Hi out there. I know this site is slanted towards the G35. I need a new car. I'm tired of my old MB 300E, too expensive to maintain. I'm looking at either a '04 Solara Convertible (fun factor), or a G35 sedan (good warranty, and powerful engine). I seem to be older than most of you out there (late 40's), but now I'm looking for a more fun car to drive. My wife drives the SUV. Appreciate any comments.

 

There is no comparison. The G is much more fun than the Camry!!!!!!!!! Other than a Supra, Celica GT, etc., Toyotas are not really fun to drive cars!! They are grreat cars in terms of build. If you need the top off, then the Camry is for you.

03.5 G35S 5AT - Desert Platinum/Graphite/350Z Tube/Clear corners/HG kit/30% Tint

 

I totally agree with Typhoon. Its hard to compare a car like that. If you need a fun summer car, I would go with conv. Solora.

 

What does "a fun car to drive" mean to you? I own both an 01 Solara and an 03 G35. I've upgraded the Solara a lot, and it's now far superior to the stock version. However, except for the additional power, it's nowhere near as much fun to drive as the G35 from a pure performance standpoint. The front wheel drive platform is just not as conducive to performance. The near 50/50 front to rear weight balance, RWD, and tight turning radius of the G are far superior to a Solara. It's also got a much better engine. But, if fun to drive just means having a cruiser car without a top, then maybe the Solara is the better choice.

 

My family used to have a solara convertible, although the new one is a new body, but i don't know what else is new. its still front wheel drive, and not very fast. Top down=nice too, but theres nothing like blasting through the corners in a G with the all the windows down and the rush of air from an open sunroof. G=performance, solara=top-down. Also, where do you live, because days of sunshine is a big factor in this decision.

2004 Sedan
Black/Willow
Premium w/ splash guards
Clear Corners, Z-tube

 

Why not get the best of both worlds with the 350Z convertible?


Clint (THX723)

 

I was going to make the same recommendation...If you want performance and the capability of going topless you want the Z Roadster...If you want leather, heated seats, and Bose get the Touring, or if you can make do with cloth and the stock CD player go with the Enthusiast model

"All the Power in the World resides in the Eyes..."

 

THX is exactly right. 350Z roadster is the way to go in your case. You cannot put the Camry and G in the same converstion, they only point you could make for the Toyota is that it is a convertible.

03 - Black - Premium - Wood - Aero w/ Spoiler - Z Tube - Grounded - Stillen CAI

 

Right on THX! Didn't think of that one. 350z conv would be a perfect match!

 

Don't forget, the Z is a 2-seater, Solara is 4. Also, the Z is likely to be a much stiffer ride. Caution: Do not try to hug a turn in the Solara. May cause removal from paved surfaces and possibly death.

Also - IMHO, the solara is fugly, drop top or no.

In short: For top-down performance with your wife, get the Z. For top-down cruising with the wife and kids, get the Solara.

 

I drove my friend's 2004 Solara. All I could think about while driving was: Nothing happens when I push my right foot hard on the accelerator!!!! Fun to drive quotient: ZERO!!!!

 

my first question..y..

Second.. no comparison..solara..hahah..j/k..

forget the solara..go for s2k..if you want a fun car..

 

One day recently I was sooooo tired of hurting from my G35 sedan seat that I stopped in to test drive a 2004 Solara. I was terribly disappointed. It was slow and very laggy on throttle response, yet at the same time the tranny was very harsh and jerky both in auto and manumatic mode. Not a good combo. The ride was a little softer but that came at the price of too much bodyroll. However, if I could have I would have stolen the Slowara driver's seat and put it in my G. OMG it was sooooooooooooooooo superior to that torture rack they installed in the G!!! Otherwise the toyota sucked ***. Plus it just plain looks weird. Only in the darker colors is it at all presentable, as they tend to blur the lines somewhat.

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by GeeSpot on 04/08/04 08:34 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

Hmm...I know that the price is somewhat higher, but it seems like a BMW 325iC convertible might fit the bill nicely. Four seats, great road handling, mediocre power but from a great engine.

Just something to think about.

2004 G35x | Diamond Graphite - Graphite

 

it might help to explain what your preferences are ? are you looking for a daily driver with power ? or do you want something fun with a bit of power but mainly for drop top ?

as with everyone before i would have suggested 350z droptop as the best choice