G35.... *muahahahaha*

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I failed my first Aussie driving test, "Failure to stop at a Stop sign". The stop sign was so far back from the road that you could not see oncoming traffic. So I stopped. Since I couldn't see I rolled forward, it was clear, so i went. The tester failed me becuase I did not stop again!!!. Crazy.

Ryoken...I would love to take my test again in the G35...with the Brembos, you could certainly come to a complete stop and give the instructor whiplash!!

Endless..old people (and I assume you mean OLD and not us!! hehe) do cause a majority of accidents. Sounds like you have the driving sorted out. If you get the G, be careful not to let her take control.

Mike.

2003 6MT Coupe Black/Graphite/Prem./Nav/Aero
1994 MR2 Turbo 5MT Black/Prem.

 

Ouch, I'm sorry to hear that. I think driver's ed. teachers can be jerks at times.

I don't mean the people here, hehe. I decided to get a G35 coupe instead. Even though I made my choice too soon I think, I really want this one more. Not cause its fast or anything, I like how it looks, the style of it.

 

hey man.. I literally had the exact same situation as you... and i'm turning 16 in november... I was debating between the lexus and the G and in the end after lots of comparing I chose the G!... I live in michigan and my dad took me to the infiniti dealer and the guy was really cool.... he let me and my dad take a car out for a spin and let me drive!.....Now my car's on order (well... it's going to be sent in with the "september batch") and the dealer said it's going to come in mid to late november.... it's CB and Black interior with everything...Right now it's an automatic..but i don't know wether or not to get a manual... anyway Good luck on your choice!

 

Cool! I live in Illinois. My brother helped me decide which car I want. I realized I wanted the G more instead. I was so convinced that I wanted an IS before. Well anyways...Have fun when you get your car! Lucky you, hehe..

Right now, I just did some car research on how much it will cost. For sure I know I'm getting an automatic one. Its goin to be a coupe wit all the options except for the xm radio and the sirius thing. All I know is now that my parents will trade in the Honda for it probably in November or next year. I'm surprised my parents said ok to this. I'm really excited! It's going to be expensive though.......