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I will be getting mine as soon as I'm back on my feet..... Had knee surgery three weeks ago, one more and will be back on my feet. Thanks for price will be trading my 96 Avalon for a G35. Will post ASAP.
gas milage in the units of the folks north of you
14.8L/100kms for the new G35 easy driven
maxima 95 gets 10L/100kms for us (so G35 is 50% worse).
Accord 96 also gets 10L/100kms (need to rev it so it can move a bit)
pathfinder 96 with the VG engine used to get 16L/100kms (very underpowered engine too!!)
2001 QX4 3.5VQ, i haven't checked this one yet but i was assuming its about the same as the older pathfinder (or so nissan claims)
the G35 is not driven hard and never revved passed 4000rpm (to the extent of my knowledge at least).
All others except the accord are easy driven, very easy driven infact but mostly city driving (85%)
G35:
1) $6000 less than a similarly equipped 330.
2) Faster. (c&d)
3) Roomier. "
4) Quieter on freeway. "
5) Braking distance is less. "
330:
1) Generally more prestigious in the eyes of others.
As to which car is "better", it really depends on the individual and his weights and inclinations on the subjective categories, while factoring in the facts to the equation. Different people give different weighting to different aspects. And truth be told, the g35 is not drastically better in any of those factual categories above, except for price. So to me, the two cars are pretty close. And bottom line is: $6000 or prestige. Take your pick.
1. Resale value/depreciation?
2. Long-term ownership costs?
3. Safety/Crash test results?
4. Reliability?
5. Theft & Insurance data?
There is no data on any of these critical issues.
As for performance test reports, I'm waiting to see full test reports in R&T, MT, AW, and more. Not to mention real full comparison tests between G35 and its primary competitors. One or two tests, which weren't even comparison tests, hardly qualifies as extensive data. Different drivers in different cars on different days will have different results. Average of all tests might be a better approximation of the average for all performance categories.
I say bring on the data! Can't wait to read the comparison tests!
(JingleJill... Apologies on misspelling your name. I must've had Tarzan on the brain.)
I've just averaged 21.2 mpg which is about 11.1 L/100km. This is with very aggressive driving
The 14.8 L/100km you mentioned seems to be about 15.8 mpg (you may have a hole in your tank).
I got an e-mail last night from the local Infiniti dealer. It seems they are having a G35 launch party tomorrow where they will be offering "discount coupons" on all G35s in stock. And the best part...The coupons will probably be good through the weekend. WOW, I CAN'T WAIT!!! (Could I be any more sarcastic? ;o)
Maybe they are not selling so well down here?
The first 12 months will be interesting but then the 350Z and the G35 coupe will be shipped during that period also. I expect Infiniti sales to be up substantially during that 12 months in comparison to the previous 12. To keep it up Infiniti must put out a FM RWD I35 replacement within the next 18 months and seriously improve the handling of the Q within the next 2 years.
Just my opinion but I believe if they want people to take them seriously then they must show they are serious about becoming a force in the luxury-sports division.
One of the interesting facts of last month's sales figures was the huge jump in QX4 sales. The G35 is getting people in and frequently they are buying I35s and QX4s when the G35 does not suit their needs. No wonder Nissan stock has been on a constant upward trend for the last 3-4 months..
And as for:
1. Resale value/depreciation?
2. Long-term ownership costs?
3. Safety/Crash test results?
4. Reliability?
5. Theft & Insurance data?
A good look at the track record of the company's vehicles will provide an indication (but not absolute facts) about these. Why do you offer BMW's history as a reason to know what to expect from them but not accept the same historical record for Infiniti? I guess some people will just never be satisified.
If you wish to wait the 4-6 years for ALL of this data to be available before deciding whether the car meets your standards, be my guest. Others are not so unreasonably demanding. Just remember that by the time your required information is available Infiniti will have made modifications to the car so you will have to wait yet again to see how this new version stacks up, but then by that time . . . If you truly require ALL this data before making a purchase how could you ever end up owning a car? I must conclude that either you are full of it, or you simply enjoy the argument. I suspect the latter (as past history suggests).
Why? The FWD I35 fills a totally different niche than the RWD G. They appeal to different buyers.
a RWD I would stand a far greater chance of stealing G buyers and it leaves Infiniti without the FWD luxury cruiser that some people want. Where will they go then? Lexus.
i did it the traditional way. fill up and zero the odometer. fill up again and take the liters and odemeter reading.
so 59 liters per 396 kilometers is what i got.
using this http://www.hicloneqld.com/data.htm
it gave me 19mpg, is this normal?? for easy driving??
we only have 700kms on the car now.
Also, with the G35, even a bit of "faster than the other traffic" acceleration will decrease the milage. I've notice that when I do something like that only once in awhile, it can have a 1-2 mpg difference on the tank.
Ahhh, the trade-offs of performance vs. milage.
johnjorg - Desert Platinum has both tan and silver colors in it. Lighting/angle of light/sun will influence color. I have a Dodge Durango in "Driftwood" that does the same. My mother thought it was tan the first time she saw it. The second time she asked if we had gotten a new one because the color "changed"...
riez - Ok, let's talk about the stats that you want. First, I'd like to talk about what I call the "depreciation fallacy". IMO, anyone who buys a NEW car as "an investment" is crazy. You buy cars to "consume" their value, not try to build on it.
Heck, if you buy it, drive it home an park it in the garage for three years (forgetting all the problems that will cause), you will STILL have lost 25-50% of the value, so you might as well have driven the heck out of it.
Hey, I'd rather own a car that doesn't have good resale so that I can drive it into the ground without constantly worrying about its value. If it also holds its value well, great, but I'm not going to be sweating it, unless I lease rather than buy.
BTW, what is the 3-year, 12K mile residual for the 330i?
As for LT ownership costs, the Infiniti would (based on previous vehicle performance) have it all over the 330i, if it weren't for the fact that BMW has "free" (built into the buying (MSRP) price) maintenance for 3-years. Not a good "time value of money" idea. I get to keep my money and invest it (or even spend it), while 330i owners pay interest on it.
A better indicator would be the amount of "shop time". My understanding is that the 330 (or any BMW) will, typically, require more of that than the G35. Less time driving the car? Nah, I'll take a car I get to drive.
As for historical information being used as an indicator of future performance, I'm willing to accept it. So does Consumer Reports. They always refer to past performance as an indicator of future performance.
Safety/crash test stuff? Well, you got us there. However, Infiniti's generally do well, so I am not worried on that account. The sales person I bought my G35 from was the dealer's son. He had a QX4 that been hit on the passenger side, full-on, in an intersection, by a truck, doing at least 45 (the truck ran a red light), causing him to roll, hit a telephone pole (cut it off at 1 foot high and hit the roof), and roll three more times. He WALKED AWAY. There was almost NO intrusion into the passenger compartment, except where the telephone pole hit (just back of the front seats). I saw the pictures of the vehicle when I was there. Not bad...
As for insurance costs, according to my insurance company, they are about the same (~$10-15 difference).
Anyway, regardless of how you slice it, I still find the G35 a better deal and MUCH more fun to drive. And I have driven both HARD.
keyrow - Advocacy is part of what we are doing here. I, personally, don't mind someone else jumping in, so long as their facts are straight and they have a good attitude, which riez has always had. So, "Chill, dude..."
Scott
thats my opinion at least.
Nissan needs to bring some sporty coupes in the rsx and celica price range (240sx??)
The I35 competes with the ES300, BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz C320 (so does the G35, because MB places the 320 inbetween the two), etc. The G35, competes with the IS300, 3-series, etc.
I wonder where these guys get their information. Invariably, I have known more about the cars than the dealer sales people do (BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Acura, etc.). I would be embarassed if I were selling these cars and the buyers knew more than I did. UGH!
We know that the I35 will be around at least until 2004. Hmmm, maybe the M45? If so, hopefully with a MUCH better exterior design. IMO, the M45 is ugly. But preferences vary...
Scott
the link i posted showed the conversion to be 19mpg rather than 15ish (???). Who's right?
Any information appreciated.
Scott
Even 4th could stand to be a bit taller, but I can live with it.
Scott
http://www.tirerack.com/features/motorsports/one_lap.html
Scott
Knowing that the so-called pre-inspection charge is just BS, I hemmed an hawed for a while and said, "Before I make my final decision, let's go take a look at the actual car."
Guess what, the car has 800 miles in the odometer!! It was disgusting. They tried to palm off to me the sales managers personal auto.
Seeing that I was disgusted, the salesman said, "Oh, I guess you want a fresh one." (What a shocking surprise? Isn't this a NEW car dealership?)
"That would cost you an additional $500," he added helpfully.
I walked out of the place politely (I was not ready to burn my bridge), telling him that I would come back another day.
At least I had learned two things: (1) an honest car salesperson is very hard, if at all possible to find. (2) In the worst-case scenario, I could have bought my new G35 yesterday at $1,643 (875+268+500=1,643) over invoice, or $1,690 below MSRP. That wasn't too bad a deal by itself! Now I have a basis for further negotiation.
Please stay tuned.
BTW, riez, I have also been to San Angelo, and I have walked the Riverwalk of San Antonio many times. Too bad I didn't meet my lady there.
I'm on my 3rd tank now and average just over 20 mpg (11.25 l/100km).
I do drive on the highway everyday, but it's a 2 lane highway; so there always is aggressive passing going on (some people like to drive 55 in 65 zones).
Try this:
Open all windows and sunroof.
Drive down a deserted road (void of small children).
Shift into pretend manual mode and go to 1st gear.
Drive slowly at a steady speed and keep the rpm's at around 3200
STOMP on the gas
---Wonderful sound & sore neck
BTW the new G35 MSRP 36,400 was cheaper to insure with my AIG policy than was a 1995 Honda Accord EX that I replaced sold for 8500.00. Yes I second guessed the rep, but was told that it was due to the high rate of theft on the Accord. Go figure.
Nice car BTW. I like the blue 3rd behind the silver (which I bought) and the desert platinum.
Paul
El Cajon, California
"The Sales Mgr. at my Local Infiniti dealer stated that Infiniti projected about 1000 units of the G35 to be sold in April (the first full month of launch). Instead More than 3000 units were sold."
My reply:
Your sales rep is pulling your leg!!! If Infiniti projected only 1,000 units to be sold in April they would not have manufactured and shipped the 3,286 units that were actually sold. Not to mention the many more that are sitting on Infiniti dealer lots all over Southern California (20-40 G35's are sitting on both of my local Infiniti dealers car lots right now).
No doubt that the G35 is selling well. It should. It is a great sport sedan and IMO is right there at the top with the BMW 330i. Blowing away Infiniti's expectations is quite zealous. Infiniti is banking everything on the G35 sedan, G35 coupe and FX45 SUV to keep them alive. Infiniti will produce as many G35's as possible to keep up with customer demand (or exceed) so they can cash in on their best product manufactured since their inception (original Q45 was pretty cool as well).
kd6aw1: EVERYTHING at the CA DMV officially takes 6-8 weeks.
HiC
Actually, it is Oakley Interplanetary Headquarters in Orange County California. My wife noticed the strange looking building on a drive in the hills. Except for the trademark "O" on the front of the building, there is not a single company logo on the grounds. She had to ask someone what the building was. Inside the lobby, there are two different Oakley stores, full of sunglasses and associated youth-oriented gear. We think that the building looks like something out of Flash Gordon from the 1950's, and we expect Ming the Merciless to come walking out at any minute.
I don't regret getting the I30 a year ago. I had moved to a permanent job here in Austin and I needed daily transport to work. For that it works very well.
One thing about a test drive is that I am always reluctant to really push the car if the dealer is sitting with me. Second...I really don't get to "know" the car's dynamics until I have driven it several times over a few days. I wonder if Infiniti will offer extended test drives (take an G35 home) Anyone have experience with this?
If USA Infiniti historic resale is any guide to future, may God have mercy on G35 buyer's wallets when they sell their G35s. I hope that isn't the case, as the G35 automatic is the nicest Infiniti since the original Q45t. I've owned two Infiniti and know what it is like to get creamed on Infiniti resale!!! Don't want to get burned a third time.
stsurbrook... I find it interesting that so many partisans here (who appear to be enthusiasts in love with the car, which is always great to hear), can base their very, very strong opinions on so little data. I try never to buy a first year's model. I want to read lots of test results. Collect a lot of data. If I'm going to spend $25-40,000 on a car, then I'm not going to be rushed nor will I commit until there is a lot of data to support the decision. Maybe that is just me. Car buying is both an art and a science. It is best done when passions have subsided and logic has taken over.
Ever notice why Acura Integra does lot better than the Honda Prelude?
LOL. What's the big deal? G35 buyers already saved $7K off from a comparable equipped 330i. I rather save $$ up front now, then to worry about resale later.
Since Nissan/Infiniti is a turnaround company, they have learned their past mistakes. I don't think you will ever see HEAVY discounting on the G35. Now that there is an alternate choice between G35 and 3 series, more people will come to their senses and recognize that the G35 offers more value for the dollar.
Lastly, I think it was a good move by Infiniti to offer the G35 in the US after one year release of the Skyline. I'm sure they have worked out most of the kinks.... This will help improve their reputation in terms of quality, and possibly increase resale value.
As for the luxury of waiting until the G35 has a year or two under its belt for reliability, resale, crash tests, etc. some do and some don't. We had a '95 Chrysler Sebring LXi with 91K miles on it (great car for the money and manufacturer) that was just beginning to puff smoke when started and was only about 10K miles from a major tuneup. We were going to buy now and the G35 was the best overall bargain.
As hvan3 noted, we got to save our $6K, up front, compared to the 330i. That $6K (plus interest) buys a lot of insurance, maintenance, gas, etc. over the next 3-5 years.
As I asked in my earlier post, what are the residuals for a 330i lease, 3yrs, 12K miles? For the G35 it is 58%. Those numbers (by the companies that do this type of thing) tend to be pretty accurate. The G35 with 3yrs, 15K miles is 54%.
kdshapiro - A "hit and run" comment like that is unlike you. Are you that desperate to find fault with Infiniti? Yeah, stooge2000 was treated poorly. From what I've seen from Infiniti, that is rather unusual. However, it WAS still ~$2K off MSRP for a car like that. And ~$1600 off a brand new one. Overall, a pretty good deal.
Heck, when my wife and I went to the BMW dealership, they tried a similar trick when we complained a bit about MSRP. "OK, let's go over to our used lot and see if we can find something in your price range." Gee, that would be OK, BUT we wanted a NEW car.
THEN when I went for a drive, the sales guy's lack of knowledge was almost embarassing ME. Just about every question I asked he replied with, "Well, I don't know, but we have a great (enter the unrelated item of your choice here)..." or "Well, it IS a BMW and BMW's are "The Ultimate Driving Machine". UGH!
Should I view all BMW dealerships based on that? No. As for Infiniti dealerships, I have been treated well at the two I have been to and the three I called. While I didn't buy from a local dealer because they just wouldn't come down on price (and they couldn't seem to find the car my wife wanted), they still treated us well.
Car dealerships are car dealerships. Don't know why they can't all have great integrity and professionalism, but they apparently do not attract the most capable people. Who knows?
Scott
In the short run i don't expect Infiniti could outrun Lexus just yet, cause nexus has really work hard to establish themesleves here. Look no one ever complain about Lexus dealers. Infiniti should work on their dealers, last time i encounter with their sales was a diasaster they forced me to buy their car(G20), and keep on pushing me and i do not think that's the right way to establish the the infiniti brand.
In term of safety, i am still concern with the nissan brand, all their score on NHSTA aren't that impressive, lets just hope this one could do the job...
anyone know a schedule crash test?
Scott
Why, you ask? Well, the main reason is that MOST of my driving (and I would imagine most other people's) is rather placid, ho-hum driving. Highway and/or stop and go city driving. If my transmission "learns" that manner of driving is my preferred way to drive, then on those few occasions in which I want it to act like I was getting on it all the time, it still wants to shift/act like I'm doing highway/city driving. UGH! (Me, Tarzan...
If they are going to insist on putting this enjoyment reducing technology in the transmission, my preference would be for a "sport" or "performance" switch that I can punch to make the G35 act like it is a pure race car. Hey, while I'm at it, why not ask for them to put an "econ" (economy) mode and make it a three-position switch (econ, norm, perf). Yeehaw!
After having used it for awhile, I have to admit that the one flaw in the manumatic that makes it miss the boat with regard to not needing the above switch is that it is just too slow in the shifts. Having to wait about 1 second is just too long. 1/4 to 1/2 second is much more acceptable, especially under heavy acceleration.
Anyone else feel this way? Any other thoughts?
Scott
If Edmunds is at all right, this myth of terrible resale for the Infiniti just doesn't hold water. The I35 and Acura TL-S are the lowest cost for the 5 vehicles compared.
I always wondered about the total cost of ownership and I put a lot of emphasis on BMW's renowned great resale value. Turns out its not so significant in terms of total costs.
This is one cool feature on Edmunds!