I'm very close to being financially set to go and pick up the new G35 sedan. I had a few reservations about the car and was hoping those who have owned the car for awhile could chime in.

1.) Does anyone who owns a 6MT model ever wish they'd have opted for the automatic? I've heard many complaints about the odd clutch engagement.

2.) I may wait for the 2008 model, mainly because of the refinements to the 6MT gearbox and clutch. To those who own a 2007 manual, would that be worth the extra wait and slightly higher cost?

3.) The rear seats unfortunately do not fold down; has this ever hindered anyone's ability to carry items in the trunk?

4.) The grille chipping issue is distressing to me. Has anyone asked their dealers if replacements will be available under warranty when it becomes really awful? I'm hoping Infiniti has a fix in the works.

Thanks in advance and I seriously can't wait to get in the new G35 if all goes well.

 

289 posts here - do you have an earlier G model? Or just like the forum? LOL.

I opted for the AT and don't regret it - hopefully some MT people can guide you. Post pics when you get your new G!!

 

I dont own a 6speed but all your points seem validated so you should wait for the 08' it seems as though you are really excited and got your finances str8 so if i were you should just wait. Good things always happen if you are patient. The grill and all the other little bugs in the 07 should get fixed for the 08'. The rear seats dont fold down and the trunk does have limited space (especially if you have the cd changer in the trunk). The vehicle is exceptional in every way so if you buy now or wait its still a good situation for you. The only things that i dont like that are extreme to me are the Chips in the grill, and the interface for the SOW. I think they can do better software but then again its not driving me crazy just something i would like to see improved.The heated seat and weatherstripping etc are all subjective to the vehicle. Not all of them have these issues. Same thing with the key fob dillema.

Other than that the vehicle is flawless

 

Once or twice... now I'm just aware that they don't fold and it forces me to think real careful about whether or not I'm gonna need to carry something.

I guess it's good in a way, because your car is not a mule... but it's bad because there really is no reason why they shouldn't fold.

The grille and the front bumper paint chips are a fact of life with Nissan paint. Remediate it early and get a clear bra or paint / coat your grille so you don't have the problems. You can't let something like that be a determining factor...

As far as the 07/08 stuff, I would wait for the 08. Today you'll probably have to pick something off the lot, and with the manual tranny you might have a problem finding the color and equipment you want.

And at the end of the day the car is newer...

 

I picked up my 2007 6MT on May 21st. I haven't had the paint and grill issues that others have expressed, but I do think the 07's manual transmisison is flawed (though not enough to opt for an automatic). Folding seats aren't a major requirement for me, I can live without them (especially since the seats in my wife's car do fold).

Overall I'm happy with my 07, but If I were making the choice today I'd wait for the 08 model to see if Nissan introduces any transmission improvements. It's not that far away...

 

I have no chips at all on my G - and never got any on all the other Infinitis I've owned...
I'm not saying it isn't a problem with others, but you really can't generalize it like that.

 

I have the 6MT - yup it takes a little getting used to - the clutch engagement pt is high - but you get used to it within the first 100 or so miles.

I am not so bothered by the shifter vibrations - i only touch it when actually shifting (don't rest my hands on it). I love the shifter feel and throws - no complaints there.

Given my situation, I would've still chosen the 6MT if I had to do it over again - it is just too much fun

Also re: the "improved" MT in the G37 - I don't think it is even official if this tranny will make it into the 08 sedan. Also we can only see if it is really an improvement once we get to test-drive the G37 - which is still some time away.
( I hope Infiniti would still retain some feel in the tranny - I don't want a rubbery and isolated feel to the new setup - hence the need to actually drive it before deciding if the change is a good thing !)

 

Well I had the same issues with my Maxima, I've had them on my G which is only 6 months old. And my friend has them on his Z, and I've seen it on plenty of G coupes.

At least it's better than the Orange Peel mess from before, but it's still pretty bad.

 

Anybody knows when the 2008 MY will be available? Everybody keeps mentioning that the MY change is near but, it could be in October, that's 4-5 months. To me that seems like lot of time.

William

 

6MT here. Clutch and gas pedal are fussy. Once your muscles learn the clutch, it'll be fine. No regrests. 6MT or AT is a personal preference. maximas also have high engagement clutch, so it is questionable how much the clutch will improve. since it is june, probably worth waiting another 3 mos or so for MY08.

paint chips happen with every car that i have ever owned. the touch up paint helps.

 

Oh yeah - forgot to mention .... the DBW throttle also messes up the timings when you shift.

And it has this annoying tendency of holding revs after you let go of the gas (for a moment - but enough to throw off the timing). I've heard that this is something emissions related - but I can't really claim to understand the connection. (wouldn't you emit less crap if the throttle is "up" and revs are down ???)

 

Owned the 07 G35 6MT since 12/06.

1: ) No, I am glad I didn't get the automatic. I test drove both back to back, and while the 6mt is not butter smooth, it is really not that bad. FWIW, I thought the steptronic in the 335i was much better than the G35 auto.

2: ) As mentioned above, it is not confimed that anything will be changed for the 6MT tranny in the 08 Sedan. Even if it was, I doubt I would have waited although my decision was made six months ago.

3: ) Other vehicle is a mini van, don't use the G for hauling.

4: ) In six months, I have a couple small nicks on the grill. None large enough to mention to the dealer. I am sure the dealer would take care of it if it really bothered me. What I would rather do is black out the grill like someone else did here recently, that looks hot.


This car does have a few little quirks, but I still get a smile on my face every time I get on it.


You want to talk issues, my last car, an Acura TL, lost it's tranny within 10K on the odometer. When I brought it in, the dealer tried to tell me it was because of customer abuse because my rotors were warped. My rotors were warped because of Acuras crappy brakes. I recently got a class action lawsuit class notification for all TL owners about faulty tranmissions. Abuse- pfft

 

I've logged 3000 mi. on mine and can't fault anything (though I stalled it last night) You'll get used to the clutch.Though I didn't drive an auto. I don't believe you can really feel the capabilites of this car with anything but a manual. mho. It shifts are smooth and positive,so far no chips or grille issues. I did notice today while doing the first oil change, the rear tires are wearing much faster than the fronts (And I really believe I baby it) I'll gladly sacrafice a pair of tires for this kind of preformance!!

 

1. At first I thought I should have gotten the Auto , this thing is hard to drive. After a few weeks it's now smooth as butter. It just a bit to get used to and it feels as though it has lightened up a bit after 1200 miles.

 

Yes - would have preferred this feature. I will say tho that to my surprise, I can still fit a bike in the trunk.

I have contacted Infiniti twice with no response (go figure...). Will talk to the dealer on Tuesday when I take it in for seat heater / sunroof trim fixes plus an alignment.

BTW, I'm completely satisfied with the car, and am not particularly bothered by the two issues noted - just figured I would get them fixed while I was there.