08 M45 or GS 460...Need some honest opinions and experiences

[Q45tech]

From an economic point of view the Lexus will cost more out the door and roughly the same to maintain under warranty. After warranty the Infiniti will begin to cost more than the Lexus to maintain................all depends on whether you keep the vehicles 60k or 120k or 200k.

Chains vs belts on engine.Tires [cost] are areas to examine.

[infinitiandbeyond]

If the GS still has the stupid little door that flops down, to the left of the steering wheel on the dash down by your knee Lexus designers are real idiots.

This little door contains mirror and other controls that requires you to take your eyes completely off the road, lean over to the left to see it past the steering wheel meanwhile bashing your head on the window. I've never seen something quite as idiotic as this in ANY CAR let alone a Lexus.

That was enough for me to u-turn my GS350 test drive back to the dealership.

There you go.

[RONSM35X]

I test drove both of them and i went with the M35x. I was always a lexus man but when i test drove that M it was see ya Lexus. NO regrets besides at 6"4 and 250 lbs i couldnt fit into the Lexus gs all that good . Still the M won out Bcause it rode as smooth as the Lexus but handle i think better than the Lexus . The M leans into the corner so secure . Loving this car so much and im so surprised by that its not even funny.

[G35_Rican30]

Thanks for the info, i'm actually surprised at your comment....the M just as smooth as the Lexus..especially in Nyc.....is your M35X fully loaded??...how are the upgraded features working for you...ie stereo system, nav, bluetooth..etc

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Here is a compro of the M45 Sport and the GS 430. I know it is the older motor but it might help. http://www.motortrend.com/road...rison.Cheers,M.L

[MagicM]

As for the sound system, the Bose in my 07 m35x sounds like downright junk. I've heard Hyundai's with better sound system than it. It's sad how Infiniti chooses bose, who make cheap home audio system, vs the Lexus Mark Levinsion who produce some of the best audio units in the world. If you dont mind buying a slighty used car i would suggest forget the M and GS and buy a used 07 Lexus ls460 for around 60k.

[G35_Rican30]

Ok...you say forget the M and GS??...and go for an Ls460....ok why is that??

[RONSM35X]

MY M 35X IS fully loaded minus the over price back seat crap like heated back seats and dvd entertainment. My kids will b back there some day and they dont need that stuff. Anyway the bluetooth is wishy washy but its good when it works and im happy with the navigation works nicely but u cant drive and program it. I know theres a way to engage the brake so its always on ( id di that with my pioneer nav) then ill b able to program on the fly . Not worry about watching dvds while driving that stupid and dangerous. Dont care for the radio - the lexus Mark Lev is so much better its not even funny .Ill throw some POLK AUDIO SR in here when i figure out the size and how not to ruin this beaut of a car. By the by the Lexus 460 is a bundle and its a totall different ride then the M or the g's . And u hear highway noise pretty loud - i test drove it- shouldnt get that at this price. So thats it ill put some photos when i get a chance.

[maxnix]

If you haven't noticed the front end plowing in the gilded Camry, not sure you would appreciate the subtle handling differences. Get what you want.

[maxnix]

I have a solution: Get both M45 08 and a GS460 together on lease.and you will save yourself a lot of head ace and time man

Notice a lot of the comments here are from renters, not owners. There is a definite difference in perspective.

[antzrus]

Notice a lot of the comments here are from renters, not owners. There is a definite difference in perspective.

"Having is not so pleasing a thing as wanting." You go on the Lexus site, they complain about similar issues. Human beings have a tough time being satisfied w/what they've got.

But for me, it helps having purchased my M. I spent all that $$$, I better love the damn thing or I was a fool, and I do!

[mkaresh]

The Lexus has a much smaller back seat. Impressions of front seat comfort in the Lexus also vary considerably. I find the seats in the M much more comfortable.

That said, with a kid on the way I'd look for a wagon or crossover. 535xi would do nicely. Or perhaps an FX. Among sedans, the Germans and the Cadillac CTS offer a folding rear seat.

Otherwise you're going to have two cars without the option of folding the rear seat to expand the trunk. That can be handy for crib mattreses, cribs, etc.

[G35_Rican30]

Well i was considering a SUV...maybe the QX-56 but with gas prices on the rise, i think the M is sounds like a more financially sound investment, i bet that QX sucks down gas and i dont know if i'm prepared to spend 60-70 dollars per gas visit

[szh]

Well i was considering a SUV...maybe the QX-56 but with gas prices on the rise, i think the M is sounds like a more financially sound investment, i bet that QX sucks down gas and i dont know if i'm prepared to spend 60-70 dollars per gas visit

Well ... not dissuade you too much, but ... with 91 Premium gas at about $3.79 a gallon in California right now, my M45 and its 20 gallon tank can use more than $60 to $70 pretty easily!

The days of low-cost gasoline are pretty much over!

Z

[G35_Rican30]

For me being that i'm a military guy, gas prices on base are usually 20 cents cheaper, but i'd rather pay to fill the M up cause i know it will last longer than gas in a QX 56 would

[NBP45]

Ok heres a quick breakdown:M45 -> balanced, sporty compared to GS, GS -> comfortable, quietM45 and GS 460 --> tied in terms of exterior designM45 -> nicer interior, GS 460 -> interior is bland, boring, nothing special about itGS 460 -> better gas mileage, M45 -> avg. gas mileageGS 460 -> better transmission, M45 -> needs a 6-speedM45 -> better nav, tech, GS 460 -> good nav, techGS 460 -> more expensive, to buy or lease, residual and depreciation almost equal

One thing I know for certain is that you can't go wrong with either an M45 or GS 460, both are great cars in different ways. If you cant decide, get an Audi A6.

[RONSM35X]

i agree with NBP45 post except for 2 things. one i love the lexus interior . i wouldnt say its boring at all and their wood is awesome. God i wanted Red wood so badly. But they were just priced higher. Lexus dealers and i went to 4 of them in New York and they wouldn't even think about bringing down the price.anyway i love my M and the lexus was boring as hell and i like boring but to a degree.2 nd thing i looked at the Audi and didnt like it comparison to either car. The interior was way too busy and it looked the worse and the brakes were worse than the Lexus was too spongy and grabby( lack of a better word). IMO humble that it is. NOW THE A8 is sweet but a whole different price range by fa. r

[danmeljeff]

I haven't had my '06 M35 long, and I've only been a passenger in an '08 GS460 once...but here is what I noticed.

1. I like the interior design of the M35 better. I'm 27, and like the more aggressive/sporty interior and exterior styling of the Infiniti cars vs the Lexus cars.

2. In the M35, the seats are quite comfortable. The GS460 seats are okay, but not as good. I'm 6 feet, 230lb...and when I first got into the GS460, my head hit the roof. I wasn't really able to find as comfortable position with the seats as I did with the M35. I haven't been able to adjust the M35 to the point I did the GS460...where my head hits the roof. However, perhaps that is why the M35/45 are a bit more bulbis on top.

3. The ride is definitely smooth in the GS460...and as a passenger, it's a bonus. However, I suspect as a driver I'd like the M35's ride better so to feel the road and have the aggressive suspension.

4. Hard to compare the '06 M35 tech vs the '08 GS460...as the 2 year newer GS460 seemed superior. However, for an '06...I'm constantly blown away with how much tech they packed into a vehicle that costs $8K-$10K less than the M35/45 direct competitors.

Like many others have already posted, I think you'll be quite pleased with whatever decision you make...and most likely it'll come down to comfort of ride vs all around performance.

[MagicM]

Well seeing as how you are considering a SUV sounds like you need a car with much Interior space, but dont want to get a gas guzzling truck. I sugguested getting a Used 07 LS460 before, has Much more interior space, Front and rear, i also think it looks better than the GS. The Ls460 is purely for Luxury and not performance oriented but has everysingle bit of technology known to man in it. Also with the Qx-56 as much as i like Infiniti, the qx-56 is just a downright piece of junk, unrealiable and it's a cheap feeling, just a overpriced armada(which is rated as one of most unrealiable suvs). I would highly recomend getting a Land Cruiser if you needed a full size SUV Superior in every catagory than the qx.

[mk84boom]

Ok guys i am looking at getting rid of my G35 coupe because me and the wifey want to expand our family, i currently drive a G35 coupe fully loaded and i was thinking of going with either an 08/09 M45 or 08/09 Gs 460 now for your FYI my wife drives an 07 ES 350 fully loaded and its a Great ride with awsome sound system (Mark Levinson) and nice Nav system and the car gets great gas mileage and has power.. 275 hp stock. Ok back to my question now when i compare both cars, price is almost the same but i find that the M offers more leg room and head room in both the front and rear so i guess it comes down to Hp and the "TOYS" that both cars bring to the table. Now IMHO i think the Mark Levinson sound system is better than the Bose system or is it a different Bose system in the M than my G35 has?

Any help or advice you guys can give me i would greatly appreciate it

Hey guys, I'm a loyal Nissan Owner and just leased my new 2008 M35x three weeks ago after comparing the M35x to the BMW 535xi, Acura RL, and the Lexus GS350 awd. I shopped around for 4 weeks and test drove them all more than once. It came down to the Gs350 and M35 and I finally made my choice based on the fact that M35 was more fun to drive than the GS350. Don't get me wrong, I think Lexus has an awesome machine on their hands as do all of the other makes that I looked at. When making my final choice I just felt that even though the GS350 offered a smoother ride, the M35x handled like a sports car. I also felt that M35 looked sportier. I am very happy with my choice except for the stereo choice. I oped to save a few bucks and chose the Bose 2.1 system which sucks ***! I'm actually changing the the 4 door speakers with Alpine Type "R" speakers. throwing a few alpine PDX amps with a type"s" subwoofer this thursday. Nothing fancy but it will greatly improve the sound quality of the stock bose headunit. Overall I feel that you should take a few test drives, kick the tires and go with you like. I did just that and I'm extremely happy, Good luck and happy shopping.

[RONSM35X]

DUDE !!!!!!!!!!!! Please let me know how it was changing your system. IM planning on doing the exact same thing with the same kind of amps but im going all polk audio bcause they sound so precise and clear.P.S. i pony upped 4 the 5.1 surround sound and son that SH#t sucks major ***. i hate it and when u start to crank it kiss what little bass u had goodbye. The bass is decent at low volume but man its just nothing as u crank it. DVD audio is better but i use my I pod and XM most of the time. So u most likely saved yourself some dough . Even though i have more speakers i think then u. Big deal.

[mk84boom]

DUDE !!!!!!!!!!!! Please let me know how it was changing your system. IM planning on doing the exact same thing with the same kind of amps but im going all polk audio bcause they sound so precise and clear.P.S. i pony upped 4 the 5.1 surround sound and son that SH#t sucks major ***. i hate it and when u start to crank it kiss what little bass u had goodbye. The bass is decent at low volume but man its just nothing as u crank it. DVD audio is better but i use my I pod and XM most of the time. So u most likely saved yourself some dough . Even though i have more speakers i think then u. Big deal.

Ok guys, its been a week since I had my sound system changed. I went all Alpine and here are the final components. I had 6.5 Type X component speakers installed in the front doors, 6.5 Type R coaxil speakers for the rear doors. Type R 10 inch woofer in the trunk. There are 2 PDX stackable amps neatly placed in the trunk as well and hidden somewhere is the PXE-H650 -System Integration Audio Processor. All installed for $2400.00. I must say this system sounds much better then i thought possible if you consider that I'm still using the factory head unit. Great clear sound. Goodluck to all of those who are thinking about making the change.

[RONSM35X]

SSSSSSSSSSWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTT. YOU THE M A N . I bet that baby sounds awesome. Man u really went all out . Thats what im talking about . Screw that half *** sh*t . Go broke. Ill b getting the same sound processor 2 but i heard something totally insane on this forum , if u change your bose amp u lose the Navigation and Bluetooth is that true. And does the door have room for a cross over about as long as your hand and thick as a internal hard drive. all in all

[mk84boom]

SSSSSSSSSSWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTT. YOU THE M A N . I bet that baby sounds awesome. Man u really went all out . Thats what im talking about . Screw that half *** sh*t . Go broke. Ill b getting the same sound processor 2 but i heard something totally insane on this forum , if u change your bose amp u lose the Navigation and Bluetooth is that true. And does the door have room for a cross over about as long as your hand and thick as a internal hard drive. all in all

Thankyou Ever sooo mUch I dont know who post that crap about losing your bluetooth and nav but trust me when I say that wont happen. The bose amp was never removed, just bypassed. The system sounds freakin' awesome . The only gripe i have is the fact is the digital processor has to be tuned to the interior of the car and once thats done it is recommended that you do not adjust the volume from the radio nob or the steering wheel controls. you must only use the processor remote control to adjust volume level. I'm still having trouble getting use to using it but oh well i guess.

[RONSM35X]

Volume control only through the processor thats sucks big time. Im going to have look 4 a different one that allows the steering wheel control to b used . I mean this is the !st car that i own that have this feature and like a sunroof - once u get it u have to have it. ( hated sunroofs till i got one on my old camry ) NOw u left the bose in but bypass it - i wont to put my new amp in the same spot im way against drilling or cutting my ride up. idid that with my other cars but this car iis so sweet i dont want to unless i have 2 . interesting. dilemma . Y they make it so hard to upgrade stock:ninja2 . I dont know a car stock yet that sounds the way it should.ANd the Mark Lev in the Lexus is sweet as hell but no bass to speak of so l.

[2008m35]

mk84boom,

You leased an 08 M35X and added $2400 worth of after market speakers? If you leased for 3 years, that is an additional $66.00 per month. Why didn't you just get the Adv Tech package? You would get the *better* Bose system, be able to use the steering wheel volume control, and the extra cost is in the residual value.

Sorry to chime in AFTER you leased and spent the $2400, but hopefully this helps someone looking to get a new car in the future.

[RONSM35X]

HEY 2008 m 35 Take it from some 1 who pony up for the ADVANCED tech pkg. It SUCKS SO MUCH A#S IT NOT EVEN FUNNY. Unless of course u like to hear half of your music and thats key. Some people ( not saying U) have no clue what music sounds like or i should say suppose to sound like. They listen to it and miss half of the background sounds and insturments and all that jazz bcause they have a inferior system. Now im not talking just heavy bass bcause some people have a loud bassy system which is fine but u r missing most of the music mayb NOW mk84boom like myself r willing to pay extra for that music . i need my music to keep me from going insane when im in endless traffic in this screwed up city. and thats it in a nut shell. Just my opinion which means JACK U KNOW WHAT. BY the BY did i metion the Bose system sucks its all mid range- HATE IT - but i wanted the 14 speakers not the 8 that only comes with the tech pkg and the other stuff thats tied in the pkg with that crappy bose _ NO HIGH NO LOWS MUST B A BOSE . Its a shame u pay so much for a car and get a crappy sound system.

but its a lease so dont u have to take everything out at the end mk. my car is bought and own so i wont have to worry about that a reason y i didnt lease bcausse i knew the system was going to get deep ended pronto.
Modified by RONSM35X at 2:07 PM 4/4/2008

[mk84boom]

mk84boom,

You leased an 08 M35X and added $2400 worth of after market speakers? If you leased for 3 years, that is an additional $66.00 per month. Why didn't you just get the Adv Tech package? You would get the *better* Bose system, be able to use the steering wheel volume control, and the extra cost is in the residual value.

Sorry to chime in AFTER you leased and spent the $2400, but hopefully this helps someone looking to get a new car in the future.

Hey 2008m35,

You bring up a good point. When I was shopping around I decided that the adv. package was worth it and $66 a month extra it really didn't make sense to me. I didn't decide to go out and start messing with the sound system the minute i drove off the lot. It took about 2 weeks of driving around here in the NYC area for me to finally say enuff was enuff. The Bose 2.1 system is just terrible. Even the 5.1 system is no where near as good as the Mark levinson system available with Lexus. I shopped around for 2 weeks before making up my mind and going with the alpine system. I know it's a lease but remember you always have the option of buying the car at the end of the lease. But if i dont buy at least i can always simply have the alpine stuff removed and have the factory speaker re-installed. The 4 speakers are neatly stored in a closet, safe and sound, should I decide to turn the car in. Believe me when I say that even the 5.1 system does not sound as good as my new alpine system. I could have saved a few $$$ if I had gone with JL amps as I would not have needed a cleansweep or the processor but hey, you only live once.

[2008m35]

I didn't know the Adv Tech sounded horrible, as well. I do agree that the sound system in the Tech package is awful. I am embarrassed that a $48K car has such an awful sound system. However, I new it was not great going in and it was not part of my decision process. I figured the Adv Tech would be a great sound upgrade but I guess I am wrong...

[Manok]

no highs, no lows...must be bose.

add a sub and it's easier to live with though.