Hi there folks,
I've been looking for a 3rd vehicle to use as my wifes primary car and I'm lsong my mind comparing the options.

I was just about to buy a loaded G35 for ~ 25k, but then backed out when I realized the actually average ~ 17. We do mostly city driving and with my driving style I'd get ~ 15. Was still gonna buy the G but but since I already have an 01 C4 911 to get my aggression out, I felt guilty geting another sports car (even though it is techincally a sedan) I then drove the IS250 and while I loved the car, I could only wonder how much more fun the 350 would be.

My wife would probably prefer the more comfortable 3 series bimmer or an IS and we'd both be happier with the IS250's MPG.

Since I already have the 911 for those times I really want to "drive" getting a true sport sedan might not be best choice when premium gas is already well back over 3 a gallon.

Any thoughts tor comments to help me decide? Would you consider any other 2 - 4 yr old sport type sedans (besides accura)?

From my research, for 25K I could get a loaded, low milage 07/08 G35, a similarly equipped IS250 or a slightly higher mileage IS350 or 3 series sedan - what would you get?

In either case I plan to find a car that has an extended warrenty (very important with the bimmer, less so for the lexus or infinity.
For qualifying purposes I should add we have no kids & MY03 GX 470 for time we need more room and my wifes mored concerned with comfort over performance so must be automatic (I'm the other way around).

couple quick questions specificlly about the IS -

what is real world MPG for a 250 or 350?

was their any real difference between the MY 06, 07, 08 IS250 or 350?

What options, colors are most desirable in the IS?

What type of performance mods are available for the IS (CAI, chip, exhaust, etc) & do you get any real bang for the buck? (stupidly I've spent $$$ on the 911 for maybe 20 HP and probably wouldn't pump money into a 200 HP car unless it made a noticeable difference)
Thanks for taking time to read & and for any advice!


thanks again

 

with my 07 is350 and semi aggressive style i still get ~21 for a tank, ~25 if im nice and drive more highway than city

 

^wow i barely hit 21 mpg on a 250 in the city.. o.o

 

IS350 ~ 19MPG, all city (air con/heater on all times)

 

thought about an A4?

 

Have your wife test drive all considered vehicles. I knew I want an IS, but also decided between 250 and 350 until I test drove both, and never went back to 250.

 

is350 ftw. u will surely love CL

 

I get 24-26 MPG in my IS350, mostly highway of course.

 

Lots of parameters there. If you are splurging for extra cars, warranties, and this and that, I wouldn't worry too much about a few mileage ticks. All the cars you listed are within a similar range. In the end, just go for the one you find most desirable. FWIW, I average 24 with my IS250 with nearly all city driving and no A/C. This is what's possible if driven mildly.
Good luck!

 

I'd choose the IS over the G and 3 series. Not trying to be biased just my own preference after considering all those options when looking for a car. The G is bigger than the rest, has a cheap interior feel too me, but it is a hoot to drive. The Bimmer like the G, has a good exterior, but it's the bland interior that gets me. Maintenance might be an issue if you don't buy new. In the end the IS was the one for me, on exterior looks, size, reliability, power (350), tech, interior layout/intuitive controls.

Performance mods are lacking for the IS. CAI, exhaust and headers are about the only performance increasing mods but it's more for the sound (little gains). The other two cars are more mod friendly

 

thanks guys. Wife will be happy with any of the choices so it's up to me. Man i love the 350 & G but feel obligated to consider the 250 & the bimmer. I like the A4 too but feel like it's more unreliable then the bimmer.
I'm going to look at all four and probably get whichever one I find best deal on.

 

!!!! First Post on the Forum!!!!
Take it from a former G35 owner, i would say pass up on the G. Just last week i traded in my G35 coupe for an IS250.. The G was a fun car to drive at first, but got kinda old after a while. I have also driven the G35 sedan, feels the same to me as the coupe in almost every aspect. Yea i went down to a smaller engine, but saving alot of gas doing city driving. Had to fill up the G about once a week doing city driving... that 3.5L the G has loves to drink that gas. Again, i would say.. pass up on the G35, had one for a while and now im over it.. Hello Lexus

 

Just sit in an IS... The interior is hands down the most comfortable and stylish IMO... Just a nice place to be

Its truly the sole reason I can't bring myself to trade for a 3 series coupe, even though I much prefer the exterior since its a 2 door...

 

For 25k I'd pick a 335i sedan without a doubt. HPFP warrantied til 120k.

If you want a bit more luxury/easy driving but still a fast sedan I'd pick the 350.

The 250 gets terrible city mileage IMO because you got to use more gas to keep up with average cars --- unless you drive like a grandma you'll be okay.

 

your on a lexus forum. you think your not going to get a bias answer???