I'm not totally won over by the 2nd gens styling. I like the headlights and I like the rear fender bulges, but that's about it. IMO, the 2nd gen exterior design got too soft and lost it's edginess. The 2nd gen interior is a huge step forward though. Handling and braking wise, there's no difference at least when it comes to the hard numbers. I like the VQ35HR, but I'd never take one mated to the 6MT unless it was a Z. The vibrations are a huge annoyance. Unfortunately though a 2nd gen G will not find it's way into my garage. That space is most likely saved for the much faster IS350 or potentially the IS-F. I like the looks and acceleration of the IS350 far more than that of the 2nd gen G sedan. Now that Lexus has added an off button for the stability control and they fixed the steering numbness, the IS is the sedan for me.

 

Hey Dave - they changed the steering on the IS from last years? I didn't know that. That was my major complaint about it.

 

Have you driven the 6MT in the 07? I know I've read of some vibration complaints, but that thing is still pretty smooth overall. I won't say it has less or more than my 6MT, because the one test drive I had was all of 10 miles long with only maybe 20 miles on the ODO.

I think the 6MT's complaints of vibration(1st gen included) are overblown. My shifter had a nasty vibration/buzz right around 3k when decelerating, but my new clutch eliminated that.

Dude - you would absolutely HATE my car. My doors rattle. The clutch is so stiff it's obnoxious. The flywheel is noisy as hell. And my exhaust is so loud inside the car that your ears would bleed. And the drone would rattle the fillings from your teeth. A bit of embellishment there, but not too far from the truth. You picky bastard.

 

From what I've read, the steering rack and valving on the steering pump has been recalibrated. I doubt it offers as good of feel as the G though.

 

+1, i'll take mine over an 07 any day, yours too Tim!

I've contemplated giving my 05 to my little bro for an 07, but i just cant part with it after all the time, money and effort that i've put into making it look as it does, as i've been told quote un-quote "you have one of the baddest sedans in so-cal, hands down."

With a few minor mods, the 05-06 can outhandle the 07 with ease.
-GP-

 

You are right, I haven't driven one, but every article I read regarding the 2nd gen G35 6MT is that there is excessive driveline feedback. I hated it in my Maxima and in the 6MT 1st gens I drove. What's odd is I never read any 1st gen 6MT reviews that mentioned the driveline feedback issue which makes me believe the 2nd gen's vibration is much worse than the 1st gen. The C5 Vettes, F-bodies, and 5.0 Stangs I've driven over the years don't have as much vibration as the 1st Gs I drove. That's pretty sad, IMO.

As for your car, yeah, it would bug me horribly I've had prior cars that were full of compromises in the name of performance. I can't do that anymore. As you know, I'm too picky

 

all I can think is 2 years from now someone will be saying how their 09 is just so much better then the 07, which they never liked

 

I've always loved the Coupes. Thought it was an awesome looking ride. A client on mine bought one and I admired it but it was too tight for my needs. I need a 4 door. I never even considered the sedan it just did not fit my eye. I always wished they made the sedan look more like the coupe. The President of my company knows I play golf and dropped off a random golf and leisure magazine he received and they tested the new sedan, and I decided on the spot to buy one. I said to myself that's what I've been looking for.

For the record I drove an 06 x for three days last month waiting for a part. My seat warmer brought my car into the shop. Not to insult any '06 or older owners, but I was amazed at how plasticy the interiors was and it was not laid out well. I looked for five minutes for the mirror adjuster. It was behind the steering wheel if I recall. It rattled, was uncomfortable and I think it's too boxy. The 4 wheel drive was awesome though, I was driving on snow those days. I've learned to look at older G sedan more favorably now that I own a G but before I purchased, I would not have considered the Sedan. The interior is a huge upgrade. I see why the old G never competed with BMW. It's just a huge difference.

 

The IS-F is an entirely different beast, but the G35 won out over the IS350 for me for a number of reasons.
1) price
2) steering feel. I thought the IS350's steering was a huge step down from the IS300. I loved the steering in my '02 IS300. I thought it was near BMW quality. The G35s steering is somewhere in between the previous IS300 and the current IS350. Personally, I thought they softened the IS350 too much from the IS300.
3)The IS350 isn't that much faster than a g35. 0-60 between the two are pretty close with the exception of the car and driver 4.9s 0-60 anomaly. Most reviewers/drivers are hitting 5.3-5.4 which is in the same territory as the '07 g35. 1/4 mile the IS350 seem to have a slight edge though with about a half second better.

I do like the looks of the IS350 more though, but not enough to justify the extra cost of the 350. If the 350 and the G35 were the same cost, I'd probably have stuck with Lexus. That said, I'm not regretting the move either, I really do like my '07 G.

 

I'll have to drive one. When I drove the '06's for TOL and at the dealer I was completely turned off by the steering. It was a decent enough car otherwise.

 

Brother, I love my '07, but would take yours over it too

 

I'd take TTrank's car over any other sports sedan with a V6. Other than that this tread is rather silly. Think about it as cars change it better be an improvement over the previous. I read the beginning and my pressure did go up just because I have driven the 03, and other 05 they were all loaner cars which we know we all beat up and they are usually the base models. I could relate to his post. The lack of 1 touch windows, cheap radio, lack of dual climate control, plasticy interior is annoying if you are use having it I felt like I made the right choice getting the premium and sports package with all of those extra options now that the 07 is out I still rather have my car or TTRANKS!

 

Well I agree about the 6 speed vibrations.. My vettes never had the vibes like the 07 G's I drove. Too out of place with the rest of the package.

 

The IS350 is lacking badly in headroom.. very cramped interior. Numb steering.. just didnt feel as sporty as the G

 

I kinda like small compact cars.
they feel more sporty and less rattles and squeakings.
though im in my prime age, i guess u old guys like big roomy cars.