So I have decided I am picking up a G35 this March, and I have a few comparison questions.

Trim level: S, Journey, or base? The options that the Journey gives me sound good, but will I notice a difference going to the S model? We'll talk about transmissions in a bit, so lets leave that out of this point.

Transmission: See, I told you we would talk about it. This is only an issue if I go with the S model. I REALLY enjoy a manual tranny, and would like to have one in this car. However, I have read a couple of reviews that poo-poo the MT on the G35, and the column mounted paddle shifters are really fun, so I have some indecision here. Also, if I decide I can live with the auto, I could add the paddles to the Journey or Base model. So at that point, my question is in the transmission programming: is the AT in the S more aggressive than the other trim levels, or is the only difference in the trannys the paddles standard on the S?

Options: I only want the Bose "Studio on Wheels" system. Thats it. Sucks that it is only available as part of a larger package with navi. And I dont need navi. I can read a map and find that while useful, I am really good about getting around without one. Is the Bose really that much better than the factory standard? And yes, sound quality is very important to me. What other useful features do you folks like in the premium package?

Just a side point, other cars I was considering were: 06 IS350, 08 Mazdaspeed3, Mini Cooper S, 09 WRX, and 09 Civic Si. Actually, I am still thinking about the Si, it drives really nicely and the sound system is LIGHTYEARS above what I had in my 00 Si.

Well, thats it for now. Thanks in advance for your replies, and for welcoming me into the G world.

 

I believe the S comes with the sport suspension, front lip, 18" wheels, Akebono brakes, with the biggest difference that isn't an option for a Journey is the 6MT tranny.

Quite honestly, if you drive around a lot, a navi is not a bad option to have. I always did fine with maps, google, etc... but my navi is a life saver, no matter how bad I feel the system is compared to others available. Not only that, it's nice having a screen that doubles as a tv (for those who care).

As for the Bose system, the factory systems in any of the cars you listed seem to be all the same to me...

 

good post and questions. Here is a bit of good news. You can get the Bose studio on wheels without Navi. They are separate packages. I have that upgraded system and no navi. Just get the premium package, the other bits you get are pretty kewl and worth it. Go to edmunds.com and build your car or infiniti.com and they will show the packages and what you get with each.

About tranny... I got the XS so it is 5sp auto no other choice I am quite happy with it. I came from a 6sp manual and dont miss it too much (WRX STi) this is my first auto in a long time. I did a couple of 0-60 runs and I usta get same times as my STi unless only if I got a really good launch would I beat the XS times, plus this auto is super consistent. The paddle shifters are OK but dont really use 'em much as the puter picks good gears pretty quickly.... I do downshift sometimes "manually" if I am about to pass or going down hill in the snow (by the way this car is a tank in the snow, also compared to my STi).

Well i could prolly say more but dont wanna bore the group much.....

 

If you can afford it, I would go fully optioned S for better handling.

There are pros/cons about MT vs AT so you can decide on that yourself. Every car I've personally owned was a MT until now. Even with 25+ years driving modded MT cars, I am positive I can't shift as fast as the 5AT I have now (with a shift kit mod to the transmission).

Navi with backup camera provides more options. Yes, I can read a map too but don't have to pull over now if I wanted to use one. If you ever drive to an unfamiliar area and want to know where the nearest restaurant, gas station, etc is ... the map book won't tell you but the navi will. If/when you decide to trade in your car, it will be worth more with navigation, especially since more and more new cars will have them.

I wouldn't have thought this before, but the back-up camera is nice for two reasons. Backing up is a lot easier, especially in tight places even if you know how to turn your head. I have a tight garage and put my car in exactly the right spot every time and without anything hanging from the ceiling. The peripheral view by the backup camera also makes backing out of a parking space easier when flanked on both side by huge SUVs. Although not fully exploited yet, it also allows another path for input to the LCD screen.

Finally, I've recently learned that using the touch sceeen is a lot more fun than navigating by buttons.

 

GO for the S model....man you are going to lov it ~!

 

Good info on the replies so far. I had forgotten that the sport package does the brakes, suspension, wheels, etc. Seems like all that is worth it. Also, good points about the navigation. My wife's Tribeca has a backup camera, and I find it to be incredibly useful.

Kregg: Thats what I'm afraid of! I dont want to get away from shifting on my own, I love that feeling of being more connected to the car. But the convenience of the fast-shifting auto may well grow on me.

Again, all excellent replies, lots of info. Anyone out there with a 6MT S that wants to throw their opinion in here?

 

Definitely get the sport package...that is the only option I got on my car cause I knew in the future I would upgrade certain things in the car. I added a navigation black box that uses the stock LCD screen for only $300! it lets you do whatever you want while the car is in motion...$1800 (stock navi) vs $250 (garmin gvn-52)...i think it's not really a tough call when you take into consideration the price difference...

i also knew the bose sound system was not going to have enough bass for me so I got the base package speakers, which in my opinion are great! they have great highs and decent mids, with decent lows...i added a 12" sub and now it's perfect...this car is very mod friendly...also with the base package audio system there is no need for an aftermarket digital EQ...

 

Spend some time sitting in the sport package seats before you get one... some people find the seats too stiff, esp. if you're bigger than average (tall or wide -- or both).

If you want a G35 (2008 model), you might want to speed up your decision. Those will be easier to make a deal on, but they won't be around forever. If you get a G37 (2009 model) you won't have as much wiggle room on the price, and you get a new 7-speed trans which is untested in the market (might want to get an extended warranty if you plan to keep the car a long time).

Most of the sedans on the dealer lot will be journey + premium package (auto). If you want manual, that may be hard to find.... might need to special order (3-4 mo wait).

 

I got exactly what I wanted, I like the sport package but the seat side bolsters are little butt pinchers so I hope they soften a bit over time. The ride is FIRM! More so than my 330CIC with sport pkg. or a 335i with sport pkg., so be sure to give it a good test before you buy so you don't find out later it is too agressive for you in the long term. The 18" SP wheels are just super cool and I love the paddles although the manual algorithm is not so good. Honestly a Journey with premium would just be fine too for me.

Opposite most folks here I would not get the Navi package because with Navi you don't get an in-dash CD changer and the SD card slot is a PITA in my opinon. I have also learned how to back up without camera so ... gizmo alert again ... not needed. My BlackBerry Telenav app is anyways light years better than any nav system or portable GPS I have ever used. Premium package is a must in my opinion. Tech package is gizmo alert again.

So here it is ... one guys opinion ...

I had the choice of various 2008 left-overs ... they had tons of 2008 Journeys with premium and nav or 2008 Journeys with sport and premium for almost the same price. Did not take a second for me to decide ...

Base price of a 2009 G37 with the same options of mine was $1200 higher and NO discounts, NO low APR and NO lease deals. I drove their g37 demo ... fuggedaboutit .. it is not more then $500 better than the G35 I bought.

 

Built in hard-drive > In-dash CD changer.

The CD changer in my trunk has never even been touched...no literally.

 

IIRC, there was a thread a while ago where the OP who bought a base sedan (non-Journey) could not add the paddles (no wiring in the steering column). Just an FYI.

 

The Navi with the back-up camera is great. I believe in 08 they were both part of the same package. I don't use the Navi a whole lot, but I do use the map when driving when looking to see when my turn is coming up. And the back-up camera, well frankly I really love it.

 

I bought Journey with Premium and Sports. I didn't think I wanted Nav for a variety reasons, namely portability, upgrades, and changes in technology since I plan on keeping this G for 10 years or so. I also didn't think I needed a backup camera since I've been driving for years without one, including much bigger vehicles.

I'm 95% sure I have the Bose Studio on Wheels, so I don't believe it's part of the Nav but rather the Premium. Double check your sources on this point. I bought a good Nav that is portable (one of my problems with the in-dash unit) but now I wish I had the Nav package. It's partially for the convenience and appearance of having the in-dash nav but also for the back-up camera.

I drive a Titan when the weather is bad and I don't have sensors or back-up cameras and have no problems with it. But my G, with tinted windows, does not have good sight lines to reference the back bumper for me, either from the over the shoulder view or from the mirrors. Ultimately, if I had it to do all over again, I'd go with the Nav package too.

 

Bro I regret getting my car everyday...If I could go back in time I would get a White G35 S 6 speed manual w/ erythng u could get on it...

 

Mine either... I am hoping that they dont have to replace my head unit (something is draining the battery) because I will lose all my music.