~~~Newbie~~~ G37MT6 vs G35MT6/X.

[dmshipley]

Let me first thank everyone for their insight, I have been bumping around here for the last couple hours (dress down Friday's ROCK~!) and have already learned more than I thought I could. With that said I have a couple of questions hopefully everyone can give their 2 cents on.

I currently have a 2003 Maxima 6 speed and I love it. However its to the point where I either have to get rid of it and get decent $$$ out of it or drive it into the ground. I also have a 2006 Expedition Limited that I take on long road trips, to Lowes, dogs to the vet, etc. I also have a 2006 Harley Davidson Screamin' Eagle Vrod. The point I am trying to make is that whatever I go with its going to be a partial driver, of course if I go with the G376MT it will be limited in the winter months.

Last night I drove a 2007 G35S and was amazed at the power and the responsivness. Also I drove a 2007 G35S6MT and liked it as well, the 15 minutes with the salesman didnt give me time to get used to the clutch and throtlle but I could tell it could take all I could throw at it.

I'm at the point where I first need to decided if I want the G35 of the G37... I like what I've read about the 37 and dont imagine I will read much bad about it, other than people trying to get under the skin of others (BMW). However the rule goes never buy the first model year rather the 2nd, anyone who bought a 37 take this into account?

As I said above I am not in need of space, if I went with the 35 it would be because (if as I have yet to drive the 37, Sunday) of it being more comfortable combined with the fact that its cheaper.

I read on here where the 35 and 37 are about the same off the line, imagine the 37 would take over and blow through corners quicker.

I think its an unforgone conclusion that whatever I get I am going to get the sport, prem, nav package. I am still trying to figure out the tech package, anyone make a reccommendation? Also I think if I go with the 37 I'll opt for the 6MT, how can you get a sports car in Auto?!

Lastly I read on here what people are paying. After running the numbers I've come up with a loaded Coupe Sport 6MT Dealer Invoice at $39,990 and the Suggested List at $44,080 or a 10% markup. When people are saying the are paying invoice are the referring to the sticker in the window or actually what the dealer paid for it?

I am sorry for the long winded message, not very thought out and not proofed but I wanted to get my thoughts out there.

[mranderson]

...However the rule goes never buy the first model year rather the 2nd, anyone who bought a 37 take this into account?.

Gave it some thought for about 2.5 seconds is all. It's second generation of the G35 so basically the same underlying vehicle, just more refined... and man is that refinement beautiful! BIG differences being the new engine and redesigned cockpit. Since the present cockpit was developed and introduced with the 2007 G35 Sedan, I didn't personally feel the "rule of thumb" had a lot of weight and application in this instance.

Good luck with the decision.

[dmshipley]

Thanks for the reply, that makes total sense and I hadnt taken it into account. You are right, shouldnt be an issue.

I have made the decision to move forward with the G37. However I still have some difficult decisions to make, color, options, whether to settle or to order.

1) Infiniti of Columbus (Ohio) has 3 S 6MT's on the lot; 1 black w/ graphite, 1 athens blue w/ stone and I believe a amethyst graphite w/ graphite. - the athens blue has the active steering; can anyone speak on this? Is this worth getting? To date I havent driven anything without it as the dealer (good imo) doesnt like their cars going out unless you think you are going to buy it. The reason I ask is because if this option isnt a big deal it opens up many other cars they have on the lot.

2) I am having trouble with the athens blue, I like the color but I question whether its masculine or more of a "girlie" color?

3) I have owned one other black on black car and from memory I know it was a pain to keep clean but more importantly it showed scratches and nicks a lot easier. I am planning on option for the nose mask which I expect to help.

4) Above I mentioned the mask; my dealer seems to believe that they can apply the nose mask to the front fascia. I think I read on here where people on here have been told its not possible?

5) The red w/ graphite is starting to grow on me. Problem is that a) its in Texas and any dealing is going to be lost since they have to truck it in. b) it has every possible option and I'm not certain that the tech package is worth it. Can anyone speak on the tech package?

6) If I decide I want the red w/ graphite and no tech I will have to order it, they tell me that it takes approx. 90 days from start to finish (this is of course if I decide the athens doesnt work either)

7) As I mentioned before I have a 03 Maxima SE 6 speed. The only mod I have done is the cold air intake and it made a HUGE difference (this is going to be traded in on the 37). After driving the 37 I sense a minor lag when you punch it. I am not sure if this is due to the car not being broken in, I suspect that if cold air intakes were installed the lag would go away. - I believe I read on another post that someone had the dealer install these? If so can anyone speak on this? How much did it add? What application was used? Any issues?

8) What have people been paying lately?

Thats all for now, thanks again for all the helpful insight.

-Dave

[mranderson]

Agree with you that the Athens blue is just a little, um, effeminate. If you do a lot a driving on the open road, the tech package is very cool with the intelligent cruise and swiveling headlamps. If you aren't going to be doing much, if any long distance highway driving then the tech package is probably something you could forego. I frequently drive Los Angeles to Vegas so it's totally worth it to me... car practically drives itself!

[Kendahl]

Is the G35 you are considering a sedan or a coupe? If it is a coupe, I would strongly recommend the G37. Having driven both, I find that the G37 has a better engine, rides better, has a better interior, rides better, is quieter and is more comfortable than the G35 coupe. The only downside to the G37 is that it is heavier due to extra reinforcement in the doors. If you are considering a G35 sedan, your decision will have more to do with coupe versus sedan than G37 versus G35. For performance figures, I suggest you review magazine road tests.

My car is Blue Slate with Stone (gray) interior. I thought hard about Athens Blue, but was afraid it would be too bright to live with for very long. A Graphite (black) interior with Athens Blue would look stronger than Stone or Wheat. I don't think Infiniti has any effeminate colors. You will be OK as long as you don't hang a string of beads or a charm bracelet from the rear view mirror.

The premium package has so many things in it that I would not consider buying a G35 or G37 without it.

The G37's rear view camera was what sold me on the navigation package. (For navigation alone, I could use a laptop, GPS receiver and map software.) In addition to the rear view, the screen shows guide lines which are of great help in positioning the car accurately.

The two features in the tech package that you would use regularly are the swiveling headlights and active cruise control. The headlights are interesting; some one else may be able to tell you how useful they are in practice. In contrast to some others on the forum, I dislike the idea of active cruise so much that I would permanently disable it. Download the G37 manual from Infiniti's web site to see all the ways the active cruise can misunderstand a situation.

I would not buy a G37 with the active steering option. To see why, read Edmunds full road test in the 2008 Infiniti G37 Road Tests thread.

The salesman though whom I bought my G37 is the only person I have heard claim that a clear bra will not adhere well to the composite material of the bumper and air dam. His recommendation is to cover only the first 12 inches of metal hood and fenders above the headlights. I am looking for other local sources. Other people on the various Nico forums have full coverage bras and are happy with them.

The local dealer wanted MSRP as calculated by the "build your G37" function on Infiniti's web site.