I thought I would share my Infiniti buying experience. It’s an ok story nothing great. It all started when Infiniti put more horses in the I-30 and changed the name to the I-35. The car magazines stated that it was a very nice car with more punch and luxury than the Maxima. I started saving and told my wife this is the car I want. Then it was told that the Skyline would be coming to the US. I heard a little about the car saw a few pictures and thought I’ll keep saving and when the time comes I will make a decision. The month was February 2002 the place was the Raleigh Auto Expo. I saw the G-35 sedan up close for the 1st time. The doors were locked but when I inquired about the car the dealers opened the doors and let me examine this fine work of art. It had a very smart look and what? The back seats recline that’s different. The only thing I didn’t like was the little square box on the trunk. Which was fixed in the latter 03 models. I was still impressed with the I-35 and continued saving for that model.
October 2002, I somehow ended up at the Infiniti dealer. I got to test drive the G-35 SOLD well almost. I need to make sure the little lady can dive it too. I will return at a latter date to have the wife drive the I-35, G-35 sedan, and G-35 coupe. I will make my decision then place my order. I’m confident they don’t have what I want on the lot. This will allow me a few more months to save (wrong).
Road & Track rates the G35 as 1# in its class beating BMW. Car and Driver gives the G35 a very good report. Early November, take the lady to the Infiniti toy store. We take turns driving the cars in order I35, G35sedan, & G35 coupe. The wife drives the G35 coupe 85mph down the exit ramp not on the highway yet and is still hitting it. Slow down babe “oh I didn’t realize I was going that fast.” I really wanted a red coupe 6mt and really like the class of the I35. The loaded G35 sedan for me was the best of both worlds.
OK I’m cool, I will tell the dealer what I want and place the order. “Here’s the order form.” “What do you want?” I want a Caribbean blue w/t willow G35 sedan, aero, winter, sport, and premium package. I looked around I knew it wasn’t on the lot. “Oh OK go ahead and start on the order I’ll be right back.” He pulls my car around the front it still has the plastic over the seats and over the exterior of the car. “This what you want?” “We got it last night we had it in storage.” Dog, they got it on the lot! My heart just stopped. “Give us a deposit and we will hold it for you.” $500 down 2 people was scrambling to find a way to budget a new G35 4 months earlier than planed.
3 weeks later house refinanced and with a new budget plan, I got in my 1st new car. The smell of the new leather burned my sinuses (in a good way) this was a great day. 1 week latter Motor Trend awards the G35 as car of the year. To date it this car still receives as much sometime more attention than any other high performance European car. I can’t wait to take the cover off and drive this baby to work.
Kev…
