Scott in H

My wife currently owns an M35, and I'm in the market to get a new sedan as well.

We LOOOVE the M35. I almost want another one, but the thought of having 2 of the same sedan is pretty boring to me. But that being said, I may get another Infiniti.

I'm evaluating it vs. the GS300/430. I'll likely get a the V8 of either make btw.

Anyway, I'd like this board's input on why the GS over the Infiniti.

I'll list what I think it's better and not as good and you can add or feed off of my list:

Lexus pros:
I like the styling better.
Prefer the color options of the Lexus
The ultra luxury is nicer (less sporty but that's ok for this car purchase)
Lexus Service
Interior lighting and layout is better looking IMO
Resale
Rear shade

Lexus Cons:
No MP3 CD possibility
No Aux input in the arm rest
GS350/460 coming soon...
The screen placement looks like it would be hard to see in certain lights of day for NAV and/or DVD viewing (Yes, I'd do the hack so my wife could view DVDs and use Nav while moving)
The Screen doesn't loo as good as Infiniti's

Infiniti Pros:
More HP / Lesser cost by a little
MP3 CD's in all 6 CD slots and possible on DVD
Rear DVD screen from factory is an option
The Nav screen seems superior and I like the 'bird's eye' view option
Speakers in driver and passenger seat's shoulders, sounds great w/ surround sound

Infiniti Cons:
I have one already
Color choices interior and exterior aren't as nice
The navigation ergonomics aren't as good (no touch screen)



This is a tough choice!

dandd2

iTrader: (2)

gs430
is my choice..
can u do surgery on the infiniti m's so u can watch dvds while in drive?

SGT

I'd get the 3GS over an M35/45 simply because the interior and exterior styling is much better, as is the reliability.

Lvangundy

I thought 3rd gen. GS can play MP3?

SGT

Unfortunately, that's not the case.

Scott in H

Yes. I did it on my wife's M35. It's VERY simple. Based on what I've read here, it's easier to do than the GS.

That's actually one big reason I am considering another M.


One other PRO for the Lexus... DVD Changer. The M has a 6 CD changer (but they play MP3s) and one single DVD changer for movies. The Nav DVD changer is in the glove box.

INHOCJP

As much as I enjoy my GS, I would not consider owning two at the same time. Overkill in my opinion. There are many great cars out there, why limit yourself?

I think you've done a great job summarizing the pros/cons of the GS and M. For me, it came down to 1) preferring the exterior design of the GS by a little; 2) preferring the interior of the GS by a wide margin; and 3) past ownership experience with Lexus has been top notch.

If I were in your same position, I'd look at the GS, 5 series, and the A6 as potential choices. Having two M's in a garage would be, as you states, a little boring. Good luck.

Gojirra99

If it's me, it's an easy decision, if you have a GS & a M35, you have the best of both worlds

I won't even think of owning two cars that looks exactly the same LOL . . .

Scott in H

Yeah... it might be overkill, I agree. The 5 series is too much for what I'd want. I couldn't live w/ a 530i, and the 550 is significantly more for not that much more car IMO.

I test drove a GS430 today. It's definitely nice.

How do you think the leather wears in the Lexus? In my acura prior, it wore horribly. The M wears very well.

I'm looking at red/tan. I'm going start another thread regarding the car I"m looking at.

INHOCJP

To be honest, the driver's seat leather on my old GS wore out very quickly. The dealer ended up replacing the seat cover after two years.

The leather in my 3rd gen has been fine so far.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I don't think it's strange to have 2 of the same car. You get the M45. Get a different color. Put some 19 or 20's on it and joila....there you have a matched set.
Seriously, best bet is the GS because it's a Lexus but there is nothing wrong with a matched set...a his and hers. It's part of Americana.
Incidently, I prefer the M over GS for looks, handling and power.

jwaters

I say get the GS since you already have the M. Otherwise, I'd consider the IS if you don't need the extra rear seat space. The IS has everything the GS has in terms of feature content and quite a few thing the GS DOESN'T have like the improved NAV system, lighted doorsill plates, Bi-Xenons, MP3 player plugin, etc.

maaloxx

This may be a dumb question but Is the M RWD?

LexFather

M35 is offered in RWD and AWD, M45 is RWD only.

Scott in H

I do need the space, or I'd get the IS probably for the reasons you mentioned. I'm also guessing that when the GS350/460 come out, they will have those upgrades as well.
That seriously makes me not want this car now b/c I'll be pissed when that happens. lol

Reggiek, I like your thinking. I actually prefer the M too. The only reason I'm thinkinng of the GS is b/c I don't want two of the same cars (well, maybe I don't care), and the colors of the GS are cooler.

I'm tempted to do one of two things now...
1) Get an M and maybe do a 2 year lease or something so if I'm sick of having 2 of the same, I can switchh out
2) Wait and do nothing for a while and get the GS350 or 460 and hope it has upgraded stereo/nav stuff.

The thing is, I think the M's stereo is better than the GS. I think it is over all a better driver's car. It's got a couple of more gadgets, etc.
But... I have one... and I really think the Lexus is nicer looking inside and out. Then add the nicer colors, and I have this emotional draw to it. lol

Man... I need a drink.

hehe