I’m looking at buying a used vehicle and I’d like to know what forum members experience is with these models (reliability, problem areas etc). I’m looking at 2008-2010 years of these models - Infiniti G35 or G37, Lexus ES350, RX350. I’m finding some good deals on the RX350 but I recall reading that insurance is higher since even minor fender benders cause expensive damage.

If you own or have owned these or have experience with them let me know what you think. I know the Toyota v6 had some oil line problems but I’m not finding much else useful online, even within the car forums. I’m trying to find a nicer vehicle with an engine with some power so four bangers are out and I’ve narrowe it down to these. I wouldn’t mind an Acura but I’m not finding many in my price range (under$15000).

I have a RX350. A deer ran in front me me last fall, messed up some of the front. USAA took care of it. It was several thousand dollars, maybe $5 grand tops.

I don’t think my premiums are unreasonably high. The other car is a LS430 Sport.

We’re old, solid citizens, retired, don’t drive that much these days.

I am a Lexus fan now. I bought a ES300 in 1996, my wife drove it. The investment company had several ES300/350s over the years, all good.

The LS is my second one, outstanding both.

I own a Lexus GS350 and a Lexus RX350. I'm thinking you're not going to get much break on an Infiniti for insurance.

When I bought the GS350, I was first looking at Infiniti. Switched to Lexus when the dealer wanted to sell me last year's demo for basically new. Went and bought the GS350.

I like the RX350. Quiet enough. It used regular gas instead of premium. I'm going to try and buy another RX350 next time around.

I have a 2013 GS350 and after owning it for 4 years, I'm still in love with this car!

JP

Had a RX 330, son has it now. Bought it with 50,000, still going in Atlanta traffic with 230,000. I am a Lexus fan now!
Insurance seemed to be on par with similar vehicles.

Thanks for the feedback.

Several GXs and RXs (300 to 350); great, reliable, easy driving cars. Sort of like driving your living room, which ends up problematic if you like driving a driver's car....

Timely topic. Last night my wife I went to dinner with an old friend and his wife. Back in 2003 I sold him my 2000 model LS400, which he drove for 5 years then sold it to a friend and bought a new GS350.

I asked him if the GS was giving him good service. Said he'd had no problems at 67k miles but he missed the LS. And he regularly sees his old LS and his buddy continues to thank him for selling it.

we've had 2 LS400s and 1 GS400 and my wife drove an IS300 wagon. All were trouble free.

We got a 2007 RX350 about 2010, Lexus certified car. Traded it for a new one this past Jan, wife loves it. Dealer sold the old one for 15k in 3 days. I was going to buy her am Audi Q7, she decided she liked the Lexus better. Saved ~ $30K

What kind of mileage are you looking at? I would trust a higher mileage Lexus over an Infiniti with the same mileage any day of the week. The interior on older Infiniti’s (mid 2000’s) seems to fall apart with use. Lots of cheap plastics that have crappy rubberized coating that peels off. Especially the interior door handles. Lexus uses higher quality materials. Infiniti’s also usually have dated electronics. When I bought my last convertible I looked at a 2016 Q60 and it was the same exact car as a 2009 G37 convertible. Nothing had changed in 7 years except the name plate.

GS350 owner here, F Sport, 2015, Atomic Silver, I bought a CPO from a Lexus dealer, could not be happier, really wanted a german ride, but everyone here (and even my salesman, who sold BOTH, said stick with the GS 350 Fsport, plus it comes with a 100k warranty , has 30k on it and I paid 36 for it, fully loaded w levinson and sunroof, HUD all that

Infinity’s are nice cars for sure, but even they lag behind Lexus in terms of reliability. I’ve had both and recently weighed buying a G37 or GS350. After searching for a couple of weeks I found a sweet 2013 F Sport GS350. Love the car.

quote:

Originally posted by Dusty78:
What kind of mileage are you looking at? I would trust a higher mileage Lexus over an Infiniti with the same mileage any day of the week. The interior on older Infiniti’s (mid 2000’s) seems to fall apart with use. Lots of cheap plastics that have crappy rubberized coating that peels off. Especially the interior door handles. Lexus uses higher quality materials. Infiniti’s also usually have dated electronics. When I bought my last convertible I looked at a 2016 Q60 and it was the same exact car as a 2009 G37 convertible. Nothing had changed in 7 years except the name plate.

I’m looking at vehicles with under 75k on them. From the looks of the posts I’m leaning toward Lexus. I drove a 2010 model yesterday and liked it but it was obvious the owner never maintained it.

Any time I can complement my LS 430 I will. Can't kill it, 165000 miles, flawless.
Does everything well.

quote:

Originally posted by armored:
Any time I can complement my LS 430 I will. Can't kill it, 165000 miles, flawless.
Does everything well.

There’s a 2005 430 for sale near me with 70000 miles on it. I’m tempted to look at it but I wanted something a bit newer. The other ones I’ve seen are out of my price range.

2001 ES300 with 196K and a 2008 ES350 with 75K. Both cars are great. Still driving both. The '01 has some quirks now but looks and drives great. The '08 gets better mileage even with a larger engine, is nearly perfect function wise with a few obligatory exterior dings with a great interior.

Both held up well and insurance wise not really out of line. Hit a dear with the '01 and the insurance covered all but was not too out of line.

From that list if you are looking for a comfortable but fun drive, go with the G35/37. If you lean more toward luxury only, go with the Lexi.

I had one of the original '03 G35 sedans, when my stoopid daughter totaled it replaced it with an '07 G35 sedan, both were rock solid, had ~120K on the 07 when sold last year. Many times I still regret selling it, but never replaced anything but brakes and tires on either.

If you need a little more room their mid-size crossovers from the same era are similar drivetrain.

The Infiniti may be a bit sportier to drive but the Lexus will have better long term reliability.

178k miles on my 2003 IS300 now with no repairs, I purchased it at 40k miles. I'd like a newer one but this one still runs great so I'm curious to see now long it will go. I haven't even replaced a single ball joint, strut/shock absorber, or exhaust gasket. Just gas, oil, brakes, tires, and 1 timing belt job.

I had a 2010 RX350 that was super comfortable to drive, problem free. Great vehicle. Traded it in on a Tundra. Holds value very well

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
I’m looking at buying a used vehicle and I’d like to know what forum members experience is with these models (reliability, problem areas etc). I’m looking at 2008-2010 years of these models - Infiniti G35 or G37,

I have a 2003 FX35 - different from the model you're looking at but same drive train, the 3.5 V6. I have 91,000 miles on it with no drivetrain issues, had some body work problems - the trim on the deck lid needed replacing (twice) under warranty due to warping in the heat, and a dash that cracked severely, not under warranty. It's been relaible and fun to drive overall, and were going to keep it for now,