Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
#17
02-19-2003, 10:18 AM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
I'd have to disagree since the car in that picture isn't a Porsche. It is a Porsche replica, but not a true Porsche. It's like those guys who turn a Fiero into a replica Ferrari F-40 with a body kit. Sure it might look the same or similar, but it isn't the real thing. Some of those guys even go to great lengths to try and make their car look real. They'll buy replica sheet metal stamping emblems, actual Porsche accessory parts and even replica owners manuals copied from the originals. There are a couple of different companies that make these replicas, and seem to be doing OK business wise with the venture, but in the end its still a replica and not the real thing. The funny thing is that you see these replicas advertised all the time and guys state that they have $35K in the car but they routinely sell for $18-$22K on Ebay and elsewhere. A real 550 Spyder will set you back a few hundred K at least and over a half-mill for a decent one. If you'd like to see a real one, here's me with mine...
#18
02-19-2003, 01:00 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>
1) the dashboard design is plain and looks cheap, 2) I don't care for the front-end styling (the headlamps mostly), 3) rear seat headroom is limited, and 4) the fold-down rear seat isn't a 60/40 split design.
<hr></blockquote>
That's so funny coming from a guy that owns a Corvette and Contour.
Sal
1) the dashboard design is plain and looks cheap, 2) I don't care for the front-end styling (the headlamps mostly), 3) rear seat headroom is limited, and 4) the fold-down rear seat isn't a 60/40 split design.
<hr></blockquote>
That's so funny coming from a guy that owns a Corvette and Contour.
Sal
#19
02-19-2003, 01:38 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
"That's so funny coming from a guy that owns a Corvette and Contour."
Amen to that! Here's my drawbacks: (very minor)
#1: It's wintertime and the 18" Mich Pilot Sports are scary in the slippery stuff. I drive my SHO as a daily commuter so no big deal.
#2 is: yes I think the dash could be better (it's no German dash) but it beats a Vette dash hands down.
#3 is: having to answer every question about the car everytime I get gas, at the mall, etc (actually it's okay...people love the looks)
And finally...don't gripe about the back seat if you buy any coupe, get the G35 sedan if you need a back seat. My $.02.
Amen to that! Here's my drawbacks: (very minor)
#1: It's wintertime and the 18" Mich Pilot Sports are scary in the slippery stuff. I drive my SHO as a daily commuter so no big deal.
#2 is: yes I think the dash could be better (it's no German dash) but it beats a Vette dash hands down.
#3 is: having to answer every question about the car everytime I get gas, at the mall, etc (actually it's okay...people love the looks)
And finally...don't gripe about the back seat if you buy any coupe, get the G35 sedan if you need a back seat. My $.02.
#20
02-19-2003, 10:13 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
What's so funny? And what does my Corvette and Contour have to do with the G35? I didn't ask for your opinion on my current rides, and I don't care what your opinion is.
I don't know why you have a bug up your a$$ about the Contour and Corvette? Then again, you seem to hate anything that you haven't bought yourself.
Try to be a little more open-minded. A bit of politeness wouldn't kill ya either.
2002 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue/Black
1996 Contour SE, Black/Opal Grey, V-6 5spd, 125k miles
I don't know why you have a bug up your a$$ about the Contour and Corvette? Then again, you seem to hate anything that you haven't bought yourself.
Try to be a little more open-minded. A bit of politeness wouldn't kill ya either.
2002 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue/Black
1996 Contour SE, Black/Opal Grey, V-6 5spd, 125k miles
#21
02-20-2003, 05:57 AM
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Posts: n/a
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
Being a Volvo nut, I'll post my thoughts on the S60R vs. G35 since I myself am deciding between the two. I'll just list the most marked pros and cons that I've observed so far. Mind you that I've not actually test drove either car. These are just observations based on reading reviews, specs, forum discussions and whatnot.
G35 Coupe
Pros:
-Obviously great power and performance for the price. A blast to drive, great handling we all know this.
-Great exterior styling, thumbs up to Infiniti on the 18" wheels/Brembos.
-Superb engine, chasis, and exhaust note (very sexy IMO).
-Good balance between luxury and sport
-Japanese reliability (as Martha Stewart might say, "It's a good thing.")
-I'm sure you can list more pros.
Cons
Most owners would agree that
- the Bose isn't exactly the greatest car audio system out there.
- the materials of the interior are a tad cheap in some places i.e. the fake metallic trim on the center console that scratches easily.
- no memory seats
- no tilting of rear view mirror when car is put in reverse
- nav joystick isn't very user friendly or something like that
- front seat slides foward too slowly to let out rear passengers
- some complain about the seat belt being poorly designed
- some have complained about vibrations in the 6M/T shifter and being able to feel the windshield wipers clunk in the clutch
- some have even gone as far as to complain about the plastic gas door/cap and the need for a hood prop
As you can tell, most of these cons are minor annoyances that are immediately forgetten once you actually start driving. On to the S60R. These are more subjective impressions that I have so far.
Pros:
-Price: For a 300hp AWD vehicle with 18" wheels, Brembo brakes, Bi-xenons, and the long list of standard features and safety features, I think the price is quite reasonable.
-300hp, 295ft-lbs, AWD (0-60 5.4 secs 6M/T model).
-Technology: This car has some interesting technology that I think is fascinating. The so called Four C technology is supposed to adjust the suspension and chasis for maximum comfort and handling. The ability to adjust the chasis at the press of a button is just too cool.
-Interior: Many a car reviewers, including myself, think the interior on Volvos are of high quality, very egronomic, and functional. The interior of the S60R looks especially attractive. Have you guys seen the blue gauges in the dash?! Real aluminum trim is used, although somewhat scant. Small details like the blue stitching add to the distinctiveness. Volvo seats are among the most comfortable in the car industry and it looks as if the S60R will add "supportive" to that. Believe it or not, Volvos have great sounding audio systems. Read some reviews of the S60 and S80 if you don't believe me. Has memory seats.
-Safety: If anything, Volvos are known to be safe cars. Now you can have a 300hp AWD safe car.
-Practicality: Obviously with 4 doors and a more usable trunk, it's more practicle and versatile than a coupe.
-If you don't want to be attracting a lot of attention, which you will if you drive a G35C, but want a capable sports car the S60R is a good choice.
Cons:
-Price: Once you start adding options, prices start to reach the S4/M3 range. Both cars outperform the R.
-Auto gearbox has 50 or so less ft-lbs of torque and is acutally around 2 seconds slower 0-60. Totally defeats the purpose of getting a R in the first place. Brief turbo lag.
-A lot of exterior plastic molding still present.
-Technology: Because this technology is so new, it might be prone to problems. Can be hard to repair due to the sheer complexity of the car's systems and sensors. Always a problem with new model cars.
-HUGE and I mean HUGE turning circle. The G35C has a turning circle of around 37 ft. S60R: 43.3 ft. Be prepared to make A LOT of 3 point and K turns. No small parking lots for you.
-Conservative changes to exterior makes it easy to confuse the R from a normal S60.
-Volvo reliability isn't stellar, but it's not horrible. At least they didn't have to recall almost every production car due to failing ignition coils (cough, Audi, cough).
-Replacing parts will probably be more expensive than in Japanese cars.
-It's still a Volvo, don't expect everyone to be impressed just because you have a "R" emblem on the back.
-And the biggest con of all: It's not out yet! Can't decide until it comes out, at least for me...
Whew, that was long. Now I'm tired.
G35 Coupe
Pros:
-Obviously great power and performance for the price. A blast to drive, great handling we all know this.
-Great exterior styling, thumbs up to Infiniti on the 18" wheels/Brembos.
-Superb engine, chasis, and exhaust note (very sexy IMO).
-Good balance between luxury and sport
-Japanese reliability (as Martha Stewart might say, "It's a good thing.")
-I'm sure you can list more pros.
Cons
Most owners would agree that
- the Bose isn't exactly the greatest car audio system out there.
- the materials of the interior are a tad cheap in some places i.e. the fake metallic trim on the center console that scratches easily.
- no memory seats
- no tilting of rear view mirror when car is put in reverse
- nav joystick isn't very user friendly or something like that
- front seat slides foward too slowly to let out rear passengers
- some complain about the seat belt being poorly designed
- some have complained about vibrations in the 6M/T shifter and being able to feel the windshield wipers clunk in the clutch
- some have even gone as far as to complain about the plastic gas door/cap and the need for a hood prop
As you can tell, most of these cons are minor annoyances that are immediately forgetten once you actually start driving. On to the S60R. These are more subjective impressions that I have so far.
Pros:
-Price: For a 300hp AWD vehicle with 18" wheels, Brembo brakes, Bi-xenons, and the long list of standard features and safety features, I think the price is quite reasonable.
-300hp, 295ft-lbs, AWD (0-60 5.4 secs 6M/T model).
-Technology: This car has some interesting technology that I think is fascinating. The so called Four C technology is supposed to adjust the suspension and chasis for maximum comfort and handling. The ability to adjust the chasis at the press of a button is just too cool.
-Interior: Many a car reviewers, including myself, think the interior on Volvos are of high quality, very egronomic, and functional. The interior of the S60R looks especially attractive. Have you guys seen the blue gauges in the dash?! Real aluminum trim is used, although somewhat scant. Small details like the blue stitching add to the distinctiveness. Volvo seats are among the most comfortable in the car industry and it looks as if the S60R will add "supportive" to that. Believe it or not, Volvos have great sounding audio systems. Read some reviews of the S60 and S80 if you don't believe me. Has memory seats.
-Safety: If anything, Volvos are known to be safe cars. Now you can have a 300hp AWD safe car.
-Practicality: Obviously with 4 doors and a more usable trunk, it's more practicle and versatile than a coupe.
-If you don't want to be attracting a lot of attention, which you will if you drive a G35C, but want a capable sports car the S60R is a good choice.
Cons:
-Price: Once you start adding options, prices start to reach the S4/M3 range. Both cars outperform the R.
-Auto gearbox has 50 or so less ft-lbs of torque and is acutally around 2 seconds slower 0-60. Totally defeats the purpose of getting a R in the first place. Brief turbo lag.
-A lot of exterior plastic molding still present.
-Technology: Because this technology is so new, it might be prone to problems. Can be hard to repair due to the sheer complexity of the car's systems and sensors. Always a problem with new model cars.
-HUGE and I mean HUGE turning circle. The G35C has a turning circle of around 37 ft. S60R: 43.3 ft. Be prepared to make A LOT of 3 point and K turns. No small parking lots for you.
-Conservative changes to exterior makes it easy to confuse the R from a normal S60.
-Volvo reliability isn't stellar, but it's not horrible. At least they didn't have to recall almost every production car due to failing ignition coils (cough, Audi, cough).
-Replacing parts will probably be more expensive than in Japanese cars.
-It's still a Volvo, don't expect everyone to be impressed just because you have a "R" emblem on the back.
-And the biggest con of all: It's not out yet! Can't decide until it comes out, at least for me...
Whew, that was long. Now I'm tired.
#22
02-20-2003, 06:10 AM
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Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
get the g35 you will love it it has everything you need and you cant beat it for the money . it is so comfortableas well you have to take one for a test drive mine is fully loaded navi as well i picked it up for 37 600 i tried to get the price down but he wouldnt do it so i traded the closer one of my paintings and he threw in allot of stuff and droped my intrest rate allot for me witch i thought was cool of him .out the door it was 41k and change . by the way it was at miller infiniti van nuys CA good luck
#23
02-20-2003, 12:20 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
Easy Z06ified.. I think you missed the point... He was noticing you complaining about the dash board design being too plain.
You must admit of all the cars in all the world the corvette dash design is pretty horendous - Almost as bad as my Cobra's. And I can't say I know exactly what a 125K mile contour dash looks like, but I am guessing the G35 is a step up...
So don't jump all over everyone here, your new & your getting some great advice.
This isnt fresh alloy ya know...
G35 Coupe / Premium / Nav
Ivory Pearl / Willow Leather
SSR GT3 19"s w/ Bridgestone SO-3
You must admit of all the cars in all the world the corvette dash design is pretty horendous - Almost as bad as my Cobra's. And I can't say I know exactly what a 125K mile contour dash looks like, but I am guessing the G35 is a step up...
So don't jump all over everyone here, your new & your getting some great advice.
This isnt fresh alloy ya know...
G35 Coupe / Premium / Nav
Ivory Pearl / Willow Leather
SSR GT3 19"s w/ Bridgestone SO-3
#24
02-20-2003, 12:51 PM
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#25
02-20-2003, 01:15 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
Torque steer, torque steer, torque steer. That's the number one reason not to get the volvo. I would choose any number of cars other than the S60 due just to this one fact. Drill the gas and expect the wheel to jump, my wifes car always goes right. It's more than annoying.
S60R vs M3.....please.
S60R vs M3.....please.
#26
02-20-2003, 01:50 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
As an owner of a C5, RT/10, and a G35c I must give you my input on the G35c.
The car has great feel. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The power is decent and the car is fast; not quick but fast. The steering is very direct and has great "feeling". The brakes are good with quite a bit of initial grab and progression, but a pad switch is in my future to improve the feel. The looks of the car are great in my opinion. You don't see nearly as many of them as the BMW's (and other German brands) and I doubt you ever will, so they are more exclusive to own. I agree with your accessment of the dash and also agree that the Vette dash is by far inferior (though I do like the color of the guages better on the Vette).
I plan to use the G35 as my daily driver, so engress and degress were important and the G is fine, the door has a nice 1/2 open detent in the hing. The mpg the G35 are a little disappointing, the Vette gets as good or better milage.
As many of the other post point out, you just can't do better than the G35, for the money. I wanted a car that was fun to drive, comfortable, practical and not something everyone else had, the G35 delivers on all points.
I will be selling the Vette this summer, it's been a great car to own and drive, but dealing with Chevrolet service has been the worst part of ownership. I won't miss it for long though, I have a 360 Spider coming soon (as long as the stock market doesn't get much worse), otherwise I will be joining you as a Z06 owner.
Hope my opinion helped...happy motoring :-)
The car has great feel. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The power is decent and the car is fast; not quick but fast. The steering is very direct and has great "feeling". The brakes are good with quite a bit of initial grab and progression, but a pad switch is in my future to improve the feel. The looks of the car are great in my opinion. You don't see nearly as many of them as the BMW's (and other German brands) and I doubt you ever will, so they are more exclusive to own. I agree with your accessment of the dash and also agree that the Vette dash is by far inferior (though I do like the color of the guages better on the Vette).
I plan to use the G35 as my daily driver, so engress and degress were important and the G is fine, the door has a nice 1/2 open detent in the hing. The mpg the G35 are a little disappointing, the Vette gets as good or better milage.
As many of the other post point out, you just can't do better than the G35, for the money. I wanted a car that was fun to drive, comfortable, practical and not something everyone else had, the G35 delivers on all points.
I will be selling the Vette this summer, it's been a great car to own and drive, but dealing with Chevrolet service has been the worst part of ownership. I won't miss it for long though, I have a 360 Spider coming soon (as long as the stock market doesn't get much worse), otherwise I will be joining you as a Z06 owner.
Hope my opinion helped...happy motoring :-)
#27
02-20-2003, 03:32 PM
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Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
This is true in the normal S60's as they are front wheel drive and can't handle the torque of the engine. However, the S60R is AWD. Torque steer should be reduced, if not eliminated. We'll see when it actually comes out. I wasn't trying to compare the S60R and the M3. M3 flat out outperforms almost any car out there. S60R is for a different crowd. Seriously though, equipped S60R should be around the same price as an Audi A4 3.0. 220hp or 300hp?
<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by PhilUp on 02/20/03 12:37 PM.</EM></FONT></P>
<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by PhilUp on 02/20/03 12:37 PM.</EM></FONT></P>
#28
02-20-2003, 08:34 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
Get the car man. That's all have to say. You won't get more bang for your dollar than this vehicle. I was considering many of the same cars as you as well. Just don't get the fit, finish and performance of this vehicle for the price anywhere. Hence the reason they can be difficult to locate. I lucked out and after shopping at Three differant dealerships in So Cal I found the model I wanted with the color and options as well. I left that night with the car and after 2 hours of haggling with the Sales Manager got them to take about $600 off MSRP. Wasn't much but it was better than nothing. I would suggest giving them call since they seem to have a unusually large amount of Coupes in stock most of the time (Around 8-10).
The Dealership is Cerritos Infiniti in So Cal. The back seats are fine unless your 6' in my opinion. Most of the stuff I could complain about are little stupid things that only an **** person could care about. Over it's a fabulous vehicle. Good Luck!
Jason
Laser Red 03' Prem/Aero/6MT/SnRf
The Dealership is Cerritos Infiniti in So Cal. The back seats are fine unless your 6' in my opinion. Most of the stuff I could complain about are little stupid things that only an **** person could care about. Over it's a fabulous vehicle. Good Luck!
Jason
Laser Red 03' Prem/Aero/6MT/SnRf
#29
02-22-2003, 04:20 PM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
Thanks for all the input. Very informative and helpful. I will be moving to CA in 6 weeks, and will be shopping for a new G35 Coupe once I arrive there. Hopefully I can find one in stock that has the colors and options I want so I can take it home right away. Sounds like the order process is a bit long (2-3 months). Fortunately, I'm not too picky on the colors. My favorites on the Coupe are: Silverstone, that desert color (forgot the name of it), black, and silver. Interior I think I like the Willow better, but if the car I wanted came in graphite I wouldn't complain. Must have the Premium package and Aero package. I'm usually not a big fan of spoilers, but I think it looks hot on this car.
2002 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue/Black
1996 Contour SE, Black/Opal Grey, V-6 5spd, 125k miles
2002 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue/Black
1996 Contour SE, Black/Opal Grey, V-6 5spd, 125k miles
#30
02-23-2003, 02:55 AM
Re: Thinking of getting new car - need G35 advice
This months R&T reports that while the S60R is AWD, it's a passive system, meaning that power is applied to the rear wheels only when slippage is indicated. So, torque steer is still just as bad as it's always been in the volvo 5 cyl turbos. It's a shame they continue to emasculate that car, it's such a nice engine.