Well, a few days ago, I came pretty close to buying a Mazdaspeed3. Whew! Ultimately, I decided I wanted something more refined.

So, on a whim, I emailed my dealer to see if/when supplier VPP pricing might be available. I said that I wanted to wait for that because I didn't want to pay more than $1000 over invoice. He emailed me back that they would do a deal at that price from their current inventory, and sent me a link to their stock. I checked it out, found a couple I was interested, and went down to check them out. I ended up buying a Blue Slate/Stone interior G35x with Premium package. They had a similar one with graphite and wood that was very sharp looking. I also liked the silver, but decided it looked a bit plain. I really liked the Platinum Graphite with stone combo, but the only one they had in that combo was sold.

The Blue Slate is awesome. The only downside to this car, is that it was a dealer trade from Louisville, so it had 400 miles on it. I was a bit bummed about that, but it wasn't that huge of a deal. It was the color combo I really wanted, and they threw in some free oil changes to help. It sort of sucks to think of someone else having driven my car, but I'm a believer of a firm break in, (and I do dynamometer engine/powertrain testing for a living), so I'm not too concerned.

If they had had a vehicle with Nav and Tech, I might have chosen it. I don't really need any of those packages, but I like the techno gadgets, so I might have gone for them. I'm sort of glad they didn't, because it saved me about 3 grand.


I'll post some pictures later. The weather is nice today, so I want to give it a good cleaning and wax job first.

I'm also trying to decide if I want the $399 tire and wheel insurance. I'm thinking no, since I don't think these tires are too expensive, and I haven't damaged a tire/wheel in like 6 years, (even though the roads suck around here). I'm also considering the clear bra. Their prices seemed a bit high on it. I think it was $599 for the hood and mirrors, and like an extra $200 or $300 to also do the full bumper. Since the bumper is plastic do you guys usually get that covered as well? Should probably ask that in another thread...


Sooo happy with the new G. It is everything I want it to be. Fast, smooth, refined, handles well. I'm stoked! By the way, the new G works well. Already got laid last night! :-)

 

Congrats on the purchase Mike. I think you'll have no regrets buying the G over the MazdaSpeed3. The Speed3 is a sweet little car as well, but your G will offer you that added refinement and its RWD!

Looking forward to seeing some pics!

 

Congrats!! If it helps with your decision on the tire / wheel ins, I rarely if ever buy those packages this time because I checked prices and:

New (rear) wheel - $751 dealer COST
New (rear) tire - $261 (Discount Tire, I think)

Didn't check the front, but basically for $399 if a wheel / tire is ever trashed within five years, the package has more than paid for itself.

 

Welcome to the club! I nearly ordered a Mazdaspeed3 as well, talk about coincidence.

Have lots of fun!

 

Good thing the higher-ups at Mazda aren't reading this thread. Good purchase Mike, you'll definitely enjoy it.

 

Wow! I would hope the 17's on the AWD would be a bit cheaper. It sounds like a decent deal, although I haven't had to replace a tire or wheel in some time. But, I think I may get it, just in case. I visit Ford sites regularly. I know one guy with a Honda has had some mysterious flats. I kind of doubt it was anyone there, but you never know....


Just finished washing and waxing it. Tired now, but will try and take and post some pics soon. I'm loving it!!!

 

I picked up my '07 G35 Sport AT two weeks ago and did end up getting the Autobahnd Roadblock installed at the dealership. I researched it extensively on various web forums and people seemed to be happy with the chip protection that material and the 3M film provided (plus people reported no fading/discoloration over several years).

The Roadblock cost me $699 for them to do ~1/4 the hood, the entire front bumper, front portions of the fenders, and the outside mirrors. I would certainly recommend getting this package. BTW, I have not heard of anyone skipping the bumper.

Just make sure the installer uses a template...and the correct one!! There was a recent thread here started by someone with a Sport whose installer used a non-Sport template.

 

Enjoy your new ride Mike.

 

Tires are $157 at TireRack, just checked.

I would opt out of the wheel/tire insurance, in all of my days I have NEVER damaged a wheel(outside of an accident, which the vehicle was totaled anyways) and I have never had a tire damaged in a way that it was not repairable or had enough life left to be worth the hassle of going through filling out a claim. I have been in the automotive business for 12 years and those speciality waranties are always more trouble then they are worth, just the way for the retailer to make a bit more money. For example if you curbed a wheel, and it was just cosmetic damage, it probably wouldn't cover it, it would only cover a wheel if it had structural damage that made it unsafe.

 

Here are some quick (not great) pics I took today. I think Slate Blue is going to be kind of hard to keep clean. It's already kind of dusty!

Not sure quite how best to post pics, but here goes:
(For more pics, and much larger versions, go here)

 

Sweet pics Mike, I really love that color!! I checked out your website and saw what happened to your Volvo. That sucks, but glad you are alright.

 

damn...that gash on the Volvo is nasty. Nice G tho...very nice!!

 

HO HO HO!

Awesome! Congrats!

 

OW! The Volvo is in the hurt locker...

Congrats on a great looking new ride!

 

I would say something the effect of, "Sorry about your Volvo," but you got a new G out of it - what a blessing!