Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

dmmattix

Yeah, he has post 3 times in the last 150 or so messages. Once to report on his take of the Launch Training. Once to report on the new specs that Infiniti finally made official. Once to say he was busy selling G35s. I suspose that qualifies him as ignorant and too much.

35fan

Generally positive. Nice group of photos, particularly the interior.

http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?srv=parser&act=display&tf=/news/national/storytemplate5.tmpl

keithlca

gabman : I was not trying to offend any Canadian. I was just pointing out the big salary difference for high tech workers in both area. I love Vancouver myself. If I was not considering moving to Vancouver a few years ago, I wouldn't even know how low the salary is in Vancouver. If I were to move there, I'll have to take more than 50% pay cut in US$:< In fact, I know quite a few engineer moved from Canada to Silicon Valley. Most said they'll move back once they save enough money. Of course, the cost of living is much higher here. If you factor in the longer hours(10-12hr days) we spent here, the $/hr we get isn't that much more. What the valley gives people is a chance to retire early and having fun working along the way.(I know,I know we're suppose to have fun outside of work!) I know a lot of people who have the option of retiring in their 30's/40's and just travel around the world.

rwong1998 : I visited Vancouver no less than 5-6 times just in the last few years. In fact, I took a few trips all over the world last year. Like I said above, I do enjoy visiting Vancouver.

Okay, back to comment on G35 on my next post:)

robertr

I appreciate your input. I have seen where the Chrysler 300M has been claimed to have good handling, at least for a large car, and thought the Olds was comparable in size and handling to that. However, when I got my 2000 Maxima, I never considered Aurora, 300M, Bonneville, etc. because IMHO they were IMHO too large, IMHO garishly-styled and not available with manual transmission. Actually, I looked at the Aurora in 1996 when I got my 1997 Maxima, but it cost $10,000 more comparably equipped and did not IMHO offer the same level of quality IMHO. I know the rear suspension setup is the Maxima's biggest deficit in theory, albeit not significantly so in practice (IMHO, Motor Trend's last months issue long term test and other experts) but this has been discussed extensively elsewhere so lets not get into it on a G35 board.

I am looking forward to a manual G35 as my probable next car based on what I have heard and read about it including what you have written. I have not had the opportunity to drive one yet, nor even see one in person - the nearest Infiniti dealer is 90-some miles away from me, and they didn't have one when I was up that way in February. I am in no hurry because the manual is not yet available.

I have no interest in driving an Aurora, but would without any hesitation whatsoever buy another Maxima if the G35 were not available or for some reason I decide not to buy one.

I understand you are an expert, but before you or anyone else flames me for my opinion and/or automotive preferences, remember this is my opinion, my $33K+, and there is no way in h--- that I would even consider spending it on an Oldsmoble.

maybeg35

After reading several reviews of the system in the Q and then being told it is the same system in the G just with a smaller screen maybe an aftermarket system would work better? Maybe it can even use the same compartment. Is there anything else that I would lose by not getting it (besides the 2K)? I mean is their some other function that coincides with the dash display. Do you get miles to empty on the dash display? Trip computer without the NAV? I'm thinking there is a clock on the screen that you can see at night too, is that right? I went to the dealer I ordered my car from last night and they had blue, green, white (bad IMO), black, no silver. I like the blue but keep in mind it is a dark metallic blue, not like those pics we saw posted here from Japan. I ordered silver but I like the blue, it's a dark color but it's not black. It is that blue we have seen an other cars that can look violet in some light. All the interiors I saw were willow. The contrast looks good, but I have heard the pitfalls.

keithlca

Now that I have a day to think more about my driving impression, I want to put a few words in. During the dot com years, there's a lot of high end cars showing up everyday in my company's parking lot: XK8, Boxer, LS430, S500, etc. During these money-no-object years, the closest cars to G35 that I drove/borrowed is the 530i and ES300(older model). I have to say the G35's handling is the best. Acceleration feel is also the best. However, the engine and road noise is the worst in the group. Lexus being the most quiet and 530i being in middle. G35's interior material is on par with other top end cars. The Nav is also easy to operate(just like Lexus's). In fact, other than no voice recognition, it's the same unit being used in the Q45. If I can get over the road noise issue, I might order one.

robertr

Those were great pictures! A lot of details. The article mentioned that manual is to be available in August (not 12-14 months out as posted elswhere). I hope to be doing a test drive in September.

dmmattix

Nope, the trip computer (miles to empty, avg mileage, etc) is only in the Nav package. If I had an opportunity to see one of the standalone nav systems I might forgo the feature on the G35. Maybe I will run down to BestBuy and check if they have anything like that.

havoc

Though I understand your personal experience is with those three cars, I do not believe that to be a valid comparison. The ES300 is much much more of a luxury sedan and designed to isolate the drive from the feel of the road. It is also more expensive than the G35 when loaded. The 530i BMW is a better comparison. No doubt the G35 is probably noisiest of the three (have to find out for myself) but it's designed to be a driver's car with more feedback. I suspect the noise-dampening materials (like asphalt padding) were reduced in the interest of saving weight. That stuff can make the car pretty heavy.

robertr

havoc & keithlca -

I suspect the road noise you are talking about may be due to the Bridgestone tires used on the G35. This suspicion is based on my experience that my Maxima with Bridgestone Potenza tires has significantly more tire-generated road noise than my previous Maxima which had Toyo tires.

baron58tc

ajvdh

Before referring to Baron87 as an expert, you may want to look at his profile. He's 14, so I kind of doubt he's driven any of the cars he talks about with such authority.

Personally, I think being hung up on independent vs. solid rear axle or MacPherson vs. SLA front suspension is silly. As you noted, the actual implementation is far more important - the most dangerous handling car I've ever owned had an independent rear suspension, and some of the best handling cars you can buy have MacPherson struts.

If you think the Aurora doesn't drive as well as the Maxima, it wouldn't surprise me. I've driven the Intrigue, which is supposedly better balanced than the Aurora, and personally I'd put it a small step down from the Maxima, a slightly bigger step down from the Passat and another increment down from the A4 or BMW 3 or 5 series. I'm real interested in trying out the G35 and Caddy CTS to see where they stack up.

baron58tc

the reason breakin is not as critical as it once was is that engine building and tolerances have become much better. Everything already fits as it is suppose to. The metals are better as are the lubricants. That is why in the 1950s or 1960s, when a car had a 100,000 miles or so it was ready for meltdown. Now cars go 200,000, 300,000 miles and more with just oil changes without any major engine problem. Taxicabs in New York go 500,000 miles, and the thing that wears out is the seats, i.e. you end up sitting on the floor as there are no springs left. In fact many of those cabs spend the first 100,000 miles as a police type car first and then become taxicabs. Do you think the cops break their new cars in? Not a chance.

bbravenec

I went and looked at / sat in the car last night - very nice. I'm 5'8" and regular build, and that hump didn't amount to much IMO. I asked the salesperson about the manual - he said it would probably come out in about 6 months, but also something curious. He claims that Infiniti will be charging the same or more for the standard vs the automatic. Anybody else heard anything like that? Of course he also said they had instuctions from Infiniti to not discount the cars - I just nodded and said ok. Wonder why more of those guys don't at least look at this type of board. I also looked hard at the premium radio - is there anyone out there who thinks an aftermarket head unit will show up that won't look Frankenstein-esque for this car or is the only option for upgrading giving them $900 for a radio that I don't really want? Finally, the model in the showroom had some black plastic like side sills on it and they couldn't tell me the difference between those and the aero kit/package (the one that costs $2900) side sills. If anyone has input, I'd appreciate it. Thanks--

robertr

I did not call you anything - I was referring to the extreme ignorance of a post on the Maxima board which was in response to a post similar to the one you made on this board. Like yours, the original post questioned whether an Aurora, Maxima, or G35 was a better buy. Someone who responded to it called the G35 a "fancy Toyota". I just checked back myself and the person who posted it is in fact a different user name then yours.

Between similar posts and similar user names across two boards that I follow, I may have been confused. If I offended you because of my confusion or because my writing was unclear, I apologize, I did not mean to do so.

pat

Let's move on, folks. If you need to continue this conversation, please do it off-line.

Thank you.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

bbravenec

Also, if you want mirror turn signals there is a website for the skyline that has them - look like what MB does ie lights that oncoming traffic can see but you can't.
First aid kit is in the side of the rear center arm rest - didn't look like too much to me.
What type of storage do you get without the nav where the LCD screen goes - is it just a small pit up there on the dash? Storage for the bra that matches the thong?
Thanks--

kdshapiro

For what it's worth - In spite of technological advancements I'm still an advocate of following manufactures break-in and maintenance recommendations. Even if you do the maintenance yourself. I believe the manufactures have these guidelines for specific reasons and not being an automotive car designer or engine engineer I always think that conservatism with regards to the these recommendations is in order.

Ken

maybeg35

auto or 6 speed, same price

smu1976

Coming off a Saab 9-5 lease, loved the car, thinking about another lease, but must say the G35 was a great ride, and probably a better value. Smooth ride, plenty of power, the autoshift was a blast. Only complaint would be a somewhat spartan interior, but for the price, still a great ride. Congrats to Infiniti!

norcalmike2

Dennis O'Brien from Thousand Oaks Infiniti called me last night to inform me that he has a brilliant silver/charcoal leather with sunroof and trunk mat only. Offered it to me for $900.00 under MSRP ($29,655.00 + fees). I thought about it overnight and decided to pass on this particular car because of our 110 degree summers. I have ordered a cloth for that reason and at least should see what the cloth looks like before buying leather. If you don't feel the need for a Bose and other goodies give Dennis a call. I'm sure he will offer someone else the same price. I met Dennis at the LA car show when the G35 was introduced. Ever since day one he has been 100% honest, very helpful, and extremely professional. I'll know in two weeks or so if I will be going with cloth or leather. -

jimxo

Infiniti will compete in the 30K space. I cannot see giving up my Maxima for a car thats a little faster and slightly smaller. However if I did it again the G35 would be high on my shopping list.

This car looks great!

dmmattix

The dealership was very busy and it took a while to get all the trade quotes and figures together but I will have to agree with bz2yx9 that Andy and Jackie Cooper in Tulsa treated me fair. Unlike many on this board I would like the dealership to continue to prosper so I have somewhere to take my vehicle for service and a place to buy my next vehicle. Generally $200-$500 over invoice will not cut it particularly as dl7265 remarked in the Tulsa market. However they sold two G35s and looked like an I35 was going down as I was leaving.

Specs (if anyone would be interested): Willow Leather, Premium Package, Sunroof, Winter Package, Wood Trim (Not really desired but it beat waiting a month for the car). It is the car I was given to borrow for around 1.5 hours so I know what it feels like. So I am happy.

Happy hunting for the razor thin deals...

riez

Since I won't seriously consider a G35 without the manual transmission, I haven't paid too much attention to MSRP pricing and option packages. But in today's mail I received from Infiniti a large brochure, which included a section for actually pre-ordering a G35. Lists all the options, colors, and option packages.

I like sport sedans and live in cold midwest. So thought all I'd want would be Sport Pkg and Winter Package. Well this material says that there are only two ways to get both Sport & Winter:

(1) SP & WP--plus Leather Luxury Pkg, sunroof & Bose audio, or

(2) SP & WP--plus Leather Luxury Pkg, Premium Pkg, Nav System, sunroof, and Xenon.

Plus, if I'm reading it right, the SP & Winter Pkg combo requires full-size spare option. But that is buried in a detailed & confusing footnote.

I was shocked to see the things the standard, base no-options G35 "Luxury" Model lacks: 8-way power driver's seat, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, leather, sunroof, and more. Seems like any decently equipped G35 has to at least add the optional Leather Luxury Package. But even then Infiniti forces the buyer to add one of the 3 following items in addition to LLP: sunroof, sunroof & Bose, or WP, sunroof, Bose & full-size spare.

Seems confusing. And designed to jack the "low" base price quite high.

Hope Infiniti cleans up this mess when the 6-speed manual finally comes out. If I had to get one today I'd have to get LLP, SP, WP, sunroof, Bose, full-size spare, and then have to separately order Xenon HID and wood trim. Guessin' that is gonna be many thousands over the base price.

riez

Looked at the MSRP data on Edmunds and compared to the options data and requirements on the Infiniti brochure & materials. To get the Sport Pkg and Winter Pkg I really want, I'd either have a G35 with a $33,220 MSRP or one with a $36,520 MSRP. The low figure one doesn't even have the Premium Pkg (a $2,200 option, though it includes the Bose). Couldn't imagine spending that kind of money and not getting the amenities in the Premium Pkg. That puts "my" G35 at nearly $37K.

swsms

This is an awesome car! The salesperson let me have fun with the G35 through hairpin turns and on demand passing power. The interior is very roomy and elegant, although foot space under the front seat for rear passengers is limited.
Overall, Infiniti hit a home run with the G35.

If you want the best combination of luxury, performance, safety, and style/good looks, nothing can beat the G35 for under $35K (including my second favorite car, the Acura 3.2 TL Type S)!!!

bz2yx9

dm-

Congrats on the car. I talked to Andy this morning and he mentioned you were coming in. He asked if I was the "internet guy" that you were talking to. I have a couple of weeks before mine comes in. That graphite interior is hard to come by...

cheerioboy26

Lots of people have had their .02 already, so I'll just say that I was very pleased with my test of the G today. Dealership has a "course" through the local back roads to help get an idea of the car. Some nice twisties and changes to let the VDC do its thing I was driving the non-sport.

Couple notes on previous comments - I notcied the "bulge" on the driver's leg on Monday when I visited the dealer, but forgot all about it when I actually drove the car today. I am about 6-0 210. Kinda small side mirrors, I can get used it it. Not quite as much "off the line" power as I thought, didn't pick up real strong until about 2500 or so. Salesman noted that to me later as well. But once it did....blows away my 222hp 2000 Max SE

As far as the packaging...riez a number of people have stated that the base sedan might have enough "sportiness" built into it and the sport pkg might not be as worth it....I didn't drive sport, so it might be worth it to test a "regular"...

I don't know all the details, but there were some on the lot here that had a few of the more popular options w/o the premium package. Stuff like Winter, bose, sunroof. That nets a MSRP around $32K I think.

dmmattix

Just a comment on the Sport Package plus the Winter Package (Sport). After some investigation I came to realize the regular tires and the Sport Package + Winter Package (Sport) tires were the same tires.. The regular suspension has 6 spoke 17 X 7 Alloy wheels with 215/55 VR17 All Season tires. The Sport suspension package has 5 spoke 17 X 7 Alloy wheels with 215/55 WR17 Performance Tires. The Winter Package when added to the Sport Package puts BACK the 215/75 VR17 All Season tires. So that combination gets you a set of 5 spoke alloy wheels that are the same size as the regular alloys and the same tires. It gives you a stiffer suspension and titantium trim on the interior. After that analysis I finally figured I could due without the Sport Package as I thought the standard suspension was sufficiently tight. I can wait and maybe add 17 X 8 wheels and 235/45 R17 All seasons once the stock tires are worn out or maybe just put 225/50 All Season tires on once the Bridgestones have worn out. I had been thinking the STS option had a set of 45 series tires in it like the BMW and Audi packages do. I was wrong.

Just my two cents worth on th subject...

no1trust

Drove it earlier this week (Monday evening) but couldn't take it on the freeway due to rush hour traffic in the way. Took the Boss w/me today and found that other than some road noise this car was wonderful to look at and drive. The car handled the grades effortlessly, and had a very nice "growl" whenever I chose to pass another vehicle. Unlike the G20 which I thought was a joke, IMHO this car is a winner & a possible purchase (competing against a 300M). Lots of factors to consider, including Infiniti's reputed high quality of customer service (similar to our Lexus) and reputation for reliability over the years. I don't care about resale, as I tend to keep vehicles many years. Only my opinion, but CTS should have come out of the box a winner like this car, instead of hoping it'll be better next season.

i006129

Okay. So my post was 90% sarcasm.

1. I enjoy having the salespeople on the boards if they are bringing value. As an example, diane on the Sequoia board was the equivalent of Gabman on this one when that vehicle was being released. A lot of good info without a ton of cheerleading. I'd just like to see infin1(and any other Infiniti sales person) bringing more to the table on this board.

2. Congrats on your purchase. I take it from your comments about keeping the dealer in business that you paid MSRP. Is that right or were you able to get some discount?

Thanks.

cecilt

but basically the only one on this board who owns a G is gabman. All those who have acutally looked at one and test driven one are you turned off by it. If you go to the BMW board everyone on there buys the car. Here it seems everyone wants to find out what others are doing or not doing. What's the deal guys/girls, is this not the car everyone thought it would be? It's great to have competition in the marketplace but the G just is not going to replace the BMW in IMHO.

hvan3

Please consider getting leather. If you're concern about the summer heat on leather seats, it's not as bad as you think. Besides, how hot can it get up in the Bay Area/Sacramento? I live in Southern CA and have leather seats. I never had problem of getting my legs burned.

The worst thing about getting cloth seats is the static buildup during dry Santa Ana wind. When exiting the vehicle, you get a big jolt. Yuck! I can live with warm leather seats, then be shock getting out of the car. The leather seats will reduce the chances of getting shocks as suppose to cloth seats. Besides, don't you like the slip and slide feel of leather seats? It's as good as sex. LOL

hvan3

<<What's the deal guys/girls, is this not the car everyone thought it would be? It's great to have competition in the marketplace but the G just is not going to replace the BMW in IMHO.>>

I don't know what your trip is but the G35 only been out in the marketplace for less than a week. Do you expect everyone to trip over themselves and buy G35 outright? Curiosity will lead to purchases. Just wait till the G35 coupe comes along!

If you own a BMW , I pity you. Those G35 drivers will leave the 3ers in the dust. You will be the one looking at the butt ugly G35 rear end. LOL.

no1trust

I only test drove the G this week. We have 4 vehicles and there is no hurry. I liked the G and may or may not buy it when the time comes (another car I still like better, but their service leaves much to be desired). The G actually exceeded my expectations; I have never been tempted to buy an Infiniti before. One thing I don't like about a G purchase here is that the dealer has the audacity to have a $1,995 market value markup around here because it's supposedly selling so well here. I'm not having that.

gandhim3

I just noticed on the Nissan 350Z site that the upcoming Z can be specced with a Limited Slip Differential.

I REALLY hope that Infiniti/Nissan is wise enough to include a LSD when the 6-speed manual is introduced on the G35. I am willing to pay the extra ~$700 for it if need be.

But Infiniti - INCLUDE THE LSD ON THE MANUAL!

And Cecilt - if you check the last 30 or so posts, you will see that quite a few have placed their orders and waiting for their babies to arrive. And as for me - as the request for a LSD indicates, I am waiting for the manual version.

stooge2000

dmmattix, Congat on the new buy. Pls keep us posted on your ownership experience. BTW, when do you pick up your new G?

norcalmike, leather, especially perforated leather, is not hotter than cloth. I know, I have lived in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

infinitiseller

I am a manager of an Infiniti dealership. Most salespeople come on this board to find out what buyers are thinking and to answer questions.
I have been driving a G35 for three weeks. Any questions?
I have driven and sold most of the competitive vehicles,I am a car nut and like all cars,I did before I sold them. I have been with Infiniti for 6 years and have been through the bad and good.

no1trust

Or is the G somehow "pre-broken"?

maybeg35

the price to drop? If dealers note a constant frustration with this fact maybe it's time to start dealing. You think?

mao316

I'm looking to buy in the southern california area.. are there any recommended dealers in the area other than Thousand Oaks? Does anyone know how Santa Monica, Glendale, Cerritos, and the other local ones are?

One more question for those who have tested the car..

Are the alarm controls (locking/unlocking/trunk relase) for the car on the key like it is for lexus/bmw? or is it a seperate unit like it is for acura?

riez

Also seems like there are more than just a couple people like myself & gandhim3 who are expectantly waiting for the 6-speed manual with LSD. I won't consider buying an automatic.

gandhim3... Since the Lexus IS300, Nissan Maxima SE, and Acura 3.2CL Type-S with manuals all have available LSD, I'm betting the G35 6-speed will also have it. Probably optional, but you never know. Now if Infiniti would just firm up an actual release date for the G35 6-speed!

jrct9454

Mike and I live within a few miles of each other, and yes, we get summers that bear no resemblance to what is happening in the Bay Area. The Valley may be only 50 miles away, but the differences are dramatic: we can go for days or even weeks at a time when the temps easily exceed 100F., and our averages in the summer months are always over 90+. Lower humidity saves the situation most of the time, compared with the East or Midwest.

Now, having said that, I too don't believe, with the AC systems that exist in these cars today, that leather vs cloth is a huge debate. However, like Mike, I would prefer cloth if given the option, but we have been quite comfortable in leather-equipped cars [Acura RL, Honda Accord, Mercedes E] in the Valley, but in each case, if cloth had been available at a lower cost, I would have taken it. These were all cars where leather was standard and that was that.

riez

Weather may favor cloth, but technology is equalizing that difference; however, if you have kids who can make a mess, leather is the clean-up favorite.

In the midwest we get hot (& often humid) summers and very cold winters. A/C and the proper "cracking open" of your windows on hot days and if parked outside in direct sunlight can take care of much of the heat discomfort with leather. The advent of heated seats takes care of the cold discomfort with leather. That is why I will only get a daily driver with heated seats.

But the real beauty of leather is clean up. Every former cloth car I had ended up with soda, coffee, or other stains in the cloth. But leather is so much easier to clean and keep clean. That makes it invaluable with my two kids.

carsrcool

Was very interested in the G35 sedan until the bad news about no 6 speed. Since then just been lurking. Believe I will wait for the coupe or maybe go RX-8. It might be close to release by time 6 sp comes.

bz2yx9

The alarm controls are on a seperate unit - not on the key

infinitiseller

no1trust/ breakin is 1,000kms(don't know miles conversion). Main thing from our techs is the brakes,let the pads and rotors run in without any severe braking,rotors can warp if the pads are not seated from heat. Most of us though are having a hard time not ripping the engine and transmission.
Manufacturers scheduled breakin was written by engineers for a reason, it is best to follow it IMHO.
For the un-educated on this board a couple of points.
1)The G35 is not an Altima chassis.
2)The I35 is not a fancy Maxima. All over the world nissan sells the Cefiro,if you look it is the same car as the I35. Maxima is a stripper Cefiro for the North American market. Just a little info.

fedlawman

You said,

"The I35 is not a fancy Maxima."
"Cefiro...is the same car as the I35. Maxima is a stripper Cefiro..."

How can the I35 not be a "fancy Maxima" if they are both Cefiro's?

dmmattix

stooge2000 - I pick it up Monday evening. I made the deal around 6pm Saturday and would rather have the vehicle detailed well.

i006129 - Well the dealer had been asked by Infiniti to only charge MSRP for the time being. But since I had a trade in.. Let's just say I was not unhappy. I was a repeat customer to the dealership. I speak highly of the dealership. Let us just say both sides came out happy. I believe the G35 is a great value. I don't believe in being gouged on pricing. If the price was not fair I would have waited. Like I said I have dealt with this dealership before and I could have waited and maybe saved $500 but I decided I wanted to get the car.

Mike

gandhim3

Riez - I hope you are right about the LSD and how Infiniti will have to include if only to better match up with the competition. Like I said, I am willing to pay $500-$700 if it is available as an option.

Infinitiseller - since you have been with Infiniti for 6 years, may be you can communicate how many of us feel about the LSD situation to those "higher up" in Infiniti corporate. With the 260 hp, and a rumored 280 hp conversion kits to be available later, this chassis is practically begging for a LSD.

What do you say, Infinitiseller - any rumblings for the LSD from HQ? Afterall, the upcoming Z-car has it on some combinations ....