Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

colonel35

I get anywhere from around 350 to 425 miles to the tankful on my '03 G35 Coupe 6MT, depending on how much of it is spent on highways. (I can't recall if the sedan's tank is bigger than the coupe's or not.) The onboard trip computer reports an average economy of around 23mpg on my mostly-highway commute, but it's rarely above 15mpg in in-city driving.

siege

I've had my 2005 G35x for over a month now and I LOVE it. My only complaint would be the poor sound quality of the Bose sound system. Kind of disappointed in it's sound, but otherwise, the car is amazing. My long commute is now pleasurable.

Anyway, my question is regarding the "snow" mode - which I've had to use frequently because of the recent storms here in Michigan. According to the owner's manual, the snow mode is supposed to disengage automatically at speeds exceeding 12 mph - at which point, the computer takes over. However, I can still feel a difference in the acceleration and drag on the car when the snow mode has been engaged manually but I am travelling at say...45 mph. If I turn the mode off manually at these higher speeds, this "drag" goes away. So, if the computer disengages the snow mode automatically at higher speeds, why do I still feel a difference in performance at these higher speeds - and the difference goes away the moment I turn if off manually?

 

Thank you.

mnrep2

But, the salesman explained to me that after the 12 mph limit, snow mode still modulated the application of throttle. Eg. if you mash the throttle it would not apply the power to the wheels as quickly. Try turning off snow mode and mashing the throttle, and then turning it back on and doing the same thing.

 

The idea is to reduce tire spin....

gmk519

I paid $34k even for a 2005 G35x with premium package.

 

I would not pay a dime over $32k for a 04. In fact, I recommend you look at the 05 and not the 04. There have been substantial improvements over the last year, including:

 

Memory seat with power telescoping.

Intelligent Key (keyless system)

More HP

Illimuniated steering controls

Improved Interior.

gmk519

I'm getting around 17 to 18 mpg with every refill. That's around 350 a tank. However, be aware if you're a city dweller... in the city and/or traffic I get about 15 mpg or less.

buffsr1

Here in Portland, OR they don't like to deal. We have 1 dealer and they do not participate in any of the large buying websites.

 

Anyway - I am down to a 2004 G35 or an Acura TL.

 

Invoice on the 2004 leather is $27,876 plus around 2100 for premium package.

 

Dealer is trying to tell me invoice is $30200 plus premium.

 

He also says there is no holdback from Infiniti.

 

Can someone help me validate this - Edmunds no longer has invoice prices for 2004

markcincinnati

The 2205's interiors are so much better than the '04s, plus the residual value of the '04 is so much lower now, you might be able to get a better deal on an '05, unless you are paying 100% cash.

 

Here in Cincinnati an '04 with premium was $369 a month.

pat

If it's helpful, the 2004 G35 info is listed under Used Cars now...

goose

Today, Sunday morning, I was at my local Infinite dealer looking at the G35 sedan. I've always liked Acura but I think the G35 is a better value and performer than the 05 TL. Its an unusual morning in Tucson, AZ. Very high humidity with patches of fog. All the vehicles on the lot had dew. While admiring the outside of the G35 I noticed a color variation. It was between the rear plastic bumper covering and the adjacent rear side sheet metal. It was evident on all of the light colored G35 sedans. It could have been a texture difference and not a color variation. Regardless, I should not be seeing such a variation on a $30K plus vehicle. This is not a bashing of the brand but I like detail and that noticeable flaw is not cool.

spaceghost

Hi goose. I was reading your post and wanted to enlighten you on why there is a color variation between the rear plastic bumper cover and the rear side sheet metal. On almost all vehicles it may appear that the bumper covers and side sheet metal match, but they almost never. I am a claims adjustor and wanted to bring you up to speed on today vehicles. You have to have a train eye or look very, very closely. They will almost never match. They will always be slightly off. Why does the manufacturer make them that way, I don't know.

stevep1

I noticed a change in the handling/steering of my 04 G35X recently. I'm not sure I know the right terminology to describe it but it's like the wheel is less heavy - like there's more assist being applied. The feel is less solid, it feels like it tends to drift more. I have not taken it in because I'm wondering if it's just in my head - like I'm finding things that aren't there.

 

Any thoughts as to what a possible explanation might be? (other than I'm crazy!) I've only got 8500 miles on it.

joeshan

I've got 3025 miles on mine (same as yours, but Garnet Fire/Willow) with RS-A's. This is only a guess, but I think that this may be a manifestation of tire wear-specifically, the outer shoulder of the tires rounding off as they wear, even when properly inflated. I'm starting to notice this (it's a very subtle feeling) on my car now, and the tires have visibly, (if negligibly), worn by now. Just look at the difference between the fronts and the rears-I bet that you can see wear. Which tires do you have?

bobh2

New member, but I've been watching the board closely and about ready to make the big purchase. I'm troubled by a comment I say that said the G35 navigation system was inferior to the TL. Any thoughts, comments or experience? Input appreciated. (note: the navi would be very important in my work, so I want the best)

giovanni1

Personally I like the Nav in the TL better, it seems to be one of the best systems out there.

colonel35

I haven't sampled the NAV in the TL, so I can't offer a direct comparison. But I will say I really like--and often use--the NAV in my G35. My only two gripes about it are:

 

1) You can't designate a new destination when moving (although, you can choose a destination saved in the address book, or one of the "quick" stop features--e.g. ATM, restaurant, gas, etc.). Then again, this is probably true on most/all OEM NAV systems.

 

2) No touch-screen. This--as implemented on the Lexus NAVs, for example--would make data entry faster when typing addresses.

 

But, overall the system works well, the optional "bird's eye" view is awesome, the interface intuitive, and the map data accurate and very comprehensive.

complwyr

I will be leasing a car through my business soon, and I have narrowed down my list of candidates to a G35 6MT sedan and the BMW 325i sedan with manual tranny. (Although my wife thinks I should get the 2005 Avalon or a Volvo S60). I have read the magazine articles, but still my question is this: How does that G35 6MT compare to the 325i in everyday driving? I commute about 20 miles in the city and take long trips too.

colonel35

You should test drive both and decide what you prefer. I faced a similar choice between the 330ci and the G35 Coupe a couple of years ago. I loved the 330's handling and smooth drivetrain, but the G35's power was intoxicating, and the $5k difference was not trivial, so I went with the Infiniti. BMW may cut you a good deal on the outgoing 325, but the new one--expected to hit dealers in April--looks very promising. The engine will actually be a 3.0, with a similar power bump, and the upgraded body and styling of the E90 (which isn't as controversial as the 5- and 7-series). Then again, I suspect the pricing will be at or above MSRP, at least through the summer, with the new models.

bobh2

Thanks for the input on the Navi, Colonel--that makes me feel better. Now the wife insists that we look at the new Avalon before we finally get the G35...sigh!

gunit

A few things to say, I got a loaner 2004 G35X while my 2001 I30t is in for repairs. Very nice handling/driving car. Very rough/stiff ride, feel every pebble in the road. Gas mileage is pretty bad for a V6, only 17/24. Most V8 cars get the same or better. My biggest gripe is the controls and layout.. no ONE touch close to the sunroof like I30t....having to hit the power door unlock button to unlock the gas cap. They should have put a separate button in like the i30-i35. Also the radio control button & Temp vent spd button are on the far right of the radio, good for the passenger not the driver.. I hope Nissan fixes that. Why no backlit controls on the steering wheel? Most $20k to $25k cars have that... Overall nice car.. Can't wait to get my I30t back with its more comfortable ride and larger trunk-car.

rayainsw

Did you check the tire pressures?

Dealers often seem to run high to VERY HIGH pressures on every car on their lots - New, Used, Loaners . .

Just an idea.

I have driven 3 2003 / 04 G35s (and 2 05s) but never an 'x'.

- Ray

Noting that some of what you object to is addressed in the '05 G . .

gmk519

With regards to snow mode, I too have noticed that it is not automatically disengaging at 12mph. In fact, I can smell the car overheating at higher speeds until I manual shut off the snow mode.

Realistically, the snow mode should only be used in heavy snow anyway. I live in Wisconsin, with similar weather conditions to michigan and can tell you the feature is not necessary, unless the snow is several inches deep.

Kris

gmk519

The G35x has poorer mileage because it is an AWD vehicle. The car naturally starts in a 25/75 power distribution.

Also, the power in the G35 is substantially different than the I30 your used to. In fact, they're completely different cars, and should be driven for different reasons. The G is ultimately a performance vehicle, and when driven, you should feel very connected with the road. Trunk space was clearly (and rightfully so) not a priority when designing the G35.

As for your complaint about the illuminated steering wheel, that has been addressed in the 05 model.

ficuss

Has anyone had the gas filler door of a G35 lock shut, even when it is supposed to be unlocked. Mine did this yesterday and the lock needed to be replaced. This could have been embarrassing if not really bad. Do you 1) destroy the door latch to gas up or 2) do you drive to a dealer and hope you make it before running out of gas?

colonel35

Yikes; that's one maintenance item you can't really put off too long. Never heard of that one.

ficuss

I have to wonder why it's even there. I've been driving for nearly 40 years and I have never had someone steal gas from the car. A few people some time ago in Chicago tried to steal gas with a shop vac. It ended ugly. Some have tried stealing gas by punching a hole in the bottom of the tank and catching the leaking gas in a bucket. A lock on the gas door would not help here.
The way electronic parts work, when one goes, it is usually a sign that more will follow. We'll see.

thebigshow

Hello:

Does anyone know what the top speed is for the 2005 Infiniti G35 6MT (298 hp) Sedan? I have not been able to find any magazine tests. Is the top speed electronically governed?

I have been evaluating this car for a while know. I was talking with an owner of a 2003 G35 Sedan model who stated that she needs to replace brake pads every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. Apparently this is a known issue and Infiniti has paid for the replacements up to 35,000 miles. Does anyone know if this probelm exists with the 2005 G35 Sedan 6MT?

Thank you in advance for your help.

themdtn

TheBigShow,

I don't know what the top speed is, but it should be electronically governed.
About the brake problem of pre-2005 G35 (non Brembo), 2005 G35 has improved brake hardwares i.e. bigger rotors and dual piston caliper vs. single on 2004 in front. Also the brake pad in the 2005 is not as soft as that of 2004. So these should fix the short-life brake pad problem and still provides the same braking performance.

colonel35

According to C&D, the G35 is governed to 146mph, although I'm not sure how "hard" a governor that is. (With the BMW M3, for example, owners regularly report seeing 170 or so, even though it's limited to 155; then again, their speedo's are quite optimistic.) The 18 added ponies with the '05's, I imagine, would only translate to an additional 5mph or so, since at those speeds you need exponentially more power for very little gain.

Ah, it's all academic anyway. If I could average 55 on my commute home I'd be happy.

thebigshow

Thanks to Mdtn and Colonel35 for teh infromation. Mdtn, I am glad the brakes are improved. I have always likeed the (now non-available) Brembo brakes, although I have heard the are very expense to maintain.

Colonel, as you eluded to, I believe the Car and Driver numbers are for pre 2005 models. Infiniti representatives at their toll free customer service numbner told me that the 2005 are goverened in the 130 mpg range. This is hard to believe with teh increase in HP and teh 6MT sport suspension package. I agree with the realistic speeds on the commute to and/from work, although it is nice to now that you have it when it is needed.

I am almost sold on this car. The only flaw I can fidn is very minor. I want the Sirius Satellite radio option. The Infiniti has a very after market looking black satellite antennae with a black strip cover the wire. With a car in this class, I would assume that a color coded satellite antannae would be available.

Take it Easy.

cheerioboy26

My only guess with the sat radio is that it wasn't designed into the original car. My 03 G35 doesn't even have a "SAT" button, so I have an after-market unit. The M does have a fin antenna, IIRC, and I would guess the next G (2007?) would have sat integrated better.

colonel35

That's part of the reason I just bought the XM kit from the dealer and installed it myself (super-easy, by the way). I installed the antenna on the center of the front dash (right below the windshield), so that it doesn't distract from the coupe's lines. (Installing it on the rear shelf is also possible, but since I had metallic tint applied, it would have undermined its reception.) The reception, given the less-than-ideal location, works well except when heading North/East in exurban areas with high trees.

You could probably also paint the antenna to match, although I'd suggest a non-metallic paint.

vanhalenabe

Hi everyone, this is my first post on this board. To give you a little background, I currently own a Mazda MX-6 and my wife drives an Acura MDX. We have a 14 month baby girl, and it is getting very difficult for me to get her in and out of the car seat, if I have to pick her up.

So, I'm in the market for a new vehicle. I had wanted to stay with a manual transmission -- I don't have traffic in my commute and prefer the fun and feel of a manual transmission.

Anyway, I had narrowed the choice down to the Acura TL 6MT and the Infiniti G35 Sedan with 6MT. After weighing all of the pros and cons, I decided to go with the G35.

Then came the baby car seat test, in which the G35 did not do well. The TL has a latch position in the center, so you can place a rear-facing car seat in the middle and still have room for 2 adults on the outside positions. The G35 does not have this.

I then tried to put the rear-facing car seat behind the drivers seat and the passengers seat. Even with the seats adjusted to my short 5'8" frame, I found that I had to move the seats too far forward in the G35. The Acura was a tiny bit better in this regard. Since my heart was set on the G35, I was very disappointed in this.

We only have one child now, but hope to have a second one in the future. Meaning that we will probably have both a forward facing toddler seat and a rear facing infant seat in the back. So, I really need a vehicle that can accomodate both.

This brings me to small SUV's. I test drove both the Infiniti FX35 and the Lexus RX330. The Lexus is more practical, but I really prefer the looks and sporty feel of the FX35. I preferred the control and feel of the FX35 sport suspension, with the 20" wheels, even though the ride was a tad harsher. I live in Dallas, and a RWD car with big wheels will rarely have weather issues to contend with.

I would appreciate any advice, especially with regards to the baby car seats, that would help me make my decision. If there are any parents of young children out there that have faced a similar problem recently, I would appreciate your input.

I have checked out the Infiniti Snugkids website, but it does not say anything about how to put a car seat in the center position.

One thought is to go with the my first choice, the G35. The problems with the infant car seat will only be for the first couple of years. After which the baby will be in a forward-facing car seat that the G35 can easily accomodate. Do I rule out my #1 choice just because of a car seat? Like I said, I was very disappointed when the G35 did not do well with the car seats. I'm beginning to think that all mid-size sedans will have this problem.

Sorry for the long email. Thanks.

riccary

We picked the G35 over the TL six months ago with no regrets. We have not had a one problem with the car in 8,000 miles. The performance and handling is excellent.
Whenever I can talk with people that have G35's I do and I have to say 95% of those I have spoken with all sum it up the same as I do. Love it !

al4sure

I recently purchased an Infiniti G35. It has a BOSE system with XM SAT button. Will I be able to get my SAT working if I purchase the service and a antenna. If not, do I have to take it to the dealer?

colonel35

I'm pretty sure this forum will be closed soon, but to answer your question:

Yes, it will accept either the XM or Sirius satellite receivers, but you'll need to buy the package (around $300 or so, if memory serves) through the dealer. (After-market tuners are not compatible with the head-unit.) It's a relatively easy self-install, or you can have the dealer install it.

pat

>> I'm pretty sure this forum will be closed soon, but to answer your question:

I moved that post and your answer here, so now all is cool!

cmnott

All I can say is any car in this segment is always going to be a bit of a challenge.

I don't know the weight or size of your child, but it would seem that she should be able to face frontwards right now, which is always easier space-wise. In any event, if you plan another, it will be inevitable that rear facing will beused at somepoint. They are all tight.

We have two kids under the age of 4 and when my daughter, the second child was born, my son was
2 years old. What we looked at is those first few months where my wife, when she could, would like to sit in the back with my daughter to see how she is doing, crying, spitting up, etc...she was able to sit in the back seat beside my daughter while my son was in a front facing seat. We went with a 2002 Explorer EB for that reason and it was the best decision we ever made. You still have space for one in the back, which I doubt the FX has...maybe it does but check it out first.

Good luck!

cuamba

What kind of mileage have people been getting doing mostly suburban short hauls? I am WELL below 15 mpg and am getting very frustrated. Any suggestions or solutions offered by their local dealer?

lmacmil

Isn't the EPA rating 17/24? And those are typically optimistic. I'm getting 14-15 mpg on short haul city driving on a Toyota Highlander rated at 18/24. That's just the way it is.

amt7565

Anyone here know how hard it might be for theives to break into a G35 and steal it? Does it have any new technologies which makes it impossible to steal?

Also regarding the navigation system, is that a service that has to be subscribed to? And if so, about how much per month?

Thanks.

colonel35

No car is impossible to steal. My 2002 BMW 530i, which had a more sophisticated anti-theft system than does my G35, was driven away from my apartment by someone with ties to the dealership which had made him a copy of the key.

The G35 is certainly theft-resistant, with the ubiquitous alarm system, a radio that's unlikely to be stolen (since it's such a pain to remove). I can't recall if it incorporates the changing access code-keys or not. Overall, though, I wouldn't put too much faith in any car's anti-theft systems, and try to park it in safer/well-lit areas whenever possible. And don't leave anything tempting out in full sight.

I have heard the xenon headlights have been targeted by theives (especially in the NY tri-state area), although they're a lot more difficult to remove than the Maxima or older Acura TL ones (which apparently were a joke to remove).

Navigation is an expensive up-front option, but there's no service to subscribe to since the GPS signal is free. You may, however, choose to update the map DVD every year or two (especially if you live in a quickly-developing area) at ~$100 a pop.

dklanecky

The current price for a new MAP data DVD from Navtech for Nissan and Infiniti products is $185. I just upgraded from version 6.1 which shipped with my 03 to version 6.3. I have yet to notice any differences in map data in the general area in which I drive.

Unless my driving habits change significantly, or Navtech significantly upgrades the contect on the DVD, I probably would buy the new DVD every third year in the future.

froze

Has anyone tried replacing the stock G35 muffler with a better sounding after market muffler. I'm looking for something with a nice purr to it, but definitely don't want something with the loud, annoying resonance at highway speeds that I've experienced in the past on other makes. The sport mufflers I've tried in the past sounded great around town, but out on the highway in the 2300=2700 RPM range the resonance was so bad I ended up taking them off.

skinnydog

I'm thinking seriously about this car but is overall real world mileage really only about 15 mpg?? Does it use 93 octane too??

Thanks

pat

Hi skinnydog - welcome!

There is a feature we have that is missed by newbies and oldies alike - "Search This Discussion" which is located on the page bar at the top and the bottom of the page.

Using it here to look for "octane" (no quotes necessary) will get you links to previous posts on the subject. But do continue to post questions regardless of that feature - there are always more opinions to be had!

ficuss

The g35 runs fine with 87 octane. Our gas blend in Illinois is 10% ethanol and it's still fine. No knock or ping even when pushing it.
Mileage is so so. This is a relatively high revving car, even at normal speeds. It runs 500 to 700 higher rpms at a comparable speed to a SUV I have with a 270 hp engine. This is probably the cause of lower than expected mileage. The g35 will get very poor mileage during 100% stop and go city driving, in the 12-14 mpg range. Highway driving will get me about 19. It's a great handling and driving car with few problems associated with it.

colonel35

Not to discourage your use of the search feature, but I get about 15mpg in heavy city traffic, and a more respectable 24mpg in highway cruising. I blend 93 and 89 grades, but would not recommend consistently using 87; the engine will run fine, but its output will be retarded to accommodate the lower-grade gas.

rayainsw

From the 2005 G35 .pdf Manual:

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Sedan models
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
For improved vehicle performance,
INFINITI recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI number (Research
octane number 96).

Coupe models
Use unleaded premium gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-
Knock Index) number (Research octane
number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane
rating of 87 AKI number (Research octane
number 91) may be temporarily used, but
only under the following precautions:

- Ray
Agreeing about the gearing effect . . .

akotiga

I'm been averaging 18 to 19 MPG over the one month I've owned my 2005 G35x (automatic). I had my fingers crossed that I'd be getting over 20 mpg but alas I am a tad disappointed. The engine is a monster though. Throws you back in your seat. I have noticed a transmission lag from a standing start. Not so much when passing.

sesostris

I've seen in several publications that the 298-300hp increase nets no performance increase, whatsoever.In fact,the retuned engine variants are actually slower than the 280-287hp engines.For one, the newly tuned engines have less torque.Thus,it seems the added hp nets absolutely nothing in performance numbers.What's more,a recently tested 2006 BMW 3-series with 255hp engine was faster to 60mph than a 300hp 350Z,published in a leading car magazine.