I just came back from test driving first a Lexus IS300 5-speed and then a G35 sedan 6-speed. I can't believe how much more fun the G35 was. I am a long-time fan of the IS300, but to me there was no comparison. I even loved the 6-speed transmission, which I sometimes hear referred to as "notchy". It didn't feel notchy to me at all. It felt great and much nicer than the IS300, which I didn't expect. Otherwise, the power is exciting, whereas in the IS300 it is just fun. Anyway, I was blown away and now I have to rationalize the fairly large price difference, since the IS300 is discounted very nicely. Also, in Canada, the IS300 is available with fewer options on it, most of which I don't really want. Price difference about $6,000 right now because Infiniti dealer says he can't move too much on price.

Anyway, that's about it. You G35 owners are a lucky bunch.

 

If you buy the IS, the probability is high that you will come to regret that decision, seeing as you like the G so much!

I've read somewhere... "It's better to cry when you first buy the car and smile the rest of the years, rather than smile at the price, and cry the rest of the years because you really wanted something else"

Bite the bullet and get the G. I ate about $5K depreciation on the 2002 TL I took from my wife. She liked that car, but I drove it for 5 months and hated every month of it! Decidied 5 months of crying was enough, went out there andd got my G!


03 G35
02 Sequoia

 

Sequoia ain't a bad consolation prize.

03.5 Sedan AT (Black-Willow-Premium-Sport-Aero)

 

She got hit while driving the TL by a Land Rover Discovery, spun her around on the Turnpike doing 70. After that (and a blown tranny) she never liked the TL, so I traded my faithful '96 Altima and got her the Sequoia, and "inherited" her TL. But in the 5 months I drove it, the TL never grew on me.
[img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img] Happy with my G, since February! [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]


03 G35
02 Sequoia

 

I can guess why. I test drove a TL TypeS, and was underwhelmed by it's 260 horses. It's a near-luxury family sedan, not a near-luxury sport sedan.

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

 

If you're going through a "midlifecrisis", you want the G35 rather than the IS. That car is too "boy racer" for me! Try out the new Acura TSX as well. I liked my test drive in it MUCH more than in the IS.

<font color=green>GG</font color=green>

 

I got my 6MT Sedan for over a $1000 less than the Lexus dealer would go on an auto IS300. For some reason the Lexus guys wouldn't haggle, but the Infiniti guy gave me a great deal.

Might try looking at some other dealers. Do an online search of their inventories and if one has got more than a few 6MTs on the lot they may be more likely to deal.

---
6MT Sedan, Brilliant Silver, Aero/Premium/Winter

 

I agree. I've waited a long time for this car and I'll probably keep it for a long time, so I need to get what I want. I will check out dealers in other cities. Do you still get the same service at your local Infiniti dealer if you buy in another city?

 

I forgot to mention that I have test driven the Acura TSX. I don't like it nearly as much as the IS300. Partly I think I've been converted to a rear-wheel drive fan and partly I found the TSX engine too wimpy. The TSX was nicely finished, but I'm not looking for the luxury trimmings, I'm looking for the driving experience. The G35 is the big winner in that category.