School me on G35x/37x, please

[MightyGreen]

Hi there. First time poster. Please be gentle.

I'm a car guy. For the last decade or so, I've been deep into Toyota Land Cruisers. I've owned 6 of them. I currently own a 1981 FJ40, and a 1996 FZJ80 that I just finished supercharging.

I turned 45 in January and I've kind of been jonesing for a sports car. I thought maybe I wanted one of those new Camaros, but after driving one, it's not for me. I don't like the slot of a window and a bunch of other little things.

On a whim, I test drove a 2005 G35X sedan on a dealer lot and fell in love. Great visibility, lots of power, fun to drive, and a huge backseat. It even had a navigation system. This particular model wasn't clean enough to buy, but my interest is piqued now. I think that I will buy one. It's just a matter of time.

Before I buy, I want to understand the history of the vehicles. Are there certain years to avoid? How different are the 35 and 37 models? Is there a sweet spot in the years that provides the best features, power, etc.?

A couple of thoughts:

I live in Colorado. I'm thinking that I will want to buy the all-wheel drive model (X). Yay? Nay? Is this a cause for concern or frequent repairs?

With my wife and 7 and 9 year old kids, I'm probably in the market for a sedan. The coupes look dang cool, but I just don't think it's a good choice for me with the family.

So tell me: what would you buy? What would you avoid? How new would you insist upon? What packages are a must have?

Feel free to simply post links for me to read. I've been surfing for hours, but I'm a total n00b when it comes to these vehicles. TIA!

[SVTCOBRA]

Welcome to Nico!!!

My .02
We owned an 05 G sedan and it was great!
I think when they went from the 05/06 to 07/08 they gave up a little sport for luxury, but it was well worth it imho.
I don't think you could go wrong with the 05/06 years or the newer G's..
However, the 07 has a weird gas pedal feel that they fixed in the 08.
The gas pedal tip-in makes smooth throttle modulation difficult.

We now have an 08 G35X and love it.
Did GREAT in the few snows we had. I would say it did better than any of the 4x4 SUV's I've owned in the past!! (88 Bronco II 4x4, 99 Exploder 4x4, 01 Pathy 4x4, 03 Pathy 4x4)
AND was much more fun to play with in an empty business park parking lot!!!!

Also, I've read that the X model is faster thru the twisties (wet AND dry) than the non-X.

Oh, and I'm in my late 40's.

[kmckis1029]

ive owned a 2005 g35x and now own a 2010 g37x.

the 2005 g35x gave me no problems and is a very sporty drive when you want it, or with the right tires can be a great cruiser. the 2005 and up models of the G is the way to go. basically 2005/2006 (3.5L 280hp with 5sp auto) have same body stlye... 2006 just adds a couple more interior features like bluetooth. then in 07 the G got a great interior upgrade, small power bump, and was still the g35 til 2008. (has a 3.5L engine ~305hp with 5sp auto)

now late 2008s and above are all G37s with a 3.7L 330hp engine, 7sp auto, and futher interior upgrades and features.

IMO from owning both the G35x and G37x. id go for the G37x more power and more features. while my G35x was more sporty the luxury upgrades of the g37x are well worth it.

the G is just a great car thats why im on my second one...

[Poyzinous]

Everyone here so far makes a very valid set of points..
I have an 04 and love it. Though I'd kill for a 2010...

[wingFeather]

On a whim, I test drove a 2005 G35X sedan on a dealer lot and fell in love.

You have good taste. Buy one & don't look back. Best decision ever.

[zozoka1212]

Everyone here so far makes a very valid set of points..
I have an 04 and love it. Though I'd kill for a 2010...

How much do you charge for that Poyzi? How is your pirce compare to the Russians?

On the serious note to the op. You can't go wrong with any year. But you know newer is better. More warranty etc.

As Rich mentioned the 07 and newer has a new body style. They redesigned it. New more powerful engine basically 90% of the car is new. It seems like you like to upgrade the power. If you would like to do it on this cars down the road deffinitely pick the 07+. The engine was built to hold more. But that's if you want to push it to the limit.


Oh and welcome to Nico. If you like the cruiser you should check out the new FX50. That thng is sweet. Sounds mean too.

[MightyGreen]

Thanks, guys. Is the gas pedal problem in the 2007 model year fixable? Or should I be looking for a 2008 model instead?

Yeah, I like power, but coming from my beast of a Land Cruiser, any of these will be like riding a rocket.

Thanks for mentioning the blue tooth in 2006!

[zozoka1212]

The pedal is same it just have a different response to it. Best described 07 is touchy like jumping off the line the 08 more smoother. It is fixable with an ECU/TCU software update. I had an 07 and have 08. I personally like the 07 throttle response better.

[SVTCOBRA]

Like facing backwards, looking in a mirror, driving with your left foot, after downing a 12 pack.....yeah, not soooo smooth...
Only way to be so is put your foot thru the firewall!!!
It's how Zozo drives!!!!

[zozoka1212]

hahahahaha

[audtatious]

"bang for buck" is the '07-08 Sedan with the VQ35HR. Same style as current version, same interior and most packages as current version. VQ35 is simply rated lower a bit in HP and you are stuck with a 5sp auto transmission vs existing 7sp for G37.

Here's a compare:

http://moodym.com/articles/used-market-g.shtml