Which model year G35/37 should I buy?

[Plazman]

Hi all,

This is my first post here, so forgive me if I leave anything out. I'm looking for some buying advice.

I've been a very happy Nissan 350Z Track owner for 6 years, and I'm ready to upgrade to something a little more luxurious. I've been a big fan of the Nissan platform and styling and think the Infinity G-series will be a good fit for me.

So the question I have is, what model/year should I consider? When buying a car, I usually like to get one with low miles that's a year or two old. I like the idea of some other sucker taking a hit on the depreciation instead of me.

I believe I'd settled on the Infiniti Coupe Journey, I'm just not sure if I should stick to a G37, or maybe get a good deal on a recent G35.

Is there any issues with the older model?
Are there any must-have features of the new one?
Are there certain years I should avoid?

I'm looking for:
1) Comfortable ride, inside and out
2) High-tech (bluetooth, iPod dock, navigation, etc.)
3) Great stereo
4) Great performance/reliability

I'm planning on spending around $30K (+/- $5K) but could be talked into spending more if I need to. Can someone rattle off what the key features of the G37 are over the G35?

Thanks for any advice you all have, I appreciate it!

-Michael

[pippen99]

When I wanted more luxury 9 years ago I too moved from Nissan to an Infiniti. I went from a 99 Maxima to a 01 I30t. 14 months later feeling the need for more sport I traded for an 03 G35 coupe Journey which I put 45k on before trading for an 08 G37 coupe Journey. After some 30k I traded for an 10 FX35 which is my current vehicle.
Since you state that you intend to spend 30k +- The problems of the first few model years are not relevant(windows-seat assy-head units). For that kind of money you should be able to get into a G37. The G37 was introduced in 08 and include the larger engine with 330hp and a redesigned interior far superior to the G35. Starting in 09 the 7 speed auto transmission became standard. If you like manual everything is a 6 speed
Now for your talking points:
(1) I would not expect the ride to be vastly superior to your 350z. Remember we are a really only talking about an esenntially stretched 350Z. You are still in a short wheel based sport coupe with low profile tires. It is heavier and not so tightly sprung as a 350Z so it will ride better but not that much. I suspect the amenities inside will make up some but that a decision you will have to make.
(2) The G37 is very tecnically adanced. Bluetooth and Ipod connectivity come with the premium package. Navigation is a separate package. I suspect without any proof that almost all G37 came with the premium package. Shouldn't be that hard to find.
(3) The stereo in the Infiniti coupe is to be polite substandard. For a car that has pretensions of competing with other luxury brands the Bose premium system just doesn't cut it(some less polite than me will tell you it sucks). The low end is mostly non-existent to poor and the rest is just mediocre. For a great stereo you will have to go aftermarket.
(4) Even though I had numerous problems with the 03 coupe it was drive train dead reliable. None of the problems I had ever put the 03 out of service in almost 5 yrs. The 08 G37 was 100% reliable for almost 3 yrs before I traded. I 've been driving for almost 40 years and these cars were the most fun and distinctive cars I ever owned.
To conclude The G coupe is a great car to own and drive as long as you can live with its limitations. Yes it has a backseat but only for those under the age of six. The trunk is only barely useable and the G is absolutely the worst cars I have ever owned to drive in the snow. Ultimately it was these limitations that after 8 yrs in G coupe led me to buy the FX. Since you have been in a Z for 6 yrs you surely understand these limitations. Sorry to be so long winded. Good Luck!

[zozoka1212]

Well he summed it up for you.

All I can say now the G even the coupe comes with option for AWD. No more issue with snow driving. LOL

[timmy0257]

When I wanted more luxury 9 years ago I too moved from Nissan to an Infiniti. I went from a 99 Maxima to a 01 I30t. 14 months later feeling the need for more sport I traded for an 03 G35 coupe Journey which I put 45k on before trading for an 08 G37 coupe Journey. After some 30k I traded for an 10 FX35 which is my current vehicle.
Since you state that you intend to spend 30k +- The problems of the first few model years are not relevant(windows-seat assy-head units). For that kind of money you should be able to get into a G37. The G37 was introduced in 08 and include the larger engine with 330hp and a redesigned interior far superior to the G35. Starting in 09 the 7 speed auto transmission became standard. If you like manual everything is a 6 speed
Now for your talking points:
(1) I would not expect the ride to be vastly superior to your 350z. Remember we are a really only talking about an esenntially stretched 350Z. You are still in a short wheel based sport coupe with low profile tires. It is heavier and not so tightly sprung as a 350Z so it will ride better but not that much. I suspect the amenities inside will make up some but that a decision you will have to make.
(2) The G37 is very tecnically adanced. Bluetooth and Ipod connectivity come with the premium package. Navigation is a separate package. I suspect without any proof that almost all G37 came with the premium package. Shouldn't be that hard to find.
(3) The stereo in the Infiniti coupe is to be polite substandard. For a car that has pretensions of competing with other luxury brands the Bose premium system just doesn't cut it(some less polite than me will tell you it sucks). The low end is mostly non-existent to poor and the rest is just mediocre. For a great stereo you will have to go aftermarket.
(4) Even though I had numerous problems with the 03 coupe it was drive train dead reliable. None of the problems I had ever put the 03 out of service in almost 5 yrs. The 08 G37 was 100% reliable for almost 3 yrs before I traded. I 've been driving for almost 40 years and these cars were the most fun and distinctive cars I ever owned.
To conclude The G coupe is a great car to own and drive as long as you can live with its limitations. Yes it has a backseat but only for those under the age of six. The trunk is only barely useable and the G is absolutely the worst cars I have ever owned to drive in the snow. Ultimately it was these limitations that after 8 yrs in G coupe led me to buy the FX. Since you have been in a Z for 6 yrs you surely understand these limitations. Sorry to be so long winded. Good Luck!

+1,000,000

[Plazman]

Thanks for the outstanding response!

I live in California, so would only be in the snow if I decided to go to Lake Tahoe, which I've only ever done once in my life, so I think I can live without the AWD.

I'm sick of shifting. I've been driving for 30 years and never owned an automatic, so I'm looking forward to my first AT. Hopefully I won't feel like I'm giving up too much control.

Disappointed to hear about the stereo. The one in my Z is horrible. Like you say, I can always go aftermarket if it bothers me too much.

Sounds like I should be looking for an '09-'10. You got me feeling like I'm definitely making the right choice though, I can't wait to find the right one now! Thanks so much!

[g37man]

I would tell you to look for a G37 S with the sport suspension and performance tires over the regular G37 Journey seeing how you
live in California and will not be driving in snow.

[SVTCOBRA]

I would tell you to look for a G37 S with the sport suspension and performance tires over the regular G37 Journey seeing how you
live in California and will not be driving in snow.

Beware that the S seats are different from the Journey and base. Some like them....some like them until extended drive.....and some don't like them. You need to spend some time in them to see.

As far as Prem. goes (was mentioned above), not all have Prem.
I've seen some without heated seats and without sunroofs.

And, years ago I drove from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe via 50 and around the East side up to the North shore.....I told my co-workers that 80 looked like a bigger road....Was pretty exciting drive in the dark!! Co-workers fell asleep and missed the ride.

[gwoods]

Some of the G37 sedans I have had as loaners did not have sunroofs?? maybe something to be aware of I missed it.

If I were replacing my 07 Sedan I would buy the newest lowest miles G37 Journey I could find. The 7spd gets very decent mileage on my combined driving I get 21-22 mpg in the G37 vs 19 mpg in my G35 5spd.

The 7spd feels very fast too

[soul_hfk]

not saying your wrong but your really feel the 7sp is faster then your 07 cause i feel the 5sp in my 07 felt faster then my 2010 and i really hate the delay

[AdamBritt]

I have a question along the same line as this for you guys:

Would getting the X be worth giving up the 6MT for AWD? I haven't really driven an automatic sports car (does a 90-something Accord in Sport mode count?) and don't think I'd like not having the shifter, or is it something I'd have to try and feel for myself?

[AWGD8]

I currently have a 2009 G37X sedan as a loaner right now and actually, this is the 3rd time I got a chance to drive a G37X sedan. First was a 2008 G35X sedan. Second was 2010 G37X sedan third and fourth was a 2009 G37x sedan.

My experience with the G35X sedan is not good! Very go cart ride , harsh gearing (5 speed auto on manual mode). I had a headache after driving it. I guess i got spoiled by smooth driving EX35 AWD journey.

The G37X sedan was quick and fast! But it took me 3 G37x sedan to learn to work the 7 speed transmission shifting. At first, I did not like the hesitation from stop when driving from 1st -2nd to 3rd gear. There was this hesitation that you need to put more pedal pressure to move forward and change gears. When using the manual mode, I need to shift fast on 1st gear , 2nd to 3rd bec. of the very close gear ratio. I just noticed that when leaving the transmission on D mode, the 2009 model I`m currently driving is smoother from stop with no hesitation. The 2010 G37x sedan loaner i perviously driven still hesitate from stop if not enough pressure on the gas pedal is applied. Seem to me that there might be a different ECU shift point applied on these cars. (2009 and 2010). It seems like i much prefer the 2009. But I might be wrong, maybe it was just this specific vehicle ??

[AWGD8]

BTW,

If you are spending 30+ would you rather have a BMW 135i used one?

[soul_hfk]

i know i wouldnt spent more of my money on the upkeep on a bmw...... german cars ummm no thz been there oh and adam your going to have to drive them both to see what fixes you best and do you drive in the snow if so yea the X is the way togo it drives really good in the snow. i drove home this past winter in for the most part 11inches just fine

[Mudgen]

BTW,

If you are spending 30+ would you rather have a BMW 135i used one?

[SVTCOBRA]

i know i wouldnt spent more of my money on the upkeep on a bmw...... german cars ummm no thz been there oh and adam your going to have to drive them both to see what fixes you best and do you drive in the snow if so yea the X is the way togo it drives really good in the snow. i drove home this past winter in for the most part 11inches just fine

X if you have to drive in the snow.
BMW if you like visiting BMW service dept....

[zozoka1212]

Make sure to get the service dep on your speed dial if you get BMW. LOL
On the other hand you should test drive the X , journey and the S see if you like it. S seats are not for everyone as Rich mentioned it. I never experienced any harsh shifting in my 08G35X. My 07 G35X was rougher to shift but after they updated the ECU it was just as smooth as the 08.

[AdamBritt]

Is the S that bad in the snow? I see snow occasionally but also have experience driving a RWD car in it too.

[pippen99]

The coupes are bad in snow(8 yrs experience) with the possible exception of the X. Maybe someone with an X coupe will chime in but we haven't really had a contributor that I am aware of with an X coupe. I would expect an S to be worse in snow than a Journey. The S has larger tires than a Journey with a lower aspect ratio not the combination best suited to traction in the snow.

[kmckis1029]

for 30k id get the 2010 G37S...

oh in manual mode the transmission does what you want, a manual without a clutch, with the added benefit of protecting you from a dumb down shift. plus down shift rev matching. I personally love the 7 speed transmission. Someone mentioned a lag in D mode, yeah the car wont shift unless you press the pedel down a certian amount. the transmission and ecu will adopt to your driving as i dont have to press my accellerator down much to get a down shift now. but when i need to do a quick move or just having fun i use manua mode anyway.

I'm a year into my 2010 G37x and have had zero problems, didnt have any problems out of my old 2005 G35x either.

[AdamBritt]

I'm not sure if I like the idea of no clutch, but I'm also young and haven't gotten tired of driving with one yet :P

Thanks for the input guys. Guess I'm gonna have to get around to test driving eventually.

[g37man]

Let me say this about the G37Xs coupe,you get the bigger brakes and the Sport Suspension which the
G37Xs sedan does not get.I wish that was offered in the sedan for the 2010 model year,both coupe and sedan get
the 18" tires in Xs series.

[Plazman]

Thanks for all the great advice! I pulled the trigger this week and got a nice 2009 G37 Coupe Journey with the Premium, Nav, Sport and Tech packages, and the rear spoiler. African rosewood accents, lighted kick plates... I'm really happy with it.

I just learned though that I can't stream my bluetooth music in the 2009 because they didn't support A2DP until 2010!! AArrrggghhh..... oh well. And the iPod adapter is pretty wonky and forces my to shove my phone in a tiny cubby hole where I know I'm going to forget it and get caught somewhere without my phone on me.

I can't believe how far behind the computers in cars are. They're REALLY clunky and unusable. Like Windows '95 or something. When are they going to catch up? I wish Apple or someone would develop a great computer system for cars.

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE ADVICE, COULDN'T (WOULDN'T) HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YA!

[timmy0257]

nice and congrats on your purchase.

now tell us, when are you supercharging it?

[joe603]

Congrats on the purchase. For my 09 G37S Sedan, I bought a used 30G iPod and fixed it. (It needed a new HD). Its a bit scratched, but works perfectly to leave in the car. You're right on the interface computer...they are really outdated. But, they are designed to work in extreme conditions. I'm very happy with the system (needed to do the NAV by-pass to live with it). I also needed to install an aftermarket subwoofer to live with the sound