'01-'05 IS300 vs '03-'07 G35 sedan vs '99-'05 330i
 

I've been looking into one of these 3 cars. Yea i've look at reviews online and stuff, but i wanna get some opinions by people who owns or have owned one of these. Main things i like to know are:

- cost of insurance
- fuel consumption
- reliability

Or maybe some other suggestions in this category? (used, RWD sedan, around $15,000)

Have you thought about importing a 330i/330ci ZHP from Seattle/Portland? If you're buying used, I would aim to get the LCI model (for MY2004+). They fixed a few bugs here and there, and the refreshed look + the ZHP bumper/skirt treatment makes it the nicest looking 3 series in the past decade.

Reliability wise, a late model IS300 is your best bet. They're not exactly good on gas, and they hold their resale values really well (unless you dip into the 2001/2002 models).

I do not have personal experience with the G35, but the VQ35 engine "CAN" burn more oil than the other cars listed. Similar to the bimmer, they refreshed the model for MY2005..

Other cars to consider:

2002/2003 E39 530i M-Sport
2001 E38 740i Sport
2001+ GS300/430

$15,000? buy a car from Washington since the Canadian dollar is good now. Mate bought a mint 350z for a great price 1 week ago, exchange rate was 0.971.

I have an IS300... fuel consumption isn't good, but it isn't bad either depending on how you drive.

So far, it's been reliable other than its CD player. Most people would just swap for aftermarket players.

Are you looking at stick or auto? I heard the stick version has some issues.

But other than those, it's a very reliable car with a bulletproof engine.

of the cars you've mentioned

i find the G35 sedan, 05-07 to be the better choice, stray from the 03-04 g35's they're ugly inside. it's hard to pass up the power the G has over the 330 and the IS.

also, i'm one of the few people who don't like how some of the 3 series drive.