Well, I'll keep the story short. I've always had rear wheel drive vehicles (three Camaro's, one 550HP, and a Fiero) up until my purchase of a new 2004 Grand Prix GTP Comp G last year. I've always wanted something with a supercharger, and I got a crazy GM discount, 0.9% lease, etc., so it made up my mind.
I am not impressed with it as a performance platform. It is now putting out 383HP at the wheels, but what a waste. Not only does it get no traction, corner worth [censored], torque steer like you couldn't imagine, but the "TapShifters" are a complete waste. It'll hit the (stock) speed limiter (222km/h or 134mph) in 3rd gear, so there's not much point tap shifting twice, and it takes a good 2 seconds to shift once you tap it, so you always hit the rev limiter if you don't time it right, and with the supercharger, if you hit the rev limiter it opens the supercharger butterfly so you loose all that boost and it really hurts.
Anyway... enuff about my grand prix and onto the real reason I'm posting.
I found someone to take over my lease. I am looking to finance a new vehicle. RWD or AWD, something over 260HP, something lots of toys/body kits are available for, etc.
I've looked at a few cars... Subaru WRX STi, Mazda RX8, Honda S2000, Mazdaspeed Miata, and of course the '04 Infinity G35 Coupe (6MT). I took the '04 6MT for a drive the other day. I was fairly impressed (at least I didn't laugh at it like the RX8... lol).
I was all revved up for the '05 G35 Coupe 6MT with the sport package (19" wheels) but was told by the dealership it would be at least January before I could have it.
It also isn't available in the colour I want (Caribbean Blue). Colour is very important to me.

So the debate is this: Pickup an '04 G35 6MT with Nav in the colour I want for a crazy finance deal now, or wait for the '05 and be pissed forever with the colour. Here are my reasons for each:

'05 features I like that arn't available on the '04:
19" Wheels and performance tire package
6disc MP3 cd changer
298HP (but only 260lb-ft torque)

'04 features I like that arn't on the '05:
Caribbean Blue
Brembo Brakes
270lb-ft torque
crazy finance deal

So... I've pretty much decided on the g35 Coupe 6MT, but can't decide between the '04 or '05. If I don't decide on a G35 then the Subaru STi will end up in my driveway.

There are lots of toys available for the G35. I'd be looking at the SSR twin turbo, possibly a 75HP nitrous kit (I got a Zex Wet kit left over from my grand prix), body kit, classy wing, decked out entertainment system, etc.

So... '04, '05, STi. Talk me into one.

-Jamie M.

 

Good luck on finding a CB! Anyways that wont happen there was only 3 left in the us about a month ago. i dont know [censored] about the suburu nor do i care to, the G is tyte, seems like all the crap ur planning on doing to it should have u complaing about the stock hp/tq ur gunna be waiting a while for a 05 MT so decide quick! I wanted a CB too but ended up going with a DG, its much better, deff. like it, blue is my color but nothing i could do bout it! The new Athens blue is alright, nothin hott like the CB but perhaps u could find a used one, hear these cars sell for more than the msrp tho. The G is MUCh better looking than any of the cars ur also interested in and will deff. make for a better all around investment. Are you gunna be one of the guys who buys a $40K car and put $20K worth of [censored] in it!!!??

'04.5 Diamond Graphite/Graphite
Premium, Aero, Tire Package
Corners, Windows up mod,
BelTronics Rx65 Radar

 

$20k is a conservative estimate. The local dealer (Toronto) has one '04 6MT left in CB w/nav. I havn't put my name on it yet. Looks like I should! Thanks for the reply.

 

...

 

o well i have no idea whats up in Canada but deff. would suggest deciding very quickly!

'04.5 Diamond Graphite/Graphite
Premium, Aero, Tire Package
Corners, Windows up mod,
BelTronics Rx65 Radar

 

"There are lots of toys available for the G35. I'd be looking at the SSR twin turbo, possibly a 75HP nitrous kit (I got a Zex Wet kit left over from my grand prix), body kit, classy wing, decked out entertainment system, etc."

You might want to add some internal engine work if you're going TT and nitrous. Just a suggestion.


'05 IP(or ?) 6MT... ...Never too soon to think about modifications!!

 

I was planning on one or the other, not both.

I bought the G35 yesturday. I pick it up tommorow. Pictures soon... wonder if there is a place in Canada that stocks the Greddy front bumper??

Thanks again everyone.