Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

cybersol

I am pretty sure the VDC switch turns the TCS down, but does not completely disable it. IIRC, some resorted to removing a fuse to completely disable the electronic systems (i.e. for driving at a track).

Enjoy, cybersol

themanq

Hi Curt2005
I actually have an unrelated question to your topic. Where did you rent the G35 for your test drive?
Thx.

brian20

jcjacob21

I hear you about the navigation for the 2006's. I think this is the greatest shortfall of this car. Infiniti ought to take a lesson from Acura when it comes technological features (e.g. touch screen nav, etc.). Rumors have it the 2006 coupes will have the memory seats (again) and keyless ignition features.

ryandse

Ok folks, I finally got a chance to check out the 2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan. And believe me: I'm very much excited about it. The Rep that I spoke was a bit on the pushy side (but not enough to make me feel too uncomfortable). While he was quite informative, there was one point that he tried to make, that really suprised me: don't buy the G35x. He cited it is "about $2,000 more" and that here on the west-coast (I live in San Jose), it just isn't necessary. He even went on to say that AWD puts additional un-due stress on the power-train and If I do want to make the occasional trip to the snow: "rent a truck". Finally, he made the motive behind this stance all-too-clear: The G35x is hard to come by on the west-coast.

Now, motives and differences in gas mileage aside for a moment, I have a few concerns that I'd like to have cleared up:

1.) What about Rain? We may not get a lot of rain over here: but I would hate to find myself doing 360's in front of a Semi moving at 70 MPH. Is this a valid concern? Or is this a situation where I'd have to drive in a way that but just as dangerous with a FWD, in order for RWD to become a liability?

2.) What about the power-train stress argument? I would think that the 280 HP monster engine would handle spinning the extra two wheels. Or Am I wrong?

3.) And is there something to be gained having that AWD kick in on high-speed turns on dry roads, and such? How much of an improvement in handling will I get for the extra cash I'd be spending?

4.) Anyone have any thoughts on the "rent a truck" suggestion: for going into the snow?

5.) Do I truly have to worry about being able to get a G35x with the Premium C package? I'd be willing to go out of my way (possibly as far as Southern California) to get it ... if that is what I decide. To be frank: just the idea of having Intelligent AWD is very appealing to me.

- - At any rate: I might be willing to consider the RWD, If someone can convince me that driving in a heavy rain-storm on the freeway wouldn't require a death wish, and that this sales guy is indeed making some valid points. Of course, I'm adament about getting the Premium C package (and am somewhat picky about the color): so I realize that it might take some time to track my car down.

- - One final question: What is all this talk about RWD being more "fun" to drive? Do you have to be going over 100 to notice the "fun"? Will AWD take away from this "fun"? And what in the world do all these folks mean by "fun"?? I haven't actually had the chance to test drive anything with RWD, as of yet ... but, I'd really be interested to hear the details of what makes RWD sporty ... and what kind of driving has to be executed in order to feel those sensations.

colonel35

I think that's pushing it a little; the Acura and Lexus systems may be better, but Infiniti's is still superior to almost everything else out there (including BMW and Mercedes, not to mention GM/Delco and Ford nav systems). It never takes me more than a minute or two to locate an address (actually, the inability to type new addresses while driving is my only real annoyance), and the rendering and birds-eye view are great. I think the interior treatment in general could still benefit from some of the attention the M's obviously received.

colonel35

First, you're right to be suspicious whenever a dealer tries to convince you against buying something he doesn't have in stock. Second, some of his arguments are correct. It is more expensive (I can't recall by how much exactly, though; you can look that up easily), and it generally isn't necessary in warmer climates. It does not, however, put "undue stress" on the drivetrain (as if this were an after-market bolt-on), and the gas mileage--certainly according to all the anecdotes here--has been disappointing. As for your specific questions:

(1) AWD helps maximize traction when accelerating and/or turning the vehicle. When going 70mph on the highway, AWD isn't going to make much of a difference at all. What will make a big difference--at all speeds and conditions--is the quality of the tires. Summer performance tires are, actually, generally better than all-seasons in handling rain and standing water, but are much poorer on snow/ice/mud/sand.

(2) This "added stress" argument is boloney, pure and simple. In fact, there's less stress on the powertrain, since torque is divided among four wheels, not just two.

(3) With good performance tires, in San Jose (where, I suspect, it never snows), I don't think you'll ever need AWD. Drive at reasonable speeds in inclement weather, and you'll be fine.

(4) If you go skiing ten times a year, get the G35X. It'll be a pain to rent a truck every time.

RWD is considered by purists to be more fun (especially relative to FWD) because you can dial in oversteer with the throttle, and there's no torque steering when accelerating. AWD has its moments of fun as well, though, such as when accelerating and turning on slippery roads when other cars--and even some SUV's--are at a complete loss of traction. I've driven the G35X loaners from my dealer on several occasions, and in dry conditions the car feels extremely similar to the base sedan; during one rainstorm, however, it offered extremely good traction and induced a lot of (too much?) confidence. I don't think it's a necessity, but certainly appreciate the technology. Either way, get what you really want, not what the dealer happens to have available and wants to get rid of.

calldave

I just picked up my 6MT sedan (RWD only) a few week ago and ended up driving through an incredible rain storm this Wednesday morning. It was 3:30am and I was travelling around 75mph. With the freeway virtually empty at that hour, I played around a little, changing lanes and speeding up a little around curves. I never had any traction problems and was very impressed with how the G35 handled in the rain.

Here's my snow question: Coming from the midwest, I know there's going to be a decent amount of snow this winter (my dealership was full of AWD vehicles, but I really wanted the 6MT). Can anyone give me feedback on just how bad it will get with my RWD? Should I look at picking up some snow tires this winter?

ryandse

What will make a big difference--at all speeds and conditions--is the quality of the tires. Summer performance tires are, actually, generally better than all-seasons in handling rain and standing water, but are much poorer on snow/ice/mud/sand.

It sounds like summer-tires are my best bet.

This "added stress" argument is boloney, pure and simple. In fact, there's less stress on the powertrain, since torque is divided among four wheels, not just two.

Yeah, I was pretty sure he was way off the mark when he made this argument.

(3) With good performance tires, in San Jose (where, I suspect, it never snows), I don't think you'll ever need AWD. Drive at reasonable speeds in inclement weather, and you'll be fine.

Correct it never snows here. And I am a pretty cautious driver.

If you go skiing ten times a year, get the G35X. It'll be a pain to rent a truck every time.

Good point. You see, at the very most: I probably would only be going in the snow once a year, so it is really sounding like renting a truck in the rare instances that I actually do is more feasible.

I don't think it's a necessity, but certainly appreciate the technology. Either way, get what you really want, not what the dealer happens to have available and wants to get rid of.

I definitely find the technology very appealing. But, it is sounding like RWD with a set of summer tires might be more than adequate. Granted it would be nice to take my car into the snow whenever I do go, but with the sub-par gas mileage, extra $2k and ... although less critical of an issue, but an issue nonetheless: availability, I am beginning to think that the G35x could very well be overkill for my needs.

Thanks for the input!

ryandse

I just picked up my 6MT sedan (RWD only) a few week ago and ended up driving through an incredible rain storm this Wednesday morning. It was 3:30am and I was travelling around 75mph. With the freeway virtually empty at that hour, I played around a little, changing lanes and speeding up a little around curves. I never had any traction problems and was very impressed with how the G35 handled in the rain.

Here's my snow question: Coming from the midwest, I know there's going to be a decent amount of snow this winter (my dealership was full of AWD vehicles, but I really wanted the 6MT). Can anyone give me feedback on just how bad it will get with my RWD? Should I look at picking up some snow tires this winter?

That's very encouraging. Further evidence that driving in heavy rain, in RWD, isn't equivalent to being in a death-trap (assuming that I'm not driving like a complete maniac).

wayde

calldave-
Although I don't own a G35 (yet) my buddy bought one a little over a year ago - same as yours - 6speed sedan RWD in Minneapolis. We talked a couple times throughout the winter & he was amazed at how well the G with the VDC handled the snow. He said he even punched it through a cloverleaf when it was snowing and the VDC kicked in so he couldn't spin out of control, even though he tried (no traffic of course).
Curious - did you look at the coupe at all?
I test drove a G35x a few weeks back and the guy said they rarely get a RWD sedan in at all -- that Infiniti allocates almost all AWD models to the Mpls area.
Can't wait to hear more about your likes/dislikes of your new ride - Congrats!

lmacmil

Let me reinforce what has already been said: you don't need AWD in San Jose. You'll do fine in the rain and if you go to Tahoe in the winter, you can get chains (no need to rent a truck.) Remember, there wasn't any such thing as FWD or AWD (or ABS or TCS) much before 1980 and we all survived rain, snow, whatever by driving carefully.

As far as RWD being more fun to drive than FWD, depends on what you're doing. You'll never notice cruising down 101 but you might running down route 17 (??) to Santa Cruz and trying to keep up with the motorcycles. Your FWD cars will plow thru the curves, your RWD will track better and you'll feel like you're on rails.

kdshapiro

My 330 did amazing in a little snow, but with the 8-20 inches the east coast got over the last few years, with all-season tires handling was barely passable. There is no substitute for snow tires or AWD. Even the RWD cars with snows didn't do as well as the 4WD/AWD vehicles when 15 inches of snow on the ground.

Based on previous winters, I've rectified the issue as I've since added another car to the stable. It has AWD and a turbo and gets up to 60 in 5.3. Even has LSD.

So if you're going with there is very little snow RWD+snow tires are find. Else get AWD.

cybersol

Even the RWD cars with snows didn't do as well as the 4WD/AWD vehicles when 15 inches of snow on the ground....So if you're going with there is very little snow RWD+snow tires are find. Else get AWD.

Sorry, even AWD is no substitute for snow tires in the nastiest conditions. AWD only helps you go. Snow tires help you go and stop. Stopping is important to me.

If you don't believe me, then maybe you can find the Car and Driver article from a few years ago that showed RWD+snow was superior in overall performance to AWD+all seasons in the snow.

If it's really important to you, then get AWD plus snow tires... People seem to spend way more time posting and worrying about this issue than they do solving it.

However, in the bay area, the AWD on the G35 is really is just added cost and weight. Get the RWD. The VDC system will make sure you have no 360 degree adventures even in the rain (as long as you don't turn it off).

Enjoy, cybersol

ryandse

You'll do fine in the rain and if you go to Tahoe in the winter, you can get chains (no need to rent a truck.)

Cool. This is definitely good news to hear.

running down route 17 (??) to Santa Cruz and trying to keep up with the motorcycles. Your FWD cars will plow thru the curves, your RWD will track better and you'll feel like you're on rails.

Ah yes, that was another concern I had - how would a RWD handle highway 17? The fact that it does *better* is very encouraging. Because, I plan to head down to Santa Cruz every so often.

P.S. I got my degree from U.C. Santa Cruz.

ryandse

However, in the bay area, the AWD on the G35 is really is just added cost and weight. Get the RWD. The VDC system will make sure you have no 360 degree adventures even in the rain (as long as you don't turn it off).

Ok, thanks folks ... I'm now officially convinced that RWD is most likely the way to go.

By the way: Do you think Frontier Infiniti (in San Jose) is likely to let me take the car down at least part of the way of highway 17, during my test-drive?

kdshapiro

I disagree with their findings. 4 wheels with all-seasons is much superior than 2 wheels in deep snow. Have you ever tested this hypothesis in real life with 15+ inches on the ground? I have. In deep snow I did something I probably shouldn't have, but "raced" a Mercedes with snows in my Jeep. It lost.

Other people feel differently, but to each their own.

lmacmil

"Do you think Frontier Infiniti (in San Jose) is likely to let me take the car down at least part of the way of highway 17, during my test-drive?"

If they want to sell you a car, then they should let you take it wherever you want. If there's a concern about putting too many miles on a brand new one, then test drive a used one or one of their loaners.

P.S. my son lives in Mountain View which is how I'm familiar with the area. Beautiful part of the country but oh so expensive.

brianmclean

Hello,

I don't have a lot of time to test drive, but I am having trouble deciding which car to go with. I like the look of the Rear Spoiler and I like the look of the Wood Trimmed interior. The way the packages work, you can't get the sports tuned suspension or the aero package with premium package C and you can only get the Wood trim with premium package C.

Is there a big difference between getting the sports tuned suspension...and is it worth trading for the wood? Without the wood the interior is kinda drab!

Also, could anyone tell me if there is a significant differnece between a 2005 and a 2003 G35? Would I be better off just getting a used G35, or did it improve perceptively in 2 years?

Thanks for your replies.

esfoad

I can only speak for the 2005 whih I own, but the interior was improved for 2005. I purchased the Package C with wood and bought an aftermarket spoiler that is painted factory color, matches the factory design and is guaranteed for life for $200 vs $500 from the dealer, shipped to NJ. I think it's the way to go.

geekay

The sport suspension makes the car a different animal, so like the spoiler, you may try for aftermarket wood trim too. And yes, there is a significant upgrade in the 2005 MY. You could read reviews on Edmunds and elsewhere. good luck.

cybersol

So I am supposed to take your real life example of a Jeep versus a Mercedes (different clearances, weights, tire sizes, etc) over a test by C&D of the same car with and without AWD and with and without snow tires? Hmm... I'll go with the apples to apples comparison myself.

Thanks, cybersol

kdshapiro

Well it's only my opinion, since I've had may years of experience with RWD (with and without snows and studs)/AWD in some very snowy parts of the country. For me I'll take a vehicle with an active AWD drivetrain with good all-seasons over RWD with snows anyday.

ryandse

Hey folks,

Originally, the plan was to make my car purchase in the fall. But, now I am considering making my move within the next few weeks. I really like the G35 Sedan and I have decided that if I do get it, I will be opting for the RWD model with Automatic Transmission.
One concern I have, however, is that I have read from a few forums and CR that the G35 has the tendency to "swap ends" when "pushed to the limits". This could relate to the discussion of RWD+severe snow that took place earlier, but my impression is that for some reason: maybe the G35 has more of a tendency to do this, relative to other cars?

So, I have two question: How major of a problem is this? And what exactly does "pushing to the limits" actually mean? Do you have to be driving past 140 MPH for this to happen? I mean, if so then I would be tempted to say: "who ever is insane enough to drive that fast *anywhere* (other than a race-track) -- has it coming".

geekay

Here is what I think is the deal. You are not likely to "swap ends" even when you push the car hard enough on any road unless it is a slalom course and you are doing multiple manoevres while doing the slalom as well. I have pushed mine at the racecourse nearby and it behaves and handles just a tad less than my 545i 6MT. And that I did just to see what all this talk about great and shoddy handling is when we talk in this forum. We just read and expect what has been said by test drivers who have not really paid for the car they are driving and what their subjective evaluation is. I do not know of many (any?) case(s) where some one has crashed on any road while driving a G35 because the car did not match up to "the benchmark" or "over and above" hyperbole use by car mags and copied ad nauseum here. Shaken and/or stirred, the G is a great car and comes with it's own advantages. Good luck, great deals are available on G35 Automatic.

cybersol

I haven't heard of anyone actually swapping ends with the VDC turned on. CR did get a little scared when they got the rear end to come loose before tucking back in, but C&D said ye-haw when the same thing happened. It is RWD and can behave that way with throttle application, but that can be a lot of fun.

Enjoy, cybersol

ryandse

great deals are available on G35 Automatic.

Really? Given I have just begun with my price quote inquiries, I have not yet begun with the negotiation game. But, before I get into it: I would like to know if Anyone has been able to get a G35 Automatic RWD Sedan with the Premium package C for around $32,000?

calldave

Wayde,

Curious - did you look at the coupe at all?

I did look at the coupe a little, and while it's a gorgeous car, I found the back seat a little to small to regularly have people there. I'm starting to build my family and the convenience of rear doors when you've got a couple of little kids is pretty significant.

With our winter conditions, I'm thinking about trying to save my rims from the salt etc. Anyone had any experience with throwing steel rims on during the winter months? I'm thinking this could be a great way to keep my rims from getting pitted by the immense amounts of corse salt dropped on our Michigan roads. Has anyone had any problems with this on their 2003 G35s?

geekay

Invoice on what you want is a shade over 32k. Start from there, G35 Auto is aplenty on the lots in DC Metro area. Try pricing at various sites, Rosenthal Infiniti and Passport Infiniti had some sales going at least this morning and they were mainly on these cars. Combine it with the low APR and you sould be able to swing a good deal. Good luck.

masch

I am very close to ordering a G35 Sedan 6MT. I am at the upper end of my price range and deciding which options are worth the extra cost. What can anyone tell me about the Aero Package? Is it primarily for looks or does it really provide a functional advantage? I know it decreases the drag coefficient from .27 to .26 and contributes to a zero lift at both ends of the car. What does that mean on the road? My limited understanding is that .27 is already very low. Does this extra 1/100th improve the highway gas mileage? Will the car feel more stable at 80 mph or must I travel at 100+mph to know it is there? All feedback is welcome. Thanks.

geekay

I have a 6MT with aero package. It is not going to improve the MPG. Primarilty for looks, added surface area for more paint to shine and wax (I have a black one). But IMO the rear looked a litle too small and abrupt for an otherwise great car, the spoiler gives the illusion of a bigger rear end.

colonel35

Agreed with geekay. Yes, it's marginally more slippery through the air, and will increase downforce at speed, but is mainly about the looks. I think I remember reading that the increased downforce is something on the order of 100 pounds at 85mph (helping stability), but I don't know of any official numbers from Infiniti that contribute in this regard.

wvpilot1

Trying to decide on stone vs wheat with rosewood. Does stone look ok (we can't find a wheat one)? Is it gray or more on the putty side?

gq1213

I am moving from Ct to Cali, and am selling my car here. I am looking to lease a new g35 sedan six speed, with premium package. I got quoted 31200 from Infiniti in Santa Monica, but have heard of Grubbs Infiniti in Texas, and the VPP program (which allow for company discounts). Considering I just want to lease and return the car at the end... anyone have any recommendations, or price comparisons, I can work with for comparison. I would appreciate any help... I just got out of school, and every penny counts... so if i can get this car under 30K i think ill be a happy camper.

akotiga

Has anyone replaced the standard front door speakers or the rear deck mounted speakers? I have the standard radio on my 2005 G35x. I have noticed some vibration with bass-heavy music mostly in the front doors. Sticking a T-shirt in each door pocket has helped a little. Is this a mounting issue or very cheap base model speakers?

calldave

I just picked up a 6MT sedan with the VPP discount. With premium package, a trunk mat, and XM radio, I was looking at $32290. I've heard stories in some of the more competitive markets of better than VPP pricing (ie. several hundred dollars below invoice etc.) but I really can't see you getting into one with the premium package for anything less than $31-$32K (especially as the 6 speed sedans make up a far smaller portion of market (less than 10% I think)).

shmoopy

xvpilot1,

I have the stone interior and frankly, I think it looks a lot better than the wheat, but that's subjective of course. I have the aluminum trim, and with that package the stone is a much better match.

The wheat would probably look better with the rosewood than the aluminum, but I suggest you try and get a look at each before deciding.

Good Luck!

wvpilot1

Thanks. I just got back from picking up the car and drove over 200 miles already. Awesome. I really like the stone with steel best, but this was my wife's turn and she ended up with the wheat and wood.

lolo

Yes, I purchased an '05 G35 Sedan, Premium C, and Infiniti spoiler, trunk mat and splash guards for 32,000 even. Took some negotiation on the last day of the month, but it worked. I emailed thru edmunds several dealers for quotes two weeks before I bought, then let the emails come, tell them exactly what you want, get it in writing on the email, then go find the car you want. My dealer matched another dealer's price, and was 10 miles closer to home. You can get a deal, especially with the price of gas. You may win by waiting another month or so. I also got 1.9 % (0 down) financing for 36 months - ran about $1,000. per month.

frisconick

I really believe that the G35 coupe looks so superior than the sedan, Infiniti should label them differently, sort of like BMW, call it the G35c. Not that the sedan is not fine car. :shades:

g35man1

Will the 2007 G35 coupe have AWD I am go to get one but I will wait for the 07 if it will have AWD

achadha1

Anyone have and ideas on any changes for the 06 coupe? I was thinking about ordering a silver 6mt stone interior with nav but was wondering what the cutoff was to order an 05 as opposed to an 06

lmacmil

For most manufacturers, early June is about the latest to make an order from the factory from the current model year. They will probably be building 2006 models later this month.

Since we saw a pretty significant interior upgrade in 2005, I doubt there will be any significant changes in 2006.

kjj

Hi, everyone.
I have '03 G35 sedan and need to replace the front windshield. After finding out the OEM part from Infiniti will cost me more than $900 (incld installation), I decided to go for the aftermarket part. However, I found a big difference in price after calling around few places from yellowpage. The price including installation runs from $200 to $399. They all say that their glasses are made to OEM standard. Does anyone have a good autoglass shop to recommand in Washington D.C. Metro (Virginia) area? Is there any brand of aftermarket glass made to Infiniti's OEM specification? Thank you in advance.

jcjacob21

I here you on the Nav system for 2006. This is by far it's greatest weakness. Also, the smart key and memory seats on the coupe would be nice..

moodgard

What's the weakness of the Nav system? Is it that it cannot be voice-controlled like I hear the M can? Is it a bad idea to get a 2005 G35 with Nav then?

Thanks.

teeter

Any ideas when and if Inifiniti will offer rebates on the aging 2005's? Don't most mfg's offer rebates as "depreciation compensation" when buying a "new" car at the end of its model year? I'd hate to buy a new one here in July and get blown out buy a rebate in August. Any thoughts on this? What has Infiniti done in the past? (And by the way, when are the 2006's coming?)

lmacmil

Chances are 2005s will be available well into the fall. Too early for rebates but watch for dealer incentives once the 06 models arrive.

greasykid1

Is there a discussion board for the G35X?

pat

This discussion is the best place for that conversation - let's hear it!