Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

lofquist

Hi Folks,
I see that my name was posted over here about buying in Canada so I'll chime in with a basic summary. I bought my Pathfinder in Canada over a year ago and I know of over 60 others who have bought Nissans or Infinitis since. Most other manufactures (including Lexus for example) are now prohibiting their Canadian dealers from selling to US customers.

I actually have been following this forum since last month when I saw the G35 at the LA auto show. What a car! But I've not investigated the absolute amount that can be saved by going to Canada. I'll have to put together a detailed list of options since the Canadian Infinitis always come standard with options that we have to pay extra for in the US (maybe a Canadian can help me with this). But for example, the QX4 in Canada has a list price $6900 less than the US for the equivalent model! Most people now tell me they are saving $4000 or more on Pathfinders and Maximas because the exchange rate has gone way up since last summer.

Here's the answers to the most asked questions:
- Yes, it's perfectly legal as a US resident to buy a new car in Canada.
- G35 meets all US safety and emissions requirements (California too).
- You will pay some Canadian sales taxes, but they send you a refund after you take the vehicle out of the country.
- The warranty is honored in the US.
- Speedo is in kph and mph; odo is in km, but can be changed if you prefer.
- We've found some great dealers who deal with US sales all the time who are willing to give you their best price over the phone. (Toronto and Vancouver are usually best).
- Get your financing at home first.

Quick summary of the process:
1. Call dealer and make a deal. Get VIN number.
2. Call Infiniti and get US emissions and safety compliance letter (will fax if in a hurry).
3. Go to Canada, pay dealer, drive away.
4. Stop at Canadian customs. Get form stamped.
5. Stop at US Customs. Show compliance letter. Pay 2.5% duty.
6. Register vehicle and pay your state's sales tax when home just like normal.
7. Get Canadian sales tax refund check in the mail.

Really this is not at all difficult. I know of over sixty others who have also done since I have. Sure, there's a little paperwork to do. Many people are surprised how close to Canada they really are. Anyone from Chicago to D.C. is easily within a one days drive home from Toronto. And much of the west coast is close to Vancouver.

As was mentioned by others I'm glad to help anyone out with this. I have lots of information prepared. Just email me. I'll reply to the numerous emails I've received already by tomorrow. When you write let me know where you live (or at least where you might go in Canada) since the sales taxes differ slightly in each province and I've customized the info for that. I can probably give you some good contacts if you'd like.

-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com

jlan

I too like restrained spoilers, and have spoilers on past cars including two Maximas, a Scirroco, and my current Infiniti. I even like the look of other cars with spoilers (eg GS300/400). But, this one looks like the type you see on cars at the high school parking lot. Since the typical customer for the G35 is going to be well past 20, I wish they would make it either a stand alone option or tone it down. But, it looks like we are stuck with it for at least one year.

The one on my current Infiniti helps me maintain control during those 160 mph commutes to work - on a typical day I can cover the 20 miles in less than 8 minutes!!!

maybeg35

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1807021948&r=0&t=0

hvan3

Great post!

I have a brother in law in Queens (somewhere near Toronto). IF I buy the G35 under my name, and he drives it into US, does he have to declare duty tax? Technically, he has nothing to declare because he is a Canadian citizen who happens to cross the Canadian border. I want to avoid paying 2.5% duty tax and waiting for the tax refund.

In my profession, I can arrange logistics by having it deliver to my house, rather than drive it down from the US border to California.

Thanks

crikey

We can just buy the vehicle and drive it across the border. We won't be able to get the 7% GST refund but we also won't be paying the 2.5% duty.

And if one still has a good credit history in Canada, one can even finance the vehicle there! With the ever-decreasing value of the Canadian $, the monthly payments just go down every month.

lofquist

Doesn't matter who drives it across the border. You need the customs documents when you register it in your state to show it was legally imported. To get the documents you pay the duty. C'mon, even including the measly 2.5% duty you're still saving maybe $4000+. :-) If you follow the rules you'll save a bundle and there won't be any hassles.

Or yes, you could have it delivered, but then you have to pay the shipping charges and and also the broker fees to have someone else stop at customs. A person a couple weeks ago coming in from Vancouver said the customs stop took less than 10 minutes. The brokers charge $350 per car for that.

-Jon

j1g35

For those of you who actually sat in the G35, if you were prepared to buy the car and everything else was satisfactory would the "bulge" near your right leg keep you from buying the G35? If so, what car would you buy instead?

maybeg35

Maybe it's just my bod (6',215,long torso)but the bulge is a big deal. I won't buy a car for status or because everyone else says it's the car to have. Of course we have to drive to make our decision but if I feel one bit uncomfortable about this then no way I will buy. I hate elec. throttles anyway (I think they are jumpy)and to know the position is awkward (in my case) will bother me greatly. This "bulge" hits me between the ankle and knee. So imagine driving and your leg naturally semi "rests" against the side of the console, in my case for my knee to rest the "bulge" is applying pressure on my lower leg. Based on other opinions I have read people of a smaller stature don't seem to be bothered. The limited "reviews" have not mentioned it at all, although most of the "reviews" I have read offer little or nothing in real info.

emathieu

I'm really hoping that this is only on the pre-production models, but looking at the interior pics of the Skyline, the bulge isn't there on the driver's side, but it IS on the passenger's side. I'm thinking that it's on the driver's side of the G35 because Infiniti didn't change anything (look at the console) when switching the car from right hand drive. I think this is a MAJOR oversight, and I just hope that either a) the production models have this resolved (doubtful) or b) it doesn't bother me when I test drive it.

We'll see how this works out...

scotth501

I have '96 300ZX NA and I noticed my car has a healthy intrusion too. But I hadn't really ever paid attention to it. I have noticed that the footwell is pretty small and I scuff the top of my right shoe on one of the air ducts going to the center console.

My biggest complaint about the modifications for the left-hand drive car is walking around it to the gas tank which is still on the right/opposite side of the car.

Of course, I like the fin, so maybe my opinion won't be the same. I have the spoiler on my Z, and less foot space, only 222 HP, so the G35 is looking pretty good. I do have a 5 speed, and it's not much fun in Dallas rush hour either.

Scott

68bullitt

Edmund's First Drive review is up: http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/49761/article.html

maybeg35

exactly like all the cookie cutter reviews we have been reading. One short paragraph on the "limited drive".

boiko

The Infiniti web site states that the G35 Sport Coupe is coming this Fall...does anyone have any additional info on this?

Thanks
-mike-

jlan

Anyone concerned with this statement in the review: "Interior material quality, while passable, is likely to disappoint drivers familiar with the opulence of Audi and BMW products."

Also, any thoughts on the durability of the aluminum hood, i.e., resistance to denting, chipping, etc.?

taurus2

This car looks nice and I was looking to buy one until I saw the back, it's hidious. It turned me off and I'm now looking at the BMW 3- series.

dafreak

someone from Infiniti just called me to make sure I had all the questions answered about the G35...He must have received my number frm a dealership...Nice touch though...Anyways this is what he told me...the prototype we all have recently seen is the car...as far as he knew there would be no modifications...he knew nothing of an AWD version coming out and that the 6 speed was still being decided but that a decision had not been made...he said Infiniti is scheduled to have the cars at all dealerships the same day-March 11....the coupe is not definitely coming out in the fall but he really didnt know too much about it...he said that there at least would be more information on it in the fall....pretty much stuff we already knew but it was nice that they are taking the time to call potential customers like myself....

ambull

I hope this guy doesn't know what he's talking about regarding "the 6 speed was still being decided but that a decision had not been made". It doesn't make sense not to put it in since it's the same one in the 350Z. Maybe they're still deciding WHEN instead of IF.

norcalmike2

I liked the last sentence in the Edmund's first drive review. "We've secretly switched his BMW 330I with a G35. Let's see if he notices the difference". In reference to the comment about the interior quality being passable compared to an Audi or BMW. For 15 grand cheaper than a BMW, I can definately live with "passable".

jlan

Let's see norcalmike2, if a loaded G35 has a $35,500 MSRP and a similarly loaded 330i has a $41,500 MSRP, then we have a 6k difference. If the G35 will go for sticker, but the BMW will sell at a discount (assume $2500 which is about the average in DFW) then the difference is $3500. An A4 3.0 would be less of a difference. That $3500 may be a bargain considering the resale difference of BMW vs. Infiniti and other considerations. I sure don't see a $15,000 difference unless you are moving to a 5 series or A6, but those are entirely different level cars.

IMHO, "passable" quality in a luxury car is not acceptable.

Remember, this is a car that is supposed to be chasing BMW. BMW buyers don't seem to be too concerned about paying the cost of those cars in order to get quality.

blueguydotcom

A 330i (which has significantly less power and torque) than a G35, loaded up goes for 44k.

Now, maybe where you live one can touch a Bimmer for under MSRP but in San Diego, that just doesn't really happen. If you get any wiggle room it's a miracle.

Infinitis on the otherhand always go for less than MSRP. 4 months after the release of a G, say July, you'll easily get one for under MSRP (probably many thousand below). So at least in my neck of the woods, I can see at least a 10k difference in price. Even MSRP to MSRP I see a 9k price gap.

afty

I was about to say the same thing. My understanding (from lurking in the 3-Series thread) is that you're lucky if you can get a 330i for $500 below sticker. I've never heard of a $2500 discount on one.

canadacraig

If YOU have an opinion that specifically relates to HOW [you think] the G35 and the Acura 3.2TL Type S compare - I'd love to hear it.

Please go to the 'Comparisons - Sedans vs. Sedans' message boards and let me know what YOU think.

Thanks,
Craig!! )

jlan

Come to Texas! Here you can buy a nice 1500 square foot house for $80K. My sister in San Diego informs me she can't touch such a thing for under $200K (similar quality location, etc.) Cars are the same - there is a lot of competition within the metropolitan areas and even better deals are in the smaller cities. The northeast and west coast have always been more expensive than most of the rest of the country.

I agree that you can option the 330i well over $44K, but then you are getting a lot more expensive features that aren't on the G35 (18" wheels or runflats for example).

I also agree that the G35 will be selling at levels close to invoice within 6 months of release.

kiiwii

Since G35's MSRP is relatively low, I don't expect much room to negotiate even after months after its release. My guess is that 1 to 1.5K below MSRP may be a great deal close to the end of the year.

Okay, here is something interesting for you guys in DFW area. I stopped by Crest Infiniti in Plano few weeks ago to check out the I35. The sales dude said that "NO" I35 is going a penny below MSRP (not a typo. it's I35, not G35). Is Infiniti selling that well here in Dallas?

68bullitt

I wouldn't even compare the G35 with a 330i. It should only be compared with a 530i or even a 540i since the power and torque of the G35 fall within these two BMWs. The size of the G35 is much, much closer to the 5-series than it is to the 3-series. It is a hair shorter in length, but with a larger interior and longer wheelbase than the 5-series. To me, the G35 is a 530i for $15k less (or 540i for $25K less). People need to stop comparing this car with a 330i and start comparing it to the 530i. And even loaded, neither the 3-series nor the 5-series offer reclining rear seats!

68bullitt

I certainly wouldn't bet on the G35 selling for close to invoice within 6 months of release. If this car looks as good as the prototypes and performs as well as on paper, you may be seeing a rising premium on the car as word of its greatness vs. BMW gets around. My only hope is that the dealers don't gouge customers and ask for more than MSRP!

shades80

I think all must remember that this is infiniti's first shot at the germans rwd platform...so what they are offering is a performance package which will appeal to a broader target audience...i.e. 5 series size for 3 series price..i think this is a great step forward...this is what the IS 300 is not and the cl-s is with the wrong platform..thi s is not a rebadge maxima like the I35...they will sell these and infiniti will have a hit..a good first shot!!!

68bullitt

This guy sounds more clueless than most dealers. Nissan has already verified numerous times to the whole world and to every car publication in existence that the G35 will have a 6-speed manual transmission and a coupe version by the fall. If they renege on that promise now they will lose face big time and piss off a lot of their potential customers forever. And you know how the Japanese hate to lose face.

norcalmike2

68bullitt, you hit the nail right on the head. My 15K price comment came from me comparing the 530 to the G. The G outshines the 530 in horsepower, torque, interior room, and I'll bet a steak dinner, RELIABILITY. I too, don't understand why people compare the G to the 330.

jdbtensai

remember something though. it's pretty hard to ship a house across country AND the location can't be shipped.
whereas a car...

jlan

You can't ship a house, but my point was that different markets result in different pricing. Try to buy a Yukon or Taho or even an Avalanche (I know!) in this area for much under sticker and you may have problems. However, Texans don't seem to be much for cars. Even Lexus GS is selling for discounts here, but I suspect not so as much in Southern Cal.

Finally, I don't see comparisons of the G35 to 530/540s in the trade rags (except to mention size), and having seen the car don't seriously consider them in even the same class. Nobody would consider the I35 a 530 competitor even tho the I35 has much more hp (rwd vs. fwd really doesn't make that much difference in daily driving).

If anyone thinks the G35 is comparable to any $45K car, that is wishful thinking/dreaming.

dave330i

Didn't the Q45 outshine the competitors in hp & torque as well?

"The G outshines the 530 in horsepower, torque, interior room, and I'll bet a steak dinner, RELIABILITY."

Talk about counting your chicken before they hatch. According to consumer report, 530 is one of the most reliable car out there.

magnetophone

I'm not sure where in Texas you live, but here in Austin, a 1500 square foot house in the city goes for about $200,000 or so. In the far, far suburbs it's cheaper.

Some 2-bedroom bungalows in the central part of town go for as high as $600,000.

maybeg35

62 year old, stucco 2d,2ba on a 50x150 lot just sold 679K, multiple offers. Price on G35? MSRP take it or leave it.

blueguydotcom

not for long.

hvan3

<<Talk about counting your chicken before they hatch. According to consumer report, 530 is one of the most reliable car out there>>

From word of mouth, the 540i that my friends own is NOT as reliable as you think. If something does go wrong, expect to pay a premium for the repair. Ever heard of $800 brake job?

cwdavis1

The local St. Louis dealer had a G-35 on the showroom floor today and today only. The indicated receipt of their first shipment around March 15th. My wife and I sat in one that was equipped with the sport package, leather, navigation etc. We were both very impressed with the quality and comfort. The back seats tilt so there appears to be more room and certainly more flexibility. I did not notice any "bulge" that people refer to here but then again I did not specifically look for one either. I did not find the navigation system very user friendly or easy to use as I did the one on the Lexus ES 300 which is the other car we are considering. Both cars are beautiful as we then relooked at the Lexus after we were done at Infiniti. I look forward to test driving the car as I am sure it will be impressive---more than the Lexus. Quite frankly, I don't think you can go wrong with either the Lexus or the G-35...it is very nice.

68bullitt

QUOTE: "Here you can buy a nice 1500 square foot house for $80K. My sister in San Diego informs me she can't touch such a thing for under $200K (similar quality location, etc.)"

$200K? Here, in the SF Bay Area you can't get a 50 sq. ft. walk-in closet for $200K, even in this recession. A nice 1500 sq. ft. home here can sell for more than $1M. Reports here this week say that the housing market is heating up again with multiple offers and more homes sold in Jan. 2002 than in even Jan. 2000. Damn, here we go again. Is it still called a bubble if it never seems to end?

68bullitt

QUOTE: "rwd vs. fwd really doesn't make that much difference in daily driving"

Jlan, I guess you're not really a car guy because to most enthusiasts, it makes a HUGE difference.

norcalmike2

No question about it, German cars are very well engineered. I have owned four Mercedes over the years and have enjoyed them and hated them. I don't like paying 4 times as much for a simple repair or adjustment. The G35 will be the first sedan that I have ever purchased (having out grown SL's and SLK's). I was going to get a C CLass Mercedes until the reliability issues popped up on the new model. My next thought was an ES300 knowing how bullet proof they are. Problem with the ES was no fun factor. So far the G35 intrigues me. The only thing that will make me ask for my deposit back is if it rides like a buck board or has as much road noise as a Geo Metro. If I don't instantly "bond" with the G35, my search will continue. I know it's just a personality thing, but every time I drive a BMW it just does not do anything for me.

dl7265

Yeah not in DFW area either start at 160K and thats a cookie cutter track house,

Far as San Diego i guess the views from the Coronado beach are worth those prices .

DL

cwdavis1

I too was close to buying a C320 but have backed away due to the reliability issues and the smallness inside the car. I have owned and still own a Mercedes and they are expensive to repair. The ES 300 is beautiful but as I did test drive it, it was not much fun to drive. I thought I would be disappointed with the G-35 but after checking it out (at least sitting in it, fooling with the radio and checking out the engine and trunk) I am now pleasantly impressed. I too, however, will hold my final judgement until I test drive it for I do not want a stiff ride thus I most likely will not opt for the sports package. I also will say that I am impressed with the paint quality of the 2002 ES 300--having closely examined the silver and blue onyx pearl--they both glistened in the sunlight. It is the pearl aspect that is really neat. The color I saw on the G-35 was Garnet Fire (red) which was sharp but not metallic. And by the way, beemers do not do much for me either although they are a fine car.

stanny1

I'm a real estate broker in San Diego, and the average price is real close to 300K. Just sold a 1950, 3 bedroom,1 bath, 1158 square foot on a small lot for 300K, 15 miles east of the ocean. Not much money left for G35 payments after the $2300 house payment!

bpraxis

Hello room and what a pleasure to see Infiniti producing fun cars. As most of you know the Japanese economy is having serious deflationary problems. This is great news for us because the strong dollar will allow the Japanese to keep reducing the prices of their cars. And or incresing the feature content.

What we have here is a Japanese BMW 5 series starting at $27,000. And the warranty is 60,000 miles bumper to bumper.

Do you all feel that going with the standard cloth will have a serious adverse effect on resale value. I genuinely perfer cloth over leather. Very little maintainace and it does not reflect temperature extremes.

BTW, Real estate here in Orlando is in a bubble as you are describing in other parts of the country. It seems a great time to sell, real estate is a boom or bust industry as you know.

Have a great day and I cant wait to see the new G 35 coupe.

dervish

The BMW 1988 325 was by far the worst car I've ever owned in my 27 years of driving. I was young and wanted to own the Ultimate Machine and willing to love and pamper it for many years to come.

The brand new car had to be sent back to the dealer for repair the very next day! Then one thing after another: fuel pump, major electrical failures, water pump, power windows and locks, seats, paint failure... I only own the thing for less than two years and my most memorable thing about it is the free chocolate bars from the service departments. Very nice!

In contrary, my current car, a well-abused nine-year-old G20, has been EXTREMELY reliable. It has 140k hard miles and still runs like new even without one single tuneup by the shop.

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new car and the G35 is on top of my list. Actually, it is the only one on the list at this moment.

Perhaps I will use the G35's odd rear-end and the recent economy down turn as excuses to keep my G20 a few more years...

sascuderi

My opinion is to go with the leather since it will add value to the resale. I have a 2000 I30 with black leather and the car seats stay cool in the summer, even during trips to S.C.! The reason is that the exterior is bright silver which keeps the interior cool. So if you go with leather, and I would, make sure you get a light color exterior.

pat

Some of you have already seen this, but if anyone missed it you can read Edmunds First Drive of the 2003 G35 by following the link in the Helpful Links box on the left sidebar of this page.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

dl7265

Any idea how much that Contemporary stucco house across the street from the beach on Coronado is ?

that things awsome.

dervish: sorry u had a bad experience but i wouldnt compare a car in 1988 to today, the E46 maked a large improvement in quality ,and is probably on par with any luxo japanese vehicle, actually lots of the parts are cheaper .

Regards,
DL

blueguydotcom

If you have to ask, it's too much.

By the way, I'm looking forward to Discover Infiniti getting a hold of a G. The two times I've stopped in to look at Infinitis (once to drive a rare I35 manual...nice car, too soft in corners) the staff has been very knowledgeable and super helpful. Very impressed by Infiniti salesmen.

drod2045

No such thing as an i35 manual. There is an older I30 manual but that stopped when the 2nd gen i30 debuted.