Aside from some obvious dashboard differences, does the '04 G35X drive/sound different from the '06? How about that shifter? The '04 looks way different in pictures from the '06. The '04 looks like a T type shifter and the
'06 is the boot type of shifter. How's the reach/comfort level of that shifter and general feel of the shifter and cockpit? (I steer with left hand, rest my right hand on my shifter in the '06, real comfy spot). Do they run/sound the same? Thank you, need to decide ASAP. I'm test driving the '04 tomorrow. Never been in one. Let me know if there's anything I should be aware of coming out of an '06 that I loved and was used to and may be losing. Also maybe there are things better about the '04, so all replies welcomed!
Gracias,
Mary in Boston

 

I test-drove an '04 before I bought my '06. IMO, they felt very much the same. The '06 might be a touch quicker and has slightly better brakes, but the '04 is no slouch. The shifter in the '04 is physically the same as the '06 (with the gate for sport-shifting), but it's hidden by the boot in the '06. IIRC, the seats were the same as well. The gauge layout is the same, but there's some differences in the climate controls and radio between the two years. All in all, pretty minor differences. Good luck with the test drive!

 

Wow, did the '04 test drive. There is NO comparison to the '06 in my opinion. The whole look and feel of the dash seemed like cheapo plastic pieces, it didn't have that growl when I started it up and did not have that nice exhaust sound the '06 has. No way I would buy the '04. So glad I checked it out. I was back from that test drive in 2 minutes flat. No need to go very far, I knew the moment I got it in it was not for me. Not saying it is not a nice car. Just not the quality I'm used to in my '06 which has more "rubberized" and modern looking dash pieces. Well, maybe I'll get used that un-ergonomic steering wheel in my new '07 and keep it because I'm having the darndest time finding a suitable '06 through the dealer I bought it through and I have to do the swap through them. I cannot get a refund. I have to find something on their lot. They may try getting me an '06 at the auction but I'm not holding my breath. Boy do I miss my '06 badly. I'm so sad it's gone because of my stupid speeding. I really f*$%#d up.

 

I'm sure you'll get used to your 07. I used to love the 07+ loaner cars I got when my 06 was in for service. I found it very "fighter jet-ish" if that's a term.

If i lost my 06, I could never go to an older car. I always felt that your next car should always be "better" than your previous car.

 

I don't agree. I'd rather have this:





Than this:

 

what tires/rims and suspension you got going in the g35 the non stock

 

I would take the mods off and put them on the 06


Just kidding. In all seriousness it's a nice car (id just remove decals and splitter) and sticking with that example I'd go deeper than what the car looks like or mods. I'd prefer newer, with less miles, and *most* older cars tend to be a little more mechanically "used" than newer cars. That's why I put "better" in quotes because we all have different ideas on what is a better car. For me....this is my daily driver which prob won't ever get modded, so better to me is mechanical condition, age, and potential of imminent problems. I'm not really into body mods, rims, exhausts, etc so these things aren't important to me and what in use to select a "better" car if I was to be looking. But as wil anything, "to each his own"