G37 or IS300/350?

[Reckoner]

'ello Folks,

I'm currently driving a 2013 chevy volt, with the lease expiring in a few months (great car!). I'm starting the car shopping a little early to be prepared and the two I'm looking at are the Lexus IS300, used 2013+ IS350, as well as the last gen 2013 G37. Right now I can find the G37 comfortably equipped for thousands cheaper. Also, I hear a lot of people say to lease a lexus due to their highly subsidized leasing structure.. is that the way to go?

Does anyone have any experience with either car and can give their thoughts on which way they'd lean? Thanks in advance.

P.S. I hate car shopping lol

 

[Virge_]

Have you considered the CTS V-Sport?

 

[razel]

Very familiar with both. Lexus for the past decade has made maintainance for shadetree mechanics a test of patience. Engine compartments are tight and basic oil changes in most of their cars nearly forces you to go to a dealer cause they are just used to the tightness. High prescion also affects reliability and if you get in hard enough accident your car will never be the same.

I absolutely love the Nissan VQ engines and the one in the G37 is a rocket. It doesn't sound the best, but in that application, it's a luxury car so don't expect it to be one. However, rest assured, it's the same base engine used in the 550+ HP Nissan GTR.

Maintenance is also a dream in the G37. I highly recommend it. The G37 is not as precion perfect in fit/finish/quietness as the IS, but frankly, the perfection perfect Lexus of old is gone. Look at their current line-up. It's a mess. Nissan isn't much better, but at least you're still getting a maintenance friendly design that will very cheap to maintain a decade+. Buy one as a daily driver for work. I did 12 years ago with my I30, no regrets at all. It's still cheap to maintain today.

 

[Shlong]

I owned a G35 for 8 years and it was a great car (150,000 miles, no issues whatsoever, just oil changes). I'm sure the G37 would be just as good if not better. What about the Q50? If you don't mind spending $50-$100 more a month you can get that, it's a good looking car.

 

[LikeLinus]

Wife currently drives a 2013 G37 and it's an awesome sports sedan. It's quick and has been very reliable. The 3.7 is pretty bulletproof and one of the best engines on the market.

We have a great Nissan Dealer not far from us who can do routine maintenance. They can also diagnose anything and then communicate with the infinity dealer if it comes to that. We've never had any issues, but it's nice to have. Oil changes and such are cheaper at Nissan with the same Mobile One oil.

Once the warranty is up, I think we are going to get a CAI, Exhaust and have it tuned. You can get into the 4s 0-60 with easy mods.

 

[evident]

Very familiar with both. Lexus for the past decade has made maintainance for shadetree mechanics a test of patience. Engine compartments are tight and basic oil changes in most of their cars nearly forces you to go to a dealer cause they are just used to the tightness. High prescion also affects reliability and if you get in hard enough accident your car will never be the same.

I absolutely love the Nissan VQ engines and the one in the G37 is a rocket. It doesn't sound the best, but in that application, it's a luxury car so don't expect it to be one. However, rest assured, it's the same base engine used in the 550+ HP Nissan GTR.

Maintenance is also a dream in the G37. I highly recommend it. The G37 is not as precion perfect in fit/finish/quietness as the IS, but frankly, the perfection perfect Lexus of old is gone. Look at their current line-up. It's a mess. Nissan isn't much better, but at least you're still getting a maintenance friendly design that will very cheap to maintain a decade+. Buy one as a daily driver for work. I did 12 years ago with my I30, no regrets at all. It's still cheap to maintain today.

I too am very familiar with the 2014+ IS350 since I just got one earlier this year http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2430188&highlight=

If you want raw performance, cheap, and ability to mod you're probably better off with the G37 since it's essentially discontinued. However, the IS350 handles like its on rails and isn't a slouch either. Interior is very nice, although it's a little cramped. fit and finish is awesome. 8AT shifts pretty fast, sport+ makes the car very tight, and normal mode is great for driving around in traffic. fuel economy is just OK, probably the same as the G37. I'm planning to keep this car for the longhaul.

oil change seems very straight forward on this car, as well as replacing plugs since the engine is mounted longitudinally. maybe the older 2JZ engine's oil were a pain to do? But the current 2GR series is pretty cake to do, and no mess anywhere either.

If you can wait, it seems like the refreshed Q50 line is coming out with a new series of engines, one which will put out 400HP.

 

[Beer4Me]

While not in the same league, I am leasing my current GS350 Fsport, and Lexus has some insanely attractive deals on leftover '15 models. I won't go into details, but Lexus essential gave me my car free for the first month, with ZERO OTD and no security deposit or taxes (with some minor haggling). I disagree with the poster above regarding Lexus, they are still the benchmark for quality and reliability if you look at Consumer Reports and JD Power. Basic maintenance on these cars, including my wife's 08 IS250 AWD and my 15 GS350 RWD is same as any other car (oil changes, brake pads, rotors, tires, spark plugs*).

*Changing spark plugs on the IS250 is somewhat arduous due to the need to remove the entire intake manifold to get to all of the plugs/packs. Did it on my wife's car, by myself, and it took me 6 hours and a lot of cursing. Won't be doing it again. We'll get rid of her car before the next plug change, LOL.

**On the IS/GS350 models, the engine as stated above is mounted such that spark plug changes are easy.

 

[evident]

While not in the same league, I am leasing my current GS350 Fsport, and Lexus has some insanely attractive deals on leftover '15 models. I won't go into details, but Lexus essential gave me my car free for the first month, with ZERO OTD and no security deposit or taxes (with some minor haggling). I disagree with the poster above regarding Lexus, they are still the benchmark for quality and reliability if you look at Consumer Reports and JD Power. Basic maintenance on these cars, including my wife's 08 IS250 AWD and my 15 GS350 RWD is same as any other car (oil changes, brake pads, rotors, tires, spark plugs*).

*Changing spark plugs on the IS250 is somewhat arduous due to the need to remove the entire intake manifold to get to all of the plugs/packs. Did it on my wife's car, by myself, and it took me 6 hours and a lot of cursing. Won't be doing it again. We'll get rid of her car before the next plug change, LOL.

**On the IS/GS350 models, the engine as stated above is mounted such that spark plug changes are easy.

I was so close on pulling the trigger on a 13GS350 FSport, but I really wanted a RWD w/ the dynamic steering which are so rare in the northeast. They are depreciating a little faster than the IS line. very nice vehicle.

 

[Mercennarius]

I absolutely love the Nissan VQ engines and the one in the G37 is a rocket. It doesn't sound the best, but in that application, it's a luxury car so don't expect it to be one. However, rest assured, it's the same base engine used in the 550+ HP Nissan GTR.

This is completely incorrect. Other than both being 60 degree V6s produced by Nissan there isn't much these engines share aside from maybe a few sensors. The VR38 is a closed deck block while the VQ is an open deck. Not to mention the other 1000+ differences.

To the OP. Both the Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS are great cars. The G37 is a much more fun car to drive IMHO and can also be had for less money. Both will be about the same reliability wise. The Lexus will likely get a little better gas mileage.

 

[razel]

Good lord above. That's what I loathe about the Internet opinions. One's opinion becomes a definition... then they use their definition (opinon) to prove that they have a mightier intellect to say that everything you mentioned is wrong. A V6 is a V6 and there are only so many ways to design one. I suppose you feel better now that your entire post is 100% correct.

 

[Mercennarius]

Good lord above. That's what I loathe about the Internet opinions. One's opinion becomes a definition... then they use their definition (opinon) to prove that they have a mightier intellect to say that everything you mentioned is wrong. A V6 is a V6 and there are only so many ways to design one. I suppose you feel better now that your entire post is 100% correct.

This post just shows your ignorance. I guess then a V8 is a V8, an I4 is an I4, and an I6 is an I6 too then?

 

[Fenixgoon]

i'd go with the IS. i think they look better than the G37. not a fan of the G37 coupe or sedan.

 

[pauldun170]

However, rest assured, it's the same base engine used in the 550+ HP Nissan GTR.

A V6 is a V6 and there are only so many ways to design one. I suppose you feel better now that your entire post is 100% correct.

Base engine of GTR, also shared with domestic market Nissans and Infinitis.

Revised version when they had the issue with brake fluid leaking into the compression module

First turbo supercharged version

Current base engine uised across Nissan's lineup

 

[pauldun170]

Base engine of GTR, also shared with domestic market Nissans and Infinitis.

Revised version when they had the issue with brake fluid leaking into the compression module

First turbo supercharged version

Current base engine uised across Nissan's lineup

What an asshole

 

[pauldun170]

'ello Folks,

I'm currently driving a 2013 chevy volt, with the lease expiring in a few months (great car!). I'm starting the car shopping a little early to be prepared and the two I'm looking at are the Lexus IS300, used 2013+ IS350, as well as the last gen 2013 G37. Right now I can find the G37 comfortably equipped for thousands cheaper. Also, I hear a lot of people say to lease a lexus due to their highly subsidized leasing structure.. is that the way to go?

Does anyone have any experience with either car and can give their thoughts on which way they'd lean? Thanks in advance.

P.S. I hate car shopping lol

I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice

G37 - More room. Ticks off all the right boxes.
IS350 - Better transmission and gearing. Little better at point and shoot driving in traffic. Seems to hold up better over time.

 

[jlee]

Good lord above. That's what I loathe about the Internet opinions. One's opinion becomes a definition... then they use their definition (opinon) to prove that they have a mightier intellect to say that everything you mentioned is wrong. A V6 is a V6 and there are only so many ways to design one. I suppose you feel better now that your entire post is 100% correct.

And the inline 4 in my MR2 is the same as the one in a new Honda Fit... :whiste:

 

[pauldun170]

And the inline 4 in my MR2 is the same as the one in a new Honda Fit... :whiste:

Did you know that the Engine in the Honda Fit was the same one used in CBR1100xx which traces its roots to the original Mini Cooper? When they cancelled the CBR1100xx, they basically took their overstock and installed it into the Fit. That's where the name comes from.
The engineer took the engine and put it into the engine bay and famously said "It Fits!!"

true story

 

[jlee]

Did you know that the Engine in the Honda Fit was the same one used in CBR1100xx which traces its roots to the original Mini Cooper? When they cancelled the CBR1100xx, they basically took their overstock and installed it into the Fit. That's where the name comes from.
The engineer took the engine and put it into the engine bay and famously said "It Fits!!"

true story

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Another vote for G37

More visceral and fun to drive IMHO

 

[JulesMaximus]

Have you considered the CTS V-Sport?

You would have to go considerably older to find one in the same price range as a used 2013 G37. Not too many of them on the market either.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Did you know that the Engine in the Honda Fit was the same one used in CBR1100xx which traces its roots to the original Mini Cooper? When they cancelled the CBR1100xx, they basically took their overstock and installed it into the Fit. That's where the name comes from.
The engineer took the engine and put it into the engine bay and famously said "It Fits!!"

true story

Don't forget the 1979 Honda GL1000 engine, Subaru uses them to this day in all of their boxer motor equipped cars.

 

[pauldun170]

Don't forget the 1979 Honda GL1000 engine, Subaru uses them to this day in all of their boxer motor equipped cars.

I completely forgot that Subaru and Honda Goldwings share the same engines.

That engine is awesome. whether its on 2 wheels or four.

 

[ibex333]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but isn't a brand new 2016 Nissan/Toyota better than a used 2013 Infiniti/Lexus? It may not be as powerful, sure, but it is NEW.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Forgive me

You are forgiven.

A likely scenario would be used G vs new Altima. One is a FWD commuter car. The other is RWD, can be had with a manual trans, and generally sparks a bit of interest for gear heads and enthusiasts.

 

[SSSnail]

If you're leasing, I believe BMW has the best leasing programs and incentives.