Guys, I'm looking to get a used G35 Coupe before summer's over. Preferably something with low mileage and under $30k and upon searching Autotrader, many hits came from GermanStarMotors located on Steeles and Kennedy (near Pacific Mall) here in Toronto, Canada. Anyway, some people on RedFlagDeals said from first hand experience, they're pretty shady. It's just a small lot with a handful of cars and a trailer for their office. I would prefer to deal with a reputable dealership. GSM has a few less than 20k for $30k which some have said is from the States. Any problems buying cars that were imported from the States? Any pitfalls?

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/listi...?vlotid=299097

 

There is a thread on these guys already that you can try searching for....

 

Seems to confirm that they're indeed shady. I'm just so frustrated at finding a car; I've been in negotiations with a Hyundai dealer for the Genesis Coupe and was close to signing but I'm getting cold feet and thought I'd take another look at the G35.

Any advice as to where to look?

 

That's always a tough one.... it usually comes down to a right place, right time kind of thing.

re: GSM
It's not to say they don't have some good cars there, just be fully aware of what you are walking into.
I'm sure the bulk of inventory is purchased sight unseen via wholesale auction.

If you can put up with the high pressure sales, you still might find something.
Above all else, make sure that you have written on the deal that you car take the car for an independent inspection & back out of the deal.

 

Please dont get the Hyundai Genesis (not trying to offend anybody)

 

^+1

 

Good advice from InTgr8r - don't cheap out, take the vehicle for an independent inspection. I also paid for a CarProof report, and in hindsight, this was also money well-spent. I bought my 04 6MT sedan from Curve Motorsports. After much research, this used car dealership didn't have a very good reputation either. However if you get an independant inspection (Vic Simone at Simone's Performance in Newmarket is a good choice for this), and you get a good idea of what the vehicle requires in order to get the maintenance updated, then you can negotiate. My vehicle needed a clutch, even though the salesman at Curve Motorsports stated "all G35's shift like that" - yeah right! Sure I paid an additional $3000 for maintenance, and other assorted goodies, but I got the car for a good price $13,500 (with 85K kms) and now I know exactly where I stand for maintenance and servicing. If you're getting an 03 or an 04, be sure to have a look at the brakes - these model years are known for premature brake wear. The 05 - 08 models are a little different with higher HP and a few massages to the engine, as well as convenience options. Take your time - there's lots to choose from (especially coupes).

 

Any Infiniti/G Coupes specialists in the GTA? I'd like to take it to an indepent mechanic to have them look and do a battery of tests on it. I wonder if the dealership would even allow this. There could be a few hidden gems in their lots yet.

P.S Why not a Genesis Coupe? Apart from the interior, the car's not bad especially when you get the GT trim.

 

go for reputable dealers. i got my g from scarborough toyota/lexus. the car was just off financing and pretty good so far, knock on wood

 

I drove the Genesis Coupe the other day. It's a nice car, but the dealerships are getting primo dollars for them cause they're the "hot thing" right now. I still think a purchaser is getting much better value for the dollar on a used G35 at the moment. I certainly didn't think the Genesis Coupe performed any better than my 04 6MT sedan. The engine seemed to be willing, but the gearbox felt overly slushy to me (don't get me wrong, I thought it was a good runner, but for a new vehicle it just didn't feel screwed together quite as good as my 5 year old G35). The Genesis Coupe may not be such a good bargain right now, but it will definitely be popular in a couple of years when it hits the used car market.

 

If your buying a Coupe stick your finger into the exhaust pipes and give it a swirl. If its very oily and greasy stay away from the car. It has an oil consumption issue.

 

supercooled, This is so funny you mention this place. I was discussing them with another member here and also researched them on another site.

I am looking for a newer FX and German Star has a lot of loaded ones there. One thing I noticed is most are US vehicles. I made a post on another forum I belong to and asked the guys there about them since many of them live in that area. Basically they all said BE CAREFUL if you get a vehicle there. So I took their word and trashed the idea of going there even though they had the greatest selection of used FX's.

If you are looking there definitely get the car checked out by a reliable mechanic and also check it through Carfax or Carproof. Also check with Infiniti Canada to make sure you can get warranty here. My friends warned me to be very careful there.
Wayne

 

That's an arguable statement

 

Yeah, the engine specs where definitely understated in the first couple of years.
05+ did make some nice trim improvements though

 

Any statement made on this entire forum is up for debate, most times. I was simply trying to offer a little help to the gentleman who started this thread so that he can make an informed decision about buying a G35. We don't eat our children on this forum.