Help deciding- need feedback for G35 purchase

[leojs]

Greetings all--

I have been driving maximas for the past 12 yrs. I've put over 220K on each one I have had-- love those cars. The Maxima forums were a huge value, I am thinking this place may be the same for the Infiniti's.

I'm considering a G35 right now, never owned one. Budget is allowing me to get something in the 2004 or 2005. Looking at ones with AWD, sedan not coupe.

I'm seeking feedback from you experienced owners/mechanics-- with the maximas I used to try and avoid buying the first year of a new gen for good measure. Aside from just being a year newer, are there any bug fixes/enhancements on the 05's vs. the 04's for the G35?

Thanks for any feedback. Also, the one I am considering heavily right now does not have a factory GPS. Not sure how hard to add one would be. I also wouldn't mind after market if the power could be integrated somehow vs. using the lighter adaptor, I just don't like all the cords.

Thank you!


Modified by leojs at 10:33 AM 6/15/2007

[weightpushr7]

I don't know about the rest but you can easily integrate the power without having any cords visible. You can get all of that looking real nice

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO (G35 side )

The general rule of thumb is to try and get the newest model you can afford. They just kept getting better in every model year! I love my 05, but it still has quirks (seatbelt) that were addressed in the 06. But I hate the 06 spoiler...so it's really a matter of preference.

Look over some of the previous threads for more specific comparisons between the model years.

[Onslaught31]

If you love your maximas, just remember they're (more or less) the same car, just different bodies. Here's how I'd rate the G35:

Reliability: Engine is top notch. Just look at the list of awards, including most reliable engine. Little things might need tweaking, but that should be taken into account when you buy a high(er) end car. Shouldn't run into any repair (excluding maintenance) that costs more than $200 within your first few years.

Comfort: On this subject, get the newest possible model you can afford. The launch year (which I own) is still an amazing car, but they didn't have owner feedback or experience to really make an interior that you want to sleep in. The newer models are streamlined, beautiful, elegant, and comfortable. '03-'04 feels like you're in a racecar: less comfort, more oomph. '05-07 they've switched it. It's no longer a comfortable race car, it's a really fast luxury car.

Performance: Every model is extremely fast (for day-to-day standards). Doubt you'd notice the difference in power from an '06 to an '07 for instance, so don't let that change your decision. I've personally taken mine to 145 mph, and it still didn't want to back down. The power will translate to much higher maintenance costs though. Expect to replace brakes on a more regular basis (unless you upgrade) or the rotors will get destroyed too. It also devours oil like a beast. Even with synthetic (life of 6k miles), I'd change it about every 4k or so. Air filters are another big concern. Consider upgrading intake to an oil filter, which is cheap, and washable! Lastly, most people forget about it, but transmission flushes are a must. Probably about every 15k miles.

Lastly, it's more cost effective to get an aftermarket GPS, they work better and cost less. If you have a few extra bucks, get it wired professionally to the car battery so you don't use cigarette lighter, or see cables.

Sounds like a list of negatives, but overall the car is amazing, definitely worth it in my opinion. Hope this helps

[leojs]

Thanks so much for the feedback for those that replied. I am narrowing it down, looking like these three may be good candidates. I'd like the AWD, I drive a lot between PA and MI, would likely provide some reassurance on the turnpike and highway in the winter.

Any thoughts on these would be great. The 2006 seller is seeking $23,500, the others are from dealers and would likely sell for slightly less than the 'buy it now'.

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

(not sure if that one has AWD though)

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

or

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

thanks all!

[telcoman]

Here is my $0.02cents

I have a 06 G35 sedan 6sp manual & it is the best vehicle I have ever owned in over 40 years of driving. I drove mine during the Valentines Day snow and ice storm in NJ last February. Having the ability to downshift & not use the brakes saved me from accidents as I watched a SUV infront of me apply brakes, do a double 360 and slide across the Garden State Parkway and crash into the guardrail. I don't believe AWD is all that useful unless you are attempting to drive in deep unplowed snow. Here in NJ the turnpike is kept clear. The GSP is in some sections is not that great but having the 6speed makes driving in bad weather easier. Best thing is to stay home during infrequent snow storms and get the 6 speed manual. You'll enjoy it.

telcoman

[zozoka1212]

I have no experience on the older versions. I bought my G last November when they came out with the new design(2007). It is AWD. I tried the sport version and the AWD that time. Sorry Telcoman I have to disagree with your input. I am from Canada we have snow a lot and that time We already had snow I took both of them out for a testdrive 2X before I bought it. There is a huge different between AWD and RWD at least on the 2007 model. I've never tried the 2006 or older. I assume they would act same or similar.

Zozoka

[joe603]

Another point to mention is the standard traction control system. It's one of the best in the industry, and will save your butt!

[Onslaught31]

In all cars I've driven, AWD is more of a preference and not a necessity. If you really NEED all four wheels moving to keep you on the ground, then you probably shouldn't be driving in that weather anyway lol

This is mainly because the traction control is like an artificial inteligence. To put it in perspective, I live in Florida, home of some of the worst summer storms in the United States. I wanted to test the traction control, so on a straight, empty, soaking wet road, I willfully gave it too much gas. Even around turns, once you've lost traction, it will slow down the appropriate wheel to keep your car going straight. I've never been able to get the car going anywhere but straight when the traction control is on.

Oh, and did I mention you can do donuts in a RWD? That's a big plus too