I've read where due to the rear end gearing of the M35, which causes higher RPM's when highway cruising, they're seeing aweful gas mileage

 

Ugh oh, here we go again . . .

 

Yes, we are experiencing poor mileage with M45's too. My M45 Sport is getting only about 16-19 MPH on average after about 3,000 miles. I hope it gets better but I am far from regretting my decision to buy the M.

Almost more annoying than poor mileage would be a small gas tank. Luckily, the M's have a 20 gallon tank, so the frequency of fillups is lessened.

(For what it is worth, I am loving the pics and specs I have seen on the new IS. And, the IS coupe pic I saw yesterday is simply gorgeous. I just wish my 3 year old was about 14 years older, so I could buy him one and borrow it periodically)

OK, LOCK THIS THREAD DOWN - TROUBLE AHEAD.

 

One reason we traded our Sequoia in on the GS3 was gas mileage in the teens

 

marcpitch, that's surprising about the size of the tank and mileage. I drove one and didn't think of asking about it. Also, I wanted to know why there so many m45 drivers on the 3rd Gen forums. I'm not trying to start any trouble, just asking a question. Are there any Lexus guys on the Infiniti forums Thanks

 

No Problem I welcome the questions and some already know much of this about me.

First, I had a 1999 GS400 and loved it. In between my GS and my new M I had a 2003 G35 Coupe. When I started shopping for a sports sedan in the fall of 2004 (due to a growing family), I was very excited about the new GS and the new M. I monitored information about both since early fall 2004. After seeing the new A-6 and RL, my choice easily came down to the 2006 GS and the 2006 M.

Without having driven either and having seen both at the Philly car show, I told friends and family I was leaning 60-40 to the GS. I liked its exterior a little better and I know Lexus is a "tighter" car in all ways. However, after my test drives in Feb/March of this year, I had to choose the M. For my tastes, using the manual shift mode a lot and other reasons documented in previous posts, the M was for me.

I still like Lexus and the GS and am curious about its changes in the next few years. I like learning about the good, bad, and ugly....for both cars. Hope this clarifies why I stop by.

 

With all due respect, would anybody NOT expect a large SUV like the Sequoia to get poor (in the teens) mileage? Kind of like buying a Mini and not liking its cargo capacity.

The M situation is more of a surprise, given what Infiniti rates the MPG at. (I think 17-23 for the M45) While I am in that range, I drive a lot of highway miles and expect to be over 20 MPG.

 

my 430 is no gas mileage hero........just wanted to say hi before the

 

This thread shouldn't even be here in the first place, it's not about the 3GS . . .

 

That's what I was gonna say... If anything, move it to the Car Chat forum

 

What makes you think gas mileage was a concern when we got the Sequoia? How much was regular per gallon back in '03? About half of what it is now?

 

I post over at FreshAlloy quite a bit. The Infiniti is a damn fine automobile. If Infiniti were to redo the tail lights (i.e. smaller), add a 6-speed automatic and nicer wood trim on the interior I would probably ditch my GS.


Things I prefer about owning a GS:

-Interior ambiance (everything from the gauges to the tones/colors used in the cabin seem more refined and more pleasing to my eye)
-Ride quality
-Exterior styling
-Dealership location (5 miles vs. 100 miles for Infiniti)

Things I prefer about the M:

-Navigation system (8" vs. 7" screen, better graphics, no messy looking touch screen)
-Horsepower
-Handling

Both great cars....just different. When I get tired of my GS I might give the M a try. Or maybe I'll be swayed by the additional power of the GS460. Let's just hope Lexus does the RIGHT thing and offers a Sport package and the upgraded NAV from the IS for 2007.

 

My GS430 is also a gas hog...average about 18 MPG on a good week. Oh well, if I gas mileage was my priority, I'd be driving a Prius

Marc, I for one appreciate M owners owners posting here. In the end, we're all car enthusiasts. But it's too bad that often the threads turn from being civil to pissing matches.

 

i'm getting very good mileage on the 430, about 21-22 on average between fillups. recently went to santa barbara and was up in the 26-27 range.

 

I got to stop stomping on the gas

But oddly enough, the gas mileage on my GS430 is almost the same as what I experienced with my '99 GS300.