Number one son graduates from college mid-May and I'm ready to pull the trigger on a vehicle for a graduation present. I've let him use a Protege5 while in school, and he's had a great driving record, so I think he's ready for a step up. I had been thinking of an EVO RS as I like the sleeper looks, but am having second thoughts. I have a senior in high school and I let him drive a '97 Maxima SE 5-speed. I really like the VQ, it is simply an awesome engine. This has gotten me thinking about a G35 for number one.

I want the car to be a surprise gift, can't wait to see the look on his face when I tose him the keys! Number 1 seems to like the RX-8. I would appreciate any feedback on what would be best.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Must be a stick shift and south of $40k.

 

you know your son best, if he is resposible enough to drive around a 40k car go for the G, in my opinion the G is a much nicer car than an evo, and much less common.

 

If he likes the RX-8 then get that, save money and have more money for yourself and your car. LoL

 

I got my G as a graduation present too. From myself to myself lol

Try to find out if he likes the G35 at all, if an RX-8 is what's going to make him happy then get him that. To me the G is a superior car, one thing is tossing him the keys to a Mazda, another thing is Infiniti. The VQ30 in the Maxima is so different than the VQ35 in the G that there is no room for analogy, but you're right, the VQ in the G is awesome. But if a G35 is not the car he wants then get him what he will really be happy with. I'd hate my parents to spend 40 grand on me (not that they'd ever do) and get me something I don't exactly want.

 

If you consider the EVO, dont go for the RS "because it's a sleeper" It's got no options of any kind. No radio, power windows, power locks, HIDs, Anti-Lock-Brakes, EBD, or sound-deadening material. It's supposed to be a dedicated track car. If you're willing to spend near $35 or $40k then pick up an EVO MR for him. 6 speed and all the amenities (all the few amenities) that Mitsu offers. If you're worried about the standoffish looks, pick him up a set of EVO 7 tails (RED) and replace his wing with a lancer wing, or nothing at all.

in my opinion, the EVO is the hardest (most technical) to drive, but by far the most fun you can have in a car (with your clothes on). The G is beautiful and offers nicer accomodations and more power than the RX8 by far.

either way, you've got a lucky kid. let us know what you choose

 

it depends on what he wants. how big and how fast. if he's planning on going into racing i'd get an EVO. it's very fast stock.

if he wants a coupe and is planning on carrying a lot of his friends i wouldn't get the RX-8. my bro test drove it while i was in the passenger seat, my dad in the back seat and we both almost threw up. very tight back seats.

the G35 combines power with luxury. it can be easily modded if he's planning to. the VQ35 is a top rated engine and it has great performance. it also has roomy back seats. i know i'm being biased, but i think it's the best choice if he wants a sport coupe.

 

I would toss out the idea of the evo, mitsu is going out of business soon, then who will do the warrenty work? I would go test driving both the G35 and the RX8 and see which one YOU like better. I really like the G35 alot. I am also a youngin', only 16. Many kids at school have the RX8 the love it, and yes, they seats are small. The G35c is more rare, only 2 at my school.

 

i'm also one of those "from myself to myself" college graduation present peeps. i was very open-minded on what car to buy (with my first "real" paycheck, no less).

i test drove (ALL MT):
mazda rx-8, honda s2000, bmw 330Ci, nissan 350z, infiniti g35. the rx-8 and s2000 were both RIOTS to drive, but frankly once i test drove the last 3, which have much beefier torque, i couldnt go back to the high-revving rx-8 or s2000. i like low-end torque, and the rx-8 and s2000 do NOT have ANY low end torque.

so it was down to the bimmer, 350z, and g35. the 350z got eliminated b/c the bimmer and g35 have much nicer creature comforts.

in the end, i went with the g35 because of the higher HP & torque numbers, plus it was 2 years newer and still under warranty. the g35's suspension also felt much stiffer and gave me more confidence in high-speed turns. I HAVENT LOOKED BACK!!! i LOVE my G!!!

 

The G35 trumps the RX-8 in performance, fuel economy, style, resale value. I trust the VQ V-6 way more than the RX-8's rotary.

 

No, they aren't. That was an internet rumor. Mitsu is in the worst financial situation of any Japanese car company, but their parent company and DCX keep MMNA afloat. I researched this heavily before I purchased my car. Nissan was in very bad shape until Goshn came along and look at how they've turned around.

The added bonus of the Evo lies in the powertrain. The 4G63 is a proven motor with a ton of aftermarket support. The Evo comes with forged internals and a bottom end that can handle 500+ HP. Its a great car to mod and to work on yourself. Once you start the modding and racing your warranty is in question anyway, so the point becomes moot.

If you want your son to get into motorsports, the Evo or RX-8 is probably the way to go. If you want to give him power and refinement in a beautiful package, then pick the G.

 

I prefer the G35 coupe (no surprise) or the RX8.

Since this is a surprise, it is a bit risky. Try to find out what he likes.

It's most important to buy the car that he likes the most, then move forward.

 

I'm graduating in may with a 3.9 *** and my dad caved in. I'm an only child though. I have a Ivory pearl G35 coupe coming the first week in april. Your son would flip out with the coupe. I wish it could have been a surprise but I'm way to picky with what I wanted. If you have more kids though and he likes the RX-8 save some money for the next kid Good luck on the final decision!!!

 

I got the G as a gift, and couldn't be happier. My best friend ended up with a 330ZHP, and he couldn't be happier. Another ended up with an S60-T5 and she couldn't be happier. I think two things are at play here: his desire, and the fact that he's even getting it. Even if he gets something he wasn't quite expecting, he'll be the luckiest and happiest kid in the world in his mind. Now, how to get what he's expecting... hmm. I think the G says "welcome to the real world", and the Evo says "welcome to highschool". I'm not a fan of the RX, so I'd probably just leave it be.

G

 

Give him a job and let him buy his own car - he'll appreciate it more and learn more from it.

 

If your worried about the G looking to old for his age and think that an RX-8 or the evo would better suit him, Im in college now and I think its a perfect age to have a G. I work at a corporate company and get an awful lot of respect when I have to attend meeting and pull up in it. Your son is going to be getting a good job and I personally think him stepping out of a G will look more respectful as you will than an evo.