Hello All,

I am in the market for a used 2007 G35x sedan and came back from a test drive today. The car had 35000 miles and I took it over suburban streets as well as on the interstate. I had two questions I am hoping the people owning the 2007G might help me with:

1) I felt the steering on the G to be a little weird. It felt numb to me when driving around suburban streets like there wasn't enough feedback. It also had a little play in that I could turn it 3-4 degrees around center without changing the direction of the car. Additionally through the corners it felt as if the steering assist kept changing depending on the amount of turn-in and speed of the car. This became really pronounced when I braked to take the interstate exit. Suddenly the steering became light and then as soon as I hit the gas, it suddenly tightened all whiel I was taking the ramp which really surprised me. Are these observations that someone can validate? The car that I am comparing this to is a subaru legacy 3.0R which I felt had excellant linear steering.

2) The second issue I need help with is that I noticed there was small thick layer of what looked like paint inside the driver driver door handle. Is there anyway this could be a sign of painted over damage? The car I am looking at is being offered at $21,250 and only has 35K miles which I feel is a very good price. Given the low price, the paint has me a little worried. The carfax is totally clean though - single owner personal vehicle.

Thanks so much !!

 

km: I turned in my 2007 G35X Leased Vehicle on June 9th. WHAT A MISTAKE!!!!. Took a new 2010 G37X, the 7 Spd AT is AWFUL!!!! I only had 25K on my 07, and I'm kicking myself in the AS_ everyday. The steering on the car you test drove: Something is wrong with it; Mine was as tight and true - no "play" in the wheel whatsoever. With the paint issue, sounds like a it was in an accident. Check the CARFAX if you can. I don't think there were any recall or TSB issues with the steering on the G35 either. If I could buy back my car from Infiniti and TRADE this new lease in or cancel it, I would do it in a nano-second !!! The 7 sp AT [maybe there's something wrong with the ECU/AT setup], has been cited for its problems in less responsiveness, "gear hunting", and with the less sensitive throttle programming, & although there is a larger more HP motor, just does drive the same. IMHO, they Ruined This Car.

 

/\ I'm had a few G37 loaners now and I have to agree... I'm not a big fan of the 7AT either.

 

Aeson: Do you know if Infiniti will Take RETURNS ??? Could I buy my old 07 at the Buyout Price ?? That would be nice. That's How Disgusted I am!!!!!!

If the dealer says: "It is, what it is", there's nothing wrong"...which is what I suspect will be the evaluation, is there a Lease Swap site that could work....??

 

My steering is very tight also.... just as crisp as the throttle response...

 

OP: 1) I own a 2007 G35x, and while G's The steering response was not as crisp (in terms of precision and feedback) as the German cars I've driven (328i, Audi A4). Still, it is very comparable IMHO and I find that steering tightens at higher speeds. The power and reliability advantages of G vs. the german imports outweighed the difference in steering feel/response - but I can undestand others that would not take the tradeoff. The feedback also depends on the tires' inherent characteristics of the compound and degree of existing wear.

2) The doorhandle well and steering whell trim wear are well known issues with 2007 G, which was swapped out by Infiniti in future models. Some were able to get their dealers swap these parts out with 2009 (hardier plastic), some tried repainting or using a black Sharpie - search forum for details re. this. I haven't done it myself since the wear is minimal but will try to get my dealer to do it if it gets much worse.

 

I think he is referring to the exterior paint and not the interior bezel trim piece.
OP can you clear up for us. If its the interior piece a dealer might replace it or you can DIY, fairly inexpensive.
If its the exterior door handle then who knows. Carfax won't show anything if someone did a 'home repair' Posting a picture would help.

 

All,

I did mean the interior door handle. Anyway thank so much for the replies. I decided the G is not the one I want since steering feel is really important for me. I really appreciate the prompt responses on this forum.

Thanks much !