So the edmunds guys have done their 1 year wrap up of their '07 G35S 6MT:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do.../pageId=140000

I know it's been brought up before, but they really really really hate the clutch , and this isn't from people who can't drive a standard transmission either.

20k miles and it sounds like their clutch is close to needing to be replaced. Makes me glad I bought the 5AT, although I miss that third pedal.

 

YES...but Edmonds again....We kicked butt!!!

http://www.velocidadmaxima.com/forum...ad.php?t=73098

-s-

 

There is an additional Edmunds blog/review that reports much improved clutch performance on the 6MT after the slave cylinder repair, to which I can attest. The clutch action is now smoother, less abrupt with a more forgiving engagement point.

 

^+1, Personally i have 20000+ miles on the dash and my clutch engages as good as new with NO signs of wear or age, and no more clutch noise since service, i could'nt be any happier with this car!!

 

yea that whole clutch thing sounded funny to me. Maybe Edmunds got a bad vehicle... none the less great summary from edmunds...makes me feel good about my purchase even more

 

Their impressions of the clutch are accurate but are exasperated by having multiple drivers every other day. I have no problems with the quirky clutch now that I know exactly where the engagement point is. My wife hasn't even had a problem and she drives in heels.

I just think they were really looking for a reason to point out negatives of the vehicle, and this is all they could find. There was one blog entry that even extolled the virtues of the 6mt in heel-toe, but his post was underplayed. I bet if they had the autobox for the long term test, they would be lamenting how they should have gone with the manual.

Overall, I think a good showing for the G sedan.

 

Why? I don't, and I went to the dealer to buy a 6MT.

 

Because my premise is that they were looking for things to find wrong with the car, not that there is anything wrong with the 5AT.

 

Fair enough

 

Ditto for me. Edmunds has never had anything but extremely positive things to say regarding the G35 5AT. In all of the automatic reviews they loved the transmission.

Still, I can agree that the 6MT problems are exaggerated a little since we're talking many drives each taking the car out for a weekend or maybe a week at a time, not really for any extended driving. However, considering the behavior of the clutch compared to the competitors, the 6MT clutch pedal is way too stiff, and the spring is way too strong, and the engagement point is far too annoying. I've driven alot of manuals and I've never been as surprised by one as I was when I took the 6MT out for a test drive. I know I would have gotten used to it as a daily driver had I bought it, but I shouldn't need so much practice not to stall the damn thing or peel out.

 

I have to agree with Edmunds, I wanted to get the 6MT but the clutch
engagement was the worst I ever experienced. I test drove several 6MT's
and they all felt the same.

I decided to get the 5AT- my first auto in 25 years of driving, I love it!

 

the 08 clutch is much much more linear than the 07 clutch.

The throttle was also de-sensitized on the 08, making it easier to modulate.

The 08 6MT is how the car should have felt to begin with IMO.

IMO, the clutch also feels better on the 08 sedan, than the 08 coupe. I'm not sure if this is a result of seating position, clutch design, or personal preference.

 

Yeah the clutch sucks for about 1,500 miles then it becomes ok. They probably had 10+ drivers toll that 20k miles never getting used to it.

It isn't great but it's A LOT better than any automatic (sorry guys). This is my opinion of course; there's something more raw about a car with a real clutch.

 

Can you downshift as smooth and as fast as the AT?

Now with the 7AT, the 6MT guys are at a disadvantage as far as gearing is c oncerned...

 

Well just having spent my first month in my G I was interested to read the edmunds review. I have the 5at so I don't have any clutch problems but I do agree with the lack of storage space they commented on. A bigger glovebox would be handy.

But, interior space is a minor gripe on a car I have found fantastic. I love the performance, handling, nav system, and looks of the car. I most surprised I fit in it comfortably (6'7" tall).

Next time I think I'll go for the sport model tho!