Why did you buy a G35?
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Re: Why did you buy a G35?
I wanted a car to replace my Miata that was just ending its warranty. It had to be a coupe or convertible with 2 doors. I was looking for significantly more power than the Miata(this was the only thing I hated about it). This eliminated looking at another Miata or MR2 Spyder. Based on the performance/cost relationship I eliminated Boxsters and Z4s. The Z4s are ugly anyways. The only convertible I ended up considering was an S2000. I drove 2 and was very disappointed. The power felt like my Miata, but it does rev a lot more. I just couldn't fit in the car.
I was now fixed on a coupe. My selection was out of a Mini Cooper S, RSX Type S, Mecedes C320 6MT coupe, G35 6MT Coupe, 350Z, 330Ci and a Z06. I drove 3 Cooper S models. They are pretty decent car. They do accelerate, turn and brake decently, but there just isn't anything special when you drive then. If I was limited to under $25K on a car, then this is by far the best car in that price range.
The RSX Type S is a piece of shi*t. The interior(especially the dash and leather) is extremely cheap. The handling is disappointing with lots of road noise, roughness but lots of body roll and push. I only had to drive 2 miles before I turned to the salesman and told him it wasn't the car.
Trying to look at a C320 Coupe was a joke. Why, no dealer had a C320 Coupe 6MT. Although the model is available, none have ever ordered or had one. I test drove a C320 auto and a C230 Kompressor. Power in both is extremely disappointing. Handling was horribly and the interior was extremely disappointing. They had tiny tachs that were hard to see and the worst manual shifter I have ever felt in my life.
The G35 Coupe was a nice surprise. It was a lot tigher, had far better turn-in and a stiffer ride than I was expecting. It did everything well: accelerate, turn and brake. Being an old V8 guy, I was impressed by the amount of low-end troque from the small 3.5L V6.
The 350Z was a little disappointing. The interior was extremely cheap compared to the G35. The back end got unfortably loose in a couple of corners were the G just rotated smoothly. It is definitely more likely, but less stable. I wanted leather, Bose and Brembos. This is not possible in a Z. You can either get a Touring model with leather and Bose or a Track model with Brembos. The storage room under the hatch was a joke. I wnted to get some more room than the miata had, but half of the storage room was taken up by the shock tower brace. The price for a Track Z with options like side airbags was price about $500 more than a G35 6MT Premium. Last there was no comparison on warranty and serivce. Nissan has no loaner cars. The warranty is 3 year bumper to bumper and 5 year powertrain versus 4 year bumper to bumper and 6 year powertrain for the G35. The G35 was simply a far better bang for the buck than the Z.
The 330Ci drove very similar to the G35, but with a little less turn-in and noticeably less power. Its lack of an LSD made it a lot harder to power out of corners. The particular car I drove was $8K more than a G35 Coupe and hence eliminated from the list.
Last there was the Z06. It is by far the best bang for the buck. It is all performance. First gear performance is disappointing until you turn off the traction control. Then it feels like it wants to break the tires loose all the way through first. I drove 2 of them and they have impressive power. brakes and handling with no body roll and great turn-in. Both of these cars had other noticealbe traits: they were very loud all the time, ride was obnoxious at times, they both wandered badly on the highway and both chassis seemed to feel uncomfortingly loose. Since I was looking for a daily driver(I also already have a 911), the Z06 just didn't meet my criteria. In the end, the G35 won because it had all the positives, no negatives and a price that couldn't be beat.
Age: 34
Sex: M
Income: >75K
04' G35 Coupe(finally in the garage)
6-sp Diamond Graphite/Willow w/Premium
I was now fixed on a coupe. My selection was out of a Mini Cooper S, RSX Type S, Mecedes C320 6MT coupe, G35 6MT Coupe, 350Z, 330Ci and a Z06. I drove 3 Cooper S models. They are pretty decent car. They do accelerate, turn and brake decently, but there just isn't anything special when you drive then. If I was limited to under $25K on a car, then this is by far the best car in that price range.
The RSX Type S is a piece of shi*t. The interior(especially the dash and leather) is extremely cheap. The handling is disappointing with lots of road noise, roughness but lots of body roll and push. I only had to drive 2 miles before I turned to the salesman and told him it wasn't the car.
Trying to look at a C320 Coupe was a joke. Why, no dealer had a C320 Coupe 6MT. Although the model is available, none have ever ordered or had one. I test drove a C320 auto and a C230 Kompressor. Power in both is extremely disappointing. Handling was horribly and the interior was extremely disappointing. They had tiny tachs that were hard to see and the worst manual shifter I have ever felt in my life.
The G35 Coupe was a nice surprise. It was a lot tigher, had far better turn-in and a stiffer ride than I was expecting. It did everything well: accelerate, turn and brake. Being an old V8 guy, I was impressed by the amount of low-end troque from the small 3.5L V6.
The 350Z was a little disappointing. The interior was extremely cheap compared to the G35. The back end got unfortably loose in a couple of corners were the G just rotated smoothly. It is definitely more likely, but less stable. I wanted leather, Bose and Brembos. This is not possible in a Z. You can either get a Touring model with leather and Bose or a Track model with Brembos. The storage room under the hatch was a joke. I wnted to get some more room than the miata had, but half of the storage room was taken up by the shock tower brace. The price for a Track Z with options like side airbags was price about $500 more than a G35 6MT Premium. Last there was no comparison on warranty and serivce. Nissan has no loaner cars. The warranty is 3 year bumper to bumper and 5 year powertrain versus 4 year bumper to bumper and 6 year powertrain for the G35. The G35 was simply a far better bang for the buck than the Z.
The 330Ci drove very similar to the G35, but with a little less turn-in and noticeably less power. Its lack of an LSD made it a lot harder to power out of corners. The particular car I drove was $8K more than a G35 Coupe and hence eliminated from the list.
Last there was the Z06. It is by far the best bang for the buck. It is all performance. First gear performance is disappointing until you turn off the traction control. Then it feels like it wants to break the tires loose all the way through first. I drove 2 of them and they have impressive power. brakes and handling with no body roll and great turn-in. Both of these cars had other noticealbe traits: they were very loud all the time, ride was obnoxious at times, they both wandered badly on the highway and both chassis seemed to feel uncomfortingly loose. Since I was looking for a daily driver(I also already have a 911), the Z06 just didn't meet my criteria. In the end, the G35 won because it had all the positives, no negatives and a price that couldn't be beat.
Age: 34
Sex: M
Income: >75K
04' G35 Coupe(finally in the garage)
6-sp Diamond Graphite/Willow w/Premium
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Posts: 14
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From: Virginia
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
1. Age:19
2. Sex: M
3. Income: Approx. 14k
4. Reason for buying: Fast as hell, liked the looks, could leave it completly stock and still looks better than most other cars on the road, but still has mods out there available if desired.
5. Experience: I work my tail off for this car, and I don't regret buying it for a second.
2. Sex: M
3. Income: Approx. 14k
4. Reason for buying: Fast as hell, liked the looks, could leave it completly stock and still looks better than most other cars on the road, but still has mods out there available if desired.
5. Experience: I work my tail off for this car, and I don't regret buying it for a second.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
1. Age:19
2. Sex: M
3. Income: Approx. 14k
4. Reason for buying: Fast as hell, liked the looks, could leave it completly stock and still looks better than most other cars on the road, but still has mods out there available if desired.
5. Experience: I work my tail off for this car, and I don't regret buying it for a second.
2. Sex: M
3. Income: Approx. 14k
4. Reason for buying: Fast as hell, liked the looks, could leave it completly stock and still looks better than most other cars on the road, but still has mods out there available if desired.
5. Experience: I work my tail off for this car, and I don't regret buying it for a second.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 510
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Re: Why did you buy a G35?
G35 Owner Questions: (feel free to go into detail where applicable)
1. 23
2. M
3. Rather not say, but fairly high.
4. Did not want to be a sheep with a BMW...bahhhh baahhh bahhhh sheep.
5. I love you.......G. In all seriousness.
G35 Coupe Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Premium/Aero/ Blizzaks and 17's till March /
1. 23
2. M
3. Rather not say, but fairly high.
4. Did not want to be a sheep with a BMW...bahhhh baahhh bahhhh sheep.
5. I love you.......G. In all seriousness.
G35 Coupe Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Premium/Aero/ Blizzaks and 17's till March /
Florida G35 Club, General Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
1. Age: 23
2. Sex: Male
3. Income bracket/level: $60k
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: My father initially suggested that I take a look at one. I did and fell in love with it. It has the luxury that I was looking for and the performance to make it incredible to drive.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: The second day I had the car, I was driving home and stopped at a red light. This car pulled up next to me with three hot college girls in it. They were staring, so I rolled the window down and got some numbers. I love my car.
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project:
2. Sex: Male
3. Income bracket/level: $60k
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: My father initially suggested that I take a look at one. I did and fell in love with it. It has the luxury that I was looking for and the performance to make it incredible to drive.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: The second day I had the car, I was driving home and stopped at a red light. This car pulled up next to me with three hot college girls in it. They were staring, so I rolled the window down and got some numbers. I love my car.
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project:
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
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From: Poughkeepsie, NY
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
22 years old
Male
~$60k
I bought the car because I thought it was beautiful. Since it is very powerful stock, it was also very appealing. I plan on doing many audio/visual upgrades, but near to nothing in terms of the drivetrain/engine. So the fact that this was so strong in that area made me choose this over many competitors. Also reliability helped me to choose this over many of the German automakers.
The car is awesome
2004 Twlight Blue/Willow 6mt Coupe.
Bel Vector 985 Hardwired.
Grounding Kit.
Next Project: Carputer.
Male
~$60k
I bought the car because I thought it was beautiful. Since it is very powerful stock, it was also very appealing. I plan on doing many audio/visual upgrades, but near to nothing in terms of the drivetrain/engine. So the fact that this was so strong in that area made me choose this over many competitors. Also reliability helped me to choose this over many of the German automakers.
The car is awesome
2004 Twlight Blue/Willow 6mt Coupe.
Bel Vector 985 Hardwired.
Grounding Kit.
Next Project: Carputer.
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
XIMER, I have the standard stereo and at low levels (upto 12 or so) it sounds pretty good. But after that then the volume is around 15 and up it starts to distort and the bass gets sloppy. Even if you turn down the bass to +1 or flat, it is still not crisp. The highs are ok, a little bit harsh but tolerable. The worst part is the upper mid range, at high levels it gets really harsh and unlistenable, almost to the point of being painful. To be fair, I've always had built up sounds in my cars and no stock or premium stereo can compare to a well executed aftermarket system. But to me the Infiniti stereo is not all that great (I didn't get the BOSE cause I've heard they suck too and I'll be swaping this stuff out anyways). Lexus has better sounding stereos IMO.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Southen California
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
1. Age: 42
2. Sex: F
3. Income bracket/level: 3 x G35
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: strong and handsome
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: in love with him after a year together
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project:
2. Sex: F
3. Income bracket/level: 3 x G35
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: strong and handsome
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: in love with him after a year together
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project:
Thread Starter
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Posts: 10
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Re: Why did you buy a G35?
I have to say the response from this forum has been awesome. More people responded here than anywhere else so far. Thank you everyone.
I hope I have done well to address everyone with questions and comments. This has been alot to keep up with and it has not even been up for 24hrs.
Keep it up G owners.
I hope I have done well to address everyone with questions and comments. This has been alot to keep up with and it has not even been up for 24hrs.
Keep it up G owners.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 263
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Re: Why did you buy a G35?
1. Age: 23
2. Sex: M
3. Income bracket/level: 50k+
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: I wanted something fast but practical because I do have a son. Reliability was also a big issue. For the price and all that you get, you just cannot beat the G35. I am now a loyal infiniti owner and will probably replace my car with the GT-R when it comes out. Honestly, having this car feels like I've bought a porsche but maybe on a slightly lower scale.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: hmm, well moving up from a toyota corolla there are a few things to get used to. One interesting thing is I never cared to modify any kind of car till I got this one, now it is an addiction, I don't know if I'll ever be finished.
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project: Good luck on the project! Let me know if you need any more info, I'll be glad to share. I'd also like to see the results.
2. Sex: M
3. Income bracket/level: 50k+
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: I wanted something fast but practical because I do have a son. Reliability was also a big issue. For the price and all that you get, you just cannot beat the G35. I am now a loyal infiniti owner and will probably replace my car with the GT-R when it comes out. Honestly, having this car feels like I've bought a porsche but maybe on a slightly lower scale.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: hmm, well moving up from a toyota corolla there are a few things to get used to. One interesting thing is I never cared to modify any kind of car till I got this one, now it is an addiction, I don't know if I'll ever be finished.
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project: Good luck on the project! Let me know if you need any more info, I'll be glad to share. I'd also like to see the results.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
1. Age: 29
2. Sex: Male
3. Income bracket/level: 100-150K / year
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: I looked and looked for a performance car that I was comfortable in. I have always loved the skyline, and then the 350Z, but when the G35 coupe came out, I was sold.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: I love this car more than any human I have ever known
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project: I think it would be interesting to see a 3 way corrrelation between geography, age and income level mapped across the world of G35 mods.
'04 Coupe 5AT BS | Premium | NAV | 18" Wheels | Borla Exhaust | Aluminum Pedals | Clear Corners |
2. Sex: Male
3. Income bracket/level: 100-150K / year
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: I looked and looked for a performance car that I was comfortable in. I have always loved the skyline, and then the 350Z, but when the G35 coupe came out, I was sold.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: I love this car more than any human I have ever known
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project: I think it would be interesting to see a 3 way corrrelation between geography, age and income level mapped across the world of G35 mods.
'04 Coupe 5AT BS | Premium | NAV | 18" Wheels | Borla Exhaust | Aluminum Pedals | Clear Corners |
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10
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Re: Why did you buy a G35?
I thought I might share Infiniti's response to my asking for a list of owners:
>Dear Jonathan,
>
>Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Unfortunately, the information
>that you requested is proprietary information and is not available to the
>public.
>
>If we can answer any other questions you have regarding Infiniti vehicles,
>dealerships, or the Nissan North America family of companies, please contact us
>by return e-mail or call us at 1-800-293-0800 and press "0" for a live operator.
>
>At Infiniti, we strive to provide the highest level of customer service.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Infiniti
I would like to add that I also asked if, perhaps, they had conducted any similar surveys that they could share, or even help me in any way at all. Their answer was apparently a big no. On one hand I guess it is understandable. I will not let it set me back though.
I am next going to try J.D. Power & Associates, maybe they have something.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks.
>Dear Jonathan,
>
>Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Unfortunately, the information
>that you requested is proprietary information and is not available to the
>public.
>
>If we can answer any other questions you have regarding Infiniti vehicles,
>dealerships, or the Nissan North America family of companies, please contact us
>by return e-mail or call us at 1-800-293-0800 and press "0" for a live operator.
>
>At Infiniti, we strive to provide the highest level of customer service.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Infiniti
I would like to add that I also asked if, perhaps, they had conducted any similar surveys that they could share, or even help me in any way at all. Their answer was apparently a big no. On one hand I guess it is understandable. I will not let it set me back though.
I am next going to try J.D. Power & Associates, maybe they have something.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
This also isn't bad information for Nissan to have either! Probably a lot more response than the those registration cards that essentially ask the same thing for customer satisfaction.
Anyway I am getting the G because it's the best value and tightest looking car that I've seen in the last 4 years.........
Anyway I am getting the G because it's the best value and tightest looking car that I've seen in the last 4 years.........
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
2. Sex: M
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: A lot of reason, it wouldn't stop ending: obviously 280hp even though it doesn't go as fast as a lot of high performance cars u just love to see people jump when they hear 280; infiniti name as opposed to mitsubshi or subaru; luxury; sound system has a good name[bose] but nooot that great quality though as i discovered; heated seats =)); premium package; lots of leg room for a coupe in the back though not much head room (big plus); and tonnns of other features; well for me i wanted a fast car with good looks, wrx sti and lancer evo didn't cut it for me; 330ci and m3 and z4 too expensive, and so on...
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: amazing car AMAZING STOCK EXHAUST, i can't tell u how many comments/looks i get from the beautiful sound; amazing and different looks
Questions/Comments/Suggestions for me or the project: even though a 30+ japanese sports cars haven't had TREMENDOUS success there is still a market for the car. HOwever beforehand the toyota supras and such were bought mostly from the younger crowd. Using infiniti name and 'luxury' the g35 got the typicall yougn people excited as welll as the older age group who saw it as a great alternative to a porsche with a greeeat value and affordablity
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Re: Why did you buy a G35?
1. Age: 20, few months from 21
2. Sex: yes the G35 has helped in this area too. heh M
3. Income bracket/level: More than comfortable for someone my age. PM if u need specifics.
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: This actually is a pretty long story. Last year, I bought a 2003 Chevy Xtreme S10, the first new car I've bought in my life actually, my previous few were all used. First thing I did was lower it even more, put a full Alpine system in it, and tinted it down to 15% fronts/5% rears. Immediatly, the police decided I was now a drug dealer. No, I'm not joking, and I have had police tell me I drive a very nice, yet drug dealer looking truck. I didn't get it but hey, whatever. After over a year of being harrassed and after almost sliding this truck sideways off of a road in an inch of snow (I made the suspension a little bit too tight for its own good, as a matter of fact I would love to see my old truck vs the g35 in cornering, the G would prolly get handed its ***, unfortunatly it would ruin my old truck in straight line acceleration) so came the decision. I can't pay for something I can't drive through the winter, and I really didnt want to be driving in something as unsafe. Oh and for all those who doubt how bad it was, just remember, I had a 600 lb bed over my 3.73 posi'd rear end.....it didnt like to stay straight in dry weather let alone wet...and it was only a V6. So came the decision to get a new car this year. I wanted a car, a car that was faster than my truck was, something the police wouldnt be pulling over at every chance, and something that I could drive through the winter without as many problems. My list of possible cars were a Subie WrX STi, EVO VIII, BMW 3 series, Pontiac GTO, Z28/SS or TA/WS.6, 350z, m.b. CLK class, the g35, and a few others, but these were my main choices. The fight between the STI and the EVO went to the STI for the category of looks, I dont care who says which one can do what, they are both equal classed cars and I happen to love the look of the STi and I think the EVO looks like a rice rocket waiting to happen. Unfortunatly, I never got to test drive either car, but I had already made up my mind by then. Between the 330ci and the CLK320, my vote would go for the BMW for looks and the CLK320 for pretty much everything else. I was used to driving my moms E320 so the CLK320 was really no differnt except in dimensions and slightly more responsive suspension (faster steering and much much less body roll). However, both felt too "luxurious" for me and I felt like if one were to become my car, I would feel compelled to be overly careful with everything I do in the car. The CLK was a decent straight line performer as well, and to be honest, might very well be my 3rd choice (realistically) out of this list. The GTO finally was advertised and the "sporty bonneville" look just turned me off instantly. I would have looked for a 98+ camaro z28/ss or firebird trans am/WS.6 but I know far to many people with them, and I didn't want another used car, especially one as notorious for kids beating on them. Then came the 350Z, loved the looks, but I must say they have worn off and I really dont like them nearly as much anymore. The interior seemed a bit tacky for me, didnt match up with the quality or look of the exterior in my mind, but hey....thats why I chose against it. My father had picked up a 2003.5 G35 a few months after getting my truck. I have to say, and no offense, I thought this was the most *** ugly car I have ever seen at first glance. Then I started seeing it every morning on my way out to school/work. Within about 4 days, I walked around the entire car for about 20 minutes, started it, listened to it, (didnt dare take it out, go figure, Ill drive his 8 series like I owned it but I was too skiddish to drive his new car) and Im actually quite glad that I didnt at the time. My "first impressions" after carefully going over the car, instead of giving it a quick once over and dismissing it as another "wanna be benz" I realized this car is gorgeous. My morning walk to my truck consisted of oogling the G35 down the front walk, then staring at it till it dissapeared from my rearview. Then I moved out of my parents house, and came this whole situation. I priced out an 04 coupe with everything but navi, and was getting ready to go to the dealership with my parents when a little bit of misfortune happened. My father has had bad althritis in his shoulders for years, and he slipped on the driveway, landing directly on his right arm. With his arm like this, he wanted to get an automatic, and offered to sell me his G35. Obviously I was thrilled, I was going to get a half year old car with ~6000 miles on it and save alot of money. This is when I first got to drive the car and let me tell you, I know there's faster, I know there's cars that will hand me my *** around turns, but I don't care. Thats not what this car is about. This car has that "Doin the speedlimit in the slow lane" apperance and let me tell you, it turns heads faster than a case of whiplash when you do that. Oh yeah, and when the car in the left lane has the typical 6 foot pepboys wing, then thats a call for a quick downshift. As for racing this car, in reality, I dont, and I try not to get lured into those quick 65-100mph races down route 18 that seem to follow me onto that road. Overall, this car is a great looker, a great performer, and a great driver. It's the complete package, all for a real world MSRP.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: I can truly say I finally own a car that makes running to quickcheck fun. It doesnt matter if you take this car out for 30 seconds or 30 minutes, every time you shut the engine off and step out, you feel like a million bucks. It truly is, in my mind, the absolute best car for its money, let alone one of, if not the best car available on the road today.
(P.S. yes I am quite biased towards my G hehe)
2003.5 G Coupe premium. 6MT Black/black No navigation. No spoiler, yet.
2. Sex: yes the G35 has helped in this area too. heh M
3. Income bracket/level: More than comfortable for someone my age. PM if u need specifics.
4. Reason behind selecting the G35: This actually is a pretty long story. Last year, I bought a 2003 Chevy Xtreme S10, the first new car I've bought in my life actually, my previous few were all used. First thing I did was lower it even more, put a full Alpine system in it, and tinted it down to 15% fronts/5% rears. Immediatly, the police decided I was now a drug dealer. No, I'm not joking, and I have had police tell me I drive a very nice, yet drug dealer looking truck. I didn't get it but hey, whatever. After over a year of being harrassed and after almost sliding this truck sideways off of a road in an inch of snow (I made the suspension a little bit too tight for its own good, as a matter of fact I would love to see my old truck vs the g35 in cornering, the G would prolly get handed its ***, unfortunatly it would ruin my old truck in straight line acceleration) so came the decision. I can't pay for something I can't drive through the winter, and I really didnt want to be driving in something as unsafe. Oh and for all those who doubt how bad it was, just remember, I had a 600 lb bed over my 3.73 posi'd rear end.....it didnt like to stay straight in dry weather let alone wet...and it was only a V6. So came the decision to get a new car this year. I wanted a car, a car that was faster than my truck was, something the police wouldnt be pulling over at every chance, and something that I could drive through the winter without as many problems. My list of possible cars were a Subie WrX STi, EVO VIII, BMW 3 series, Pontiac GTO, Z28/SS or TA/WS.6, 350z, m.b. CLK class, the g35, and a few others, but these were my main choices. The fight between the STI and the EVO went to the STI for the category of looks, I dont care who says which one can do what, they are both equal classed cars and I happen to love the look of the STi and I think the EVO looks like a rice rocket waiting to happen. Unfortunatly, I never got to test drive either car, but I had already made up my mind by then. Between the 330ci and the CLK320, my vote would go for the BMW for looks and the CLK320 for pretty much everything else. I was used to driving my moms E320 so the CLK320 was really no differnt except in dimensions and slightly more responsive suspension (faster steering and much much less body roll). However, both felt too "luxurious" for me and I felt like if one were to become my car, I would feel compelled to be overly careful with everything I do in the car. The CLK was a decent straight line performer as well, and to be honest, might very well be my 3rd choice (realistically) out of this list. The GTO finally was advertised and the "sporty bonneville" look just turned me off instantly. I would have looked for a 98+ camaro z28/ss or firebird trans am/WS.6 but I know far to many people with them, and I didn't want another used car, especially one as notorious for kids beating on them. Then came the 350Z, loved the looks, but I must say they have worn off and I really dont like them nearly as much anymore. The interior seemed a bit tacky for me, didnt match up with the quality or look of the exterior in my mind, but hey....thats why I chose against it. My father had picked up a 2003.5 G35 a few months after getting my truck. I have to say, and no offense, I thought this was the most *** ugly car I have ever seen at first glance. Then I started seeing it every morning on my way out to school/work. Within about 4 days, I walked around the entire car for about 20 minutes, started it, listened to it, (didnt dare take it out, go figure, Ill drive his 8 series like I owned it but I was too skiddish to drive his new car) and Im actually quite glad that I didnt at the time. My "first impressions" after carefully going over the car, instead of giving it a quick once over and dismissing it as another "wanna be benz" I realized this car is gorgeous. My morning walk to my truck consisted of oogling the G35 down the front walk, then staring at it till it dissapeared from my rearview. Then I moved out of my parents house, and came this whole situation. I priced out an 04 coupe with everything but navi, and was getting ready to go to the dealership with my parents when a little bit of misfortune happened. My father has had bad althritis in his shoulders for years, and he slipped on the driveway, landing directly on his right arm. With his arm like this, he wanted to get an automatic, and offered to sell me his G35. Obviously I was thrilled, I was going to get a half year old car with ~6000 miles on it and save alot of money. This is when I first got to drive the car and let me tell you, I know there's faster, I know there's cars that will hand me my *** around turns, but I don't care. Thats not what this car is about. This car has that "Doin the speedlimit in the slow lane" apperance and let me tell you, it turns heads faster than a case of whiplash when you do that. Oh yeah, and when the car in the left lane has the typical 6 foot pepboys wing, then thats a call for a quick downshift. As for racing this car, in reality, I dont, and I try not to get lured into those quick 65-100mph races down route 18 that seem to follow me onto that road. Overall, this car is a great looker, a great performer, and a great driver. It's the complete package, all for a real world MSRP.
5. Something you would care to share about your G35 experience: I can truly say I finally own a car that makes running to quickcheck fun. It doesnt matter if you take this car out for 30 seconds or 30 minutes, every time you shut the engine off and step out, you feel like a million bucks. It truly is, in my mind, the absolute best car for its money, let alone one of, if not the best car available on the road today.
(P.S. yes I am quite biased towards my G hehe)
2003.5 G Coupe premium. 6MT Black/black No navigation. No spoiler, yet.