First of all, I really like how the '08 G35 sedan. If it were on looks and engine power alone, it'd be a no-brainer. With that said, please bear with me.

As of today, my budget will let me buy an '07-'08 G35 sedan or a '11 Nissan Altima. In terms of reliability (after this, I won't be buying again in many years), what's a more prudent choice, buying a not-too-great newer Altima or a great older G35 sedan?

Remember that this car that I'll be buying will be my daily driver for many years to come.

Thanks.

 

How much do you love the G35 and what is your maintenance budget?

 

Well, I don't have a maintenance budget. I have a car budget ant that's about $11K. And where I'm from that will buy me a '07-'08 G35 or a newer model Altima.

 

I'd say get the G. You'll have more fun driving it and I'm assuming your talking about a manual rwd sedan? If so that's even more reason to get it. These cars are pretty reliable. I have almost 100k on my 08 and no problems at all. You just have to do preventative maintenance and you'll be good.

 

For what it's worth,

My wife and I recently chose an 06 Sedan over everything else on CL. While there were newer cars with less mileage, they wouldn't be as comfortable, easy to work on, or as fun to drive. So we felt the fair market price we paid for our 06 was worth it compared to buying a newer, lower mile boring sedan. This car is a hoot to drive and it's just all around a nice car.

 

Max and Deaf both make great points: rwd is gonna be a huge plus over fwd..in every aspect from maintenance and fun-to-drive factor. Could be an issue if you're somewhere where it snows and have never driven a rwd car in snow tho. Not that big a deal, but some people have a problem with the rear swingin out.

Comfort is also gonna give the G a huuuuge advantage as well. This is one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven. For some perspective, I just drove 1700 miles in 4 days thru deserts, canyons and highways (with plenty of spirited driving mind you) and never once felt fatigue. The seat bolsters hug your body, there's plenty of room to move your seat around (provided you aren't 6'4"+), it handles great thru canyon twists and turns and will do 100mph+ up canyon hills up to 8000 feet above sea level. It really is a joy to drive and will do everything you ask of it with ease.

The only thing that sucks about it is how frustrating it is being stuck behind others.

Also, with a double din, 7" screen stereo, if you take a road trip you'll have music, your passengers can watch movies, you have dual zone climate control, power everything, leather, sunroof, heated seats, variable speed/intermittent wipers, heated mirrors/rear window, outstanding visors with vanity mirrors, full size spare, nav (if you get one with it obviously), a compass, multiple charger ports (cigar lighter ports), plenty of storage if you're creative. I mean some of these things seem trivial, but you'd be surprised how much better they can make your every day experience. I'm sure the maxima can be had with all these options too, but with the G 90% of these things are standard. The G is a better option, and looks 100x better.

Only reason to get the Maxima is slightly better MPG. That literally is irrelevant for 4 extra MPG. It'll save you maybe $800 over the next 10yrs of ownership.

 

Exactly. I consider the extra gas money I spend on the G to be part of my entertainment budget, not my transportation budget.

 

I faced the same problem about 5 years ago. I bought the used g35x. I have put over 120k on it. I've done very minor repairs.

It's awesome to drive.
Rwd to awd and snow mode too.
Car doesn't love extreme cold (-15 etc).
Mpg not as high as others but reasonable if cared for and driven reasonably.
I plan to add paddle shifters soon.

Maint:
Air filters-want to upgrade to cold intakes.
Oil and lucas oil additive
Transmission and lucas oil additive
Lube door handles in winter

Love your car and enjoy it driving and maintaining it. Some of my favorite times are wrenching on it with my son. Hope to pass it to him one day.
All my friends are like cool a g35. No one says cool an Altima! I would buy this car over and over again.