Q45 guy moving to the G world, maybe...

[paranoidjack]

My 2000 Q needs a starter. While it was down, I am renting a Corolla. The car sucks but I can't deny the gas mileage.

Think I might trade her in, finally, at 230k, and get myself a G. I had one from the dealership a little while ago and really enjoyed it. The build quality was very low compared to my Q, but the gas mileage and sportiness of the car outweighed that.

So, my budget is probably around 8-12k. I want to keep payments low.

So far I've looked at some online and it seems the HR engine is the one to go for? Not the "rev high" or whatever it's called? Only need 4wd a few days a year here so I'm not worried about the complication, reduced gas mileage, or extra weight. Think I'm going to get a 6 spd this time, sick of the auto.

That being said, anything I need to be careful or wary of that you G folks know of? I know my Q inside out but the G is a different animal. Any feedback would be appreciated. I considered an '03-'04 M, but the gas mileage if anything would be worse than my Q, parts costs just as high. I am really going to miss my v8 but maybe a switch is a good thing. 6spd with 3.5L VQ should get me around 20-25 mpg right?

Thanks!

[joe603]

I would recommend the newest year you can afford. 03-04 had issues with the radio/AC unit and brake dust from the Brembos. 05 was the first year of the REV-UP VQ35 engine, which uses a different lower plenum (google/search to find more details). 07 sedans went to the VQ35HR, which is actually more powerful then the older engines. The AUTO is a pretty good transmission. 08 coupes went to the VQ37 and sedans in 09. Newest VQ engine; most HP/TQ.

As for MPG, it really depends on your driving habits...if you floor it with mostly city driving, it will be lower than a highway commuter.

[kmckis1029]

yeah highway wise my old 2005 g35x got in the mid 20s in MPG, and mid to high teens in the city for MPG.

+1 if you a crusier you will get respectable milage

[paranoidjack]

Thanks for the input folks. Also looking at an FX, they seem underpowered with the 6 cylinder but I'm trying to save gas and the space would be nice.

[joe603]

I thought about an FX too...but they are only slightly bigger (interior space) than the G/M sedans. Couldn't justify it.

[paranoidjack]

kind of where I'm at. Doesn't seem like much more room, about 10-20% more money, and only the convenience of a hatch...rather buy a beater truck for $1k that I don't care about.

[audtatious]

I would thing the FX would have more drag than a G, thus worse mpg.