Hi All,

I'm thinking it's finally time to upgrade my 1999 Maxima 5-speed. I put a lot of basic mods into it, but that was 10-15 years ago. These days I'm looking for a RWD manual transmission sedan, and really keep coming back the G35/37 as the obvious choice. Would love to stick with a VQ.

I've been trying to get up to speed on the differences between model years and trims. It sounds like I'd prefer the Sport (which comes with VLSD and I believe the non-wood dash, right?). It seems like 2007-08 might be the sweet spot for me with the VQ35HR, but I'm open to suggestions. Looking to spend $8-12k. Not interested in mods that make the car less practical or reliable. Are there any known issues with the 2007-08 (or 2009-12ish) model years? And if you have a link to a good rundown of the model differences and significant problems to look for in a used G, that'd be great.

Thanks, guys!

 

For that money you can step into a 2009 Sport 6MT sedan, personally I think it's a better option than the 2007-2008. The only cosmetic mods I would do are a front lip spoiler and matching the little spoiler to the body color.

Any of the HR motors or early VHR motors has the potential to blow out the galley gaskets until the 2013 model year when they started using a metal reinforced gasket. It's a very labor intensive repair to fix, basically the engine starts showing low oil pressure when the gaskets rupture.

 

Yes, the sport gets the VLSD, bigger brakes, I believe slightly stiffer suspension, 18" Enkeis with a staggered setup, different front bumper which is better looking imo, and sportier front seats. Not sure about the non wood interior trim, but mine is a sport model and it doesn't have the fake wood trim.

Well, I'd take the time to google this. This forum and others have a lot of topics covered for these cars at this point. A few notable ones for the V36 sedan are: the rear diff bushing and the front compression rod bushings are common to go bad (and bushings in general at the age these cars are); windows, and window switches; the steering wheel doesn't like the UV (if the steering wheel is in bad shape you know the car has been baking in the sun)

 

Thanks for the info! Very helpful. It does appear that myG37.com may be a good resource for G37-specific info. In case it helps anyone else, this thread is a helpful intro to buying a G37: https://www.myg37.com/forums/newbie-...7-q40-q60.html

 

Before you jump into a G37, drive a G35 in factory spec.

I am on my 3rd G35. I drove a G37 and it wasn't to my liking. Yes, the G37 has a bit more power, but it is also heavier. The exhaust note is not as nice on the G37 as on the G35.

My observations. Make your own before you decide.

 

Thanks for this. Other than weight and exhaust note, anything else you prefer about the G35? It sounds like the VQ35DE is more reliable than the HR/VHR, at least because it doesn't have the galley gasket failure issue. But critics have complained about the harshness of the 35DE at higher RPMs and this was improved in the newer versions.

Does anyone know or a year by year summary of the changes Infiniti made with each model year? That would be super helpful as I'm shopping.

 

The VQ35DE platform definitely feels like it was engineered as a race car platform, it's clunky, it's harsh, it's noisy, and if it wasn't for the heated leather seats there's no way you would say it was "refined".

The G37 platform was a MASSIVE improvement in the NVH catagory, and the later year (not sure when they redesigned) G37 has really spectacular fit and finish.

However, it failed to capture that absolutely stunning look of the original G35, the redesigned body was more Ford Taurus, and less of an eye-catcher. I have people ask me ALL the time what kind of car I drive, It's a 2006 coupe 6MT, the body lines are so magnificent that they invoke this primal urge in people to come talk to me about my car, and other than the 350Z revised springs it LOOKS completely bone stock. Hell I even have the stock muffler back on it right now (with Fast Intentions RHFC), but it just looks and sounds like pure sex, and everyone loves sex.

No other vehicle ever produced has captured the essence of this vehicle and it's wildly appealing to EVERYONE, soccer mom, soccer dad, guys at work, grandparents, rando's at the grocery store, coal-rolling rednecks, wife's friends, etc. Everyone loves the G35 coupe body.

The G35 could unite opposite political parties, hell even Texasscout and Jeff92se both like the G35 coupe and those guys don't agree on ANYTHING.

 

It's nice to hear your passion! So I am not interested in a coupe, and the V35 sedan definitely doesn't look as good as the V36 sedan to me. Especially those headlights. The coupe's are better. But your points are well taken.

 

Ok for V36 sedans look at getting a front lip spoiler and paint the little chrome spoiler the same color as the body, huge improvement in looks. I think the later year sport packages adopted a factory front lip spoiler.

 

If you want a sedan, then definitely go with a G37S (that is an "S" as in sport). I had a 2012 G37S with a manual 6. quite a decent car all around with a good amount of torque, but I still prefer the G35 coupe.