Should I trade my I35 for an IS 300?

[nthiogen]

Before I stir up the hive, let me lay out a couple of things.

First of all, I am a Nissan man. I think Nissan makes excellent cars and engines, and I've always loved Nissans. My first car was a Frontier, then I totaled that and parlayed the insurance payout into my I35.

I love my I35, I think it's a solid car that drives well and is extremely comfortable and reliable. I also know that the VQ35DE is an excellent engine. However, I'm 16, and I want something a little more fun. I want something nimbler, quicker, and easier to drive aggressively.

For all of its 255 horses, the I35 is still a front-wheel drive executive car. It's a luxury saloon in every way, and it feels a little decadent for me. It has a horrible turning radius. I want something more lively, which is where the IS300 comes in.

This guy has an IS 300 (I think 02 or 03) with 77k on it. I looks nice, and it's auto, and he might be interested in a trade. My I35 has only 39k on it so I'm expecting some cash from him with the trade. However, would I be remiss to make this trade at all?

Sorry for the lengthy question. :P

TL;DR = IS300 77k versus I35 39k GO

[MinisterofDOOM]

Really depends on what you're looking for in a car. There are things I personally like and don't like about both cars. The IS is probably going to be the more tossable, sportier feeling car, but there's a lot you can do to tighten up that execuboat feel in the I35, too. My only real problems with the IS300 is that it's extremely small and ugly (just my opinion ).

If you want the driving experience of a small, light rear-driver, go for it, especially if you can come out on top financially. Getting paid for your I35 and getting into a sportier car is definitely cheaper than modding the I35 to be sportier.

[ABNRML4U]

Let me guess Here YOU want to drift right?

[00MaxXxedOut]

i was looking at the IS300 about a year ago (b4 i got my 00SE)wanted an 01 white w/ black suede, couldnt find one in descent shape but was reluctant to find my Maxima... stick shift is a must, otherwise keep your I35

[DallasDrift]

If you don't mind me asking, how much does that guy what to sell his IS300 for? Personally I don't like the IS300 very much from personal experience and if it is within your means you may want to look into an IS250. Also, to keep anyone from asking why I don't like the IS300 is because of the styling, the way it drives on the highway, and the lack of power.

[MinisterofDOOM]

IS250 is WAY too little car for the price. I hate the 2nd gen IS. They're uselessly tiny, with a smaller rear seat than most 2 door coupes. They're also extremely ugly. And the 250 is gutless. For $30k+ you can find SO MANY better cars. At least the 350 has some power. The only thing the 2nd gen IS has going for it is the upscale interior, which is really nice.

The first gens were better looking, had a superior motor, and were sportier cars. The new ones are just lux-boat wannabe G35s with back seats that might as well not exist.

[jltibbs]

Anyone mind if I end this thread now?

My buddy just traded an 06 tC for an 02 IS300. EVEN.

/thread

[MinisterofDOOM]

Wow...who did he trade with? I like the tC but...someone got gipped.

[DallasDrift]

Anyone mind if I end this thread now?

My buddy just traded an 06 tC for an 02 IS300. EVEN.

/thread

And my friend traded his '06 TC for an '04 350Z. Bottom line is TC's suck and anything is better than a Scion. Going from anything like a TC to a Lexus or Infiniti is an upgrade anyway you look at it IMHO.

[Em Dot]

i had an 01 IS300 and i loved it. only reason why i sold it was bc i got a really good offer on it. i'd say do it man.

[jltibbs]

Wow...who did he trade with? I like the tC but...someone got gipped.

Some kid in MO that just had to have a coupe instead of a 4 door.

And my friend traded his '06 TC for an '04 350Z. Bottom line is TC's suck and anything is better than a Scion. Going from anything like a TC to a Lexus or Infiniti is an upgrade anyway you look at it IMHO.

Understood, my point was that if you can get an IS300 for a tC, why go from an I35 to an IS300?

I35

Condition/Value Excellent/$11,300 Good/$10,625 Fair/$9,775

IS300

Condition/Value

Excellent/$11,850 Good/$11,050 Fair/$10,050

The values are fairly close, even at higher mileage, the IS comes in at $500 more than the I35. I still feel that I is an overall better value for the $$$. Your car, your choice.

[lightsout]

however, if you are looking for a roomy interior the IS300 is not for you. My Maxima fits me PERFECT, and i'm 6'4"

what's the horsepower difference?...just curious. Doesn't the Automatic IS300 have the electronic shifting also?

[MinisterofDOOM]

The VQ is definitely on top for N/A power. IS300 only makes 220hp. But the 2JZ has a lot of potential, especially with FI. Of course so does the VQ...

[Em Dot]

my IS was an auto. it had shiftronic or whatever its called. 5 speed auto is pretty cool and had the controls on the steering wheel.

The VQ is definitely on top for N/A power. IS300 only makes 220hp. But the 2JZ has a lot of potential, especially with FI. Of course so does the VQ...

definitely man. when my maxima was an NA 3.5, it was still faster than my is. but ive been boosted for a year and a half now so theres no comparison.

my IS made 160rwhp. my vq35 made 230fwhp NA. (322whp@6psi, 400whp@9-10psi)

the 2jz-ge (NA version) is not too friendly with boost. completely different bottom end that is very weak in comparison to its counterpart (2gz-GTE).

the IS300 blows when it comes to interior room. I only liked the IS300 bc it felt wayyy more nimble than my maxima. also it had a comfort level that exceeded my maxima's.

this is my take on it. hope it helps since ive owned both a maxima and an is.

[nthiogen]

Wow, I just realized that I made a post here, got a ton of valuable feedback, and never even returned to say thank you.

My bad. I shouldn't be reviving an old, dead thread, but I feel like a bastard for not even saying thank you. So here it is.

THANK YOU

As it turns out, his car was a salvage title. No deal :P

[MinisterofDOOM]

Thanks for the thanks! That's what we're here for. Glad to hear you're still in an Infiniti, even if I do kinda like the IS.

[nthiogen]

Thanks for the thanks! That's what we're here for. Glad to hear you're still in an Infiniti, even if I do kinda like the IS.

Me too, but I'd rather have a G35 any day. Even if it's just to satisfy my Nissan loyalty.

[hangout]

forget about the IS, too slow !!! and that one might need timing belt soon,,if you really want something sporty,, go try the BMW E46 coupe..I sold my 2002 330ci with 23k miles for $15000.. then get the I-35 for my baby.

Japanese still have a long way to catch up,, BMW is a real good toy.don't buy the IS with auto or the 3 series sedan.. you will smell the smoke from someone's Civic..