Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • beowulfbeowulf Member Posts: 1
    What do you guys think of black leather seats? In cold weather or warm weather.
  • cantabcantab Member Posts: 2
    Hello! I'm thinking about buying an 05 G35 leather AT sedan. I hope some people hear can answer these questions!

    (1) When will the automatic 05 sedans be in the dealers? Here in San Diego, there are still no 05s and as many 04s as ever.

    (2) Is the Bose audio worth having? Is it obtainable without the premium package?

    (3) Is the willow leather much cooler than the black on sunny days?

    (4) Will the 05 sedans need premium fuel? Will they run fine on unleaded, just with slightly less power?

    (5) Do some exterior and/or interior colors have worse resale value?

    Thanks a lot for any answers!
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Black leather is very hot when it sits in the summer sun. In the winter sun, black leather will be warmer than a light color. My personal preference is a light color with a dark exterior but I can tolerate black interior with light exterior. A lot of people love that black on black look though.
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    "(1) When will the automatic 05 sedans be in the dealers? Here in San Diego, there are still no 05s and as many 04s as ever."

    Any day now. I believe the cars left the U.S. port on 10/20.

    "(2) Is the Bose audio worth having? Is it obtainable without the premium package?"
     
    It's really subjective. Personally I don't like the Bose but a lot of people love it. If you can, listen to both and see if you think it is worth the extra. For 2005 it looks like the Bose isn't available seperately.

    "(3) Is the willow leather much cooler than the black on sunny days?"

    As a former resident of Riverside, I say "absolutey!". Remember there is a grey interior option for 2005.

    "(4) Will the 05 sedans need premium fuel? Will they run fine on unleaded, just with slightly less power?"

    The extra engine power needs 91 octane minimum.

    "(5) Do some exterior and/or interior colors have worse resale value?"

    Stay away from the Garnet fire and you should be fine.

    Lots of info at http://www.nissannews.com/infiniti/2005vehicles/g35_sedan/index.s- html on the 2005 G35 sedan

    Thanks a lot for any answers!
  • dsjeeptidsjeepti Member Posts: 61
    I am considering a G35 Sedan (Auto) and have noticed a local dealer advertising several 2003 brand new leftovers, full warrantee, leather, moonroof, sport suspension for $24,995. Another dealer has the base 2004 (no options, cloth interior) for $23,995. I hadn't seriously considered a G35, but at these prices I may go for it. My question is which one is the better deal? I can live with the cloth, but like the power seats and moonroof on the 04. I have heard of several problems with 2003's and improvements to the 04's, so mechanically I was leaning towards the base 04. Just not sure which makes more sense. I plan to keep the car for 5 or more years so I don't think depreciation will be that much of a factor. Any input would be helpful.

    Thanks, Dan
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I personally can't imagine buying a luxury car with cloth seats and no sunroof. Might as well just get a Camry or Accord.

    The 2003 price is about what used models with 20K miles are going for. Sounds like a decent deal to me.
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    I personally would go with the 2003. You'll still getting a 60,000 mile / 4 year warranty with the car. Most of the initial teething problems were with the original 2003 cars. The 2003.5 cars were improved. Mechanically and body style, there is no difference between a 2003.5 and a 2004. Make sure that before you take delivery, the service department at the dealer has performed all the relevant TSB's etc.
  • dsjeeptidsjeepti Member Posts: 61
    How can I be sure the TSB's have been performed? Speaking with the salesperson, I got the typical "you're covered by the warrantee" line. I told him I didn't want to discover the problems after delivery, especially if it's already a known issue. I was told that they had a bunch of 03's when they bought up another dealership. Now they are down to one or two left (both a not so pleasant, IMO, light blue).
    Is there a way to tell if this was an early 03 or later 2003.5?
    At least to 04 base can be gotten in almost any color. If I can live with the blue and it's a 2003.5, I'll consider it.

    Thanks again, Dan
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    There should be a sticker either on one of the door jams or maybe on the trunk lid which as the build date, month and year. I think the G35s came out in Feb or Mar of 2002 as an early 03 model.
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    The easiest way to tell a 2003 from a 2003.5 is to look at the trunk. If the back of the car looks the same as the 2004 then it's a 2003.5.
  • chhillinnchhillinn Member Posts: 5
    Recently bought a 2003 G35 with 31000 miles. Love the car! Of course it was due for the scheduled 30000 mile service. Took it to the nearby Infiniti dealer and the bill was about $800, ouch. Any recommendations on service for these cars? Can the filters, oil, trans be serviced at any garage or should they be done by Infiniti? They did replace the front brakes and rotors under warranty, $300, which was great and I had the free loaner.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    $800 sounds pretty steep for a 30K service but I don't know what they did. I suspect there were a lot of "inspections" which take far less actual time than you are billed for.

    I was told by an Infiniti dealer that any Nissan dealer could do normal service and most garages could do oil & filter changes and other routine stuff but that's probably not what drove the cost up.
  • chhillinnchhillinn Member Posts: 5
    Recently bought a 2003 G35 with 31000 miles on it. Love the car. There was no record of any service so I took it into dealer for the 30000 mile check up. Ended up costing $800!! The dealer was great, had free loaner, replaced the front brakes & rotors under warranty & they stamped the car service book. But are these service items, filters, oil, trans, etc something that any garage can do for half the cost?
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    Good grief! My local dealership charges $189.95 for the 30,000 mile service.
  • oman9oman9 Member Posts: 97
    I wonder what is all being done as part of the $30K service. $800 is high for sure, 190 sounds low...

    Some of what I think is supposed to be done is...

    Change plugs
    Change Tranny Fluid (takes like 13/14 quarts...)
    Oil/Filter
    Fuel Filter?
    Yes, a lot of "inspections"...
    What else? What did they do for 190?

    Thanks!
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    According to the maintenence information here on Edmunds, the 30,000 mile service should cost $198.
    According to Infiniti, work done is;

    * Replace engine oil and filter.
    * Replace air filter.
    * Change automatic transmission fluid.
    * Rotate wheels.
    * Inspect complete brake system, fuel lines and hoses, drive shaft seals and boots, steering, suspension, cabin air filter.
  • oman9oman9 Member Posts: 97
    Good deal Wibble,

    Edmunds does have this excellent resource re: maintenance. I own an I30t and pulled out my owners manual and compared the service schedule to Edmunds...seems Edmunds is right on!

    The price of $800 is ridiculous...my So. Cal dealer will charge in that neighborhood actually. You need to be informed, be willing to ask for discounts, etc.

    I'm scheduled for a service tomorrow 120K (the 60K interval, the big one...) and they wanted over 700. One difference is that the dealer recommends changing the tranny fluid. Neither Edmunds or the manual have that in there...but even without doing the tranny fluid my dealer wants $550. With tranny fluid it's around 700 plus....

    Edmunds has an "in your area" deal re: cost but I think the market changes and the addition of this G35 a few years back made my dealer a fatter cat providing lesser service at greater cost.

    I will take this info to my dealer tomorrow (Edmunds quoted cost on my I30 is $290) and see what gives and what they can do....
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    Which dealer in So. Cal. do you use?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    "The easiest way to tell a 2003 from a 2003.5 is to look at the trunk. If the back of the car looks the same as the 2004 then it's a 2003.5."

    Do you know what month the change occurred? I've never noticed any difference in the back end but I don't see too many in my town (no Infiniti dealer) so it must be fairly subtle.
  • cheerioboy26cheerioboy26 Member Posts: 412
    The 2003.5 went on sale in Sept. 2002. The 2003 has a square cutout around the logo and the word INFINITI - the letters are scrunched together becuase the cutout is actually a trunk release. If the back of the car looks like I N F I N I T I then it's an 03.5 or 04.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Thanks. I've looked at a few pix on Ebay and I see what you mean. Never noticed that before.
  • chhillinnchhillinn Member Posts: 5
    Here's the detail on my recent 30000 Infinitii service; for $846. The labor was $300, misc parts including the in cabin mirco filter were $100, the fuel injector service parts & labor $100 and the trans clean & flush parts & labor about $300. Looks like that every 30000 miles a service like this is recommended.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Fuel injector service is popular with dealers because it's almost pure profit. I've never seen an owner's manual even show that service. No trans needs a fluid change at 30K miles. Most transmission shops will do a trans service for well under $200. Find another dealer who isn't going to rob you.
  • oman9oman9 Member Posts: 97
    You have to define trans service. There is a complete flush which is a complete drain and replace with, on my I30t, 14 quarts. Or there is the deal where they take off a filter and put 4 quarts in and call that "replacing the tranny fluid". Prices differ between the two.

    Wibble, I use Tustin Infiniti...
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    It's a total rip-off. Check here on Edmunds. They have a very good tool that tells you what is due at each service and how much the parts and labour should be. There is no fuel injector service recommended on the G35 at this interval. The dealer where I used to take my car too had menu pricing for all services. Adding up all the services from 0 miles to 60000 miles came to around $1100. How much would it come to at your dealer? Around $10000 by the looks of it. I think a little naming and shaming is in order here.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Go to the Tips and Advice tab at the top of this page, then click on Maintenance Guide and you'll see what to do from there...
  • kudy843kudy843 Member Posts: 26
    Anyone knows if the audio system that comes with the premium package can play mp3 songs copied to a cd?

    Thanks for your help.
  • wibblewibble Member Posts: 569
    The 2005 models will play MP3s straight off the CDR. Earlier models will only play CDRs burnt as CDs. Hope this makes sense!
  • jim14jim14 Member Posts: 4
    I've owned a my 300M since '99 and have been looking at the G35 to replace it. I must admit that I was supprised at the gas mileage discussions. Has anyone gotten close to the claims on the sticker? I drive 96 miles each way to work 2X a week.
  • beanctrbeanctr Member Posts: 99
    Gas mileage is my only concern at this point with my new G35. I love everything else about the vehicle. With just over 1,000 miles on the car, the engine is still in the process of being broken in so hopefully the mileage will gradually improve. With that being said, I am averaging around 22 mpg with mostly highway driving under light to moderate throttle. The sticker said up to 26 mpg, so it has a long way to go. Some say the EPA estimates don't reflect reality; however, in prior vehicles I have owned I have found it to be fairly accurate.
  • eticketrideeticketride Member Posts: 53
    In San Diego, I was quoted $425 from one dealer and ~$530 from another dealer. I do not know if the service to be performed is exactly the same as listed on Edmunds, but $200 for a 30K service seem awefully cheap. I don't think I have ever seen a 30K service for $200 on any car that I have owned. By chance did they charge you for the brakes and not take it off of the bill??? That might push the bill to $800. Just a thought.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I thinking about a used 03.5 or 04 G35. Something with less the 30K miles. My only hesitation is that the closest dealer is 100 miles away so if I need any warranty work, it will be really inconvenient. Based on your ownership experience, should I be concerned? Were most of your warranty issues taken car of in the first 10-20,000 miles?
  • cybersolcybersol Member Posts: 91
    Anyone seen, touched, driven the 2005 models now arriving at the dealerships? What are your impressions?

    Thanks,
    cybersol
  • smith1smith1 Member Posts: 283
    I have been wondering the same thing with regards to a new G35, the closest Infiniti dealer to me is 120 miles away.

    Are Nissan dealers allowed to do warranty work on Infinitis?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    "Are Nissan dealers allowed to do warranty work on Infinitis?"

    Not according to the Infiniti saleman I emailed about this issue.
  • pajackpajack Member Posts: 32
    I currently own a 2004 G35x.
    The suspension of the AWD model is about 4" higher.
    Does anybody know that if the G35x's suspension is adjustable? I want to lower the vihecle and increase the performance.

    Thank you...
  • chhillinnchhillinn Member Posts: 5
    No the brakes were not included in the $800 30,000 mile service. See my response, I think ques #8681 or 8661 which gives the detail on the $800. About $400 was for the the trans flush and service. They did replace the front brakes & rotors but that was under the the 36K warranty and there was no charge.
  • smpsynergysmpsynergy Member Posts: 2
    I am seriously considering purchasing a 04 G35, 21k miles for $24,000. Includes clean history, leather, sunroof, power etc...it's the base model. Does this sound like a good deal?
  • tomptomp Member Posts: 5
    Ready to buy a new 05. What are the differences between the G35 and the Acura TL. Is one more smooth? How about the nav units?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Nothing you'll read here will substitute for your own homework followed by a long test drive. You will get mostly pro-G35 comments here and mostly pro-TL comments in the Acura forum. It all gets down to what's important to YOU.
  • jonm1jonm1 Member Posts: 2
    Picked up my new 05 G35x on November 18th. It is a blast to drive. It should have come with built-in radar as it does fly down the highway. I am having the bumpers covered in Armorglove tomorrow before the garage I park in in NYC destroys them.
    The interior of the cabin is very nice. I went with the Rosewood trim. Also, the center console was redsigned for 05, and the hump on the left of the console does not cut into my leg as it did in the 04 that I drove. The interior is more refined as well. The only fault that I notice so far is that Infiniti took away the hot plug that was to the right of the console. The only hot plug is in the arm rest (and the cigarette lighter). You run out of electrical outlets once you plug in a handsfree cell phone and an FM adapter for an ipod.

    Another quirk is that the memory seats do not also remember the position of the side mirrors. I park my car in a garage in NYC every day, and the mirrors are also changed from my driving position. How much programming does it take to have included that feature? Also, the car doors do not automatically lock when you are in drive going over any speed. I just turned in an Audi when the threshold was 9 mph. Other than these quirks, I like the car a lot.
  • jonm1jonm1 Member Posts: 2
    The new 2005 radio with the Premium package will play mp3 songs burned to a CD.
  • pkl123pkl123 Member Posts: 43
    If you dont mind me asking , what package did you get and what did you pay ?
  • colonel35colonel35 Member Posts: 108
    My father-in-law has a TL, I have a G35 Coupe 6-speed. It boils down to what your preferences are. The TL's interior is nicer--better ergonomics, higher quality materials, and that DVD-A 5.1 stereo just rocks. The ride is quieter and softer. But it's a front-wheel drive and very nose-heavy. So it pushes (understeers) a lot more, and doesn't feel as balanced (even on long highway sweepers). I've heard the A-spec, witht the stick, is more buttoned-down, but exhibits far more torque-steer than does the automatic, which nicely suppresses it. The G35, on the other hand, is definitely more sporty and fun to drive, although more crude in most respects. Not exactly like a Subaru WRX, mind you, but not as polished as the TL.
  • dawgysg35xdawgysg35x Member Posts: 1
    Could you please describe your problem....I have a 04 AWD g35 and I have had my trans replaced. I have discovered a hard shift from 2nd to 3rd(in the manual shift mode) in all the g35's. I test drove a brand new 04 awd with a tech from Infiniti and it about threw us out the windshield. I had a loner g35 (not awd) and it also had a hard shift in the manual drive from 2nd to 3rd.
    My dealer seems to think this is normal. HELP PLEASE!!
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Does anyone know what Infiniti Employee Pricing is? How is the price figured?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Someone just posted a link on the G35 prices paid forum.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    In the 2004 Infiniti brochure it says the dealer will provide a loaner during service. Does this offer extend during the warranty period or is it just for the original purchaser? I'm wondering if I would get this service if I bought a used G35.
  • oman9oman9 Member Posts: 97
    I believe the official party line is that it extends during the warranty period and should be regardless of whether you were the original purchaser. Further, the loaner is like anything else...negotiable.

    My dealer provides me loaners and I'm well past the warranty service. We agreed during my purchase that as long as I owned the car I would get a loaner...get it put in writing as part of your purchase contract...good luck!
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    Brief background: Current ride = 2003 Lincoln LS V8 Sport. I am looking now in expectation of buying next year sometime. Drove a couple of 2003 G35s in ’03 before buying the Lincoln.

    On Saturday, I drove both of the 2005s prepped and ready to be driven at my local Infiniti dealer. (I understand that they have others – “out back”. And they still have many 2004s.) One had only sunroof and sport suspension, the other had the Premium C Package and no sport suspension (and the wood - $250?). One $33K and change – the other $35K and change – MSRPs.

    Initial impression of the interior is that it is a pretty nice place to go about the business (and pleasure) of driving. It does still (initially) feel a bit narrower and feels a bit more confining than what I am used to. (I need to check some interior dimensions again – I believe there is just over an inch difference in front shoulder room. Feels like a larger difference.) The front seat is generally comfortable, but I am amazed that they did not move the adjustment controls from the right front edge. Bizarre.

    The dash and other interior surfaces appear upgraded as advertised - and more acceptable now. (Were marginal at best in 2003.) Both power tilt and telescope (manual on non-Premium) for the steering wheel is appreciated. The leather “boot” around the shift lever is a nice touch. The new interior color - gray (sand?) is what I would buy. The previous 2 choices were either too dark or too light for me here in Georgia. I suppose the Rosewood is a matter of taste – I think it is OK.

    Trans. I drove both vehicles exclusively in “manumatic” mode, as this is how I now drive my current car over 90% of the time. I was particularly interested the “rev match on downshift” feature reportedly part of the ’05 upgrade. This is one of the primary reasons that I decided it was worth a test drive. It certainly makes an attempt at a “rev match” – but in several attempts (downshifting to a lower gear when it would result in significant 1500+ rpm bump) it seemed a bit “uncoordinated.

    Trans. continued. The automatic, sequential downshifts – all the way to 1 at a stop – would require a bit of recalibration for me. In the sense that I am used to NO downshifts (unless I actually move the lever) from 4 or 5 until below 10 MPH. And no downshift from 2 or 3 – at any speed – unless I move the lever. I am used to not having to be aware of when such automatic downshifts occur. And in heavy stop and go traffic, I typically start in 2nd gear – as no significant acceleration is required - or possible.

    Trans. Torque converter is rather loose – meaning that large rpm swings occur when locked in a high gear and applying throttle. Not necessarily good or bad – but different. Hmmm . .

    Final Drive Gearing. I am used to lower rpm at cruise. I suppose I could get used to it. This is probably part of why the acceleration feels acceptably quick – and why the EPA highway fuel mileage is no higher . . . OTOH, the acceleration and mileage are quite similar to what I now drive. [3.9L V8 and 5 speed automatic – and likely a bit heavier.] With comparable fuel mileage, I do like the G35’s 20 gallon fuel tank better than the 18.1 gal. I have now . .

    Engine. The 3.5L Nissan / Infiniti motor has been widely acknowledged to be exceptional in power delivery and smoothness. No argument from me. Infiniti appears to have allowed a slightly more aggressive exhaust note for ’05. And the engine noise that I found slightly intrusive in the ‘03s appears now reduced to an acceptable level.

    The Sport Suspension appears acceptable (from a ride perspective) for me. The LSD and larger tires (and more attractive wheels, to my eye) would likely provide an improved (enlarged) performance / handling envelope. For these drives, though, I was more interested to determine if any ride sacrifice would be worth it, to me. Looks like it would. Glad to be able to buy the suspension / wheels / tires without any other visual / external cues. (“spoiler”, etc.) I certainly did not push the car’s handling, but it was quite comfortable on the winding rural route I drove and steady and composed at highway speeds – up to 70 / 75. Odd that wind noise from the sunroof, in full “vent” position, seemed somewhat intrusive at 45 – 55 but seemed fine at 70 – 75. Interesting.

    Concerns:

    Long distance driving - seat comfort. (And they have heaters – but no “coolers”.) I sometimes drive 5 or 6 hours in a day.
    The general manager / sales manager offered to let me drive one for a few hours to further evaluate.
    We’ll see.

    It appears that there is still not even minimal (Avg. MPG, DTE) information display without the Nav. Odd.

    Outside rear view mirrors are a bit too small for my taste. A potential issue for me when driving in Atlanta area traffic.

    Overall, this revised and updated ’05 seems an improved package, and would probably be enjoyable to drive. It is (as some of their Ad copy suggests) a responsive and relatively refined sporting sedan.

    - Ray
    Keeping the G on my “short list” – for now . .
    2022 X3 M40i
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