I'm buying the following car:

PG/OB/LP G3Xx with Sport, Premium and Nav packages.

After all is said and done I'd be paying just about $5500 more for the exact same configuration on an 09.

Convince me why or why not that price difference is worth it.

 

Purchasing new I would go 09 just to get the 7 spd and 3.7

 

That's a tough call indeed. If I were you, I'd get the G37. 7AT, bigger engine, better gas mileage, many more options available ie black grille, rear deck spoiler, (not too sure if there is an xS model, but if there is, the Akebono's BBK alone are great)

 

It depends on how long you think you're going to keep the car IMO:

- If you're only going to keep the car 3-4 years then the deprecation hit you're taking by buying an 08 this late in the year cancels out the majority of the $5500 discount you'd be getting up front. - Conclusion: 09 G37

- If you plan to keep the car most of it useful life (6+ years) then you'll actually realize most of the $5500 in savings. I don't honestly think the changes from 08-09 are worth more than $5K. - Conclusion: 08 G35

 

What if affordability is a borderline issue? I can afford the 08 with confidence and can "afford" the 09 but its toward the top end of my budget.

Basically will I more regret "wasting" money on the 09 down the road or will i more regret not splurging for the 09 if I get an 08?



P.S. - PLEASE anyone who stops by please vote regardless of whether you reply to the post. Thanks guys.

 

I voted for 09 just because of the bigger engine and 7AT however to be honest I would go either way. When the 07's came out, they had a ton of TSB's (technical service bulletins) over the ensuing months which is completely understandable during a model change. The 08's so far have very minimal TSB's that I am aware of.

My point being is that i'm sure with the new engine and tranny, you are going to see yourself at the dealership a lot to get some TSB's done. For me personally, it just became way too annoying after a while with the 07 to keep going to the dealership for this and that.

Sooo in your situation I wouldn't mind getting the 08 which has the nicks and crannies all worked out or waiting until 2010 when the 09's shall have all their "problems" worked out. Hope that made sense.

 

Here's what I would do.

Recently saw a used 2008 Loaded G35X for some $26000. If I want an 08 I would go with this since the 1st year's depreciation is already suffered by the first owner. Otherwise I would go for a 09. 2008 G35X with some 11000 miles registered as a personal vehicle is as good as a brand new for me as it would save some 10 grand which can be invested some where else like modding

Ignore this post if my theory is boring

 

The 3.7L engine has been in the coupe for a year. I would expect the kinks have been worked out. However, the 7 speed is new so I agree more dealership visits are possible.

 

I'd get the 08 just to help the dealer move inventory and to get a great deal. Performance specs arent that much better, and the rest is pretty much identical.

I'd save the $$ and just get an 08. It is still a great car.

 

I can't decide either. the deals are just so good on the 08, but i want the 7 speed and better gas mileage. gotta see what kind of prices i can get. but i want that same configuration.

 

Exactly what I did. Deals were too good on the 08 to pass up.

 

I'm sure this isn't the answer you're looking for but I'm going to be honest anyway: If affordability is an issue then you should be looking at cheaper cars. Being "car poor" is unwise and it sucks mentally as well. I was "car poor" on a loaded 4x4 right out of college and realizing how much it impacted the rest of my life made it way less fun to drive. If you love cars, yours shouldn't be a burden or you'll enjoy it less. Given the uncertainty in today's economy and job market means it makes even less sense to over-extend on a car....END SOAP BOX MOMENT

That said, if affordability is borderline and you really want a G, I'd look into a used 08 as suggested above. My neighbor just bought a clean 08 G35 Journey/Prem/Nav with 17K miles for $27K

 

If it helps any I did some number crunching: Assuming a $5000 savings for an 08 vs. 09, $3.00/gal gas, 25mpg for 08, and 27mpg for 09; it would take you driving the car 562,500 miles to make up the $5000 difference.

My hunch is buying the more expensive car for the 2mpg improvement isn't probably going to payoff for ya in the pocketbook.

 

What i meant by affordability in reference to these cars is that I can well afford the 08 at the deal I have been offered but that adding $5500 on top of that is pushing the budget a bit.

To be honest I make good money for being my first job out of college and can afford either year as I have no other bills to speak of so I can devote a good sum of money towards the car now before I have other things to worry about. I plan on making more than my monthly payment and getting the car paid off early which will in turn make me spend even less overall.

I figure in my current position if i get a yearly maximum raise of 4% then I'm making the least now that I will make for the next 5 years so if I can afford one at my current salary then it will only get better from here on out.

 

I'm actually in the market for a G35 Journey + Sport + Premium

I'm currently getting quotes at $33,500 + TTL

From what I've read, these quotes aren't too bad, but I just got some info that the G37 sedans have actually been around for a while, and that they're not appearing at the dealers cause they need to get rid of the G35 sedans first.

I'm wonderring if I can leverage this information to get further cuts on my current quotes. What do you think?