Hi -- I'm new to this forum. I recently moved to Missouri from Texas ... there I had a Miata ... I was active in a couple of boards and really enjoyed sharing / getting advice from other Miata owners.

I've been looking for something bigger, yet still sporty for a while. Driven all the usual suspects ... just tonight eliminated the new Acura TL. Great car ... just not near as much fun as the G35. Done deal... going w/ the G. Now, I have a couple questions:

1. As I previously mentioned, recently moved to Missouri. I've seen the comments on the board RE: the recent snow experiences... just curious if the AWD is worth the extra bucks.

2. My dealer has a 2003 w/ about 10,000 miles on it. It's the green color... I don't think they made it in 2004. Either way, I can save a few bucks going this route... just curious if I should be concerned about an early 03.

3. Any other options, etc that I should look for?

Thanks!

Mayday

 

Can't help you with #1 (no need to AWD in Hawaii)
#2: Differences btwn 2k3 and 2k4:
a) LSD (limited slip differential)
b) tire pressure alert system
c) diamond graphite color (replaces the green)
d) AWD - G35X (as you already know)

I'm writing all of this and my mind just goes blank. k, someone help me finish this list, please. Lets help out a soon-to-be fellow G-ster.


2K4 G35S 6MT, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium Pkg
2K2 GS300 5AT SportDesign, Millenium Silver/Black

 

1. the midwest weather gets pretty schizophrenic. sometimes it snows really bad, sometimes we luck out and it's mild. the sedan drives "ok" in the snow, but based on what the g35X owners have to say, the AWD sedans drive better on snowy roads. i'm looking to get the FX which uses the same AWD system as the g35X and i've heard good things about it.

2. tod071... good quick list! the only thing i can think of is -- trunk lettering is different and no outer trunk handle for 2003.5 and newer.

mayday... happy G hunting and welcome! [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

<font color=purple>.g35girl.</font color=purple>

 

thanks, but i know there's more...
i know the 2k4 has passenger seat controls just like the driver side. do the 2k3's have that? I was told it was in case the driver needed to help someone getting in/out, or in special circumstances, the driver has the controls readily available to adjust as opposed to reaching over/getting out and physically going to the passenger side to adjust the controls.


2K4 G35S 6MT, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium Pkg
2K2 GS300 5AT SportDesign, Millenium Silver/Black

 

2k4 comes standard with heated seats as well, and the did some reapair on the in dash cd changer, that keeps it from jaming and makes it load faster. Also, they added the infiniti logo to the headrests for driver/passenger seats in the 03.5. Also, regarding the green color, if you like it, thats great, but if you don't like it, depending on the amount saved, is it worth it?

 

The important thing to remember, is that AWD is going to accelerate better in the snow than a RWD car. It won't turn or brake better.


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

 

yeah, AWD helps you move better in snow. lol sorry if my wording was off and your non-g35x took offense, but i meant "moving in snow." but if you can't even get your car to move then turning and braking won't be an issue, eh? [img]/w3timages/icons/tongue.gif[/img] i've driven in a lot of snowy weather and it just plain sucks to be stuck on the road.

<font color=purple>.g35girl.</font color=purple>

 

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

2k4 comes standard with heated seats as well,

<hr></blockquote>
that's right, you get butt warmers too!


2K4 G35S 6MT, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium Pkg
2K2 GS300 5AT SportDesign, Millenium Silver/Black

 

oh, another really minor cosmetic. the infiniti logo is sewn into the front seats instead of imprinted like in the 2003. and yeah, the 2003 passenger seat has controls near the thigh just like the driver's side.

<font color=purple>.g35girl.</font color=purple>

 

Do you really get that much snow in Missouri? We just got bombed up here in Mass and my 03.5 Sedan with all seasons was A-Okay in the snow. Based on what I had read on this board I thought it was going to be terrible but it wasn't ... yesterday afternoon there was a tractor trailer stuck going up a hill at a red light... I had no problem going around him like all the rest of the cars... If you really need to do serious driving in deep snow no RWD is going to do it for you but from my experience so far the G35 is not worse than any other RWD I have driven in fact it seems above average to me.

2003.5 5AT Sedan Black/Black Premium/Winter Packages

 

I got an 03.5 Black Sedan including sport/aero, moonroof, and bose system w/ 14,500 miles on it and paid 27,400 before taxes. For me it was a deal maker as anything over 30,000 was vetoed by my wife. That being said, don't settle for the green if it is not a color that you truly like. The car is too nice to not truly enjoy seeing every time you step out the door and look at it. If budget is a concern, as it was in my case, wait until the right G35 comes along. Try checking Autotrader.com-they had a decent number of cars that I could find with in 200-300 miles of my home.
As far as for the AWD vs RWD. You elected to turn down the Acura TL, which would do better in snow and it sounds as the RWD is capable in snow conditions. Remember, AWD adds weight and I don't think you can get it w/ the sport option. Unless you plan on seriously modding your ride (more HP) so that AWD would provide superior traction, I don't think the AWD is necessary. Just drive carefully, or use the snow as an excuse to take someone else's car.

Good Luck!

g4ian

 

Don't forget HID's...standard on cars with leather for '04, right?

 

Great comments / suggestion from all. Thanks!!!

The green 03 actually has the sport package -- so I'd be getting a car that would sticker for just under 34K for 28K (that's what they are asking) The price seems competitive w/ what I've seen on various online sites. Also, it's an infiniti dealer and is infiniti "certified" ... they tell me this includes 100K bumper to bumper.

I'm comparing this to a new 04 w/ leather and a sunroof. MSRP is about 32K ... I'm thinking I'll get it for about 30ish. (of course, I'd be missing a few "nice" items in the sport package...)

I really don't mind the green -- but I'll get a better look at it today. I certainly want to get something I'm happy with.

One other question - I notice a lot of people have been saying "03.5"... should I be aware of a mid-year release?

Thanks!

Mayday

 

a few changes with the 03.5: infiniti logo stitched in seat instead of imprinted, different trunk style lettering, no outer trunk release, extra 12V plug (but in a 03 with the winter pack, i've seen it), and i think xenon HID are standard (whereas for 03 you had to get the premium pack to get those headlights). those are the ones i know of. there could be more if you do a search, but here are some threads that i've bookmarked:

2003 versus 2003.5
trunk style: 03.5 versus 03

also, somewhere on this forum are threads comparing the 03 and 04, but i haven't bookmarked them, sorry. good luck with your car shopping!

<font color=purple>.g35girl.</font color=purple>

 

Where in Missouri you at? I, and several other members, are located here in St. Louis.

<font color=blue>03 BS Sedan AT - St. Louis, MO
Premium, Winter, Xenon w/Silverstar Fogs
30% Tint - Clear Corners - 5-Wire Grounding Kit
MB Quart / Eclipse Stereo
PIAA Extreme Whites - K&N Drop-In</font color=blue>