I have an 07 G35X, Nav, wood trim dash etc. It is actually my wife's and we love it. I am looking at an 07 G35S for myself. I found a used one locally and drove it today. It has 55K miles and it shows on the interior but the exterior looks fine. The price is decent at $19,900.

There are several problems. First, no front mats and where the dead pedal is the carpet is literally worn through. I suppose I can fix that with a set a mats. Second, it was smoked in. Stinks inside. AC stinks of cig smoke too. That was the deal breaker and I left without buying it. Salesman tells me he can fix that and calls back an hour later and says it smells fine now. He had some sort of specialist come by and de-stink it. I don't believe it for a second but I can give it a whiff test to see. I suspect its going to smell like smoke + Febreeze, or even worse, smoke + public restroom cleaner.

But, the third issue is the one I'm curious about. The car felt very different from the G35X in terms of ride. I can't put my finger on it but it just didn't seem to be as smooth or as quiet. It made the interior seem tinny or something.

Do you guys think its just the sport suspension that is the difference? Just a little harsher ride? I'm not opposed to that but to me there is quite a difference between the two cars. It made me feel uneasy but it may just be that it is different and not necessarily a problem.

Any thoughts on the matter appreciated.

George

 

Yes the suspension is different.

 

I realize the suspension is different. Just wasn't sure how it compared to the X. Curious about the experience of people who have both or have driven both. The S seemed choppier, louder and every bump transmitted into the cabin. Wasn't sure if it was completely to the difference in suspension or whether this S has been beat up. The underside looks fine. The tires are Continental () Extreme Contact DWS. Wouldn't be my first choice, don't know how they affect ride, but they look new anyway.

They also have an 06 coupe. I may drive it tomorrow.

 

The suspension is different and it felt smaller because of the seats. The seats hold you better than the X or journey.

 

Don't buy that car unless you get it for much less money. I just bought a pristine red g35S with navigation with 21,600 miles on it, a year of full warranty left and 3 years of powertrain warranty for 22500. I might have gotten an even better deal but I wanted Garnet Ember and they get a higher price. The key is to widen your search area and be sure to get autocheck. I flew to Dallas and drove mine back to Kentucky.

What you are feeling is likely a combination of a beaten down car, crappy tires and the slightly stiffer suspension of the S. It should not feel choppy or loud.

 

Thanks Rollo. I've searched a 200 mile radius and this seems to be a fair price for this area. I'm not willing to go any farther for the car. I'm sure I could do better if I expanded the search. I'll drive the car again today and see how I feel about it but I'm also going to drive about an hour north of here to drive an 06 coupe with high miles on it for a good bit less money.

Thanks again for the pointers.

 

S obviously means Sport. so you can expect a sportier (stiffer) ride with the S compared to the X. The X probably has a little more comfort in mind while being designed. Not to mention the compromises made to accommodate the hardware for the awd, which in most cases involves higher ride height and softer suspension.

 

I just purchased a 2007 X with 74K miles for 15K (dark silver, Black interior), No nav though. Its in great shape and I purchased from the second owner who has had it since it had 15,000 miles. (He was having a child and could no longer afford the payment). I am glad I don't have the sport package as the ride is stiff enough for me already.

kturn

 

Well, I didn't buy the S. They did a pretty good job with getting the smoke smell out but I went up and drove the 06 Coupe with 75K miles on it. The interior was in better shape (although the 06 coupe has a cheap, tinny, rattly interior) but the price was much better. Ride and noise are worse in the coupe, of course but that's to be expected. Seems to handle quite well.