2008 M35 vs 2008 Lexus GS350

[basit]

Hey guys im new to these boards. I've been looking into the new M35 vs the GS 350. Im leaning more towards the M35 due to it's bad a** looks. I noticed that in comparison the M35 has a slightly bigger interior than the GS but the GS does have alittle more power.

Im not too familiar with Infiniti's track record as far as maintenance and parts go. So my question would be :

How does the Inifiniti M35 rate as far as reliability, cost of parts, and repairs versus the Lexus name brand?

Are their any known faults or flaws with the M series? ie.. transmission problems and such.

Just to let you guys know, im currently in an 06 Acura TL.

All help, comments, and input would be greatly appreciated to help me with my purchase and in joining the M family!!!

[scjconsulting]

I suggest you read the comparison reviews in the "real" car magazines, ie Automobile, Car And Driver, and then read the Consumer Reports reviews.There is a real difference between the cars, which can easily also be shown by doing comparison drives. The GS350 does not deserve the word "Sport".Before the Lexus LS460 came out, Consumer Reports rated the M35 higher than the LS430, a car $20K higher!

[basit]

Im not really looking for a comparison as to which car is more "sportier". ut thanks for your suggestion. Im looking for more of a reliability comparison for lack of better words. Any one else care to chime in???

[M45-Zero260]

Greetings, and Welcome to the Forum!

I've owned both Lexus and Infiniti brands, but I'm afraid it will just come down to pure taste and cost. You are talking about both vehicles being 2008, so "parts" will not be an issue for at least 60,000 miles depending on how long you keep your vehicle. Lexus has been at the top of the list in reliability since they arrived, and Infiniti IMO is near perfect as well when you are talking 2008. The M35 is still too new for any kind of "long term" reliability results, but from what I've read on this forum, there are few, if any, complaints.

From my experience with the brand names alone, Lexus is slightly more costly in the maintenance realm, however, it is a Lexus. If you are already sold on the M's bad*** looks, then by all means, go with the M.

You will not regret any decision in purchasing a new 2008 Lexus GS350 or Infiniti M35, but I guarantee you will see fewer M35/M45's on the road than the GS series, and that has a pleasure all in it's own.

Good luck with your purchase, and if you go with the M, keep us posted and we look forward to some bad*** pics!!!

[basit]

Thanks. I really dont have any experience or knowledge of Infiniti's reliability factor. I do know of Lexus and as you stated they are on the top of the list but pricey as well. I do plan on keeping the vehicle for quite a few years and do plan on putting some serious mileage on the vehicle.

I am leaning more towards the M35 due to it's more sportier design. The GS doesnt quite have that sporty look that the M has.

But thanks again for your input as it has definitely helped sway my decision. And I will definitely post pics.

[Bocatrip]

I also had some interest in the GS350 about a year ago and did much research. However, due to the vast amount of quality control issues with the GS series from 06 on, I was shocked to see so many complaints with regards to rattles and road noise. One of the biggest threads on the Lexus Forums is for rattles alone. In some instances there was mention of welding necessary on the A pillars to correct some rattles. Besides the ride not being all that impressive, the rattle problems became the last nail in the coffin for any interest in the GS for me. That brought me back to the M35 for 08 with it's nice refresh on the rear and front.

[basit]

So did you end up with the 08? How do you like it? Any flaws?

[Bocatrip]

So did you end up with the 08? How do you like it? Any flaws?

I have not purchased yet. I'm waiting for a "courtesy drive" for an extended driving experience with the M35. Also, many of the dealers are reluctant to sell the 08s for invoice due to the oversupply of 07s. March or April should be a better target. I will keep all posted.

[Q45tech]

The inwarranty costs are not really a significant difference the afterwarranty 60k thru 120k and on to 200k are where the cost to own spread starts to show.

Above 200k historically the LEXUS has the edge BUT ANY V6 is less stellar than a V8 due to higher rpm and stress to haul the weight.

Changing fluid more frequently than the severe recommendations will reduce costs after 120k on failed parts replacement.

[DaleHeller]

I just bought an M35 a few months ago and really labored over the decision. I keep my vehicles for 7-8 years and maintenance has always been a consideration which is why I have owned Toyota's (all Supra and Avalon models).

I, like another poster on here, was comparing the GS350 and GS430 to the M45 and M35. As I got into it, I really became concerned over the ever increasing posts about Lexus quality. I also didn't like the console on the GS350 and the whole car experience felt cramped and tight.

Back to maintenance, my wife's Lexus had an issue, and the experience at the dealer wasn't friendly, prompt, or courteous, so that really swung me over the Infiniti.

I don't think there is a real key differentiator in either car, now the BMW's on the other hand - RUN AWAY !!! I don't think they could sell one if they didn't have free four year maintenance.

In my opinion, the sophistication of these cars will require maintenance and there is no statistical basis for choosing either vehicle, one over the other. It is really, the dealer and how they want to take care of you. The horror stories about some Lexus dealer arrogance and snobbery was another decisive factor.

If maintenance is such a big factor in your decision, I would go to each dealer on a Saturday, sit down in the lobby and talk to other owners that have their car in for service. Compare multiple opinions on that specific dealer(s) and see what they offer. When owners have time on their hands and are waiting to get their car back, they have a tendency to open up and either brag or complain.

Good Luck (wow, did you see how much the cost has gone up on the new GS V8 models????)

[Bocatrip]

I just bought an M35 a few months ago and really labored over the decision. I keep my vehicles for 7-8 years and maintenance has always been a consideration which is why I have owned Toyota's (all Supra and Avalon models).

I, like another poster on here, was comparing the GS350 and GS430 to the M45 and M35. As I got into it, I really became concerned over the ever increasing posts about Lexus quality. I also didn't like the console on the GS350 and the whole car experience felt cramped and tight.

Back to maintenance, my wife's Lexus had an issue, and the experience at the dealer wasn't friendly, prompt, or courteous, so that really swung me over the Infiniti.

I don't think there is a real key differentiator in either car, now the BMW's on the other hand - RUN AWAY !!! I don't think they could sell one if they didn't have free four year maintenance.

In my opinion, the sophistication of these cars will require maintenance and there is no statistical basis for choosing either vehicle, one over the other. It is really, the dealer and how they want to take care of you. The horror stories about some Lexus dealer arrogance and snobbery was another decisive factor.

If maintenance is such a big factor in your decision, I would go to each dealer on a Saturday, sit down in the lobby and talk to other owners that have their car in for service. Compare multiple opinions on that specific dealer(s) and see what they offer. When owners have time on their hands and are waiting to get their car back, they have a tendency to open up and either brag or complain.

Good Luck (wow, did you see how much the cost has gone up on the new GS V8 models????)

Some dealerships like to keep the service and sales dept at a distance for the very reason you suggest with regards to getting opinions. BMW is one example. It's not a good sales perk to be able to see and hear customers yelling in the service dept. I haven't heard anything but good things about Lexus service, but on the other hand my experience with the service owning an Infiniti has been quite pleasant. This is not to say that my car has not had it's share of problems.(04 G35 Coupe) It's just that Infiniti service knows how to placate me.