Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

hey1

I just ordered (probably a 3-4 week wait) a 2003.5 G35 Sedan with wood, Nav, winter, and premium package for $33,912.00. This price also includes an Infiniti spoiler installed by the dealer. What do you guys think of this price?

Thanks

adrian8

I installed the 3M Invinca-Shield plastic film on the hood and fenders of my bright silver G35 sedan. Never had done anything like that before, no window tinting experience. The stuff went on pretty easy. Now that I have the "hang" of it I ordered the lower bumper pieces. I is almost invisible, pretty cool stuff, should eliminate chips and dings. For more info call 888-339-1385 or www.invinca-shield.com. The kit number for the G35 sedan is #2021

ihaberman

Contrary to my earlier post, a dealer emailed me and informed me that the AWD G35 will now be coming for the '04 model year. Seems like the story keeps changing. But it's expected late November.

blueguydotcom

If you want the scoop on AWD and the G35, check Freshalloy.com. DFW on FreshAlloy has the info on everything happening with Infiniti.

adpcs

I am in the market for a 2003.5 G35 Sedan. I went to the dealer today saying that I wanted the Aero Package (mainly the factory installed spoiler), but no sports package (would prefer not to have the stiffer shocks and springs). But, according to everywhere that I read, you have to get the sports package if you want the Aero Package. The reason I don't want the sports package, is because I don't want the "rougher" ride that comes with it, but my question to all of you, is it really rougher? I drove one with sport package and one without back to back, and the one without was smoother, but was that just my perception or is really noticeable? If I took some air out of the tires on the sports package, will it make enough of a difference to make it seem like the non-sports package? The reason that I am asking this is because, I like the rims on the sports package a lot, and I want to get the spoiler. If I get the spoiler alone, the dealer wants about $700 for it (and I don't get the 5 spoke rims), compared to about $875 for the sports package, and aero package...Thanks in advance!

msiseng

Hmmm....Nissan or Infinity does not even rank...

From J.D. Power 2003 Initial Quality Study: Awardees

http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/releases/winners.asp?StudyID=736

sopecreek

I testdrove both, non-sport first and then sport.
For me, improvement in handling and cornering stability was more than enough to offset the loss of comfort, if any. The sport gave firmer ride for sure, but didn't feel uncomfortable. I'd never buy G35 without the sport suspension.

bigorange30

http://www.jdpa.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003028

Infiniti ranks 3rd. Nissan is somewhat lower but Infiniti is still doing quite well.

blueguydotcom

Latest JD Power Customer Service Index has Infiniti at the tip top:

http://thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6230&sid=173&am- p;am- p;n=156

rocketgirl

My G35 sedan is the first car I have had with a sport suspension. My previous car was an Avalon. I do not find that the ride is too rough either in town or on the highway. I do like the better handling capabilities of the sport suspension. I drove a non-sport G35 as a loaner car a month ago after driving my G for 6 months. I did not like the looser handling and did not notice (I wasn't looking for it either) a ride difference.

jsmit86

I test drove both types and decided on the non-sport. The differences are not so large, the sport suspension is slightly harsher, and firmer. The non-sport is still firmer than many cars that have a sports pkg.

My previous car was a 2001 I30t. The touring suspension was pretty tight especially compared to a standard I30 that is pretty loose.

My suggestion is to drive both types and see which you prefer. Keep in mind that the interior trim changes to a faux titanium with the G35 sports package. I wanted the Wood Pkg, and I also installed a wood kit, so I decided against the sports suspension.

ryoken

Is a wood trim available instead of the metal trim? Also is the 6spd available for the sedan yet?

Yes, there is a wood trim kit, but you cannot get wood with the sport package, and the 6spd comes with teh sport package standard. In fact, you get even more titanium trim with the sport package (the center console), which I happen to like.

ryoken

I went to the dealer today saying that I wanted the Aero Package ... but no sports package...

I wouldn't run the tires at less than the pressure on the sticker on the door (30 or 32psi, I believe). You'll wear out your tires faster, and risk overheating them and having a blowout.

The Aero Package contains the rear spoiler and the underbody diffusers that give you lower drag and zero rear lift. If you only want the spoiler and don't want the sport suspension, you can get a car without the sport suspension and order the rear spoiler separate and have it installed on the car by the dealership. The only noticeable difference would be you'll have a brake light in the window (which can be disconnected) AND on the spoiler. (Factory installed spoilers don't come with in-window brake lights.)

You can also order the underbody diffusers separate, if you want them.

msiseng

Thanks for the latest links. I stand corrected.

Now my G35 is overheating and spewing coolant everywhere. It has lived in the dealership more than it has at my home (over 1 month in the dealership). They dealer could not determine the cause last week. Anyone else have this issue?

There is a positive to this: The loaners are fun to drive! he he.....

clpurnell

sounds like a blown water pump. Had that happen on a 92 lumina with 107k on the clock. Hmmm seems like you bought some one else's lemon. You have the worst luck of anyone I have heard with a G.

msiseng

The dealer said they fixed the overheating issue. They said there was a "bubble" in the coolant system. They had to "bleed" the entire system and add new fluids. What is this? Think they were covering for a poor job when they replaced the a/c unit? Magically, the a/c squeal ceased.

Anyhow, got it back today and it drives fine. I think the problems are fixed and hopefully this is my last trip to this dealer for a long time.

An observation: After driving four G35 loaner cars, the Bridgestone tires seem to grip the road and yield less noise than the Goodyear tires. Can anyone attest to this?

Now I am ready to modify! Anyone like the Stillen exhaust?

ryoken

The Bridgestone tires should yield less noise and a smoother ride, as well has having less grip on the road. They are touring tires, not all-out performance tires (as the Goodyears are designed to be).

bobp11

What the hell is this? Engine coolant has an overflow canister where the level rises and falls with temperature and presure. Most definitely sounds like a bunch of BS but glad you have it fixed now.

msiseng

Just a bunch of double-speak for: "we did not install the new a/c correctly and the car overheated."

Don't you love these dealers? I really am enjoying this car's powerful engine. Ordering the Stillen forced air induction and quiet muffler this week and hope to gain +/- 20 true hp. The price is very nice.

It is really nice to blow the BMW's (3 and 5 series) off the road :-)

Anyone put a dual exhaust on the sedan yet? The Stillen is only made for the coupe.

chrisboth

msiseng

I cannot post the site here because it is considered advertising. Stillen makes an intake system for the Sedan. You can surmise the URL from the name.

pat

Actually, it is fine to post the URL as long as you don't have anything to gain from the site (and as long as it is not a link another automotive message board, which I'm sure it is not in this case).

Check the short paragraph (with the big name!) "Unauthorized Commercial Activity" in the Member Agreement on the left side of the page for the details.

: )

msiseng

Thanks for the clarification Host. And how could there be any other board but Edmunds :-)

birdman579

As the article states, I'm sure the Coupe is a nightmare in the snow. The standard tires are strictly for summer use in the 6MT coupe. The all-seasons that come on the sedan would be fine in light and moderate snows (less than 6 inches). The LSD in the 6MT sedan will help some as well.

markjenn

This article is basically saying that the car has very wide high-performance summer tires that work poorly in the snow. Nothing more should be inferred. Any car with this sort of rubber will behave similarily.

Put winter tires on a G35 and you'll do fine in most snow, but if you are in a really severe climate and can't afford to drive something else or stay inside, I'd bite the bullet and get something with AWD. If you don't want to wait or risk that the G35 AWD is just a rumor, I'd look at the Audi A6 or AWD Passat.

- Mark

msiseng

Another AWD Alternative is the Jaguar X-Type. It "may" boast a 335 hp engine next year (mid-year) and costs just a little more than than a fully loaded G35. Currently a sluggish 2.5L and a faster 3.0L engine are available. The Jaguar drives as well as any SUV in heavy snow (minus the ground clearance of an SUV). It corners wonderfully in the rain and is a true pleasure to own. It is currently available in a sedan version only. Prices are currently low because supply far outweighs demand. Some people are purchasing the loaded 2.5L under 32K. The 3.0L sells for approx. 4 - 5K more.

As maintenance is completely free and the customer service is wonderful, it may even the cost differential if you wait for the 335 hp engine.

Just a thought if you are also looking at the Audi/Volkswagon.

norcalmike2

If you buy an X Type, see if the dealer will throw in a tent with the deal. That way, you can camp out at the dealership while your X Type is in the shop for weeks at a time ;-)

himiler

Ouch!

chrisboth

underpowered even with bigger motor i hear, heavy and very pricey if you buy options. I priced one at 43 with stuff i wanted - for that money i'll get another car in another class...kinda like the 3 series is 5 series money with options...and hey they do drive nicely and the dealer will treat you well - you'll prob get to know him and break bread with him ala norcal mike's comment.

micked

So it is a reality or still rumour? Anyone know what kind of price increase we can see with AWD, and when it will be available?

Eddie G

birdman579

The AWD G35 is a sure thing. The first deliveries are expected at the end of the year. Right in time for the first snow. It will have the same AWD system as the FX35/45, meaning its primarily for bad weather, not performance. Most likely, the 6MT will not be available in AWD models.

msiseng

That is a good one considering my X-Type enters the shop for free maintenance and an occasional computer code upgrade. That is far less than the time the G35 sleeps at the dealership.

The '04 X-Type/R boasting a "reported" 335 hp is not a low number...or is it?

BTW - a competing dealer said the AWD G35 will be available in early November. He reports a waiting list of 10 customers at this time. The same dealer indicates used G35 sedans are flying off his car lot a day after he purchases them from auction. Hard to understand because so many new sedans remain unsold? Guess it is all in the depreciation?

himiler

Fine car that it may be, the X-Type has damaged the exclusive allure of higher-end Jags. Extending the model line below the S-Type was a serious error.

chrisboth

I was behind a new tauras and a new x type the other day and wow they really are similar, my gf wanted to drive one and she noticed the same thing and said forget it - i want a 350z and i started to feel overwhelmed with love for her...i know they are totally different but I agree with himiler on this one.

And the G I drive has never spent more than 60 minutes (in 13,000 miles) in shop and won the TQA award among several others. No one should be convinced that the infiniti product is inferior to a jag product..especially the x type. If a jag owner find his experience pleasant I dont discount it but find the overwhelming reactions from most people about the x type to be "are you kidding for 43 grand", mine included - for that much get the S.

wibble

The X-Type Jaguar is basically a Ford Mondeo with some Jag trimmings. It's built at the Ford plant at Halewood near Liverpool rather than the Jaguar plant in Coventry. Doesn't mean it isn't a good car though.

chrisboth

I honestly wish all the manufacturers got together and built the perfect car...many things from jag would be there. Think about an audi interior with jaguar body panels mixed with japanse engineering and electronics with a benz platform or BMW for that matter. And the porcshe guys to test it all and then refine it. And then everyone would have a car they could pour money into and never worry about what the other guys have. When i buy my G and passat I know it lacks some panache of a audi or a jag and it bums me out a little...something from all other offerings in class have things that my car doesn't have in styling or interior coolness or drivabllity - i want it all. I guess i'll save up for an aston martin - i bet they have it all and more. I'll let you know how it drives in 2030 when i get mine.

himiler

Sounds like your girlfriend's a keeper.

chrisboth

She hated my car (G) as passat was repurcashed and she loved it ALOT. Now I cant get her out of the G - i never get to drive unless I call it in advance - sometimes up to a week for a trip or something. And she can drive quickly - but hates performance driving by me since she isn't in control - ya know it's scarier in the passenger seat shiit...

Now if I could get her to agree on appliances, paint, furniture and whether to go to my shore house or her fathers...UHHH

cheerioboy26

Not sure where you see lots of G35s sitting around. You need some perspective. Most car dealears want 50-60 days supply on their lots. I just read an article (I think at thecarconnection.com) talking about Nissan's expansion plans. It said that Nissan wants 52-53 days suppply of their vehicles on the lots. So, if the G35 sedan sells about 3000 per month, with about 160 dealers, that is about 19 cars per month per dealer. So, an average number would be 32 sedans per dealer on the lot. Of course, not all dealers are alike. High volume dealers (like Grubbs) might have close to 100. The dealer I purchased from, Coleman in Bethesda, MD, has 38 sedans on the lot, down from about 60-70 a month ago. We have 3 dealers in the DC metro area.

msiseng

cheerioboy26 - DC Area - Coleman has many on the lot behind Montgomery Mall (Next to Sears). They hide them well on the top mall parking deck when they need to. They also hide the sedans behind the new post office. Who knows..maybe these are transfers to other dealers? I count more that the number posted. The used G's fly off the lot as quickly as they arrive even if Coleman is relatively expensive (used).

How do you like Coleman, btw? Isn't the manager a swell guy?

Passport Infinity has an abundance, as well. The Baltimore dealers ( +/- 40 miles from DC) house even more new sedans.

Chrisboth - I completely agree with you. A hybrid vehicle with a team of superstars from all the car maker's would be nice. And WHO actually pays 43K for a loaded X-Type? For that price one can get the S-Type. The Halewood Plant won many quality awards, right? In fact Jag. is starting to make other cars in this plant. Am I reading the wrong articles?

Ok, yes, it DOES look like a Taurus and/or Mystique from behind. No argument there.

Congrads on your pretty girlfriend. One way to get her to agree: purchase what you want and ask for forgiveness later. When does she let you drive the G on your terms?

cheerioboy26

An abundance of cars is just fine if they sell. You have to have selection, and if the cars are selling, the more you need. My numbers came from their website, so I can't vouch for their accuracy, but since the number goes up and down I don't see why it would be that far off, but I don't know for sure. I have seen their cars in the mall lots.

Who are you referring to at Coleman? The service manager? Don't think I've met him. I took my G there for the first year, but now it is going to Passport. I gre tired of seeing different service advisors every few months, and I've met the one at Passport via freshalloy.

msiseng

I am referring to the sales manager. The service manager is ok as he has a Jaguar backround. Translated: he needs to be good and has plenty of experience. Apparantly they lost a fantastic assistant service manager and are having an issue filling his "big" shoes. He made a lot of people very happy from what they say.

I agree that Passport is the best. The guys there are friendly, honest and pleasant to work with. It is a heck of a drive from Maryland, but worth it imho. Heard they are very busy with the FX rear latch issue. Always hear good things about Passport.

Love how Coleman posts inventory numbers which make them look favorable. Their summer sales numbers are awesome, so who knows? The showroom always appears to be buzzing with activity.

Would you purchase from them again or use Passport?

twoof1

Do you really think any automobile manufacturer gives away free service? You are fooling yourself if you really believe that Jaguar is giving you "Free service" as you claimed above. You paid for the service when you bought the car it's just that they front load the maintenance price into the price of the car so that way they are guaranteed to have you do the service at the dealership so they get you into the habit of using the dealer instead of an independent shop. Oh and they also get to earn interest on all that money you fronted them for service over the life of the agreement. Trust me, I have had 2 BMW's with "maintenance included" plans and it's NOT free.

chrisboth

I drive on my terms on saturday morning when i get coffee or drive south for weekend - alone. I like to get up at 530 and hit it while you may see 2 cars a half hour. I wish i had a track in my yard but i'm sure it wouldn't fit.

cheerioboy26

Sales manager when I bought was Nate. I don't know if he is still there. I closed my deal with him, and I was happy with the price I got, buying just two months after introduction. I didn't have a trade. Perhaps the buzzing showroom does equal a lot of sales? I don't know. Would I guy from Coleman again? Maybe, although I would go to Passport as well. Coleman has been fine for me. My wife likes the Murano and the FX, but she doesn't want to part with her Maxima.

norcalmike2

I called my Infiniti dealer today and asked if my 2003.5 sedan with a V.I.N. of 306939 was one of the 60,000+ G 35's recalled for a defective brake light switch. My car has been recalled. They told me that it's a 30 minute job where they replace the brake light switch at the brake pedal. I was also informed that the Sacramento Infiniti dealership has not seen a single G 35 brake light switch failure even though it has been recalled. You might want to call your service department and give them your V.I.N.. I hope this information is helpful.

cheerioboy26

from NHTSA:

http://152.122.48.12/prepos/files/Artemis/Public/Recalls/2003/V/R- - CRIT-03V200-3354.pdf

NOTE, according to the link, 6MT sedans are NOT affected.

2003 sedans ending with 000030-026621 (probably all of them)
2003.5 sedans ending with 300019-326652
2003 coupe 200022-213755

msiseng

Makes one wonder what they did with 2003 Sedan numbers 000000 - 000029? Are they saving these for museums and special car shows?

robmarch

probably dealer test days cars and show cars. and reviewer cars.

atluskane

Will the G35 post better 1/4 mile times like the Subaru WRX since it puts power on all 4's?