G37 vs everything else

[joe603]

As some of you guys may already know, I've been hinting that the G is on it's way out. If you don't know, I have a 2005 G35 coupe 6MT with a few mods. We now have a 1-year old and the car isn't practical. So the next car has to be a 4-door and automatic. I would like at least 400HP, but that not an easy number to get without getting really expensive. The cars with OEM FI systems can easily get to that number with simple mods (335i, S4)

Now, I was going to just get a G37...but there are lot's of options out there. Here is a list of comparable cars:

Audi S4BMW 335iBMW M3 (much more expensive...but its a killer 4-door sedan!)Lexus IS-F ($$$, don't like the exhaust)Cadillac CTS-V (again, much more expensive...but 556HP!)Pontiac G8 GXP

Anyone who own any of these cars or other models that you can think of, please speak up!

I plan on buying slightly used...under 10k miles to save some $$ unless there is a 0% deal.

[Kendahl]

How long do you plan to keep it? Audis and BMWs are expensive to maintain after the warranty ends.

A G37 sedan wouldn't be a bad choice as long as it has enough room in the back for a child seat. If it's too small, consider an M35 or M45.

[SVTCOBRA]

I vote for a low mileage 08 G35 Sedan in order to save a lot of $$$$Plus, in a few years when little bit is able to crawl in and buckle up on their own, you can get back into a coupe!!

[joe603]

I'll probably keep it 4-5 years. I definitely don't want another G35...gotta be at least a G37.

Here's a few photos of each car:

Audi S4

BMW 335i

BMW M3

Cadillac CTS-V

Infiniti G37

Lexus IS-F

Pontiac G8 GXP

[zozoka1212]

I vote for S4. I love how it looks. I always had a soft spot for Audi. I actually wanted an Audi and bought a Saab. If you want to go for the best hp with less mod $ go for the 335. You just can't b eat the JB3 and 335 combo. If you willing to do some harder mods the G with TT would be sensational. If you want reliability get the G. As much as I love the performance of the CTS-V it still screems old age to me. I can't see myself in one.

As I said before if you don't really mind the small interior in the 335 and hp is your thing go for the 335 when they fixed the HPFP issue.

[Graflo]

I had my mind set on the CTS-V before I bought the G. Online and on paper it was a lock. I sat in the car and was less than pleased with the cluster and the nav screen with the cheesy pop up display...

The real reason I didn't buy it was the CTS non V looked almost exactly the same to the average Joe. Only a few shiny mods here and the grill. Yes you get the V badge but nothing dramatic from the CTS. I noticed it seems popular with 2 groups... Old duffers at the golf course and poor rich white kids with baggy pants and sideways baseball caps.

IMO there are too many Beemers out there. Audi is nice and I would have bought one over the G if I didn't get warned by everyone I talked to about reliability and cost of repairs. If you're not going to keep it past warranty then it shouldn't be an issue.

I also looked at the Lexus IS F. Around $57K new fully loaded. 0-60 4.6sec and 416ish? hp. The car seemed too small for me.

My Favorite was the C63 AMG which is the same ballpark as the CTS-V around $70K loaded with a 4.3sec 0-60 and 457hp. Price was the only factor for me here. Car is a beast. But I like taking warm tropical vacations more...

I probably just made things worse... Your welcome.

[Poyzinous]

Joe, go out and check the 335. They have cramped rear seats. You may not find it accomodating.You already know I'd like to see you in a G. Loyalty pays off when you least expect it.

[joe603]

I like the Audi too...not many in my area which can be good and bad. Definitely not the cheapest option either.

[kmckis1029]

just to throw an american car in the bunch... what about a G8 GT or GXP?

should be roomy enough... and i always liked Pontiac two color interiors

GT:6.0L V8 with 361hp and 385 lb-ft of torque 6-speed automatic with DSC and Sport Mode

GXP:6.2L V8 with 415hp and 415 lb-ft of torque Available 6-Speed Manual Transmission Exclusive 19" Wheels

i didnt get to test drive this car when i brought my G... as it had just came out and i didnt know anything about it... on paper it looks nice.

[joe603]

hmmm...I do like the GXP.

Add another one!

[Poyzinous]

the G8 is a cool car!I like them. Unfortunately, they are only 3/4 year cars, as after that they fall apart somewhat. Not to mention they lose more value than a Whopper Jr with cheese. But In that case, I'd buy one that has less than 10k on it with a V8....

[joe603]

Yup, like most American cars, the resale value is terrible. But, after the initial hit taken driving off the lot, they decline at a normal rate.

There's a few 2009 G8 GXPs on Autotrader for mid 30's.

I had a 97 Firebird Formula and it was one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned! I think the only thing I had to replace in 7 years was a transmission mount...

[Poyzinous]

wooow. Good Job! My friend had a 98 camaro (same thing) for like 120k and it only had a few things blow up on him. He drove it from DC to mexico twice. Seriously. I haven't seen or heard from him in like 6 years though... Anyway... Joe I think I need to mail you something to help you make up your mind... how about emailing me with your info so I can send you a pre-purchase present ?

[hyperm3]

I guess Ill chime in since Ive spent the last 3 yrs with a 335. First, for those that say the rear is cramped, you must be like 6' 5 or something. The rear has a ton of room and id say probable the same as in the G. I think the trunk is even bigger in the 335. And who cares about the rear, youll never be back there since youre the driver!

The best thing for the OP to do is take everything hes got his sights on for the test drive. Thats the only way to get an idea of what you REALLY like. Once your butt is in the seat, youll know.

I had an A4 previous to this car and had nothing but problems. Unfortunately, Ive had my share of problems with the 335 as well. Ive had my O2 sensor replaced at 2500 miles, my oil sensor replaced at around 12k miles and my HFFP replaced at 18k. Not to mention that I now have my brake pad sensor warning light on my dash for the 6th time since new. I only have 24k on my car right now!

All that being said, the car is awesome to drive. I had it modified and it was running mid 12's in the 1/4 easily. Its back to stock now because the dealership and BMWNA gave me a ton of hassle(another reason Im not going back to BMW). Even being stock the car is super fun. I dont care who you talk to with what opinions, but there are no other luxury cars that handle or have the steering feel of a BMW(I said luxury because any true sports car should have great feel ie: porsche, lotus etc.)

Modding the car is very easy and if you dont want to go the power route, theres a TON of aftermarket in the looks department. Even just a set of wheels can make the car completely changed and not look like any other Bimmer out there.

All this being said, I wouldn't want to own a BMW without a warranty.

[zozoka1212]

^^^335 is about 6 inch smaller on legroom front and rear togeher than the G. Also the trunk space is about 4 cft smaller than the G.

Joe the GXP sound like a good idea.

Did they stopped the production on those already? You maybe lucky if you buy one. It should hold its value pretty good. Also the sound of the V8 hmm....

[Graflo]

I like the numbers of the Pontiac but IMO it lacks the styling and luxury feel of the other cars in the group. It looks like a beefed up grampa-mobile to me. Just not for me I guess.

[zozoka1212]

Front/side of the GXP looks like somewhat M3 ish. Def looks better than the 335 and Cadi. I still think S4 has the sexiest exterior look out of those.

Yes the GXP might not be as luxurious as the others but makes up at the power department for it. I think in my city they are closing the P{ontiac dealer. They just re did the whole thing last year. It was a huge renovation. Exterior interior everything. Hope they will be smart enough and bring another brand in the city. We don't have Mercedes dealer here. The neaest one is 15 miles away. Igf they do that I might buy MB for my next car.

[SVTCOBRA]

Didn't see any new/used GT's or GXP's at our local dealer yesterday.Drove a GT a while back. Not as tight as our G sedan. Numerous used GT's for sale locally, but only 1 GXP within 250 miles.Have to be careful not to get a used one for what you could have gotten a heavily discounted new one for.

[370Z/28]

Plus....unless you are paying cash, you will usually get better incentives and better interest rates on a new vehicle.

My Camaro has never given me much trouble mechanically. The "cheapness" of a GM product is more like the trim pieces and things like that. I rode in a friend of mine's new Escalade and a whole big panel of trim had fallen off the console. Just rediculous for a vehicle that expensive. I quit GM when the paint on my '01 WS6 started to bubble. It was a factory paint problem because it happend to everybody in my car club with that year f-body. Rediculous to pay $32k for a car and the paint bubble up after a year. I quit GM then and they will have to earn my business back. I don't see that happening.

[joe603]

I think the G8 is a bit different due to the fact it was designed under Holden. Here's the Wiki on it:

Launched in 2006 after GM's 2003 abandonment of their last European rear-drive sedan, the Opel Omega, the VE is the first Commodore model designed entirely in Australia, as opposed to being based on an adapted Opel-sourced platform.[120] Given this and high public expectations of quality, the budget in developing the car reportedly exceeded AU$1 billion.[121] Underpinned by the new GM Zeta platform, the VE features more sophisticated independent suspension all round and near-even 50:50 weight distribution, leading to improved handling.[122] Engines and transmissions are largely carried over from the previous VZ model.[123] However, a new six-speed GM 6L80-E automatic transmission was introduced for V8 variants, replacing the old four-speed automatic now relegated to base models.[124] The design of this new model included innovative features to help minimise export costs, such as a symmetrical centre console that houses a flush-fitting hand brake lever to facilitate its conversion to left-hand drive.[125] Internationally, the Commodore is again badge engineered as the Chevrolet Lumina and Chevrolet Omega, along with its new export market in the United States as the Pontiac G8.[126]

Variants by Holden's performance arm, HSV, were released soon after the sedan's debut, followed by the long-wheelbase WM Statesman/Caprice models.[127] The VE Ute did not enter production until 2007 whilst the Sportwagon began production in July 2008.[128][129] Since its release, the VE has been awarded Wheels Car of the Year, being the fifth Commodore model to do so.[130]

[370Z/28]

Ooh...ooh....here we go. A 4dr 911 http://editorial.autos.msn.com...09212

[joe603]

Ooh...ooh....here we go. A 4dr 911 http://editorial.autos.msn.com...09212

Super nice car...but they lost me at: "starting MSRP is $89,800, $93,800 and $132,600, respectively. "

[370Z/28]

Yup...all I can do is drool and use bowing smileys.

[Tim30250]

there are no other luxury cars that handle or have the steering feel of a BMW

I will agree with this statement. My e36 was by far the best steering car I've ever driven. Unfortunately, I think the steering has actually gotten a bit too loose and slightly more numb in the subsequent e46 and e90. It is still better than anything else in its class though. That being said, I choose the G37 over the 335 because it offered 90% of the performance and feel of the Bimmer for 75% of the price. The G also came with way more amenities and features which really tipped the scales in its favor.

All this being said, I wouldn't want to own a BMW without a warranty.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've owned my 330 for nearly 8 years now, half of that time has been out of warranty and I've never spent a penny on anything other than routine maintenance.

I'm going to find a piece of wood to knock on now...

[hyperm3]

That being said, I choose the G37 over the 335 because it offered 90% of the performance and feel of the Bimmer for 75% of the price. The G also came with way more amenities and features which really tipped the scales in its favor.

Which is why Im going with the G37 over anything else I'VE driven(and not back to BMW).

[Sentientbydesign]

I'm surprised the furd lovers didn't mention the Taurus SHO.

Subaru Legacy? 2.5 GT starting at 30k. 265 ponies out of a turbo 2.5L.

[pwlorraine]

I've got an Audi A6 2.7T and a BMW e36 vert, wife has a BMW X3. I've just bought a new g37 vert and am planning to sell the Audi and BMW shortly. I seriously looked at A5's, BMW 335's and decided on the Infiniti. Having said that, if the BMW was the same price as the Infiniti I would have chosen it - BMW handling is superb and the 335 engine is wonderful. There may be some issues down the line on the 335 associated with the turbo temperatures and the HPFP's. But the Infiniti wound up clobbering the BMW on price - particularly on Dec 31 when the dealers were very keen to get a deal done.

Audi's are absolutely beautiful cars, more so than BMW's in my opinion and handle nearly as well. You should drive an S4 - the 2010 S4 has a great supercharged 3L engine - probably close to 50k new.

Audi's and BMW's tend to be more expensive to own than Japanese cars as far as maintenance. BMW's usually have high residuals - around 60% for a 3 year lease - that keep lease prices reasonable. I would lease a BMW and buy an Audi as they depreciate faster - a one or two year old Audi can be a good deal. Look at the S5 if you can swing it - its a beautiful car to although the back seat is smaller than the S4. My Audi needs a fair share of service but I still love it.

The g37 vert I bought has many great features and feels quite luxurious - the handling is very good. I notice little things against the Audi and BMW - doors don't "thunk" the way they do in a german car for example, leather isn't quite as nice.

I'm not a fan of Lexus unless you are going just for comfort - I'd look at the Cadillac as I don't know much about them.

Peter

[SVTCOBRA]

I'm surprised the furd lovers didn't mention the Taurus SHO.

seat base is too short....

However, there is talk of a Mustang Sedan!! http://meguiarsonline.com/gall...n.jpg



reminds me of the taurus wagon we were sporting back when we had 3 ankle biters....was one of the BEST cars I ever bought!!! (for the situation)

[joe603]

The Caddy is all but gone. My wife HATES the rear end of the CTS and I agree with the sentiment that you cant really tell that you have the CTS-V vs. the base model.

Still love the M3...not much talk about that car for some reason. However, the car that's been on my mind is the G8 GXP. Same power as the M3, but for about half the price! Yes it wont handle on a track as well, but I don't see myself going to any tracks with my dd. I'm just concerned about the whole GM thing of killing Pontiac...

I'm surprised the furd lovers didn't mention the Taurus SHO.

Subaru Legacy? 2.5 GT starting at 30k. 265 ponies out of a turbo 2.5L.

Not a fan of styling on either car.

[zozoka1212]

How reliabable is the G8 GXP? If it is I'd pick that one. Seems like good amount of hp.

You should testdrive one. See if you like it.