Final Comparison (possibly...) Used G35 vs New Altima Coupe

[coupenthusiast25]

Hey again,

So yeah, a used (as in 30-50K miles) G35 w/ Navi or a new 2.5 Altima Coupe w/ Premium?

The Used G35 (if I look around) will obviously be cheaper, but thoughts?Like, for example: http://www.cars.com/go/search/...=true

Which looks really great... at $17.9K

I want a car that looks great (obviously both of these cars fit that bill), has great performance (I AM in Southern California, so I dunno if FWD is the best option, not sure though), and is decent at the gas station.

So, have at it!

Edit: Another question: does the 2.5 S w/ Premium Package have the HID lights? - I've heard conflicting reports..
Modified by coupenthusiast25 at 11:47 PM 10/3/2007

[shift_mikey]

Your talking about 2 completely different animals. your talking about a 300hp rear wheel drive G35 compaired to a 175hp front wheel drive altima

[Serkle K]

Shift_Miley is right... However I see where you are coming from. I was in the same boat. I was looking to get a used G35 cause I know it is a hot car and it's pretty much what I wanted.... and then upon searching for a used manual G, I came to realize a few things... 1) I couldnt find Manual that wasn't still new or priced as, so it was definitly way out of my price range, even for a bare-bones G (and who wants a bare bomes base model anything), ... 2) I didn't want to take on a car with a used transmission that I didnt know much about the previous driver(s)/owner(s), and 3) I fell better knowing that the life of the A/C would start with me, and that I would know what happened to the car, and get what I want too...

So you really have to think about what you really want more. A G35, or the A/C... and then think about if you would really want to take on a used car, not matter the model, or a brand new car....

I really want to be able to get my own brand new car, so I'll opt for the A/C

Many people will try to argue that the A/C is just a poor mans G/Z... My reply... I'm not rich so I'll get what I can take. And I know I'll have fun with it.

[generic808]

I faced the same dilemma as you are in, but my choices were between the G35 sedan and the Altima SE V6 sedan. I chose the Altima V6 sedan because it saved me thousands, while still delivering performance (270HP and sport tuned suspension) and comfort. Choosing between a FWD 175HP car and the RWD 300HP is another story in itself. There basically is no comparison! If you are seriously considering an Altima coupe, I'd suggest you look into the V6, then you'll have a little better comparison to go by. If gas mileage and insurance are big concerns, then by all means, go with the 4-banger. It's all a matter of preference and what you want/need in a car.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Hey again,

So yeah, a used (as in 30-50K miles) G35 w/ Navi or a new 2.5 Altima Coupe w/ Premium?

The Used G35 (if I look around) will obviously be cheaper, but thoughts?Like, for example: http://www.cars.com/go/search/...=true

Which looks really great... at $17.9K

I want a car that looks great (obviously both of these cars fit that bill), has great performance (I AM in Southern California, so I dunno if FWD is the best option, not sure though), and is decent at the gas station.

So, have at it!

Edit: Another question: does the 2.5 S w/ Premium Package have the HID lights? - I've heard conflicting reports..

Modified by coupenthusiast25 at 11:47 PM 10/3/2007

This one has been discussed a couple of times - so I'm not sure if there is anything new to add - you may even ruffle some Altima Coupe owner's feathers.

The car in your example has 75k miles - If you bump your budget up to 20k or around 25k (avg price for a 4 cylinder Altima) - you could get a G35 with less than 20k miles. Below is an example - there are other deals out there like this and better.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

I got a great deal on my G35 fully loaded for 24k w 8k miles.

Also keep in mind for the comparison - a base Infiniti is not the same as a base Altima - usually the base models of higher line cars come standard with more equipment than lower line cars do - for example the G35 comes standard with 6 cylinder engine, Xenon headlights and 17" alloy wheels. The base Altima comes standard with 4 cylinder engine, regular Halogen headlights and steel wheels w/ hub caps.

Modified by Cali 2 Balti G at 12:20 PM 10/4/2007
Modified by Cali 2 Balti G at 12:29 PM 10/4/2007

[doi]

thats not even a question worth asking you would be pissing ur money away getting a 2.5 instead of the used G

[LongBeachCoupe]

To each his own... Im not too excited about driving a car thats been out on the road for 3 yrs... i dont care about the miles... its not like its a sylvia or something...

Take all the extras you get and add them up... Who drives around a g35 and gets compliments?

2 people asked me about the car when i was at the post office today...

In addition, ive done some... uhh... interesting things in my last car... i wonder whose bare *** was on the seat before you bought it!

My boss at my last job was an a$$hole and a half, so i made it a point to slouch my pants and leave my bare *** on the leather of his 745....

I wonder who bought his car after the lease ended!

[AltiCoupeDriver]

This is such an easy choice. The used G is the way to go. Spending about 6K less and getting a 300HP RWD luxury coupe instead of a base 2.5 is a win in my book. I had a G coupe for about a month before trading it in for a 3.5 Altima coupe. I traded it because I know I would be better off and get more use with a FWD car. The Alti Coupe was the answer to my prayers. Considering you live in SoCal I would definitely go with the sportier G and save money. Dont get me wrong guys I love my Alti Coupe.

[coupenthusiast25]

Thanks a lot for all the input guys...one question, how would the insurance premiums be (This is my second year driving after I got my license) for the G vs the A/C?

I doubt my parents would agree to save some cash on the initial purchase if it will get totally blown out of proportion in the insurance costs...

Thanks!

[generic808]

The insurance difference may be substantial considering one is a 300HP RWD sports car and the other is a gas saving 4 cylinder. Off the top of my head, I'd say probably at least a 25-35% difference. Just call your insurance to get a ballpark figure quote.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

To each his own... Im not too excited about driving a car thats been out on the road for 3 yrs... i dont care about the miles... its not like its a sylvia or something...

Take all the extras you get and add them up... Who drives around a g35 and gets compliments?

2 people asked me about the car when i was at the post office today...

In addition, ive done some... uhh... interesting things in my last car... i wonder whose bare *** was on the seat before you bought it!

My boss at my last job was an a$$hole and a half, so i made it a point to slouch my pants and leave my bare *** on the leather of his 745....

I wonder who bought his car after the lease ended!

LBC - after reading your post all I could say was -

When you get to be a certain age - you don;t need to be validated by others?

I get compliments on my car all the time - but that is not a reason to buy a car - Also where do you think Nissan looked to for some of the Altima Coupe styling signatures - especially the rear end and side profile?

To suggest that the G doesn't get compliments? Well that is almost as silly as putting your bare a$$ on someone's seat. Actually what you did wasn't silly it was plain nasty. What if you would have gotten caught? Like to see you explain that one. I'm surprised you would even admit on a public forum that you did that.

The used G versus new Altima is a good discussion when the posts have actual facts otherwise...

LBC - here is a picture of my G - honestly what do you think?



Maybe we can do a friendly comparison. Photo for Photo, spec for spec - and see what the forum thinks. My 4 year old used G35 (that may have had some nasty a$$ kid put his but in) to your spanking new Altima Coupe.


Modified by Cali 2 Balti G at 6:45 PM 10/4/2007

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Thanks a lot for all the input guys...one question, how would the insurance premiums be (This is my second year driving after I got my license) for the G vs the A/C?

I doubt my parents would agree to save some cash on the initial purchase if it will get totally blown out of proportion in the insurance costs...

Thanks!

You had better get some quotes- I don't think one can automatically assume that a used G would be higher to insure. Now a used 350z might be more expensive just because it is a 2 seater ( I think this is one of the things that define sports car to a insurance company) Several things work in the Gs favor. It is a used car so the replacement cost would in many cases be less than that of a New Altima. The car has been on the market awhile with a proven safety record. Replacement parts are readily available for the G. Body shops have experience with the G etc.

I would think either way - your age would be the biggest determinant of your insurance cost.

[doi]

The four cylinder would be a hell of a lot cheaper its my second year of driving and im paying about 3500 a year for insurance on the 3.5 coupe.

[mikemart]

Sweet car Cali. I take back everything bad I ever said about you! I don't care what everyone says , you're alright in my book. j/k----but f**king bad #ss car man!!

[SHIFT_2.5S]

LBC - after reading your post all I could say was -

When you get to be a certain age - you don;t need to be validated by others?

I get compliments on my car all the time - but that is not a reason to buy a car - Also where do you think Nissan looked to for some of the Altima Coupe styling signatures - especially the rear end and side profile?

To suggest that the G doesn't get compliments? Well that is almost as silly as putting your bare a$$ on someone's seat. Actually what you did wasn't silly it was plain nasty. What if you would have gotten caught? Like to see you explain that one. I'm surprised you would even admit on a public forum that you did that.

The used G versus new Altima is a good discussion when the posts have actual facts otherwise...

LBC - here is a picture of my G - honestly what do you think?

Maybe we can do a friendly comparison. Photo for Photo, spec for spec - and see what the forum thinks. My 4 year old used G35 (that may have had some nasty a$$ kid put his but in) to your spanking new Altima Coupe.

Modified by Cali 2 Balti G at 6:45 PM 10/4/2007

Cali 2 Balti G, you are seriously funny. That was a funny, yet true, statement. I completely understand where you are coming from. I get flamed on numerous occasions because I got a 2.5S instead of the 3.5SE, and I probably overpaid for the 2.5S because I got it 3 weeks after the coupe came out. I just ignore people and you are absolutely right - I don't need to validate myself to anyone. My choice is my own personal choice. People have certain needs and preferences. I really like my 2.5S, even though it doesn't have as much hp as your G35 or the next man's 3.5SE. I am not into racing and would rather save money on insurance/fuel than spend more on a more powerful car. I just don't have a need for all that power, especially in LA traffic. Needless to say, I love the looks of your G35. Yet I still love my Altima Coupe, even if its a 2.5S. It will last me for many years. I think each person should appreciate the car he/she bought, particularly because that person probably bought *that* specific car for specific reasons. This forum is not a competition to see whose car is better/faster/cooler/etc. It is a bunch of enthusiasts getting together to discuss their cars, regardless of whether it is a 2.5, 3.5, or G35. Enough said.

[coupenthusiast25]

good job! I love this forum too

Okay, my dad was talking to me today and he suggested getting a used Audi TT (manual, that's the only way to go with an Audi sports car!) for much, much cheaper: like to the tune of $13-14K...

How does this rate up to the aforementioned cars - the G coupe and the A/C?

[Cali 2 Balti G]

good job! I love this forum too

Okay, my dad was talking to me today and he suggested getting a used Audi TT (manual, that's the only way to go with an Audi sports car!) for much, much cheaper: like to the tune of $13-14K...

How does this rate up to the aforementioned cars - the G coupe and the A/C?

OK on behalf of all Altima, G35, and Nissan Pulsar owners - we are now kicking YOU off of this forum.

[coupenthusiast25]

haha, ummm sorry?

Really though, I had no idea about that inflammatory response, kinda new to this whole car-buying/racing/enthusiast circle...cut me some slack

Anyhow, thoughts?

[Goon]

I get a LOT of snow coverage in Central New York State, so I went with the Altima Coupe. I've heard numerous stories from spinning off in the snow or rain with a RWD. So, the A/C would was suitable in all weathers.

I was satisfied after losing control in my family's Z3, and really pulled away the G35. If I were to live in Cali or some place that doesn't get snow, I'd stick with the used G35, especially if it's compared to a 2.5 A/C.

The 3.5 and a used G35, I'd choose it based on how much I can drive it around all year from the weather. They are both beautiful cars, but safety comes first. Maybe I can afford the G35, I'd take that on as a summer vehicle, but a convertible would be just as nice. :p

Side by the side, the bodies are the same size, when I parked mine next to a G35. It's uncanny.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

I get a LOT of snow coverage in Central New York State, so I went with the Altima Coupe. I've heard numerous stories from spinning off in the snow or rain with a RWD. So, the A/C would was suitable in all weathers.

I was satisfied after losing control in my family's Z3, and really pulled away the G35. If I were to live in Cali or some place that doesn't get snow, I'd stick with the used G35, especially if it's compared to a 2.5 A/C.

The 3.5 and a used G35, I'd choose it based on how much I can drive it around all year from the weather. They are both beautiful cars, but safety comes first. Maybe I can afford the G35, I'd take that on as a summer vehicle, but a convertible would be just as nice. :p

Side by the side, the bodies are the same size, when I parked mine next to a G35. It's uncanny.

I think the biggest difference is FWD - if you need FWD then the Altima is your choice.

With regard to size I alway thought the G35 coupe was longer - I'll get back to you with actual specs. Back seat is bigger on the G.

I got a chance to look at the specs and the 2 cars are within an inch in most areas except wheelbase - the Gs wheelbase is about 7 inches longer.

I think that is the main and one of the few things I don't like about the Altima Coupe's appearance. I think it looks too short in length. Especially if you look at the area between the front wheel and the front of the door.


Modified by Cali 2 Balti G at 4:23 AM 10/5/2007

[Cali 2 Balti G]

haha, ummm sorry?

Really though, I had no idea about that inflammatory response, kinda new to this whole car-buying/racing/enthusiast circle...cut me some slack

Anyhow, thoughts?

I was obviously joking, nothing inflammatory that's why I even included the outrage of the Nissan Pulsar owners

You start a hot topic and then switch up to talking about Audi TTs - good luck on getting Audi feedback here. Is the audi a 2 seater, also I've heard that maintenance is really high.

Looks like your budget won't get you either of the 2 cars in the original comparison.

[generic808]

An Audi TT for $13-14K??? Uhmm...what model year is it, may I ask? For that price, I bet it's an '01 w/60,000+ miles. The Audi may cost less now, but I can almost guarantee you'll end up spending about the same, or even more in future repair and maintenance costs. Not to mention the outrageous price on OEM parts and even aftermarket gear.

And yes, it is only a two-seater. Well, all the best to you if you decide on the Audi. Just remember, the repair and maintenance costs will be much higher than that of a Nissan. And you will be out of warranty so be prepared to pay out-of-pocket. Good luck!!

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Sweet car Cali. I take back everything bad I ever said about you! I don't care what everyone says , you're alright in my book. j/k----but f**king bad #ss car man!!

Does this mean I still get a beer when you visit Maryland.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

I get a LOT of snow coverage in Central New York State, so I went with the Altima Coupe. I've heard numerous stories from spinning off in the snow or rain with a RWD. So, the A/C would was suitable in all weathers.

I was satisfied after losing control in my family's Z3, and really pulled away the G35. If I were to live in Cali or some place that doesn't get snow, I'd stick with the used G35, especially if it's compared to a 2.5 A/C.

The 3.5 and a used G35, I'd choose it based on how much I can drive it around all year from the weather. They are both beautiful cars, but safety comes first. Maybe I can afford the G35, I'd take that on as a summer vehicle, but a convertible would be just as nice. :p

You hit the nail on the head because I kinda consider the G for me to be a 3 season car - I have a truck to drive when the temps drop and it snows. Inclement weather is where the FWD Altima would have an advantage over the G.

My car will be going under the car cover come winter (I may put the stock wheels back on so I can drive in the colder temperatures) - then I will stop neglecting my original baby - Big Blue!!! Dodge Ram Quad Cab.



For those folks replacing tires make sure you take into account winter driving habits. My Kumhos are summer tires - which aren't supposed to be driven in near freezing tempatures.


Modified by Cali 2 Balti G at 12:07 PM 10/8/2007

[LongBeachCoupe]

Cali... mind you im in NY with snow... but in CA/FL where theres rolling highways and areas you can really fly... i would feel funny... Maybe its just paranoia, but i cant see paying 20k+ on a used car... It would never be right in my mind...

On a car comparison note, im not concerned with what they both look like now, but rather what they both look like in 4 years... I plan on keeping the car until atleast 80k....

And the cumulative maintenance costs on both, including the difference in insurance over 4 yrs, and gas cost differential.

The combination of all of these is why i pick the coupe... but ive always looked at things differently than others...

[coupenthusiast25]

well, my budget is really anywhere around $20K, but I just figured that Audi was a pretty reliable car that wouldn't need so much upkeep...btw, the cars i'm looking at are 2003-2004ish with 30-50K miles ~ not so bad, i guess.

The way I thought of it, if I do manage to get it for $13-14G then i could spend the other 6-7K on like chips, cat-back systems, etc...I don't really know much about them except that I'd get the Coupe w/ manual; that way I'd have the two seats in the back (incredibly cramped seats, but my friends can suffer hehe), and not have to pay a ton more the insurance of a "convertible/roadster".

I'm keeping all 3 of the cars in my mind, I just figured that I might be able to save some money; although I did not expect for the reliability to be that bad...is it really?

[generic808]

Come on now, it's a European car They're not really known for their reliability. But I guess every car is different. My best friend, for some odd reason, loves her Bimmers. Needless to say, all of her cars have always been in the shop for one thing or another. Of course she doesn't keep her cars for more than 2-3 years, so warranty really isn't an issue for her. Me on the other hand, I drive my cars for around 5 years, so reliability, maintenance and upkeep are big issues for me. Being that the Audi is going to be 3-4 years old, it will be out of the warranty period (unless it's extended, but I highly doubt that for $13K), therefore, any repairs will be out of your pocket. Just keep that in mind.

But on the positive, $13K for a 3 year old Audi with only 30K miles is a steal. I'd jump on that if I didn't buy my Altima. I can't imagine anyone selling their Audi for that cheap! They would be losing thousands and thousands of dollars because it blue books for much higher. It sounds a little too far fetched, but if the opportunity presents itself, buy the Audi.

[mikemart]

for sure.I'll even drive us in my (future, currently non-existent) Silver Altima coupe and you can tell me how great MY car is!

[generic808]

I just BB the TT coupe at 2003 with 40,000 miles and in "GOOD" condition. You can expect to pay around $18,300 for a base model. At "FAIR" it's $16,880 and "EXCELLENT" it's $19,365. So if you can get it at $5000 below that, buy it immediately. If you don't want it, turn around and sell it for a few thousand more and you can buy a V6 SE model. But realistically, I don't see anyone selling theirs in even a decent codition for below $16K.

[coupenthusiast25]

Oh haha, sorry about the confusion...I accidentally factored the trade-in I would get (about $4-5K) from a dealer when buying the car.

This brings the price closer to $18K...

Here's another one I saw, from 2001:http://consumerguide.cars.com/...=true$16.8K - 4K (trade in) is a damn decent price for ~50K miles.

But I really don't know...I was planning on having it for college, or at least a majority of college, but if it is not that reliable, I may have to go with the G35 coupe...

EDIT: even this car looks nice...without the spoiler and everything too http://www.automotive.com/2000...dex=3

$12.995 without trade in, 46K miles