Hello all,

I'm new here, having just come back from test driving a 2004 6MT sedan. I liked it quite a bit more than I expected, and given its enormous price advantage over its competition I'm seriously considering buying one. I have a few questions for owners:

How is the fuel mileage for the MT? I've heard good and bad, but it seems fairly consistent that the MT version of this car does significantly better than the AT. True?

How does the interior hold up over time? In particular, I'm concerned about scuffing & scratching of the "titanium" center console.

Anybody had any major reliability issues? I'm not talking about "premature" brake wear as discussed elsewhere, I mean real breakdowns - transmission failure, engine problems, etc.

How well does the navigation system work? I know how to read a map, so I'm not sure I want to drop $2K on an electronic one.

Can the dealership install some sort of hands-free cell phone kit that will integrate with the stereo?

How effective is the traction control system in winter? I live in the Northeast, and I will buy a set of snow tires. I don't anticipate any trouble, but I'd like to know other peoples' experience with this car in the snow.

Thanks in advance,

-- Matt Quinley

 

My 03.5 MT Sedan is getting 23-25+ mpg, after about 2500 mostly highway miles. As for reliablility, so far so good. The VDC has kicked in a few times on spirited corners, through which I wished I had it turned off, as it interfered with my expectations of what the car was going to do. But it seems pretty capable of keeping you out of trouble if you're not paying a lot of attention. I'm in snow country too and look forward to playing in the snow. I had Blizzak WS-50s on my Maxima and will probably do the same with the G. They suck on dry, but they're awesome in snow and not bad on ice.

'03 G35/6MT Sedan Black/Black

 

I've got a 5AT, so I'll throw in my $.02 on the other issues:

The interior holds up as well as you treat it. I personally have put Crystal Guard on it, and 6 months into ownership, there's not even a hint of a scratch. It's not easy to scratch, but it's not all that hard-- if you dug a key into it, you'd do some damage, but if you dropped a handful of change or your just slid you car keys over it, nada. Just make sure to protect it and it will last for quite a while.

No major reliability issues at all. I had one rattle that was taken care of in a trip to the dealer, and other than that it's been perfect. It's currently being worked on for a tranny problem, but that was accident related-- the hose for transmission fluid was kinked and gave me some rough shifts. They've taken care of it gratis.

The Nav system is excellent. I have yet to run into a single person WITH the Nav who says "It's a waste", but I have run into several WITHOUT who say "I wish I'd gotten it." If you use it correctly, it's worth every penny. ie. I can be in a parking lot and thing "crap, i need something for my car". I simply tell it I'm looking for an automotive store, and it tells me what's available around me. Tada. If I want to go to a new restaurant, I just put in the name or even their phone number, and I'm there. It got me straight from my dealership to a hotel in Destin, FL and told me where to stop for fuel, exactly how to get to my hotel in a strange town, etc. If you don't go more than 10 miles away from your home, though, I'm not sure if it's the wisest thing.

The dealership can, yes, but it's better if you ask a trusted salesman who they outsource that work to. He/She will do the work for you, warrantied, without the dealership markup.

I've not experienced the TCS in the snow, but I have in the heavy flood recently in Indiana. Performed admirably in wet weather, so as for ice? Well, we'll see [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Good luck-- have fun with the process, and I hope you fnid what you're looking for, Matt.

G

2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint

 

on the note of navigation, most ppl think its extravigant but its pretty nifty and u end up finding interesting routes for trips u thought otherwise. I acutally found a few nice small side street paths which cuts down on travel time. I used to be the same and think why the hell would anyone want a navigation a map and compass fine but once i tried the navi package i was sold, generlaly it makes life easier.

 

I have the navigation system in my G35 and my previous car was an Acura TL which also had the nav system. Even if you can read a map, nothing beats having the electronic aid as it can be incredibly helpful in many situations where you need to go somewhere and do not want to take the time to look up how to get there or go back home.

Once you get the system and really start to use it, you will never want another car without it. Of course if you are afraid of technology which I doubt anyone here is, then it is very intuitive to operate. It works like any software and can be figured out without the manual.

As far as driving, I have a 6MT sedan and really like it. I pretty much have the shifting down pat since this is my first MT car. I have not passed break-in so I have not really opened the car up, but so far, even in 4th or 5th gear, there is plenty thrust if I need it without needing to downshift.

 

I have 12,500 miles on my 6MT Sedan and haven't experienced any concerning problems thus far. I did happen to once pop the clutch accidently when parking and when returning to start the car it was a little hesitant and took a couple tries. Aside from that I average 22 mpg in LA traffic and hard driving. The car definitely loves to be driven. I mostly drive with the VDC off so I can react to the car with better knowledge of what it wants to do. It is very easy to break loose when desired with the VDC off. Just becareful of the excess body roll that may force a kick back if you get a little too sideways. The kick back causes the VDC to turn on automaticly and then you're just a passenger, trust me not a very fun experience. Fortunately I was clear of any trouble and caused no damage. To sum it all up, get the 6MT Sedan it's much worth it and fun to drive.

P.S.
For those who care. I drive a Silver Sedan 6MT CA license plate "KRZ HAYN" = "Krazy Hawaiian". A "Shaka" is always welcome.