This is my first post to the forum as a relatively new G35S owner. I'm delighted with my car! Prior to the Infiniti, I had a complex, and...shall we say...interesting relationship with an Audi allroad sport wagon (twin turbo V6, Quattro AWD, adjustable air suspension, very unique). She really was like a complicated, high-maintenance girlfriend that you kinda enjoy because she's edgy and different, but she also kinda drives you crazy. After thousands of dollars in service expenses (and I do mean thousands), I longed to return to the reliability of the Japanese autos I'd grown up with. For me, the G35S was exactly the right choice.

Anyway, I'm posting for two reasons...first, a happy story: big kudos to Austin Infiniti on Burnet Road in Austin, Texas for doing a great job with the all-too-familiar issue of peeling plastic on door armrests and the steering wheel. This was one of the first issues I had addressed in my pre-owned G35, even though I purchased my vehicle elsewhere.

I've read the voluminous stories about this warranty issue, and since others have had success with their dealers, I thought I'd ask about it. Furthermore, in addition to those problems, the covering on my instrument cluster was also starting to separate/delaminate a bit.

Austin Infiniti was completely supportive, responsive, and helpful. My scratches were not really very bad at all (in fact, the ones on the steering wheel were pretty tiny), and the tech peeked at the interior of my car for about five seconds and simply said, "yeah, we can fix that." He wrote me up a ticket, I had an appointment for one week later (with a loaner car included). They fixed everything under warranty, at no cost to me, and returned my car to me in less than a day...I had it back on the way home from work. New covering on the instrument cluster, new door armrest pulls, and a lovely, completely brand-new steering wheel (again, the original one was barely even scratched at all, so I was frankly amazed and gratified that they did this).

Bottom line: a great service experience. I wrote a long letter to Austin Infiniti's service director, thanking him and his staff for doing such a great job. (And not only did they wash my car upon return -- which is pretty common -- but they really sweat the details, right down to cleaning every spoke of my Sport alloy wheels, and even dressing the tires so they shine). Happy day! Thank you, Austin Infiniti!

Next reason for my post...some observations about the loaner car I had, a 2011 G37 Journey. Much to my surprise, the experience of being in the newer model actually made me like my 2007 more. All in all, the newer model felt less unique, more bland, and less sporting. Why? Here are some impressions.

1. I'd heard that in newer models, Infiniti had changed the color of the LCD display in the instrument cluster from red to silver/light grey...and I thought this sounded neat. However, having seen the real deal, I really didn't care for it. The overall effect of that LCD change, coupled with some changes to the gauges, renders the newer cluster very somber and kinda boring looking.

2. In addition to changing the color of the LCD, the needles in newer gauges are now also silver/gray, and the needles are thicker, shorter, and stubbier than in my 2007 model. They look like something out of a Camry. In contrast, I had a new appreciation for the long, slender, pointy red needles in my 2007, which seem much "racier", more dynamic, and full of character.

3. In the 2011 G37 loaner, the aluminum trim in the interior has been changed....the interesting "fiber" texture of the original "Washi" design, meant to echo traditional Japanese paper, is now gone...it's been replaced by a solid aluminum color with a gloss finish that, quite frankly, looks like plastic. It looks much more cheap, to my eyes.

4. The center transmission tunnel is oddly more bulbous.

5. Only one thing I did like: the seat heater controls are now progressive dials, rather than simple "hi-lo" switches. A decent change.

6. I expected to feel the difference between 306 hp in my 2007 vs. 328 hp in the newer G37, but I did not. Both cars feel equally fast as hell.

Other than these items, I didn't notice additional differences in the interior in the newer G37. But overall, I was really surprised that I didn't care for the changes. I was expecting to feel envious of the newest design changes, and the opposite happened.

My sense is that Infiniti is trying to chase the look of Audi or Mercedes, with an overall feel that is a bit more subdued, more "sophisticated" wannabe -- again, more neutral colors instead of red, less distinctive aluminum finishes, etc. -- but in the end, I simply found the overall effect to be...bland.

I have new-found respect for the more dynamic, racy, and unique interior of my 2007 G35S. It feels edgy, aggressive, and more sporting...and I'm loving the driving experience (I especially love the paddle shifters and the Sport seats. )

Glad to be part of the forum!

 

I couldn't agree more. +1

 

I agree with your observation of the 2011 Loaner. I recently had one myself while mine was in for the brake shudder TSB and I was not overly impressed with it. That experience made me appreciate my 08 like your 07. I don't notice the hp difference and I actualy prefer the 5speed auto vs. the 7speed. I know I give up a little mpg, but the 5speed auto is so smooth and there is no hunting of gears like the 7speed I experienced. Welcome to the forum!

 

Great story. i will be trying the same thing here with Infiniti Of Atlanta on Saturday for my newly acquired 07S CPO with 31K miles, which I bought in Md last week. We'll see if the service matches that of Austin infiniti which I have dealt with on numerous occasions while I was stationed in Killeen TX.

Kudos to AUS INF.

 

The only real plus w/ the 2011s is the wood trim option, the new wood trim looks much more classy (along the lines of Lexus trim). The previous wood trim looks IMO, like a cheap aftermarket add on, looks like someone put a woodgrain sticker on top of the washi. The 2010 & 2011 wheels on the sedan are very ugly too, even the S wheels look like crap IMO. The 2011 coupe wheels are nice however. Don't really like the new grill either, looks like a Ford Focus mixed w/ the old G grill. Don't miss the mpgs on my 07 but do miss the instant tranny action w/ the 5at.

BTW, welcome to the site OP, nice to hear you had a great initial dealer experience. I too had nightmare repair bill w/ our German ride (an 02 BMW 7 series) so I know where you're coming from

 

Sport, I loved your write up and I totally agree. I'm greatful to have a dealership that is extrememly reasonable. On the newer model, the only real plus to me is the front fascia with the fogs. And the only thing at first glance that makes me say yuck are the wheels.

I love my G, and have an even deeper appreciation for it now that its paid for!!! And with 60k on the ticker this car is amazing and I intend to keep it another 60k!

 

You sure you weren't looking at an aftermarket wood trim? those tends to be a shiny looking plastic looking POS. I came across a g35 when i was car shopping with the wood trim and it felt so real. real smooth, like wood!. And it wasn't shiny.

 

Sport,

Quick question on your new steering wheel. Does it appear lighter in color and maybe different in feel than the steering wheel they removed. It could be all in my head, but I seem to remember the old wheel being darker and softer.

 

All,

Thanks for reading, and for the nice comments. It's fun finding good folks to chat with!

I agree with blnewt, I also don't really care for the newest grille...and baileyt35 is also on-target with his comments about the fog lights on newer models...I do like those.

 

Yes, Rutland, the new steering wheel is a bit different. I'd read about this from others, so I was prepared to see something subtly different from the original. It's not better or worse...it's just not exactly the same. And the jury is still out on how the new steering wheel will look/feel after a little use. Everything is different when it's brand new, right?

My new wheel is a little more charcoal gray rather than the deeper black of my original wheel (though it still looks like a lighter shade of black, so it matches the interior just fine), and yes, the texture of the leather is a bit different. I expect the color to stay roughly the same, and I expect that the leather will feel softer and more like the original one after some use.

Bottom line: Only gearheads like us who are in love with our cars would notice the difference in the steering wheel at all; it matches nicely and feels good. And best of all, it doesn't have any scratches.

 

Great to hear

 

The G35 wood option isn't shiny, but IMO cheapened the look compared to the washi trim. The new 2011 wood trim is glossy like Lexus but doesn't give off a cheap vibe, but that's just my opinion. Agree w/ the OP regarding the rest of the 2011 observations.

 

Very nice review of the 07 vs 11, especially on the clusters led color change that i was curious about, and glad to see some dealerships that actually thrive to please their customers rather than to harass them over warranty issues and pushing for useless costly services..

 

Great review, It was great reading!

 

Yes, but it's because it's new - it'll turn softer and darker over time as you handle it, use leather conditioner, etc.

To the OP - I had almost the exact same experience, same issues, same dealership, same result - new steering wheel, new door pulls. Austin Infiniti does good work.

And, had a similar experience in the brand new G37 Sport (wonder if we drove the same one? ). Didn't like the new gauges, washi trim was boring. It was pretty quick tho...