I've just passed the 6 month mark with my '03 4dr 6MT.

Things I do like:
1) Great value for money. Big powerfull car, smallish money.
2) Excellent power and handling.
3) Good looks
4) No problems, bits falling off, electrical gremlins (unlike my old Bimmer).

Things I don't like:

1) Drivetrain is not too smooth. Engine is very noisy in my copy.
2) Transmission is quite noisy too. Maybe they're all like this.
3) Accelerator is snatchy and feels somewhat disconnected from the engine. This one bothers me the most. I'm finding it hard to drive the thing smoothly around town (I've been driving stanadard for 25 years). I've had it adjusted by Infiniti. They made it a bit better, but still not what I'd say good.

Is my copy typical on 1,2 and 3?

4) Interior is looking cheesier and cheesier as the months go by. I liken it to a cheapish *** stereo. Its dating really quickly.
5) Am I alone in finding the driver's seat uncomfortable after a few hours driving?


Any input would be welcome.

 

As far as the things you don't like. The G has the same engine used in all their cars (nissan) and the 6 speed transmission I believe is the same as the 350z. These are not luxury components. If you are use to your bimmer, then this car will shift terribly rough. I've driven many cars in manual and the G is the roughest...oh wait except for my 300zx and Altima. In other words if you don't like the roughness or you are not use to it yet, its going to just keep bugging you.

The only reason the seat bugs me is there is not enough lumbar support. It seems kind of cheap that Infiniti only put in a 1 way adjustable lumbar. The air cushion with the compressor is very nice. Even my 86 300zx had it.

Your 03 interior could probably use some dressing up, you should look into an aftermarket trim kit.

Good luck

 

Agree with everything but the last two points, which is the advantage of the 05 updated interior/seats. The 3.5VQ is definitely rough around the edges, but that's just part of it's charm. I liken it to a truck engine stuffed into a sedan/coupe. The 3.0 was a much quieter power plant, but if you want 260-300hp, its gonna get a bit rough. I went with a b-quiet hoodliner, which has helped quiet the engine and transmission ... not a bad investment for $60.

As for the interior, I agree completely, and it was one of the major reasons I never pulled the trigger on an 03/04. Not that it's terrible, but just average enough to keep me from spending the hard earned money on it.

I've had my 05 for six months now. Only thing I could ask for is better mileage and a tad quieter ride on the highway. Otherwise it's all smiles knowing this is a ton of car for the money ...