its really been giving me a hard time picking between the two. i think i have it all ruled out.

first off i'm comparing X models only.

I realize the 05 have the LED tails that can be installed on 04's for roughly $500 or less. So thats not a difference. Then i realize that the 05's have the mp3 feature but both stock units should be able to run an aux to ipod, i think it was jazzy mod. that would make mp3 playing useless to me since i dont use it in mines plus i do like the RDS. the differences on wheels is minimal as most would opt for aftermarket. The trunk has a button in 05 but seems to me they have a trunk pop on the key fob for 04's so pointless so to say.


only difference i would say is the gauges that i cant change. I think HP change but then again 04-06 HP ratings were always changing so how much whp is changed under 5?

i'm asking these questions because in the chicago area there are so many 04's out there. I can pick up a 04x with say 60k miles for $15-16k OTA where as the 05 models then to go for 18-20k. As of now i don't see too many things that make me want to spend more on the 05 other then the pure looks.

anything i didn't list?

 

Yes.

Interiors changed from 04-05. 05 offered aluminum interior trim and lots of other upgrades.

Hood is different. Bumper and from lower is different.

Brakes were revised in 05 - they wear slower and don't dust up like the pre 05.

04 had LED tails as well - just a different pattern.

HID became standard in 05 I believe.

Painted lower sills was new in 05 I believe.

Fobless entry and trunk are fantastic. You'll become spoiled. I've gotten to the point that I hate to even think about reaching for my keys in my other vehicle.

HP in 05 was 280/270. Performance from previous years is hardly worth mentioning - previous years were underrated.

 

In addition to GeeWillikers statements:

HIDs became standard in '04

the '05 introduced rev-matching downshifts in the automatic. That alone would steer me towards an '05 or later. The nicer '05 interior with better seats and real aluminum is a huge plus.

If you were looking for a manual tranny car then I'd recommend the '04 due to the oil consumption issues encountered with the '05s and up.

 

The 04 doesn't have an AUX input for iPod without buying and installing a 3rd party product.

 

yea, i figured so, well its $200 for the part, so i might opt to get a new HU instead, would there be any trouble installing a aftermarket HU on the navi system vs just the bose system?


well like i said the price difference is roughly $2-3grand, and some of the differences just wasn't cutting it. the aluminum trim i can do without. painted lower sills same for that. Fob entry and trunk should almost be a standard know, my 98 maxima has both and even the roll down window option that the G has. the intellgent key on the other hand is something that can be interesting, pending if its the style where i can walk to the car without taking the key out of my pockets and open the door.

The Rev matching auto would be great making it more smoother, and i'm still looking up the engine whp and problems at we speak.



oh in case you guys are wondering my idea of the finish g35 after i get my hands on it would be, 35/5% tint, z tube, 5/16 or 1/2 spacer, if i get the 04 i would get a 05 midpipe or a coupe one. nothing done if i get a 05. lower the X on z springs and something. sways front and rear. hawks HPS brakes and probaly a set of 18-20's. pending if i get a navi one, i'll consider just getting the ipod add on, no navi = probaly get a touch screen unit. after that it should be smooth sailing, and maybe a diffrent rear diff.

 

The 05 exhaust mid-pipe is lighter and better performance tuned than the 04. It's a direct replacement part though.

Automatic gear shift is different - 04 is round base, 05 rectangular with a leather boot perhaps? The 04 looks kinda crappy, IMO. There are other interior differences, especially with the dash.

Biggest exterior difference is the black bottom trim - front, side sills, and rear are black on the 04's regardless of the car color, but paint matched on the 05's. 04's with an aero package don't have this "problem". Some body shops will paint the 04's though.

Not positive, but I think the 05's have a paint matched roof shark fin for satelite radio whereas the 04's have the black dead mouse on the roof.

 

yea, looks like i need to find a place with a 04 and a 05 model and make up my mind that way.

leaning towards the 04 and keeping cash in my pockets.


how is the navi on the cars? Long time to get signal? bad/outdated maps? Annoying to use?

looking at 2 04's one with and one without price diffrence is 300$ but after haggling it should be the same. I can go aftermarket touchscreen navi or get stock navi...

 

05 and up has body colored side sills and the matching trim under the bump (smooth bumper, 04 has dark gray trim). The 05 also has a different front bumper; the 04 has the same dark gray trim going around the front too. I personally think the car looks much slicker with the side and rear upgrades, but never was really a fan of the front bumper on the 05 and up's. Of course, if you can find a sedan with a nismo kit (aggressive front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper trim) I would take that over an 05 any day.

05 interior is upgraded aluminum and in general; in my opinion looks much much better. A lot classier.

Other people have covered most of the other stuff. If you can find an 04 with a nismo kit i say jump on it. Otherwise, you can buy a cheaper 04, up the tails, paint the side skirts and gray trim, and up the stereo/wheels with aftermarket. It'll basically be saving a couple grand that you can put towards aftermarket stuff. $2000 will get you well along with buying rims, painting the stuff, tinting/something else like that. I personally would always prefer aftermarket/modded to a slightly nicer stock car, but of course it's your call