Title says it all. Current vehicle is a 4Runner, which is all we have. The wife has a home office so there hasn't been much need for a 2nd vehicle, but we think the time has come. We've been wanting a G35x for quite some time now, but I've never purchased a vehicle new before let alone spend 35K on one. The other vehicle she likes is an '04 Passat V6, that's a good 10K less. So, what say you, G35 owners?

 

Unless you want electrical problems every time you turn around don't buy the Passat. I've seen an 04 G35x listed in Northern VA for 27,998. They are willing to deal on new 04s right now due to the 05 changes. Good luck.

 

Go for the X if you like AWD, lots of power and 4 doors with great looks. If I got a VW I would be worried about electrical problems like theyhave had in the past, but they are a nice car.
My wife and I love ours.

 

I would hate to tell someone to buy a car that wasn't right for him or her. You know, sell ice to Alaskans.

Let me tell you why I bought my G35X.

a) I wanted the thrill of owning a communicative and balanced sports sedan with enough power to entertain me for years to come. I didn’t want a “sensible” car or a car that isolated me from the driving expeience.

b) I didn't want to spend a lot of time or money making repairs, so reliability was vital.

c) I wanted the AWD to get the power down on my area's consistently wet roads and occasionally snow covered surfaces.

d) I wanted a new car because the first five years of a car's life are its best and if I'm going to make this car a ten-year investment, at least I’ll be driving that car from the factory to the grave. With my used car purchase I felt from day one as though the car had lost its sparkle and the ownership experience left me wondering about the previous owner’s intentions.

Do these sound like good reasons for you and your wife? Do you both really like to drive?

Finally, if you’re interested in saving money (the Passat is $10k less) why not look for an 04 G35X. There’s a lot of discussion on these boards about improvements to the 05 models but the improvements were a refinement, not redesign of the car. The 04 was introduced in December of 2003 (not early 2003 or like the new 2006 BMW 3 series to be introduced this March) so it’s close to being a new model.

My 2 cents.

Cale

 

Thanks all. Cale, those all sound like good reasons. It would be in our best interest to take a look at an '04. It may be the compromise we were looking for.

On a related note, we drove an '05 this weekend and I had asked about financing. The salesman had mentioned that if/when we were ready to purchase, it might be possible to lock in a rate for up to 30 days. I was thinking that since the 1.9/2.9% financing offer through Infiniti expires at the end of the month, we could put a deposit down and lock in the rate, and then pick up the car in a month. Just to have a bit extra for the down payment.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the salesman if this is really doable or not. Has anyone done this before?

Thanks,
Tom

 

Tom,
If you want to lower you payments by not financing X, then all you need to do is send in your regular payment of Y for the first month plus add Z (the additional money would were going to put down) towards the principal. Do this and you would just about have same "total" payments in the end. Difference will be negligable.

Let's say you wanted to put down $6K instead of $4K. Put down $4K today, then send in two checkes for your first payment. One check of $500 (or whatver you payment ends up being) for your monthly payment AND a second check for $2K. Make sure to write "ADD TOWARDS PRINICIPAL" on the second check at the top. Just to make sure to call the finance co in advance to tell them that you are doing this. Then after they receive the checks, make sure they added the $2K to the principal. If not they may possibly just take that $2K as early payments. They're sneaky over there, keep an eye on them. Do this and you will only be paying interest on the original principal amount for one month, which in the long run is negligable plus you get your car one month earlier. This will be a simple interest loan without a prepayment panalty. If you want more info on loans, dust off your old finance textbook or google a few terms. Hope this helps & Good luck.

 

The 2.9/5yr rate was available to me in March 04 when I bought my G35X. I don't know if that was a slow time for car sales but the dealership nearest me acted like they'd could sell the car at MSRP. That's to say the rate appeared to be in response to broader competitive conditions.

I suspect the rates will be extended. There are still lots of competitive cars on the market. 3 Series, TL, Subaru Legacy, Lexus IS300 will keep the pressure on Infiniti.

I hate to give money before taking delivery of a car. It can be very difficult to get a deposit back if you change your mind. You lose the edge on taking delivery of the car. (The person that can walk from a deal is much more likely to get the car of their choice.) You can't take advantage of other market factors that may become available in the ensuing time (ie sales, incentives, etc.).

Your comfort level with this sort of thing may differ.

Cale

 

Cale very clearly delineated a lot of the reasons I had for buying my G35x. I would add the dealership experience. In all the car dealerships I have been in and bought from (a total of 10 cars in my life I believe), by far the best experiences have been at my Infiniti dealer. I bought a 1991 G20 and a 1999 I30 from them (Douglas Infiniti) before this. Infiniti reliability is high and service is better than my other cars. They also give loaner cars (Infinitis) and I doubt the VW place does. I've given examples of dealership help in at least one other post recently, so I won't repeat it here.

The financing issue is a very personal and tough one. If possible, you might consider a home equity loan, as the interest is usually tax deductible. The risk is that you have a possibility of losing your home if you default.

I think my car is terrific and love driving it-good luck with your decision.