DeadPixel

I'm in the same boat but my timeline is much shorter. My RSX-S was totalled recently and I'm going to needing a replacement very soon. The is250 awd, TL, and g35x are at the top of my list.

The TL is a decent performer, but not AWD. The g35x is a great bargain but everyone seems to have one and the coupe version eclipses the look of the sedan. The IS has the subtle luxuries I enjoy but is the weakest and most expensive. I honestly don't know which one to choose at this point.

Sadly, if there was a 350awd, I'd buy it in a second.

socalJD

Well there's always the GS350 awd, with 303hp, it's similar to the IS350 . . .

Griffey222

The value equation is easy. You get more car for the buck with the new G hands down. But there is also fit and finish issues and personal preference on styling. To me, it's a VERY close race. But you really are not comparing apples to apples between the G and IS250...IS350 is a different story all together.

kingpcgeek

I am leasing both an 05 G35 Sedan and an 06 IS250. Positives to the IS250 include exterior/interior styling, sound system and MPG. Positives to the G35 include the horsepower, memory seats/tilt wheel (on typical standard model), HID's, full size spare and much better value. My IS250 payment is a $100 more then the G35, and I shopped every dealer in the Phoenix area for the lowest price I could find.

I know that the IS350 has the better horsepower, but it wasn't worth another $80 a month to get it to me, which would have put it $180 a month over the G35.

Driving the cars right after each other does make me realize how anemic the IS250 is to the G35 in the HP department. That is when I wish I had sprung for the 350. I love the growl of the G35 compared to the total silence of the IS250. The IS is my luxury car and the G35 is my sports car.

With regards to fit and finish on the G35. 19,000 miles and not a squeak. I have more squeaks and rattles in my IS with 3,000 miles. The damn headrest squeaks all of the time right behind my right ear in the IS.

DeadPixel

The GS is a great car but is in a different price range.

DeadPixel

Good point.

Unfortunately RWD isn't an option for me because my wife might need to drive this car during the winter. If that wasn't the case, this decision would've been much easier. My options are limited to AWD or FWD only.

krazykanuk

I'm sorry, but I don't and can't consider any foreign car a muscle car. That and I think the new IS has a goofy looking front end. Agressive, but it looks like some doped up smiling thing. Looks are subjective though.

I also think the current G35 looks less awkward. The coupe will probably look better than the sedan though.

I'm not sure if I'd buy either one but whatever.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Lexus does make it. But it has the GS body (and price)...

Griffey222

BTW, by my saying that the IS350 is a different story, I mean in the way of a comparison of apples to apples, not tha I think it is better or worse. IS350 vs G35...That's a fair comparison. Other than the price gap, which is why comparing the G35 and IS 250 makes sense in the wallet and the G35 to the IS350 makes sense on the track...

SILes300

I agree with the C&D statement completely.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Yup. C&D did like the IS. Trumped the old G35 in comparison tests. The new G35 should provide enough performance praise but that's about it: performance only.

Too bad that one critic doesn't see it like C&D does...

2SwiFt29

iTrader: (6)

IS350 came out before the G35.. of course the people over at Infiniti were afraid of the IS so they had to step it up with the 07 G35.. still, IMO, the IS still has it.. exterior, interior (no doubt), and performance.. handling and rear seats probably in favor of the G35.. overall, I'm still happy with my IS

Nextourer

Maybe ask around for maintenance costs? Insurance?

It's possible that the higher IS' initial cost might be offset by lower premiums on other aspects. We know mpg is one of them.

CPALIU

I like the 2007 G35 sedan more in terms of exterior styling, size, and driving experience, which is why i'll probably end up with the G35 sedan when they release the 2008 vehicles. The most important thing for me was the true manual transmission, no paddles.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I thought the new IS looked a lot better than the G35. I parked my G right behind an IS while at the dealer today. I now realize the IS is not better looking. They both look good with different features. G35 weak spot is it's butt. IS weak spot is it's hips. Both rear ends could use a little improvement but still look good to me. The headlights of the G35 have a Porsche-like look, which to some is bad but I like it. The headlights of the IS have a cat-eye look that is appealing to me. Overall I'd have ti give the advantage to the G35. That's only because it's a coupe and I'm love coupes. They are way more sexy and have better entry/exit space. If there were an IS coupe, I'd be all over it. Since there isn't, the G gets the nod.