Here here!

Or just get a hardtop on the S2000. It makes a considerable difference!

 

Interesting thread, I'll be making the same decision in a year or so, but at that point, the options will be diffrent. If I had to do it now, I'd look into staying with Lexus if possible. Granted, I'm on my 2nd Lexus and I find it very hard to consider leaving Lexus quality for a vehicle that will be kept 5 yrs+.

The g35's are sweet, no doubt you won't lose with that decision. But, what about a modded (or to be modded) IS300? You get rwd, 4dr's for friends/storage, sporty, potentially very quick, and Lexus quality. Plus, you can get one and have money left over to start modding immediately.

Check out this IS that was recently FS in the CL forums with a $33k ask:
edit: btw, that IS is still for sale. wonder if he'd trade for a 98gs and some $$$$

 

Let them make a IS350 2 door coupe with a real 6MT first, then we can talk . . .

 

"My priorities in no particular order:

1. Looks
2. Performance (fun to drive)
3. Comfort
4. Reliability"

Based on your criteria, I think your best bet is a 2004 G35 Coupe for about $30k. It is a proven winner in all four areas.

The IS350 probably has #1, 3, 4 covered, and no doubt great straightline performance, but it doesn't come with a manual, and we still need to determine how intrusive VDIM will be. Also, the price will be more near $40k with some options.

 

Yup. Until then, the G35 is the best all-around car you can buy for $30K. I even like the AWD version, despite having no manual transmission. Too bad they wouldn't bring the station wagon here.

 

When the IS350 comes out.... will it stay at the same price as the current IS??

 

OMG... this car has greatly influenced my decision....... looks like im sold for now, unless someone can convince me otherwise.

 

No. The IS250 will start at about the same price as the current IS300.

 

that car is bangin'! i'm looking to hopefully get a G35c as well in a few years. i've also thought about adding a little induction, possibly of the forced kind. there are some great superchargers made for it. you've got my vote.

 

G35s are awesome cars for the price. its hard to beat. if i had 30k for a newer car id be looking into either a 330i or a G35. the only reason is that i like the 330i (E46)styling better than the G35 and a better image. and i think the 330 probably has slightly better handling feel. still the G35 has the power, the interior(IMO... BMW interiors suck), and the reliability. i do believe its the best buy for 30k is a G35. i dont like audis.... if i could live with the G35 styling for an extended period of time, id buy it. but i feel the old BMWs are more classic in styling and that will last.

 

I dont care much about the 2 or 4 door thing...

but yeah I'd rather have a 2 door
funny thing is, the IS350 4-door with an automatic 6speed will STILL be faster than the G35 coupe with a 6mt

 

I wish that's true too, as a Lexus fan, I wish they can come out with something class leading in this attempt of a true sports sedan, but how do you know that ? since no known tests have been done publicly & Lexus themselves didn't claim anything other than something like under 6 sec. ( high 5 sec. range )in their own press release. The best tested time by the automags. for the G35c 6MT is 5.5 sec. BTW.

 

No! here https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=168033

just kidding! G35c looks stunning! even the stock G35c looks a lot better than everything else in it's class, at least for now. Oh and the VQ motor!

 

Please follow the rules, no for sale posts anywhere but the classifieds. Also you must post a price.

I moved it to General classified, please add a price, thanks.

 

If you got the G35 then I would HAVE to say coupe. The 4 door is ugly if you ask me. Go with a 2002 GS430 or 2001 LS430. If you got the LS, I garuntee you the only time you would get another car would be if a new LS came out.