Reza ES350 Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Hi there Everybody! I've been reading about the G35 sedan and the ES350. Loving both cars. And I'm finding it very difficult to make up my mind, which one? My friend has an LS 430, but I can't afford that :( So The ES350 is what I'm eyeing. To me the ES350 is a reliable, smooth, comfortable car. but it doesn't have a soul. The G35 has only soul. If you ever sat in a 06 mustang you'll understand what i mean by soul and character. Please don't think that i'm dissing the ES. I love it! but thats how I feel. I want to buy a car by end of August. If you guys could help me with pros and cons of both cars I'd really appreciate it :D Thanking you in advance for your help no matter what. Much love Guys and Gals. ^_^ P.s: I've always wanted a lexus ever since my dad brought the office LS 400 and I took it for a test drive. That car was Smooooooooth!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjt65 Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Ok u know we are mostly tainted here. :P Background: I bought mine end March Obsidian Black on Black, UL package, ML stereo with nav, etc. I was looking at Infiniti's, Volvo s80, others, and I love my car! My thoughts. You are correct ES350 is a LUXURY car which is very fast going straight. On curves you better slow down (or else the brakes will slow down for u themselves!) Coming from a 99 Maxima Sports edition (could take curves flying in that) I really appreciate the smooth ride. Like wearing comfortable slippers. You will have rougher ride (feel more bumps) in sportier cars, but they will handle curves better. It is bigger than the g35. I am over 6 1"-wide shoulders etc. I just did not fit right in the G35 or 37 so it was not a consideration (I looked at the M35's) A neighbor of mine went from 2 Lexus to 2 G35s (white is his wifes, black is his), he is going back to lexus (Leases 3 year's) at the end of the lease. simply said he feels Lexus is a better overall luxury car and made better. Another note: why not the G37 those look much hotter IMHO than the 35 if that is what you are looking for. Also, if you want away from 350 Lux-comfort and more for sport you should consider the Lexus IS (think that would be better compare for the g35). good luck and let us know what you buy! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhawkin1 Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 We have had Nissan's and Toyota's - much better luck with the Toyota's. I would guarantee the Lexus experience will trump that of Infiniti. The 350 and the G are very different cars; I feel the design of the 350 will age better than that of the G. The G's interior left something to be desired for me. If handling and such are of main importance to you – maybe the G is for you. Sorry - not a Nissan fan here. Good luck to you - keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1Banker Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 I would think that the term "guarantee" would be a bit much in comparison to the two vehicles in question. I have been watching this forum for a while now to see what "issues" there are with the ES as I have been considering purchasing an ES and actually drove one last week to get a feel for it. I am currently in an Infiniti G35 coupe and it is my fourth Infiniti that I have owned so first and foremost anyone who tells you that there is any major reliability issues with an Infiniti has absolutely no idea what they are talking about and that is a fact that I would be happy to continue to argue indefinetely. Both car lines had their inception in 1989 with the first model year in 1990. Lexus leaped ahead over Infiniti due to a much much better and well laid out marketing campaign then Inifiniti had ever hoped to initiate. That has a lot to do with the early on perceived "prestige" of owning a Lexus. It would be a mistake to equate an Infiniti to a ford for example. Having said the above, Both car lines are great with well crafted automobiles targeting their respective markets. Lexus chose luxury over sport (which seems to be reversing in newer models) and Infiniti chose sport. The ES is a very nice quite and luxurious car. It feels very classy in the cabin and I was very impressed with the ride for a FWD. I had only three concerns with the vehicle/ dealer that I am currently trying to work through in my decision to purchase one: 1) I do not like the fact that it is a FWD versus RWD (and yes I understand it is a sister to the Camry and that is why it is FWD), however, there is a night and day feel to a RWD and I prefer it better. 2) I did not like the fact that the dealer charges $129 for an oil change and "inspection" of various items that are covered as part of a normal 27-point inspection at each oil change with my Infiniti dealer for $45. This is a blatant extortion tactic of Lexus customers and 3) I do not like to be inconvenienced and the dealer stated that a loaner would not be provided for an oil change. A loaner is always provided for any service item at an Infiniti dealer, even a rattle. Granted, the above are nit picky things probably only cared about by me personally but as I said overall I was very impressed by the ES. I did not like that it does not have the hard drive music player that the G35 has and voice activation is only for the navigation and not for the audio and climate as in the G35 or so I was told as the ES I drove did not have nav. Regarding the G35. This car is built for sport first and luxury 2nd. While the car does feel luxurious on the inside it is not the same type of luxury as in the Lexus. the interior has recently been updated and im my opinion is very eye catching and very well thought out and laid out. you are getting alot more of the technology gadgets and alot more for the money than the Lexus and the Infiniti VQ engine has been in the top ten engines for reliability for the past 12 consecutive years. these engines can easily do 200K miles with proper maintenance with no problem. the G35 has excellent handling and is a super fun car to drive. The exterior lines are very much cutting edge. It all comes down to personal preference. Take me for example, in owning a 2dr sports car I have realized that I prefer a luxury car. While I am Inifiniti loyal, the obvious luxury car choice would be the M35/45, however, I am not in love with that car and I do not want to spend over $50M for a car and I must have all the gadgets. The G35 would certainly be a great car to own but it feels more sports car inspired versus flat luxury like the ES. Hence my Dilemna. I would be sacrificing some technological gadgetry with the ES and the FWD versus RWD or AWD is a huge sticking point for me but the luxury interior and class of the ES is equally appealing and could possibly make up for the fact that it is a FWD. This is a very tough choice for me but again it is personal preference. both cars would be a great choice but I say again, there are no reliability issues with an Infiniti. You may have an occasional squeak or rattle but most cars do and they are fixable with little to no inconvenience. I would tell you to drive both, weigh the options of each and the price and go with you gut. Good luck. :) Brandon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nlkccom Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 If you're looking for smooth ride, it's a no brainer, go with ES350. That's one of the reason I got mine. The ride is so smooth. Some of my friends are very impressed by how smooth the ride is, and one of them got a brand new BMW 5-series, which like the G, it's a SPORT sedan. They are great for fast cornering, but because of the stiffer suspensions, you'll feel every bump on the road. Also, if you want realiability, stay away from Nissan/Infiniti. Their cars will be problematic much quicker than Toyota/Lexus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1Banker Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Also, if you want realiability, stay away from Nissan/Infiniti. Their cars will be problematic much quicker than Toyota/Lexus. Ok, I know I am new here and being a rookie I truly do not want to be disrespectful but the above comment is just absolutely not true. Just agreeing to disagree here not trying to start WWIII or anything. :) I have owned two Infiniti J30's (1-202K miles 1-133K miles) and a Q45 (147K miles) and I am religious with maintenance. Both lasted many years with no major mechanical problems other than a new transmission at 160K miles on the J with 202K miles on it when I sold it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhawkin1 Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 #1 Banker - the word guarantee was in reference to the ownership experience... not the cars themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1Banker Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 #1 Banker - the word guarantee was in reference to the ownership experience... not the cars themselves. MHawkin - No I know what you were saying. I did not mean my reply to be rude. The Experience is neck in neck but to be honest I guess Lexus would push a bit ahead. While Infiniti service has a bit more positives from what I have studied the plushness of customer spoils would certainly go to Lexus as my dealer does not have a putting green out front or a cafe in the dealership, which I must say I am a bit jealous of. BUT.....I can't buy a car based on those two things alone you know. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reza ES350 Posted July 16, 2008 Author Share Posted July 16, 2008 Thank you guys. I loved your reply's and they really helped. Brandon: What you said is exactly what i'm having trouble with. Loving the G35 for its gadgets, lines and RWD but not a fan of its hard ride. And the lexus's luxury feel and smooth ride is what i love but its a FWD. Which I dislike. I work in the shipping industry and parking at the ship yard causes the cars there to be covered with paint. small particles but it destroys the paint job. So to work i drive a 2002 CRV which means my wife will be driving the car to and from work (25 min drive, 10-12 miles each way. ). And me the rest of the day and weekends. I'll try to get my hand on both cars and drive them for a while before deciding which i'm buying. Thanks again guys and if you think there is something i need to know kindly post it :) I'm loving the ppl here :D very helpful and honest! Come september I'll post pics of the car I decide to get :) Wish me luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1Banker Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Reza, One more thing. I believe the '09 model year is bringing the Infiniti G37. I hear you on the smoothness. The G35 sedan really is a very smooth ride (especially compared to my current G-coupe, which feels like the old Corvette my family once had), however, the ES probably is even smoother. On the smoothness of rides alone I would say the cars are virtually neck and neck. I do think that the G37 sedan may not be as smooth when it hits the market because they are basically planning that thing as a 4 door version of the current 2 dr G37. I will say that the thing will be SMOKIN fast!! But as I said it comes down to personal preference on what is going to make you happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjt65 Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Brandon: I think you were given bad info by whoever was with you in your ES test drive. It is a shame some sales reps DO NOT know the tech pieces of the product they are selling! First: Voice activation is not only for the stereo, (I speak concerning the ES 350 with ultra lux package, Mark Levinson stereo and nav) -I do not think the voice activation is cut down in the lower packages-hopefully a 350 owner without Lux and NAV can respond ). you press voice act button than can say temperature 70 degrees, and bingo both front climates go to 70 degrees, and it works for audio too (phone and music) I rarely use voice activation though easier to press buttons on the steering wheel or screen. some features are 'greyed out' when driving and you have to either pull over or use the voice activation. correct on hard drive though with 6 cd's, and ipod connector (other mp3 players too) in the console, and the ability to play MP3 data files (massive storage when saving mp3's in native data file) a hard drive is not needed IMHO. I rather just keep my ipod up to date! You are spot on with the oil change rip-off, some in this thread go to Toyota for same parts service and pay half price. I had nissan stanza, nissan maxima for 18 years (both new to 9-10 years) and the experience was gr8, but On the Maxima i ran into some heavy repair/Maint. bills. cheers quote: Granted, the above are nit picky things probably only cared about by me personally but as I said overall I was very impressed by the ES. I did not like that it does not have the hard drive music player that the G35 has and voice activation is only for the navigation and not for the audio and climate as in the G35 or so I was told as the ES I drove did not have nav. Good luck. :) Brandon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01 Ultra Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 Reza - Another vehicle for possible consideration would be the Acura TL. It seems to be a bit more centered between the luxury of the ES, and the sportiness of the G. Consumer Reports ranks it very high on both owner satisfaction and reliability. Best of luck & let us know what you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1Banker Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 rjt, Thanks so much for the correction. That is good to know. I thought that it was strange that you could not voice activate the radio and climate as well as Nav but that is what the salesman told me. They were pretty busy and the only other demo I guess they would allow you to drive that had nav was out on a test drive by another prospect and I didn't push the issue. I plan to get the Ultra Lux model with Nav, ML, etc. I am a techno gadget guru, what can I say. That Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjt65 Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 NP and welcome to the club! This is why these boards are gr8, a lot of people are mislead with the salesman, and (I am techie too) I remember showing the salesman how to do some things (i never saw the system or used it before test drives) on the nav. I was not liking the bumps in my Maxima so from sport to comfort ride i went! here is a list (was on one of the lexus owners forums, this or club lexus ) of voice commands: Voice commands: Below are the new voice commands NAVIGATION Change Screen map, help, cancel Change Map Scale zoom in, zoom out Change Right Map Scale right map zoom in, right map zoom out Change Map Direction north up heading up map direction Change Right Map Direction right map north up right map heading up right map direction Change Guidance Mode dual map, dual map mode single map, single map mode arrow guidance turn list guidance, turn by turn guidance freeway guidance intersection guidance compass mode Reg Marked Point mark this point, mark Check Route entire route map, route overview current position, current location next destination map first destination map second destination map third destination map fourth destination map fifth destination map final destination map Change Route quick 1, quick quick 2 short route, short route detour detour entire route Delete Destination delete next destination delete final destination delete all destinations Guidance set destination suspend guidance, stop guidance resume guidance, start guidance repeat, repeat guidance, repeat voice louder softer Points of Interest (POI) General nearest (POI) Restaurant restaurant, I'm hungry american restaurant, american food chinese restaurant, chinese food continental restaurant, continental food fast food restaurant french restaurant, french food italian restaurant, italian food japanese restaurant, japanese food mexican restaurant, mexican food seafood restaurant, seafood thai restaurant other restaurant, other food Shopping convenience store department store grocery store home and garden pharmacy shopping mall, shopping speciality food store other retail stores Automotive auto club, triple A car wash gas station, gas lexus dealership parking, parking lot, parking garage service and maintenance, auto service rental car, rental car agency toyota dealership other automotive stores Travel airport bus station campground commuter rail station ferry terminal hotel rest area, rest stop train station Recreation amusement park botanical garden, zoo casino cinema golf course, golf historical monuments horse racing marina museum national and state parks ski resort, skiing speedway sports complex, stadium theater, performing arts tourist attraction tourist information video rental winery Community city center convention center, exhibition center court house fire station government offices, civic center higher education, university, college hospital library parks police station post office school Banking ATM bank other financial services Other beauty and barber shops coffee house dry cleaning health and fitness club ice cream parlor other business facilities Icon Off hide all icons Destination Setting Route set destination show list address change state change city change street change candidate change house number home, go home Route to Previous Point previous point start, go to start point previous destination Route to Quick Access quick access number 1 … quick access number 5 "Value While Displayed" enter destination add to destination replace destination cancel yes no Audio Select Audio Mode radio AM, AM radio FM, FM radio FM1 FM2 CD CD changer SAT Audio On/Off audio on audio off Radio Operation seek up seek down Disc Operation track up, next track track down, previous track disc up, next disc disc down, previous disc Climate Auto AC On/Off automatic air conditioning on automatic air conditioning off Temperature Raise/Lower raise temperature, warmer lower temperature, cooler Adjust Temperature 65 degrees … 85 degrees Help Help Commands help, command help, command list Phone Calling dial by number dial by name correction yes no delete next candidate cancel quote name='#1Banker' date='Jul 16 2008, 05:07 PM' post='319908'] rjt, Thanks so much for the correction. That is good to know. I thought that it was strange that you could not voice activate the radio and climate as well as Nav but that is what the salesman told me. They were pretty busy and the only other demo I guess they would allow you to drive that had nav was out on a test drive by another prospect and I didn't push the issue. I plan to get the Ultra Lux model with Nav, ML, etc. I am a techno gadget guru, what can I say. That Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW03ES Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 The ES is a much smoother and quieter car than the G, even the new one. The G is a nice mix between the IS/3 Series feel and the feel of the ES, but it is sportier and does not ride as well. Infiniti is making some great cars, my main concern is lower quality dealers (at least here) and less dealers, coupled with lower resale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sul6an Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Hi there Everybody! I've been reading about the G35 sedan and the ES350. Loving both cars. And I'm finding it very difficult to make up my mind, which one? My friend has an LS 430, but I can't afford that :( So The ES350 is what I'm eyeing. To me the ES350 is a reliable, smooth, comfortable car. but it doesn't have a soul. The G35 has only soul. If you ever sat in a 06 mustang you'll understand what i mean by soul and character. Please don't think that i'm dissing the ES. I love it! but thats how I feel. I want to buy a car by end of August. If you guys could help me with pros and cons of both cars I'd really appreciate it :D Thanking you in advance for your help no matter what. Much love Guys and Gals. ^_^ P.s: I've always wanted a lexus ever since my dad brought the office LS 400 and I took it for a test drive. That car was Smooooooooth!! Well, my friend left his infiniti M45 with me last summer and let me tell you this IT WAS AMAZING! if your looking for soul this is the car your looking for. forget the G35 save up and get the M45. The ES350 is great and all, dont get me wrong i own one myself, but if i could trade it for an M45 i wouldnt think twice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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