Is plenty in this class. The 240 hp Altima with the same engine has been clocked at 5.9 0-60 and 14.4@100 in the 1/4-mile. G35 should produce similar or better numbers considering its weight is close and it's RWD. That would make it the fastest car in the class.
All this is assuming it comes with a manual, though...
I'm eagerly anticipating the G35. It fixes the G20's two glaring deficiencies - FWD and lack of power. As long as we get a manual tranny and the pricing doesn't get out of hand, the G35 will be a winner.
I own an Infiniti right now, just like you, and I'm anticipating the G35 to be a big success, just like you. So how am I lost?
FWD is not nice in a 'sports sedan'. It's just fine in grandma's Grand Am, though.
Well, Infiniti just doesn't get it. All of these companies from VW to Lexus to Infiniti all give lip service to matching the 3 series and then they either give you front wheel drive, or bring the manual transmission later (if at all). In the mean time they have soured the real drivers off of their cars.
Yeah manuals may make only 8% of cars total, but look at BMWs. I was told it was over thirty percent, probably higher with the "sporty" or M models.
I guess I expected too much from a car company that bases their marketing Fenton, Missouri.
As for rear wheel drive, stability control has tamed the bad weather demons a bunch as long as you don't try to break the laws of physics. (Yeah, on a test drive my wife got the tail of a 3 series to break by steering to sharply in a mid speed turn.) If you are going to whine about RWD, at least get snow tires.
I was expecting more out the G35. I was hoping for a poor man's 540.
180 inches overall minus 122 inch wheel base. Is that like 5 1/2 feet of over hang? I guess minus 2 feet for the wheel wells. Doesn't sound as pretty as the XVL pics I've seen.
Anyway, you all can keep on dreaming like a co-dependent car junkie that Infiniti will see the error in its way and bring the good engine and real transmission, but I'm off to find the real next best thing.
You can't even get a new M5 or M3 with an automatic. They're manual only.
As for the G35, I think the 255 hp IS the good engine, at least right now. I haven't heard one way or another whether we will get the manual right away, though.
The timing of the Manual G35 will, of course, be after the six-speed's introduction in the new Z car. The big question IS: When is that? Reviews of cars with six-speeds are mixed bags. The Getrag has not fared that well. The Tremec has seemed to get more favorable reviews. Toyota decided not to build a sixer for the IS300. Let's hope Nissan can build a good six-speed. This is an era when car companies lack experienced manual tranny engineers. I doubt that Ford, GM and Chrysler can build them anymore. It's Getrag, Tremec and ZF mostly.
Any one have the number of G35s that Infiniti/Nissan is planning to sell in the US?
As for manual, does the Skyline/JP has a manual option already? I can see from their web site that they do have a 4WD. But if they don't already offer a manual version in Japan, I wouldn't see why they would offer one in the US.
..from what I have read, the manual transmission isn't available for the Nissan Skyline (AKA G35) either, they have to offer a manual, if not, I don't see myself considering it in the Spring of next year.
"FWD is not nice in a 'sports sedan'. It's just fine in grandma's Grand Am, though." Dictums rarely past muster under scrutiny. The problem with such a narrow minded statement (besides the fact that is isn't true) is that, like most things in life, there are always exceptions. The Maxima, for instance, has been roundly praised as an exceptional "sports sedan" as much for it's handling as it's engine. Seeing and experiencing first hand what Nissan/Infiniti can do with it's FWD chassis's, in my mind, lends creedence to the idea that they may very well get the RWD G35 right the first time.
stebu... Tend to agree, though I think the '90-'94 Maximas were the real 4-dr sport sedans of the Maxima line. Then Nissan got cheap and put in the minivan beam rear suspension (non-independent). New Altima and future Maxima have IRS.
For 95 percent of drivers 95 percent of time, don't know if FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4WD makes much of a difference. But it is when you are driving all out, at the limits so to speak, when something like near 50/50 balance of RWD or AWD could come into play. Even then, driver skill is a serious consideration. A great driver who really knows his FWD sport sedan will run circles around a novice in a "better" RWD platform.
And notice how often the automotive press has absolutely no trouble talking about how well so many FWD platforms perform. I don't see the Acura 3.2TL Type S getting chastised for its handling or performance prowess!
A great FWD platform can be a joy to drive nearly all the time. And is likely better to drive most of the time in winter.
iamwhoiam: "180 inches overall minus 122 inch wheel base. Is that like 5 1/2 feet of over hang? I guess minus 2 feet for the wheel wells. Doesn't sound as pretty as the XVL pics I've seen." I am not sure what you are talking about here (and 180" - 122" = 58" = 4'10"). Are you saying that the wheelbase is too short? That the front and rear overhangs are too long? For comparisons, the BMW M3 has a length of 176.8" and a wheelbase of 107.5". That means that its wheelbase is shorter then the G35 and the overhangs are longer.
Car & Driver indicated a 112 inch wheelbase. (A 122 inch one would harken back to the giant Cadillacs, Lincolns, and Imperials from 30 years ago.)
Even a 112 inch and 184 inches overall, that is only 72 inches. The wheelbase is measured from axle to axle, so you have to discount the wheelwell when considering visual overhang.
Check out the overhang in a car like the Lincoln LS. It uses a 114 inch wheelbase and has an overall length around 191 inches. That leaves about 77 inches. But sure looks compact to me. I wouldn't worry about overhang, proportions, or visual impact of G35. She'll be a beaut!
Those market research folks who gave input when they built the Q45 should all be beaten with a stick. They obviously missed the mark with the Q45. Misleading HP figures surely didn't help.
I don't know how the G35 will be but on paper it looks awesome. 255HP is plenty enough for this car but if they have a 'Type-S' version (I guess they can call it the 't' model), with about 280HP, sales of both models will be successful. I think they gave up on boosting HP ratings after the Q45 debacle. I think had the Q45 been a success, we would have seen the I35 and 2002 Maxima's HP rated at 260.
People who are demanding the manual tranny are obviously people who are looking for a 'performance' sedan. Otherwise, why would they consider the G35? If they didn't want performance, they would just buy the FWD ES300 and be done with it. So, if the performance sedan seekers are looking for a manual G35, Infiniti should make it. I don't see what the problem is here. Are they that slow? Especially since the 6-speed is going to be in the 350Z...and they share the same chassis.
Maybe they're worried about people not buying the Z and just getting the G35. Who knows..hope they figure it out.
I saw the Q45 at a shopping mall show here in San Diego. What impressed me was how small it was. My Lincoln LS seemed as least as big inside, if not larger. For those bucks, I want more room. The G35 will be as small as I want to go. 3 series and IS300 is way too small.
If Nissan is going with the thinking that if they don't make the G35 with a manual, that it will generate more Z sales, I can say with confidence that they will definitely lose sales. Practically no one who is looking at a G35 would even have the new Z at the bottom of their list, it's only a two door and even worse, only a two seater. Don't get me wrong, the Z sounds like a great car, but it can't provide some of the needs a lot of us our looking for in a performance car. I myself currently drive a 2001 Mustang GT, but being a dad to an 18month old and with a second possibly on the way in the very near future, I will need to look for a "performance sedan" within the next year to give me the practicality of a four door with the performance of a "sports car" that I'm used to. At least right now I can still put a baby seat in the back seat when I absolutely need too, but it's not a comfortable chore. With the new Z, I won't even have that option so it's not even a remote choice on my list. I absolutely refuse to buy a Camry, Accord, or any other run-of-the mill boring family sedan. I want something with preferrably RWD or AWD, that is powerful, handles well, is fun to drive, and it MUST have a manual transmission. Luxury items are fine as long as they don't drive up the price unnecessarily past an absolute maximum of $32-33K MSRP. Of course, the lower the better!
My circumstances may be very personal, but from several forums I've read about the G35, a lot of us are of the same opinion. Who cares if the total number of manual vehicles is relatively small for the industry overall (guess we can blame all those SUVs and other vehicles that don't even give you a CHOICE). For a car like the G35, I would veture to say it would be very similar to what was said about BMWs. Because of the performance nature of the car, it is bound to sell at least one manual for every two automatics just because of the fact of them offering one on such a well rounded "performance sedan" / "four door sports car"(it IS based on the Skyline). The bottom line is, I respect Nissan / Infinity's efforts to bring performance back as part of their core competency, but if they make the mstake of not offering a manual or even wait a year on making it available on the G35(Lexus learned the hard way with the IS 300 didn't they), they will lose a lot of sales, including mine.
dtech114... If you want an affordable, if also somewhat luxurious, 4-dr sport sedan with manual transmission, you might also consider a loaded Altima 3.5 SE or Maxima SE. Both would sticker for around, likely under, $30,000. Both come in automatic and then there is also the Infiniti I-35 Sport (a bit over $30,000).
mmcbride1... I did read his note. He said "preferrably AWD or RWD". But he also appears to want to stay within a budget and have a reasonably priced performance-oriented sport sedan with modicum of luxury, and that has room for current and future family needs. How many of those exist at less than $321-33,000? That you can actually find and buy on your local dealer's lot? Minute you say RWD, most of these are looking at $32,000 MINIMUM (with reasonable options). Try to find that base strippo $30,000 Jag X-type. Have you seen how BMW dealers option out the 325is on their lots? If you can find one for less than $32,000, then send that dealer my way. And if his maximum price includes TTL, then he'll have a hard time!
I say be flexible and take something like that 255 HP Maxima 6-speed manual, with LSD, out for a spin. What have you got to lose looking around!
There are enough options at the $30k level that you don't have to look at FWD cars.
BMW 325i (you can order one however you want it equipped for no additional charge) Audi A4 1.8T Quattro Subaru WRX Lexus IS300 (soon to be) Infiniti G35
I'm not absolutely opposed to FWD cars as I find the Saab 9-3 Turbo and the Volvo S60 Turbo as VERY nice alternatives (although price can vary a little more for the higher end models making then a little harder to afford). Turbos may require a little more tuning to pass emissions, but offer a very significant advantage in making power, especially in small displacement engines. More manufaturers need to take some lessons from Saab, Volvo and the Japanese market and use more turbo technology in mainstream design. And yes, the Altima 3.5 SE and the Maxima SE are also on my consideration list, but not as appealing as a RWD G35 with manual transmission and limited slip differential. Another one high on my list is the Mazda RX-8. I may have to wait a little longer for it (due out in early 2003), but Mazda has the right idea in offering a car with four reasonably accessible seating positions (thanks to the "free style" rear mini-doors), a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution for excellent handling characteristics, and a potent 250-260 hp rotary engine. Did I mention it also looks really sharp? The key to their success will be to not price the car out of it's core target market (younger likely married drivers, possibly with children, that need an affordable and somewhat practical four door / seating position vehicle that's easy to live with for family use but still performance car oriented). Last but not least is the five speed Lexus IS 300. If a 5 speed were available when I bought my Mustang, I might have bought an IS 300 instead, but anyway, I hope they and other manufacturers learned their lesson about not giving people a choice upfront, especially after every auto review of the IS pretty much raked Lexus over the coals for not offering a 5-speed to begin with and prospective buyers crying foul as well.
As for buy vs. lease, I will NEVER lease a car, regardless of the deal or if I only keep cars for relatively few years. No matter what anyone says, the numbers don't lie. I will go out on a limb and say that the majority of people that lease, it's mearly an attempt to try and afford something they couldn't normally afford. Sooner or later, most people realize how "great a deal" leases really are, especially in the long run. It may be an ideal choice for a select few individuals, but let's all remeber that leases were meant primarily for businesses. Everyone can thank the big backlash of used leased cars for why tade-in vaules are being hurt for those of us that choose to have equity. Why do you think there is now such a big marketing effort to advertise "pre-owned" this or "pre-owned" that? The dealers did it to themselves over the past six or seven years by greedily offering cheaper lease deals for the pure profit that they are with wishfully high residual values. This has also driven the residuals of leases down making leases more expensive, and rightly so. And in this economy, anyone in the market for a car would be pretty foolish to lease over buy with interest rates as low as they are (even 0%!). But, I digress.
My next purchase is definitely going to be a longer term purchase than my relatively impulsive buy of the Mustang GT (and enjoying every minute of it thank you, except for some minor issues). Timing will play an important role for me, but not at the expense of buying what I REALLY want and need. To all the manufacturers I say this.....give us affordable high performance(MSRP under $35K fully loaded, again, lower is better!), a reasonable degree of family practicality, distinctive styling with entry level luxury(no cookie cutter plain jane family sedan), and a choice of transmissions (a turbo powered eninge would be a big plus as well!), and WE WILL come to the lots ready to buy. The performance sedan renaissance is at hand! There are A LOT of us Gen Xers and others that are looking to transition from two door sports/performance coupes to affordable performance sedans (not just what manufacturers have traditionally been calling "sport sedans")! It may sound cheezy but....IF YOU BUILD IT...WE WILL COME!
Thanks for the suggestions, but here are my thoughts
BMW 325i (you can order one however you want it equipped for no additional charge) -why pay so much for their lowest end sedan?....I know BMW engineering is good and they drive well, but this model is over priced and under powered with the 330 having good power but being WAY over-priced. Seems like BMW believe a little too much of it's own press.
Audi A4 1.8T Quattro -not a bad car from what I've found, but definitely underpowered, especially for having a turbo. Styling is rather bland, even if it does have some luxury. Expensive options can also drive up the price.
Subaru WRX -almost bought one because of the bang for the buck factor, but has various quality issues (paint, windshield, mechanical, etc.). Seats feel good, but the rest of the interior is cramped, and looks and feels relatively cheap and low rent. AWD is a plus as is the turbo power. Unique, quirky styling is interesting.
Lexus IS300 -A very nice all around car. RWD, good power, and a 5 speed!!! Nice styling inside and out. A somewhat decent MSRP given optional equipment that is selected. Could still use a little more power but is much more afforadable compared to the BMW equivalent.
(soon to be) Infiniti G35 -Could be THE affordable performance sedan of the decade if Infinity will price it right(e.g. close too or only slightly more than the Maxima.) Sized right, Skyline heritage/chasis, looks good, excellent power, RWD! Now all they need is to confirm a manual transmission and this one will be at the top of my shopping list!
dtech114... Keep looking, get what you want and what meets your needs. It is your hard earned money! Think we're a bit alike. I'm willing to look and test drive darn near anything. I want more performance and wife wants more luxury, but we have to stay at or under about $30,000 and need something practical enough for family use.
Have you looked at the AWD Passat V-6? Trunk a bit small but does sticker, with decent options, for around $31,000-32,000. I, too, thought the WRX wasn't up to build quality standard (just seemed too cheaply made and tinny), and I thought it looked way too boy racerish.
Check out the December 2001 issue of Motor Trend. Test a Jag X-type 2.5 Sport 5-speed manual. Their test car's $32,595 ballooned to $40,320. Underpowered and overpriced. 0-60 mph in a slow 8.5 seconds.
mmcbride1....I think you took my response a little too personally. I didn't mean that I did not appreciate your suggestions. Those were my personal feelings regarding the cars you mentioned and I recognize that eveyone has different tastes. I never said the BMW or Audi were bad cars, quite the contrary, but it's a well known fact that they a proportionally more money than their direct competitors, moreso BMW than Audi though. In short, we can all get along regardless of what we like and what we can afford individually!.....:)
riez.....it does sound like we are in a similar boat. Although my wife would rarely, if ever, drive my car since she is not fond of manuals, she knows that's what I like to drive and could drive it in a pinch if she had too. She's fine with it as long I get something a little more practical than the Mustang....hehehe. She also has no complaints about her Xterra....;) As for the Passat AWD, it's only automatic but the Passat is a nice car. I would choose an Altima or Maxima with LSD before the Passat FWD though. I also considered the Jag briefly but not overly impressed with it.
Let's just keep discussing ideas and hopefully the manufacturers are watching and reading on what a lot of us REALLY NEED AND WANT! (at a reasonable price!)
it looks like you already know what you want. If was to buy a RWD car in your price range right now, I'd get the Lexus IS300. The G35 also is the car that I'm looking for, but not too seriously since I just bought a Altima 3.5 SE. I'm looking to go back to Infiniti after about 3-4 years so the G35 will be the car that would draw me back to them.
Just wanted to mention that I'm just not impressed with the PRICE of the Jaguar X-Type. Add any options to it an your are already in Audi S4 territory and others at that price. I did read the recent article about it in Car and Driver, and the performance and overall package is very nice, but priced out of my budget, at least for the next year. For those who can afford it, it's definietly a nice choice, but again, at that price, there are plenty of choices.
The review is from European source, UK. Thinking there might be differences in standard and optional equipment offered in this platform across Japan, Europe, and USA. Noticed it talked about a 2nd, smaller motor which USA won't get.
here's an excerpt from a letter some guy got from infiniti:
"With a 255-horsepower DOHC V6 engine positioned behind the front axle for optimal weight distribution, a new 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, rear-wheel drive, and a new 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension, the all-new 2003 G35 represents the very best of Infiniti's forward thinking."
Just go to http://www.infiniti.com/G35 and after the intro there will be a menu bar above the photo of the G35. Click on the 'Brochure' option and fill out the form that follows.
I filled out the form on the website, and got an E-Mail from Infiniti a short time later. I was disappointed that there is no mention of an available manual transmission on the website. If no manual is forthcoming, I hope I like the next new Maxima and it still offers manual (and maybe RWD?).
If anyone has seen the flashsite for G35 doesn't it look alot like the MB C-class ads? You know C-alot? Please tell me Chiat Day will be more creative when it comes to the Mags and TV.
I was at the California Auto Show last month. Infiniti does NOT hand out brochures. You have to fill out a survey form and they will mail the brochures. How cheap can they get?
Anyway, the interior of the G35 is EXCELLENT (from looking at the brochure). I think it's lot better than the Beemer and IS300.
In January, i hope to see the G35 in person at the LA Auto Show.
...yesterday. No G35 on hand, but small, introductory brouchres were available. 255hp looks like the winning number. I feel so sorry for the G20. It would have made a nice Nissan for a few $$$ less.... I can't wait to go shopping for a $30-$35k auto next year...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Will their be a wagon................I would love to see on it seem wagon are popular, i have 2 so i would really like a high perfromance one...............
I've requested a brochure, but haven't gotten one yet. Was wondering if the interior shots had any wood trim? I love wood trim, and hope they have a bunch of it like in the q45, as long as the quality of it is at an appropriate level.
Being a car nut, I'm torn between buying an Altima or Passat now, or waiting and checking out a G35. Then again, if I wait 2 years there will also be a new TL and 300M to consider... Probably should just buy something and stop thinking so much...
I requested the brochure two weeks ago and got it in about seven days. The dash picture shows no wood trim at all, although it is an attractive-looking center console.
My girlfriend has a two year old Passat. The car is total garbage. And the dealer is worse. My advice to you is stick with the Japanese makes.
Looks like there is no wood. Some brushed aluminum on the console and steering wheel.
Car is advertised as more of a sport sedan than a luxury car (Q45) hence more of a BMW 3 style interior. I like the two tone interior (black and tan) and think it will be even better upon live viewing.
Comments
All this is assuming it comes with a manual, though...
I own an Infiniti right now, just like you, and I'm anticipating the G35 to be a big success, just like you. So how am I lost?
FWD is not nice in a 'sports sedan'. It's just fine in grandma's Grand Am, though.
Yeah manuals may make only 8% of cars total, but look at BMWs. I was told it was over thirty percent, probably higher with the "sporty" or M models.
I guess I expected too much from a car company that bases their marketing Fenton, Missouri.
As for rear wheel drive, stability control has tamed the bad weather demons a bunch as long as you don't try to break the laws of physics. (Yeah, on a test drive my wife got the tail of a 3 series to break by steering to sharply in a mid speed turn.) If you are going to whine about RWD, at least get snow tires.
I was expecting more out the G35. I was hoping for a poor man's 540.
180 inches overall minus 122 inch wheel base. Is that like 5 1/2 feet of over hang? I guess minus 2 feet for the wheel wells. Doesn't sound as pretty as the XVL pics I've seen.
Anyway, you all can keep on dreaming like a co-dependent car junkie that Infiniti will see the error in its way and bring the good engine and real transmission, but I'm off to find the real next best thing.
As for the G35, I think the 255 hp IS the good engine, at least right now. I haven't heard one way or another whether we will get the manual right away, though.
As for manual, does the Skyline/JP has a manual option already? I can see from their web site that they do have a 4WD. But if they don't already offer a manual version in Japan, I wouldn't see why they would offer one in the US.
Dictums rarely past muster under scrutiny. The problem with such a narrow minded statement (besides the fact that is isn't true) is that, like most things in life, there are always exceptions. The Maxima, for instance, has been roundly praised as an exceptional "sports sedan" as much for it's handling as it's engine. Seeing and experiencing first hand what Nissan/Infiniti can do with it's FWD chassis's, in my mind, lends creedence to the idea that they may very well get the RWD G35 right the first time.
For 95 percent of drivers 95 percent of time, don't know if FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4WD makes much of a difference. But it is when you are driving all out, at the limits so to speak, when something like near 50/50 balance of RWD or AWD could come into play. Even then, driver skill is a serious consideration. A great driver who really knows his FWD sport sedan will run circles around a novice in a "better" RWD platform.
And notice how often the automotive press has absolutely no trouble talking about how well so many FWD platforms perform. I don't see the Acura 3.2TL Type S getting chastised for its handling or performance prowess!
A great FWD platform can be a joy to drive nearly all the time. And is likely better to drive most of the time in winter.
Even a 112 inch and 184 inches overall, that is only 72 inches. The wheelbase is measured from axle to axle, so you have to discount the wheelwell when considering visual overhang.
Check out the overhang in a car like the Lincoln LS. It uses a 114 inch wheelbase and has an overall length around 191 inches. That leaves about 77 inches. But sure looks compact to me.
I wouldn't worry about overhang, proportions, or visual impact of G35. She'll be a beaut!
I don't know how the G35 will be but on paper it looks awesome. 255HP is plenty enough for this car but if they have a 'Type-S' version (I guess they can call it the 't' model), with about 280HP, sales of both models will be successful. I think they gave up on boosting HP ratings after the Q45 debacle. I think had the Q45 been a success, we would have seen the I35 and 2002 Maxima's HP rated at 260.
People who are demanding the manual tranny are obviously people who are looking for a 'performance' sedan. Otherwise, why would they consider the G35? If they didn't want performance, they would just buy the FWD ES300 and be done with it. So, if the performance sedan seekers are looking for a manual G35, Infiniti should make it. I don't see what the problem is here. Are they that slow? Especially since the 6-speed is going to be in the 350Z...and they share the same chassis.
Maybe they're worried about people not buying the Z and just getting the G35. Who knows..hope they figure it out.
My circumstances may be very personal, but from several forums I've read about the G35, a lot of us are of the same opinion. Who cares if the total number of manual vehicles is relatively small for the industry overall (guess we can blame all those SUVs and other vehicles that don't even give you a CHOICE). For a car like the G35, I would veture to say it would be very similar to what was said about BMWs. Because of the performance nature of the car, it is bound to sell at least one manual for every two automatics just because of the fact of them offering one on such a well rounded "performance sedan" / "four door sports car"(it IS based on the Skyline). The bottom line is, I respect Nissan / Infinity's efforts to bring performance back as part of their core competency, but if they make the mstake of not offering a manual or even wait a year on making it available on the G35(Lexus learned the hard way with the IS 300 didn't they), they will lose a lot of sales, including mine.
Dtech
I say be flexible and take something like that 255 HP Maxima 6-speed manual, with LSD, out for a spin. What have you got to lose looking around!
BMW 325i (you can order one however you want it equipped for no additional charge)
Audi A4 1.8T Quattro
Subaru WRX
Lexus IS300
(soon to be) Infiniti G35
As for buy vs. lease, I will NEVER lease a car, regardless of the deal or if I only keep cars for relatively few years. No matter what anyone says, the numbers don't lie. I will go out on a limb and say that the majority of people that lease, it's mearly an attempt to try and afford something they couldn't normally afford. Sooner or later, most people realize how "great a deal" leases really are, especially in the long run. It may be an ideal choice for a select few individuals, but let's all remeber that leases were meant primarily for businesses. Everyone can thank the big backlash of used leased cars for why tade-in vaules are being hurt for those of us that choose to have equity. Why do you think there is now such a big marketing effort to advertise "pre-owned" this or "pre-owned" that? The dealers did it to themselves over the past six or seven years by greedily offering cheaper lease deals for the pure profit that they are with wishfully high residual values. This has also driven the residuals of leases down making leases more expensive, and rightly so. And in this economy, anyone in the market for a car would be pretty foolish to lease over buy with interest rates as low as they are (even 0%!). But, I digress.
My next purchase is definitely going to be a longer term purchase than my relatively impulsive buy of the Mustang GT (and enjoying every minute of it thank you, except for some minor issues). Timing will play an important role for me, but not at the expense of buying what I REALLY want and need. To all the manufacturers I say this.....give us affordable high performance(MSRP under $35K fully loaded, again, lower is better!), a reasonable degree of family practicality, distinctive styling with entry level luxury(no cookie cutter plain jane family sedan), and a choice of transmissions (a turbo powered eninge would be a big plus as well!), and WE WILL come to the lots ready to buy. The performance sedan renaissance is at hand! There are A LOT of us Gen Xers and others that are looking to transition from two door sports/performance coupes to affordable performance sedans (not just what manufacturers have traditionally been calling "sport sedans")! It may sound cheezy but....IF YOU BUILD IT...WE WILL COME!
Dtech
BMW 325i (you can order one however you want it equipped for no additional charge) -why pay so much for their lowest end sedan?....I know BMW engineering is good and they drive well, but this model is over priced and under powered with the 330 having good power but being WAY over-priced. Seems like BMW believe a little too much of it's own press.
Audi A4 1.8T Quattro
-not a bad car from what I've found, but definitely underpowered, especially for having a turbo. Styling is rather bland, even if it does have some luxury. Expensive options can also drive up the price.
Subaru WRX
-almost bought one because of the bang for the buck factor, but has various quality issues (paint, windshield, mechanical, etc.). Seats feel good, but the rest of the interior is cramped, and looks and feels relatively cheap and low rent. AWD is a plus as is the turbo power. Unique, quirky styling is interesting.
Lexus IS300
-A very nice all around car. RWD, good power, and a 5 speed!!! Nice styling inside and out. A somewhat decent MSRP given optional equipment that is selected. Could still use a little more power but is much more afforadable compared to the BMW equivalent.
(soon to be) Infiniti G35
-Could be THE affordable performance sedan of the decade if Infinity will price it right(e.g. close too or only slightly more than the Maxima.) Sized right, Skyline heritage/chasis, looks good, excellent power, RWD! Now all they need is to confirm a manual transmission and this one will be at the top of my shopping list!
Dtech
Have you looked at the AWD Passat V-6? Trunk a bit small but does sticker, with decent options, for around $31,000-32,000. I, too, thought the WRX wasn't up to build quality standard (just seemed too cheaply made and tinny), and I thought it looked way too boy racerish.
Check out the December 2001 issue of Motor Trend. Test a Jag X-type 2.5 Sport 5-speed manual. Their test car's $32,595 ballooned to $40,320. Underpowered and overpriced. 0-60 mph in a slow 8.5 seconds.
riez.....it does sound like we are in a similar boat. Although my wife would rarely, if ever, drive my car since she is not fond of manuals, she knows that's what I like to drive and could drive it in a pinch if she had too. She's fine with it as long I get something a little more practical than the Mustang....hehehe. She also has no complaints about her Xterra....;) As for the Passat AWD, it's only automatic but the Passat is a nice car. I would choose an Altima or Maxima with LSD before the Passat FWD though. I also considered the Jag briefly but not overly impressed with it.
Let's just keep discussing ideas and hopefully the manufacturers are watching and reading on what a lot of us REALLY NEED AND WANT! (at a reasonable price!)
Dtech
Dtech
I think the G35 may have the same engine as the I35. It says 3.5 liter V6 with 255hp.
The car looks sweeeeeet!
"With a 255-horsepower DOHC V6 engine positioned behind the front axle for optimal weight distribution, a new 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, rear-wheel drive, and a new 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension, the all-new 2003 G35 represents the very best of Infiniti's forward thinking."
The letters taken from freshalloy.com
Anyway, the interior of the G35 is EXCELLENT (from looking at the brochure). I think it's lot better than the Beemer and IS300.
In January, i hope to see the G35 in person at the LA Auto Show.
The dealers didn't have them either until late September.
I feel so sorry for the G20. It would have made a nice Nissan for a few $$$ less....
I can't wait to go shopping for a $30-$35k auto next year...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
The car has very French looking styling (Renault influence?) and is available in a 2.0 4 cyl with manuel and CVT transmissions.
Both sedan and wagon styling is awesome. If it were available here in the low 20's it would be at the top of my list.
Being a car nut, I'm torn between buying an Altima or Passat now, or waiting and checking out a G35. Then again, if I wait 2 years there will also be a new TL and 300M to consider... Probably should just buy something and stop thinking so much...
My girlfriend has a two year old Passat. The car is total garbage. And the dealer is worse. My advice to you is stick with the Japanese makes.
What's interesting is that the navigation system has a pop up 6.5 "screen from the dash board.
Car is advertised as more of a sport sedan than a luxury car (Q45) hence more of a BMW 3 style interior. I like the two tone interior (black and tan) and think it will be even better upon live viewing.
I would say the G35 will surely be there. I plan on attending and look forward to seeing the G35, the Mazda 6 and the Mitsubishi Airtrek crossover.
click on various tabs in japanese to see pictures
I did see wood trim--I think you can get it but I may be wrong