Hi everyone

I'm currently in the market for a G35x. It will be a daily driver and I have a 70 mile round trip commute everyday. This will replace my current daily which is a 2003 Saab 9-3 2.0t.

I also own an 07 Z4 coupe which is my weekend/track car so I'm not looking to mod my new daily driver. In fact I plan on leaving whatever car I purchase in stock form. Things I am specifically looking for are awd, reliability, and enough performance to make the long commute somewhat enjoyable.

I've been tracking used G35x models for a few months now and I think they've come down to pretty attractive levels. I've read the reviews but I wanted to get an insider's perspective on the (long-term) ownership experience. I currently see 06 models w/o navi for approx $20k and typically have 30,000 miles.

Thanks in advance,
DD

PS - my weekend warrior =)

 

For a 70 mile round trip, you may want to look into something with a little better mileage than a G35x. You may want to see if you're willing to step into a WRX. The ride isn't as comfortable, but it's got good AWD, performance and good reliability as well.

However, if you want something that comes close to the BMW for a good feel and balance of sport and luxury, you can't go wrong with the G35.

 

I think a G35X would be a good fit for you. The AWD is very capable, and as far as reliability, for its class it is a very reliable car. The cost of ownership is significantly less than a comparable BMW, Merc, or Audi, and the VQ is a pretty bulletproof engine.

Where are you located?

 

thanks guys. i realize the g35x doesn't have the best mileage but you figure that's the case for any awd car that comes with a v6. for that reason i did consider the a4 2.0t quattro w/ 6 speed but having come from a 1.8t i know they're not the most reliable despite being fun cars to drive. and between the g35x and the 330xi, the xi is a bit more expensive and comes with the same engine as my z so wanted to try something different. the vq35 seems like a solid engine and i believe the g35x is rear wheel biased which would make it even more enjoyable to drive.

 

if you dont drive too crazy you can easily pull 25 (almost 26) mpg highway. i have a 74 mile roundtrip commute and i live and work right off the interstate so it is essentially all highway driving. doesnt put the hurt on the car like city driving will. i have to admit i did notice a nice boost in mpg with the stillen intake kit too so if santa brings you just one mod... that might be a good one

also, ive put 26xxx miles on my car since march of this year driving all over the midwest in all kinds of conditions (im just rwd tho, not an X). this is the most reliable car i have ever owned and haven't had even the slightest of problems with it. i do aggressively maintain it too, which i enjoy. you will love the G man, go for it.

 

I have a 60 mile roundtrip commute. Best mileage i can pull off is 22 MPG. I drive 90% highway too. If i take a week off from work and just drive around town, i get 19ish MPG.

Plenty of power to make the commute enjoyable. In fact, i love getting in the car at the end of the day. It;s comfortable to drive and a rocket and handles well.

I just wouldn't factor fuel economy into the decision because you will be disappointed. My previous car was an '03 Mustang GT that was a great open highway car and got 26-27MPG regularly with 87 octane and a V8. Kinda of disheartening to trade it in for a V6 and struggle to get 22MPG highway and need 91+ octane. But i didn't buy the car for gas mileage. World's more comfortable to drive and plenty of creature comforts

 

the G35x does a really nice job in AWD mode.

you seem to have the understanding that if you could afford the BMW, that is what you would get. The G is a great second option for the money. If you maintain the car properly, you could get more bang for the buck over a 5-7 year span.

In terms of handling and performance, the G will not dissapoint you when compared to the BMW.

 

Don't get me wrong, I think the G35x is just as capable as the BMW if not more. I was just making the point those were the cars I was considering but I think 330xi is overpriced for what it is. The only thing I see the BMW having over the G is better mileage and a nicer interior as the layout of the G seems somewhat outdated - but seeing how this was the last year before the sedan was updated whereas the E90 series just started then, it's not a fair comparison.

I'm visiting few dealerships to check out CPOs. I'm finding the prices drop even more, under the $20,000 mark which seems like a really great deal. Has anyone else here bought CPO? If so what's a fair price for a G35x with 20,30, and 40,000 miles? Also what options/packages came with the 2006 sedan?

 

Well, for the '06, you could get a base model car which doesn't even have a sunroof. Pretty rare, but I think someone posted a few months ago about owning one of these.

MOST basic '06x's come with at least the sunroof, but the Premium package comes with the Bose stereo, Intelligent Key, Auto down doors, bluetooth, dual HVAC controls (overrated and not worth it), auto on/off headights, power tilt steering wheel and auto exit drivers seat and prob a few different things. There are two premium packages....B comes with a normal space saver spare and C comes with a full size spare.

Then, on top of the Premium, you get Navigation.

I beleive Sat radio, mudflaps, aero package were available on all, but aero package 05/06x's are not that common.

Price depends on the area where you live. I bought my '06x with 24K miles last year as a fully optioned Prem C + NAV car for $23K. In the northeast, i'm seeing '06 NAV cars on dealers lot for still around $22K with 40K miles now.

perfect example of local dealership pricing. I know private sales could be lower. Some guys would crap a brick looking at the price of this car, esp when guys are picking up 03/04's for $13K

http://kellyauto6.reachlocal.com/cou...253D1I7GGIH_en

But, when i was looking for a car, i wanted an '06 only, i wanted it fully loaded, and i wanted it certified out of a dealership. I got the car i wanted exactly like how i would have ordered it out of the factory

 

thanks i'm in the same boat as you. private is not an option b/c i want the car to be certified and only the 06 appeals to me. so the only diff bet premium b and c is the type of spare?

i actually don't need factory navi. i'm pretty sure if i'll either get an aftermarket double din or just throw in a garmin. i live in the tri-state area and i've found 2-3 w/o navi in the 18-20k price range and come bet 20 and 35k miles.

 

Yup, only diff between B and C is the spare. I don't beleive Prem A was available on the AWD model.

http://www.automotive.com/2006/12/in...ges/index.html

 

so i've talked it down furthest i can and dealer is offering 06 for $20k, and that includes the certification cost. the car has 37k miles. yay or nay?

 

Just keep in mind when you get the car to NEVER come back on this website again. You said you didn't want to mod it, but its sooooo hard when you see what people are doing and they keep egging you on. "Oh, that looks nice and its only 300-500". Do that a few times and you can get hooked. Damn you G35Driver and all of your members, you make me do the things I do!!!!

 

haha, yes i'm not new to modding. but this car is strictly my daily so wouldn't make sense.

 

F it... I just put the deposit down on the car. I was looking at 2 diff models. One model had the exact color combo I wanted, gray on black w/ 37k miles listed for $19.9 certified. Another was gray on tan w/ 40k miles listed for $20.9 certified but 5 mins away. I figured maybe the extra $1000 was worth the convenience but I knew I'd kick myself later for a buying a car I wasn't 110% crazy on.

Put the deposit down today and I pick up the car this weekend. Nice X-mas gift to myself, heh...