Hmm...maybe you should consider getting the 07 G35, since its HP is similar to the IS, more bang for your buck than a fully loaded 07 IS, and also available in manual.

 

Yup, G35 > IS250 because of power.
And G35 > IS350 because it's available in manual.

I think I'm going to have to hold off on my purchase and check out the 2007 G35's. They look sweet.

 

what do you mean by " a car of this class"? what class are we talking about? do you really think the IS or the G35 is in an exclusive class? you make it sound like we're talking about lamborghini's and ferrari's. a freakin plumber could afford a lexus. whats so exclusive about that?

 

I don't think he meant any "offense" (he started the reply with it).

The IS and the G35 are not exclusive cars. However, they do come at a price. A lot of people buy them knowing that they can afford the monthly payments, but forget about insurance, gas, mods, etc.

I'm pretty sure that all that Belmont meant to say (as I read it differently) is that if you are worried about a hundred bucks here and there, there are alternative makes/models that will suit your needs, whether it is cheaper or not; Lexus, Infiniti, or otherwise.

 

There are plenty of times when people use the "no offense" disclaimer. However, that still doesn't excuse the pompous overtones. I bought the IS250 over the BMW 325i because of a 500 dollar difference. I could easily afford an M3 at 55 grand. Who is anybody to tell me that because I value 500 bucks (even as minute an amount as it is), I should look for a less expensive car.

 

I think you made a good decision with going for the IS instead of the 3-Series.

Now, who knows what anybody can buy and how much anyone can afford? Just because I bought an IS, doesn't mean I can't afford anything else. I might as well have half a dozen cars and motorcycles in my mansions' garages. We're on the same boat: a lot of people think we're the "frugal" Lexus buyers when we're in fact one of the smartest ones, buying a car with all the bells and whistles and power that bigger and more expensive cars have. It's not about being cheap; it's about getting the "right" car.

Forget about the "pompous tones" that may be read wrong, even with "no offense" or " " remarks. Enjoy the car and move on.

 

wow?? $500 is less a clear bra, or the cost of a nice tint??

 

None taken.

Never thought much about this but it does seem like I'm worrying too much about the cost doesn't it? Especially when I can afford any of these cars.

The difference between the most expensive of these cars (IS350 @ ~40k and 250/G35 @ ~35k) is around 5k. Since most of my car expenses are tax deductible, the difference is now only about 3k for me.

But then again, this car will be my daily driver. And as someone pointed out ealier, I spend closer to 85% of my drive below 5k RPM, so I'm not sure if 300hp is really that much different from 200hp. But for only $3k, some might say that's a steal for the adrenaline rush during the other 15% of my daily drive.

I'm leaning more toward the 350 now, just as long as the new G is not rediculously fast or something.