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blueguydotcom: They said the same thing about the WRX (pricing/availability). Subaru said they'd only bring in 10,000 units. They ended up importing more and the prices are now so cheap you can get one for $200 over dealer invoice. The G35 coupe will be the same situation. Do you think Nissan who was nearly in the poor house is going to limit production to ensure exclusivity? NOT..these things will be coming out faster than pancakes at IHOP.
Ppower- YEAH..and RS6 would be nice BUT the price!!! And yes... I did pick up my allroad. AWESOME car.
Did you read Edmund's review of the Allroad before you bought it? Sounds pretty mediocre. I think the G35 coupe would be much more fun to drive.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/46968/article.html
Of course, this puts it in direct competition with the 350Z, but since Nissan gets the money either way, they probably don't care.
After seeing the TV commercial, I have to say that the G35C looks very nice in red and in motion...
The Gee will win over a few from BMW no problem. Just as the Sedan I'm sure has.
Nearly every new vehicle depreciates about 20%-25% off sticker the day you take delivery.
A new Ford Focus loses around $4000, A Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG will lose somewhere around $26000. The $$$ amount of depreciation during the first year is directly proportional to the $$$ amount of the street value when it was new.
What is the big deal about the G dropping $8k in value the first year? Did you expect to buy one then turn around and sell it for a profit after ragging it out for a couple months?
If I am buying a family sedan or other vehicle that I plan on keeping 5-7+ years, depreciation isn't a big deal. But in the case of my "splurge" last fall, I am very glad I went with an S2000. I can easily sell it for within $3-4k of what I paid for it. Had I gotten a BMW Z3 or Porsche Boxster S, I'd be looking at a $10k to $15k hit. Yes, these were more expensive cars, but not 3-5 times as expensive as the S2000. It is quite possible I will be selling the S2000 next spring, but even if I don't, having that option without a huge loss is very attractive and factored into my purchase decision.
If anyone is considering the G35 coupe as a 2-3 year car, they should look closely at depreciation. As I stated in another forum, I have a business associate who bought a Q45 instead of an M5 a year ago. He is now looking at a significant loss to sell or trade the Q45, considerably more than he would have lost on the M5. I don't know how the G35 coupe will fare.
The Infinity dealership in Orlando has approximately 10 new G35 Coupes sitting on the lot. IMO the Z generates more visual excitement that the G Coupe. Although the G Coupe is a very nice looking car.
My disappointment as others have mentioned here is the interior of the G 35 Coupe. It has lots of hard plastic on the dash that is worthy of a sub $20,000 car. Although some inexpensive cars like the PT Cruiser have some very impressive plastic textures.
The Interior was a deal breaker for me although I would be that Infiniti addresses this issue within one year. There is no excuse for a $34,000 car to use the poor quality materials that Infiniti has chosen.
The new Nissan Murano has a very nice interior with liberal use of real aluminum, not painted plastic. And I am sure this portends the future for improvement for the Coupe.
As a side note I saw the pricing for the new BMW Z4. The 2.5 liter pricing starts at approximately $35,000 and the 3 liter is over $40,000. Yes it may be that they are becoming a little arrogant with their pricing due to their success. So a well equiped Z4 will go for $45,000, lol.
Sorry about the verbosity
I'm guessing you're excluding the poorly selling boy-racer IS300? If not...I'm baffled beyond all belief.
Saturday morning I drove the G35c. Saturday afternoon I took my new G35c to the BMW lot to show the dealer. It was a satisfying feeling to see the look of jealousy on the dealer's face.
I took him for a ride and he agreed with me, it just handles better, sounds better, feels better, and looks better (though he wont admit now).
It is really no contest, the BMW is tired.
As to the IS300, I'd never own one either. But it would be sweet with the V8 that Lexus is supposedly going to add.
Here's an idea, buy a wood kit or real aluminum kit for $300 bucks. Keep complaining about the dash and someone will make a replacement for that. Either let Infinity do it and make the extra money, or customize it yourself.
Disclosure: I'm not a current or former BMW owner and, in fact, all of my cars to date have been Japanese, including two Nissans.
That said, I think excessive infatuation with the new kid on the block, i.e. G35c or 350Z, can be short sighted. In reality, there hasn't been a single model made by Infiniti that has remained successful and not looked "tired" in a few years. Not that they are bad produscts, but Infiniti and Nissan vehicles go through "facelifts" and redesigns with a frequency unsurpassed by any European brand, let alone BMW.
I believe in giving credit where it is due. The success of BMW in staying on top of the enthusiast leader board for so many years is a tribute to the quality of their product and consistency of their corporate mission. They haven't had to reinvent themselves about three times in the last decade, discontinue models, reintroduce models and flirt with bankruptcy in the meantime.
The fact that BMW's entry level 1998 328is is worth more in resale than Infinti's top of the line 1998 Q45 is evidence of BMW's endurance that Infiniti has never achieved.
Perhaps the G35 coupe is a car that will help take Infiniti to the next level. But it will take a few more models and a lot more years of consistency and refinement before Infiniti will ever become the measuring standard that BMW is today.
All of my qualms about the car's interior went away the first time a pressed the button and watched my Navigation screen pop up. (by the way, I have been told a modification can be made to allow the system to play movies, anyone heard of this?).
I know I will get ostracized for saying this, but when I drove the 330, it felt small; like I was driving a glorified civic. There was no way I was going to plant down $45K with that feeling--no matter what the resale value.
I know this car is not the best on the road (after all I got completely taken by a Jaguar XKR two days ago, humbling experience). But it is a fun car to drive, and I have no doubt that it will continue to look great as long as plan on holding onto it (the Giovannas definitely help).
The sound of the motor: IMO it's wonderful. Reminds me of a couple of cars from my past--an MG Midget that I had when I was in graduate school that was absolutely wonderful, when it was running, which wasn't all the time, to say the least. It also reminds me of one of my son's cars, a 6-cylinder Mazda MX3 (I think that was the designation). It too had a nice throaty roar when you stepped on the gas.
The interior: IMO it's not as plush or as classy as some cars I've owned (e.g.,'99 VW Passat GLX; '99 Audi A6), but it's fine for what it is. My wife and I definitely like the graphite interior better than the tan one, but some prefer the one we like the least. Anyway, I was more buying the car for its engine, reliability, and outside looks than for the interior.
The ride: IMO it's fine for what this car is supposed to be. If I had wanted a "cloud car," I would have bought a Lincoln Town Car or a big Buick or something entirely different from the G35c.
Noise level inside: It's not the quietest car I've owned, but see my comments above. It's fine for what it is.
Price of the car vs. the competition: I paid full MSRP for the nav system, premium package, and aero package. From my experience with pricing cars like the Audi A4 or any of the BMW 3 series, the price for a car similarly equipped (not with leatherette, in other words), would have been $5K higher.
Also, I like the exclusivity of the G35c. BMWs are undoubtedly great cars, but they're common as fleas on hounds. Infinitis will never be that common, thank goodness.
In reading this forum, I've seen people complain about all kinds of what I would consider as niggling concerns. I remember one poster writing that his wife found the sound of the turn indicators "manic." IMO that's just someone looking hard for something to criticize. If you want to criticize the lack of driver seat memory or the fact that when you turn on the headlights in the daytime the dash displays disappear, these are legitimate things to carp over. But the sound of turn indicators? I don't think so, but, again, remember how I started this. IMO.
I love the car and have found that people definitely notice it. A new BMW? Not so noticeable, IMO.
Infiniti will DEFINITELY make some refinement to this G35 regardless of some of the diehard enthusiasts on this forum. They want the masses to be happy. You folks are definitely the minority. Same thing happened to the Jeep nuts when they went to IFS and nixed the venerable Cherokee and started the Liberty line.
P.S. Can't wait to drive the FX45!!!!
Could someone please offer some hands-on experience with the manual transmission? In there a big difference in terms of control and acceleration, when compared with an automatic version?
Thanks.
This weekend, after reading about how junky the interior of the G35c is and how the Z interior is a piece of garbage, while I waited for the evening wedding of a friend, I went dumpster diving. I also visited heaven: aka, the BMW and Audi dealers down the street.
I guess I'm just a street bum, because I really like the interior of the G35c and the Z. And I like them better than I do that of the BMW 3 or the Audi A4.
I know this will set some people off. Please don't think ill of me; I have a good job, I'm getting ready for my grandchild, and I drink decent booze ... and maybe I'd even agree that the Z and it's big bro aren't better for everyone, but there sure is a big niche market out there of people who like things spartan and clean and are tired of being lulled by their car.
No, my favorites don't have "soft touch" much of anywhere. But it's not cheap looking stuff, IMO. It's functional and isn't intended to let you think you've wandered into the sitting room of an English country squire. They want to go out and play; they want to see a green flag; they don't want to sit and watch, and they sure don't have some idea of sitting in traffic unless it's to get somewhere fun and interesting.
The G35c wants to run with a little bit of class. It's much nicer, as many have said, in person than in pictures. Its design really didn't remind me of much that's German; this car, especially in the red, looks more Italian. I wonder if they thought of trying it in a Japanese version of fly yellow. (lol) The only thing I'd pick at inside of the G is the plastic "titanium" on the console ... and it looks fine, just feels too much like tupperware. Easily covered by aftermarket stuff as someone said.
The other issue is the seat. I couldn't decide if it was too snug because of the design that places the controls on the side of the cusion. I could definitely feel them there and I would want to drive one for a couple of hours to be sure before putting money down ... not possible just yet. The seat on the Z, otoh, was just fine. Very interesting. Has anyone else tried both cars and found the seat cushion to be noticeably different?
The Z is a bit more 'raw.' The Z is actually more German in its appearance, more like a Porsche ... not sure I like that.
At both dealerships there were several people waiting for salespeople and rides ... 5 at the Infiniti place and 3 at the Z store. (THere was one customer at Audi, none at BMW, but the Nisssans are new and hot so it's not surprising.)
Both cars were marked up. This is pretty typical of the Z, but people haven't mentioned it so much here on the Infiniti.
The Z was at MSRP but had pinstriping, a 100k warranty, paint "protection," and mud flaps for $1985. The G35c was MSRP but had a $1000 surcharge attached (verbally -- so I don't know if they just singled me out so I could feel really special.)
That was discouraging. But in fact the Infiniti dealer compounded the error by offering to roll over my current lease and add it on to one for the G, apparently thinking I looked even stupider than I'd have to be to pay a surcharge. The sales mgr. came over to brag about the service and integrity of the dealership, and when I told him I wasn't interested in even discussing money until I'd driven both the G and the Z to tell which one that I liked to drive, he called an affiliated Nissan dealer who listened to the sales mgr. say that he had a "buyer" who wanted to "look" at a Z and wondered if I could drive it. The Nissan dealer got me on the phone and told me 1)they don't give test drives and 2)the two cars are the same, anyway. No difference except for two seats and they drive exactly the same. I guess these two morons thought they'd caught a sucker in a power play.
So I left. Before I hung up, I told the Nissan dealer I'd been willing to think about his Z (6MT available) but wouldn't be down because he was at least ignorant of the reviews of his own car. ANd I told the Infiniti dealer I wouldn't be back either, but that the G35c sold itself pretty much in spite of him and that I could wait to get one on my terms. I'm sure he didn't care, but the sales person called today to let me know that the price was "negotiable."
But the car is beautiful. THe outside, AND the inside. My wife, who likes SUVs and lots and lots of expensive things, looked at the window sticker when she first saw it and said "Is that all?" I trust her on things like this. NOT cheap.
JW
Everyone has their preferences. After I picked up my allroad (did NOT cross shop against the G35c)dealer said he'd sell me the new S4 (340hp) at a slight discount. I didn't even have to leave a deposit. Hard to imagine someone prefering the G35 over an S4!!!!!
"
I like the previous generation S4, but this new A4 is significantly heavier. I think it's entirely plausible that there will be people who will prefer the G35 to the S4. Especially with the cost savings.
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Infiniti will DEFINITELY make some refinement to this G35 regardless of some of the diehard enthusiasts on this forum. They want the masses to be happy. You folks are definitely the minority.
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Sorry, I disagree here too. they clearly took the Lexus route here and differentiated their models into G35 and I35, like the ES/IS differentiation. That way, either car doesn't have to be all things to all buyers. One is pillow soft and luxury comfort with good power, one is sporty and powerful, with restrained luxury touches.
Having said that, of course they will make refinements, every car maker is constantly doing that. I just don't see them changing the character of the car, which is a good thing, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to a MT sedan or coupe test drive
I'd rather have the peace -of -mind with a reliable AND fun to drive automobile.
Maybe you don't like the G35c but it is definitely not overpriced.
- Mark
RE: Audi... Nah.. no extended warranty. It's gone in 4 yrs after warranty is over and free maintenace expires.
Oh, get over it. A. You don't have to pay over MSRP if you put in some effort (many people are buying from dealers states away). B. Dealers charge what the market will bear...don't like it? move to a fascist state where the gov't controls pricing and business. C. People are getting G35s without all the options (I saw a leather, auto on a lot last week)...put forth the effort to look. D. Order the car exactly as you want it.
All of your complaints are completely without any foundation in reality. You can buy a G35 for MSRP and you can get one without the nav and sport packages. It's a matter of time and effort.
G35C is a unique value compared to competition:
styling, performance, beautiful interior (R&T and my opinion).
I have been tracking the G35C for sometime now. Yes, the g35 does have lots of great perfromance stuffs as mentioned. I am ready to buy the car until I actual saw one live. It is prize right if it is at dealer invoice + 1K-1.5k more. Give Infiniti resale value is so low meaning as soon as you sign the paper before the ink could dry. You have already lost so much money. This make it hard for me to justify at MSRP. So I decided not to get one at this time. I am thinking to walk down to BMW or even Benz, at least I paid a little more and do get the resale value. For the G35c I would pay over the dealer's invoice, but not at MSRP. For this reason, G35c has lost my interest.
Infiniti could of bump up the MSRP, but there is a reason why they don't. Now is the time dealer making their money. There is no reason why dealer can except a little higher than invoice.
Yeah, pay 5-7k more so you will come out in exactly the same place in 2005 when you resell the car. A comparable 330ci goes for about 42k (premium, leather, sport and steptronic, 18 inch rims) and a G35c is 35k (premium, leather, sport, automatic). For 3yrs, 45k miles lets say the BMW is worth 58%, or $24,360. The G35 - we'll be really nasty - let's say 52% of it's MSRP so that rings in at $18,200.
So you've spent about 17k on the g35 for just the purchase. The BMW on the other hand has rung up a tally of close to 18k. But I thought the BMW had better resale? Well sure, but it also costs 7k more! With the G coming out a grand ahead we can mix in service (free on the bimmer) and the cars are in a dead heat. So how exactly is the G35 a worse deal?
Remember we're basing resale numbers on other Infiniti's not the G35 line which may very well break with tradition. So with a worst case scenario the G35 ends up costing the same (out of pocket) as the 3 series over 3 years. Edmunds actually gives the edge to the G over 5 years. http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/infiniti/g35/2drcoupewleather35l6cyl5a/tco.html?id=lin0648
In terms of being small, consider the following:
G35C 330CI
Cargo Volume: 7.8cu ft. 9.5cu ft.
Front Head room: 39.2" 37.5"
Front Leg room: 43.8" 41.7"
Front Shoulder room:53.7" 54.5"
Rear Head room: 34.7" 36.5"
Rear Leg room: 31.4" 33.2"
Rear Shoulder room: 52.7" 52.7"
Source: MSN Carpoint
As kdshapiro stated "To each their own" but I think that's way off base.
Personally I own a '01 325ia and love it. I'm looking at possibly picking up a G35C in a few month's after the hype wears down and the prices are back to normal market reality.
I will say that people notice this car. A student at the university where I work who hadn't spoken to me in years said in passing me in the hall, "That's a really neat car." Another student walking in front of the car (I was stopped at a crosswalk) was gawking and giving me a thumbs up sign all the way across. Every time I park it I have to look back about a half dozen times as I'm walking away from it. Really great looking outside, and IMO inside as well.
To the person who was asking about postings of shots of the back seat, I will say that the back seat is a normal back seat with some leg room. I was amazed at the room back there. I admit there's not much head room, however, so you don't want to put anyone taller than about 5'7" back there.
Also, I would be the first to say I don't think this car is made for really large folk. If you're really tall and/or heavy, I don't think you'll fit. Again, remember this is IMO.
This car has been out for what? A week?? Even with a mundane make like Saturn, you'd be hard pressed to get a deal that sweet within the first month of a model's release. And this is ignoring the fact that there has been a considerable stir over the g35c.
Actually, I think those of you who plan to wait "a few months" are screwed as well. The timing is perfect for Nissan. This would normally be an awful time(late fall) for selling a summer, "California" car, except that the G35 is hot, and will naturally sell at MSRP. In about five months, the new-car hype may have calmed slightly, but then you'll be competing with the sport-car-buying resurgence that typically accompanies spring. I imagine there won't be significant drop in demand(and hence price) for nearly a year (unless some major flaw comes out).
It's the same reason big movies open up on weekdays nowadays. They know the hardcore fans will go no matter what day it is.
PS: The car looks freakin' GREAT. I'd get it in a heartbeat if I didn't already have a nice coupe.
So long as this recession keeps up, dealers are being short-sighted in the extreme (though certainly within their rights) to charge a premium price for the car and let vehicles sit on the lots. This car's appearance is its greatest advertisement; they need to let it ride around town for people to see and develop interest, not just among car nuts.
I have mixed feelings: I hope the recession keeps up until my own lease is done so I can pick up a deal on the Z or the g35c, but I also hope the two cars have enough purchases that they're still on the new market when I'm ready. (I know, I know: selfish and narrow thinking.)
So far as depreciation is concerned, it is not the province of a brand but is model specific. BMW, for example, has good resale on the 3 series, but the 8 series from the mid-90s has taken a bigger hit. Jaguar's XJ is at the bottom of the heap (with the Q45), but their S-type resale is pretty decent. Yeah, the Q45 and certainly that very homely M45 will keep Infiniti's reputation for terrible resale alive. But the G series, sedan and coupe, may well do a lot better. They certainly will if they're popular.
It seems clear here that a lot of the dislike of the G coupe -- "cheap," "over-priced," etc. -- comes from people who are more at home at Audi, BMW, Lexus, and even Honda dealerships. This is understandable. But I would offer a suggestion: if you're not interested in the car, once you've made your point, there's no reason to keep repeating it....louder and louder. People have read your point and you gain no credibility for it by turning into a nag.
JW
28k for a honda with FWD and poor handling or 32k for a G35 with more features, more power, better handling and RWd. Yeah, I see the connection.
Kd: Seems to me spending(or depreciating) 18K on a 42K investment is a whole lot better than spending 17K on a 35K invesment. But that's just me. Everything else being equal.
Spending 17 over 3 years v. spending 18k over 3 years does seem like a fine idea. I'm assuming that one would sell the car and break even on the sale, so the outlay of cash is exactly the same. Either car you don't really gain or lose more money than the other.
If I have 45k and I buy a 42k BMW and resell it for 24k 3 years later I end up with 27k (not including interest on the 3k remainder). If I buy a 35k G35 and resell it 3 years later I end up with 28k total (10k left over plus 18k resale price). So tell me, how exactly is the BMW a better deal? Oh, keep in mind that compounded interest or other investments with the savings of the G35 should net you even more. Just keeping it dollar to dollar, you still haven't shown how the BMW works to the benefit of the buyer. Plus we're all assuming (based on prior infinitis) the G35c will have poor resale.
Ppower