My gf is looking for a G35 sedan with AT. We were told that the 05+ AT is way better than the 03-04 by the dealer. Is that true? My gf will attend some auto-x and HPDE events with me after some basic intake, suspension mods. I did try very hard to teach her driving a stick in my s13 n suby, but it didn't work...

I tried to search, but couldn't get a specific answer.

Thanks in advance...

 

The 05's have the rev-up motor, 03+04 doesn't.

I regret not getting an 05.

 

They have the same transmission, different engine though. 07+ sedans have a new trans I believe.

 

Hmm.

I'm not sure I agree with the previous posts, but I'm no expert. I'll add to the confusion. =)

It's my understanding the the rev-up motor is associated with MTs. So rev-up wouldn't have anything to do with ATs.

03-06 have the same tranny and engine, I believe. The difference in engines from 03/04 to 05/06 is really fairly minor modifications, mostly associated with a more efficient exhaust setup on the later models.

I believe the 03/04 TCU had some upgrades that began with the 04.5 models and were further refined with the 05/06 models.

As for the original question - I haven't heard of any big issues with any particular model years, so you'd probably be fine with any model that been well taken care of. However, if you can afford it, why not go with an 05 or 06 over an earlier model?

 

When did the tranny start rev matching when in manual mode? Is that 05+ or 07+? The rev matching is a pretty nice feature.

 

Rev matching started in 05. If you've got the money, always get the newer car.

 

Your best mods are a plenum spacer and then suspension mods (suspension mods make a HUGE difference). Unless I am mistaken there is not much you can do to squeeze more out of this engine without going FI.

I suggest getting an 05+ since it does rev matching

 

03-06 uses the same trans. 05+ has downshift rev-matching in manual mode. The Revup engine is only available in MT for 05-06. 2007+ is completely new generation.

 

Just an FYI, if you are planning on SCCA autoX'ing, you should avoid those mods if you want her to feel competitive. As soon as you touch the intake and/or suspension, the car gets bumped from D stock to STX where the competition may have mods that exceed the value of her whole G35.

 

I've driven 'em all... the only one that by far is a better choice than the other is 07+
03-06 makes very little difference... and performance-wise make no difference.

 

That's a good point actually. I had an 06 AT loaner for a day, myself. Probably put 100 miles on it, or so. I didn't really notice much of a difference in tranny or engine performance; I drove it pretty hard too. I was trying to see how much of a difference there was, and was surprised by how similar it felt to my '04.

For whatever it's worth.

 

+2

That is a good point. The 05/06 has subtle changes that are nice but nothing like the 2nd gen sedans. I would go 07+ if at all possible.

 

the only difference i noticed was between the x and non x models. i would have liked the non x since the x feels dog slow in comparison, but my fiance is taking over the loan in a few months and i'll be getting something else, and in NE it made her more comfortable. in socal i doubt you'll have the need for the x.

 

you could just do a spacer and k&N drop-in, and pretend not to know about the spacer

 

I'd get the 05+ if the 1st gen is what you are looking at. Better looking interior, rev matching auto (crisper shifting also imho), larger oem brakes. Better tails and color matching lower bodywork.