gtbreeze

Here's the match up:

(1) 2011 Smokey Granite Mica Lexus IS250 F-Sport (Nav Inc.)
(2) 2011 Graphite Shadow Infiniti G37 Sedan Journey w/ Sports Appearance Package

I'm in the market for a new car and have been researching these two models which both end up being right around $41K MSRP (please, no "G37 is supposed to be compared to a IS350"). Also, the 204HP engine doesn't bother me too much. I will not race it and appreciate the better gas mileage, however, having the extra boost is definitely appreciated. I'm upgrading from a 2006 Honda Civic so it's not like I'm going to be missing the power the G37 has.

Here's my current feelings on the two models:

Looks: I really love the look of IS250 in Smokey Granite Mica with Black Interior and the F-Sport package. The G37 is a tie for the interior to me but I'm not digging the exterior as much. Winner: IS250

Performance: IS250 is definitely taking the hit here with it's 204HP. Almost every search I've done comes up with people stating how the IS250 can be smoked on the line by a <insert cheaper car here> (V6 Camry, Civic SI, etc). Winner: G37

Features: IS250 has Nav for the price and the F-Sport tuning, 18" rims, etc whereas the Journey lacks Nav but has the sports appearance package. I'm also considering not getting the sports apperance package in order to get the nav packaging which results in about the same price (which takes away paddle shifters, 18" rims, etc). Winner: IS250

Price/Value: I'm eligble for VPP with Infiniti which will drop the $41K msrp to just under $37K with no haggling. The IS250 will probably run between $36k-$38k (with $1000 lexus loyalty) plus haggling and lower negotiating power with the Japan crisis. This is in the ATL area btw. I am not willing to spend more than $40k OTD on this purchase. Winner: G37

All in all, it's a tie at 2 for IS250 and 2 for G37. I'm wondering if the folks on the forum can give me some more insight to better make this decision.

Thanks!

VtotheJ

iTrader: (2)

Given the above, I would say look at things such as cost of maintenance and service intervals.. this may make or break your decision to buy each.

Personally I like having bluetooth connectivity so I can talk hands-free, iPod integration, Xenon headlights, and most of all, Navigation... your needs/wants may differ but these are the vital things that I NEED in a car to make me happy.

The IS line is known to have less rear leg room than other sedans, so G37 wins here. But the lack of navi WITH the sports appearance package (in the G) clearly makes the IS better.

... So I would say get an ISF. Jk... I'd go for the IS, all bias aside.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

The best thing you can do is drive them both and see which you like better. That said, I like the IS250 between the two. Reason being is I think the G is cheap, in terms of materials used and I despise the door handles (maybe that's just me). The fit and finish is much better on the IS, especially for 2011. I'm not a fan of the 3.7L in the G either, it sounds too coarse, the 3.5L was a gem. On a brighter note the navigation on the G is much better than the IS especially for resolution and graphics. I work at an automall with Lexus Infiniti Acura BMW and Mini, and get to experience most every model and compare to my own IS. No car is perfect, and for my own subjective view I defenitely prefer the IS. Like I mentioned earlier tho, go drive both.

bforbrian

iTrader: (3)

Lexus wins with luxury; everyone and their mom has a G37 now.

dmk08

IS250 can't get out of their own way. I would get the G37.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Welcome!

If you didn't already do this, try searching. Several topics already discussing this topic.

Examples:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...?highlight=g37
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...?highlight=g37
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...?highlight=g37
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...?highlight=g37
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...?highlight=g37
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...?highlight=g37

Some won't be apples to apples for performance with IS250 compared vs IS350, but most of the comments will apply.

anthrax144

Just curious as to why you're not considering an IS350? The 250 only gets about 2 mpg better gas mileage, if that. I suppose you'll have a hard time getting under 40k on a 350 but, just my opinion, it's worth every penny extra.

gtbreeze

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Definitely did the search and saw the other G37 threads but most of them were discussing performance (which is a lower priority for me) as a key factor vs IS350. The main reason I'm not considering the IS350 is that the price difference ($5k) isn't worth the power to me. I rather spend the money on the premium package, navigation, etc. I'm saving up for an engagement ring this year and that difference alone probably would decide if I can propose before 2012!

RastaRacer

iTrader: (5)

get the Lex...we need another member, lol

kannon

iTrader: (1)

I had the same dilemma and then bought a used is350. I just hated the looks of the g sedan too much, then g coupe is another story though.

whitebeast

iTrader: (5)

I was you, I take IS if you don't mind about the power (exterior is what I look into first). BUT too bad, I'm not you.

whitebeast

iTrader: (5)

True, IS looks way better than G sedan especially taillight

Nelly

iTrader: (11)

Get the IS250 and dump the fsport exhaust on it. You won't regret it. I just picked up my is250 f sport and I get looks and compliments everywhere haha.

Although the newer g37 sedans look pretty nice with the new front with fogs, the 2011 isx50 is nicer in my opinion!

Also, navigation ftw. You don't want to regret NOT having an integrated navi/touchscreen.

Denver

iTrader: (13)

I pick IS over the G. I think the interior of the G is horrible

kannon

iTrader: (1)

Agreed on the bad interior of the g. I thought it was cool you could get the same paddles on the steering wheel as the gtr but the rest of the interior was a let down compared to is. Plus its gauges don't light up.