Yes, I made it to the dealerships. I've decided to go with the IS350. I was very impressed by the 300. The BMW 330 was nice. I wasn't as impressed with the G35, but I think that had more to do with the inexperienced salesman who couldn't answer my questions. I test drove the IS300 and asked about the IS350. Thats when I decided on the IS350.
I'd go to another dealership and ask the questions about the G35 - you could be missing out on a hell of a car (assuming you're talking the coupe). To be honest, I'd be asking these questions in an IS and G35 and BMW forums. Go to each and ask why you should buy one or the other. Each one will give you the negatives of the other 2. Make your judgement after that.
The 350 comes out in October. The guys said he had no prices, but would estimate around $38-42K I was sold. DoD, you're right about the G35. I don't like the sedan, and the coupe feels small. But I think I will go to another dealership and give it another try. Thanks for the forums! I'll visit them later today.
The new IS300 is coming in two trims. IS250 is priced simliar to the current IS300 and the IS350 is expected to be priced in the high 30's to low 40's, but comes fully loaded. I've driven each of these vehicles, the IS300, M3 (upgraded 330) and the G35. IS300 - The only flaw is the 215hp engine. On the flip side, the motor and tranny can handle 400 whp. This is the same motor as the non turbo supra. Other then that, I love this vehicle. Im close to purchasing an 03 sport design edition with 35k miles for 22k I haven't heard of any reliability issues with this vehicle. If you want more information, check out http://www.is300.net/ M3 - Has a little initial body roll while turning but feels great afterwards. The vehicle didn't meet/exceed my expectations for an 333hp engine. I drove the current E46 M3 and previous E36 M3 and prefer the older model. I feel that the E46 is heavier, a little quicker, more pleasing to the eyes and comfortable but overall not as balanced as the previous model. There are reports from owners with 330's on the E46 forums dissastisfied with their 40k luxury vehicle because their subframes are ripping/tearing. There are also people complaining about reliability issues ranging from the engine to electrical. For more information visit http://forum.e46fanatics.com/ G35c - The interior design is meh. Out of the 3, I think this has the worst looking and feeling interior. This vehicle has a very narrow blind spot. The motor and exterior is nice. The best thing I like about this vehicle is the way the engine/exhuast hums. I dont keep up with this vehicle so I don't know much about their reliability issues or anything else for that matter. I couldn't find a good site dedicated to the G35, do a search on www.google.com yourself.
You know, it's funny... I had the same experience with the G35 and I can say it's all about the salesman you get... I went to the 59 location and must have been approached my a somewhat disinterested/unenthusiastic salesman. He really didn't point out much... didn't sell me on the car. We took it out and drove it (my wife and I) for a bit, and he was pretty quiet. Last Friday, I had some time to kill out by the West Houston location. The guy I talked to was very enthusiastic, and kept bringing up things that the other salesman had neglected... he seemed to be a bit embarassed that the other salesman did such a poor job in talking up the car. He took me out, drove like he really wanted to show me what the car was capable of-- the VDC, handling at high speeds, acceleration, all the things you want to see... and let me drive quite a bit too. I was much more sold on the car after working with him. Although I haven't made the big decision yet, I'm definitely leaning toward the G35 now.
Not about these types of cars, but I went out to test drive the Taureg when it first came out. Went to the dealership right of Kirby, took out the V8, 300+ hp version. It was raining non-stop that day and still going pretty decently when we went out. The salesman has already talked up a decent storm, says let me drive for a bit first, and literally floors it as he does a 90 degree right turn out if the dealership. Mind you, it has been and is still raining quite hard. He keeps flooring it as he begins to jerk the wheel back and forth. The car gripped the road like it was on tracks. It was awesome. Still didn't buy the car, but they can definitely make a difference.
Did you ask the BMW dealer about the new 330 that's coming out in May? You should give the new 330 some consideration. Get a test drive, you will love the way it handles.
BTW, the new 2006 Lexus IS350 (fully loaded) will be priced at $42,475 (only a rear-wheel drive version will be available) However, if you are interested in an even BETTER Lexus, for a few more bucks, you can get the larger GS300 AWD for about $45000 (the base model). http://www.lexusport.com/ The only good thing about the debut of the Lexus "M3-fighter" IS350 and the current G35 is that as these cars chip away at the 3-series' market share, that should make the new 3-series a bit more affordable in the future (or otherwise risk declining sales/interest in their product). From what I read, the M3 might have a 400hp engine (which makes sense since the M5 is 500hp), that would be SICK!! Boy, I am salivating at the mere idea of a superb handling car like the M3 with such a rediculous powertrain. Don't get me wrong, I love my 300C, it is just that I like the 3 more, and the biggest reason why I was sold on the Chrysler 300C is that I was looking for more room. Otherwise, I would have probably settled for another 330i You should also know that the Lexus IS300s won't enable you to disengage the "stability control" system (which the BMW 3 does enable you to do). Some people consider this a major problem, but it only is if you are a true enthusiast and plan on pushing your car to the limit.
BTW, here is a detailed review/test-drive of the new 2006 BMW 330i: http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=9265&page_number=1 And here is a little review (with pics) for the IS350: http://www.fast-autos.net/lexus/lexusis350.html http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2005_new_york/0504_lexus_is350/
If anyone cares, I've decided to purchase a diamond graphite 2005 Infiniti G35 with the premium package, sports package, and maybe the DVD navigation system, and WITHOUT the rear spoiler (I think it ruins the look of the car). I filled out a financing form today and I'm gonna purchase it next weekend. One question. The sports package comes with 19 inch alloy wheels. I really want to "chrome" them. The dealer told me that there are other companies who do it cheaper than the dealership. Anyone know of any companies I can go to do this? And if so, what exactly is involved in "chroming" a wheel? Thanks for all the advice and input. It was very appreciated.
by the way, I only want the DVD navigation system if I can use it to watch DVD movies as well. The new rep I talked to today was very knowledgable about the car and told me everything except this. He said the new M series Infiniti could play DVD movies, but wasn't sure about the G35. I told him if it worked, I wanted the system. If not, I would buy an aftermarket DVD player and 7" LCD screen at Best Buy for about $1,000
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/06eclipse/ I saw a blurb about this pocket rocket while I had to change channel during the game today. It looked extremely cool.
this may help you to convert the stock nav system to play dvds: http://www.geocities.com/wonderer369/G35Nav.html check the freshalloy g35 forum. theres a sticky thread at the top (faq thread) about playing dvds in the stock navigation system
Is that even legal? I don't think the nav units ever can play movies, since it's illegal to watch while driving. I think the M35 can play movies because it has a separate DVD player for the back seat. When I got my G35 my salesman mentioned (with a wink) that there was a hack on the web to play DVDs in the nav system. Here's a relevant thread: http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic52310.htm ...so...could it be this simple?! http://www.nav-vision.com//eshop/pr...id=40&osCsid=6cc22758d10197339c2c7ebf3daa2bad (maybe not...is it just an input device so you still need a player? Can't tell)
d*mn: http://www.unc.edu/~inorkuo/g35/ Touch screen control, having over 1000 mp3's, nav system with voice command, DVD player, internet connection (through sprints new network avg 90kbps as opposed to the old 14.4kbps), auto startup and shutdown. A clear glowing box in the trunk of my car.
