Since the 2006 GS will cost me about $7000 more than the 2005 model, I'm considering buying the 2005 GS 300 instead.

There doesn't seem to be that much improvement in looks between the two. The 2005 model has 220 HP, while the 2006 model has a little more juice. The 2005 doesn't have the keyless technology. I don't care for the NAV nor backup camera. The 2006 model will keep this exact design for at least the next 4 years right?

What other major things will I lose if I go with the 2005 GS model?

 

the 05 has much worse gas mileage

the 05 seats aren't as supportive

the 05 pessenger deoesn't have memory

the 05 doesn't have rear pass through

 

My guess is they will most likely keep the design until 2013... The 2nd generation GS lasted from 1998-2005, that's 7 years.. so it would make sense that this new body style will be in effect until about 2013, since it is for model year 2006..

 

The 1st gen GS was sold from 93-97, what about that?
So since the 1st M came out in 1990 and sold for 2 years, then discontinued for 13 years, then the 2nd M was out from 2003-2005, the new M should be sold either for only 3 years or it will be sold for 2 years, and discontinued, going by your logic?

We do not know the product cycle for the new GS and you don't either.

 

Of course no one knows for sure, that's why i said "my guess is", basing it on the previous generation...but who said anything about the Infiniti M? That's sort of off topic for this thread..

 

EXACTLY!!!

 

seeing how lexus is moving with their designs (and also what they said), i think they are going to shorten their design cycle time for their cars from now on

 

One could only hope.. I would really hate to think that we would be stuck with this same body style until 2013..

 

My guess (Yes, this is just a guess ) is this cycle will last 5 years and hopefully no more than 6. The last GS was due for an update a couple of years ago. I think the new G3 GS should have come out as a 2004 model. 6 years would have been okay since they did the 4.3 update in 2001, but other than that it was a long run. Too long IMHO. However, since the new engines and hybrid might come out in a year or two, I have a feeling that might lengthen the cycle by a year or two. I sure hope they don't go as long a run as the SC300/400 Coupe though.

 

I think 6 years is the appropiate cycle for a luxury model, not less than that.

 

One data point is not a trend.

 

um, if you really dont see the difference, then go for it! For me, difference is as night and day, I would never get an 2nd Gen while 3rd gen is awesome to me.

 

I do not think that there is a 7K difference. Similarly equipped models have similar MSRP. The difference is that you can negotiate better price for a 2005 model. Go for the 2006! It won’t be 7K.