What's the best thing about a G35?
 

I'm very seriously considering buying a 04 G35 in the next two weeks. I'm stuck between the 04 Nissan Maxima SL (with options that compare with a G35) and a 04 G35. This car is for my wife and I have consider her wishes, which believe it or not are leaning towards the Nissan. With the deal I get thru my work I can get the G35 for just 2k more
than the Nissan. What kind of service can I expect from Infinity? I own an Audi and I've gotten used to
going in for 5k oil changes and getting service for $0. How would you rate Infinity?

I've driven and been impressed with both cars.

Bad Things:
- Interior design
- orange color display is not that appealing
- analog clock is not to my liking and hard to see at night. (is there an aftermarket clock avail??)
- silver painted plastic
- 18" wheels not an option


Good things:
- 5-speed auto / 260 hp / rear wheel drive
- exterior styling (looks good next to my TT)
- Good warranty

So what do you like the most about your G35?? What was the main reason you went with this car?

thanks,

-dave

2000 Audi TT Q owner
2004 Infinity G35????

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

Well there are two main questions to answer which will narrow your decision down.

First, does your wife need a larger spacious sedan? If so, the Maxima would probably be the better choice, though the rear seats in the G are very roomy and the recline feature is great for long trips.

Second, does you wife care about sportiness, or can tell the difference between a FWD car and a RWD car? If she is not a real aggresive driver, auto crosser, or takes the car up to the mountains for a spin, most likely she will not be able to tell the difference. If she cares about performance, handling, or balance, the G35 will be the better choice.

The way I looked at it when I was buying my G was, do I want luxury and toys, or sportiness with toys. I chose sportiness and am really glad I did. I bought the 6MT version and have had no problems and the car is just a blast to drive. Far more lively and engaging than my Acura TL which has similar dynamics to the Max.

So if you could answer my questions and tell us any more info, we could give you a more definitive answer.

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

I don't see why people here are bitching about the "orange" color display, it's not annoying, it's nice that it is illuminated during the daytime, makes seeing it in a glare so much easier, and you can turn it down, I rather like this! Interior design, bad? I just came out of a Mustang GT, this is so much nicer!

Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

Another thing to keep in mind, since you mention service, is the level of service you'd get with the G35 versus the Maxima. Infiniti was rated #1 for customer satisfaction with dealer service (http://www.jdpower.com/cc/global/awa...mpany=Infiniti). Of course every dealership is different so your results may vary.

Infiniti also provides a free loaner car, provided you make your appointment in advance with enough notice, for all warranty work. Some dealerships will even provide a loaner car for oil changes (not an Infiniti policy). Infiniti does not offer free scheduled maintenance during the warranty period.

As stated earlier, if you and your wife prefer a true sports sedan, the G35 is a better choice. It has excellent balance, near-perfect weight distribution, exhibits very little body roll in turns, and has a well-controlled ride (with the sport suspension). The Maxima does have a five horsepower advantage but it's front-wheel drive and has a lot of torque steer under heavy acceleration.

I've had my G35 for just a little over two months now and am loving every minute of it. The interior styling is controversial and its level of quality could be a little better. However, the car is a blast to drive (for a 4-door sedan). It's a great car for the money.

<font color=red>2003.5 Garnet Fire/Graphite G35 6MT Sedan</font color=red>
Premium Package • Navigation • Winter Package • Aero Package • 350Z intake duct • Stillen high-flow airbox

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

thanks for the posts.

I did see that Infinity has a #1 rating from JD Power and I do value that along with Motor Trend's Car of the year award. We are looking for a larger car and I think both cars have ample space. I think the Maxima does edge out the G35 a little in this category.

As for performance there is no comparison, G35 wins hands down. And when I bring this up she says it doesn't matter, yet she's driving the demo cars like a bat out of hell. :)

I'm fighting for the G35.. just keep giving me ammo!

-dave

2000 Audi TT Q owner
2004 Infinity G35????

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

Infiniti also provides a free loaner car, provided you make your appointment in advance with enough notice, for all warranty work that requires at least 2 hours of labor.

Salesman didn't mention that, and you can imagine my surprise and frustration when I went in to have my CD changer replaced and didn't get a loaner. The "free car wash" is a joke -- it's more like a spray-down with a quick hit-and-miss jab with the sponge. I don't see where they get the #1 rating, but they're no worse than any other dealership service department. Note: Infiniti doesn't give you free oil changes like you get with your Audi, though you may be able to get a few changes thrown into the sale by your dealership.

I still prefer it over a Maxima, though. I do autocross my car. I wanted a sports sedan first, with luxuries. If your wife cares more for the luxuries, though, you'd be better off with the Maxima or a new Accord/TL/Camry/ES300/I35, etc. With the Maxima or I35, you still get the VQ35 engine. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

The "free car wash" is a joke -- it's more like a spray-down with a quick hit-and-miss jab with the sponge. I don't see where they get the #1 rating, but they're no worse than any other dealership service department.

<hr></blockquote>

As I said, "your results may vary" (although I have yet to experience any service with my dealership because my car is new).

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

Infiniti also provides a free loaner car, provided you make your appointment in advance with enough notice, for all warranty work that requires at least 2 hours of labor.

Salesman didn't mention that, and you can imagine my surprise and frustration when I went in to have my CD changer replaced and didn't get a loaner.

<hr></blockquote>

Is this stated anywhere in the owner's manual, sales contract, etc?

<font color=red>2003.5 Garnet Fire/Graphite G35 6MT Sedan</font color=red>
Premium Package • Navigation • Winter Package • Aero Package • 350Z intake duct • Stillen high-flow airbox

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

that policy is the base

most dealerships go above that

mine stated and have experienced it that I get a loaner for any service if I request it and make an appointment

Since they are 50+ miles away, this really helps

Have a healthy day!
03.5 G35, Black on Black

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

for 2k, get the infiniti, will have higher resale value later. i tested the maxima, interior quality wasn't there.

did you or your wife explore the i35. good bargains to be had. has room, same engine and drive as maxima.

04 6mtC

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

the best thing to own a G35 is to feel you know cars and you are smart.
I don't know what you or your wife's age, driving a G may let you feel you are young again.

Silver/Graphite/Premium/Sports/Winter

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

Hi dave_TT,
I completely understand your dilemma.
The Maxima is more spacious and a very nice car. I advise you to read all reviews on the Max or tell your wife about the reviews. Then read the reviews on the G35.

The G35 is an absolutely AMAZING car. How many Max owners say this about the Max. The G35 handles much better, also you now have the option of buying the G35X for bad weather, having an Audi this might be appealing.

You will get past the Orange display. My cousin has an Audi, yes Audi's instrument display is fab. Infiniti's service has been fantastic. It is not as inclusive as Audi's but I have found the service dept. to be outstanding.

Seriously consider the G35 you will be not be disappointed.I have had the car over a year I LOVE it more today than when I first bought it!

DKnibb =Emerald mist-sp pkg, aero, winter pkg/bose

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

If you read the comments made in Autoweek this past issue about the Maxima...I'm pretty there is no way you'd consider it seriously versus a G.

'04 6MT Sedan | '95 E36 M3 | '91 Miata

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

Give your wife the TT. Take the G for yourself.

'03 G35/6MT Sedan Black/Black

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

I think you should get your wife a Maxima, which is roomier, has more options and features at a lower price compared to the similar equipped Gs. Because studies show that women tend to drive cars that are elevated, roomier, and cost effective. So Maxima should be the car for you wife. I am sure she won't notice the difference between FWD and RWD, or even torque steer or not.

Re: What's the best thing about a G35?
 

Even if your wife does not care about performance she might still prefer RWD, because of the lack of torque steer (this is the case with my wife she hates torque steer).

The G has a firm ride but the upside is it handles VERY well, I have never been able to get the tires to squeal and I often turn so hard everything goes flying off the seats. WOO HOO!!!

The instrument lighting is OK as long as you dont need to see the instrumentation in direct sunlight, not sure what the engineers were thinking there, maybe the sun dont shine much in Japan...