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i have DG 6mt 04 coupe on order. she was there when we came back for 2nd test drive. i tested on my own the first time.

but, like many women, she didn't say "no, don't get it......." she just dropped subtle hints ("i prefer bigger cars, i am kinda claustrophobic"). and like the typical guy that i am, i just thought it might not be her preference, but she has no real issues with it.

profile, the volvo compares to a bmw 3 series. but it costs 20-25% more than the G

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Studly,
First, your boat comparison kinda does, and kinda doesn't apply well here. I see where you're going as far as "getting what you want", but one is talking about a total stranger (presumably), and the other is making a significant decision with (or without) influence from your significant other. Mind you, I DO hope you took my comments as intended - with a touch of truth, and a heavy dose of good natured ribbing.

Now... who said Volvo has shed their boxy image?? HELLO... Exsqueeze me? Still boxy... just another side or two added to the box! [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img] Seriously, don't even go there! Not a chance ANY Volvo is gonna stack up against the G in terms of style! But we already knew that...

But Studly, as for your last comment, I think that says it all... the Volvo compares (rather favorably, I might add, in all respects except styling) with the BMW 3 Series. Only problem is, it costs more than the G! So does the 3 Series if it's decked out! But while the Volvo and 3 Series are comparable (and priced about the same - both more than the G), neither are comparable with the G, Coupe or Sedan! The G handles better, has at least as much power (significantly more than the 3 Series or Volvo (non-R)), and costs less!

So where's the comparison? You've got it - there is none! The G is, in every respect, a superior automobile, AND a superior value. Seems to me that all other arguments aside, you're not an intelligent, value minded shopper if you buy something other than that G! Yeah, yeah, that's it... You have to buy the G, otherwise you couldn't look yourself in the mirror, knowing you paid more for an inferior automobile! Yeah... explain to her it's like buying a cheapie Wal-Mart dress, but paying more than you would for a Gucci original! Does Gucci make dresses? Whatever...

Sounds like she's not so against the G after all, and since you've got one on order, seems like all is in good shape. You have my permission to keep your handle, since by driving a G Coupe, you WILL be a STUD!!! [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Nice choice on the 6MT too... defintely the way to go, man.

Good luck with it - and your new family!!

2003 G35 Coupe 6MT Leather
Premium, Aero
"There is no spoon"

 

by checking out the volvo, but her realizing how much more it is, i think she is yielding. yesterday she tried offering me a comprimise where she won't give me grief about the G and my concession is rather light.

for all my time, troubles and waiting on this car, it better be GREAT.

the garage to my house is basement level (driveway pitches down). there are retaining walls which blocks off grass. the walls are beginning to bow. i will be replacing these walls and expanding the width of the driveway, just to make it easier to back down.
don't want any accidental scratches on this car.

 

"yielding?"

dude...

PLEASE....

DONT......

GET....


married to that woman. I dont know you, i dont know her, but it just aint right.

A lot of ppl get married for the wrong reasons. Convenience, money, security, family pressures (parents, kids), broken condoms...

marriage is TUFF! But the ONLY shot you have at making it without killing each other. Is starting off as *perfect* as you can. Your relationship initially has to be a selfish one. You TAKE what you want, she TAKEs what she wants. If it works like this initially, then its a great start aand THEN you can start compromising down the line. However, If you're compromising NOW?

Sadly, you'll be negotiating with a 9mm to her head while she sleeps...

 

Sorry to say this, but I think many people have gone out of line with comments about his marriage decision. Leave that decision up to him. I am sure he knows what he is doing and getting himself into, since he has already been married ones.
As far as G35 VS S60 R... It seems like the Volvo is a bit faster than our G's, but style and reliability wise, G takes the cake. So, it all depends on your priorities. Good luck with the G bro - you won't be disappointed.

 

New info today-C&D test on the S60R just came out in the August issue. I'd send you the link, but the test is only hardcopy as of right now. I expect R&T et al will have full tests in the upcoming month. Comparing the C&D info with the info from their "Rotary Revival" comparo yields the following(G then R, both 6MTs w/Brembos):
0-60 5.5 vs. 5.5
5-60 6.2 vs. 6.5
quarter 14.2 vs. 14.0
0-130 26.8 vs. 25.6
skidpad .86 vs. .88 (lowest number I've seen for the G, btw)
70-0 164 vs. 168
Wow. You'd be hard pressed to find two cars of such similar performance.
On the G, they liked the looks, power, luxo interior, and the road handling. They didn't think much of the gearbox, "somewhat non-linear" steering, and rear headroom. I call BS on the steering. No arguements on the headroom, but it never entered my decision-making process. Does anyone ever complain about the rear headroom in Aston Martins, Ferrari 456GT's, or other GT Cars? Why do mags think my GT has a different job than the rich guy's? The only persons sitting behind me are named Mr. and Mrs. Excess Luggage, or perhaps for a 5 minute stint coming from the bars, Buddy Drunk Guy and Baby Drunk Gal, but I digress ;o)
On the R, they liked the power, chassis, gearbox, and looks. They were unimpressed by the engine refinement (similar to a complaint they made about the G's VQ35, especially at higher rpms), clutch, and vague steering feel.
While they acknowledged that it comes up a tad short vs. the M3 and S4 (V8), the fact that they were repeatedly drawing those comparisons suggests a car worth having.
I love my G, can't be away from it for any amount of time, need to see the needle past 160 km/h every time I get into it, and consider it the best car I've ever owned. Oh yeah, and I think I've spent more on Zaino since I bought it than I could have possibly imagined.
I think you may feel the exact same way, were you to buy either the G or the R, but from what you've said, perhaps in the R you will be more likely to have someone sitting next to you to enjoy the ride. And there's nothing wrong with that.

DB

 

thanks for the detailed analysis. based on reviews, times, etc... it seems as it boils down to looks, which are subjective. oh, i forgot, looks and about 7k.

it could all be a moot point anyway. officially, my deposit on a first 04 delivery is "non-refundable" due to the way it was ordered, DG, 6mt, moon roof. but no other packages. but then again, i got my non-refundable deposit back from bmw (but they hadn't placed the order yet).

 

Most infiniti dealers will give refunds for deposits because the cars are selling so well. You could also probably sell your deposit to someone else who wants the car.

 

i assume the guy will refund deposit, though it isn't the std way they order it. plus, i got good deal, he'd rather make the money from others.

elswehere i read posts knocking volvo's manufacturing. might be kick *** perf car, but minor bug, window leaks, stupid elec problems have been effecting volvos

 

The parallels between your dilemma and the one I just went through . . .are amazing.

First, since the summer of 2002, I knew the G coupe would be a tremendous car. Once the car was out, and the major automotive publications tested it, my hopes were confirmed.

I used to have a CLK430 and I loved that car. I would have got another CLK, but Benz ruined the looks of the new model. Way to feminine. Too bad. The G was the spiritual successor to the CLK in my mind . . .and 20K less expensive. Impressive.

I ordered the car in March for July delivery . . .Dealer messed up, never placed the order (Park Ave Infiniti - what can I say?). At that point, with G35's being scarce . . .I looked and drove the S60R b/c it seemed really impressive on paper.

Let me tell you, some cars have an "X-factor" . . something about them that is just tremendous. More than the sum of its parts. The G has the X-factor. It is soooo fun to drive, looks good, and makes you grin ear to ear. That's what its about.

The S60R on the other hand . . .I didn't like it. I really tried to like it b/c my wife would have rather have a sedan than a coupe (and in her mind a Volvo is on the level of BMW, and higher in class than Lexus or Infiniti) . . .But it just wasn't fun to drive. The manual is vague . .and cheap feeling. The handling wasn't bad, but the car still felt heavy . . .The Brembos bit in fine, but without the immediacy that you feel in the G. The engine was powerful "on boost" but was a dog if you caught it down low on the tach in a higher gear. Typical turbo. Good car, no doubt. But no X-factor. (Other cars with X-factors: Mercedes-Benz; BMW 3series; Volkswagen Corrado SLC)

My wife was really cool, though. When I got home and told her my driving impression of the Volvo. She encouraged me to get what I want because it "was going to be my car" and she "wanted to see my happy" and "didn't want me to settle."

I started a crusade for a G35 coupe (DG/G, Premium, Nav, 6MT) . . .I found one (albeit with Aero) and I'm picking it up in two hours.

I hope my story illustrates that I feel your pain. And one more thing, my wife hates the Aero wing, and would have rather that I wait until October to get one without via Order. That was not going to happen, and she respected my decision and is more than happy to come along with me today to pick up the G.

Okay, that's enough from me. Good luck man.

Remember . . .X-Factor.

 

Nice story. You are a lucky guy to have a wife who wants you to be happy
Regarding the wing, you can try to swap out the trunk for the one without the wing. I hated the wing, and the dealer worked hard at finding one without the wing for me. After a week of looking they found one, and life was good.
If they dealer doesn't help, maybe someone in this forum will. I know some people have already done such a swap through this forum. Enjoy your new ride! The X-Factor - Chuckle.

 

yesterday i took my mother's i35 to the dealership to get some things fixed (with an appointment), and lo and behold, no i35 loaner. the SM offered me a g35 sedan, i asked if there was a free coupe, and to my surprise he answered he did have a demo unit, so in i hopped.

long story short, i've never had so much fun going very much out of my way for some lunch and back to the dealership (was a small fix that required like 2 hours).

moral of the story, get the G, its alot more fun...and regarding the deposit, if im not mistaken, its illegal in a handful of states NOT to give you a deposit back for auto purchases.

 

patience,

your wife seems nice. do you have kids? i am still trying to work this. she seemed fine early on. said she felt uncomfortable in small car, and that is "wasn't her". but i figured i'd be using it more and that she still liked it. i guess she should have said "i hate it, dont' get it". but she didn't.

youngreckless,

don't know the laws regarding deposits. mine says, non refundable, due to fact it is non std.

but, might try to switch to sedan. also, my deal calls for 1000 off 2003 msrp. so..... dealer could actually increase his profit.

and with all the modifications to the sedan.., it might not be as sharp as coupe, but it has improved.

 

Okay, let's revise that: its not "X-Factor" its "G-factor!!" I picked up the G yesterday, and we drove up and down the Jersey shore!!! The car just kicks!!!

Showed the car to my Dad (who has become a car guy over the years), and he was astounded (read: ASTOUNDED!!) that this car cost over 20K less than the CLK. Take that in account, along with 6 speed manual and better handling . . .okay, now we know why people are stepping over their own mothers for this car.

Now, I can't wait for the break in period to be over . . .

 

Show this to your fiance:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/936264.asp

And ask her if she wants to be spending a lot of time at the repair shop