Which is a better deal? Please help me decide.

[alins]

Hi,

I'm new here, and looking to replace my 10 year old Honda Accord with an Infiniti G35!

I have the option of buying one of these cars; all are automatic, all have Navigation and are more or less comparable except the last one:

1. 2007 G35x. Mileage: 22,000. $25K
2. 2008 G35x. Mileage: 29,000. $27K.
3. 2008 G35xS. Mileage: 31,500. $27K.
4. 2007 G35x. Mileage: 33,000. $27K. This one has a Nav package with 9.5Gb HDD (not sure about the others), plus the technology package (Adaptive Front Lighting System and Intelligent Cruise Control) and wood package.

Which is a really good deal? Which is a better car? I guess my question comes down to whether I should go for low miles in 2007, or higher miles in 2008 (or the last one which is 2007 and loaded). If the latter, which of the 2008? How much I can typically negotiate these prices down? All cars are at local dealers.
Were there important updates to the 2008 model?

Any advice will be much appreciated!

Many thanks!

Paul

[telcoman]

Hi,

I'm new here, and looking to replace my 10 year old Honda Accord with an Infiniti G35!

I have the option of buying one of these cars; all are automatic, all have Navigation and are more or less comparable except the last one:

1. 2007 G35x. Mileage: 22,000. $25K
2. 2008 G35x. Mileage: 29,000. $27K.
3. 2008 G35xS. Mileage: 31,500. $27K.
4. 2007 G35x. Mileage: 33,000. $27K. This one has a Nav package with 9.5Gb HDD (not sure about the others), plus the technology package (Adaptive Front Lighting System and Intelligent Cruise Control) and wood package.

Which is a really good deal? Which is a better car? I guess my question comes down to whether I should go for low miles in 2007, or higher miles in 2008 (or the last one which is 2007 and loaded). If the latter, which of the 2008? How much I can typically negotiate these prices down? All cars are at local dealers.
Were there important updates to the 2008 model?

Any advice will be much appreciated!

Many thanks!

Paul

Welcome to NICO

My advise is to keep the Honda for another year or two and put $300 to $400 a month into your savings account
Then start shopping for a new one. It comes with all new parts, a warranty, and you don't have to wonder how the previous owner treated the vehicle and you know it was never involved in an accident.

Good luck

Telcoman

[alins]

Telcoman,

I appreciate your advice. The cars above have clean carfax records, no accidents, for whatever that's worth. I think a few are off-lease with a few months left on warranty. I can actually buy a new G37 right now; but since the price difference is high, I started looking at used ones. So if you and others can advice me on the choices above I would be very grateful.

Regards
Paul

[SVTCOBRA]

I would lean toward the 2008. There may still be bumper to bumper warrranty still on them. Need to find out via Infiniti.
Then, you need to determine if you like the Sport seats. Some love them, some do not. I find them uncomforatalbe.....more so in the sedan than the coupe.

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO

My advise is to keep the Honda for another year or two and put $300 to $400 a month into your savings account
Then start shopping for a new one. It comes with all new parts, a warranty, and you don't have to wonder how the previous owner treated the vehicle and you know it was never involved in an accident.

Good luck

Telcoman

Yes, put it in savings because if the debt issue isn't taken care of in a few weeks, your 401k will take a beating...

I'd go for the newer xS...always go for the newest model you can afford.

[alins]

Is the xS cabin/engine/... noticably noisier than the x? Are the prices reasonable?

[joe603]

Same engine as the rest. The "S" is for sport suspension. It comes with sport seats which may be uncomfortable for you...I'd test drive it. I'm a big guy and I have an S as well. Seats are better after a year, but took some getting used too. The brakes are also upgraded...worth it IMO.

Not sure on prices...check out edmunds to do a good price compare.

[alins]

Can I post or PM VIN numbers to some kind soul here just to make sure the Autocheck record are clean? (I don't care to read the full report as long as there are no accidents, damage, salvage, ...). The Carfax reports are all clean.

This is a quote from my dealer's site - is this true?

Remember, when you are looking at Infinitis you need to pull the AutoCheck, not the Carfax since Infiniti does not report to Carfax. There are way too many damaged Infinitis running with clean Carfax reports, but the only way to get a certified Infiniti is make sure the AutoCheck checks out.

Many thanks!

Paul

[alins]

Ok so here is my report on these cars.

I test drove the 2008 models (G35x and G35xs). Something was wrong with both cars, unsual rattling engine noise, horrible brake noise, ... dealer was shady and has horrible reviews online; did not produce anything by way of a claimed technical inspection and repair of the cars, etc. Cars had scratches all over. So I left.

Then I test drove the low miles 2007 G35x (under 22,000 miles). Car drove great, smooth, beautiful. Very clean inside and out; tiny little ding on the back, very hard to see only at the right angle and lighting condition. Scratches on the 10-spoke wheels (how to repair/paint over?). But that was about it. Interior was immaculate, and so was 99% of exterior. Appeared slightly off alignment; asked dealer to look into it. Had new tires (why would one need new tires at 22K miles?). Car has been sitting on dealer lot for 80+ days and according to him they will send it to wholesaler after 90 days. He said price started at $30K 90 days ago and is now down to $25,800. He came down a little (25,500 or 25,375), but would not budge a penny more. Clean carfax and autocheck. Here is the car: http://goo.gl/pjFh0

The only one left to test and negotiate is number 4, the loaded 2007 G35. This is the car: http://goo.gl/benl5

So my question is, what do you guys think? Should I get the 2007 G35x for $25,375? If you look at KBB, this is a good price (private party) but are KBB prices fair?

Final test drive hopefully tomorrow.

Paul

[telcoman]

=So my question is, what do you guys think? Should I get the 2007 G35x for $25,375? If you look at KBB, this is a good price (private party) but are KBB prices fair?

Final test drive hopefully tomorrow.

Paul

I have to wonder how many Infinitis were involved in the flooding that occurred in vast areas of the US recently?
Accidents are not the only pitfall that can result in a used vehicle purchase become painful

Don't mean to frighten you but next to a house an Infiniti is a major purchase.
If you plan to keep a new vehicle for 10 years the additional cost of a new one makes financial sense, At least it does to me,

Telcoman

[alins]

Telcoman,

Good points. The low miles 2007 model I test drove yesterday had come from New York. The one I will test drive today or tomorrow is local; has been in Seattle all its life.

The car yesterday also had white oxidization marks on the aluminum in the engine (all over). Is this something I should be concerned about?

Also do dealers decide on turning a car they receive into CPO? Is it safe to say that a CPO car was cleaner/in better condition when bought by the dealer, and hence they spent little money/effort on it and turned it into CPO?

Paul

[Mudgen]

KBB tends to run a bit high in my experience, Edmunds a little low. NADA has been closer on trade-in value on my last couple of deals, but in general I think an average of the three is a great target when buying or trading. If you can approach the private sale number when buying from a dealer, you've done very well.

Dealers pay a fee to Infiniti for certifying a car. There's an inspection checklist, but they're the ones doing the inspection so they have wiggle room. The value in a car being certified is in the warranty, not necessarily in the condition of the car.

The white oxidation marks on the NY car are probably from winter road chemicals. Unless you can see significant corrosion they're probably not a big deal.

Telcoman is an old hand here, and a trusted one. But you have to read his advice and give it full thought: if you're NOT planning to keep the car 10 years, pre-owned is often your best value. Consumer Reports and many other authorities will tell you that.

[alins]

Mudgen,

Thanks very much. No doubt I greatly value and respect your and Telcoman's and other opinions here; that's precisely why I came here, to seek out expert advice. I've kept my Honda Accord (bought new) for 11.5 years now. It's a good car, but I really need AWD here in Seattle. I have a kid now and had some scary situations past few years here with driving in ice and snow. My other option believe it or not is the new upcoming Subaru Impreza which is AWD and gets 27/36 mpg (probably around $22K loaded). But I figured for $25K I can get a much nicer car, a G35x, so let me look into that.

I'm not sure if I will keep the G35x for another 10 years. Gas prices are on the rise and I'm hoping for a fuel efficient AWD (maybe hybrid), nicer than the Subaru, in the next 5 years or so.

So that's my story. If somebody in Seattle is willing to sell his/her clean 07/08 G35x, please let me know!

Paul

[telcoman]

Mudgen,

Thanks very much. No doubt I greatly value and respect your and Telcoman's and other opinions here; that's precisely why I came here, to seek out expert advice. I've kept my Honda Accord (bought new) for 11.5 years now. It's a good car, but I really need AWD here in Seattle. I have a kid now and had some scary situations past few years here with driving in ice and snow. My other option believe it or not is the new upcoming Subaru Impreza which is AWD and gets 27/36 mpg (probably around $22K loaded). But I figured for $25K I can get a much nicer car, a G35x, so let me look into that.

I'm not sure if I will keep the G35x for another 10 years. Gas prices are on the rise and I'm hoping for a fuel efficient AWD (maybe hybrid), nicer than the Subaru, in the next 5 years or so.

So that's my story. If somebody in Seattle is willing to sell his/her clean 07/08 G35x, please let me know!

Paul

Work from home in bad weather & enjoy the kids. They grow up fast

[alins]

Telcoman,

I agree - please send that email to my boss next time it snows! It's amazing how unprepared Seattle is for snow, and how clueless a lot of drivers are here about driving in snow and ice:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_q ... ow+crashes

On a related note ... is this car/price too good to be true? Dealer/seller states clean carfax and autocheck and will send one to me tomorrow. Further states the vehicle was traded in to them by a private party who had purchased it CPO from Infiniti of Tacoma. VIN is JNKBV61F58M269470. I have to drive 45 miles just to see it ...

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/2492196975.html

Paul

[telcoman]

Telcoman,

I agree - please send that email to my boss next time it snows! It's amazing how unprepared Seattle is for snow, and how clueless a lot of drivers are here about driving in snow and ice:
Paul

You could send him this one



Telcoman

[Mudgen]

On a related note ... is this car/price too good to be true? Dealer/seller states clean carfax and autocheck and will send one to me tomorrow. Further states the vehicle was traded in to them by a private party who had purchased it CPO from Infiniti of Tacoma. VIN is JNKBV61F58M269470. I have to drive 45 miles just to see it ...

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/2492196975.html

Paul

Smells funny to me. For one thing, the seller is representing it anecdotally as a CPO car without having checked that out, apparently. "Previous owner says there are gold coins hidden somewhere in the cockpit, which should increase the value....."

[alins]

On the Craigslist ad: Well, I called Infiniti of Tacoma. The car is not CPO. Furthermore they claimed the car was bought new from them, then traded in after a while, and then resold as used. This does not agree with Autocheck or Carfax. According to these two agencies this car was sold new in NC, then sold used in Tacoma.

I think I will stay clear of this. The dealer's wife is driving it around so in addition to driving 45 miles to see it now I have to make an apppointment too!

Paul

[alins]

Found another 2008 G35x, only 8,000 miles on it. Very clean. Premium + Nav + backup camera. Dealer had it for $32.8, came down to $30. Yet I still think this is too much and a better price is $28K. Car is not CPO (found it at local Mercedes dealership).

Opinions?

Paul

P.S. Is brake pedal judder/vibration of sort normal in G35? I've test driven a few and three had it to some extent, or maybe I'm too picky?

[SVTCOBRA]

28K is about where KBB has it at PP, but that is still a lot of $$$ for a 3+yr old car.
Why the low miles??

G OEM rotors "warp" easily. That may be what you feel. Our 08 also has a slight vibration in addition to the warp feeling. Won't be turning our front rotors, but instead getting new ones when the time comes.

[alins]

Telcoman (and others),

I've started looking at new G37x and EX35s! I will still keep an eye out for a good used deal, but so far I've had no luck.

So here is a question: how do these two cars compare in terms of comfort and quietness?

I know the EX advanatages: folding back seats, larger trunk, around view camera; and the disadvantages: small rear legroom and no homelink on premium package in 2011 (coming 2012).

And the G37x advantages: more sporty and nimble, a sedan (which I'm used to), premium includes homelink ...

But which is more comfortable and quiet? It seems to me that the EX may have the edge here if you don't care for sportiness.

Any other comments or advice? I don't really like it that a luxury car like the EX has homelink in the tech package, or that I have to wait another 2-3 months to see it in a 2012 model (which I won't be able to negotiate as well as a 2011 model).

Thanks very much

Paul

[pippen99]

I bought my new Infiniti last August when they were dealing on 2010 model year. I don't really know what if any differences there are between 10 and 11, but here was my experience.

I had decided to trade out of my G coupe into a sedan or SUV. I was tired of the compromises I had to make to drive the coupe but I had fun for 8 years. I had G sedans and EX loaners through the years so there was where I started.

The G sedan wasn't exactly a disappointment just not a whole lot of difference from my coupe. Of course it had a real back seat with doors so people could actually get in it. Also the trunk was bigger but not to the extent I expected. I also expected the ride to be much better but only found it marginally better than the coupe. The biggest problem was the OEM tires. I drove two different G37X and both had excessive road noise and wander. The biggest plus was that the Bose system(mediocre at best) sounded a whole lot better in the sedan than in the coupe.

I had an EX35 as a loaner for two weeks a few years before and I wasn't impressed. I thought that improvements might have been made that would change my opinion, First I found the driving position cramped and uncomfortable comared to the sedan and my coupe. I also disliked the curve of the hood. I felt like I could not tell where the vehicle ended. In the loaner and the one i test drove I could never find a proper balance with the Bose system. Everything seemed to be up front of the driver and I could never seem to get anything from behind me. Finally as you have found the option packages for the EX35 are just bizarre. I searched more than 30 vehicles at three dealerships in two states and could not find one equipped the way I wanted and the dealer couldn't in a larger search.

If you can swing it the FX35 suited me perfectly. The premium package had exactly what I wanted with bonus of cooled seats. The ride is better and the styling more crisp. I get a combined 19 MPG which is fine by me. The OEM tires are superior to what they put on the G and EX and one year later I haven't had a single problem with my FX. Just giving you another thing to think about. Good Luck!

[SVTCOBRA]

Oh, just a reminder.
The G35 Sedans CAN run fine on REGULAR gas if need be. One of the reasons I bought an 08 G sedan. Didn't want TWO cars in the driveway that required PREM.

Wasn't long ago, I could not get PREM at the pump due to the shortage.......