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Comments
I didn't get the impression at all that they thought the RX8 was rated more highly just because of minor things like the transmission. Instead, the seemed to think the RX8 handled much more crisply, mainly due to 500 lbs (!) less weight. They also surprisingly found the back seat more habitable (mainly headroom), the extra doors made entry/exit much easier, and the RX8 was a lot cheaper.
OTOH, they did think that the RX8 really had to be flogged to get the power out. Keeping it above 6K RPM was required for quick running.
I think the pecking order is fairly clear - if you want a car with true sports car reflexes, you can't deny 500 lbs less weight - get the RX8. OTOH, if you want the more comfortable GT car with effortless thrust, the G35c is top dog.
- Mark
After 5,000 break-in miles, I switched to Redline Synthetic D4 Auto trans fluid in the winter and in the Summer I install a 50-50 mix of the Redline D4 and Redline MTL Manual Tranny Lube.
What a difference! Faster and smoother shifting.
AMSOIL also makes a 100% Synthetic Universal Auto Tranny Fluid that is excellent but harder to find.
Can anyone with a MTX G35 tell us what fluid/lube is recommended for the 6 speed?
JW
I use Mobil 1 in the engine and get it from Costco.
I've seen test results that place AMSOIL above Mobil 1 but AMSOIL is so hard to get here in San Diego, as well as more expensive with shipping included.
Redline fluids are $10.00 a quart, but the Getrag only takes 1.1 quarts. I change them 2x a year, and I left the stock Dino oil in the tranny for about 5k before the change to Redline. Trannies don't need the same break-in as an engine,
BTW, I am also a stepfather to an 8 yo., and I was amazed at the safety features and child features the car had (curtain airbigs, LATCH system for childseats). There's nothing wrong with driving the car with a child in the back - it's much better than a friggin SUV or minivan.
Also, I'm curious as to the supply/demand for this car in other areas. In Chicago area, they are GONE. There is a list to be on a list - it's crazy! I really lucked out in finding this one.
I'll report back when I pick it up.
Did you get the manual? Fewer are available. Enjoy.
JW
1. Seems you can't get below MSRP, is that true?
2. No incentives!! C'mon, where's that "bad economy" incentive or something? The world could be ending and we won't get any incentives?
3. Gas guzzler on the verge of skyrocketing gas prices.
4. Break my piggy bank, though not saying it's expensive.
5. When are 2004 models released with the "newer" interior? Do they come out before Jan, 2004, or after?
Ugh, gime an excuse, please.
1. The interior designers at Infiniti might come to their senses and replace that silver plastic on the dash with some real aluminum trim.
2. Demand will probably be lower by this time next year, making selection and negotiating prices much more favorable for the consumer.
3. More interior color choices might be available. The brick interior from the FX series would look sweet on a laser red G35C.
2. Incentives? C'mon - it's all about supply and demand. The demand is much larger than the supply right now - there is absolutely no reason for Infiniti to offer incentives when they can't even keep the cars on their lots!
3. Yes, the gas expense will stink. 93 octane is required, and it ain't cheap!
I wish I had the patience to wait til 2004 to buy one. In a year the price will be much more negotiable, and like a few above me said, I bet they improve the interior. But oh well - I've been wanting one since June of 2002, at least I waited almost a year! I couldn't wait any longer when I saw that Brilliant Silver coupe sitting in the showroom.
I'm thinking of waiting a few months before I decide, with all of this war stuff going on and also job security at where I work is not that great.
I think I saw a G35 Coupe on the road the other day. It was silver and caught my eye immediately because it was something "new", kinda like when you see a Porcshe or other "rare" car on the road, it just grabbed my attention. It turned right coming from the other direction, and all I really saw was a blurr. hah
They had a sedan with the Aero kit at the show too. Very nice.
http://www.carad.com/photo_manager2/dsp_pho_img.cfm?img=http
JW
2. Will a bike rack fit on the rear of the coupe with a spoiler and without a spoiler??
3. Does anyone know the production numbers for the G35 Coupe in all trim levels.
JW
I love the car but I can already tell you I don't like the access to the back seat. You fold your seat down, and it takes what like seems forever for the power seat to move forward. Then, when you fold you seat back, it doesn't go back to where you had set it! So you have to re-configure everytime. Looks like I'll be using the trunk to store my gym bag rather than the back seat.
I can't wait to get 1200 or so miles on my car so I can really drive the thing. Only 1170 more miles to go!
Have fun
Now the salesman, or the PhD service writer may tell you something else, but they have both less knowledge, and different motives. The former wants to sell you the car and the latter makes money from warranty engine repairs.
Of course, if you like the hassle of bringing the car back to the dealer for repairs...let'er rip.
None of this is fact but can be presumed from the way Nissan handles its releases. Upgrades for the '04 are also presumed to be interior upgrades with about a $1000-$1500 increase in price.
I agree that, if you like gray, the diamond graphite is probably the best.
JW
The titanium console looks like aluminum in color but is actually paint on the std. black console.
There is of course, for those without 18" wheels, the standard black plastic console, or willow console if you have the willow package.
Brushed aluminum is available if you purchase a flat, applique kit aftermarket and apply it. But these don't wrap around to cover the sides. There is also a 'dip' process you can get some places that comes out glossy if you remove the console and send it to these places.
And yes, it is theoretically possible to replace the console. The Infiniti dealer has the part numbers for the console and you can order the plain black version and install it. This, however, would be very expensive.
In fact, if it bothers you that much, I'd recommend forgetting about the car and go get an Audi or Lexus. This car is cheap relative to its performance for those who want its performance. There are many nice cars on the market for those who prefer luxury features and are willing to give up the performance.
If you want both luxury and performance, come up with another several thousand dollars: again, there are several really nice cars available, but not at this price.
JW
There ain't no free lunch.
If the A6 was reliable or the LS still had a manual and was serviced by the likes of Infiniti dealers, things might be different.
Thanks!
Also of interest: the car has a timing chain and that means lower maintenance costs.
JW
(I personally have two Maxima's, one with 192,xxx miles and another with 123,xxx miles, both on the original timing chains.)
Under no circumstance would I open up a perfectly fine engine for major surgery at 120k, it's simply not necessary!
A lot depends on the chain design and support system. I don't know how the G35 is set up.
The G35 is NOT a car I would buy if I were inclined to trade every 3-5 years. Positive attributes notwithstanding, Infiniti has had historically horrific resale values. The upscale I35 sells for less as a used car than it's cheaper Maxima SE cousin. Two friends with J30's ended up keeping the cars long after they got the itch for the "next great thing" because they couldn't bear to take the depreciation hit. One just turned 160k miles and hasn't had a lick of trouble, but he still resents becoming a "lifer" due to poor Infiniti resale. A BMW 3-series is a lot easier to trade every 3-5 years without getting whumped on resale.
My experience is that if one drives above average # of miles, it makes sense to either sell your car every 3 years or keep it until it dies. The people that get hurt are the ones that wait 5 years or so, because they now have 80-100K miles, and regardless of brand, people are willing to pay only so much for a car with a lot of miles. Scanning cars.com, I noticed very few high mileage BMW's. I searched zip 10541 - 75 mile radius. A 1998 328is with 73,000 miles was listed at $17,995. I'm not sure how much they were new, but I assume close to 40K? That's $4400 a year (not including lost tax and loan interest). Meanwhile, the comparable 2000 model cars with 45,000 miles (the same 15K miles per year) are going for around $26K; that's almost the same depreciation (per year) as the person who waited 2 more years to sell his car. There is little difference in waiting to sell your car (except that the amount you pay for tax and interest is eaten up over 3 years in lieu of 5 or whenever you sell) and you have the benefit of not having to pay for any repairs.....as long as you have a car with a good resale value (Honda, BMW, and, I predict, the G coupe).
But when I look in the Washington Post at what 3 year old <40k mile cars are selling for, Infinitis still take a much bigger hit (%- wise) than BMW's or Mercedes. My Maxima would have taken a bigger hit than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry as well. Fortunately, it was a superior car IMO and I haven't minded keeping it for 8+ years.
It will be interesting to see how the new G's fare. One problem with Nissan / Infiniti in general is that they are always face lifting this and redesigning that and then come up with new models every 4-5 years. That has to affect resale a bit, compared to say BMW or Mercedes where models usually have at least a 6-7+ year lifespan. A 1996 E320 still looks pretty fresh.
I do it a little different.
I have two cars -- one is a daily driver. I buy them a year or two out and keep them until I have to carry them out in a bucket. Since I like cars that are also enjoyable to drive, I have to get cars that combine some minimum performance with reliability for this to work: I had an '89 Maxima for 237,000 miles (sold it to a kid who still has it!). I'm in an Acura now.
My other car is a toy. Weekends and, on days like this, when I play hooky. I started with a Miata (A '92 in '94). And in these cars my interest goes up and down pretty rapidly. I usually keep them a year or 18 months. Today I played hooky and went to look, with a friend of mine, to Boston Sports Car to look at a 356 Cabriolet ('64) and a 328GTS ('88). Tempted by each of them. Notice neither is new. All of these are cars I couldn't afford to drive if they were new.
I understand the charm of a new car, but to me they're a 'sucker play.' No insult to anyone meant, but I've always had richer tastes than my wallet could deal with. Buying used gives me a chance to indulge a little bit.
If I buy a G, it'll be next year or the year after. It'll be loaded and I'll pay somewhere around $25000. It'll be driven for a number of years at about 18000 to 20000 miles/yr.
JW
JW
I paid about 24K including tax for a grand prix 2 years ago, and now it's worth 9500. I paid the car off 2 years earlier and put the remaining balance on a 0% interest credit card which I'll pay off by the end of the year.
Personally I'm fighting not to buy a G35C, because in this economy my job is not 100% secure and I rather have a big savings in case I'm out of work, instead of a less savings. It would be funny to be driving around with a brand new sports coupe with no job for 6 months
We all know the reality of the situation. We buys these things because we want them, not because they're worth the money. They're a total loss as soon as you roll off the lot with it.
I just think that you should get the car you really like because then you're likely to keep it longer.
But, do "sports" cars like the G35c remain reliable after 5+ years? It seems that a high-performance engine would burn itself out sooner or something, or would likely have some major issue earlier than a more modest automobile.
I do share you concern about the economy though and that's one reason why I am also waiting.