Ok, I realize I'm coming to "biased" territory here, but here goes...

Previously, I had the RX-8, 325 and IS300 as car finalists... the G35 6mt's were not readily available to test when I first started looking.

I *thought* the RX-8 was going to be the car I'd buy next. Power was weak, but the chassis dynamics were stellar. And I thought there was enough room in the back... until I went back for one more sitting. Nope. Not going to cut it with a 2-yr old and another possibly on the way.

So, it's down to the 325i, G35 Sedan and the upcoming Subaru Legacy GT. (I thought the 325 blew the IS300 into the weeds... similar acceleration despite the stated power disparity, more room, no cheesy undersized interior)

Pros and Cons of what I'm considering:

325 Pros: Great car. Handles well (Sport Package), decent ride, I really like the way all the major controls seem to work together. Cons: Relatively weak power (torque curve is actually not bad for such a N/A small motor), interior is on the smallish side, value is not exceptional in comparison to G for what you get for the $$, and questionable long-term reliability. May not fail althogether (mechanical integrity of the engines is quite good), but could nickel and dime you with a lot of little things.

G35: I need to spend a long test drive in one. The seat controls seemed irritating to me, but a longer drive should help me understand whether it's in my head or in my leg. Honestly, the seat controls were one of the big things, along with the rocking seat. I had a Ford Contour with a rocking seat and didn't want another. I understand that's been addressed. So, I need a longer drive in a 6mt. That should tell me a lot. Pros: power, room, good features for the $$. Other cons: AWD version has no 6-speed option.

Legacy GT: Unknown from a driving standpoint, but it has AWD and 250 hp/tq too. Also comes in a wagon variant with a 5-speed. Time will tell, as it'll be out in May, about when I'm ready to order. Cons: First-year car in US (a year old in Oz and Japan).

So... with that in mind, any more suggestions?

BTW... the G35 I want is about as basic as you can get... a 6mt with the only option being the trunk mat (me and moonroofs aren't friends). But that's just because Infiniti did such a great job with the 6mt package that I don't have to add anything to it! :-)

Thanks.

--Dave

If you're in control, you're not driving fast enough -- Parnelli Jones

 

I bought the G35 over other vechicles based on some of the same reasons you sight. However; I did not have any advance warning about the seat controls and the problems they would create in my comfort. See the thread I started named "Uncomfortable drivers seat".

 

I compared the G35 to the 330i. The G35 is more like a 5-series in size, especially back-seat room. The rear doors in the G35 swing open 80 degrees.. makes getting kids and carseats in and out a breeze. Much more trunk space than a 3, too.

The Cadillac CTS is also bigger than 3. Overall it was a nice car, chassis is pretty solid, but when I test drove it they only had the 3.2L engine, and it felt kinda weak. Now they have the 3.6L with 255hp on 87 octane, however, the manual trannies are still only mated to the 3.2. That's supposed to change sometime this year. It's worth a look. You might also want to check out the Volvo S60R.

 

Dave, here's my 2 cents worth.
For me there was nothign else I'd consider below 55k than the G. I've owned 3 series Bimmers & Audi's, the only car I longed too get was the last generation 540i. I love that car, but at a cost of 55k and up it was out of my reach. The G sedan was the only car at that point I'd consider. I've driven so many and the G had pretty much everything I wanted in an exceptional everday driver. It's probably the most beautiful car I've ever seen next too the 540i (last gen and in that sub par 55k price range) and for me it was a no contest. Good luck on your decision.

 

Go drive it one hour non stop - if your right leg isnt asleep and in pain - then buy the G35 right there on the spot.

Worth

2004.5 Sedan AT DG/Sport/Flaps/Premium/max tint/Bose/CAI Injen/6 wire ground kit/Custom ECU/Zaino layers=6
next mod: N2O

 

If you're concerned about the seat controls (or the interior in general), there's a strong rumor that a new interior for the G35 will be unveiled at the upcoming April auto show. Right now there's only rumors and no facts, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

I have the exact car you are looking for, a 2004 Sedan 6MT with only trunk mat and splash guards and have been thrilled with it. I have grown accustomed to Japanese reliability, the performance/handling is much better than expected, and there is plenty of interior room. I have 4300 miles on it and still look forward to the drive every time I get in it.

However,I have not had it on a long trip yet. We plan to take it to Big Bend National Park from Dallas in a couple of weeks, so I'll report on the long ride comfort then.

Whatever your choice, I hope it is the best one for you.

<font color=red>2004 G35 Sedan 6MT Desert Platinum/Willow</font color=red>

 

Great stuff from one and all. Thanks. It's always refreshing to find a board where folks don't wig out when you mention anything other than that board's car of choice. :-)

Ryoken, thanks for the info on the doors... I didn't try to open them that far. Also, I did drive the S60R... 1) it's price is a premium over the G I'm looking at by about 4-5k (I can get Ford partner pricing on the Volvos, which shaves it down to invoice price), 2) I just didn't find it rewarding to drive. Yes, there is good power, but the steering and handling felt "wooden" or kind of dead. I'd honestly prefer a 325i with less power but better feel than the S60R. Oh, and after my Ford, I'm not buying American (the Z06 is the exception) again for a good long time.

I will need to go for an hour-long cruise. Good idea. Just hit the highway for a good long stretch to see how the seat feels.

I've also read the rumors, and we should know perhaps this week or for sure next when the NY Auto show opens. It'll be interesting.

And I too like Japanese reliability... had a Toyota that I couldn't kill until my brother did it for me buy wrapping it around a tree a few months after I sold it to him.

That's definitely a huge plus in Infiniti's favor.

If you're in control, you're not driving fast enough -- Parnelli Jones

 

racerdave,
I frequently takes 2 hour trip weekly and 3 + hour trips once a month and I have no problem with my seat. I find it perfectly comfortable and suited me pretty well. Of course not as well as my 740iL but that's a different story.
G35 is a car that you'll need to drive it and get use to it. I find its not as adaptable at first cause I expected too much coming off the seat of my BMW. Well, its a different car and it behave differently. Now that I have about 6 month of seat time. I find it on par with BMW if not exceeding it.

~ GT-R the Ultimate Driving Machine ~
- 2004 G35 Ivory Pearl/Black Leather
- Auto/Nav/Premium/Sports/Aero
- 6 wire grounding kit