I am a newb to this site. I have been on other automotive forums for years. This one looks like it is a good one. So far I like the info and people here in just looking around for a few days. I am looking into getting a used G35 in a couple months or so. I like both sedan and coupe. I would probably go with a coupe if I can but nice sedan isn't bad either. The only thing is I can only afford a 03-04 which limits the sedan's power then. Here are my questions. Please forgive me if any were asked before. I did a brief search and didn't see anything. Also is there a regular car info FAQ? The FAQ's seem to be about the website and not the cars.

1.
With the G35x, are there any visual ques that can help to spot on? Do the 5 spoke wheels only come on the G35x or are they just a sportier suspension option for any sedan? I see lots of adds from stupid dealers and wonder if some don't know what they have and maybe I can get and X. Some even have them listed as a FWD, that's how uneducated the dealers around here are.
Then is the AWD even worth it? My interest in the car is a little bit of everything. I like the comfort and power. I will probably take it to the track a bit to get some 1/4 times and do some bolt-ons but probably not much more then that. I might try a little autocross here or there. So is the X going to benifit or make it worse in any of these cases?

2.
My other question is what is with the trunk lids? I think I saw it called a "doggy door".
- Nevermind. Found this one. Difference is 03 or 03.5-04.

3.
I have seen some 04's listed online with the newer style front bumper. Was that a change in the middle/late 04 model or did it actually start in 05 and the ads have the wrong G listed or something?

4.
Is there anything to be worried about a high mileage G? I find 65-75K mile ones for good deals. I do want to try to have a warranty for about a year so I am looking for one that might have the last year left. But I have seen some higher mileage ones with extended warranties too. So if it is in good condition and has 70K would yo hesitate? I am only looking at clean titled cars. Also I probably will only put 6-8k on a year. I can find good 03-04's in my area with 35-55k so I will probably be ok with that but just incase I found one with all the goodies and was slightly higher mileage I just though I would check with you all.

Thanks to any for answers. Much appreciated.
-Shawn

 

As to your question regarding the AWD being worthwhile, I can say that I have read many posts about the non-AWD G being awful in the snow. I live in the snow belt and my wife has been driving our G35x and tonight raved about how well it did in very heavy snow. I would not have bought the car without AWD but it depends on your climate.

 

I think that's mostly because of:
1) These are the owner's 1st rwd and have no idea how to drive in the snow
2) They don't realize that rwd sports cars have sports car tires that are worthless in the snow. Even the non-sport RSA are donkey dung.

If I read "even with dedicated snow tires, I couldn't get around" then I would agree with you. But I bet less than 5% of the G owners here run good snow tires.

 

Well I have driven RWD cars all my life. Much of that time in the north east so I know what winter is like. Now I live in Los Angele, far from any snow belt areas. I don't need an AWD car but if it was more fun or would have more gains in any sort of extracurricular automotive activities then I might be intised.

I guess it also has a bit of a lure being that it was derived from an awesome system in a true sports car like the GT-R. I mean I don't know much about the system and the GT-R's but heck, if they had it and this system is sort of a version of that then why not get it? I mean that's what goes through my head as a newbie to the G35, and pretty much the Nissan line in general. Currently I drive a Ford product. I have always been a fan of them but it's just time for me to upgrade and nothing really hits me in the Ford line up with both luxury and sport traits, or the quality and so on these days. So my good friend is a big Nissan fan (loves 240's) and I started searching around the lineup and love the G35. I even test drove a nice sedan and wow was I sold. that one has 75K on it too and it felt much better then anything else I recently drove.

Ok, so a little more info into the reply then what was already mentioned but heck, I am loving these cars and wish I can get in one today but just need to wait a couple months financially.

Thanks guys,
-Shawn

 

I don't think the AWD really adds much. Even Infinti touts it as a foul weather enhancer. In LA the extra weight and drag would just penalize you more than help. IMHO of course.

 

visual ques are only from the front. G35x has an opening
under front liscence plate for additional cooling.


If you need to drive on snow, get G35x.
Had two RWD before, got in trouble in snow with both.
G35x on snow is day & night differnce.

If you don't drive on snow, get RWD, save 300lbs of weight.

 

Is that opening on the 03-04 G35x front bumpers?

I think since I am in LA I will just save the weight and look for a RWD model.

Thanks guys.
-Shawn

 

Nope! Look for the X under the right taillight, and for the "Snow" switch on the console. 5 spoke wheels are on the Sport models. In LA, I would pass on the X, and get a RWD. The X also gives about a 2 mpg gas penalty.