Oh, forgot to mention the BMW 3 series... Just know this much: NOTHING rides like the 3, if you drive one of those cars, they are the bench mark for that class, and the new 3 can only be better. Now, the biggest problem here is that they are pretty expensive. But if you have the money, no doubt go for the 3. Although the current 3 hasn't been updated for a while now (while most of the competition has newer, more recent models that compete with it), it still is considered better than most (if not all) the competition, IMHO. You won't get as much power out of it though as the G35, and it is a a bit pricey. My personal favorite is the BMW 330Ci (about $38k new), which I owned for a while. It has pretty decent resale value (I sold it for $22k to an individual, and it was a 2001 model).
I'm also trying to decide between a few cars... G35 sedan 330 sedan Audi A4 3.2 No one has mentioned the Audi so far... anyone have good/bad experiences with them?
Manny, one word for you: H--A--T--E--R You guys are American-car haters, you still think it is the 1980s, you should shed the old labels, and forgive The best value is the GTO (400hp for under $35k). It would SMOKE any of your little cars. Just don't get caught at the stop light revving up your G35 next to one, it would hurt your ego
I think it swept the competition, I have 4 or 5 auto magazine titles and almost all of them have either the 300 or the Mustang as cars of the year.
A few sites have mentioned that the IS350 comes out in October. Looks like I'll be waiting a while before I make my final answer. Right now, its looking like: 1. is350 2. 330ci or 330i (what can I say, i spent all day researching today and i love that car!) 3. es330 4. escalade (still can't get over my love of that SUV) 4. g35 (coupe or sedan, haven't decided) 5. 300 (they have a 300hp model that I love) 6. convertibleGT 'stang
I would have if they had one to compete in this class. But I gotta admit, I am anxious to test-drive the new G6 Coupe. I think their biggest hit, though, will be that unbelievable Solastice, everyone is raving about it (starting at $20k? ) Seriously though, as far as sports handling is concerned, my 330Ci was best, and a close second was the RX-8 (yes, I was that impressed with its handling)
The thing with Lexus is that you absolutely can't beat their reliability and service. There is a reason why the consistently come in at the top of the rankings in those categories. If you are comfortable buying a car that you could potentially have problems with just because it has a few more hp's, go for a BMW, etc. I can't personally comment on Ford's, Chrysler's, Nissan's or Audi's. I can tell you that you will have absolutely no problems with a Lexus. It is that reliable. If the IS350 is really going to be a 300 hp, 5.9 second 0-60 mph upgrade, that'd be sweet. You don't need to have more power than that, and you still get the luxury adn reliability the brand is famous for. It makes me think about trading mine in, if I wasn't so happy with the fact that I don't have to make any car payments. EDIT: As it is currently at the top of your list, I will be supremely jealous of you if you get it. Be sure to revive this thread and post pics.
Wait, you mean to tell me you don't even have a certain class in mind? So you are open to any car/SUV? Boy, that will be tough! I think you have some 300 models to choose from in that case. The problem is you can't compare, say, an Escalade to a 330Ci; two different cars, two different purposes, and depends entirely on your preference. It would be hard to advise you if that is the case
in this order: G35 330ci (2006) 300 is350 mustang GT (I'd get a coupe) escalade (gas is gonna kill you)
OK, I found links that will better inform you as to the True Cost to Own of both the BMW 3 and the Lexus IS300. But just so you know, it has been my experience that the 3 is very reliable, I never had a problem with it: just gas and go. I never owned a Lexus, but I do hear they are of superior quality, although I have had friends of mine who did own Toyotas (not sure if they are the same thing) and are not very happy with it. The only brand I hear nothing but universal praise for is Honda/Acura. Here is the TCO for the Lexus IS300: http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/lexus/is300/100425208/cto.html?vdp=off&setzip=77002&change=Change Here is the TCO for the BMW 3: http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/bmw/3series/100469134/cto.html?vdp=off&setzip=77002&change=Change And this is the JD Power ratings for any car pretty much you want to inquire about (except for mostly 2005 models, because they haven't tested them yet apparently): http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/jdpa_ratings/FindJdAwards.jsp
Hey Tigermission1, you give me the impression you haven't driven many sports cars. My car will outhandle and outrun a 330 stock for stock and it only cost $25k new. I also get 27-28 mpg from my little 4 cylinder. Test drive a S2000, thats pretty much a rwd/convertible version of my vehicle and you'll understand what im talking about.
I really liked the G35 Coupe, but after a few test drives I totally fell for the '05 6-speed 350Z Touring edition. No back seat (major plus, now EVERYBODY else can find a ride ), very quick, and since my purchase last Friday I can't even drive it without questions/compliments on the beauty of the car just about everywhere I go. Seriously. [/Wanted to brag] I friggin' LOVE this car!
Lexus is the luxury line for Toyota just like Acura is for Honda and Infiniti is for Nissan. drapg, You went to Texas and like the Longhorns? Listen to your fellow Horn fan here - he knows what he is talking about!
