I just finished shopping around. I was leaning toward a G35 (and ultimately purchased one) but also looked at BMW 330i and Acura TL as well.

The BMW was pretty comparable, but the TL was not. I liked the interior better on the Acura, but I really only liked the Type-S so that put it as much as or more than the G35. The maintenance costs/schedule and entry cost of the BMW scared me away from them. The performance numbers were a little less than the G35 as well.

Keep looking and you will find a good deal. Shop individuals and not dealers. My '05 was picked up for under $13,000 and has under 70,000 miles on it. It is in great shape to boot. Dealer vs individual price was amazing. A local dealer wanted $18,500 for an '06 G35 with more miles, less options, and it worse shape.

Also, don't be afraid to negotiate a few thousand off, even from an individual.

 

Just get a 240sx

 

How about a Honda Civic SI? I have owned many, including a 2011 and they have a formula that is hard to beat (MPG 30+, low cost, excellent resale) and it revs to 8000RPM's...

 

Genesis coupe is actually pretty legit. But they are too new to find one for 10k, especially the 3.8 liter engines.

I was in the same boat as you, but I had around 15K I wanted to spend. I wanted a G35 for YEARS, and it was my motivation to graduate school, but they were all expensive for what I wanted. I finally found an 04, 6MT Twilight Blue G with 65k miles, that I got for 14K.

I test drove 350z's all the time, trying to make myself like the car enough to buy one since they were cheaper. I just couldn't do it, everytime I got in I felt like I was cutting myself short and buying some cheap knock off of what I wanted.

 

the main thing with G35's is mileage the less it has the higher its gonna be unless you just fond some one who is nice and isn't looking to gouge youi saw a 2005 here in fl with 47k miles for 12,500 gone by the time i got to calling the guy but i now have found a 2005 with a manual and has 107k on the body and 44k on the engine had the oil consumption problem with original but now also has a turbo pushing like 400hp and hes going to sell it to me for 13k so hopefully i should have it by next week but yeah bmw repair prices are horrible, Hyundai genesis cheapest i have seen is 16k for a 2010 and i believe thats when they started being made and their performance is no where near a G35's oh and the guy who said maybe a skyline 350 the American version of a Nissan skyline 350 GT ,,,, guess what? its a G35

 

the new 2012 altima kind of looks like a g37 from the front

 

I've wanted a G35 for YEARS. exactly like what that guy like 4 posts up was saying. I've been looking at 350z's for weeks, trying to convince myself to like it because its cheaper and has higher MPG, but I don't know if I can settle.

The main reason for me selling my current car is that it has shitty MPG and keeps breaking down frequently (1993 camry v6 http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2979957833.html). My dad says it would be a better idea to buy a car that is more reliable and has higher mpg. He doesn't approve of the G35 or 350z really though. And I haven't finished college yet, and don't have a job atm so it's hard trying to convince him of this purchase =/

BTW, do you think the asking price is too high for that camry? it's a little higher than kbb, but has all of the amenities etc. and is in maintained shape.

 

It id not a G35. It's almost identical but it's a Nissan Skyline 350GT. And he was being sarcastic about buying one since they dont sell it in the U.S

 

Who's buying the car; you or your dad? No job + going to school = zero money. Heck, I was working two jobs while going to school and I had no money.

I'm not your daddy, but if I were, I'd tell you to buy what you have cash for. After you are out of school and have a job you can start looking for a nicer car. If you think crappy gas mileage is expensive, wait until you are getting crappy gas mileage and making a car payment. If the car is breaking down on you, then that could be another story, but that all depends on why. Is it a lack of maintenance, just going down from general wear items at nearly 200,000 miles, etc.? I think the asking price is high. That car around my area would be a $2,000 OBO car. Just my opinion.

If daddy is buying the car, then he has final say on what you buy, but you should push for a SSC Ultimate Aero and settle for a 2001 Accord EX

 

Comparable to the G35?

Gen Coupe. Even the 2.0T has pretty good get-up-and-go.

Honestly, in the 10k price range, though, I wouldn't chase after a G35. If you want something quick, sporty and reliable, I'd look into a Maxima, Altima, or maybe even a Lexus IS300.

If you HAVE to have two doors, maybe an older 3-series Bimmer coupe or a 240sx...?

 

Depending on your price range, check out the E46 330CI or the newer, more powerful and more expensive 335i.

 

Dude go for an Acura RSX type-s . 2002 models go for around $10k and they are Honda so reliability is great for these cars. Your welcome =)

Also I should mention the 0-60 times are only a .2 second difference between the RSX type s and the 2003 G-coupe. So it is still quick as heck.

 

I agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

but the next best thing is a 240sx, sr20 or rb swap and s15 headlights

 

ok so the G35 and the Nissan Skyline GT350 both made on the Nissan fm platform sporting the VQ35de engine the exact same body so how is the G35 not the Skyline GT350 in American form ? the GT350 had 280 HP and so does the automatic G35 and the manual has 298 HP so im guessing the manual GT350 had 298 HP also. Once again you need to check up on what your talking about before you open your mouth