Potential buyer need input

[Forge]

Im looking to buy my fiance a newer car (used). She really wants the G35x or an Acura TL. Locally, both are about the same amount for the same features and mileage. looking at an 04-05 model.

Few questions: I am a modder, how easy is it to mod the g35 for more power?

How reliable is it? Have you had many issues? do the dealerships give you hassle for warranty work?

Overall, how satisfied are you with your purchase?

and finally - if you were in my shoes and buying a relable nice car for your woman, would you go with the TL or the G35? Her priorities are as follows: 1. Reliability 2. interior 3. fun to drive 4. then looks (exterior).

Thanks for the advice. Im looking to buy before x-mas.
Modified by Forge at 3:17 PM 12/14/2006

[AZhitman]

Hi Forge!

I'm a little biased, but the G is an amazing car. AWD is seamless and sure-footed.

The interior on the Acura is probably nicer, there's no doubt there.

Both cars are reliable, with the G lending itself MUCH better to performance mods.

The G will most certainly be more fun to drive, it's a capable performer, with very predictable handling and very snappy acceleration.

The BIGGEST benefit of the G over the TL is the dealership experience. It's second-to-none for customer service.

Welcome aboard!

[SVTCOBRA]

I have always wanted a G35. My wife was in love with the TL. We were looking at trading our 03 4x4 Pathy. I took her to the local Infiniti dealer where they had two low mileage loaded TLs. We took one out for a good long drive. When we returned, she decided to drive a used 05 G35. The G35 won her over. I was ready to buy the TL. I was shocked. Anyway, we ended up with a new 05 G35 Sedan. She drives it everyday and loves it.If your fiance isn't too concerned with having a true sports sedan, go with the TL. If you're looking for something that will put a grin on your face when you're pushing it thru the curves, get the G.

You probably already know this, but the G is a RWD, the TL is a FWD....The 05 G has 280 HP and there are plenty of mods to push it over 300 fairly easy from what I've read.

If you're looking at a used 05 G, you should check into the discounts on a NEW one. I recently was quoted $5,100 off a 06 G35X with sunroof. You should be able to get even more off a loaded one.

[Forge]

than you for the replies. Performance doesnt mean much to her, but id have alot of fun. I drive a 06 Mustang GT with some mods, so i get the grin from my car, but its not something i want to take on a road trip.

The inifiniti dealer here (infiniti of Omaha)sucks. Ive had better experiences with my local ford dealership than inifiniti (which really is sad to say the least). I almost bought a new G35 coupe, but due to the horrible service, i bought my mustang.

Im so confused. I think the TL would be better for her, but for the same money, she could have an AWD infiniti that would be alot funner and good for winter driving here.

[G_whizz]

Yup...I'm biased as well! Love my G.

The interior of the TL is nicer. But the handling of the G35x in the snow is great. Never had a chance to compare the 2 in the snow, but I did drive that G35x in the snow and it was handles sweet!

For modding it's a dream! Tonnes of goodies!

Can't say I'm really blown away with the service of Infiniti, but, I find ALL dealers the same anyway.

I say go G...she'll love ya for it, it's a sharp car! It has "CLASS" written all over it!

And welcome to NICO!

[SVTCOBRA]

Is there another infiniti dealer anywhere nearby?? Our local dealer was horrible to work with on buying the car (we bought it from another dealer 2 hours away), but has been great to deal with on service. We've only had the car back in for a rear spoiler the year that we've had it. (I change my own oil and rotate tires.) Service dept. was great.

I would not anticipate you having to visit the dealership as often as you do with a Ford. I'm not knocking Fords either, I think they are the best domestic you can buy. I've owned (69 Mach 1, 87 Tbird Turbo, 90 Taurus wagon, 98 Taurus, 96 phobra, 98 Mustang GT, 97 Cobra, 96 Cobra, 99 Exploder)

Would hate for you to pass on a G just because of the dealership. Like I said, I don't think you would be back very often after the purchase.

Have you driven both cars yet? I was toying with the idea of trading both my cobra and pathy in on a G35X or a coupe... Maybe I need to got test drive them again!!!

[Forge]

Ive driven both, and i like both. THe fun factor is definatly higher in the G, but i can see the TL being a nice cfar for a road trip.

Im going to look online and see if any other delaerships are within an hour or two. i wont deal with the local dealership here for service or buying. My friends mom has a G and has had stereo problems, they keep giving her the run around instead of fixing it. Too bad for infiniti, have a nice car like that but let horrible people sell their cars. Sadly, id prob have two G's by now (a coupe and a AWD sedan) if they had a decent dealerhsip around here.

[joe603]

Well since this is a Nissan site...people are going to steer you towards the G35...An acura site would do the same for the TL.

For me, I HATE front wheel drive...so it was no contest. Now, compare the BMW 3 series to the G35...much closer IMO.

As for the dealership, how often do you really go there? I've been to mine once...to buy the car. I don't think that should sway your car buying decision. Test drive 'em all, and go with your gut.

[Warpkor]

I find that my Infiniti dealer to be darn near worthless. I had already decided to purchase a G35 and sold my vehicle before I approached the dealership (Sacramento Infiniti). So I pulled up to the dealership on my motorcycle, approached one of the sharks and requested a test drive. The shark took one look at me, helmet and motorcycle jacket, and summarily denied allowing me a test drive. He said, "We don't test drive the G35 with manual transmissions." A friend of mine had just done exactly that 2 days earlier so I was confident he was lying. Because the attitude, I took my business to a south bay area dealer, negotiated a price via the phone and drove 2.5 hours to pick up my new G.

[Warpkor]

I find that my Infiniti dealer to be darn near worthless. I had already decided to purchase a G35 and sold my vehicle before I approached the dealership (Sacramento Infiniti). So I pulled up to the dealership on my motorcycle, approached one of the sharks and requested a test drive. The shark took one look at me, helmet and motorcycle jacket, and summarily denied allowing me a test drive. He said, "We don't test drive the G35 with manual transmissions." A friend of mine had just done exactly that 2 days earlier so I was confident he was lying. Because of the attitude, I took my business to a south bay area dealer, negotiated a price via the phone and drove 2.5 hours to pick up my new G.

I use Sac Infiniti to complete my oil changes and always make appointments weeks in advance. I won't give them the opportunity to deny me warrantee work, otherwise I prefer to complete maintenance myself. Nevertheless, I still end up waiting to get my car serviced. I would not give a thumbs up to Sacto Infiniti.

[SVTCOBRA]

I didn't see any other dealerships close to you except for Kansas City.You can't go wrong with a TL. It would be a great car for trips.

Based on your statement earlier that you won't use the local dealership for service or buying.....this makes your decision pretty clear.

I don't think it would be wise to purchase a car and not have a dealership close by to deal with on warranty/service issues (even though they are unlikely). I don't like our local dealership, but I will take it there for warranty work. Let us know how it turns out.Good Luck!!