LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

LS430 vs Infiniti M35/45

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Old 10-22-10, 12:36 PM
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Infamous 1
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Default LS430 vs Infiniti M35/45

I am getting ready to sell my GS and i would love to find a UL, but it's almost impossible. I don't mind the Modern Luxury package, but i would love to find a UL. I then started to look into the Infiniti M35/45 and i really like it. I haven't heard of any issues with these vehicles and compared to the Modern Luxury, they are both equipped with the same features. I would love to hear un-bias reviews about what you guys think. Any help would be great and i searched and didn't come up with much.

Thanks in advance.
Old 10-22-10, 12:49 PM
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ThaWatcha
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well i cant help you compare the two (having never driven a M35/45), but i can tell you that if you really want a UL, just keep searching and the right one will come up. people have waited months for theirs (including me), and its 100% worth the hassle. its a dream to drive and own, you cant go wrong. but, like i said, i havent experienced a M35/45. im also interested in hearing how they compare...
Old 10-22-10, 12:57 PM
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BMW7_LS430
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search for M45 on this board.

People have moved on to LS from M45. I had driven M45 before buying LS and LS is definitely worth waiting for. Have patience.

Some people also moved on from LS to MB but that is a different story.
Old 10-22-10, 01:53 PM
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Slvr surfr
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I would say keep serching if you can. Although the M-car is a nice capable vehicle, it cant match the refinement in the LS. My neighbor owns a beautiful 08 M35 awd. The car has just about every feature my 05 LS does plus a few mine dont like awd, radar cuise, and illuminated door seals. But after doing some light mods to his car, i can say its not as well put together as the LS nor is it as quiet and smooth. He has had it no more than 5 months and already been to the dealer twice; once for a coolant sensor and other for a cracked rotor. Those items were covered but still the hassle. I've had my car for a lil over a year now(73k when i bought it) and havent been to the dealer or shop for anything other than oil changes. The M is a nice car and probably will be a great car to own but if you are thinking about an LS then i would say wait and search.
Old 10-22-10, 01:59 PM
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KA8
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I test drove the M a few times and I wouldn't mind owning one. I've driven my dad's LS430 manytimes and it's a nice ride no doubt but M is more sport oriented. Remember this is lexus board so most replies will be biased toward LS430. If you want smooth, quiet ride LS430 all the way. If you want more of 4 dr sports car with all the luxuries I'd go with the M. GL!
Old 10-22-10, 02:38 PM
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Slvr surfr
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Originally Posted by KA8
I test drove the M a few times and I wouldn't mind owning one. I've driven my dad's LS430 manytimes and it's a nice ride no doubt but M is more sport oriented. Remember this is lexus board so most replies will be biased toward LS430. If you want smooth, quiet ride LS430 all the way. If you want more of 4 dr sports car with all the luxuries I'd go with the M. GL!
Yes. After riding in the M, i can definatly say its geared more for the spirited driver. Steering and suspension are tight and it has a more performance tuned sound to it. So based on that, the OP may want to compare the Q45 to the LS instead being as the LS has virtually no performance pretentions to it at all compared to the M. Either way he cant lose this battle because they are both awesome cars on two different sides of the coin.
Old 10-22-10, 04:04 PM
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tsslaporte
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M is a luxury sport, the Lexus 430 is a Soft cushy luxury. They both are great cars, you should drive them and see which you like better.
Old 10-22-10, 05:19 PM
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caddyowner
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I considered a M, but ruled out Infiniti because there is no dealership in my county or the county where I work. It would be too inconvenient for service.
Old 10-22-10, 06:24 PM
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warminwisc
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I did drive the m35 and m45 and I think they where pretty abused cars that I drove. Totally different feel, better handling and a nice interior/seats but that was about it. Steering was just like too precise/twitchy, suspension was much rougher and not as quiet. I just like the LS cause it just about drives itself even though she is a bit of a boat.
Old 10-22-10, 08:45 PM
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Bocatrip
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Being an Infiniti owner for over 7 years and hanging out on their forums, I am somewhat familiar with the M35. It is an extremely reliable car, quick, and great in the handling dept. It is quite thirsty as all the Infinitis are. Compared to the LS430, it is comfortable, but noticeably firmer, great handling and stopping and once again very reliable. It has been the leader in reliability for the entire Infiniti line from 06-10. I'm not big on the M35X as it is considerably heavier, thirstier, and doesn't handle quite the same. It is definitely worth a shot, although I don't see it being compared to the LS430 as they are really two different cars. The Lexus is total Luxo, and of course is like driving a barge with total disconnect with the road. The M is for those who enjoy driving and being in touch with the road.
Old 10-22-10, 09:52 PM
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JLAWS
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Seems like your budget is within range of a 2006+ GS430 or GS350. Check those out.
Old 10-23-10, 08:20 AM
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Thanks for all the replies guys, i really appreciate all the info. It's interesting to see that some of you test drove this car prior to buying your Lexus. I am going test drive both cars this week and see how i feel about both of them.
Old 10-23-10, 09:45 AM
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AznRacer
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I have test driven the m45 before buying my LS430 and IMO it’s more comparable with the 3rd gen GS. It’s quick and gives you the sporty feeling. Now as for the ls430 it’s a boat LOL it’s very comfy, quite, smooth and glade thru traffic.

Last edited by AznRacer; 10-23-10 at 09:49 AM.
Old 10-23-10, 02:31 PM
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Eh... Infiniti/Nissan interior quality has made great strides in the past few years, but those interiors still don't begin to compare to Lexus' overall fit, finish and materials quality. As mentioned above, a 2006+ GS is probably a much better fit. Looks are subjective, but there's also the issue that on the outside the M doesn't have near as commanding a presence as the LS (except for the original M which was a pretty cool car to look at).

Last edited by Playdrv4me; 10-23-10 at 02:49 PM.
Old 10-23-10, 05:30 PM
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m3nv
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What year UL are you looking for? I have an 04 for sale.

Thanks,


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