Can a G35 coupe 6MT serve as a "Jack of all trades"?

[Klayfish]

My first post on this forum, hello all. Let me try to make a long story as short as possible and get to my question.

For a very long time, I've chosen to drive a crappy daily driver (currently a '99 Protege) and keep a really cool weekend only car. Most recently, it was a 525hp '98 Corvette. I finally decided I was tired of commuting 40+ miles each way in a 10 year old econobox. So I sold the Corvette. I'm keeping the Mazda, as it's worth more to me than anyone else if I sold it. So I'll still use the Mazda a few times a week and in bad weather.

Thought of getting a luxury car, but couldn't live with a barge...unless I had weekend car. On the other side, I don't want a hard core sports car for daily driving, as I'd like a nice ride and some luxuries. So I'm looking for something that can serve many purposes.

I've got it narrowed down to the '05 GTO or a G35 coupe 6MT. Yes, the GTO is quite different. To me, the G35 has lots of advantages, but I do like the 400hp V8 of the GTO. I do have experience with the G35, as my wife and I took delivery of an '04 G35x in Dec. '03. We kept it a few years before family life had us sell it. But that was an AWD auto sedan, so I'm sure it's a bit different than a stick coupe.

How does the G35 coupe serve as a daily commuter? The good, the bad, the ugly, and the unexpected? It'd be 99% street use, but money permitting, I'd like to run a few autox and one or two HPDE events per year. How does the stock G35 perform on the HPDE tracks like Pocono or Watkins Glen?

Lastly, any opinions on model year and options packages? I'm aware of the changes in power, interior and lack of Brembo option from '04 to '05. Price range is sub $18k. So what would you recommend for someone wanting luxury and performance? Can the G35 serve as the jack of all trades?

Thanks!

Steve

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO!

Yes it can! The G35 is a sporty luxury car (the M series are a luxury sports car).

First let me say that the G35 coupe is an awesome car and would do well in a commute. If you get a lot of stop and go, the auto might be better suited.

As with anyone, I recommend the newest model you can afford. The 03-04's might be less expensive, but they have unique problems and less (if any) warranty left. The 05-07 coupes are the same with minor differences in options through the years.

Search the forum for specifics. I would also recommend looking at the G-Series FAQ (link in my sig) for tons of info.

good luck with your purchase and post up if you have any more questions!

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

You can get a 05 or 06 coupe with the sport package and loaded with lower miles and pay that!

The G is expensive on brakes if you take it to the events.

I have a sedan with the 6mt and i commute over 40 miles one way to work and school and Love every min of it!

GTO is crap and you will know it because it will be falling apart soon!

DJ

[370Z/28]

Oh....please don't go with the GTO. They look like nothing more than a glorified Grand Am.

A couple of guys in my F-body club had them and look at this post from one of them: "GTOs are notorious for the struts rubbing the tires then exploding or something. It happened on my 2005 right after I sold it.."

I would do a G8 before I would do a GTO. Just remember that GM builds crap and they don't care. If they file bankruptcy, no telling what would happen with service or parts.

I love my G, and I have my Z28 when I get the need for American Muscle. I find myself driving it less and less though.

[joe603]

I'm with ya on the F-body. I used to have a 97 firebird formula V8. It was a good car, but nowhere near the fit and finish of my G35.

[valeram]

Include a sedan in your choice if you want more flexibility.

[Klayfish]

Thanks for the responses everyone, and I'd love to keep hearing more!

Yeah, I've heard the strut rub is an achillies heel of the GTO. I also agree the GTO style isn't on par with the G35. But what really is a draw to the GTO is that it's a sports coupe with some degree of comfort, and it's stock with 400hp. Easy and cheap mods push it to 450+. I've also heard that the quality of Holden products, even though it's still GM, is above domestic Chevy, Pontiac, etc.... That said, I still lean towards the G35 for a lot of reasons. More luxury, better looks, more reliable, handles better. Just wish it was 350+ hp in stock form.

Definitely going the coupe route. I've got 3 little kids and a live in nanny (it's cheaper than using daycare). So we've got a minivan, and the wife has a large sedan that can haul everyone, so I'm covered there.

Steve

[joe603]

Just wish it was 350+ hp in stock form.

Don't we all....the new G37's have 330 stock, but I really wish the GT-R engine was an option.

[Poyzinous]

dont worry joe, a 400hp G50S is coming soon