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Comments
I have ordered a loaded G35, with the Aero Package, which the only Aero ? my dealer knows about, and has a price for. It includes the spoiler, underbody air mgmt, etc.
The CarsDirect web site, as well as CarPrices web site indicated a higher cost option called the Aero Kit, which is described as a new front end spoiler, rear attachment, and side rails, painted the body color.
My interest in this Aero kit is that it would appear to eliminate the black plastic apron around the bottom of the car body, which is my preference.
Perhaps it is a USA option, not available in Canada. I have fired off an e-mail to my dealer for clarification as well. I will post any info. received.
On another note, someone posted that the lease interest rate in the USA was 2.3%, vs. 6.9% in Canada. There has been a lot of debate about the difference in price for the G35 in Canada vs. USA. Well you will find the same price differential for BMW, and Mercedes, as just two manufacturers web sites I visited. Just build the same car on both sites, notate the price, then multiply the US price by 1.55 to convert to Cdn $.
This is clearly an anti American global conspiracy, that needs to be wiped out. Why doesn't the USA just take us all over and be done with it.
First Afghanistan, next Canada. You're next on the list buddy. Looks like Bush will need to add an addendum to his "axis of evil" list. LOL :-)
http://www.bmwusacycles.com/pdfs/heritage/1910.pdf
If ya don't agree with Bimmer's PR, fine. But that's what they claim.
But they do make clear, as does Gunston, that BMW did supply engines for the Fokker D.VII BIPLANE, first flight January 1918. Plane so deadly that Allies specifically required in armistice that Germans turn over all copies. Fokker snuck some over border into Holland where he was then legally able to build combat aircraft. The "Red Baron" made the Fokker Dr.I TRIPLANE famous, production of which ran from from June/Aug 1917 thru late May 1918. He dies 4/21/18. D.VII enters full-scale production in April 1918.)
I'll return to my alternate universe now!
By the way, it's no longer Canadian Dollars, it's Canadian Peso's.
If those great BMW designers and engineers had not created such masterpieces so long ago and the company hadn't internalized what it means to build truly magnificent cars, do you think they would build them today out of the blue? But the company respects and nourishes its long and glorious heritage. That is why today's Z3 and Z8 owe so much to the 1950's 507 and 1930's 328. Line 'em up and you can see the lineage! Do Cadillac and Lincoln nourish and promote a consistent heritage?
Notice how Mazda toys with "Zoom Zoom Zoom". But they don't have much Zoom! Or remember when Nissan was using toy 300ZXs & dolls in their commercials to sell Nissans AFTER they stopped building Zs? Both forgot their heritage and paid the ultimate market price. Declining market share, tarnished market perception, & reduced profits.
I hope Nissan focuses Infiniti into some market niche. If not luxury sporting (emphasis on sport) as with BMW, then maybe sporting luxury (emphasis on luxury), but with balance? Look at Infiniti since 1989. What did early Q45 share with later Q41? What did G20 have in common with J30? What was the M30 there for? How did I30 slot between G20 and Q41? Did the t's really make them good "touring" cars? Praying Infiniti sticks with something and refines it without ceasing!!! That would make the G35 great and hopefully allow future M45 & other products to fit in naturally.
obviously the knowledge base within a company is, to some extent, a function of their heritage. and to that extent, and that extent only, heritage means something.
heritage alone means nothing.
NOTHING!
my bad. i thought you'd used the word "dingy."
i can certainly imagine a $110 steak in the ginza. i could imagine a lot more than that.
one reason i only ate there once. and someone else paid.
I see the point you're trying to make, but the Yankees? Come on!! The Yankees are so dominant because they're the most expensive team in baseball. The players' salaries dwarf those of other MLB teams. As a result they can afford to have the best players in baseball playing on one team. The discrepancy has gotten so great that MLB wants to get rid of a few low-paid teams, like the Expos and the Twins, because they simply cannot compete with their relatively low salaries, and thus, less skilled players and losing records.
The A's lost their best player Jason Giambi this year to guess who....that's right, the Yankees. Why? The Yankees were willing to pay him more than the A's or any other team in baseball. You pay the most, you get the best team, simple as that. Nothing to do with heritage. As they say: you get what you pay for. (Exception to that rule would be BMWs and the G35).
I too am hoping for the cars to get here soon so I don't have to scroll through 80 useless messages every day to find the 10 that actually have something to do with the car in question.
Also, if one's schedule is such that 4 minutes will cause total chaos then I would definitely recommend taking a deep breath, relax a little and then reexamine life's priorities and commitments. (This is the nice way to say GET A LIFE!) Just a friendly suggestion
This model was the leather package without premium? I was shown a dark blue premium package out in the shop awaiting to be prepped, so I got to see the reclining seats, etc. BTW, the blue looks terrible! The interior is different, let's leave it there. The famous bulge is not a problem, nor the foot break. I was ok with things, but my wife thought it was incredibly cheap looking compared to the BMWs and Audis we had looked at. Her comments in particular were the perferated leather seats, which she hates and the size (width) of the seats. I thought the seats were better than the TL-S Type we test drove on Tuesday. She was not impressed with the dashboard either.
I for one do not understand Infiniti's packaging with this car? Why on entry luxury should I have to add climate control in the rear or power seats on the passenger side that only comes with the premium package? The tires too are lower profile with a tread wear of 260 and that's the only tire you can get witht he leather package? This car did not have the added sport suspension package either, so why the speed rated tires? The door panels are chep too, in fact the doors themselves feel a bit too light in weight. I have been pndering this car for some time, holding off on purchasing another car. I am leaning towards a 525 with manual trans, in fact we went to look at it after viewing the G35. I'm off to Norfolk, VA for a military recall, but I'll let you know if I decide to purchase. Scott
A few intial observations
A) Bose system, radio has 31 levels of sound, 31 being the loudest, not realizing this I had it up to 31 and went to make it louder and found that I had already max'ed out. The fact that I wanted to go louder tells you something. Sound is very good.
I guess this car just does not like to be driven in a wimpy fashion.
The best part is the engine sound when you step on it, better than anything comming out of the sound system, that I promise you.
If anyone has any questions, I am here for maybe another 45 mins.
One last thing, the looks this car is getting from people on the street are a big turn on.
And as far as the last post I read from someone stating that the car did not feel solids, doors etc.... , am sorry I do not agree, doors close fine and that thump that you here when you close them, you know the one I mean, the sound of quality, it is all there.
OK, last comment. I was never a fan of audio system buttons on the steering wheels, never bothered with them. On this car that is all I am using to change stations, volume etc..., feel on your thumb is great and you don't even have to look while you are doing it, all by feel.
Last one, (sorry) used the key remote to open all the windows, was cool......
that feels great. i haven't set the memory button yet as I am still waiting to find that ideal setting. Have to say that the seats are way better than the '91 Q45 that I had back then, mind you the technology has come so far since then.
Another thing , In all the cars that i owned over the years, i have never rested my left foot on the dead peddle, (is that what it is called)
anyways in the G35 that is where he rests, it is flat to the floor and very comfortable.
Now, have to get those windows tinted, and by the way the black is gorgeous and the leather is kind or more like a charcoal color than black.
Hope I am not boring anyone with these trivial details.
In my opinion, the G35, goes up against the likes of the Acura 3.2 Type S, Cadillac CTS, Lexus and few other in the same price range. We all know that you pay a premium for BMW and AUDI but that premium only costs so much, the price of a 5 series or an A6 in my opinion is a class up over the G35 so we are not comparing apples to apples.
Happy shopping (I know I dread shopping for cars, thank god for the internet as I did all my research on it so I only had to deal with appearance and test drive when I showed up at the dealer) I knew more about the G35 than the dealer did.
Something I wish all car manufactures would do also is to follow Jeeps' lead with the owner programmable features for the car. If you don't know about it check out Jeep's website.
Please keep us posted on you final decision. I too have postponed my purchase of a 5 series when I heard about the G35.
A 525 packs more panache than a G35, but the G offers greater performance and value. The 525's base price of $35,950 is no pocket change, yet it does not include leather or wood so your wife would certainly think its interior look cheap. Once you add the almost essential $3,200 premium package, the $1,450 automatic tranny that your wife may want, and the $645 destination, the price sky rockets to $42,245. And behind your back some people will still call you a 530-wannabe.
I am going through the same dilemma as you do. As gabman said, I will definitely test drive a G35 before I make my final decision.
I swear I gently but firmly pressed on the pedal,and left him a half block behind. Tooo much!
What is this car doing to me. I have to admit the CTS looked real nice, but then again I never got to see the back of it.
We were like the two new kids on the block. Now what are the chances of meeting up with a CTS of all things. Weird.
Not that I am arguing that the G35 wouldn't beat it... definitely the better choice.
I took the Premium edition for a test drive on ice & snow and it definitely requires snow tires. I did not like the orange glow from the dashboard and the Tiptronic did not down shift automatically when slowing down, very strange. The materials used are similar to my I30T and I believe the Passat has better quality materials, the doors on the Passat have a solid feel & definitely use better self closing hinges.
After saying this I like the G35 & have to overcome my objections.
has anyone out there worked out a lease already? anyone want to share their terms?
I. G35 (make mine blue please)
II. '98 GS 400, between 42,000 and 48,000 miles, $26,000 to $28,000, clean, private party, not certified
Thanks
I found a very nice lease calculator at: http://www.leaseguide.com/calc.htm. It calculated my lease rate at $742 + $108 for taxes for a total of $850 per month, based on $0 down. This is close to what my dealer told me. By putting $3000 down, the payment is reduced to about $745. The $105 difference suggests the cost of money is $35 per 1000.
The nice thing about this calculator is that you can tweak any parameter to fit the terms to your own needs.
Just watch for sneakies. I looked at a Chrysler 300M, and they were quoting 1.3% interest on a similar capital cost. I just happen to ask what the residual was and they said 43%. When in reality the residual should be about 55%. by having such a low residual, it effectively requires a higher payment, i.e. the interest rate is effectively higher than quoted. They just hope no one notices.
I change the residual from 59% to 49% to see how the above payment would be affected. It increased the monthly pymt incl taxes to $983 per month.
The message here is watch these guys.
I found a very nice lease calculator at: http://www.leaseguide.com/calc.htm. It calculated my lease rate at $742 + $108 for taxes for a total of $850 per month, based on $0 down. This is close to what my dealer told me. By putting $3000 down, the payment is reduced to about $745. The $105 difference suggests the cost of money is $35 per 1000.
The nice thing about this calculator is that you can tweak any parameter to fit the terms to your own needs.
Just watch for sneakies. I looked at a Chrysler 300M, and they were quoting 1.3% interest on a similar capital cost. I just happen to ask what the residual was and they said 43%. When in reality the residual should be about 55%. by having such a low residual, it effectively requires a higher payment, i.e. the interest rate is effectively higher than quoted. They just hope no one notices.
I change the residual from 59% to 49% to see how the above payment would be affected. It increased the monthly pymt incl taxes to $983 per month.
The message here is watch these guys.
Go to the following link to view all the available factory options for accessorizing the Skyline in Japan. Some options are pretty wierd (differences in culture I guess), but does give you glimpse of what might be available.
http://www.nissan.co.jp/OPTIONAL-PARTS/CARLINEUP/skyline_index.html
Also, did you review the CTS and the Acura 3.2 Type S, if so let me know and I will give you my email address as I would like to read your comments. Once again thanks for the advice, will get back to you soon on what you asked me.
gabman, what is your wife's opinion on the new G? Does she like it as much as you do?
I heard you want to run at varying rpms, which is pretty much what you said. I got a 5 spd man. so I wasn't to worried about for my Pathy.
I would just be sure to add..Make sure to check oil periodically. My '01 Pathy burned about 1 qt of oil first 2000 miles. If gabman is running it hard he should be to check oil and keep it full.
I switched to full synthetic at 10K miles after two changes of dino oil. First at 2K then 6K then Mobil 1 10W30 at 10k. I then plan on 7500 changes w Mobil 1 Oil and Mobil 1 filter.
Nothing but the best for my VQ engine. Makes beautiful music at 5 grand. Can't wait to see and hear g35.
Exzave
I did test the Acura 3.2TL-S and it was quick and at the time it was impressive with performance that is close or equal to the G. I had times average 6.59 to 60 and passing times of around 3.5 seconds on the level and about 4.3 up a grade (50-70). The full test is also on my main newspaper's website in about May or June 2001. It's big problem if you read it was front wheel drive. I didn't talk about the looks, but the more I see one, the more I see generic Honda Accord. But it is a beautifully built automobile with a well executed interior. But again on the negative (besides FWD) it cost 3K more than the G, its bigger outside and smaller inside. Both have the same quality. The TL just got displaced, but maybe it was never there because it is a front driver.
I drove a CTS about two weeks ago and it is also an impressive driver (RWD). I didn't do any performance testing, but it should run to 60 in about 7 seconds with the five speed auto. But it's exterior, avant garde as it is, still needs study and time. The interior is too cheap. Lots of plastic that says yes I am made of plastic. Door paneling is weak, but the seats are good and the driving experience is not too bad. It's Caddy's best effort is a long time.
EXZAVE, BMEP means "brake mean effective pressure" and yes it is basically the internal cylinder pressures. Big round engine recips (radials) set power using BMEPs as well as RPM, manifold pressures and exhaust gas temps (for leaning). Does your Pathfinder still use oil? I would be surprised if it did at this point in time. The VQ Pathy is a great value, lots of power and decent handling. I described it as sort of like a Maxima with four wheel drive. The VQ engine should have been in the Pathfinder from the beginning. It makes the vehicle.
Gabman, be sure to take care of that G, I think you said it was double black. It's got to be stunning. And it's a good thing the windshield does not lower like on a jeep or you would be scrapping bugs off your teeth for the rest of your life.
One more tidbit. The term "Monroney" which is used in place of the term window sticker comes from Senator MIke Monroney who sponsored the act which requires window price stickers on cars in 1958. He was from Oklahoma and the FAA center in Oklahoma city is called the Mike Monroney center.
No my pathy doesn't use any oil now just in first 2000 miles before first oil change. I would just be a little concerned in that period before first oil change, esp if you hot-rod it a little and wait till 5000 miles for first oil change.
I was planning on keeping Pathy well forever, but now with G out..........I want it..
But only if 6 sp man comes out, and highway milage is decent. Only way I can justify huge blast I am going to take on a trade in. I got the 5 spd as training for a sports car though.
And I can't think of going back to auto.
Damm lazy american drivers, cant get any manuals..
Heck in Europe police cars and busses have manuals. It was so sweet seeing bus driver working 8 speed on the floor. Not sure sedan will even get mt. So much for friggin' beemer beater. Damn bean counters probably talking them out of it. Well, we'll have to see.
The coupe wouldn't bother me but I want to be able to carry 4 people for business lunches and hauling friends around.
exzave