What should I know about the G35 before buying?

[CZ-75]

I've been looking at the 6MT sedan w/ no options but a sunroof. It is at the upper end of what I'd feel comfortable paying (I was leaning toward an Acura TSX, but decided that the additions/replacements I'd make to the car would cost me what a G35 does in the end w/ less performance to show for it). I won't buy until Fall 2006.

Some questions:

When is the G35 slated for A) refreshing or B) replacement with the next model?

Where could I get QUALITY tires for this car that cost less than $200 each in 235/45-18? Can the ECU be flashed for tire size changes?

Is the hood aluminum and is there a problem with dents?

How's the paint for durability/chipping?

Overall reliability? Durability? Common issues?

Thanks.

[rydwhite]

First of all let me say welcome to NICO.

The car is very reliable and durable.

The ECU can be reflashed and there are plenty of tires for under $200 a piece that you can get. check out our sponsor Tire Rack.

I have had a few problems with rock chips on my hood when I first got the car, but it has held up pretty well since.

They just updated the car for the 2005 model year and I don't think any changes are planned until the 07 or 08 model year.

The coupe hood is aluminum and I believe that the sedan hood is as well. Hopefully a sedan owner can chime in here.

I think that all of the minor bugs in the 03's have been worked out.

Good luck with your decision. You can't make a wrong decision buying the G.

[CZ-75]

First of all let me say welcome to NICO.

The car is very reliable and durable.

The ECU can be reflashed and there are plenty of tires for under $200 a piece that you can get. check out our sponsor Tire Rack.

I have had a few problems with rock chips on my hood when I first got the car, but it has held up pretty well since.

They just updated the car for the 2005 model year and I don't think any changes are planned until the 07 or 08 model year.

The coupe hood is aluminum and I believe that the sedan hood is as well. Hopefully a sedan owner can chime in here.

I think that all of the minor bugs in the 03's have been worked out.

Good luck with your decision. You can't make a wrong decision buying the G.

Thanks.

Has anyone actually done the reflash and corrected for wheel diameter? The only OEM sized tires I could find at tirerack (I already checked) were Continentals for $181 each. I'd really like to find more than 3-4 different tires for the car, including OEM Turanzas and Michelin's miserable Pilot MXM4.

[C-Kwik]

If you're looking to buy a car a year from now, I wouldn't put too much thought into it at this point. It's fun to speculate and do some research, but a lot can change in a year.

As for tires, you could try and conjsider other sizes. The 03-04 coupe uses the same wheels with 225/45-18 and 245-45-18. It will look a bit different, but there may even be some other sizes you can try. AS long as you keep the diameter of the front and rear the same(essentially) run the same diameter, the ECU will stay happy. The speedometer may end up a bit off, but it should not be bad. If that is a big concern for you, opt for a bigger diameter and it will actually keep mileage down slightly compared to what you actually drive.

Aluminum hoods don't have any significant issues over steel ones. The repair process is about the same and an object that would dent a steel one will probably do similar damage to the aluminum one. Rocks that chip the paint likely won't do anymore damage.

Paint chipping will always be an issue for every new car. The water based paints they use now are not as hard. so it has no more problems than any other new car. Perhaps some exotics that go through the trouble of multiple coats being baked on might have better durability, but now you're getting into Enzo territory.

Reliabilty has been good if you keep things mild. The VQ is a bit high strung so forced induction will cause damage if the tuning is off. It's not a very forgiving motor in this sense. I haven't heard of any major issues with the OEM parts. ANd if there is, Infiniti has a great warranty. Good luck as you lok for a new car.

[nnkfws333]

The 2006 has some nice changes, projector headlights with the keyless start as well as the hands free cellphone whatever you call it...but if you want major body changes look for 2007-2008

Oh yeah also memory seats!

[f22c]

Don't forget the Rear Active Steer, revised front fascia and spoiler, and redesigned tail lights.