Problem deciding new car: A4 vs G35 (coupe)

[nnkfws333]

Alright, it's 2 weeks away until I have the choice to buy a new car. I got rid of my beloved 240sx/SR in need of a non problematic car that I can ride to work and start my young professional career.

I love the 2004 Infiniti G35 coupe! Problem is, is it's a tad expensive with a not so great interior. I love the sports look with the nice VQ engine and of course going back to the roots of RWD. It's a lil cramp at times but i love the performance aspect.

I love the 2004 Audi A4 because I fell in love with the interior! I mean I was so impressed with the interior but downside is that 1.8t motor that has only 170 hp. Only good performance to that car is the Quattro. It's roomy and has a sportsy style to it for a 4 door.

I can save easily 3-5 thousand dollars by going with the Audi and in the long run I can save since my maintanence is free under warranty with Audi (Infiniti you have to pay or diy) but I'm still lost on what to do. I know Im on a Nissan board but I mean I hope someone would give me advice. Yes Ive driven both cars back to back. The G35 feels faster but I love the handling of the A4 and its already turbo too!

Help Anyone?

[Axel Grungy]

both are NICE cars. you have to be comfy so i say go for the audi. i would personally go with the g35 but im a small guy and ill fit into anything

[Jesda]

The A4 is a piece of junk. A shame, because its beautiful. There really is NO comparison between the two cars. The Audi is an overpriced fashion accessory.

A better comparison would be the G35, 330i, and CTS.

-Jesda

[Repo Man]

Do you think the A4 outhandles the G? Having driven both, I think the G would run circles around the Audi. I have also heard nightmares about the Audi service departments, so that could negate any advantage there. If you're used to an SR'd 240, I think you'll get fed up with the lack of power in a hurry, IMO.

Are those the only cars you've considered? Why not a Z?

[nnkfws333]

Well I just loved the handling hence the Quattro. Yeah I mean both cars are slow lol compared to my SR but Im wondering if Im "getting older" because Im just not into speed anymore. I talked to a few people about the Audi in Orlando and they were happy with their services they received from them. So I just wonder....Everyone just tells me this "German Engineering" They are a bit pricey but some of my friend paid less than 30k out the door for the ultrasport package.

[StrangeLove]

I'd go with the g35, from what I've read it has kicked all other cars in its class in all test...plus it looks ****ing awesome

[Repo Man]

A friend of mine bought a pimped-out A4 earlier this year, with the aero package and all and he traded a month later for an R32. If the A4 is what you want, then go for it.

[PalmerWMD]

I paid 28.3k for a 6 speed enthusiast 350Z.Has the Xenons and the LSD and teh Aero package.Since by now the 05's are on the showrrom floor brandnew 04's like mine might be even cheaper..

Fred..

[DAEDALUS]

My buddy has the A4 1.8T. It is a spiffy car, lots of gadgets and niceties on the inside. But the G isn't exacly spartan, and it hauls A. In general, European cars have more than their share of electrical problems. Is driving just a way to get somewhere, or do you sometimes drive for the sake of driving?

[PoorManQ45]

is space an issue? meaning you have to carry around more than one passenger?

I haven't looked at prices lately, so I don't know how much either of those cars cost.Are they above $35k?

[nnkfws333]

Well its for both! Daedalus, getting to work and taking my gf out to love of driving! It's just hard to ask people, people always go for whats more powerful engine and forget about the lil stuff that counts. I mean a lot of people have had problems with A4 yes but right now the A4 Im sure has had a lot of its problems worked out. The thing that scares me is on the G35 , alignment problems and tire feathering to the brakes and rotors being replaced after 15k miles! Thats a lot of money to maintain if you think about that...tires and brake system!!!

To POORMANQ45....I talked to the Infiniti guy and I can probably walk away with a G35 for 35000 out the door where I can get an Audi A4 for 30000 out the door. I've always had a small car from an S12 200SX to S13 240SX so I wonder how it is to have 4 doors and extra room.

To Fred....love the 350Z but when I drove in it, I felt like a Giant! The room is too cramp! Hence going to a A4 or G35!

[PoorManQ45]

This may seem like an off-the-wall question, but I want to know.

Why are you only looking at "luxury" cars? There are plenty of other cars for the same, and less, money.

I would suggest buying a 94~96 Camero Z28 for ~$5k. And then use the ~$20~$30k that you saved to have fun with. You get plenty of power, and with a few "minor" suspension changes, you can make the car handle like it were on rails .

Or, if you want to stay in the Nissan family:

What do you think about the Q45? you can get a pre-2000 for less than ~$15k.

[nnkfws333]

Hey PoorManQ45, yeah you noticed I wanted to get into something a little more luxurious. I just want something nice to drive around in and something where I can enjoy the quietness of an exhaust lol

[PoorManQ45]

Sinse your looking at cars that are in the $30~$40k range.

What do you think about the Lotus Elise. They cost about $40k. From what I have read about them, they seem to a great performance car. All you would have to do is add a little sound deadning material if you get tired of listening to the Toyota Celica engine singing.

*Notice, I edited my previous post.

[nnkfws333]

My price gap is 35k and that is pushing it! and I wanted luxury with either a RWD/AWD platform. I was never a fan of the Q45 but I do love the new M from Infiniti but thats out of my ballpark.

I appreciate everyone's opinion! I just want to see every aspect before i buy a car in 2 weeks. I've been researching for a long time now and I feel like Im going to kill myself. Geesh Infiniti! JUST FIX THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM and BRAKES! and no I dont want ant 2005 cars cause the 2004 cars I can get a better deal on.

[UncleBen]

there is always the g35 sedan (mighta been said already but didnt read whole thread).

[PoorManQ45]

Does it have to be a 4-door? Or do you just want 4 seats?

What do you think about the Mitsubishi 3000GT TT. they are descent sized cars.

Have you looked at the mazda RX-8? I have yet to drive one, but I have talked to a few owners. Overall, the concensus was that it is an excellent "family" sports car. I have ridin in the back seat of one before, and it was amazingly roomy.

Also, what do you think about a 300zx 2+2? Or 300zxTT. Both of these can be had for less than ~$10k.

[nnkfws333]

Well I wanted a new car so Im sticking with anything 2004. I didn't want a mazda since Im not a big fan of rotaries and I dont like the look of the G35 Sedan...I guess it might all have to come down to price. If Infiniti will give me 33500 to 34000 out the door than I will go with it but if not, than screw it A4.

[rousie13]

What about the new Subaru Legacy GT? It has 250hp and awd. I think it won between the comparison between the TL, A4 and I think there was one other one in there from Car and Driver.

[180crafter]

Nothing volkswagen makes (cept for the Lambo) is worth anything any more. I would not buy anythign they make. It looks nice, and runs well while it runs. But its still VW quality and that speaks for itself.

Stick with the Japs.... alot more reliable and easier to work on.

[Jesda]

The 3000GT is a mechanical nightmare.And while I absolutely love it (and the bargain resale value), the Camaro has too much redneck baggage.I dig the Elise but its too small, too noisy, to impractical, and dealers are marking it up far out of reach.

Again, I love the CTS, would take one over a G, but the styling is more of a particular type.

Brett's suggestion of the new Legacy GT sounds good. Quick, attractive, practical, dirt cheap on insurance, and runs around on all fours.

If something is made in Germany and it isnt a tank, knife, sunglasses, beer, or sausage, then forget it.

-Jesda

[PalmerWMD]

The base G35 Coupe is like 32.5k MSRP.I bet this late in the Model year you could get a new 04, at that price but not a almost loaded car, maybe all except Nav for 33k?

Or the base G35 sedan is 28k MSRP which is still well equipped.

Nico has a couple of Infinit Sponsors. Call them please, it wont cost anything and the G might be more affordable than you think.

Fred..

[UncleBen]

Tru that ^^^

And the new legacy GT's are (imo) sex on wheels. Those things are absolutely GORGEOUS and how can you not love the power AND awd mixture? I LOVE those cars.

[BadMojo]

And the new legacy GT's are (imo) sex on wheels. Those things are absolutely GORGEOUS and how can you not love the power AND awd mixture? I LOVE those cars.

Agreed. If I had the money, I'd be all over a Legacy GT. Beautiful cars.

Also, are you dead set on the RWD/AWD thing? The new Altima SE-R ain't to shabby, but it's FWD.

[scruffy63]

Nothing volkswagen makes (cept for the Lambo) is worth anything any more. I would not buy anythign they make. It looks nice, and runs well while it runs. But its still VW quality and that speaks for itself.

Stick with the Japs.... alot more reliable and easier to work on.

I say stick with the Japs too but volkswagon has made some very reliable cars.my step dad bought one in 95' brand new and he drove and he taught me and my brother how to drive a manual of it.all this on the original stock clutch. we never had 1 serious problem with the car.its gone now but you can drive those cars into the dirt and they will just ask for more.

[Bryants95240sx]

why not a subaru sti or wrx 4 door,awd, turbocharged

[TachyonS14]

I love G35's, but If I were you I think I'd agree with the others and go with the Legacy GT. AWD, turbo, nice interior, good room, and pretty sexy lookin.

[Bubba1]

Well, I'm a long time Audi Club member, but I own only Japanese cars. There's a reason for that. Audi makes a fine automobile, no question. the Fit finish, and interior are clearly better than the Infiniti. And the quattro system is probably the best AWD system out there. Both cars are extremely competent cars at the track as well. Where the Infiniti has an edge is long term ownsership costs and reliablility. If you plan to keep the car long after the warranty expires, the G is a much better deal as it's less expensive to repair and much more reliable. I know many Audi owners and the cost of repair after the warranty expires will shock you. And most of my Audi club friends do not own a single Audi as their sole means of transportation. If you intend to lease, the Audi might be a better deal as the scheduled maintenance is included. But If you intend to keep it a looong time, I'd go with the G.

[rydwhite]

Hands down the G35. Coupe choice number 1 and then the AWD sedan with the aero/sports package. That is the only way the sedan looks good in my opinion.

The brake issue has been fixed for the 05 model year. There was a recall on all brakes and free replacement of rotors and pads. I am pretty sure that this would also cover the 04 model year. There really is no major alignment issue either. My coupe had a tad too much in the camber department which resulted in irregular tire wear. Have the camber checked and readjusted before you buy the car. The dealer will do this without hesitation, or at least they should.

The G35 interior is also much improved for 05. Looks much nicer, not as nice as the A4, but much better than the 03 and 04.

While the A4 is a decent car, I think most people would be much happier and satisfied with the G35. I can't honestly say that I have heard too much about the A4. To me it is a drab looking overpriced and underpowered import. The G35 is a great looking car, priced well and has a pretty nice power output to boot. Of course I am biased. But, I did buy a G35 over everything else in the 35k and under price range.

[240DRFT]

go with the audi. there is the option of a 3.0 v6 instead of the 1.8t. or you could by an older one with a 2.7t