2007 G35s and Lexus IS350

[2004m45]

Anyone have any thoughts, experience, opinions on the new G35s or Lexus IS350? I will be test driving both on Tuesday here in Milwaukee. I know I read a couple mixed reviews on the G, but how about the IS?

[scjconsulting]

The Lexus GS 350 will disappoint. It's missing M features, not near as entertaining to drive, and even has some design problems. All auto reviewers I have read agree with me.

The IS350 is not in the same class as the M. Compare it to the Infiniti G35 or G37, and the BMW 3 series. It will disappoint against those competitors.

[2004m45]

You were right on. The is350 was cramped and not as fast or nice as I thought it would be. But it did only have 15miles on it so.... after breakin it probably would be faster. The g35s was very fast, but also felt cramped compared to the M. Great engine though.

I ended up trading the M in for an 04 lexus ls430. I will miss my M, but I needed to have a sedan I could drive year round. The M was not fun to drive in snow... can you say white knuckles. Thanks guys for all the info over the past year on the M. This is one of the best / knowledgeable forums I've been apart of. Thanks again.Tony

[exbmwdude]

I'm not sure how trading one rwd sedan for another is going to change your winter driving success. Getting around in the winter is a matter of good snow tires, and if necessary a little more weight in the trunk. I just did the last 6 years with a BMW 740il and never had an issue. I'll be ordering some wheels and snows for the M35 here pretty soon and I expect to have similar results to the BMW.

Good Luck with the LS - great car with of the best OEM audio systems out there. It's just lacking a little driving "flavor" compared to our beloved M's.

exbmwdude2006 M35S

You were right on. The is350 was cramped and not as fast or nice as I thought it would be. But it did only have 15miles on it so.... after breakin it probably would be faster. The g35s was very fast, but also felt cramped compared to the M. Great engine though.

I ended up trading the M in for an 04 lexus ls430. I will miss my M, but I needed to have a sedan I could drive year round. The M was not fun to drive in snow... can you say white knuckles. Thanks guys for all the info over the past year on the M. This is one of the best / knowledgeable forums I've been apart of. Thanks again.Tony

[Mark Linkous]

I suppose you have a much larger rear seat in the LS430 though. Good luck finding your car in the parking lot . Seriously, good luck with your car and best wishes. Exbmwdude is quite right about rear drive to rear drive though.Mark

[scjconsulting]

I ended up trading the M in for an 04 lexus ls430. I will miss my M, but I needed to have a sedan I could drive year round. The M was not fun to drive in snow... can you say white knuckles. Thanks guys for all the info over the past year on the M. This is one of the best / knowledgeable forums I've been apart of. Thanks again.Tony

You will miss not buying the LS460! The M was judged better, by Consumer Reports, than the LS430. I'm not sure the same judgment between the M and the LS460. Of course there is 20K difference!

I agree about getting winter tires for any rear wheel drive car. They become better than FWD!

[MikeP]

I reversed your process 6 months ago......traded an '04 LS430 for an '07 M35. My time with the LS was completely trouble-free and the back seat and trunk sizes came in handy a couple of times. The ride was very relaxed and quiet, particularly on the Interstates. The fuel economy was amazing for a large car with a V8. BUT, after a while it got a little boring. The M is a great driver's car with IMO, every bit as much quality as the LS. I prefer the M's compromise between ride and handling and enjoy all the technology. My only wish is for better fuel economy, which is worse than the LS. The sound of the M's exhaust is addictive.....maybe that's why my fuel economy is not great