I just put a deposit on an 07' G35S (navi/tech, prem, auto), but my wife seems to think we should get a Lexus because is much more reliable. I'm moving away from BMW's to get into a reliable car and I don't want to make frequent visits to the dealer.

Is there any published reports on the G35 or general Infiniti reliability ratings? I would even use the m35 report as an example.

Thanks in advance and I hope I will be an Infiniti owner.

 

Consumer Report has the 05 and 06 G35 with better than average rating in long term reliability. I am not sure what the rating for IS350 is but Lexus tend to have much better than average rating for their cars.

 

Based on JDP&A, Lexus has been #1 for like 11 years in terms of quality with Infiniti tailing very close behind. However, I would not necessarily making your purchase decision based on that alone. I would NOT say that Lexus has MUCH better quality than Infiniti though. If you're picking between the two, go with the one you like the most just make sure you purchase from a dealership that you feel offers exceptional service.

 

My personal experience has been stellar.
I have friends with LEXi and they have had issues...
So, it's a numbers game I guess. Was I lucky with my last 7 Infinitis?
J30, I30, Qx4, Q45, FX45, M45.. and now G35.
Never one problem.

 

Wow, you definitely like Infiniti. Nice. I've only have two G35s and a QX4. I too have never had any issues with any of them.

 

I too have had a QX4 prior and had no problems.

 

Stick with Infiniti. I have yet to know one person with a Lexus that hasnt had problems. My grandfather has owned over 100 cars, owned one and swore he'd never have another. IIRC Toyota doesnt have one car that ranks even decently on crash tests. How they are successful I will never figure out.

 

Keep in mind that those reliability ratings are by manufacturer, not car. So Nissan took some hits over the past years due to Armada/QX56 issues and some other things. One or 2 bad models can drag down a whole manufacturer's ratings.

Educate yourself. Look for reliability reports for a specific vehicle... because that's what actually matters.

 

Currently consumer reports lists the M35 as there top luxury sedan. Before the M the LS430 held that top spot. Keep in mind the LS460 and the ES350 have not been tested yet. But if the M's reliability shows how well infiniti can make a car the first year out, i dont think there should be to many issues with the G.

I also heard somewhere that infiniti's reliability actually fairs better then lexus does in the 5+ year old category.

 

I wonder how this post would have read on a Lexus board. Anyway, here is the data from consumer reports for reliability....

Upscale cars listed in order that have above average reliability
Lexus ES350
Lincoln Zephyr
Acura TSX
Acura TL
Infiniti G35 AWD
Lexus IS250 (RWD)
Volvo S60
Infiniti G35 RWD
Lexus IS350
Lexus IS250 (AWD)
Bmw 3 series RWD
Audi A4 4-Cyl
Cadillac CTS
Audi A4 V6
(Below average are the BMW 3 series AWD, Saab 9-5, Volvo S60, MB C-class, Saab 9-3, and Jag X-type)

Luxury Cars that have above average reliability
Lexus LS (2006)
Infiniti M45
Infiniti M35
Infiniti M35 (RWD)
Volvo S80 (2006)
Infiniti M35 (AWD)
Lexus GS (V8)
Acura RL
(Below average includes the following notables, Lexus GS RWD and AWD, BMW 5 series V6 and V8, BMW 7 series, MB E class V6 and V8, MB CLS, MB S class)

Attached is a PDF from the CR website with those two categories. Hope this helps the buying decision. FWIW I love my G35 and my BMW motorcycle. The lexus was never an option and the BMW (car) dealer was too busy sucking up to the flamboyant rich to talk to me. Very happy that I went with the G.
-J

 

wow, surprised to see the GS on the below average side

 

i wouldnt worry too much about Infiniti, its true Lexus is proven to be the most reliable, but then again our engine has won awards 11 yrs in a row (edmunds.com)

 

Actually the VQ has been on Ward's Top 10 Engines for 13 years in a row.

 

Anyone else find this odd?

 

One has to understand that when you move into the "luxury" class of car, the level of complexity (gadgets etc.) goes up 4-5X over an entry level class of vehicle. The more toys, the more probability of problems. Not saying that anything should go wrong, but if it's there, it can break.

I think if you strip out reported problems with electronic gadgets, the reliability of all the major Japanese manufacturers (cars assembled in Japan) are top shelf. I have never had a single problem with cars made on Japanese soil. "Japanese" cars built in No. America are another story.