Almost time to decide: GS used or G35?

[CClaire]

Ok, So I have about $18 to $20k. I wish it was more, but it isn't. I am considering: + 03/03.5 G35 with 40k-60K miles on it (premium, no sport) + 99-00 Lexus GS400 with 60k-75k miles on it My thoughts are: G35: - much better handling car - 3-4 years newer but only a little lower on miles - better looking exterior, IMHO GS400 - much more luxurious inside - a little faster in straight line - better highway ride - a little more reliable then the G - bigger inside, but trunk is kind of small - the new one is coming out but that doesn't bother me too much - blends into the crowd a little too much for me My priorities are: 1) fun to drive: quick and nimble - (mostly quick) 2) very reliable (kills BMW, Audi, etc...) 3) can carry customers, family, friends, etc... (no mustangs or WRX's) 4) is not confused with a "riced out" ride - I'm not much of a modder - sorry(no IS300 or WRX's or EVO's) What would you buy? Why? Thanks! Note: also posted at G35driver.com: http://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43899

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[DjFergi]

My girl got a G35 as a loaner when her car went in for service. The G is quite fast and handles so nice. The downside is that it is nowwhere near as comfy as the lex is. I personally don't like the quality of the interior. You feel somewhat cheated for all the money you spend.

I own a GS 400 and love it. I have never had a car that is so fast but at the same time comfy. The handling for the GS isn't bad, but nowhere near the G35. You can fix this buy throwing a little money into the lex. Once the suspension is upgraded, the GS could defintely hang with the G35.

Later
FB

[DXC]

Originally Posted by CClaire

Ok,

So I have about $18 to $20k. I wish it was more, but it isn't.

I am considering:

+ 03/03.5 G35 with 40k-60K miles on it (premium, no sport)
+ 99-00 Lexus GS400 with 60k-75k miles on it

My thoughts are:

G35:
- much better handling car
- 3-4 years newer but only a little lower on miles
- better looking exterior, IMHO

GS400
- much more luxurious inside
- a little faster in straight line
- better highway ride
- a little more reliable then the G
- bigger inside, but trunk is kind of small
- the new one is coming out but that doesn't bother me too much
- blends into the crowd a little too much for me

My priorities are:

1) fun to drive: quick and nimble - (mostly quick)
2) very reliable (kills BMW, Audi, etc...)
3) can carry customers, family, friends, etc... (no mustangs or WRX's)
4) is not confused with a "riced out" ride - I'm not much of a modder - sorry(no IS300 or WRX's or EVO's)

What would you buy?

Why?

Thanks!

Note: also posted at G35driver.com: http://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43899

Well, G35 is still warranty GS will be a great family car and the residual value is very stable to a 99-00 car if you need to sell it in the future. Personally I will choose G35. But if you spend $18K-$20K as down payment, then I will definitely get a 2006 GS - Lexus = Luxury.

[alvinn]

Get the GS, you cant go wrong with it. G35 is not even the same class as the GS, plus the GS is much better in terms of everything. I guess that is why im selling my TL and get a GS4.

[1SICKLEX]

I'll post on both forums The GS is overall the superior car, one reason the overall asking price for a then new GS 400 is nearly 20k more than a G35. Its built in what is regarded the best plant in the world (the Tahara plant) and the GS 400 won just about every award possible upon introduction in 1998.Now looking at prioritesMy priorities are:

1) fun to drive: quick and nimble
2) very reliable (kills BMW, Audi, etc...)
3) can carry customers, family, friends, etc... (no mustangs or WRX's)
4) is not confused with a "riced out" ride - I'm not much of a modder - sorry(no IS300 or WRX's or EVO's)

I would have to say go with the G35 based on #1 if you get a MANUAL, its a toss up if you get an automatic. Stock, a G35 sedan does outhandle a GS 400 sedan (even auto to auto). You don't mod your car, so it makes no sense to suggest mods. I will say in my old modded GS 400, I met a couple G35 owners shocked at the beating they got. Stock, I am positive in the curves, I would have had to slow down to the G35. On the other end of the spectrum, the VQ pulls like MAD in the G35, what a great V-6. But there is nothing like having more cylinders, and the GS is as smooth at full acceleration as cruising 80mph on the freeway. The GS is no slouch in the handling department, its coupe like handling is what helped it win Import Car of the Year and 10 best wins and comparisons wins or 2nd place finishes. The biggest issue, IMO, is the loose steering at times.
2. The GS is the most reliable car in its class. Its not perfect but close to it
In comparison, we have read the tons of complaints on the new G35s.
3. The GS is bigger, after driving both, this is confirmed. I also don't understand how people can get used to the controls on the passenger side of the console and the seat buttons under you, instead of beside you in the G35.
4. The GS is a "Lexus" so that holds much more prestige than an "Infintii". And there are sadly, riced out cars for every ride. We have a couple on Clublexus.

Looks are subjective, you think the GS looks dull, I think the G35 sedan is, "nicely put" not very pretty.

Enjoy your choice, both are simply fantastic cars.

[LEXUS_KID]

So I have about $18 to $20k. I wish it was more, but it isn't.

I am considering:

+ 03/03.5 G35 with 40k-60K miles on it (premium, no sport)
+ 99-00 Lexus GS400 with 60k-75k miles on it

First let me say welcome to CLUBLEXUS. Back in November of 04 I purchased a used GS4 for $19k with 70k on it. And let me tell you I made the right choice even though the car was used it was well maintained with no major probl***s. I only put down $12k on the car and put the rest toward mods as you can see in my signature what I have all ready done with just a little bit of money the car is just amazing . Yes I would have to agree with some of the comments on this thread, the steering was a little sloppy until I purchased an L-TUNED STERRING ECU . Also not to mention the CLUBLEXUS guy's and girl's on this site that are true LEXUS FREAKS ask any question you have and someone out there will have the answer, does the G35 have that? Also I looked at the other choice like BMW AUDI and so on down the list the GS4 is were it's at my friend you won't be disappointed with your choice on what ever you make but GS4 is the way to go.

[CClaire]

Originally Posted by DXC

Well, G35 is still warranty GS will be a great family car and the residual value is very stable to a 99-00 car if you need to sell it in the future. Personally I will choose G35. But if you spend $18K-$20K as down payment, then I will definitely get a 2006 GS - Lexus = Luxury.

Well, I keep going back and forth. The GS is a great car for what I do a lot -drive to work on a fairly busy street with some stop lights, drive 50 miles or so on the highway from time to time, and the occasional road trip.

But the G35 is also pretty good for those things just not as comfortable. It's 3 years newer and has 10-30k fewer miles and some warranty left.

If they were same cost, age, miles and warranty, it would go to the GS for me I think. But with the miles and age, maybe the G35. It is a hot car....

Darn this is more difficult than I thought!!!

[jonathancl]

Before reading your post, voted GS.

After reading your post, you know you need the GS.

[400DGRZ]

Have you test driven both cars? If not you need to do so. The pull of the GS4 will pleasantly surprise you.

[TOMLEXUS]

Go with GS400, very fast, even faster than GS430, anyone disagree?

[HDDuece]

GS for sure. I had a G35 Coupe and though it was a nice car the inteior is very cheap. I don't think they hold their value well.

[gs400998]

GS400 is my pick. Use the power search at autotrader, specify max of $20,000, less than 75K miles, all areas and with price only and you will find a few low mileage GS4 if you are willing to travel. I would only trade my Maxima SE for a G35X but no way I'm going to trade my GS4 for a G35.

[aloha08isf]

when I was car shopping....it was a no brainer...the g35 coupe is indeed very nice but still...GS all the way

[lostinthew]

OK, here's an old psychology trick.

Flip a coin and see how you feel about the result. If you're happy or if you're unhappy with your fate, you'll know what to do.

Simple.

[TYPEII]

GS all the way nothing beats a smooth V8. Plus, insurance would be cheaper 99-00 vs 03.