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Comments
One thing that I DID notice about the G35 is that its handling abilities are such that they are easy to NOT notice. The car handles with such aplomb that you don't realize that you are taking corners at 3-5mph faster than other cars you drive. Also, I was unaware that an A4 at $29K had stability control, shorter braking than ANY car outside of out-right sports cars, and handling that, on a G-pad and slalom, equals or outpaces anything in even close to its class. Can you guess which one my wife bought?
Seriously though, it might be better to compare the Audi to something that is more in its class. Many have recommended the Subaru WRX, if you are interesting in outstanding performance for the price.
Also, it is a shame to hear about the poor treatment. My local dealer had that attitude, but the dealership we bought from (they actually were able to get the car we wanted), was "Infiniti(ly)" better. Outstanding. Just wish they weren't ~225 miles away...
Oh, I should mention that our local dealership's service was outstanding. Quick and professional for the first oil change, with a loaner, if needed.
Scott
maxcat1 - Ok, we understand that YOU don't have a problem. Great. We can accept that. Why don't you try opening your mind and accept that others don't share your build and realize that Infiniti is the ONLY vehicle that has seat controls in the seating portion of the seat. Gee, I wonder why no one else is doing it? Maybe because they don't want to turn away customers.
Sheesh! 8^/
Scott
Presumably, Infiniti knew when they brought a vehicle whose ergonomics reflected the needs of the smaller Japanese driver that they might not be able to accomodate some larger American drivers.
Maybe instead of expecting the whole world to adapt to the increasingly fat American who requires larger and larger vehicles maybe we should ask ourselves the simplier question of why we can't fit? In case you think that I'm exaggerating the size of Americans ask anyone who has recently visited France or Italy to contrast the size and eating habits of European vs Americans. It is so pronounced that you can usually spot Americans walking around a major European city simply by their size. Pretty sad.
In any case, I'm sure that Infiniti will correct their oversight so that they can better accomodate our size in a future model. I'd be willing to bet that this will happen long before we start downsizing ourselves and our vehicles.
I test drove a G35 when I was on vacation in Connecticut, and the salesman knew that I would not be buying the car there because it was not my hometown. He let me drive it as much as I wanted and took a lot of time, with no pressure, to tell me about the car and answer my questions. All in all, it was a great experience. I thought so highly of it that I wrote to the owner of the dealership commending the salesman. I loved the car, and may end up getting one when the lease on my other car is up next year.
I have owned two Hondas, two Toyotas and a Lexus, and have never had any mechanical problems with any of them. The nearest Lexus dealership is in Indianapolis (60 miles away) where I bought the car (RX300), and I have never been back to the dealer in the two plus years that I have owned the car. Japanese cars are great as far as reliability, but the Toyotas and Lexus are boring to drive, not fun at all.
I find a comparison of A4 to G35 strange, since A4 is tiny, with a small backseat, etc. and the G35 as a much bigger interior and slightly bigger exterior. The G is far superior, in my opinion, not even taking into account the lousy Audi reliability. I agree with others that a G20 or Maxima, WRX or even a Camry/Avalon would be a better choice if you don't want a sporty sedan or the G has too much power (is there any such thing??). As for me, the only viable alternative to the G35 will be the Cadillac CTSi with the Corvette Z06/LS6 engine next year, if it happens. The CTS is not as good of a car in general, but that engine would more than make up for its shortcomings, as torque and horsepower cover a multitude of sins. Otherwise, it will be the G for me.
The A4 I think is a very good competitor to the G35. I previously had a 99.5 A6Q and a 97 A4Q. The 97 A4 did start to develop problems (86K mi). I had to have the thermostat changed twice in 1 year, and they didn’t cover it because I went over their miles (They only warranty work for 1 year and 12K mi).
My 99.5 A6Q was more reliable than my 96 Civic. I think the new A4 should have the same reliability as the A6 since they share so many components. I may have gotten lucky with my A6, but I drive pretty hard (all the time) and the A6 was flawless. The maintenance free warranty is very nice too.
Haven’t driven the new A4 so I can’t really compare it to the G35, but it does look really nice.
we seem to have said the exact opposite.
My experience with the staff being very pleasant was the same as yours. Did you buy from Jim Krarup? Heck of a nice guy and no pressure.
At a stop light and a Mustang of some variety, lowered, stereo blasting, and engine reving is right beside me... I had classical playing and rolled up my passenger window which seems to have irritated him...
He gave me the meanest glare, Geez! I don't even know you guy!
So the light turns green and you guessed it... I stomped on the accelerator as did he... Quite a bit of wheel spin on his side, which made me nervous because his back end got all twitchy right next to me...
By the middle of the block we were doing almost 70 and approaching the next red light... He was a good car length in front of me and I was backing off rapidly... I pressed firmly on the brakes and heard the rather loud drone of the ABS working.
I came to a hard and abrupt halt about 10 feet from the line at the stop light and was rather shocked to see a cloud of white tire smoke as he went sliding right into the middle of the intersection sideways! After he came to rest, he couldn't back up and he couldn't go forward as a car from the cross street pulled right up to his car, stopped, and layed on the horn for about 30 seconds...
A bit of yelling and some "finger" gestures and he does a slight manuever (almost lighting the tires up again) and he goes left down the cross street.
He gave me one final gesture and another rather mean look, and I smiled and shook my head...
The gratifying thing is that I never felt "worked" or out of control... Everything felt smooth, as opposed to his botched second shift (I heard the grind), and woeful car control on the deceleration.
I know I know... it was a stupid move on my part, but its leaving my system rapidly. This is just years of pent up emotion driving around an underpowered SUV...
Sometimes going fast means you have to stop fast too... I'm glad Infiniti got both sides done well...
Faenor/Dane4
Anyway, I now have a 2002 W8 Passat. I posted some details on the Lincoln LS board, since that is what I traded.
I will probably be posting on the Passat board now from time to time.
Cheers,
- Ray
Who is now looking for excuses to add more 'break in' miles to the W8 . . .
gearhead100: I will take your words of warning as I have taken all the others. My objective here is simple or so I thought. I want a fast, fun, reliable car that keeps me wanting more for a price I can afford. I didn't think this was too much to ask. Apparently I was wrong. My search will continue. As for a lexus, only the 430 would do and that is way over budget right now.
ivan_99: Thank you for the words of comparison between the A4 and the G. As for your 96 civic, mine has 117K miles on it and still running smooth. My search will continue until I find the car I love at a dealership that I can work with at a price I can afford. Thanks again.
Thanks for all the comments, I will keep them all in mind as my search for my perfect car continues.
I know a few people have talked about how the dealership would not come off MSRP so they went to a broker and got 1400-1500 off within days. You might want to try that route. www.freshalloy.com has a G35 forum that has a topic "How much did you pay for your G35" where people relate what kind of deal they got, with whom and where. You try a look see.
Mike
Slasher617: Although, the G20 is a about and inch or so smaller then the A4 in most exterior dimensions, it doesn't translate to the interiors. Once inside, the G20 has about the same or more room in almost every direction including trunk space. So, do you just want a car to look bigger? On the other hand, the G35 is significantly bigger, both exterior and interior, then either the G20 or A4.
I came upon a BMW 530i on the side of the road with its hood up and the well dressed business-type man staring quizzically at the engine...
I thought to myself... "Heh"
about 20 minutes later in the same traffic jam and their on the side of the road is an Infiniti G20 with its hazards on, hood up with a Business-type woman looking quizzically at the motor..
I thought to myself... "DOH!"
Faenor/Dane4
I went to drive the G35, and to keep it short, at the end of the test drive, I said I'll take it! And we sat down to get down to the nuts and bolts of the deal and they gave me the MSRP only route. I sell for a living and the attitude of the vendor can make all the difference (from cars to multi-million dollar systems) and that completely turned me off.
Even though I had a number of problems with my first Audi, the attitude and attention, service etc, I received from Audi was excellent. And the experience of driving the car is second to none.
DaFreak-
Just as an FYI, it is very common in Europe to get the same car with multiple engine configurations, in fact you can even get the Mercedes CLK in either a 4,6 or 8 cylinder config, you used to be able to do that in the S-class and 7-Series BMW's as well. Not sure if VW will be able to pull that off in America, but then again it is an inexpensive German V8!
First, I have 24" thighs, 17" calves, and a "bubble butt" from playing tennis and weightlifting (at one time was working out with ~600lbs for sets of 4-6) for years. I've NEVER been able to weight less than 186lbs (at 3-4% body fat, immersion test) and am happiest at ~220lbs. What's interesting is that over the years, my hip measurements haven't changed by more than 1-2", regardless of weight. It just so happens that my hips are the problem.
What I find interesting and important about g_car's comment is that a MUCH smaller Honda Civic was able to seat a "north of 300 lbs" person. Probably without major discomfort or that person would probably have not bought the car.
I agree with maxcat1's statement that the positioning of the G35's seat controls would have been better on the (roomy) center console. Why intentionally minimize space. In fact, there are only two "major" complaints I have about the G35. First, is the position of the power seat controls. Second, is the lack of mirror memory to go with the seat memory.
As you can see they aren't very significant, are they?
OK, I'm NOT knocking the G35. Both my wife and I LOVE the car. However, this implied weight biggotry is beginning to wear. Those people who are heavy have just as much of a right to drive as anyone else.
I'm done with this thread...
Scott
The A6 really is a better comparison to the G35, but is geared toward a different market.
Scott
But in case anyone is interested, I put it on once and it fits VERY well, is tight, flat and very sturdily made. It also looks like you might have to go 140 to make the thing flutter in the wind! It's battened down in every conceivable place!
Faenor/Dane4
Maybe someone needs to start a "G35 vs Volvo S70 T5" forum LoL!
Faenor/Dane4
Well, after a few comments like "Dethrone me *itch" and E46 drivers with mad "skillz", and "G35 ain't got nuthin'" I decided to head back here...
Whew! How do people that can afford refined automobiles get to be so unrefined?
I know it was just a small segment of the site, and perhaps not indicative of the rest, but I'll check later when my ears stop ringing...
Faenor/Dane4
Peace
WE both own qx4's and have had no problems whatsover....my only concern has been the high depreciation. I don't see any dealer subsidized leases and it has been a while since I researched the infiniti lineup. I am very impressed with the g35 and am hoping to get her the car at 1-2% over invoice.
thanks in advance,
Jason
Faenor was refering to this link from a G35 forum at freshalloy.com
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=d9fcdb395f5b154d1e6577b394496284&threadid=6623
I didn't buy a BMW to race people. I bought one for myself, to drive something I've never driven before. I could care less about the 0-60, if you want to smoke me have fun wasting your gas. If 0-60 and top speed were my goal, I probably could have sprung for the extra $10 grand and gotten the Vette or the 3.2AMG! (ack!) Or maybe waited until next year and saved a bunch and got the SRT-4. Oh well. There's always the twin-turbo 3L engine to look forward to.
Drove a G35 today. Love it! Trying to decide on color Silver or White. Also, wondering about the Bose stereo whether it is worth the $900? (it did sound awesome) .. but can I do better on my own at an aftermarket car stereo store.
Anyways.. dealer was nice but "stone-walled" me on price. (not a penny below MSRP).
Anyone know a dealer in San Francisco area or East Bay that will deal..?
Great car... hoping to find a deal.
No, it's not funny.
I'm also from the bay area, which Infinity Dealers have you tried? The only one I've gone to is in Pleasanton California and they wanted Full Boat, but sounded willing to deal if I were gonna buy it today...blah. Sacramento may be a better choice or perhaps LA. Depends how far you are willing to go for a good deal.
-Steve
I don't mind driving 100 miles or so to find a deal...
I guess I'll keep looking...
Anyways..Still trying to decide White or Silver!
I may give them a call.
aftermarket upgrades. What are peoples guesses on the future
availability of suspension and engine upgrades. I guessing that
there will be some engine upgrades since the engine is used in
Altima, Maxima, G35 and coupe and 350z.
TIA
Alan
Good luck,
Tony
The care is tremendous, and the breaks are the best ever. Still, on the highway the steering wheel vibrated a lot. When I mentioned this to the salesman, he stated that the "front rotors are probably warped due to the salt air encountered during the boat ride from Japan." Sounds fishy to me. The car had 10 miles on it.
The dealer was very disappointing. Would go below sticker, but the same slick games as any regualr place. The "internet Manager" was a commissioned sales person who tried all the tricks. I walked out in frustration. Ill go somewhere else and get one.
What a motherlode of bullshiiiite. Sounds like a Ford dealer, not an Infiniti dealer.
Paul
I've been reading this board for awhile and appreciate all the information and opinions that people have stated. I did plenty of research on various makes/models before deciding on the Infiniti. For most people, spending in the $30K range is a lot of money for a car so I wanted to be sure I got the best car for my money. I seriously considered the Acura CL (because of the 6-speed), Audi A4 1.8T (5 speed), Saab 9-3 Convertible (great deals right now through Saab), and the Infiniti. I also threw in a new Passat for comparison. I have to say the Infiniti wins hands down. I was almost convinced to go with the Audi before I drove the Infiniti. I have to say there is no comparison. I love the power and handling the Infiniti provides, and the looks and comments I get on the car make it worth every dollar spent. It is truly a satisfying car to drive and own.
The Acura was a nice car, but did nothing for me visually. It looks so generic, like so many other cars on the road and always left me wondering, is it an Acura?, a Toyota?, a Honda?...well, you get my drift. Fun to drive, but I don't think the interior materials were superior to any of the other cars I tested.
The Saab was great, and nothing can beat the feel of driving with the top down and the wind in your hair, but I live in the midwest and honestly wouldn't have the top down for the majority of the year. Plus, with a new 9-3 right around the corner, who'd want the old model?
The Audi almost had me sold. I was already familiar with the 1.8T engine and had very few mechanical problems with my Passat. I test drove the car and found it to be perfectly acceptable and quite a bit of fun. I think the styling is classic, the car is comfortable and it has plenty of space to fill my needs. I think the deciding factor was that with the G35, I feel like I got so much more for my money...powerful V6, great stereo, real leather seats, racy styling, 17" wheels, and too much other stuff to mention. Great value for the money...plus I'm the only one in my town with one.
I ended up with a brilliant silver lux/leather package, with sunroof, upgraded Bose system, and winter package. The sticker was $32,025 and I was happy to get the dealer (Infiniti of Lisle, IL) to knock $1000 of the sticker price. Guess there are better deals to be had out there, but here in Illinois, I'm happy with the deal. The dealership was professional and didn't really pressure me. I was able to leave and come back with the numbers straight in my head for what I wanted on my trade-in and my payments and we came very close so I'd have to say my experience was good.
Anyway, just wanted to share some of my experiences since everything I've read here helped me to make my decision. Hope this info can help someone else who might be struggling with the same decisions I did. I'm a total new car nut and love reading all about them. After the VW, I swore I'd never drive anything but German cars, but with the Infiniti, I think I've managed to get the quality and feel of the German car with the reliability of the Japanese.
Thanks again! Good luck to anyone searching for a new car. There are so many good ones to choose from these days, but I highly recommend the G. Just test drive one and you will be sold too!
Rob