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Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier
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When I test drove the base 330i, their "VDC" spent as much time "on" as off. It was very obtrusive. This was on nice, dry asphalt and concrete.
On the same route, the G35 VDC was virtually unnoticeable. Handling was better too. The only time I've seen the G35 VDC be that obtrusive was when I was making a right had turn on a city street under acceleration on a wet road. Go figure...
In many ways, the G35's handling is very reminicent of a Mazda RX-7 I used to own. I used to race it in road track events against Porsche 924's, 944's, etc. I had spent about $3000 on suspension improvements, but had stock tires and engine. Could really whoop all over the Porsche's in the curves, but just didn't have the engine to compete in the straights. NOW I get the engine to match the ability of the suspension... as can be see by the G35's excellent slalom times/speeds.
Only thing I'd improve/change would be to add bigger anti-roll bars (stabilizer bars in Infiniti parlance, thanks faenor) to curb a bit of the body roll and understeer at the limits of traction. However, wider tires may handle that also...
Scott
The G35 coupe will combine an excellent interior with a coupe exterior. I'm excited about that.
Did any of the G35 people here ever drive the M30 coupe of the early 1990s?
Be advised, Infiniti is itching to raise prices like Lexus did if their products are a success and the market will bear the increases. If the G35 is a "hit", expect to see a MY2005 one cost about $5-7,000 more on MSRP than a base MY 2003. They'll make more equipment standard, but raise prices significantly. Anyone want to bet me?
I grew up in a very affluent neighborhood and have been both the brunt of the "clique" and also the one dishing it out. I lament those days when I knowingly excluded a particular person or group of people simply because they didn't have the right set of superficial circumstances surrounding them at that particular moment in time.
In those days, parents were buying their children BMWs and other high end vehicles as their "first cars" and having spoken and associated with many of them, the primary buying point was that it was a "BMW" and very little else.
Later in life it seemed an endless parade of friends and aquaintances buying cars for nothing but the badge (BMW is not exclusive in this) many of these were women, a good portion were men who would make statement like "Got to get the Bimmer so I can drive around in style and look good..." My response would always be in the league of, "how does the the straight 6 compare to the flat 6 opposing in the Porsche?" and their response would typically be, "Straight what? huh?"
It is probably unfair to slap a "stigma" on anything, be it inanimate or animate, as such is simply a euphemism for "Stereotype", but the stereotype is "real" for me because I have to mingle with the people who think this way.
I bought the G35, not because the Infiniti badge said "Style and recognition" but because the Infiniti badge said "reliability and value". The performance of the car is simply a fringe benefit, as in truth, it should be for the BMW, but in that case it seems to be the reverse. Who knows, in 10-15 years maybe the same views that fall upon the Bavarian roadsters will be inherited by Infiniti or Lexus. Stranger things have happened...
The whole "soul" thing I guess bothers me on several levels. I try to reconcile that all cars have them and yet some will claim that only certain cars do. Maybe I am falling into the defense mechanism that saved me from my prejudiced days in that when I hear people say that one group has something, I have to immediately identify the truth that they all have something
I think I wrote in an earlier post my dilemna that I do look for a certain high level of reliability, function, form, performance and value. Very little outside the price range that the BMW and G35 are in have those levels in sufficient quantity for me, and this is due to the slide in overall quality of cars, cost cutting, maximizing profits, etc. When I have to drop myself into the Infiniti and BMW price ranges and most cannot do the same, I look more at what I am trying to get for my money spent, and not what spending my money will get me.
If the G35 has a Stigma, I saw it just this morning at the flower shop (Happy Mother's Day! *smile*)
I was parked next to a BMW325e and was talking to the owner about the front end mask on his car and how he kept it from rubbing the paint off over the long haul... He went on and one about everything great about his car and how Japanese cars had a long way to go to catch up if they ever could (he kept motioning over at my car)
At the end of the conversation, he finally asked (What kind of Infiniti is that anyway?) I said, "Its just a G35" He said back, "Oh, never heard of it, is it any good?"
That's EXACTLY the stigma that I think the G35 has currently, and I LOVE that!
Have a good one KD, I enjoy the back and forth, I learn something valuable about the other camp every time and the conversation is stimulating!
Faenor
German automakers have a great heritage in automotive engineering, but that heritage has attracted the worst car buyers to their camps. It's unfortunate that there are so many insecure, closed-minded and badge conscious poseurs in the BMW camp because BMW does make some of the best driving machines (i.e. M3, M5).
Great product moves itself. It is hardly BMW's fault who buys its cars. Are they supposed to have some sort of test? If so, what would the questions be? Or are they suppose to have some sort of behaviorial test?
But then what kind of test would Infiniti need? They wouldn't ever want to appeal to "insecure, closed-minded and badge conscious poseurs", would they? And certainly not if those people had money and wanted to buy Infiniti products???
... my father traded in his last BMW in 1987/1988 for a Subaru. He's now very happy with his Mazda MX-5 Miata.
As for me, I don't want to go to the dealership and deal with snobby attitudes and 'sport option packages' and 'super sport option packages' and 'sport touring option packages' (package C1 requires package B8E). Acura or Infiniti dealer have great products, but they just aren't into horn-tooting. It's someone's loss, but not the customer's.
Walking though the 2002 Detroit Auto Show, I decided to get a copy of every brochure and pass through every booth... including Nissan-Infiniti. Finally, around the Lexus and Mitsubishi area, the old man bolted for the Porsche / BMW / Mini exhibits. He couldn't take it anymore. Gotta see a real 'driving machine,' he said. Ai yi yi.
Hopefully, it will keep prices down if BMW people convince people to stay away from the G35... everyone else will walk out with a deal.
BMW is a combination of people who know cars and people who love badges... Infiniti people are what? Former Honda and Nissan and Mazda people who moved uptown?
I don't think that Neo was trying to be inflammatory, I think he was just, like me, trying just to shed al little bit of light on a phenomena we all see in one form or another.
I think the gist of what he and I were trying to say is that there is a characteristic inherent in some who would buy BMW or another high end marque simply because it was a high end marque and for no other reason. and that this particular activity is rife within the BMW ranks perhaps for no other reason than BMWs actually do offer some great cars within reach of alot of people.
This isn't BMWs fault whatsoever! They make great cars and have been around for a LONG time and so have had more time pass to foster both the good and the bad in people in greater numbers as well.
In time, Infiniti and Lexus will arrive in the same place if both marques are still around... Its inevitable if they keep raising the bar on quality, performance AND price. It will became a badge of "exclusivity" and not "value and performance"...
I think one of the main catalysts that propels the whole (I hate this word) "poseur" genre of owners is that BMW offers dream cars in excess of 100,000 dollars and "economy" models that can be had in the mid 20,000's Its like the explosion in popularity with Faux jewelry (Imposters) If it looks like a diamond... and people think its one, you garnish, as the owner, all the attention and admiration that comes from the real thing.
I don't think anyone on this board is really bashing the Bimmers, only pointing out where they are in the cycle that will encompass all quality car manufacturers one day, Japanese, German or otherwise
Faenor
The car as an art object is a concept lost on me. I live in Arizona, where many people who restore classic cars prefer to exist because of the dry climate. They spend incredible numbers of hours recreating cars that were, at best marginal when they were new, in terms of performance. On the other hand, they look damn good when they're fixed up. Point being, there are quite a number of people who buy or restore cars only to look at them or drive them a few miles on certain Sundays.
The next group (I often refer to them as the Yuppie-scum crowd) acquires cars to be seen in them, or even standing next to them. The deal isn't driving them, it's possessing them -- somehow this person has managed to be in the same zip code with a (fill in the blank) and is therefore a better human being. . .at least in their own eyes, and far more importantly, in the eyes of all who gaze upon them.
The G35 crowd sounds like they actually like to drive cars. They go fast. They go around corners well (I'm told. . . still looking forward to my test drive, after the manual is available). The interior leaves a bit to be desired at the price point. So what? The car is fun. And, as giowa/riez points out, the price may well go up. . .substantially. Or it may not. Nissan may or may not upgrade the interior, and it's fairly certain that the manual is only months away.
Hang in there, G35 people. The others may denegrate your choice, but it could be worse. You could have a Lincoln LS, like mine. They don't even talk to us.
Your 2k Lincoln LS is a reasonable choice at the time, and the v8 LS is definately no slouch in my book. I'm not a big Ford fan, however if I were to own a ford, an LS and Mustang Cobra would be on top of my list
I like to see myself as a driving enthusiast and would still buy this car even if it was badged as a Nissan G35 (aka Nissan Skyline in Japan). Having the G35 under the Infiniti flagship is just a bonus
Tony,
Those Buick faithful is near the age when Nursing homes are sending brochures to their house.
If the big 3 (Ford/GM/Chrysler) continues to rely on these loyal "Buick Faithful" and forget about the "Pepsi generation" whom will soon grow up, earn more and afford big ticket cars; they will be in for another surprise.
I remember back in the early 80's when the big 3 were just thinking that they could slap some metals and engine together with disregard for Quality assurance, expect people will buy it because it said Ford/Chevy or Dodge on it. However the Japanese proved them wrong and have since taken a big market share from them. Yes, history can and have repeated itself.
Don't get me wrong, I'm just a patriotic as most of us here, however my hard earned money will be spent on products that are of good quality and value
Tony,
19.25 mpg mixed driving. Slowly getting worse now that it's broken in.
I guess going 120 mph really sucks the fuel (was in a safe location).
I think concept of demographics is very important as a sales tool, because you must know your customer. What bothers me when demographics gets confused with stereotypes. Stereotypes are always true at a microscopic level because that's where they originate from. One opinion that seems true that is made out to be truth for the whole. And to use them in this discussion does the discussion a disservice.
Anyway you all have worn me down. I'll concede after many weeks of back and forth the BMW is a fine driving machine. Is it the last word in fine driving machines NO. But when you dislike BMW because they are so ubiquitous the association is back to negative stereotype of the people you remember who used to drive them....I woould think you would want that for the car that you drive. I mean, how could Infiniti stay on business if they didn't sell a high volume of cars and the G35 ultimately didn't because as prevalent as ants.
There is a stretch of I95 in Maryland that you could see for miles, no cars or exit ahead; I got a little spirited and put the car in manual mode and it got up to 120 mph fairly quick and still had plenty left.
I backed off when I realized that this was a stupid, poor judgment on my part and I could be endangering not only my life but others as well.
This car just begs to be driven hard! I'll save the racing for the track, it's much safer and less expensive
Tony,
Tony, if you're into high speeds, pull that G35 over to Detroit... you can compete with Taurus 'sports sedans' doing 94 mph to/from work.
The ones that I tend to have a good chuckle at are the ones in following demographic that "cdnpinhead" described in post #5021
"The next group (I often refer to them as the Yuppie-scum crowd) acquires cars to be seen in them, or even standing next to them. The deal isn't driving them, it's possessing them -- somehow this person has managed to be in the same zip code with a (fill in the blank) and is therefore a better human being. "
I don't think you are in this demographic, please continue your intelligent exchanges with us. How else am I going to get my BMW's news (latest and greatest)
Tony
Just wait until they get the R35 GT-R... Edmunds talks of the 350Z as a 'Corvette competitor,' so I'd love to have a GT-R to rocket past XLRs, GTOs, GT40s, and the new Vipers that will appear here in Detroit area.
The world does not stop at Benz, BMW, and Lexus. I like a few BMW and Lexus models, but there's no more 8-Series or SC300... so I would walk out and head over to Audi, Acura, or Infiniti without worrying too much.
I still think if Infiniti copies BMW's signature wheel-well brake dust marks, then it might be going too far in terms of impersonation. My dad (ex-BMW 3 and 5 Series owner, now has a 2000 Miata Special Edition) would say so... he keeps pointing out the brake dust.
"You pay that much for a car, and look at the brake dust."
Geez dad, what's wrong with getting a Lexus?
"Why would I want a fancy Toyota?!"
Then shuddap about all the nitpicking over BMWs. The brake dust has character. It belongs on BMWs. As for other cars copying it, well, that's a little peculiar.
I can live with the brake dust, as long as I can stop from 60 to 0 mph in 111 feet
It's fun to drive fast and it's a comfort knowing that you can stop in hurry so that you don't hurt yourself and anyone around you.
Tony
However, back to reality. I reset the trip computer with every fill-up. Even with some nice redline acceleration I average around 24 mpg. It's been a long time since I've seen that type of mileage. However, my average miles per hour hovers around 22 or 23. That reflects the ugly fact that my 40 mile round trip commute is spent sitting in traffic. So a car that goes from 0-60 in 5 secs vs 6.x won't buy me a whole lot.
And Tony ....thanks...
http://www.boston.com/cars/reviews/2003/infiniti_g35.shtml
Cheers,
- Ray
Whop decided on a different vehicle, but does respect the G35 . . .
http://www.boston.com/cars/reviews/2003/infiniti_g35.shtml
Cheers,
- Ray
Whop decided on a different vehicle, but does respect the G35 . . .
It is EXCITING, EXHILARATING. It is fast and fun to drive, but it is also QUIET and CIVILIZED. Just the combination of quality I wanted, and more.
Now I am waiting to see if this G will bring me to adventures like what faenor/dane4 had encountered in his new G.
Did you know it was basically the same vehicle as the other?
Why did you choose it over the other?
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I think the G35 matches up much better with the 530/540 than the 325/330, in most cases. It's like getting 5 series space and performance for 3 series cost. some appreciate the extra space, some would rather have a shorter wheelbase. I think the IS300 has the short wheelbase covered, so Inifiniti went longer wheelbase.
I think a 260hp AWD 6 speed 4 door for 30k would be the magic combination for me. Badge it as a Nissan, and it would be perfect.
For all of the guys who like to debate...how about comparing the G35 and the 5 series if you're looking for apples to apples, performance wise.
I was just suggesting that a better handling comparison could be made between the 5 series and the G35, because so many people are noting the longer wheelbase. I think the 3.5VQ slots nicely between the 3.0 and 4.0 models too.
I was racing an old 300ZX down the I10 freeway here in CA, and my 02 Max SE went to 120 in a heartbeat! I think the guy in the Z was wondering why he couldn't lose me! :-)
Yes, they DO beg to be driven fast, don't they?
Obi
The back and forth that goes on here is what is most important and not this "ultimate and elusive truth" that SOMEONE will nail down with perfection.
It's like building models... The building, and the experience of building is both the reward and the value... The finished product is for others to enjoy.
If the numbers from the various tests were ALL reversed, I don't think anyone here would argue that our arguments would be identically switched as well, with G35 proponents saying exactly the same things about the G35 as the BMW enthusiasts are saying now.
There won't be much about our specific cars that we will feel fault in and that is exactly why we bought the car in the first place
Personally, I think that justifying my feelings and opinions and supporting them with reasonable data in this discussion is the best part of the discussion.
I don't think that I could say that the G35 is "better" than the BMW 330i anymore than I could say that the 330i is "better" than the G35.
I can only try to explain why I believe that my choice was the right one for me...
Cheers!
Faenor
At the last Solo2 here, I did not see one Maxima. But I did see some Zs. Might tell you something. If the Vq in the Maxima was the ticket, we would all be on a different board. Probably be talking about terminal understeer and broken front halfshafts all day.
I'll be seeing you Thursday. I have reserved tickets.
jrock65 "Infiniti G35 vs. BMW 530i" May 13, 2002 5:37pm
I have read on here the problem some *larger* people have encountered with hitting the power seat buttons. Has anyone come up with any ideas to deal with this? I dont want to be forced into the base model - I want my leather!
Unless you're actually sitting on them (I started my diet yesterday...)
AWD is a little further off(next spring), but since the coupe is so closely related to the GTR it is only a matter of time.
Dave330i I understand your point about comparing the best performing options available and the G35 with an automatic is faster than a 330i with 6-speed so it is only going to get worse for BMW when Infiniti releases the 6-speed.
Robmarch why wouldn't you want the better warrenty, dealer experience, customer satisfaction, and reliability that come with an Infiniti rather than a Nissan.
Hope that helps
It makes sense that the stripped model has less $ to move with. Id love to get a loaded model, but not for full whack - just too much for me.
As for Nissan reliability, 0 complaints. I believe that the more expensive Nissan vehicles compare well with the Infiniti vehicles, and that most manufacturers with "luxury" brands show similar results just based on more expensive vehicles being better engineered. i.e. not much difference between Maxima and I30,I35.
I've had no complaints with dealer experience and customer satisfaction either. I'd prefer to save the money that these "luxury" brands draw as profit for the upscale name, and have a car that performs just as well with more anonymity. I certainly don't fault the people who prefer a more noticable car for their dollar, just not my style.
If you're right about the AWD 6-speed sedan coming, that will certainly bring a big smile to my face, Infiniti or Nissan.
The Altima can take on the Camry and Accord. The Maxima can take on the Passat W8 4Motion, Audi A6 Quattro(sp?), MB E class 4matic and Volvo's AWD drive car. The G35 can take on the Audi A4, 3 series, Lexus IS300 and the C-class.