The kinder, gentler Pole of '07 would like to remind you that he often says things in a joking manner. I have good friends with all of these nameplates, and although I don't have personal experience with all of them, my friends seem quite happy with their vehicles. I drive a pickup--the antithesis of all vehicles mentioned in this thread, but my wife does have a Lexus, and our experience with it has left me with nothing to say to her when she reports that she'll never drive anything but a Lexus.
The ES is a smooth and mild-mannered car, definitely not for performance or driving enthusiasts, but the ride is sweeet. And I will say, I think this is the only car that can actually be described as sensuous, whatever you take that to mean. I haven't driven the new G35 sedan, but it looks NICE, although the backseat is most likely less spacious and plush than the ES. Or if you're looking at the G35 coupe, definitely wait for the 08 model before you make your decision.
I wouldn't buy either of them. I'd spend the money on something worthwhile instead of just purchasing another flashy status symbol that's going to be out of fashion within a year or two.
wow that's harsh. you better hope they get an extra shipment of cinnamon sticks and old N'Sync CDs this week or you could be in serious trouble.
The G is a better value and is larger than the IS, and still retains a far superior ride/attractive package when compared to the ES. The ES is -- mechanically -- nothing more than a Camry with a Lexus badge (nothing wrong with that, but just saying)...it has the same exact 'floaty' ride, the "fun to drive" factor is pretty much non-existent. The IS is cramped and feels even tighter than the 3-series (especially for those unlucky passengers seated in the back). The G sedan would be a pretty good compromise between the IS and the ES, it provides everything you need: more space, more power, more standard options, a nice 'balanced' ride, and more bang for the buck. This is coming from someone who isn't a fan of Infiniti...the G is the only vehicle they make that stands out IMO. It's a pretty attractive package.
After looking at IS's at dealers for a good couple months, i've determined it impossibe to ever find a base IS350. They all come with one package that bumps the price around 42k. Actually the sports package is 7k.
1. Order it. 2. Negotiate. 3. If all else fails, fly to Cali because their selling them at invoice or below.
G35. The new ones have more than 300 hp, are rear-wheel drive and handle like a Beemer. They look great. My mother has a G35 and she loves it. Lexus cars are for people who want luxury at the expense of handling. They're BORING, reliable, well-built and overpriced, like all Toyota-built cars (save the last Supra).
Definitely G35. Another idea- BMW 328. Yeah it's the underpowered version but the coupe looks nice and is still the best handling.
Lexus aren't any more overpriced than all other cars in its class. And for each car you get a different value for your money. Of the 3 (Lexus, Infiniti, BMW) Speed/Handling: 1. BMW 2. Infiniti 3. Lexus Luxury, Realibilty: 1. Lexus 2. Infiniti 3. BMW In terms of price, they're all overpriced. So that means you can just order them any way you want, in the end...it's all about personal preference. I can tell you this for sure, though. If you think you're Mario Andretti out there, you're not. A Lexus will be more than exciting enough for you for everyday driving. And if you think you're Donald Trump, you're not. A BMW will be more than luxurious enough for a car.
Very well said. I must also retort on the Lexus being overpriced remark.....and someone else claimed the infinity is a better value. There are companies out there that make their business of studying these very questions--www.edmunds.com being one of them. Edmunds has determined that the Lexus IS is the number one car in it's class in terms of total cost of ownership. This category basically just looks at how much the vehicle is supposed to depreciate (it looks at other factors like fuel economy as well, but depreciation is always the BIG one) relative to other cars in this segment. This means that not only is the G35 NOT a better value.....but no other car in its class is. Granted, people buying a luxury sport car usually aren't interested in economics, but I myself find it an important consideration.
