Is the G37 the right car for me ?

[magaro]

I am looking for a new vehicle. I just lost my 2006 Lexus IS-350 as a result of it being totaled when it was rear-ended; before this I had a 2001 Camaro Z28 SS. I would say that overall I would have rated the IS-350 about 8/10 and the Camaro on 9/10.

I like the sleeker look of the G37, which is more my style like my old camaro vs. the four door IS-350, and from what I am reading I think the G37 is faster than the IS-350. Though everyone on the Lexus board keeps telling me that the IS-350 is faster, so if someone can clarify this please do.

I am currently considering the following vehicles:

2008 G37 Journey w/Nav, Tech, Sport packages2008 G352008 IS-3502007 IS-3502008 Corvette2007 Corvette2008 Cadillac CTS

I looked at a few BMW's but they're not really my style. I also looked at the Mercedes C-350, Lexus GS-350, Lexus ES-350 and did not like them either.

Please let me know why you G37 owners love your car and why I should put this at the top of my list. I would especially like to here any thoughts regarding the IS-350 v. G37 issue

Thanks

[Kendahl]

The best recommendation is to drive everything on your short list. Also, make up a secondary list of cars that are considered to be competitors to the ones on your short list and drive as many of them as you can. Finally, decide for yourself. The Infiniti G35 coupe was not on my short list and I tried a couple of used ones only at the suggestion of salesmen at the Lexus and Infiniti dealers. The G35 proved to be better for me than anything on my short list and the G37 has a better interior and less NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).

My requirements are good performance (acceleration, handling and braking) so that the car is entertaining, but quiet and comfortable so that I can survive a long day's drive. This is the definition of a GT (gran turismo) in the original sense. I picked the G37 because it is very good in every category. The alternatives were more specialized, that is, a little better in some categories, but much worse in others.

[dseag2]

I saw your posts over on ClubLexus but didn't respond because I didn't want to start a flame war.

I am a many-time past Lexus owner. I owned a '99 SC300, '01 GS300, '03 SC430, and '06 SC430 (which I traded for the G37).

Over the years, Lexus has become less and less interesting to me because their cars are great as tomb-quiet conveyances with exceptional fit/finish to get from Point A to Point B. The SC430 was an exception for me because the interior was over-the-top and it had the hardtop convertible feature, but even that wasn't enough to convince me not to switch to Infiniti. Over the past few years, Infiniti has really stepped up with cars that have all the bells/whistles and are fun to drive.

I've test driven every current sedan Lexus offers, and IMO the IS350 is the only one with a slant toward sport. One of my good friends owns one. The car is nice-looking, very fast, has a great interior and handles well. However, it is still too isolated for my taste. There is a degree of "feeling" that is missing in the car.

So, I will first say the reason I own any Infiniti is because they offer all the creature comforts Lexus offers with more "sport". They have also proven to be as reliable as my past Lexuses, and the dealer service has been great.

The reason I own the G37, specifically, is because I love coupes and think this car is one of the most well-balanced ones available. It is sleek and beautiful (purely subjective), quiet (although not Lexus-quiet), always seems to have power on tap, has amazing technology, the interior controls are very intuitive and the Sport seats fit like a glove. But above all, with all the luxury it offers, there is still a visceral feel to it that let's you know it is a serious performer. I just haven't felt that with the IS350.

BTW, don't let the guys over ClubLexus tell you the interior is "crappy", Lexus has more tech gadgets, or that it is less reliable than a Lexus. Re: the interior, even after my Lexuses I don't feel like I've given up a thing. I would classify the interior as more "purposeful" than "luxurious", but it's still pleasing on the eyes. I also don't believe the IS350 offers more tech goodies. Does it offer you the ability to burn tunes on a hard drive? I don't think so.

Both are great cars, but those are my reasons for owning a G37. Hope that helps.

[J-Owner]

I am not being a smart a$$ here but I love it when people come to the realization that "an Infiniti is just as reliable as a Lexus". They always have been. Those of us who have always owned one always knew this.

both car lines had their inception in '89 with the first model year being '90 and the main reason Lexus has such "prestige" over Infiniti is because Lexus had a better marketing campaign in the early '90's and Infiniti stumbled. I have owned Infiniti's since the car line was established and I would pick an Infiniti over a Lexus anyday. Just my $0.02.

It is kind of like why I wear a Breitling Montbrilliant while others choose a Rolex.

Don't get me wrong, a Lexus is an incredible car but I agree with dseag2. Get the Infiniti!!!

[G35autocrosser]

I find the list of cars interesting. I love my G37, but if you are really looking for performance, there is no comparison to the '08 or even '07 corvette. That is the best performing car for the $ in the world. I was looking for a daily driver that at least had somewhat of a back seat and was more unique than the corvette (at least in my area).

If you are looking for more of a balance, than true performance, than I would agree with the others, the G37 is more sporty and communicative than the others. performance is close to the G35, but you don't pick the G37 for anything else other than style. the g35 is fine, the g37 makes you feel like you are really in something special. The Cadiallac CTV is a nice car as well (I haven't driven the CTS), but just not my style. let us know what you end up with and why.