Hey all!! I'm currently in the process of mulling over my next vehicle purchase. I come from a history of Nissans (hell, even the Saab 92x / Impreza I drive now contains Nissan parts) and have 100% confidence in their reliability. They've always been a fantastic pre-owned purchase.

I'm still mulling over exactly what I want, but it's narrowed down to:
-Coupe with 6MT
-G35x
-Sedan with 6MT

I really hate the idea of giving up a manual, but I think I hate the idea of giving up AWD even more. I owned a 97 240sx with Arctic Alpin snow tires that was easily on par with my Impreza with all-seasons and AWD - I am not too concerned about owning a coupe, but the G35x seems to be a fantastic buy and easier to locate.

I really just wanted to say hello, but I also would be excited to hear of any trouble spots or things I should look out for as I shop around. I would like an '05 - '06, but '03+ is fine as well.

I have this thing where I will never buy a car that doesn't include a fantastic online forum...

 

If you want AWD stick to the X. It's a little trickier to mod than the 2wd cars, but is still a fantastic ride for the $$$. I'd stick to 05-06, better interior, better exterior styling, newer model, etc. but it's hard to go wrong with these cars.

On cars with over 70K miles look for the dreaded axle click (car will lightly click when put in forward or reverse briefly), lower control arm and compression rod bushings failing, and the dreaded oil consumption if you bought a 6MT 05-06. That however won't be an issue if you go AWD, they're not available with a manual. Have the car checked by a trusted mechanic like you should with all used car purchases, and see if you can find any history of maintenance records for the vehicle. For the most part, if the motor and tranny's been well taken care of they're bullet proof and will last a long time.

 

If you don't have kids or need the extra 2 doors, go with the coupe.

 

Drive both and see what you like.

Sedans are lighter than coupes though, just for the record lol.

 

+1 and i honestly think they look better too

 

= faster than a coupe at least they never gave me any trouble

 

I tested the new legacy a few months ago, didn't notice much difference in "normal driving" handling compared with the G. Although I didn't try to take off from a dead stop- that's probably the biggest difference. Anyways, the 6MT sedan is awesome. My thoughts- you'll notice more difference in driving going auto than going RWD.

 

Thanks all!!
I almost had an X, but it was sold yesterday. I'll keep looking.
I don't have any kids, and my experience driving RWD in the snow with proper tires isn't exactly negative. My 240sx was incredibly fun, and I'd prefer RWD to FWD. Wish the G35x was available in manual.

The latest issue I'm having is the the X is just so damned affordable and they're a dime a dozen. I can easily pick one up, and I can justify it because It'd be the quickest car I've ever owned even in auto.

Always loved the coupe, and I will continue to keep looking for one or a 6MT sedan. Honestly, the only config I won't consider is a 2wd auto. I just can't get jiggy with that.


Hopefully I'll join you guys and be a legit member soon.

 

 

Ooooookay... So up until the moment I test drove this thing, I had never even ridden in a G35 (drove a 350z, but that's the closest I've been).

Holy crap... That's all I can say. Fell in love with an automatic?! What the hell is wrong with me?


It's fairly base model, if you can call it that.
Missing: Navigation, reclining rear seats, rear air ducts, homelink mirror (I want this), Bose (definitely do not want), memory seats, bla bla etc - probably a lot more, but has way more options than anything else I've owned.

Dealership pics - I'll take some better ones soon.

https://i.imgur.com/HFYX3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IWdWW.jpg

My question - is this Lakeshore Slate? The entry on Autotrader says "Twilight Blue" but I thought that was dark blue.

Thanks all for pointing me toward an '05!! I'm sure '03-'04 would suffice, but I do like the additional things.

 

Always have preferred the coupes to the sedan, but I wanted AWD, and less people to race me at stoplights.

I hit 100 with this on I-90 outside Chicago and didn't even realize it. I'm going to shoot my eye out.