I was expecting more to this story than just the usual rattles. Is it really that bad? I mean, it's not like the car is falling apart or being unreliable. It's annoying, I know because I have them, too. However, I often tune them out because I am having so much fun driving. IMO, the G35 is a performance sedan with a hint of luxury - not the other way around. It's no secret that Nissan skimped on the interior to keep the price down.

 

That coming from a dealer who won't even return your call, smoke and mirrors is right, I would definitely check into it, find out exactly what your options are.

 

It's a problem for me because I have clients that ride in the car and with the rattles, it makes me feel like they think the car is cheap and poorly made. More than the rattles, the "vibration" noise that the rear speakers make beyond level 12 drives me really nuts because I can't listen to music without hearing the noise consistently.

 

That would be true of the Nissan Max and Altima ... but I hope its not true of the G35. So far I am blown away by the quality of the interior finish vs. the Maxima and the dealership has been all by perfect. The engine? The EXACT same VQ that can be found in the Nissan. So I don't get the point ...

 

I agree with you on the inaccuracy of the navigation system. Surprised no one has made an issue of this unless I have some software problems. I would peg it at about 65% reliable and forces me to check out the turn list before I start to get a heads up due to wrong directions like telling me to get off at a certain exit and then when I approach the exit it tells me a different exit. Piece of crap system.

 

Ok...I understand your being annoyed...I understand the time issue...However, most things in life have to be handled during regular business hours. Our dealership that is local is less than thrilling to deal with BUT they do open at 7am and are open until 6pm except Saturday(open but shorter hours). I would make a call to the dealership's main number NOT the service number and tell the little teenager they have answering the phone that you have been trying to get a service appointment and haven't gotten a call back, you need a service appointment and you want a PERSON not a machine. There is no excuse whatsoever for it being 2 weeks without a callback. Another option since it appears that you are married - if your wife's schedule is a little more open then have her call and harass them/make the appointment. I make almost all the appointments, etc for Trey because he doesn't have much time during the day. I find out what his schedule is and I call and make the appointment. Not sure if that would work for you guys but it's another option to try at least. Good luck either way.

 

It is true of the G35. Yes, I realize the VQ is also in the Maxima and some Altimas, but look at the prices. The G sedan MSRP's at under 31k. Sure, you get more for that money than you do in say, a Maxima (read: rwd platform), but generally in either model you get a slightly watered down interior in exchange for a bitchin' engine (what other 31k sedan has 298hp/260 tq and rwd?), a good transmission, and a rwd platform. It's a *very* common criticism of the G that the interior is bland and comparitively cheap compared to other cars in its class. Go sit in an A4 and see what I mean.

Don't get me wrong, I like the interior because it's easy to deal with - but the materials are cheap, even in the '05's, and they do have rattle problems. Just about everyone on this board has had a rattle at one point or another. The nice thing is they can usually be fixed.

To the OP - your dealer sounds like he is either stupid or lying. I know you are busy, but next time you have a minute to reply to this thread, don't - that that time and call the dealer and have them accomodate you, or call Infiniti corporate and tell them the issue, then go from there.

 

You work in real estate and CAN'T ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT?

I understand the activity level, as I work in both res. and commercial RE, but that is what the loaner cars are for.

It sounds like you have already made up your mind about dumping the "G", so the sooner the better, IMHO.

 

Amen!

 

I guess I have a fundamental problem w/a manufacturer that knowingly "skimps" on something. Granted the '05 that I have is much better on the inside then the previous models, but there are some really cheep bits. I mean how much are you really saving by using GM grade JUNK plastic/assembly for the vents...? And not properly insulating the different pieces of the door panel assembly to stop the popping and rattling..? And so on and so on. This is what, in my mind makes for a good ownership experience - attention to detail at this price range.

Point being: I paid $40K and I would expect for that $$$$, not to see "skimping" especially in the interior where you spend most of your time. I can name cars for a lot less that have better interiors, so how much is Infiniti really saving..? Now ever car rattles, but this car is very excessive in terms of squeaks/rattles. I have 1200mi on my G35x and I've been at the dealer 4x now. These are not rattles mind you coming from hitting decent potholes, ect - these are present even driving down a perfectly flat road. If that is not disappointing in a marquee nameplate, than what is it..?

And like any car, there are strong points, this one is the drive train and it is exceptional - make no mistake. I've owned several Lexus models and I can contest to the crap Toyota transmission and FBW throttle delay issues and noisy engines - they are severe. Plus the '05 RX 330 that I own currently is also a rattle trap - but I'm also just as disappointed in the RX as I am of the G35x as I was told that the issues I had w/my previous Lexus models were fixed.

Again, I do not expect perfection, but the more $$$ that I shell out, the higher my expectations are inside the car and out; and like [JGFox], I'm feeling disappointed on the "skimping" inside.

 

Its just the way the car is what I have learned. Give it some time, usually the parts rattle themselves smooth and the car sounds solid. My altima rattled to about 50,000 miles and then it was silent. I actually miss how it was quieter than my G at this point.

 

There isn't a single car that isn't purpose built that doesn't "skimp" in some way. Check out Lexus's new IS250, it's the perfect example of what you *could* get for the same price as the G, but didn't. 200hp/180tq, 8 seconds to 60, 16 second quarter mile, it's a pig, but man is the interior ever nice. Quality materiels, very refined and well put together, all that and a nice floaty ride. And all for the same price as a G (and AWD IS250 is the same price as our G35x btw), where did they skimp? The engine of course. Our cars have 80 more hp and 80-100 more tq, we do 0-60 and 1/4 2 seconds faster. Everytime you hear that VQ growl, feel the low end torque, and laugh as your car sticks another corner, that's your 40k.

When you're talking sports-luxury sedans under 40k, hell even under 50k, you're just picking the one who pros you like most, and whose cons you can live with. Even the almighty bimmer 330i (the supposed benchmark of sports lux under 45k) has a slightly above average interior (nicer than ours, sure, but not by much), handling on par or slightly better than ours, but less power. There's the tradeoff, and it costs anywhere from 7-13k more than a G. Look at the IS350 - fast, handles decently (not as wll as ours), beautifully made, and only 45-46k loaded with no AWD. See what I'm getting at? The G35 is a huge bargain in this segment. So if the interior bothers you so much, it might be time to pick a more tame, but more refined car. I'd suggest something like a nicely loaded Toyota Camry, or Acura TL (oh, btw, both those skimp by being fwd...).

Please don't mistake this post as justification for rattles or poor interior workmanship. I don't like rattles either, and that fake plastic alumnium makes me want to throw up on myself - but given my options (a4, tl, 330i, is, cts, s40/60, passat etc...) the G was *by far* the best car for me, which is why I chose it (twice), the second time even after I knew about the interior and rattles. They all have their ups and downs, that's life at this price point.

 

Well said.

You would think most people buying a car built on the same platform as a Nissan 350z is going to be a very sporty car. All those cars were built for their purpose, as was the G. If you are not performance oriented, get a car that suits your taste.

 

It's not fake on the '05, it's real brushed aluminum. What do you mean chose twice, what did you have before the '03.5?

 

Not complaining about the suspension or ride of the G35x. One of the only other cars I even liked out there was the Mazda3 and it too had a relatively rough ride. Regarding the dealership, I did block out some time this morning (go ahead everyone and laugh that I block out time to call the dealership) but I -DID- get in touch with the dealership and the service department gave me an appointment for the 17th. They are going to give me a rental car which they said will probably be a G35 (too bad it probably won't be a coupe! ) and will call me when it's done. I'm hoping this fixes all of the rattles once and for all because I'm not looking to make this a weekly affair of bringing it back and forth for the same problems. Also, ChicagoX, it's easy to make an appointment with a dealership... until you get a call from a client to schedule an appointment or have to meet with your manager etc... But on top of all of that, I'm an exclusive buyer's agent whereas I'd assume you are probably more heavily into listing properties. Because of this, I am on the road and meeting people much more often than someone who lists properties. Getting rid of the G35 is moronic because the only car that I liked otherwise was the Mazda3 and clearly there is a reason why I got the G35 the first time around. I was just shocked by all the issues reported on a brand that is nearly at the top of the J.D. Powers surveys for quality... ( http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7086 ) Infiniti is equal to Toyota in that study... I will update this thread once I get my car back.