Hello all,
I am a first time poster and therefore just a little newbie to the forum. I have been planning to buy a new car for the past few months now and have finally put up my old car for sale. Once i sell it, I should have enough money for a decent downpayment on a new car. I just recently graduated from College and have a full time job. I test drove the G35 coupe 2 weeks ago and I fell in love with it. I was looking at the Acura TL and possibly willing to wait for the new BMW 330i, but I dont think they are anywhere near the level of competition as the G35. Are there any options that I absolutely need to get? How are the maintenance costs for the car? Does it require premium gas? 6spd or Auto? I know all these sound like simple questions, but any help would be appreciated. I hope to own a G35 in the near future.

Thanks.

 

Also, what are the average monthly payments that you all pay, lease or finance?

 

I would go with 6 speed, but if you have to deal with driving a manual in traffic and it annoys you, take the auto. The car does require premium gas. I couldn't give you exact numbers on maint. costs but BMW is hell for that, so I'd pass on the BMW if that is a concern to you.

 

I am new to to the G, but my previous Infinitis (G20 and I30) were very low maintenance and what they needed was inexpensive. My 1st oil and filter change in the G was $40 (which included a free loaner car-also a G-for the day). These are very reliable cars.

The Acura is front wheel drive-very different from the RWD G or the AWD G (that I have). A little mentioned feature of the sedan (I don't know about the coupe) is that the rear windows go all the way down, something I haven't had in at least my last 4 sedans.

I got the premium package with my 04. It would be a fine car without it too. I like the extra light a sunroof gives even when not letting in fresh air. I would strongly consider the AWD G35X if you are thinking of the sedan and if you live in a snowy or rainy area.

Good luck-most of us are very happy (or more) with our Gs.

 

Yes the G35 requires Premium Gas, 6 Speed or Auto that's personal. If your into sport driving or track days then 6MT if your just cruisin then 5AT. Also check out Nissan VPP program. If your company does business with Nissan you can get any Nissan or Infiniti product for 1.5% over invoice plus incentives. They never have incentives on G35's it is Infiniti's best selling car.

Zguy

 

I've had my G35 since October '04 and so far it's been low maintenance - as every new car should be. I've only had to bring it in for regular maintenance - which is a bit higher for infiniti, but not too bad. My biggest expense is gas, which in Los Angeles is up to about $2.40/gal for premium and rising. I prefer 6MT (even in L.A. traffic), but that is a matter of personal choice.
IMHO, I don't think any of the options are a must-get. They are just icing on the cake and again, a personal choice and how much you are willing to spend. I think that all the options are worth the price. It's just a matter of how high you want to go.