I just did it for craps and giggles, and the 325ci priced out to like 40k over 5 years, and the G35 Sedan prices out to 42k.

The big diff is the cost in maintenace, that supposedly BMW gives full maintenance for 4 years now, so that is somewhat surprising, then I guess the question becomes, how do we have the best value versus a BMW?? (I know that our cars are better. )

2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

 

Compare it to the 330i and see what you get. I think most G owners would get a 330i, not a 325i. Let us know.

03.5 G35S 5AT - Desert Platinum/Graphite/Clear corners/HG kit/20% Tint

 

Typhoon, a 330i sedan total cost of ownership is 45k, your right. I should of priced it against a 330i to begin with.


2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

 

How did you do this?


Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Premium/Chrome Wheels '04 Sedan/5AT

 

Not only would they get a 330 and not a 325, but the 330 is nothing special anymore. They've cheapened the interior such that the seats feel like crap (rough, vinyl-ish leather) and it's full of plasticky parts. In the meantime, the 05 G gets an upgraded interior. The 330 is cramped inside, where the G is roomy. And the 330 auto is a total dog, while the G has monster power in comparison. BMW is still the best at the magic car-and-driver connection, though. The 330 is more fun to drive on a curvy road. But to me, this doesn't make up for the BMW's low power and cheap interior.

So why shouldn't the cost of ownership be as high as a BMW? It's a better car!

The next model 3-series might be a different story, but it's not out yet.

(BTW, are you configuring the 330 the way you would want to drive it off the lot? BMW makes you pay for a myriad of options. Figure $42,000+ sticker for a well-equipped 330.)

 

I used Edmunds Total Cost of Ownership estimator, and its on a plain jane BMW, because realistically, the maintenance/gas costs aren't going to matter with all the gizmos. I love my G, plus BMW's are a dime a dozen..

I just wish the Coupe owners would give us some love, I drive by them all the time and they just keep driving, its as if we don't exist. I think someone forgot to tell them the sedan is as fast as the coupe!

2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

 

"I just wish the Coupe owners would give us some love, I drive by them all the time and they just keep driving, its as if we don't exist. I think someone forgot to tell them the sedan is as fast as the coupe! "

so true, especially when you're with them side by side when they try to diss you from a dig or roll :-)


04 6mt Sedan / stock airbox mod / z-tube / k&n panel filter / crank pulley / 18" r/h c2s / s-tein springs

 

Don't assume that these numbers are perfectly accurate for anyone who floggs the cars [tire wear brake wear after 36k]......5 years could be 50k or 100k and thus things will vary.

Just add 10% to the total cost [plus local gas/insurance adjustments annual tax stickers etc].

Something up to around $9,000 per year over 5 years for a G.

Free maintenance is a trick to help degrade the car after warranty so the dealers can make more on repairs sooner from the second owner! The absolute minimum is done as to fluid filter changes during warranty.

 

;=) I'm new here, so please excuse my brashness.
It's all a matter of taste, but for me the sedan is nice and sleek while I see the coupe as being a little bit overweight. The sedans do in fact perform as well or better than the coupe given the proper driving techniques :=)
Those rude coupe drivers are just jealous that they cannot transport backseat passengers with as much comfort!

 

klg35:

Know what you guys mean about the coupe - these guys go out of their way in my area to ignore us.

I recently allowed a coupe to merge into my lane so he could make the offramp, by slowing down and waving him over (after several other inconsiderate drivers left him hanging) - he took my position but didn't wave or acknowledge the gesture (or the car) in any way.

Just so happens we came up next to each other at a stoplight a few minutes later, both of us the front cars (there IS a God!) where the road merges back into 1 lane at about 1/8 mile mark. He pulled up on the right, with a smirk on his face. Normally I would have allowed him in, but this time I nailed the start in my 6 MT and blew him off. He was on it hard, but I pulled in 2nd and, as I grabbed rubber in 3rd, he couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that his AT had just been outrun and toasted. Now he's lookin' at my "ugly" tailights.

I'm no hardass - but if you won't give me the respect - I'll TAKE IT !! I just laughed and ignored him at the next light (I'm turning left, he's going straight).

LOL ....

Sport Sedan Fan - 2004 6MT Sedan
Sport/Navigation/Premium/Aero; "Invisiguard" Bra, Madico Onyx Tint
Obsidian Black/Graphite & "Titanium"
SHE'S SILVER & BLACK - GO RAIDERS!

 

Just FYI.. A lot of Infiniti dealerships are offering 2 years or more of free maintenance. I've got it on mine. This might put the G35 cheaper than even the 325i, which is in no way, shape or form in any league with the G. The 330 is comparable but the price difference is too much to handle.

PS for my tastes I would choose the G over the 330 Bimmer regardless of price.

 

Kyle,
not to start a sedan v. coupe war but I went from the sedan to the coupe and have no regrets. I rarely had any passengers so the extra room in the rear was a non-issue.

If you think all of the coupe drivers are thinking 'wow! he's got a lot of backseat room' when they drive next to you, I would wager that you are mistaken.