To paddle or not

[radosty]

I'm new here and in the hunt for new car and looking at 2009 G37 Journey sedan with sport package. I have been owned 5 cars in my years of driving, all with manual transmissions. Because the 6MT is nearly impossible to come by I'm considering the automatic with paddle shifters. Something I have zero experience with. Will I be disappointed? PS, can $31,300 be pushed lower? Thanks much for the feedback.

[Tim30250]

I don't find the paddle shifters any more engaging than a straight automatic. The unilateral up and downshift thingy on the console doesn't really do it for me either. I would say just deal with the automatic (as I did) or wait for/order a 6MT model. There is just simply no shifto-gizmo that can replace control you get from modulating the clutch and feeling of engagement you get from throwing shifts through the gate.

[Kendahl]

The 7-speed automatic on new G37s is pretty good, much better than the 5-speed that came before. However, like Tim30250, I wouldn't trade my 6-speed manual for one. I suggest you take an extended test drive in an automatic car and work the transmission like a manual using both paddles and lever.

Have you done an on line search of nearby dealers' inventories? If you can't find a suitable car within a reasonable distance, the next choice is to order one.

I strongly recommend the Premium package. The loaners I get usually don't have it and seem quite plain compared to my car. The other option I ordered was the Navigation package and that was more for the rear view camera than for the navigation system. I don't like either the Technology package or rear wheel steering. (Both of these have been discussed in other threads.)

[LuckyLuke]

If you live in LA.. I would go with paddle shifter. Just sucks stuck in traffic with MT.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

its funny cuz when I was looking for my sedan i had to have the 6mt...

The guy i bought it from was like 1 mile away... The next closest one was 700 miles...

I guess I got very lucky... He even had the color i wanted!

But I drove the auto 7 speed and i think it is xtreamly good... I really like how it only pulls like 2300 rpms at 70 vs my 2650 ish... Much better on gas...

DJ

[370Z/28]

Sorry to get off topic, but I thought this was a child rearing question.