Not sure about this

[mbroadway]

I tried to post something earlier, but it isn't showing up.

So, I guess I'll try it again.
I'm considering a 2011 G37 coupe.
I'd like to get the Sport 6MT but I need the x version with AWD.
Is the car available with that combination?

I've been looking at BMW 335ix, Lexus, Audi, Mustang, Charger, Camaro, Saab and Volvo.
I really like the G37 coupe.
Tell me about yours and why I should buy one.
Why is it better than the BMW or he Lexus?

I'm thinking about either going with black or white. Or maybe the liquid platinum or whatever that color is called.
I'm all ears. Tell me everything.

Micahel

[SVTCOBRA]

Welcome to Nico!!!
Why do you need AWD G37 if you are also considering a RWD Mustang?
I suggest you go test drive them all!!!
Pick the one that best fits you and what you want out of the vehicle.

[mbroadway]

I drove the mustang just for the heck of it to see how the 5 liter engine felt.
I live in KC, so I really would prefer the AWD. Could get RWD but then I'd have to get a junker clunker FWD to drive during the winter months and then sell it when winter ended. I'm just curious whether the Sport model comes with AWD or if you can get a manual transmission withe AWD. I can't really tell from the Infiniti site if it's a possible combination.

[Kendahl]

Sad to say, there is no Infiniti model that combines all wheel drive with a manual transmission. If there were, I would immediately trade my 2008 G37S coupe which has only 28k miles. The G37X is so good that I recommend it for those who want, or can at least tolerate, an automatic transmission.

The competition:

BMW 335ix. The consensus, outside this forum, is that they drive better than a G37. Past the end of the warranty, they are extremely expensive to keep running. For example, my wife's nephew had a 330ix. All four window motors and the sun roof motor died under warranty. Long term owners should budget $250 per year for motor replacement. Of course, if you plan to lease, or trade the car by the end of the warranty, this doesn't matter.

Lexus. Another way to spell boring. The only manual is the IS250 which is a real dog.

Audi. After the warranty ends, another unreliable, expensive German car. A manual transmission A4 is slower than a BMW 328 and much slower than a G37. Replacing the twin clutch transmission would require a second mortgage on your house. The TT isn't bad, but I would prefer a Porsche Cayman. The R8 is a true supercar, but I doubt you're in that price range.

Mustang. Pretty good, actually. Read a review of the Boss 302 at http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com. If I were to buy a Mustang for the long haul, it would have to be a V8. For short term owners, the 300 hp six is astonishingly good.

Camaro. Has independent rear suspension which is better than the Mustang. Personally, I don't like its styling. I'd buy a Mustang rather than a Camaro.

Charger. OK for a big sedan as long as you get a big enough engine. Definitely not a G37. The Challenger is mutch prettier, but still big.

Saab and Volvo. Definitely the also rans. Saabs used to have the virtue of being quirky. The last nice Volvo was the P1800 coupe which was discontinued in the early 1970s. Prior to the advent of hybrids like the Prius, a Volvo was a car for people who wanted to show how much they despise cars.

[mbroadway]

Kendahl - thanks for the comparisons.

Just so I understand what you're saying, do you think the G37 is a better option than any of the other cars I'm considering? Actually, the only car I've gotten anywhere close to seriously considering so far is the 335ix. Are there any issues with the automatic transmission in the G37x coupe?

I'm looking for one car that will replace my 2001 Lexus ES (88K) and my 2001 6speed Corvette (23K). I like the power of the Vette and I enjoy the luxury of the Lexus. Actually an automatic might be an acceptable alternative after all.

Do you know of any issues with the 2011 G37x? I wish they came with runflat tires. I'm all ears for any other info anyone wants to provide.

[SVTCOBRA]

I drove the mustang just for the heck of it to see how the 5 liter engine felt.
I live in KC, so I really would prefer the AWD. Could get RWD but then I'd have to get a junker clunker FWD to drive during the winter months and then sell it when winter ended. I'm just curious whether the Sport model comes with AWD or if you can get a manual transmission withe AWD. I can't really tell from the Infiniti site if it's a possible combination.

OK, that makes sense. The 5.0 was OK - nice power!, but disconnected from the road. Would need some suspension work immediately after purchase. The AWD system in our X sedan is awesome!! I assume the coupe would be the same.

After 30+ years of shifting gears and an occasional sore knee from TKD, I 'tolerate' my automagic transmission just fine!!!

[mbroadway]

Thanks, Cobra. I'm hearing what you're saying about the automatic.

The Mustang does a good job of going really fast in a straight line. Other than that, I'm not sure how it would compare to a BMW or a G37. Probably not favorably, I would guess. But it is very powerful.

I just want to make the right decision and end up with a nice car that will be comfortable for longer rides, reliable, and something that I will look forward to driving every day. By the way, how comfortable are the seats? My wife has back issues and HATES the Lexus seats. She didn't have any issues with the BMW seats, even though they weren't the Sport Seat version.

I'd like to hear your opinions of the seats and the quality of the interior fit and finish. Also the suspension. The BMW was rock solid in the corners with no lean and no nose dip on serious braking. How does the G compare?

[zozoka1212]

Did you try runflat tires? I think they are horrible. My friend had a 335 with runflat all around and he ended up screwing up his rims with hitting potholes. He switched to normal tires but he had no space for the spare tire. He had few fuel pump issues as well. I love the 335 wish they were reliable more and a bit bigger in size.

Lexus 350 isn't bad but they have their issue too. Carbon build up valve recall. They have had few recalls in the last year.As of this year they offer Awd with the 350.

[zozoka1212]

Mustang gt is really good on the track too not just straight line. It beat lots of good cars in comparos.

[SVTCOBRA]

I stuck a set of Steeda Sport spings under my 97 Cobra and it made a WORLD of difference!!!!
< $300 for the springs and EZ to install on NON-IRS.....I did an IRS and it took spring compressors and lots of bad words...
See if you can find a Steeda or Saleen 5.0 to test drive!!

[kmckis1029]

i thought about 335ix when i was looking to get my next car. I ended up with a 2010 G37x. why?

the BMW 335ix cost about 10-15k more for the same options.
the free maintence program only benfits people who are leasing a BMW for the short term.
With my driving, i change oil every 3-4k miles, and i dont trust the long intervals bmw suggests.
read too many head to head reviews where the bmw had to "rest" in a comparion test because it overheated.
read too many horror stories of people waiting on a back ordered fuel pump for a brand new car.
BMW only has 300hp
after the warranty is up on a BMW you will be paying out the a**
my last Infiniti G35x was never in the shop for a failure of any kind and believe me i dont baby cars
i like to work on my cars and the g37 is real DIY friendly
everybody drives a BMW at work... i dont like the branding that comes with owning a bmw...
run flat tires are too expensive to replace... not worth it in my opinion, ill just put on a spare or call roadside assistance

But i did like the handling of the 335ix and how it looks.

the lexus IS350 was just a boring car, no real style, no AWD, not enough HP, and too small

mustang not enough luxury, only straight line speed in its stock configuration, no AWD

volvo/sabb/mercedes didnt even interest me...

I liked the Acura TL with SH-AWD, but again not enough HP... and no touch screen navigation or radar assisted back up camera

[Mudgen]

It sounds like you can afford what you want, but consider test driving a Subaru Legacy GT Ltd. It posts 0-60 times near the G37x, for about 6-8 grand less with leather, climate, nav. And it's now only available with a manual. Which is why I just bought a 2011 G37x after 2 Legacy GTs in a row.

It is, however, a sedan.

[joe603]

I too considered the 335i, but decided against it for various reasons. Search the board and you'll find a few posts with the details. The Audi S4 was also considered, but it's way too $$ for what you get.

[C-grunt]

My best friend is a BMW fanatic and owned the 335i for a few years. It truely is a hell of a car...... if you get a reliable one. His was in the shop several times for fuel system problems. Not just the usual high pressure pump either. They do drive incredible though. He has since gone to a 2011 M3 which has been perfect so far.

I recently bought a 2010 G37 sedan and believe it compares to the 335i pretty well. The performance numbers are very close: G has 30 more HP but the Bimmer has 30 more Tq. My G has no suspension upgrades and it handles very well. The brakes are responsive and have good stopping power. The steering feel doesnt compare to the BMWs, but then again I have never driven anything that does.

I have the 7 speed auto and I do like this transmission. It upshifts and downshifts very fast and smooth when left by itself. In the manual shifting mode it does slow down the upshift quite a bit though.