We took delivery of our emerald mist with willow leather G35 from the Kirkland, WA dealer last Thursday. I've had a perpetual grin from ear to ear ever since. To say that I'm an ecstatic new owner is an understatement. I tried the Audi A4, the Acura TL among many others and this car is without a doubt the most fun and most comfortable for me to drive. I had real headroom issues with the TL and for that matter most cars with a sun roof. Even though the published headroom specs aren't that much different for the G35 I end up with an inch or so to spare. I got the Luxury Leather model with the sunroof and paid full MSRP at $30,565. I got about $500 more for my trade-in than I expected so I'm happy. There were a couple of things in the Premium package that I would have liked but not bad enough to wait several months. I'll report back every now and then about how this love affair is working out.
Now for my question, when the sales rep proposed the addional cost option of the Prestige Coatings Paint Shield I rejected it pretty much out of hand as I've found over the years that most of those add ons like undercoating and extended warranties are real good for the dealers bottom line and not very good for the buyers for the most part. Knowing how crummy I'm going to feel when the car gets parked under a bird or a tree, I began to wonder if I should be such a cheap [non-permissible content removed]. As I recall she said the cost would be somewhere near a grand but I don't remember if that was just the paint shield or it was also the carpet shield and leather shield. Anyway has anyone else gone through this mental exercise and what did you decide.
By the way so far we would rate our buying experience a the Kirkland dealer very good although I wasn't too impressed with the predelivery "detailing job" which to me was just a fair to middlin wash job and vacume. The inside windows still had that new car film on them and there was some shoe sole marks on the vinyl under the drivers door. (The car had been on the display floor and countless people had climbed in it over the past week or so.) I really didn't mind though because part of the bonding process with a new car is to wash it every couple of hours.
Picked up my (wife's) new G35 today. Had to drive to Nashville to get it. I'm sure everyone feels SO sorry for my having to drive it 250+ miles to get back here to Memphis...
Milage at ~80mph average was 24.7mpg according to the Nav fuel economy screen. That also includes some heavy accelerating around town, "rush hour" traffic in Nashville (will their freeway construction EVERY get done?), and some "irritant" passing. Car drives at 80 like our old Chrysler Sebring ('95) did at 60. Was in excellent condition (good prep job), but DID have some miles on it already because driven down from Ohio (~400).
Still recovering from SEG condition. Will have to sleep on it before talk about more.
BTW, the Infiniti navigation system is EXCELLENT. To get around the traffic jams in Nashville, I hit the "detour" button, told it how many miles I thought the jam was (10 miles) and it piloted a course through the back streets to get me back to the freeway past the jam. COOL!
However, there are some places that are NOT covered in the DVD that, IMO, should be. My in-laws live in Clarksville, TN (fourth largest city in TN) and there are almost NO streets covered. Yahoo maps has it pegged, so I don't know why the Infiniti system couldn't. Go figure. I typically HATE driving in Nashville, but now would not be hesitant, so long as I have an address.
However, VERY happy with it. Wife just drove it to work and was pretty excited after her drive!
Wow, that navigation system sounds great. I have some remorse now for not getting it. Had my salesman showed me how it work, I think I would have gotten it. arggg.... sigh, I guess I have to settle for the aftermarket ones.
I haven't gotten really deep into it yet, but it is also supposed to allow you to enter in when you want to do the items on your service schedule and it will tell you that also.
For those of you who are thinking about getting the Nav system and want to see what it is like (assuming your dealer doesn't have any) take a look at the DVD-based Nav system in the Q45. They are VERY similar.
Why is it that when you access this Edmund's site, it says the last post was on 3/31 (some 246 posts ago). Same thing on the Consumer ratings area. A week ago there were 20 reviews with the last being from 3/25. The G35 has been out for almost 2 weeks since then and we've lost ground--only 13 reviews, and most are ancient history from 3/25 and prior. That consumer rating doesn't mean much if it isn't updated.
Hi Folks. I've been reading this excellent board for a few days and I think I may have some thoughts to bring to the discussion.
I live in the Orange County Ca. area, south of Los Angeles. I bought my Twilight Blue, Charcoal Leather, Premium, Wood, Sunroof, Xenon G35 at Infiniti of Costa Mesa and took delivery 2 weeks ago. I'm thrilled with the car and I feel more certain now than ever that it is the best choice for me. I'll tell why later on.
First, regarding discounts from MSRP. I had the same experience as everyone, NO DISCOUNTING. But I got lucky. A friend from work wanted to buy TWO G35's at the same time I wanted mine. We decided to try a fleet deal on three cars. One dumb dealer refused even that opportunity. But Darin Osborne, the fleet guy at Costa Mesa called me right back after I made an internet pricing inquiry and offered me $1500 above invoice on each car. That was about $1300 off MSRP, or $1500 savings after T+L. Maybe some of you guys could work together on a fleet deal at your local dealers. CM Infiniti is a fantastic dealer. They were uniformly friendly, reasonable and always acted like they wanted me to be a customer for life. I plan to be. Besides Darin, I recommend salesman Jim Krarup, the finest gentleman I have ever had the pleasure to deal with on a car lot. They immediately started an area search for the colors we wanted. They drove mine up from San Diego for me. They got my friend his TWO Desert Platinum cars for him and his wife, believe that or not! At least he decided on the Charcoal and his wife the Willow interiors.
Second, on the Sport Package. I'm a sport package kinda guy, but I really wanted the wood package to dress up the monochrome black interior. BTW, I think the interior looks much richer in Charcoal than Willow, a note to those who complain that the interior looks a bit cheap. Anyway, you can't get the Wood and the Sport on the same car, so I chose the Wood without even driving the Sport. Lately, I have had some remorse about whether the suspension was tight enough for me. So I went back today and Jim just handed me the keys to a white Sport model and told me I didn't need him on the test drive (See, great guy!) I enjoyed the Sport, but I took my car on the same test route, including high speed freeway ramps with bumps, and I have no regrets. Later on, I might get firmer shocks, but the difference is pretty slight.
Third, comparison with other cars. I'm lucky enough to get invited to lots of Ride/Drive events when car companies introduce new models. This morning, I got to drive the new Caddi CTS vs the BMW 325i and Lexus ES 300. Quick summary, I drove away in my car happier than ever with my choice. The only car I had previously had regrets about was the 3-series, but I couldn't buy it because the back seat was too small. But after driving it today, I found the BMW interior materials, even in the Premium package, cheap by comparison with my car. I'm talking about the vinyl and plastic surfaces and the center console area. And I wasn't blown away by the 325's handling on the short test tracks. It was very good, just not head and shoulders above the G. The Caddi was fine, for a Caddi, but the interior is not luxurious. Its still rubbery-feeling and like a lot of other GM products. The Lexus has a gorgeous interior, but its not a performance car. Maybe I'll own one when I'm 65. Getting back in my car and blasting off was a pure pleasure after those three.
Fourth and last, my general impressions of the G. The car has two personalities. Driven sedately, it is a luxury car, quiet, solid and serene. But when you press the loud pedal, it transforms into a great sports sedan. The car seems smaller and after a the few days of familiarizing with it, it seems an extension of my nerve endings. The size is just right, big enough to hold 4 adults comfortably and small enough to be tossable on curves. The rear end looked goofy in pictures, but in person I like it and so do most of the people I show it to. I read one person's post about tiny scratches after a machine wash, so I bought some Meguire's car wash and enjoyed washing it by hand this afternoon. Gripes? The front wheels get dirty with brake dust easily, the clock is invisible at night, you can't get a trip computer without the Nav package, and you can't get sport suspension with Wood, and I had to buy my own touchup paint and wheel locks. That's it.
BTW, I bought the paint, carpet, leather protection with the car. Don't pay $1000. I paid about half that, which I know was probably a bit of a rip.
That's about all for now. Sorry for the long post, but it seems to answer some of your questions. I'm going to go read the Car and Driver road test. Good night.
Let me first say that the G35 is obviously a near perfect car for some people and I am in no way attempting to slam this great looking automobile. I should also say that I have been seriously considering purchasing a G35 and got a quote only this afternoon on the base model with cloth seats. I know that the seats came under some criticism earlier due to their lack of enough adjustments but I was pleasantly surprised at the way they adapted to my 5'7" frame. I would have been nice if the car could be had in cloth with some of the luxury stuff too. Some of us just don't like leather. Also, there is something unsettling about the fact that leather and a sunroof are separate options yet my dealer did a search that revealed that there are apparently no G35's anywhere with leather that do not also have a sunroof. To list these options separately as though this is possible yet to have none to offer is to me a bit unethical on the part of Infiniti. On the other hand, the design is excellent and the power is exhilarating.
I have yet to find the right car for me. I want good looks with a comfortable back seat, reasonable power, a decent sized trunk, and plenty of safety features. I will only buy Japanese as my last American purchases have really let me down and I consider the German makes overpriced and lacking in reliability when compared with the best Japan has to offer (just my opinion). I have already voiced my opinion on the bland colors. I am glad for those of you who are happy with the colors, I just wish more were available for those of us not oriented toward earth tones. I also noticed today that the trunk itself is large enough but the actual opening to the trunk is pretty small. While you can easily load golf clubs or even a suitcase, you are really going to be restricted should you attempt to put something square such as even a small TV (still in the box) in the trunk. I would guess that the opening is perhaps 20 inches or less. It reminds me of the trunk opening of the early 70's Mach I Mustangs. While I admit that many of you will disagree, the biggest reason that I think I will pass on the G is the steering. I have test driven the car twice and this is a really fast and responsive car. I really appreciate the fact that Infiniti included as standard equipment the three types of airbags as well as anti-lock brakes and vehicle skid control. However, the steering on this car is way too quick for my tastes, perhaps even to the point of being dangerous. Should the car approach it's cornering limits such as swerving in an emergency, it seems that it would be easy to over compensate your correction. Yes, I know that the skid control would help out. For me, the car was just not easy to drive. With seemingly no play at all in the steering I dared not look off to the side lest my hand move 1/4 inch either way and I drift out of my lane. Perhaps this is something you can get use to and I am sure that such quick steering is excellent on the race track but it is most disconcerting in everyday driving, particularly on the expressway. I just think that Infinii blew it on the over-responsive steering. At least I am not alone in this criticism, Car and Driver's test this month came to the same conclusion. They also felt the same way about the brakes.
Waxed my car and wheels with carnuba wax and found that the brake dust wipes off easily with a dry rag when waxed. My Maxima didn't have this problem but the brakes were not as strong either. Love the G35!!!!!
I agree that waxing the wheels, greatly helps keep the brake dust at bay. I would just add one refinement. On my BMWs, and I also plan this for my G35, I jack up the car, and remove the wheels, and wax back, insides, and fronts. The 5 spoke wheels in particular are very easy to clean, and by waxing the inside of the wheel as well, allows easy cleaning of that part of the wheel as well, keeping that brand new car look.
I hope you find your perfect car. I don't know what you are currently driving but you must like it a lot and you better like it lot because you will probably be driving it for a while. The only hope I see on the horizon for you is the reported Acura TL re-design.
Like boomer23 I find things I would like them to change about the G35 but I have no buyers remorse at all. I see a 3 series or an A4 and never get a "I wish I had gotten that" feeling. I can't get enough of my G35 warts and all (and all cars have warts..)
Good luck with your hunt. If you find something that all of us have missed please post back as most here are car enthusiasts and will at least want to go drive it.
Congratulations on your new G35! I wish I knew you were in the market for the G35. I probably would have joined you for a great fleet sale you and your co-workers got. Oh well.
I live only 5 minutes from Costa Mesa Infiniti. In fact, in Dec I visited CMI when they had the demo G35 on display. Took my first test drive last month at CMI also.
I'm currently driving a 2000 Impala LS (excellent cruiser). By next year, I"m looking to trade up to a G35 coupe. Hopefully, I can get several people from Orange County to get "volume discount" from the fleet sale manager.
Many people pay a lot for quick, responsive steering. This is what makes a true sports car. Porsches, BMWs, Ferraris, Mustangs, etc. all have quick and responsive steering. I love the feeling of being in total control and that I'm able to avoid other cars or potholes in the road with just a quick flick of the wrist. I absolutely will not buy a car with on-center play in the steering. I feel I have no control over the car and that if something or someone jumped out in front of my car I could turn the steering wheel and that the 2 second delay before the car turns could mean the difference betwwen having an accident or avoiding the accident.
If you want to have lots of play in the steering I recommend you look at a Buick, Cadilllac or a Lincoln Town Car.
I went back to a dealer today. This dealer has a demonstrator with about 500 miles on it. I noticed that the wheels (all four) are COVERED with brake dust. I mean tons. Never saw anything like it. Not sure I would like this. I also think I understand why the brake dust problem is so bad for this car. I believe the car is designed to bring some of the underbody air our through the wheels. I think (and the dust pattern I saw confirms this) this is sweeping the dust to the outside of the wheels. I think this is a new model glitch that Infiniti should correct. Should not be that hard.
why is there such a lack of sport package options on the G35? I know a dealer that has only had 1 with this option out of 30 some cars. I have to wait until the end of this month to take delivery on mine because I want this option. Is this just not a popular option? Also it is amazing how many people are just stopping by the dealer just to get a glimpse of the G. The dealer was closed today yet I spent approx 1/2 hour just looking around the lot and saw more people on the Infiniti lot than any other lot. News must be spreading on the G and maybe Infiniti in general. I cant wait until 4/23!
Since there have been a couple of questions about how to care for one's beloved please allow me to offer my services. I own a detailing business and would be happy to provide whatever advise/recommendations I can (as long as you are not a competitor)
I have no desire to turn this into a detailing discussion, so let's do it directly, OK? Please send your questions to my personal, rather than business, email address and I will provide a response within 24 hours. Just click on my moniker above to get my bio.
If you've ever owned a German car you are probably familiar with black brake dust. The car I traded (98 Audi A4)would have the fronts full of dust in a few days. Check it out the next time you see an Audi or Mercedes, especially a dirty one. The G35 appears to be similar--after a few days I do find a black film showing on the fronts. The fix was either to replace the pads with non-OEM (it works) or use a dust shield between the wheel and brakes (I've heard this is frowned on--don't know).
I'm sorry that you aren't going for the G35, but there are many astounding cars out there and I'm sure you'll find one the suits your fancy. I wish you the best of luck in your hunting...
Your comments on the steering were a little confusing to me... I think that it probably all boils down to personal preference (like all things) but someone higher up in the thread made an excellent point... People do pay incredible amounts of money for steering response as crisp and precise, and deadzone free as is in the G35.
I think that you might be a far better driver than I, because in almost every single emergency situation I have ever been in (back end breaking lose, spin, etc) The biggest problem for me was getting a little behind in the steering and "under" compensating because the steering was not quick enough, and its pretty well documented that "relaxed" steering response is a major contributor to DIO (Driver Induced Oscillation) which is basically being a fraction of a second behind the compensation input required to correct a stability situation (the back end whips back the other way instead of settling in)
There have been exactly two instances so far with my G35 (2135 miles on it now) where I had to make an emergency lane change (what looked like a jack in the middle of the lane at night, and someone who didn't think checking their sideview mirror prior to changing lanes was important) In both instances, quick responsive steering was a lifesaver! and without the "wallowing" delay of cars with the softzone at deadcenter that often require you to really muscle the wheel around to get anything done, there was no need to inherently compensate with the "I think the steering wheel needs to be about.... here..." to make the car go where I want it to go...
The G35 steering, coupled with its excellent suspension, renders the greatest feeling of "control" that I have ever gotten in a vehicle I have owned. Its very gratifying but I know that again, personal preference is the key.
I would think that slower steering and trying to compensate for that is inherently more dangerous than crisp steering and trying to adapt to that. Everyone can react a little slower its the trying to react a little quicker that gets us in a bind
Blinker, you hit the nail on the head. Most European cars have major brakedust problems. Even Saabs have this trait. I've always heard that the brakedust is a bi-product of very responsive brake pads. One of you car geeks can verify that or give a better answer. I will say that if you don't wash the wheels regularly, the dust becomes difficult (if not impossible)to get off. I never did try the wheel wax as suggested earlier. On the bright side, for those of you looking for any comparison to a BMW, this is another one.
Here is the lease pricing I got for the G35 with leather package (no sunroof).
Money Down: 0 Interest Rate: 2.55% Residual Value: 58% Monthly Payment: $409 (Tax not included in payments) MSRP: $29,495 Selling Price: 28,520
The monthly payment for the non-leather package was $399. The dealer said the residual value for the non-leather package is the same. (Might as well go for the leather)
If you have been driving a typical American sedan, the steering in the G35 is likely to throw you off at first. Before making a decision, I would ask the dealer for an overnight test drive. Spend some time driving the car under various road conditions and, unless you have the shakes, I think you'll come to love the steering. It only takes a short while to develop the relaxed "light touch" the steering requires.
PS 700 miles on mine and still love every minute behind the wheel.
I haven't gone to a parts store to look yet, but I seem to remember a product being available ( a spray) that you used on your wheels after cleaning to keep brake dust from building up. Anyone familiar with the product I'm talking about? Thanks.
Is the result of using soft environmentally and politically correct ORGANIC linings instead of the old metallic/asbestos/whatever harder pads of yesterday. The car magazines have lots of ads for "dustless" or less dust pads. Those of us with Lincoln LSes use the non-sport pads instead of the sport pads for less dust. Or use aftermarket pads such as Porterfield (www.porterfield-brakes.com) who make Carbon-Kevlar pads which have a higher friction level (.4) than stock pads, less dust and longer life. Face it, it's all a cost issue. OEM's go for the least expensive but dust and long life are secondary factors. Check out their Dot 4 fluid and heat treated rotors. Although they don't have a listing for the G35 yet, maybe someone can E-mail them a part#. Possibly, the pads are similar to other Nissan products. The rotors probably aren't because the G35 is RWD.
What was the lease period and miles. Your deal is much better than the numbers that I have been quoted... ( I was looking at residuals close to 53% on a 39 month deal). IS your pricing through Infiniti finance or is your dealer using some other leasing agency ( if at all that is possible).
I bought a G35 luxury w/sunroof and it comes with a black center console. When I initially saw the demo version in february I thought that all non-premium models had the titanium center console and really liked that. I test-drove a car similiar to what I am getting in two days and have realized that only the sport version has the titanium(most of you probably already knew that) and the standard is a black w/ titanium around the shifter.
Do you think the dealership could order a titanium console for me? If so, are they gonna pillage me on the price?
He says that the dust is generally a good sign as it means the brakes are grabbing well (one of the best things about the G). You can get pads that are much harder -- but for obvious reasons don't grab as well! (sort of pointless, and dangerous) He sells me some expensive (about 3xOEM) pads that are used in competition -- they brake a little bit better but are pretty noisy.
I have been fussing witht the same decision so I thought I would call a few well regarded body shops in our city for their opinion. They all agreed that the dealership cost was way too high and that these add-ons are significant profit centers for dealers. Further 2 of the 3 said that you and I would be better off having our cars professionally detailed and waxed annually if we care aobut keeping our cars looking nice. The other offered to coat my car with a 3M product for $150 and seemed quite high on the paint protection. He did say that it is necessary to refresh the protection annually at the same cost as the first time around.
So I have decided to pass on the protectant and to get my car detailed once a year. I will wax it myself in the fall before the winter onslaught and get the car detailed in spring. A bit more elbow grease but likely the same outcome.
dealer installed aero kits are at parts departments at many local infiniti stores. splash guards will be in around may 1, bra's are in production now an will be out soon, also there will be a factory chrome wheel for the G35 DONT KNOW WHEN. SAFETY G35: Freshalloy has a link.the text ranks the skyline/G35 worlds best ever safety it is given 6 *'S
Sorry about that.. Here is the lease prices I got for the leather (no sunroof): Money Down: 0 Interest Rate: 2.55% Residual Value: 58% Term: 39 months Miliage: 12k per year Monthly Payment: $409 (Tax not included in payments) MSRP: $29,495 Selling Price: 28,520
coolg, I don't know how you got a much lower residual value. Maybe it has to do with location. I am from Long Island, NY.
None of the so called paint protecters are worth what they charge for them. New Car - it takes about 1/2 hour to apply and buff a good protector. Notice, I didn't say wax as most of the newer ones are not wax. I really like Maguire's Gold products. I put their top of the line product on my Emerald G35 and it shines like crazy and the water just runs off.
Car detailers typically use low-wage labor and I doubt they can do anything you can't do yourself. I sometimes use car detailers but only for the convenience, not because they are going to do anything I couldn't do. However, if you're not going to do it yourself, then have a detailer do it. It's foolish to let the car deteriorate.
----- Don't have the dealer order you a titanium console. Go to Infinitiparts.net. They have all the kits for both titanium and wood upgrades for with and w/o nav. They also have the FULL aero kit for around $2600 or you can buy any part of the kit - bumper, spoilers, side dams. Good luck.
PS I have the wood and love it. Thought I would prefer the titanium but with the graphite interior the wood looks great.
I am confused by some of the numbers that folks have been quoted by infiniti dealers and what their monthly payment works out to...
For eg. with 58% residual and interest rate 2.55%, LeaseGuide.com says the monthly payment should be ~$350. However, the monthly payment quoted by Infiniti is $409 ( refer post #4092). Can someone resolve this discrepancy for me.. Where do these hidden costs come from....
Thanks.
ps: none of the figures take tax into consideration. Is there any other tax besides sales tax for leasing (ignoring some of those weird property taxes that some states levy).
I have been waxing my rims for years now. I find it the easiest way to clean my rims and keep them cleaner for a longer time. My G does get tons of brake dust on the rims especially the front ones pretty easy to get off with some wax thought. I've been using a big bottle of Nu-Finish for years now, so any wax will do.
My Audi that I traded for the G35 used to throw tons of dust especially on the fronts. I replaced these pads with Mintex Red Box. They were every bit as good performance wise to the OEM with hardly any dusting--I could go 2 weeks and hardly see any.
Any idea when the G35 will start to show up with the Telematics (Infiniti Communicator) and or the satellite radio? This has only been mentioned at the New York show and none of the dealers seem to know anything about it yet.
Having ordered a G35 which should arrive around early June, I would like to add that I recently purchased some Mintex dustless pads from IPD (aftermarket Volvo performance parts firm) for all wheels. These are far and away superior to the OEM in pedal feel, with very little visible dust and NO squeal. I've waited almost 3 years for these, and they work beautifully. I hope the G35's are similar to the new Altima as this may make it less costly for an aftermarket company to produce these superior pads. To me, the dirty look one sees so much on new cars is a result of cost-cutting in brake pad composition.
From my reading of what that link says, it appears that those of us who are early 2003 vehicle buyers will NOT be eligible for the Infiniti Communicator services. From the description of the system, it doesn't look like there is any easy way to do the upgrade for those of us with 2003 model G35 sedans who have bought before Fall 2002.
I hope my reading is wrong and Infiniti will support those of us who have made a purchase "early".
Then again, they have not said anything about the pricing of the service and that could be an issue.
Thanks again for the salesman's name. Any problems at all with your vehicle? I test drove a G35 recently and was very impressed. Do you have enough leg room, not fore to aft, but from transmission hump to wheel well. Seems a little small and a bit cramped.
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Comments
I think a g35 coupe would be as close as you can get to an M3 without the high price tag. You should check out the coupe when it comes out this fall.
I hope they will resolve the static noise in your speaker soon, those things can be annoying.
Tony,
Thanks!
Now for my question, when the sales rep proposed the addional cost option of the Prestige Coatings Paint Shield I rejected it pretty much out of hand as I've found over the years that most of those add ons like undercoating and extended warranties are real good for the dealers bottom line and not very good for the buyers for the most part. Knowing how crummy I'm going to feel when the car gets parked under a bird or a tree, I began to wonder if I should be such a cheap [non-permissible content removed]. As I recall she said the cost would be somewhere near a grand but I don't remember if that was just the paint shield or it was also the carpet shield and leather shield. Anyway has anyone else gone through this mental exercise and what did you decide.
By the way so far we would rate our buying experience a the Kirkland dealer very good although I wasn't too impressed with the predelivery "detailing job" which to me was just a fair to middlin wash job and vacume. The inside windows still had that new car film on them and there was some shoe sole marks on the vinyl under the drivers door. (The car had been on the display floor and countless people had climbed in it over the past week or so.) I really didn't mind though because part of the bonding process with a new car is to wash it every couple of hours.
Milage at ~80mph average was 24.7mpg according to the Nav fuel economy screen. That also includes some heavy accelerating around town, "rush hour" traffic in Nashville (will their freeway construction EVERY get done?), and some "irritant" passing. Car drives at 80 like our old Chrysler Sebring ('95) did at 60. Was in excellent condition (good prep job), but DID have some miles on it already because driven down from Ohio (~400).
Still recovering from SEG condition. Will have to sleep on it before talk about more.
BTW, the Infiniti navigation system is EXCELLENT. To get around the traffic jams in Nashville, I hit the "detour" button, told it how many miles I thought the jam was (10 miles) and it piloted a course through the back streets to get me back to the freeway past the jam. COOL!
However, there are some places that are NOT covered in the DVD that, IMO, should be. My in-laws live in Clarksville, TN (fourth largest city in TN) and there are almost NO streets covered. Yahoo maps has it pegged, so I don't know why the Infiniti system couldn't. Go figure. I typically HATE driving in Nashville, but now would not be hesitant, so long as I have an address.
However, VERY happy with it. Wife just drove it to work and was pretty excited after her drive!
Scott
Tony,
For those of you who are thinking about getting the Nav system and want to see what it is like (assuming your dealer doesn't have any) take a look at the DVD-based Nav system in the Q45. They are VERY similar.
Scott
However, one already had what appeared to be brake powder on its wheels, if not mud or something, even though it was up on a platform.
There was nothing to indicate it was a tester model, so it makes me wonder what's up with that?
I live in the Orange County Ca. area, south of Los Angeles. I bought my Twilight Blue, Charcoal Leather, Premium, Wood, Sunroof, Xenon G35 at Infiniti of Costa Mesa and took delivery 2 weeks ago. I'm thrilled with the car and I feel more certain now than ever that it is the best choice for me. I'll tell why later on.
First, regarding discounts from MSRP. I had the same experience as everyone, NO DISCOUNTING. But I got lucky. A friend from work wanted to buy TWO G35's at the same time I wanted mine. We decided to try a fleet deal on three cars. One dumb dealer refused even that opportunity. But Darin Osborne, the fleet guy at Costa Mesa called me right back after I made an internet pricing inquiry and offered me $1500 above invoice on each car. That was about $1300 off MSRP, or $1500 savings after T+L. Maybe some of you guys could work together on a fleet deal at your local dealers. CM Infiniti is a fantastic dealer. They were uniformly friendly, reasonable and always acted like they wanted me to be a customer for life. I plan to be. Besides Darin, I recommend salesman Jim Krarup, the finest gentleman I have ever had the pleasure to deal with on a car lot. They immediately started an area search for the colors we wanted. They drove mine up from San Diego for me. They got my friend his TWO Desert Platinum cars for him and his wife, believe that or not! At least he decided on the Charcoal and his wife the Willow interiors.
Second, on the Sport Package. I'm a sport package kinda guy, but I really wanted the wood package to dress up the monochrome black interior. BTW, I think the interior looks much richer in Charcoal than Willow, a note to those who complain that the interior looks a bit cheap. Anyway, you can't get the Wood and the Sport on the same car, so I chose the Wood without even driving the Sport. Lately, I have had some remorse about whether the suspension was tight enough for me. So I went back today and Jim just handed me the keys to a white Sport model and told me I didn't need him on the test drive (See, great guy!) I enjoyed the Sport, but I took my car on the same test route, including high speed freeway ramps with bumps, and I have no regrets. Later on, I might get firmer shocks, but the difference is pretty slight.
Third, comparison with other cars. I'm lucky enough to get invited to lots of Ride/Drive events when car companies introduce new models. This morning, I got to drive the new Caddi CTS vs the BMW 325i and Lexus ES 300. Quick summary, I drove away in my car happier than ever with my choice. The only car I had previously had regrets about was the 3-series, but I couldn't buy it because the back seat was too small. But after driving it today, I found the BMW interior materials, even in the Premium package, cheap by comparison with my car. I'm talking about the vinyl and plastic surfaces and the center console area. And I wasn't blown away by the 325's handling on the short test tracks. It was very good, just not head and shoulders above the G. The Caddi was fine, for a Caddi, but the interior is not luxurious. Its still rubbery-feeling and like a lot of other GM products. The Lexus has a gorgeous interior, but its not a performance car. Maybe I'll own one when I'm 65. Getting back in my car and blasting off was a pure pleasure after those three.
Fourth and last, my general impressions of the G. The car has two personalities. Driven sedately, it is a luxury car, quiet, solid and serene. But when you press the loud pedal, it transforms into a great sports sedan. The car seems smaller and after a the few days of familiarizing with it, it seems an extension of my nerve endings. The size is just right, big enough to hold 4 adults comfortably and small enough to be tossable on curves. The rear end looked goofy in pictures, but in person I like it and so do most of the people I show it to. I read one person's post about tiny scratches after a machine wash, so I bought some Meguire's car wash and enjoyed washing it by hand this afternoon. Gripes? The front wheels get dirty with brake dust easily, the clock is invisible at night, you can't get a trip computer without the Nav package, and you can't get sport suspension with Wood, and I had to buy my own touchup paint and wheel locks. That's it.
BTW, I bought the paint, carpet, leather protection with the car. Don't pay $1000. I paid about half that, which I know was probably a bit of a rip.
That's about all for now. Sorry for the long post, but it seems to answer some of your questions. I'm going to go read the Car and Driver road test. Good night.
I have yet to find the right car for me. I want good looks with a comfortable back seat, reasonable power, a decent sized trunk, and plenty of safety features. I will only buy Japanese as my last American purchases have really let me down and I consider the German makes overpriced and lacking in reliability when compared with the best Japan has to offer (just my opinion). I have already voiced my opinion on the bland colors. I am glad for those of you who are happy with the colors, I just wish more were available for those of us not oriented toward earth tones. I also noticed today that the trunk itself is large enough but the actual opening to the trunk is pretty small. While you can easily load golf clubs or even a suitcase, you are really going to be restricted should you attempt to put something square such as even a small TV (still in the box) in the trunk. I would guess that the opening is perhaps 20 inches or less. It reminds me of the trunk opening of the early 70's Mach I Mustangs. While I admit that many of you will disagree, the biggest reason that I think I will pass on the G is the steering. I have test driven the car twice and this is a really fast and responsive car. I really appreciate the fact that Infiniti included as standard equipment the three types of airbags as well as anti-lock brakes and vehicle skid control. However, the steering on this car is way too quick for my tastes, perhaps even to the point of being dangerous. Should the car approach it's cornering limits such as swerving in an emergency, it seems that it would be easy to over compensate your correction. Yes, I know that the skid control would help out. For me, the car was just not easy to drive. With seemingly no play at all in the steering I dared not look off to the side lest my hand move 1/4 inch either way and I drift out of my lane. Perhaps this is something you can get use to and I am sure that such quick steering is excellent on the race track but it is most disconcerting in everyday driving, particularly on the expressway. I just think that Infinii blew it on the over-responsive steering. At least I am not alone in this criticism, Car and Driver's test this month came to the same conclusion. They also felt the same way about the brakes.
Paul
El Cajon, California
Like boomer23 I find things I would like them to change about the G35 but I have no buyers remorse at all. I see a 3 series or an A4 and never get a "I wish I had gotten that" feeling. I can't get enough of my G35 warts and all (and all cars have warts..)
Good luck with your hunt. If you find something that all of us have missed please post back as most here are car enthusiasts and will at least want to go drive it.
I live only 5 minutes from Costa Mesa Infiniti. In fact, in Dec I visited CMI when they had the demo G35 on display. Took my first test drive last month at CMI also.
I'm currently driving a 2000 Impala LS (excellent cruiser). By next year, I"m looking to trade up to a G35 coupe. Hopefully, I can get several people from Orange County to get "volume discount" from the fleet sale manager.
If you want to have lots of play in the steering I recommend you look at a Buick, Cadilllac or a Lincoln Town Car.
You got it, the "square" in the trunk lid! Could explain the plastic "thing".
I think this is a new model glitch that Infiniti should correct. Should not be that hard.
I have no desire to turn this into a detailing discussion, so let's do it directly, OK? Please send your questions to my personal, rather than business, email address and I will provide a response within 24 hours. Just click on my moniker above to get my bio.
On a more positive note, they had 2 cloth models!
Good luck with the car. I drove a couple in Lisle and Chicago yesterday. Very impressed with everything but the...colors (colours) (hues).
by the way, i'm not just a kid talking about his dad's car:) i'm a 24M mechanical engineer....
lots of feedback to come.....links to pictures as well.
i will be in the market for a car too (cheeper than the G35), most possibly acura type S. Comparitive feedback will be provided as well upon request.
I'm sorry that you aren't going for the G35, but there are many astounding cars out there and I'm sure you'll find one the suits your fancy. I wish you the best of luck in your hunting...
Your comments on the steering were a little confusing to me... I think that it probably all boils down to personal preference (like all things) but someone higher up in the thread made an excellent point... People do pay incredible amounts of money for steering response as crisp and precise, and deadzone free as is in the G35.
I think that you might be a far better driver than I, because in almost every single emergency situation I have ever been in (back end breaking lose, spin, etc) The biggest problem for me was getting a little behind in the steering and "under" compensating because the steering was not quick enough, and its pretty well documented that "relaxed" steering response is a major contributor to DIO (Driver Induced Oscillation) which is basically being a fraction of a second behind the compensation input required to correct a stability situation (the back end whips back the other way instead of settling in)
There have been exactly two instances so far with my G35 (2135 miles on it now) where I had to make an emergency lane change (what looked like a jack in the middle of the lane at night, and someone who didn't think checking their sideview mirror prior to changing lanes was important) In both instances, quick responsive steering was a lifesaver! and without the "wallowing" delay of cars with the softzone at deadcenter that often require you to really muscle the wheel around to get anything done, there was no need to inherently compensate with the "I think the steering wheel needs to be about.... here..." to make the car go where I want it to go...
The G35 steering, coupled with its excellent suspension, renders the greatest feeling of "control" that I have ever gotten in a vehicle I have owned. Its very gratifying but I know that again, personal preference is the key.
I would think that slower steering and trying to compensate for that is inherently more dangerous than crisp steering and trying to adapt to that. Everyone can react a little slower
Good luck on your searching!
Faenor
On the bright side, for those of you looking for any comparison to a BMW, this is another one.
Money Down: 0
Interest Rate: 2.55%
Residual Value: 58%
Monthly Payment: $409
(Tax not included in payments)
MSRP: $29,495
Selling Price: 28,520
The monthly payment for the non-leather package was $399. The dealer said the residual value for the non-leather package is the same. (Might as well go for the leather)
Did anyone else get a better quote?
PS 700 miles on mine and still love every minute behind the wheel.
Those of us with Lincoln LSes use the non-sport pads instead of the sport pads for less dust. Or use aftermarket pads such as Porterfield (www.porterfield-brakes.com) who make Carbon-Kevlar pads which have a higher friction level (.4) than stock pads, less dust and longer life.
Face it, it's all a cost issue. OEM's go for the least expensive but dust and long life are secondary factors. Check out their Dot 4 fluid and heat treated rotors.
Although they don't have a listing for the G35 yet, maybe someone can E-mail them a part#. Possibly, the pads are similar to other Nissan products. The rotors probably aren't because the G35 is RWD.
Do you think the dealership could order a titanium console for me? If so, are they gonna pillage me on the price?
More compromises, hunh?
Take care.
Joe W.
So I have decided to pass on the protectant and to get my car detailed once a year. I will wax it myself in the fall before the winter onslaught and get the car detailed in spring. A bit more elbow grease but likely the same outcome.
Money Down: 0
Interest Rate: 2.55%
Residual Value: 58%
Term: 39 months
Miliage: 12k per year
Monthly Payment: $409
(Tax not included in payments)
MSRP: $29,495
Selling Price: 28,520
coolg, I don't know how you got a much lower residual value. Maybe it has to do with location. I am from Long Island, NY.
Car detailers typically use low-wage labor and I doubt they can do anything you can't do yourself. I sometimes use car detailers but only for the convenience, not because they are going to do anything I couldn't do. However, if you're not going to do it yourself, then have a detailer do it. It's foolish to let the car deteriorate.
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Don't have the dealer order you a titanium console. Go to Infinitiparts.net. They have all the kits for both titanium and wood upgrades for with and w/o nav. They also have the FULL aero kit for around $2600 or you can buy any part of the kit - bumper, spoilers, side dams. Good luck.
PS I have the wood and love it. Thought I would prefer the titanium but with the graphite interior the wood looks great.
For eg. with 58% residual and interest rate 2.55%, LeaseGuide.com says the monthly payment should be ~$350. However, the monthly payment quoted by Infiniti is $409 ( refer post #4092). Can someone resolve this discrepancy for me.. Where do these hidden costs come from....
Thanks.
ps: none of the figures take tax into consideration. Is there any other tax besides sales tax for leasing (ignoring some of those weird property taxes that some states levy).
If that link is broken, here's another.
http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/4e0650bef6193b3e852562350056a3a7/dea6ef1552ffa68e85256b8a007d131d?OpenDocument
Good luck!
Ciao,
Larry
I hope my reading is wrong and Infiniti will support those of us who have made a purchase "early".
Then again, they have not said anything about the pricing of the service and that could be an issue.
Scott