Lexus ES 350 vs. Infiniti G37 Journey Sedan
richardnva
Member Posts: 91
in Lexus
Is anyone considering the 2009 Infiniti G37 Journey Sedan in comparison to the 09 Lexus ES350? Aside from the differences in luxury-plush focus (Lexus) vs. luxury sport/technology (Infiniti), what are the notable differences you're seeing when you compare these two cars? The Infiniti definitely seems to be geared more as a "drivers" car, but both are comparable in size and some amenities. What pushes one above the other to you for a family sedan?
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Lexus ES 350........PROS....Apart from Lexus name and presence because of its bigger size, ...smooth ride, impeccable fit and finish, bigger inside, fast enough
Cons.....FWD, no built in XM with real time traffic information, I pod plus XM cannot be operated "together" through steering wheel, no splash guards
G37..Pros....faster, XM and I pod integeration through steering wheel, painted splash guards, available in all wheel drive
Cons......OK fit and finish, cramped interior, noisy and choppy ride
I test drove back to back, both of these cars plus audi A6,A5 and 2009 redesigned Acura TL. I ended up purchasing ES 350 with UL package, Mark Levinson Audio and panoramic glass roof, etc. Delivery tomorrow.
My previous cars, 2003 Infiniti I35. I also have a 2004 Acura TL Navi. Just like many I have aged over the years and now my preference is smooth, capable car which I found in ES 350. Though our family work horse is our Van Honda Odyssey yet I sometime end up picking our kids from school in my car. I found that the G37 back seats are somewhat more cramped than TL.
My final 2 cents, you are 30 something, you are single or married without kids, you like to race from traffic light to traffic light and like to drive aggressively than go for the G37. However, if you are 40 something, you are married and have kids, who likes to travel 1st class and have a few more thousand dollars to spare then go for the Lexus ES 350
'hope it helps, Good Luck!
The day is soon coming, hopefully, that when VSC detects this situation it will assume control of the throttle and QUICKLY move the engine RPM to the "sweet spot", no engine drive torque nor engine compression braking.
In the meantime...PRACTICE.
Resale values today are a function of the market, its just bad given the discounts on new cars are steep. Historically Infiniti has held value very well, winning an award to that extent for that matter.
I agree that ES is roomier, better interior material and better gas mileage.
however you cant say if you can afford the gas get the Infiniti since you pay less to buy the car in the first place. I believe that its a practical car, you can drive it as slowly as you can with an ES if you want. Its still a roomy car in its class, probably the roomiest (remember the ES is not in its class) and is available with manual transmission and AWD. If you are satisified with the ESs room you will be satisified with the G's room
Sorry but there is just a lot of inaccuracies in this thread that I needed to point out. Both are good cars
The G37 beat out the ES350 for us because we are in our mid 30s. with two kids in early elementary school. We just turned in the A4 (too small) for the nice G37 because they kept kicking our seats....we just weren't ready for the ES350, definitely gave a good run, but will probably win the next round.
The TL looks awful. My wife said....is that a buick? Literally...Someone mentioned the Maxima. Ironically, if you optioned the Tech and Nav like we did...current promos can the G37 cheaper than the Maxima. Crazy, but true.
We still have our '04 Odyssey doing the majority of the workload as usual. Great Van and still keeps up with most cars.
So yeah: 30s: G37; zoom zoom. a little less space;
40s: ES350: better dino ride and finishes (especially the wood makes it NICE). acceleration is less, but there when needed.
And yes, some of my trade ins have been vehicles that were touted as "high resale", including 3 Lexus. 1 2005 GS, 1 2006 GS AWD, and most recently a 2007 ES350. All cars are a depreciating asset, and you will lose money on them at some point, regardless of the make.
The one other "inaccuracy" to mention is the whole size thing. Yes, the ES350 has more cargo capacity, but other than that, it has pretty similar stats to the G. Go online and check the stats out. You'll find that the G actually has more headroom front and rear. So overall, very similar. And for those of you who haven't owned or ridden in the ES, give it a shot in the back seat. It is not a super roomy vehicle. It's size is OK, but again it's not an LS or anything, just like the G isn't an M in size.
Overall, of the 3 Lexus I've owned, the ES350 was my least favorite. It was competent in some respects. And definitely not bad. I'll give it that. And gas mileage is off the charts good for a heavy 4 door sedan with a little zip. But hated the FWD. Interior good, but not without a few design faults...i.e., that is the most stupid design for the center console armrest, to gain access. And with less than 36k miles, more dashboard squeaks than I would have guessed. Overall, decent ride, but not great.
Also, what about BMW 335?
http://m.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=652692&page=7