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Lexus IS vs. Infiniti G35 vs. Acura TL
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Double Trouble
Elite Member
I test drove all three, as well as the BMW 335i, and in the end I got the TL. Wonderfully refined car, it's got the needed gadgets etc, and the power curve feels just right. Living in an area with snow and ice during the winter, the FWD is not a bad thing.
The IS is simply overpriced because it says "Lexus" on it. The car is cramped and overall pretty nice, but not nearly worth the money. The G35 is more sporty feeling, definitely kicks butt in handling and performance, but it just doesn't give you that 'refined' feel, it seems somehow more ruff and 'plasticky'. The Beamer was my second choice, but the bad rep that German cars seem to be getting in the quality department made more inclined to go for the TL. No regrets whatsoever, it's a great car.
The IS is simply overpriced because it says "Lexus" on it. The car is cramped and overall pretty nice, but not nearly worth the money. The G35 is more sporty feeling, definitely kicks butt in handling and performance, but it just doesn't give you that 'refined' feel, it seems somehow more ruff and 'plasticky'. The Beamer was my second choice, but the bad rep that German cars seem to be getting in the quality department made more inclined to go for the TL. No regrets whatsoever, it's a great car.
I am looking to get into a small rwd coupe or sedan this summer.
I've looked at the BMW 328/335's, which are nice but very pricey with options. Great driver's car, but the interiors are bland and like I said, options come at a staggering high price.
I have been considering a G35, but I honestly can't say I've looked at one. I've ruled them out based on the fact there's no servicing dealer here.
As far as the Acura, they are bland and boring. I wouldn't want to drive one anyways.
Went and test drove a decked out IS350. Beyond the excellent fit and finish, the car was really fun to drive and loaded with tons of electronic goodies. While not as fast as the 335 and nor does it have a 6-speed option, the 350 was quite fun to drive. I felt for the money, this car was the best deal going.
Some might say the G35 is better, but reviews are rather mixed on them as are owner complaints about the 6-speed. For me the G35 isn't feasible due to warranty repairs.
Same is true with Audi. I'd consider an A4, but no servicing dealer. Plus I'd prefer to have rwd instead of awd.
Having cross-shopped all 3 last year when I was buying a car, here is my input.
IS250:
Pros - very nice leather. That's about it. I hear the customer service is very good though.
Cons - weakest engine of the three (low $30k price range), cheap painted plastic center console, poor shifter feel, least back seat room (I chauffuer family/friends a lot, and my gf appreciates more space😉).
TL:
Pros - nice interior finish and layout, good power from the 3.2, typical Honda smooth shifter/clutch combo, well sized for my needs.
Cons - made in the US, did not like the cluster gauges, cheapest leather, torque steer.
G35 (1st gen):
Pros - best handling, best engine, could've bought for lowest price OTD, liked the reclining rear seat option
Cons - slightly smaller than the TL, clutch/shifter not as nice as the TL, worst interior (although the leather is nicer than the TL), not thrilled with the looks or the orange cluster lighting
TSX (ended up buying this car):
Pros - liked the looks of this car the most, got a great deal on it (cheapest), probably best gas mileage out of the bunch, even nicer shifter/clutch than the TL
Cons - only slightly larger than the IS so room is still tight, only available in inline 4, lacks tech that some of the others have (keyless start, one touch windows/moonroof) but obviously the case since it is considerably cheaper.
G35 (2nd gen):
Should've probably waited for this car. Didn't get to test drive it (no 6MT available at the time) but if all the reviews are accurate, then I would not be let down since it's a huge improvement over the 1st gen.
Interior is much improved over the old model. The only issues I found were cheap upper dash plastics and finish issues on the door pulls on the rear seats.
Layout is great, love the standard LCD with A/V inputs, new styling is tons better than the old.
IS250:
Pros - very nice leather. That's about it. I hear the customer service is very good though.
Cons - weakest engine of the three (low $30k price range), cheap painted plastic center console, poor shifter feel, least back seat room (I chauffuer family/friends a lot, and my gf appreciates more space😉).
TL:
Pros - nice interior finish and layout, good power from the 3.2, typical Honda smooth shifter/clutch combo, well sized for my needs.
Cons - made in the US, did not like the cluster gauges, cheapest leather, torque steer.
G35 (1st gen):
Pros - best handling, best engine, could've bought for lowest price OTD, liked the reclining rear seat option
Cons - slightly smaller than the TL, clutch/shifter not as nice as the TL, worst interior (although the leather is nicer than the TL), not thrilled with the looks or the orange cluster lighting
TSX (ended up buying this car):
Pros - liked the looks of this car the most, got a great deal on it (cheapest), probably best gas mileage out of the bunch, even nicer shifter/clutch than the TL
Cons - only slightly larger than the IS so room is still tight, only available in inline 4, lacks tech that some of the others have (keyless start, one touch windows/moonroof) but obviously the case since it is considerably cheaper.
G35 (2nd gen):
Should've probably waited for this car. Didn't get to test drive it (no 6MT available at the time) but if all the reviews are accurate, then I would not be let down since it's a huge improvement over the 1st gen.
Interior is much improved over the old model. The only issues I found were cheap upper dash plastics and finish issues on the door pulls on the rear seats.
Layout is great, love the standard LCD with A/V inputs, new styling is tons better than the old.
The G35. I dont think the interior is cheap at all. I liked the G35 interior better than the TL but I like the IS interior better. The early G35 were cheap but now its much better. Also the VQ engine sounds great.
maddogchen
Diamond Member
Also if you are looking at value, looking at best MPG its IS250 > TL > G35. The G35 gets around 15-19 in real life?
Yea maybe I could get that totaled one for $30k...
Jokes aside, the parents are leaning towards the IS. We don't care as much about backseat room since the kids aren't in the house anymore =P.
On the spec sheet the G35 is still the best I agree and the 2007 has probably the best looks out of the three...but you just can't beat Lexus luxury.
If it were me, I would still consider the G35, but it's not my money!
Double Trouble
Elite Member
When I drove the G35, I really liked the performance (that engine kicks!), but I just got the distinct feeling that something was just not "right" about the interior, it felt cheap. The IS is nice, but overpriced for it's size and performance. The TL was just right.
Yes you are missing something.
If you actually read the reviews, several car magazines was able to get the 335i to do 4.8s. BMW heavily underrated their HP, the real output of HP is more like 330 at the crank.
There are also videos of 335 owners on youtube doing 4.75, so yeah, 335i is definitely the fastest car in this whole group.
I got ~19mpg on my 1st tank....then it rose to 20-21mpg. After the 1st oil change, i am getting ~22mpg (40% city, 60% freeway driving) and I have a heavy foot.
this is for a 06 G35 AT sedan.
Again, as I mentioned earlier, if it is for your parents, I would pick the TL or IS.
You might want them have a look at the M35 though if they are going for IS.
cHeeZeFacTory
Golden Member
i really don't think the IS is overvalued. I sat in all three cars this week, while going out to lunch with my co-workers. The IS interior definitely feels more 'plush' inside. The leather is better, and the wood accents is real nice. You add in the better navi, backup camera, ventilated seats, push button start. Also, the acceleration is super smooth when compared to the g35 sedan, and TL. I will rather have a IS. Too bad these cars cost 35k 🙁
iversonyin
Diamond Member
You can get the TL under $35k OTD.
cHeeZeFacTory
Golden Member
close enough
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