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Comments
Well said Mr. Wilde.
"Yet not a single car in this class is even remotely attractive on the outside. "
"Visually, I couldn't care less - as long as there is no wood anywhere. "
I don't think Mr. Wilde was following you when he made that statement.
LOL
I agree "blue" that the E46 had a artistic interior, then the school of the blinde had shop class and started designing current BMW designs. :shades:
Rocky
Yet not a single car in this class is even remotely attractive on the outside.
I still bought one of these cars, even though visually it's ugly. It reminds me of a melted Buick. Like all the cars in this class the e90 is just plain dowdy, slab sided and not the least bit interesting. Ditto the TL, C, IS, CTS, G35, etc. Even if a car is nice to look at, the would in no fashion influence my purchase. The interior needs to have zero wood and be driver oriented. Beyond that, I couldn't care much less if there's a navigation screen or a digital readout like KITT's. Just make it functional and lacking anything that is or appears to be wood-like. Wood belongs on furniture, not a piece of machinery.
Rocky
You must not be married...!
And I have to disagree, I find the TL (that I own) to be a very handsome vehicle from almost any angle. The first Acura since the original Legend Coupe with any kind of style, imho. The NSX, while apparently a wonderful car, didn't do anything for me style-wise.
In this group, to me the only car that is severly challenged style-wise is the CTS. YMMV
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I may be blind, but until you give me the money and tell me what car to buy, this is my opinion and I am sticking to it.
ROTFLMAO, yes you have that right. As far as the money part, I wished I could help you out. It would perhaps make you able to see a lil' more clearly. :P
Rocky
Live-in girlfriend I will probably marry by the end of 2007. She understands that in her car I do things by her rules (and she buys crazy things like seat heaters and automatic transmissions). In the house I defer to her - save for my office. In my car: it's my domain...she fully understands that driving is my thing. Luckily we share the same passion for restaurants, movies and the NFL.
The NSX, while apparently a wonderful car, didn't do anything for me style-wise.
Ah, the NSX cockpit was the bomb. Yummy.
True, but on a premium car and good quality wood, it looks like it belongs also in mine, and many others opinions
Wood in a car looks tacky;
LOL, Depends upon the car and interior lay-out.
in a Lexus or a Bentley, it still looks out of place and poseur-ish.
I'm going to have to send you cane, so you can "tap" your way to better senses, because you are legally blinde to "hate" on premium Bentley and Lexus wooded interiors. They are among the best :P
Rocky
Rocky
I totally agree with this sentiment. My dad had a 1976 Jaguar XJ6 30 years ago, and it had the most beautiful wood dash. Too bad the car was in the shop half the time.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I can assure you if I had major problems with my old 323i I would not of bought two other BMWs. During 8 years of ownership the SRS system/audio system was the only issue worth mentioning. And the audio was still functional and not worth replacing. Not bad considering 8 years of ownership.
No more car purchases for another 7 years until I get that itch again. Or at least until my wallet is replenished.
Is there now a 535Xi Touring? I just looked on BMW's web site, and they show a 530Xi Sportwagon.
Thanks
Bruce
I meant a 06 530xi touring. Although I do wish it was a 535xi.
As far as I know there will be no 535xi during MY 07. I find it kind of strange that there is a double turbo 3 series and no double turbo 5 series at this point of time.
Now that is reassuring. That means my BMW335i is nothing more than a guinea pig for other models :sick:
This is one risk I am definitely willing to take.
• Excellent cost of ownership benefits fundamental to new Lexus IS
• Class-leading insurance groups, from 12E
• Major gains in standard servicing, maintenance and repair tabour time and costs
• Designed for ease of repair
• Exceptional residual values predicted by CAP Monitor - 47 per cent for IS 250 and 45 per cent for IS 250 SE after three years/60,000 miles
If car-buying decisions depended on emotional factors alone, the new Lexus IS would prosper, with its distinctive dynamic styling, unmatched quality and exceptional driving performance. But most motorists have to take budget issues into consideration, too, and balance factors such as appearance and performance against the longer term impact of ownership on their finances.
True to Lexus’s unmatched attention to detail, the IS makes substantial advances in cost of ownership benefits, setting class-leading standards and making the new car an even stronger proposition than the previous generation model.
Lexus has achieved all-round improvements in efficiency in the standard programme of servicing and maintenance for the IS’s first 60,000 miles or three years. Compared to the previous generation model the contract servicing costs have been reduced by £288 (for models running on 17-inch tyres), while the cumulative length of time required to do the work has fallen by more than three hours to 5.1 hours.
This has been achieved through a series of measures, including the adoption of longer-life or maintenance-free components. These include:
• Maintenance-free valve clearances
• Transmission oil that does not require changing during the vehicle’s lifetime
• Air filter life extended from 30,000 to 40,000 miles
• Engine coolant life extended from 30,000 to 100,000 miles
• Brake pad replacement scheduled at 30,000 for front and 40,000 for rear
• Engine uses mineral grade oil rather than expensive synthetic type
Another important area in which the new Lexus IS excels compared to its principal rivals is in the cost of replacement parts. In the event of a typical front or rear collision, the repair parts costs for the Lexus work out substantially cheaper.
For example, the combined cost of front-end elements, including bonnet, grille, bumper cover, wing, headlamp, radiator, front panel and air conditioning condenser, for the Audi A4 is almost 26 per cent greater than for the Lexus, while the Mercedes C-Class, Jaguar X-Type and BMW 3 Series range between 18 and 24 per cent more expensive. And it’s a similar story where the cost of rear-end components are concerned, too.
Should crash repairs be necessary, the job of replacement has been made simpler, for example by introducing a bolt-on rather than welded front section. And the vehicle’s radiator and air conditioning condenser have been positioned so that they do not have to be removed for the repair to be effected, so coolant and refrigerant gas do not have to be replaced.
These measures have had a positive impact on both the new IS’s UK insurance ratings and early industry predictions for residual values.
In insurance terms, the new IS is launched with class-leading ratings, improving the levels attained by most of its principal rivals by one or two groups. The IS 250 has a 13E classification and the SE, SE-L and Sport (arriving in 2006) are in Group 14E. The diesel-powered IS 220d, to be launched in January next year, has been given a 12E rating, with SE, SE-L and sport versions in Group 13E.
These compare, for example, to Group 15E and 12E for the equivalent petrol and diesel powered Audi A4; 15E and 14E for the Jaguar X-TYPE and BMW 3 Series; and 16A and 13A for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Furthermore, the all-round strengths and appeal of the new IS are set to make it a wise buy in terms of its retained value. CAP Monitor has calculated a residual value of 47 per cent for the IS 250 and 45 per cent for the IS 250 SE, figures two per cent higher in each case than the equivalent BMW 3 Series model.
http://www.carpages.co.uk/lexus/lexus-is-250-15-11-05.asp
• Transmission oil that does not require changing during the vehicle’s lifetime
• Air filter life extended from 30,000 to 40,000 miles
• Engine coolant life extended from 30,000 to 100,000 miles
• Brake pad replacement scheduled at 30,000 for front and 40,000 for rear
• Engine uses mineral grade oil rather than expensive synthetic type."
Name one car newer than 10 years old that needs periodic valve adjustments.
Lifetime transmission oil? Not in my lifetime.
40,000 mile air filter? See above.
100,000 mile coolant? See above.
30,000 mile brake pad replacement? Not the way I drive.
Mineral oil instead of synthetic? Not in my cars.
I can't believe any car enthusiast publication would print this Lexus Corporate drivel. No sport sedan should be allowed to endure those maintenance intervals. You may not suffer during your personal 3 year lease, but the poor sap who buys this car used will be paying through the nose in deferred maintenance and premature component failure.
I, for one, will never buy a used car without service records that detail regular, periodic fluid and filter replacement - the backbone of preventative maintenance!
"the new Lexus IS would prosper, with its distinctive dynamic styling, unmatched quality and exceptional driving performance."
I'll concede quality/reliability, but says who (dynamic styling) and compared to what (exceptional driving performance)?? That 1 for 3 batting average might win the World Series, but is hardly truth in advertising.
"In insurance terms, the new IS is launched with class-leading ratings, improving the levels attained by most of its principal rivals"
You don't think that has anything to do with Lexus' historic buyer demographic which has averaged somewhere between "retired" and "dead"? As my GEICO agent said, most Lexus SC430 accidents are bumper benders from ladies applying lipstick while driving...and that's Lexus "sports car".
Maybe ES350 is the one you are looking for...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
The engine is smoother, more powerful, and has more top end. The handling feels more secure and less twitchy than the previous car. Like the previous version, high-speed driving is a pleasure. I am really looking forward to trying out the 6-speed manual, but those will not be here for a while.
I have not had a chance to drive the new 335i sedan to see how it compares, but hopefully will be able to soon. Although there will be a substantial price difference between the two, it will be interesting to see how these cars compete with one another. Between the BMW-3 and Infiniti-G, one can't go wrong.
M
I've looked at these cars and cannot identify where the IS is built from within the Toyota family. And the G35 appears different from the Maxima. I think it would be great if someone could help me (and others) with understanding what platform these entry level luxury cars are built from so that we can decide between the upscale model or the less prestigious sibling.
IS250/350 shares the platform with the GS350/430/450h. Since it's a RWD platform I do NOT believe it is shared with any other Toyota products except MAYBE some RWD models which are only available in Japan.
I do not have information on which other Nissan/Infiniti product shares the platform with G35 (the M maybe?). However, I think the G35 coupe shares the platform with the 350Z (somebody please correct me if I am wrong). One thing that I am certain is that G35 does NOT share platform with Maxima because one is RWD (G35) and another is FWD (Maxima).
Nope, you're correct.
But I believe you are incorrect on that one. The IS has a 107.5" wheelbase, nearly 5" shorter than the GS's 112.2". That's a pretty surefire indication they do not share the same platform.
The TL and Accord share the same structural base "platform", but the suspension and chassis components are different, as are the engines, brakes, and many major mechanical components.
The ES350 and Camry V6 are nearly mechanically identical - with the same platform, chassis, engine, etc.
Whether this means anything depends upon your perspective. I think the G35 coupe is a commendable, nice handling 4 passenger coupe. But I think the 350Z is a sorry excuse for a "sports car", given it's bloated weight and relatively low revving engine that result from cost cutting and parts borrowing. I don't have any issue with our MDX sharing a few things in common with the Honda Pilot, but back when I owned a Honda S2000, I greatly appreciated that it was a completely ground up engineered sports car which borrowed nothing from the Honda/Acura spare parts bin.
That's not necessarily true either, since a lot of cars sharing the same platform have different wheelbase lengths as well. Case in point: The G35 Coupe has a 112.2" wheelbase, the 350Z? 104.3".
350Z (FM)
G35 Coupe (FM)
G35 Sedan (FM)
FX35 (FM)
FX45 (FM)
M35 (FM-L)
M45 (FM-L)
The Lexus IS is based on a shortened version of the Lexus GS platform.
The GS shares its platform with the Toyota Crown Athlete and Toyota Mark X in Japan.
Can tell that you are the smartest of the group. Have a 2003 G35 and it has been the best car I've had during my 76 years of life with many expensive cars in my past. Saw the 2007 G35 sedan on the weekend and will have a loaded one as soon as I can get it. I love and need her.
Paul
San Diego
"The 2007 G35 strikes the perfect balance between the BMW 3 and Lexus IS."
Remember where you heard it.
A fully loaded G35 Sport 6MT with Active-Steer will come in at around $40k:
Models
G35 - $31,450
G35 Journey - $31,900
G35x AWD - $33,950
G35 Sport AT - $33,450
G35 Sport 6MT - $32,250
Options
Sirius Satellite Radio - $300
XM Satellite Radio - $300
Technology Package - $1,100
Sunroof - $1,000
Premium Package- $2,350
Premium Package AWD - $2,150
Preformance Tire and Wheel Package - $400
4-Wheel Active Steer Package - $1,500
Rear Spoiler - $550
Navigation Package - $2,100
Wood Trim Package - $450
Accessories
Painted Splash Guards - $140
Trunk Cargo Net - $50
17-Inch Chrome Wheels (4-Set) - $1,440
Also, what's the difference between technology package and navigation package? Does the navigation package including the technology package?
Edit: Here are the nav and tech package:
Navigation Package
- Infiniti Navigation System (hard disk drive-based) with touchscreen, Lane Guidance and 3-D building footprints
- XM NavTraffic® providing Real-Time Traffic1 information
- XM® satellite radio1
- 9.5-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and compact flash slot for playing MP3 files
- Infiniti Voice Recognition for climate control, audio and navigation systems
Available on G35 Journey, G35x AWD and G35 Sport models. Requires Premium Package
Technology Package
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with preview braking
- Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
- RearView Monitor
Available on G35 Journey, G35x AWD and G35 Sport models. Requires Premium and Navigation Packages
A totally loaded G35 will be around $42K. Given that IS350 tops out at $45K and top of the line 335i at $50K I'd say that the new G's pricing is real competitive. However, there are still some options which the IS and 3er offer and the G doesn't have.
It is common that a top of the line entry lux is in the similar price range with the next-model-up's stripped down model. For example, a top of the line IS350 is about the same price as a bare-bone GS350. For me, since all I want is the IS350's awesome engine and Lexus' refine interior and I can care less about Mark-Levinson and radar cruise; I was able to get a somewhat stripped down IS350 for about $35K back in March. Many others here (likely blueguy) will tell you that if all you want is BMW's awesome driving dynamics you can get a 335i for about $37K(? help me out here you Bimmer guys) with ED (not including ticket and lodging of course). At end it's all depend on what you want and you pay for it.
Uh, I don't know what you all are smoking in Atlanta, but a 2007 GS350 AWD w/ Navi has an MSRP of exactly $48,665 including destination here in DC. And even if you throw in the Mark Levison stereo in, the MSRP is still only $50,445. Based upon Lexus 13+% mark-up, the invoice on the GS350 AWD w/ Navi is $42,825, give or take a dollar.
Do I believe billyperks could get a 2007 GS350 at $1,200 over invoice ($44k)? Based upon his relentless insistance that his former TL-S automatic could beat my former Maxima SE 5-speed, the answer is "yes".
FWIW, a business colleage of mine is trading his 1998 GS300 in for a 2007 GS350 AWD w/ navi & ML at $1,500 over invoice, the same discount he got on his GX470 a couple of years ago when they were a hot tax-deductable ticket in December, 2004. So what is up in Atlanta that dealers have you believing the MSRP is $3,300+ more than it actually is? Do they just assume that because you are from NASCAR country you don't have internet access or can't figure out the math? :P