Right now, the TL & G35c are my top 2 choices for my next daily driver.
I have driven both & liked them.

I'm looking to see if there are any common problems w/this car & if so, what?

Is doing simple things like changing plugs, wires, fuel filter & oil a PITA or easy on them?

Anything I should look for in these cars that you don't normally look for in other cars?

Any info is appreciated, thanks.

 

Here are some thoughts as I went thru the same dilemma:

TL - Nice reliable vehicle with a more common/average styling. I had a Legend coupe before my G35 and it was very Acura worthy and dependable. DVD audio and slightly better interiors than the G35. FWD with a high output engine.

G35 - Nice reliable vehicle with a much more appealing styling. Nicer suspension and more sportier features such as brembos (04), low profile tires, bigger rims, nicer exhaust note and RWD. More fun to drive too, IMO.

Either one is a good buy though.
Good Luck!

 

What type of tranny are you going to get. The 04 6mt trannies aren't as strong as the new 05s I believe and have had some issues (for the G35). The 04 6mts do come with brembos. If you want auto, Honda has had a load of trouble from their auto trannies being too weak. Conversely, the G35 auto tranny was first developed for the VK (the M45 tranny) v8 so its a much more robust tranny. If you look at mods, the G35 >>>TL. Not even close on that one.

In terms of handling, the G35 coupe handles much better than the TL. The TL has terrible torque steer. On straights, driver's race with the edge going to the G35. BTW, my G35 has been very very reliable and I have not regretted buying this car. Good luck.

 

I'd be going w/the M6 trans.

Aftermarket is not an issue as I don't plan on modding. If I was looking to mod more I would't be thinking about selling what I have & getting a TL or G35.

Tq steer was not "terrible" when I drove the TL. I'm not buying it to race. I want a comfy quiet ride that handles well. I already have a toy in my sig & I am thinking about selling that.

 

The TL may be a better choice for you then. The G35c is impractical at best. What is weird is that if you get the non-sport suspension, it takes bumps much better than a TL. Also, since you live a snowy area, you would need dedicated snow tires for the G35 (highly recommended). Since you don't mind the tq steer, the TL seems like a better compromise.

 

I had an 04 for 7 months and 3800 miles, no problems at all in that time... better info will come from those with higher mileage I guess.

 

 

I think you answered yourself when you said "Tq steer was not "terrible" when I drove the TL. I'm not buying it to race. I want a comfy quiet ride that handles well. I already have a toy in my sig & I am thinking about selling that."

Seems to me like you like the TL. If you want a quiet comfy ride, the Coupe probably isnt for you. Dont get me wrong I love my car but if thats what I wanted I'd get the TL. Now if you want a real headturner and a fun RWD car, then the Coupe is for you. At this stage in my life and at my age, getting the Coupe over the TL was a pretty easy choice. Both are great cars though.

 

I belive the G35 sedan is more comfy than the coupe, and even though the exhaust note is not as loud as the coupe, it is just as deep if not deeper.
Coming from a comfy 2001 Maxima 5spd, my 2 choices were G35 sedan or a Beemer, since I did not want another Fwd car. Couldn't find the G35 sedan 6mt with nav and black leather, but found the coupe. Currently driving a G35x, ( a loaner) since my baby is getting an oil change, and it is a world of difference in comfortness compared to a G Coupe. Just my 2c.

 

uh bmw's are RWD...

 

Not sure if it's a question or an acknowledgement, but yes, all real performance vehicles are RWD. All bmws and Mercedes, and all real sports cars.

 

Hey, I recognzied the cars in your sig. I've seen you on ClubGP.

Since your GTP is moded, I'm sure the "torque steer" on the TL would not be an issue. Sh*t, our GPs with a few mods have nasty torque steer.

Any reason why you didn't list the G35 sedan?

 

I don't like how they look w/4 doors.

 

I had an 2003 TL type-S... I didn't have any problems with that car what so ever... But yeah... The tranny was bad... I think there was some type of recall on it...

The G35C... Not a bad car at all... Definitely more fun to drive...

All depends on your style... G35 is more of headed towards the racing scene... While the TL is more VIP style...

 

My choice of the 6MT coupe over several other cars including the TL was based upon styling and handling / performance. No problems in 10 months of ownership...only simple easy maintenance to date. Only gripe is the painted aluminum console.
My driving preferences made the decision easy, and I haven't felt a need to second guess this choice..
Good luck, am sure you'll be happy with either.