I thought I have it all figure between GS430 and M45. Since Lexus is not willing to negotiate on GS430 which make it 5k more then a M45 with Premium package at $55k. The choice was simple. Then Wife want to give the GS430 a last look and I got a new delima.

I found Lexus is now sliently blowing off the 06 LS430 due to new LS460 is coming in September. I can get it from Cardirect for $5000 off MSRP that's less then $1000 more then invoice. Which put it in the same category as M45 and GS430. I'm looking for passenger comfort for this purchase so the choices is now very blurry. LS430 yield 5" more rear hip room and that's very comfy for 5 adult or in my case 2 carseat plus 1 adult.

Should I still go for M45 for a little performance that I wanted and settle for the second best from Infiniti down from Q45? Or should I go for the king of the hill in Lexus line up for the LS430? Suggestions!!!!

 

Dude, the M45 is not the second best infiniti! LOL

 

I know. I'm just refering to the line up from Q45 then M45. Where you have LS430 then GS430. Its not meant to put down the M45 at all but you know what I'm talking about.

Its like trying to get a 325i just because its a bimmer back in the old days when you can get a RL or LS400.

 

I'd go Lexus... quality from Lexus will always be better then Infiniti... my sister drives a 05 ES 330 fully loaded, the quality is so nice... so quiet... my bro had a 1995 Lexus LS400 w/ 50k miles when he sold it and that thing was nice... I also spent a great deal of time in the LS430 and I love that car, the comfort, quality... augh! but I'd just wait for LS460 if you can, if not, LS430 or GS430 would be a my choice...

Also... in a luxury sedan such as this for a Family car I'd go w/ the Lexus ... smoother quieter more comfortable ride... forget performance in the family car! lol

 

Infiniti M45 if you care more about looks and sportiness.

Lexus if you want a little bit more of a cushy ride.

As far as reliability and build quality goes, we all know the G has had quite a few quirks (Squeaks, TSB's, etc..)....However, the M has proven to be ROCK SOLID according to the latest consumer reports.

I'd personally take the M and never look back.

 

LOL, I know which one I like and which suits me best, but try them both and see which strikes your fancy more.
Sounds like pricing on the Lex (430) is now very competitive now that the 460 is coming.
Your choice.
G/L
Colin

 

I'm jut busting chops. I had a 98 GS300 (Just sold it for the G35 Coupe) and I must say that was that nicest car i've ever owned. Reliability is top notch. Performance is great, fit and finish is soo luxurious! The LS460 looks like it's going to be hot! But, you'll pay a premium for a while...I definately say lexus, but as far as your dilemma 06 LS430 or 06 GS430. I say GS430...it won't lose value like the LS will once the new one comes out and then trade up to it if you like it. But that 06 LS is a phenomenal car!

 

I often wonder how cars like the LS and M get cross shopped. They drive so differently I guess I just don't understand how one doesn't jump out at you as the favorite. Nevermind the completely different exterior styling.

The LS is a great car, very refined, lots of room, a great people mover - but it's so disconnected from the road it's almost like driving a Buick. That's great if that's what you're after, there is like no cabin noise, no road feedback, the suspension is super soft. It does what it does very well. The exterior styling is nice - very safe.

The M on the other hand - well it isn't a two seater sports car, but it's certainly much "sportier" than the LS. The suspension is much harder, the interior is designed in many ways to cater to the driver, it has a lot of road feedback, you get the idea. Styling is way more aggressive obviously.

That's not to say the M45 isn't a great family sedan or the Lexus is a boat - they just have very obvious leanings.

 

if u get the LS430 ur not gonna be a happy man when the new LS450 comes out!

 

Depends on what you want -

M45 is the sportier, edgier ride, much more fun to drive and loaded with features

Lexus is a little more luxurious, but IMHO they are no fun to drive, no seat of the pants feel

Personally I would go for the M hands down.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2005/AUTOS/carre...reut/index.html

Infiniti M35 rated 'Best luxury sedan'
Consumer Reports magazine calls the sporty car from Nissan a "surprise."

August 9, 2005; Posted: 12:26 p.m. EDT (1626 GMT)
DETROIT (Reuters) - The sporty Infiniti M35 powered past its competitors to become what Consumer Reports, a leading source of information for U.S. car buyers, says is the best luxury sedan on the road today.

The "excellent" overall rating for the car from the luxury division of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is reported in the September issue of the magazine, which goes on sale Tuesday.

The Infiniti M35 was tested against four other models and each, as equipped, was priced at roughly $50,000. The other models were the redesigned Audi A6, the Cadillac STS, Acura RL and Lexus GS300.

"The surprise of this test group is the M35, which is now our top-rated (luxury) sedan. It even outscores all of our tested full-size premium luxury sedans," Consumer Reports says.

"This well-rounded car has a ride and handling suited for twisty roads as well as the boulevard," it adds, saying the car's many attributes include a powerful 280-horsepower V-6 engine, a roomy, well-finished interior and controls that are mostly user-friendly.

A 335-horsepower, V-8 power plant is an available option on the M35.

The A6 from Audi, a unit of Volkswagen AG, also got an "excellent" overall score from Consumer Reports. But it was faulted for "nonintuitive controls," its lack of an in-dash CD slot and unknown reliability. The previous A6 was not reliable, according to Consumer Reports.

Of the five vehicles tested, Consumer Reports said all but the Cadillac STS, from General Motors Corp., and the Audi A6 warranted inclusion on its closely watched "recommended" list.

Consumer Reports said the reliability of the STS, which replaces Cadillac's Seville sedan, was still unknown. It praised many aspects of the car, but said the material quality of its interior was "not as luxurious as the leaders in the class."

The Infiniti M35 replaces the Lexus LS430 -- which sells for about $70,000 -- as Consumer Reports' top-rated luxury sedan.

The magazine said the GS300, from Toyota Motor Corp.'s luxury division, was refined and expected to be quite reliable. But it added that the car's steering lacks feel, passenger room is tight, and it is not an agile vehicle.

"It's not the luxury sport sedan Lexus pitches; we didn't find it particularly exciting to drive," Consumer Reports said.

Of the Acura RL, the latest offering from the luxury arm of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., the magazine complained that it was not particularly sporty to drive. It also said the RL was no roomier than the Acura TL, which costs about $16,000 less.

 

This article is kinda old but you get the idea. The LS430 is a great looking car and is very luxurious. Its a lexus that i really like, but it drives like a boat. The M45 is fast, handles very well, luxurious, has great styling, has the largest interior room in its class, and is still new in the market.

 

Lexus =prozac for driving
M45 = Cuban coffee for driving

Depends on what you want.

 

Thanks for all the inputs guys. I just made my wife a new owner of a 2006 LS430 Mercury/Black with Sport suspension package. I was skeptical at first before I test drove it but I fell in love afterwards. The sport suspension on the LS430 really do bring the cars to live.

 

Congrats!