Hi everyone.

I'm in new car buying mode and in the process of doing a detailed evaluation for several models.

Here are the cars I am considering:

• BMW 335xi
• BMW 535xi
• Acura TL
• Acura RL
• Infiniti G35x
• Infiniti M35x
• Lexus GS350 AWD

(NOTE: I just added the Lexus GS 350 AWD to the list.)

Question for everyone...

Every car on the list above has iPod integration capabilities. However, I haven't been able to confirm that Lexus has this feature.

Can anyone confirm that Lexus offers no iPod integration?

It wouldn't be a deal breaker, but again, I am doing an extensive analysis and gathering as much information as I can for each car.

Thanks

 

I have a piece of advice for you based on my latest shopping experience: save yourself several days of agonizing research and go drive the cars first. You will see how quickly your list will be narrowed to just two cars, three at the most. THEN you should do very extensive research on the remaining cars.

 

And, yes, GS offers no iPod integration capabilities from the factory. But there are aftermarket solutions available.

 

I have owned a 330ci, M5, and TL. TL and BMW are not from the same planet. The RL looks like a big Accord. The TL (as well as most Hondas) is probably bullet proof, but who wants FWD. BMWs are fanatastic cars for performance, but trust me, they are tempermental. I too was looking at the G35, but they seemed "cheap" to me. M45 and M35 are nice, but the overpriced for the performance and status.

I looked hard and ended up with a GS350 and I love it so far.

The ipod thing is a $300 aftermarket solution assuming you need more than 600 songs on 6 discs in the dash.

Of course, just my opinion.

 

How do you know if I have or have not driven these cars yet?

I have driven both Infinitis and both Acuras. I also drove the 335i and 530i, but not the 335xi & 535xi (because they aren't out yet).

Also, just so you know I did have it narrowed down to just 2 cars at one point(G35 & 335), but it looks like my financial situation is going to be much better than I previously thought.

So now, in addition to looking at the 335 & G35, I am looking at their more expensive siblings.



Thanks for answering my question about the iPod.

 

Do not forget, BMWs engines are BRAND NEW this year also......

 

Thanks for the feedback. The GS 350 wasn't even on my short list before...Again, like I said in my previous post, it looks my financial situation is much better than I thought (very nice raise). So now I'm considering cars that I previously ruled out.

I was pretty certain I was getting a 335xi or G35x, but even though they are a blast to drive, they are a bit on the tiny side for me.

Out of all the cars I listed above, the GS 350 is the only car I haven't taken for a test spin. In addition, I just don't know that much about it. But I saw it on the Lexus website, and now that I know it is in my ballpark financially, I think it could be in the running.

In terms of the RL, 535xi, & M35, these are other cars that I previously ruled out because I thought they were too expensive...All are very nice. But I generally agree with your assessment about BMWs being tempermental and the Infiniti M35 being somewhat underwelhming. Funny how the G35 has more horsepower than the M35. Plus, the G35 has some features that the M35 doesn't (RTTI, iPod Integration to name a few)...