Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

needashower

Group, Just got back from the Chicago Auto show. I lloked at the three cars I was interested in, namely, the 325XI, TL and G35X. I am leaning toward the G as it offers the AWD plus a much bigger back seat. I'm a little concerned about gas mileage. Anyone else make this choice?

mnrep2

I picked up a G35x in July 05. Love the car. Gas mileage is not that bad. In 12,000 miles have seen 18-20 in town and 21-25 highway only. I can live with the mileage, and it is an awesome Grand Touring car.

The AWD is sweet. There when you need it and the rest of the time the car handles like any rwd sports sedan. Interior size was one of the factors that pushed me toward the G, as was the primarily RWD based AWD. However,the BMW aficianodos now say that the AWD on BMW is similar to the Infiniti version. In 2005 that wasn't the case.

Drive each of them and spend YOUR money on the car that you like

treacherous

Doesn't the M Nav have voice recognition though?

realty_pro

The G is a sweet ride and, as you say, has a bigger back seat. I personally find the interior to be very contemporary.

clarkkent

Pocona, I couldn't agree more!!! I keep my oil changed every 3000 miles and do breaks, and tires when needed.

I dive 50,000 miles per year and I get my cars used with 100k on them. Then I drive them 2 years and never, ever take them to a dealer.

I dove over 1 million miles in Caddys. They were all bought with over 100k on them. I drove each over 100k and never had any trouble.)

In 20 years on the road with Caddys (50,000) per year, I had on tranny go out, 1 fuel pump and one constant velocity drive shaft (can't replace u joints) go out. That's it! And all I did to maintain the cars was to change the oil and fix the things than broke!

I now have all Jeeps. A GC and reg. Cherokee and a Wrangler. I just change oil and fix whats broke!

Works for me.

OH, After being on the road for 20 years driving used Caddys at 50k per year, then selling them myself and buying another Caddy from the original owner, I was $170.00 ahead!

I started with my first 1966 Cad. (Fleetwood Broughm) for $1,600 and at the end of 20 years I had $170.00 more than I paid for all the used Caddys I purchased!

So the cars cost me nothing more than expenses!

Some of my co-workers who got a NEW CAd. every 3 years were out $50,000 in 20 years!

No, I never had a "NEW" car, but they were all, "NEW" to me!(and the cars I buy are from the original owner and all in perfect condition, or I don't buy them)

Everyone laughed at me for being so cheap.

OK, but I'm the one who retired at 50, have two airplanes, two houses, many rentals, and everything is paid for!

They are still laughing at me, when they have time stop and not worry about their house and car payments, and to schedual that next service trip to the car dealer!!

All kidding aside, "To each his own" Some people like new cars. GREAT. Honestly, I'd like to have a new car once, but my dad told me (40 years ago) never to buy a new car, I just can't let him down. (But I sometimes envy those who have the really "NEW" ones!) Maybe once before I die? But I know I won't. My friends say if I ever buy a new car, it will kill me!

(Don't get me wrong, I buy great cars now and new(er) cars just not new!)

CK

newcarman

Id like to know if anyone can post pictures of the G 35 2006 model on here?? Id like to get a good look because im considering this model beside the Lexus GS 300.

In addition, does anyone have any pictures of the upcoming redesigned G 35 2007? If so can you kindly post? If not any ideas what has been changed?? front lights?? rear lights?? etc etc

Thank you

lmacmil

Lots of great pix here: http://www.nissannews.com/

Go to the photo library icon on the right side of the Infiniti page.

capri33

Does Infiniti offer free maintainance at 7500 miles? Thanks.

newcarman

Hey people. Anyone have any scoop on the new 2007 G 35 sedan?? How much redisgned will it be?? Any pictures or do we have to wait for the NY auto show??

Also, when is the 2007 sedan suppose to come to dealers??

Thanks

treacherous

'07 doesn't seem compelling enough for me to pass over the '06.

http://www.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=7031&categoryId=21

smokey75

The 2007 G35 was unveiled today. You can get the pics & all the details at www.nissannews.com.

knr5

My present lease of a 2003 G35 6MT expires in early August, 06. The dealer (and Infiniti) have been persuding me to turn in my car early in favor of a new lease on the 2006 G35. Do you think I should wait for the 2007 model (expected to be released in November)? Is it worth it in terms of the improvements to the car? From the little information I have, and the pictures I saw from the NY Auto Show, I am not all that impressed with the 2007 modifications. Would appreciate your thoughts!:)

minarets1

personally, the biggest benefit to taking the 06 over the 07 will be price. they should be heavily discounting by Aug even more so then now. the new 07 however, is reportedly to have over 300HP, (and better looking imo, but that is subjective) but the interior is not....it is hands down better then the current offering. it is awsome! it will cost, i am sure, but the new audio system sounds like a winner too....as well as the hardrive space in the dash to store music...

touchscreen NAV and all the trimmings. i think its a winner. it will be mine, soon enough. the 07 that is

knr5

Thank you for your input. I will wait for more information on the 2007. However, I may have to pay a premium on the 2007, apart from needing to extend my lease by 3 months -- I understand that is possible, I will merely have to continue my payments. I don't find the 2003 interior objectionable and understand the 2006 is an improvement (for some strange reason I checked out everything else -- 2006 3 series, TL, A4, and even the M35 -- but did not check out the 2006 G!). Like you said it may come down to economics. Thanks, again.

ppnff

I purchased a 2006 G35 RWD several months ago and saw the new 2007 G35 a few days ago. Frankly, I was disappointed by the 2007's exterior and like the current generation's exterior design more. The biggest advantage in 2007 seems to be a more powerful engine and better interior (note that the G35's interior was completely redone in 2005/2006). The exterior is judgemental and the pricing advantage goes to the 2006. The other item is the 2007's sound system is probably better than the 2006's Bose. Anything is better than the current Bose system which is a POS. Hope this helps and whatever you decide, the G35 is a great car.

mvc_jones

Minor detail but the headlights on the 2007 are far superior in appearance, and they make a nice tie to the more upscale M35/45 in appearance on the front. Not worth quibbling about, but I have never liked the current vertical headlight design, much prefer the L shape, more balanced look to me.

kd6aw1

Read all the specifications on the 2007 sedan and feel very excited, want and need one NOW! Have had our 2003 red sedan since March of 2002 and really love the car. Now have 50,000 trouble free miles on her odometer, have driven many other kinds of cars and always feel good about going back to and driving Gi Gi as we call her. Most other cars seem boring to us and Gi Gi drives like a sports car with the utility of a sedan. Can't wait to get a fully equipped 2007 sedan with all the trimmings and it will be hard to wait. The new one looks great to us with all the improvements.

Good luck to all,

Paul
El Cajon, California

knr5

My 2003 G35 6MT has the Premium, Aero, and Winter packages. I do not feel deprived of creature comforts nor am I unhappy with the interior. It suits my purposes just fine. I also understand the interior was "upgraded" in 2005/2006. Could you please let me know what improvements were made to the interior specifically, and the car generally between 2003 and 2006? I do appreciate the addition of the rear LSD in 2005 or so. Thanks!:)

p.s.: Since I am currently leaning towards a 2006 (mainly because of the wait), I am working on reducing my cognitive dissonance!

knr5

If the G35 looks more like the M (some of the photos do suggest it), it will look a little more elegant I suppose. Thank you for suggesting, without saying it, that there is not a whole lot of difference except for a more refined look!

BTW, I think Infiniti/Nissan is muddying its brands by making different entries too much alike -- 2007 Maxima and Altima, for instance. The same danger (i.e., of cannibalization) exists if the G35 becomes too much like the M35. The G is a "near luxury" car, the M is a luxury car.

ppnff

The 2005/2006 was upgraded with better leather, actual chrome interior handles (versus plastic with paint), real aluminum trim within the interior, color-matched side sills, color-matched splash guards (assuming you bought the option) new front grill and lower front spoiler (color-matched), nicer rims, revised controller for HVAC and stereo, and more horsepower. Hope this helps.

knr5

Thanks! I feel good!:)

seltz

Interesting thread. I was towards the end of an '03 lease and have been following closely the release of the '07. I did some deep thinking (1) I really *love* my current 03; (2) I do miss some creature comforts such as Nav and tilt/telescope wheel; (3) I just bought a new house and don't want to pay more $ for a car

So, despite knowing that my car will be "obsolete" in a few months, I decided to lease a new '06MT with Premium and Nav for basically what I was paying before (only $20 more a month with no money down). They even let me out of my lease 6 months early with no penatly - they just bought my current car.

For me, the 07 looks nice, but so does the 06. My 06 with MT is fast enough, and it has all the toys I really want - I really like the bluetooth hands free feature for phone which is key with a MT. No way do I feel like I'm "settling" for something less. If the new model is spectacular, I'll just have to wait a few years. There was NO way I'd be able to get a 07 with all the bells and whistles for $480/month and no money down. Maybe in my old age I've come to realize "sometimes good enough is good enough."

arnold14

Is the interior room any bigger on the 2007 model? The 2006 seemed to be lacking in elbow room for the driver.

knr5

I am going to test drive the 06 6MT that my dealer is bringing in on Saturday. If it is good (and feels better than my 03 6MT) I will be turning in my car 3 months early and getting the 06 a week later. I hope everything works out as expected. If I hate the car -- for some strange reason -- I guess I will just keep my car for a few more months and then decide whether I want to buy it -- the residual is temptingly low.

Like you, I am not terribly concerned about maximizing my utility to the 'n'th degree. I am happy if I like the car and deem the transaction to be fair. I tried looking at other brands (3 series, TL, and Passat seriously), but I am satisfied that the G makes the most sense for me at this point in time.

Two questions.
1. Did you get your car inspected before the D-Day through IFS? They told me it is a good idea. I think it is fairly painless, so I plan to get it done next week.

2. I am hoping I will be able to use my current winter 16" steel wheels for the 06 car. I suspect I can get snow tires with higher aspect ratios to compensate for the larger summer wheels on the 06 (18" vs 17" on my 03 6MT ). I would like to avoid getting a 17" or 18" wheel/tire combo for the 06. I will need to check with Tire Rack. Do you use snow tires? What size wheel/tire do you use/plan to use for your 06?

I will share my test drive impressions and my decision (it is almost a done deal) next week.

rnieporte

Smelias

I was wondering if you were able to fix your vibration problem and if so how. I have a 05 g35 sedan and after 8000 miles I am now experiencing the vibration in my steering wheel at 70-80 mph. This is after they were balanced on a road force at infiniti the service manager is telling me this is how they drive.

knr5

I did test drive the 06 G35 6MT on Saturday, but did not get a chance to put the car through its paces as I would have liked. While I was pleased with the improvements to the interior and the addition of a few features, frankly, I was a little disappointed with the driving characteristics. It seemed to be a kinder, gentler G in every way. Everything was a little more refined (as compared to my 03 G35 6MT) and softned, but the passion and exhilaration were lacking! The great low end torque and sharp braking of my car seemed to have been subdued, and made more linear and progressive. Actually, it felt a bit like the TL I had test driven recently! I hope the intoxicating thrust and biting brakes are still there, requiring only a minor recalibration of my right foot!:)

I have arranged to pick the car up this Friday. I am getting my car inspected (by IFS designated inspectors) at the dealership before I sign the papers for the new one. I like my present car so much, it is a little sad to give it up for the new one. However, I have reconciled to the idea of getting the new flavor G (Diamond Graphite / Stone) for my current ride (Obsedian / Graphite). If the new one proves to be as rewarding as my current one, I will be more than satisfied.

pearl

Does anyone have any sources for specs on the new G35? Looking for serious engine info (bore/stroke/valve sizes/engine weight, etc), transmissions, car weight, length, etc. Supposedly, this VQ is 80% new with only the "bolts" carrying over, so there are likely to be quite a few things different on this version. I have seen general stuff on all of these, but not much in the way of true specs.

factfinder

The great low end torque and sharp braking of my car seemed to have been subdued, and made more linear and progressive. Actually, it felt a bit like the TL I had test driven recently! I hope the intoxicating thrust and biting brakes are still there, requiring only a minor recalibration of my right foot

Dude, you must have gotten a bum ride, as my 05 is all of that & more. I've got the obsidian/stone combination with the sport suspension option (18 in. rims). That puppy rocks! Gobs of power on tap, great handling & super biting brakes! Good luck with your new G! I wouldn't give mine up for anything else.

knr5

Nice to know it pushes all the right buttons for you!:)

Now that I have had the new car for about a week, I like it more and more! It does require a recalibration of my driving style, even though it is subtle. There is a difference but, I think, you would only notice it if you had been driving the 2003 version for some time (three years, in my case). For the most part, I like the evolutionary changes. It may be as capable as before, but is now more mature. I am also receiving compliments on its looks - inside and outside.

I look forward to a happy three and a quarter years with my new G!:)

factfinder

receiving compliments on its looks - inside and outside.??

Your new G? I receive compliments almost daily on the looks of my G, even TL & 3 owners seem to be surprised at the looks once it is on the street. It's as though the G looks different out on the road. I sense buyer's remoarse.

Also, I noticed that after my G was broken in, after 2000 miles, it took on a slightly more aggressive feel in the thrust department.

smokey75

Infiniti released the 2007 lineup today. It nails down some specifics on the G35 Sedan, like 306 HP. Here's the link:
2007 Infiniti Lineup

guest123

So they decided to change from the amber gauges. Thats good (although now I have gotten used to the amber lights and they do look good). The interiors look a lot like the M.
They have completely messed up the exteriors. The front now looks like a regular car. The distinguishing vertical light gone. The rear makes the car look more "Altima"ish.
Interiors +. Exteriors ---

rjorge3

Hi there, as a current owner of a 2005 Audi A4 1.8 (quattro) I am heavily leaning towards the G35 Sedan as a replacement when my lease experies. Although I love the interior and the handling of my Audi, the quality of this car (at least in my case) just sucks. I have been living in the service department at my dealer, but that's another story that I will not get in to.

What I would like is to hear from you guys (specially for those that used to own an Audi, or BMW)and now own/lease the G35. Are you more satisfied with the handling and overall make of the car? I have test driven the G35, but it is not the same as to drive it everyday. What made you switch to the G35? For those of you that live in the Northeast (I am from NJ), how is the handling of the RWD in the snow? Did you have to swicht to snow tires or the stock tires were good enough to take you though the winter? I am leaning towards the RWD as supposed to the AWD.

Thank you all in advance for you responses

linus809

I have a 2005 G35 sedan RWD automatic. I think that if you like the driving characteristics of the A4, you'll like, if not love, the G35.

I am thoroughly impressed with the driving and handling characteristics of the G35. Go 90 mph and the car feels solid. Phenomenal acceleration, too.

I've had a few minor things happen to my car. The driver side airbag warning light started flashing, but to fix it Infiniti had to replace the entire steering wheel/column. The rear windows rattled a little bit, but once the service folks tightened whatever they had to tighten, it was fine.

The one thing I don't like is the noise. It's not that the car is noisy per se, but the pitch of the engine when one is accelerating from 40 mph to 50 mph or from 55 to 65...it just grates on me. Others don't seem to mind, so it could just be my ears and their sensitivity to that particular sound.

As to winter driving, if you get the RWD, I'd suggest you pick up some winter tires. I grew up in Chicago, so I'm not unfamiliar with winter driving. This past winter, though, there was a snowfall with about 2 to 3 inches on the ground. My car couldn't get up a small incline because the Vehicle Dynamic Control kicked in whenever there was the tiniest wheel slip. I finally remembered to shut off the VDC and spun the tires to get the car up the hill. I will definitely buy winter tires come Nov/Dec.

Good luck!

guest123

The G35 handles great and the acceleration is good. You have to consider the fact that you are going to get a lot less mileage with the G35. Especially if you do a lot of stop and go (which you will in snow) you are going to get around 16MPG.

rjorge3

Guys, thanks for your responses. I will for sure get the snow tires if I get the RWD (which most likely I will), but one thing that worries me is that the G35 only yields 16 miles per gallon????? Whoaaa, that's low! Any improvements in the 2007 as per gas is concern???

I already put my name for a test drive when the new one come in Sept.

Thanks again,

:>)

mnrep2

We drive a 05 G35x. See as high as 26 MPG straight highway cruise, to 19-21 MPG around town. I love his car... the X allows tractor like traction when it is slippery, to rwd sport touring sedan handling on dry roads. I believe that Infiniti was the first to tout mostly rwd with its AWD X system in a sedan. In the first 18K miles have not been to the dealer for any unscheduled stops. My wife and I both love owning and driving the car. :shades:

kd6aw1

Have had our red G sedan for 52 months and love it more everyday. It has been trouble free and whenever I drive another luxury sports type car I can't wait to get back into the G. Am anxiously waiting to buy the 2007 sedan when it becomes available. Infiniti rocks!

Paul

conrua_atl

I've read that the '07 G35 sedan will have paddle shift similar to Audi and BMW. Is this the first introduction of this feature for Infiniti or is it available on the high-end models as such as the M and Q? I am not too familar with Infiniti but the '07 is in my list for the upcoming purchase.

Thanks!!

boiko

http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/?SecID=33&ArID=187147

0-60 in 5 seconds....yikes..

pearl

the BMW wins this category on a consistent basis not just because they have a good 0-60 time, but because their cars actually handle, feel and respond BETTER than ALL of the competition. Period. Yes, Infiniti is making a bit of a run, but they are a l-o-n-g way from equaling BMW in all serious categories. Lexus? Forget it. They said they were in the game, but dropped the ball (or never picked it up) across the board except for interior comforts - why bother? Just put a "handling package" on the ES and call it a day. It will take much more than slick marketing to knock BMW off the perch they won through performance.

knr5

I love the G35 -- I now lease a 2006 G35 6MT and my previous car was the 2003 G35 6MT. In the category of sport sedans, I feel it is the compelling value -- a good blend of performance, comfort, and room. It is simply great for carrying four adults over long distances at a rapid pace. It also works for 25 minute banzai runs to clear the cobwebs!:)

I use snow tires during winter and the G has been very good with them -- I feel as secure in my G as in my wife's Outback which is AWD.

I do not have too much of stop and go in my daily commute -- so I have averaged around 22-23 mpg over my lifetime experience with the G. On the highway (at a reasonable clip, and often with a full load of passengers + cargo), I have consistently averaged 26-27 mpg.

Best of luck with your decision!

smokey75

Of course you also have to compare the reliability of BMW versus Infiniti...

raizelgs

This may not be completely relevant, since my Audi experience was twenty years ago. I currently have a 2005 G-35 coupe. Yes you will need snow tires if you go with the RWD. I have not had a single thing go wrong with the car (`16000) miles. Dealer service department has been excellent on routine maintenance (oil changes and 15000 mile).

I had a terrible experience with Audi in the 80's. Cylinder head warped and seat upholstery wore completely through :sick: . Nothing was warranted (out of mileage limit on head) :mad: . My sister had one of those Audis with the unexplained sudden acceleration problem. She crashed into a fence :mad: leaving the dealer's service bay.

No one in my family will ever own another Audi.

rjorge3

You know what linus809, at least Audi is consistant....consistantly problematic!!!! My A4, albeit being a newer model, it already has spent more than 20 days (5 visits for non routine problems) in the shop for various problems. Thanks God that I leased this car.

I just drove the 2006 G35 (invite from dealer), and boy o boy, this thing move!!!! I was really taken aback by the power. I strongly believe that it is a tremendous value car for all the toys and engine it offers.

I will for sure get the RWD and I'll get a set of snow boots from TireRack for the snowy days.

I keep getting invites from my Audi dealer to go and drive the newer model A4,,,,but I've told them that I have already driven it when it was given to me as a loaner when my car was in the shop :>)

I guess my "German driving experience" has come to an end. After driving Japanese cars (nissan, toyota and lexus) for well over 15, I thought that I would try the "thrills" of the magnificent Quattro....but I just can't stomach how unreliable this thing has turned out to be. I guess I have been spoiled by my trusted 1994 Toyota Celica, which with 165,000 miles still runs with no problems.

Well, lesson learned...........next time I'd post....I'll let you all know how my new G35 is driving :>)

Thanks again gang for your input

pearl

that there isn't more discussion about the upcoming 07 G sedan. After all, it is completely restyled, has quite a few new features/enhancements and (as far as I know) is the ONLY new Infiniti that will get the revised VQ engine with over 300hp - don't believe the coupe or the M gets this engine initially. The G is probably the only serious threat to the BMW 3 series (the IS is just too small), and it seems strange to me at least, that there isn't more talk about it.

rayainsw

If the 2007 G35 breaks 14.0 in the quarter I’ll be surprised & impressed.

But: BMW is a moving target. The only test numbers I have seen for the newest 3 Series (335i) suggest that the G35 may still not be better in acceleration. I see 0 – 60 in 5.1 and 13.6 @ 104 as ‘pretty stout’ for this class . . .

As I recall, the ‘old’ VQ 35G sedan w/manual trans., rated at 298 HP, was around 6.0 0 – 60. ( I could be a bit off - no library on magazines here at work. )

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/0609_2007_bmw_335i_dynamometer/

We’ll see.
- Ray
Scheduled to attend a “we’ll pay for the tires & gas, you drive it hard” 335i Coupe intro event here near Atlanta a week from Sunday – and wishing Infiniti would hold such an extravaganza. . .

jtla

I'm surprised that there isn't more discussion about the upcoming 07 G sedan.

I think part of the reason is that there is only sketch information available at this time. Any discussion will probably be little more than speculation. I expect that to change soon. There should be test drive report in coming issues of leading automobile magazines, as Infiniti just hosted a test-driving event for the 2007 G35 at end of July.

http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/?ArID=187147&SecID=33

Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on the new G. I test-drove 2006 G35 over the weekend and loved it. But after seeing the photo of the 2007 model on Infiniti's web site. I decided to wait. Press says November. I hope it will be sooner.

troyy2k

This model will have the xm-navtraffic option. good. I would like to have navtraffic. :shades: BUT i also would like to have sirius radio (not xm) because i am into howard stern.

Is it possible to have both in the same car?? XM navtraffic (not radio) AND sirius radio as dealer/factory installed options? :confuse:

pearl

your wonderful new G sedan is just about to get lost in all the hoopla being generated for the new TL, GS350, 335, etc. You need to make some noise NOW about this car and its new VQ engine. You are invisible. Get the word out NOW about the new G. If you don't you will be sorry.