‘Goodbye’ Integra, ‘Hello’ G35 ; a buy/sell story

[LightngSVT]

How does the IS250 compare to the G35? You can get a 5 speed, with sprot pkg for about $33k in the Lexus.

[imported_Picus]

Well the IS250 is in the same price class as the G35, and they are technically competitors (entry level lux sports sedans), but there are some pretty obvious differences like:



Manual available with G35, not with IS250. IS250 is 6spd auto, G35 is 5spd.

An 80-90hp and 60-70lbs ft torque difference, 3.5L vs 2.5L.

The G35 is larger overall, and has a much larger trunk and rear seating area.

The Lexus is a much newer model with an interior that befits it`s price and way more technology.

The stabilty control in the G35 can be turned almost all the way off, the IS250 can not (well it can, but it`s tricky). Typically the IS`s VDIM is a little more finicky (and since it`s newer, probably a little safer).

They ride very differently. The G35 is more firm, harsher, way heavier steering, excellent road feedback. The IS250 has more assisted steering and less feedback.



The real "competitor" to the G35 is the IS350 (same displacement, similar hp/tq, IS350 is about a second faster to 60 and in the 1/4), IS350 with the sport package is a firmer ride, like the G35. Only issue is the IS350 is significantly more $ and has now AWD option. Some people say you get what you pay for (and that might be true). The G35 has traditionally been viewed as a "value-leader", while Lexus has the nameplate prestige to price more inline with Mercedes and BMW.

[imported_Bence]

The FWD ES is for a different target market tahn the sporty RWD G35. However, I`d wait for the new 2007 G35 which debuted at the NYIAS earlier this year.



http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=110002

[zippymbr]

Well the IS250 is in the same price class as the G35, and they are technically competitors (entry level lux sports sedans), but there are some pretty obvious differences like:



Manual available with G35, not with IS250. IS250 is 6spd auto, G35 is 5spd.

An 80-90hp and 60-70lbs ft torque difference, 3.5L vs 2.5L.

The G35 is larger overall, and has a much larger trunk and rear seating area.

The Lexus is a much newer model with an interior that befits it`s price and way more technology.

The stabilty control in the G35 can be turned almost all the way off, the IS250 can not (well it can, but it`s tricky). Typically the IS`s VDIM is a little more finicky (and since it`s newer, probably a little safer).

They ride very differently. The G35 is more firm, harsher, way heavier steering, excellent road feedback. The IS250 has more assisted steering and less feedback.



The real "competitor" to the G35 is the IS350 (same displacement, similar hp/tq, IS350 is about a second faster to 60 and in the 1/4), IS350 with the sport package is a firmer ride, like the G35. Only issue is the IS350 is significantly more $ and has now AWD option. Some people say you get what you pay for (and that might be true). The G35 has traditionally been viewed as a "value-leader", while Lexus has the nameplate prestige to price more inline with Mercedes and BMW.

I agree with your points. We looked at the IS350 but it was too small. Cool but just too small to haul any kids in the back seat when needed. All this talk has gotten us excited about the G35 and we are going to go drive some this weekend.

[imported_Picus]

Cool. As Bence mentioned the newly designed `07 will be out this fall so if you like the look you may want to hold off. That said as Sean did you can get really great deals on `06s now and they`re worth every penny. Other cars to look at in this segment: Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, BMW 325/330i, Audi A4 1.8/3.2, Mazda 6 (and mazdaspeed6, which is a really fun car), Mercedes C-class (new C is on it`s way too), Saab 9-3, and of course the TL (great car, aging a tad, and fwd..but another great value like the g35).



Have fun!

[imported_ajbarnes]

I know I`m late on response, but awesome new ride you got there Sean! :xyxthumbs

[erik7]

The IS250 actually has a 6 speed stick available. The IS350 only comes with a 6 speed auto.



And from what I have read, the IS250 is a good car, but it`s so freaking underpowered when compared to the IS350, the BMW 325, and the G. I don`t look at the G as a competitor with the IS250 because it`s just so much bigger, and heavier, but way quicker.

[stilez]

Thanks aj.





zippy: Bang for your buck, definately the G.



I drove the equivalent from Audi (A4, s-line, loaded) and it was slower and considerably more money. The car really lacked exhilaration. However, the fit and finish was among the best I`ve been in.



The Lexus, although I`ve never driven one, is more of a passenger`s car, than a driver`s car (critics say). Again, an amazing experience on the road, just not so much on the *fun* side.



BMW...Well, very hard to beat. The car is a stunner and if you can still get the maintenance plan, that makes the purchase all the better. I was very close to pulling the trigger, but still, in the end, the G came up much less ($).





I`m not sure if you want to fit people in the back, but if you do, I think a G35 or TL are your best bets for a sport sedan around the 35k mark.

[stilez]

The IS250 actually has a 6 speed stick available. The IS350 only comes with a 6 speed auto.



And from what I have read, the IS250 is a good car, but it`s so freaking underpowered when compared to the IS350, the BMW 325, and the G. I don`t look at the G as a competitor with the IS250 because it`s just so much bigger, and heavier, but way quicker.

IS250 - 3455 lbs

G35 - 3512 lbs





That`s less weight than a body.



Also, did you know the G35 Sedan is actually lighter than the coupe? I didn`t believe any of this at first either, but stats don`t lie .

[imported_Picus]

Whoops - sorry, forgot about the 6MT in the IS250. Honestly I never really bothered with the IS250, just not enough engine. The IS350 would definitely benefit from a manual transmission. Paddle shifters are well and good but there`s no substitute for a manual imo (even DSG).



The IS is a nice car, great interior, aggressive styling, awesome engine but it still drives like a Lexus (for better or worse). Nevermind that the rear leg/head room is almost as bad as the G35 coupe. I`m a self-proclaimed "BMW-guy" just because they`re so fun to drive and as far as I can tell the G is still the nest best thing in terms of suspension/chassis for way less money (and a killer engine).



Sean - not only is the sedan lighter (they`re closer now than they were in `03), but it has a better drag coefficient too.

[erik7]

Wow, I`m surprised the IS weighs that much. Man, all cars are porker now a days. My car at 2850 lbs is downright slim and trim.



When I was look at the G35, I never really considered the coupe. I just don`t love the coupe, and the sedan is just as quick, and has a great gearbox. I was shocked how good the gear box was in the G. Not S2000 good, but really freaking good.

[! apmljv]

So did you end of getting the car from factory or delivery from another dealer?

[stilez]

Jliao: It came off the ship about a week before I got it (from Japan). Due to some logistical and communication errors, it was transported to Mass. An associate drove it down to CT.





And yes, I thoroughly went over the car for any sort of defect before signing anything .

[! apmljv]

Damn. You would let someone drive it from Mass to CT (not sure how many miles). I would be afraid the associate might`ve pushed the car around.



Nonetheless, congrat on the purchase!

I, myself is in a market for a Nissan 350z so I`m doing all the research that I needed before going into the dealer. The website (carbuyingtips.com) is quite a helpful site, did you actually bring in "the folder?"

If you don`t mind, I`m interested in hearing what you`ve done in terms of preperation before going into the dealer? and your negotiation process.



Thanks! much appreciated.

[gmblack3]

Congrats Sean!