Guess I never really payed attention. :P

The above pic is the standard system. The BOSE one will say BOSE on it.

The standard system sounds great, however. The only complaint I have is that it's a bit bassy.

 

Thanks for the info... hmm would like the Bose but not a big deal, really. The car has only 33000 miles and looks absolutely mint so that's more important to me. Sunroof as well but no navigation........

Hard to nail down the right one - would love navi but a Garmin or similar really does a better job most of the time but of course is hardly as nice looking... decisions decisions.

 

The Bose isn't great, but it's probably better than the base system.

A few of the tell tale signs of the premium package are:

- dual A/C button (you'll notice that one is a base because the button is blank)
- it will say Bose on the face of the radio
- rear seats will have an 'A' (automatic) on the window switches
- rear seats will recline
- it will have a HomeLink mirror which adjusts automatically and has garage door buttons
- it will have an 'i-key' which has an ignition **** instead of a normal key slot and there will be a little black button on the outside door handle which allows you to unlock it without taking the key out of your pocket
- it will have a telescoping steering column
- there will be an 'auto' function on the headlight switch

That's all I can think of right now. I would recommend getting the premium package. Navi is a little more difficult to find, but they are out there.

 

I personally would try and find one with Premium package, Bose+ premium package, gets you some other goodies reclining rear seats, memory drivers seat, more positionable passenger seat, auto on/off headlights and some more goodies that I can't recall. The first 06 I bought was new and did not buy premium, really wish I had, so when I bought a second one, went premium with wood package. I am glad I did, although I think the intelligent key is a PITA, I live rural, so I can leave my keys in the car, I always forget the FOB in the house and have to go back in to get it! I love these cars, I am 5'11, drive about 45k/year. I went back to an Accord (EXL)when gas prices went to $4, hated it and was so happy to get back to Infiniti. The comfort and ergonomics are great. Gas mileage is what you get for a car that goes. Having owned way to many AWD vehicles, I would say the system is good, but Quattro from Audi is the best, but these cars are rear wheel bias, hence making them a ton of fun to drive. You will not regret the decision to buy! I would definetly go for a premium car, if you can get the Navi, that is good too, but they are definely more difficult to find(at least in New England).

 

I have owned my '06 G35x for about 2 1/2 years now and its been a great car. Living in Toronto I get to test the AWD a fair amount over the winter (except this winter which was pretty much snow free) and it works exceptionally well. Having an AWD system with a RWD bias was incredibly smart on Inifiniti's part as it gives you the benefit of AWD when you need it and the handling of RWD when you don't.

My car has every available option except navigation. Having OEM navi wasn't important to me as I use a Garmin. The GPS is mounted on the cubby lid where the OEM GPS would be located. Its a great spot because with the lid down it hides the Garmin, flip it up and you're ready to go. This car has everything I was looking for - lots of power, great handling, clean styling, comfortable, well built, nice sized trunk (for golf bags), just the right amount of technology inside the car etc. I really like the integrated bluetooth handsfree system. It works flawlessly with my Blackberry. Some complain about it but I've never had an issue. The only feature I wish this car had is fold-down rear seats as the pass-through is pretty much useless. I would highly recommend getting some summer shoes for your G. I throw on Enkei ZR1 rims with 245/45/18 tires for the warmer months and you can really have some fun around the corners. Good luck with your search.

 

Great info, guys! The info about the Premium package is fantastic - yes I want ALL of those things.

Any other input on the side airbag situation?

 

I will look when I get into my car in about an hour (if no one else responds before then). I have a mid-grade '05 X with standard options.

 

I found out from a nice dealer than from 04 and forward, side airbags were standard so that's a great thing.

 

I'm test driving a blue G35x tomorrow morning. It has Premium package, sunroof, wood inlay on center consol and doors (not huge fan but I'll live). It's blue with light colored interior...Wheat maybe? Here is a picture:

 

I'm not a fan of wood trim, but I love Twilight Blue. Would be sweet with graphite interior, but those are rare.

 

Ok Twilight Blue is the name of this color?
Here is a picture of the exterior:



They say it's Midnight Blue in the description but dealer get this wrong all the time so no surprise if that was wrong too.

Is "Wheat" the name of this interior color or could it be something else? Not that it matters, I'm just curious.

 

^ Yes, it is Twilight Blue. I'm pretty sure you are correct on the interior color too. There is graphite (black), stone (grey), and wheat (tan/khaki/whatever you want to call it).

I believe all the exterior colors in '06 were Ivory Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Diamond Graphite, Obsidian Black, Garnett Fire, Lakeshore Slate, Twilight Blue, and Serengetti Sand. I may be wrong on that though, but I'm sure someone will correct me.

 

Thanks

Can't wait to drive it tomorrow. Just found out from my co-worker that he used to have a 2004 G35X and loved it so that's another good sign.

When checking out the engine when idling, any unusual sounds to check for etc? Like other cars, it might make a sound which sounds odd in some way but really is not an issue with the engine but just "how it is", if you know what I mean.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about getting the Bose system or OEM Nav... there are so many after market solutions that will do the job 100x better.

Sonic Electronix is your friend!

 

I haven't noticed any noises with mine idling.

Not sure if you've driven one before or not, but you will probably notice a slight sound a few seconds after you put it into drive and start moving. It doesn't sound normal, but it is just the ABS self test. I've never had another car make that sound so it catches you off guard the first time you hear it.

As has already been mentioned, you should try and listen for a creaking/popping noise coming from the front suspension. That is most likely bad compression rod bushings. There is also a creak that comes from the rear windows that can be fixed by replacing the window regulator bolts. Another thing I would check is the hood when you lift it. It is fairly common for the hinges to seize up and buckle on the passenger side. If this is starting to happen you will probably hear a slight popping noise when opening the hood and you might even see the fender flexing from the hinge binding. I had all of these issues fixed under warranty shortly after buying mine, but it would be nice if you could get them to fix it before signing the papers.

Don't let any of these things scare you away from buying this car. All of them are easy fixes and free under warranty.