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Comments
Tks.
1st digit is where vehicle is built, 1,4,5=USA, 2=Canada, 3=Mexico, Puerto Rico or Costa Rico, 6=Australia, 9=Brazil, J=Japan, K=South Korea, L=Tawain, S=United Kingdom, V=France or Yugoslavia, W=Germany, Y=Sweeden, Z=Italy.
2nd and 3rd characters indicate specific manufacturer.
4th through 8th characters are a portrait of the specific vehicle, Brand, Body Style, Engine Size & Type, etc.
9th character is a security code that identifies the VIN as being authorized by the manufacturer. Law enforcement can determine if a VIN is authentic or not from this character on a specific vehicle.
10th character is the model year of the car. 1980=A, H=1987, J=1988, N=1992, P=1993, T=1996, V=1997, through Y=2000. Then 1 = 2001 and so on. There are no I, O, U, or Z years.
11th character is the specific plant which assembled the vehicle. Each manufacturer uses different codes to identify their plants.
12th-17th characters are the serial number of the specific vehicle. Not all companies start at #000001, practices vary among manufacturers.
I test drove at Rosenthal, but after the 995 markup, and the fact it's like pulling teeth to get a call back - no deal. And I live in VA.
Tonyg35 has high marks for Coleman as well.
"What else can you ask for for less than $30K?"
and
"If Infiniti really wanted luxurious interior to
compete with Lexus, Audi, and Jag, they could have easily
upgrade the interior with more luxury amenities. However,
don't expect the starting MSRP to be $28.5K with leather.
MSRP will probably start at $32K (which will make it less
affordable for the intended buyers)"
I had taken these quotes as saying that no other cars offered the same high-quality, well appointed interiors in all variants of a certain model except for the G35, and that Lexus, Audi, and Jaguar forced people to pay more for their interiors that came in varying degrees of quality depending upon whether one purchased the base or top version of a model. My point was that this idea of one good interior is the same in the ES300, A4, and X-TYPE as it is in the G35, not different; as I had mistakenly believed you were trying to state with the original quote. That was all I was asking about,and your second post addressing this told me that this was not the main point that you were trying to make.
Aside from that, my other point had been that Jaguar does offer leather in a car for less than $30,000 as well, and that Lexus offers leather for just around $31,000, countering the ""What else can you ask for for less than $30K?" and the "...don't expect the starting MSRP to be $28.5K with leather" statements.
I do agree 100% with you about the spartan BMW interiors, and that the G35 is a "GREAT value". And as I had posted before, I think that the interior of the G35 is perfect for it, and that it adds to the character of the car.
Anyway, I'm looking for a car with nav. Called one dealer in the southeast (AL), where I'll be moving this summer, and was told that nav-equipped G35's are pretty much impossible to get except by special order, which takes 90 days.
Anyone else have any better luck finding this model?
Thanks.
-fnt
More steady highway driving, but aggressive city (gotta remember to take off the VDC)
30/70
22.44 mpg (best I had so far, and the most times I've gone to red-line).
fnt - My wife got her G35 as a family car. It works well, though we will use the Durango for longer trips (say over 3 hours, benefits of seating 8 vs 4...
HOWEVER, be SURE to put towels (that approximately match your interior color) UNDER the child seats! Apparently, the people who design these things think you are mounting them on plywood and make the bottoms/backs flat, with "sharp" edges that will definitely leave wrinkles in your leather (or cloth). I have a full (folded) towel on the bottom and another layed down the back of the seat (tucked under the headrest) and over the folded towel to minimize any permanent wrinkling. This works pretty well. If you don't, it won't take more than a day or two and you will have a wrinkle you won't like in the seat! (Unfortunately, we know from experience...)
Scott
Anyway, while I can't tell from looking at it, I don't know that it would provide the protection that the towels do. That is one of the reasons why I have a folded full-size towel under the car seat, to protect against wrinkles in the leather.
However, if the "onestepahead" product works, great!
Scott
Rated #1? Whoo whoo! Now that R&T has spoken, I wonder what other excuses riez will make up on BMW 3 series vs G35?
Keep in mind that the G35 was tested with AUTO transmission!
http://www.msnbc.com/news/753692.asp
Quote: Automakers that treat interior design as an afterthought risk being left behind. Says J Mays, Ford’s chief designer: “The tipping point of a sale now is the interior.”
Let's hope Nissan learns this for the Altima. I really am quite happy with the interior of my G. But the Altima got a "D" for the interior in the Sedan comparison from Motor Trend not good at all.
The Deville, of course, was last on pure performance. But, if you factored in the almost $30,000 price difference, the Deville would have been an outright winner. Sadly, that comparo didn't factor in price. Anybody lucky enough to afford a Deville DTS would have been more than satisfied, even if an $80,000 car will never be on their horizon.
If price had not been factored into this comparo, the G35 would NOT have finished first. But, for those who could never afford a $42,000 330i, the G35 may be the "best" sports sedan in this class.
Knowing the G35 has an auto tranny and four skinny tires, a few points below the 3series is expected. BTW, did the 330i in the R&T test have sports package?
1. Infiniti G-35
2. BMW 330i
3. Lexus IS 300
4. Saab 9-5 Aero
6. Audi A-4 3.0 Quattro
7. Accura 3.2 TL Type S
8. Mercedes-Benz C320 Sport
9. Cadillac CTS
10. Volvo S60 T5
11. Jaguar X-Type 3.0
I'm sure it had nothing to do with its finish, but the Jaguar X-type was just written up in an auto trade magazine for having many quality glitches and engine problems (and poor customer service from both the dealers and Jaguar itself).
By the way, the Jag wasn't last. I forgot the Lincoln LS which was in 11th place.
Were all of the cars automatics or what? Was the 330i a manual transmission? Did the Audi have the sports package? What were the 0-60, 1/4 mile for the cars? Thanks!
0-60 for G35: 6.2 sec, 330i: 6.1 sec
1/4 mile for G35: 14.7 sec @ 95.2 mph, 330i: 14.7 sec @ 96.3 mph
Slalom speed for G35: 65 mph, 330i: 65.4
Braking from 80 mph for G35: 218 ft, 330i: 230 ft
Both turned .86g on 200 ft skidpad
The BMW was eletronically limited
to 128 mph, the G35 hit 151 mph. The 330i did get much better mileage: they recorded 25.9 mpg to the G35's 20.9. The difference allowed them to drive 7 more miles on 3.4 fewer gallons of gas. The biggest differences came in the subjective areas--so no two people will see everything the exact same way. Again, had price not been an issue and the 330i was named the winner, it was still an outstanding job right out of the box--for $7000 less as well.
Are you listening, Infiniti? Make the 6speed stick, LSD and high performance tires available to the sedan ASAP or the G35 sedan will only be second best!
Considering that the G35 with AUTO was used in the test, I still believe the G35 is a better performance than the 330i. The numbers were basically neck and neck.....
BTW, got about 1700 miles on my G and it's still the best performance car I've ever owned, and still a rush and as fun to drive as when I drove it off the lot.
A soft brush may also be sufficient, in conjunction with normal car washing soap.
I was doing about 108 on 680 here in California and I saw the lights in the rear view DAAAAAAMMMMMNNNN!
the CHP was as cool about it as I guess a CHP can be... He told me that he had no hard numbers, but based on his eperience (he looked like a veteran) and how long it took him to catch up at the speed he was going that I was probably doing over 100... Dang, he's good...
But the freeway was graveyard empty and because of that single fact, two things were confirmed 1) I was an idiot for not looking behind me more often, and 2) He wrote the tcket up for 88. He told me that anything in excess of 100mph was considered reckless endangerment, and furthermore, if I had been weaving in traffic at the speed I was going, he would have hauled me into the station. I guess I have to believe him on that one...
I don't know though, at 100, my G35 feels like most other cars I have driven at 75...
One thing I didn't ever know about (I don't get pulled over on a regular basis :P) The Officer new where I bought the car, when I bought the car, and EXACTLY how much I paid for it! He made a comment about how I should be more careful with such an expensive car while its so new, and I asked him how he knew about the details and he said the computer had the full lowdown on everything about it... Geez! I guess if it ever gets stolen that would work in my favor
Oh well... its been about 10 years since I got a ticket so traffic school for me...
Faenor/Dane4
What was the cost of the ticket? Might help the rest of us slow down a bit.
Anyway, the dust on the front wheels is really beginning to annoy me too! I heard that there are "performance" brake pads that release less dust. Does anyone know about this?
When I'm in my Z and want to do 110, and you're only going 100, move over!
Scott
We have 4900+ miles (NOT a typo) on our G35 and still like it as much as ever. Only "new" complaint is about the "learning" transmission. Since 95% of the time it is being driven normally, the transmission has "learned" that and doesn't seem as responsive as it used to. Of course, it could just be the "newness" wearing off.
Gas milage has generally been good, but this last tank stinks! Been driving it VERY hard and mucho in-city driving (90%) and I'm under 17mpg right now. My 2-1/2 year old daughter likes it when the car does "vroom-vroom's", so the acceleration's over the +60 miles of this tank have been rather aggressive. (Before people begin telling me I'm irresponsible, it is heavy acceleration from 0-35 or 40mph and on empty roads with no cross streets, well below the speed limits and no loss of traction...
Unfortunately, the nav system seems to over report the mpg's by about 1-2 mpg rather consistently... putting my actual mpg's at 15-16mpg right now. UGH! However, that is the price I pay for the fun I'm having!
Took a friend out who owns a 1999 MB CLK430 today and gave him quite a ride. I could tell he was a bit nervous by how tightly he was holding on to the "panic handle".
The MB's 275hp/305ft-lb torque are kind of lost in its 3600+ lbs, in comparison. The stats say that it is about 0.3 sec faster 0-60, but I didn't see it. Of course, the fit and finish for the car was a bit nicer (a moderate bit, not a lot).
WISH that Memphis Motorsports Park would do some Autocross or SOLO II events as I would dearly LOVE to take the G35 out on the track. Oh, well!
As for those people here thinking that 0.1 seconds 0-60 time in the R&T is substantial (G35 auto vs. 330i manual), that is less than 1/5 heartbeat in time and could EASILY be the other way on the street.
Anyway, got to got to bed. We ought to get together some time...
Scott
Personally, I think this is a good indication of the level of performance to expect with the manual transmission. And, when you combine the larger interior volume and Nissan reliability, as well as the large price difference, I believe you have to agree that the G35 is an excellent product. These comparisons never factor reliability, also.
For some people, the BMW is a better package, especially those with less restrictive budgets. They're the class benchmark for a reason. But, this test shows me that the 6-speed sedan will be plenty fun enough for me, and come in at a pretty respectable price for the level of equipment, even if the interior feel isn't "class leading".
Realistically, the top 3 cars are significantly different total packages which appeal to slightly different markets, when you factor in styling, interior volume, and luxury bits. It wouldn't be hard to justify any of those 3 as the best car for a person, depending on their requirements.
The next 3 cars are excellent front wheel drive based cars(a4 with quattro here) which affects their driving dynamics when pushed to the limits. But, for most drivers shopping these cars, they're a solid performance package that has good snow/foul weather capability. For many consumers, this may be the best compromise, with 3 different quality total packages to shop.
I believe the Mercedes C320 is a great looking car that is too expensive for what you get, especially with 6 other great options in this market. And, their recent trend has been to downgrade their interior quality, which isn't going to sit well with those interested in paying this premium price.
CTS - I haven't formulated an opinion yet, but I'm not a big fan of the lincoln LS as a sport sedan, and this reminds me a lot of that experiment. I think these cars are not really shooting at the 3-series benchmark, rather offering fun performance in a large package. not a bad thing, just not a sport sedan, imho.
Volvo S60 - great looking car, great interior, good performance. but, it is also expensive for what you get, performance wise. Not a bad choice, but not a top performer or top value play in a tightly contested market.
X type - way too expensive for the performance, without the reliability and luxury to compete for the more luxurious side of this equation. This car is not a compelling value in this market.
Left off - Nissan Maxima. It's a solid competitor to the TL-S with an available 6-speed manual. It doesn't have the handling manners of the top 3, but is a solid performance competitor to the front wheel drive cars. And, it's a great value play with the HLSD 6-speed SE available at $24k. And, it's got a nice interior to match. The Altima has better handling, but the interior is not a match for this class, unfortunately.
I'm eagerly awaiting my issue in the mail:)
A caution to all enthusiasts driving in CA: remember the bear in the air. My last ticket came on Christmas morning in 1996 on an equally empty stretch of SR99 near Stockton, and I never went faster than 80. By the time I saw the cruiser [working very hard to close - he had to have come from several miles back], it didn't matter, because the guy in the plane had already made the decision to nail me. Another wasted day out of my life in traffic school...
This felt like a cheap shot, but the fact is that the CHP has a big job to do and in general, I don't fault their execution. I would prefer them to spend more time working on truckers - and in fact that's what they are trying to do here in the Sacramento area - but catching truckers is very difficult even with the aircraft, since they communicate with each other so easily. As a 57 year old driving enthusiast, it's been alarming and discouraging to see how much dangerous, careless, and inconsiderate behavior now happens with people navigating 80,000 lbs that can't be stopped straight in half the county. In the "olden days of yore", the long-haul truck drivers were the best drivers on the road - too many exceptions these days,
Anyway, watch yourself, even on seemingly deserted stretches of ex-urban freeway - you might not be as alone as you think.
Been out of town for a while and busy with work, and glad to return to this list serv. I must admit it is nice to read the posts that have as much passion for the G (and cars in general) as I have had rekindled in me from driving this car. I do notice the tendency in the transmission to downshift at the slightest touch of the gas pedal, but I guess I take every opportunity to punch it these days (just to get up to the speed limit of course :>)
and love that kick back in your seat and throaty roar of the engine (and I'm no boy racer).
Scott: I agree that it would be nice if Memphis Motorsports Park would do some Autocross or SOLO II events so we could take our G35s out on the track (although I think I might find it a humbling experience when I realize I'm not as good a driver as I think I am).
Thanks.
Good thing about that is that although I only gd a modest bit off MSRP, I didn't have to contend with the later measured popularity of the car and the tacked on advertising fee that so many are having to negotiate around these days
Getting busted while still having dealer plates would be absolutely embarassing! I think that CHP officers must give each other points when they stop speeding cars that are THAT new
Faenor/Dane4