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Comments
I simply made an observation that I personally experienced several times as I was shopping for a new vehicle late last fall and through the winter.
I test drove both the G35 sedan and coupe numerous times and experienced first hand the relatively phenonomal brake performance.
I discussed with the service manager how the brake performance was achieved and was told the pads were very soft. (The sales person of course had no clue.)
I had a purchase contract out on the G35 Coupe back in January and then decided against it when the dealer started playing games with cars that were available and additioanl option package pricing.
I still like the Inifiniti product line and will probably end up in one day (and owning a particular model is not a requirement for participation here).
My post stated that it's a performance first sedan, and as such will have some additional costs that people who aren't accustomed to driving and maintaining performance vehicles maybe suprised with.
I may have gone a bit overboard on the PRIOR research comment, and if I did, I apologize for that.
It wasn't meant to be anything other than an observation that (IMO) the incredible brake performance should have raised some potential maintenance flags.
As to your experience with BMW brake life, congratulations! I suspect the next people to start complaining about brake pad life will be the FX35/FX45 drivers.
(For the record, I do own three Nissan products, a 95 Maxima GLE with 192,xxx miles on it, a 00 Maxima SE with 137,xxx miles on it and a Murano SE AWD with 7,2xx miles on it.)
I understand that owing a particular model is not a requirement. But my point is that when it happens to someone that is an owner, it is a very different situation than to someone that doesn't own. But thanks to these forums, hopefully the new buyers will be aware of this issue.
I own a 2003.5 G35, 10,000 miles only, didn't have any problems at all so far. Just that at Coleman they didn't do even half of the services from the free oil change invoice. BTW, I am using Amsoil since the second oil change. But I cannot get more than 17mpg, even when driving less aggressive. Commuting VA-DC.
If I will have the brake problems I will definitely go for the lemon law if the mileage is too low. Could somebody define "normal" mileage for brakes for this kind of car? 40k? Assuming a "sport" driving style for a sport luxury sedan?
For those of you still considering, file this in the 'Things not done right' category. As for me, I'll file this as a lesson learned; testdrive the car at night, you big dummy!
On the bright side, this is one killer ride on the performance scale. Sure hope it stops when I need it to - based on the previous discussion!
LuxBuyer
luxbuyer - while a backlit stalk and steering wheel controls may be nice, after about two days I knew how they all worked. 2nd nature, except perhpas the cruise which I don't use much.
brakes - I've posted earlier my current sotry on the brakes. I'll add today that, as I apporached the NJ Turnpike toll booth entrance in the EZPass lanes, the car in front of me (who had cut in front of me to get into this lane) came to an abrupt halt, as evidently he didn't have his EZPass tag. I'll guess I was going 20 mph at that point since we hadn't reached the barriers yet. It seemed as if my car stopped immediately, and I didn't hit the car in front of me. I'm certainly pleased in that aspect of the car....
My 00 Maxima with 42K still has its original pads.
I was lucky since it was midday there weren't many cars around (comparitively) and no one was directly behind me.
Like I said - file it under "things not done right".
At about 4,000miles, The car was brought in for the constant brake noise. Infiniti replaced the whole brake system front and back without telling the owner of the vehicle. Later, she was told that Infiniti took the parts for further research. (however, the noise came back)
The brake fluid level found low after about 7,000miles. (the car's been serviced at Infiniti dealer which they are supposed to top off every fluid after every service)
At about 9,000 miles and an year after the day of purchase, she was told to replce the front pads and rotors. (Remember, Everything was replaced at 4,000 miles) This time, the dealer blamed the problem on her driving habit and asked her to pay for the service. (she fought and got it under warranty-but the dealer basically told her not to come back for the same problem)
Despite the dealer was specifically asked to save the old parts, they threw them away blaming miscommunication. Funny part is the one of new pads has the big circle of noticeable scratch mark on the same side at almost exact same location as the old pad which was originally blamed for the cause of the brake noise by the dealer.
My suspicion is that there may be a problem with the whole brake system like the pressure is applied equally or something considering all too quick wear-out of brakes and consumption of brake fluid. (I'm not a mechanic)
For those who do not have G35 with unthinkable defects, you are blessed. However, for owners with problem...
I just wrote this becuase I know that the dealers usually blame the brake problem on the owner's driving habit. That's NOT true!!!
Call Infiniti and register an official complaint regarding this. 800.662.6200 hit 7 once you get the voice prompt.
Once enough of us call they'll have to do something for us, like they did in Canada. Then Justic will be served. If I don't hear of a "recall" within 6 weeks I am going to contact the Better Business Bureau, the FTC and others. I'll copy the President of Infiniti on those letters as well.
Good luck everyone.
Thanks,
Bob
If you do purchase, factor-in the cost of new after-market brakes, extra paint to fix all the chipping and much dealer aggravation
AGAIN: INFINITI HAS A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE IT CAN PLAY IN THE SANDBOX WITH THE BIG KIDS.
That is my opinion and I am sticking to it after owning two Nissan/Infiniti products.
If so would you scan the letter and post it?
I have a client who has 17,000 KM on an 03 and the dealer charged them for the Pads, Rotors, Hardware kit and Labour for a nice $625.00!!
Would like to help them get this under warranty since they have only owned the car for 10 months!
Could you please post your helpful dealer's name and city? Why are some dealers replacing the brakes while other flatly refuse? Greed!
File a federal complaint at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ewr/ewr.cfm
This is one of the only ways Nissan/Infiniti will listen. Look at how many complaints are already there. Infiniti looks out for the interest of Infiniti.
Drove a BMW Z4 Coupe today. Have to say the fit and finish is far superior the anything Infiniti builds. All service items for 50,000 miles (free) is not looking so bad. What a car!
Don
Then, took the car back to Infiniti who denied the allegations. Infiniti said that 5/32 brake pad is remaining (which is very low on a car under 8,000 miles). Infiniti Consumer Affairs said the pad must be at 3/32 for them to do anything and they rely on the "dealers" for accuracy. Corporate also said they rely on the dealers to let them know if the rotors are warping.
The dealers blame corporate and corporate blames the dealers. Third-party nullification seems to be the operative at Infiniti. Where does this leave the consumer? I urge everyone with the brake issue to take the time to file a federal complaint at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ewr/ewr.cfm
It is FREE and only takes a few minutes. Look at all the people who files last months alone.
Don, do you have the anti-squeel product brand name?
Thank You.
And what should I know about the Infiniti brand (including cust. service, etc. Saab has been great.)?
Many thanks.
helena143: So far, AFAIK there have been no problems I have read with G35 Coupes with Brembo brakes. The standard brake pads are wearing extremely fast in some cars. My front pads wore out on my sedan at 19K. I bought my car at Coleman, which is the dealship msiseng is dealing with. I don't take my car there anymore since Passport is now open (they weren't when I bought my car.) My front rotors were replaced by Infiniti corporate, and the dealer paid the labor for the new pads. I paid for the pads, about $85 IIRC. There is a rumor that Infiniti is testing a new pad. It was confirmed on another site that Infiniti Canada is now covering brakes under a 3/36 warranty (shorter than the standard 5/60) and that this is under consideration by Infiniti USA.
The new 5 Series looks very nice.
If I am not mistaken, BMW maintenance (including oil changes) is free for life?
By the way, has anyone else had any problems with the 6 CD changer over heating?
I am in total agreement that Honda will treat you better. I had a Honda two months out of warranty. The Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System went bad and Honda still replaced it for free..no questions asked. The car never had issues up to that point and after.
The fact that some people let Infiniti take advantage of them is bothersome. We have to fight for what is right. If fixing a safety snafu translates to lost profits, then so be it. What is more important: lives or money? I think Infiniti makes the answer crystal clear.
Sites like Edmunds.com will not write a bad article because Nissan advertises so heavily here. Other magazines are scared to take on Japan's #3 auto maker due to revenue loss. It is a vicious cycle.
I love Edmunds.com and feel the entity has to take what people write and investigate! Where is the long-term "test" that lists the brake problems many experience? What will they say about the chipping paint, the broken CD players and assorted other items that should work on a "luxury car." Not to mention the second largest engine recall (pending) in Nissan's history.
Do you know Nissan/Infiniti tried to cover this and the Japanese media had to expose them? If not for the Japanese media, we may never know of the engine issue. Think about it.
I urge the editors to perform due-diligence. After all, we all cannot simply make-up the same story. Do we all wake-up and say we will write the same stories about piss-poor customer service and safety issues Infiniti blatently neglects?
Are there alternatives to Consumer Reports? I wonder what they will say about the G35 reliability in next year's issue?
I would like to thank everyone for the emails. I know we are not alone.
To the people with good G35s, enjoy! I envy you, that is for sure.
However, I just did some research on Lexis and and Infiniti is rated very high by JD Power and Associates.
For initial quality for the 2003 model year:
1. Lexus
2. Cadillac
3. Infiniti
8. BMW
11. Honda
14. Benz
29. Mazda
32. Saab
For dependability in 2003 (this rated vehicles of the 2000 model year after 3 years):
1. Lexus
2. Infiniti
13. BMW
12. Saab
26. Benz
For 1998 models after 4 years:
1. Lexus
2. Infiniti
10. BMW
16. Benz
19. Saab
Yet the bottom line seems to be that even tho Infiniti sells great cars, it has never developed the cachet of Lexus, much less BMW, etc. So it is desperate to sell cars. It is trying to rebuild its line (and Nissan) out of the slump brought on by the weak Yen and the success of Lexus.
Of course, the problem is that it seems to be caring more about GETTING customers than keeping customers.
Unless I get this car for below invoice, I won't take the chance on crappy product or service.
Thanks for the advice!
You want poor service and crappy reliability go get a chrysler and let me know. I have had tons of problems still do and I have 0 resale opportunities. Trade-ins on G's are pretty good get out of it.
This constant whining is getting really annoying adding to the fact you bought your G used. Why did you think the previous owner dumped it? You have a bone to pick with infiniti because you bought a used lemon we get that.
My FX on the otherhand has been great and I would not trade it in for the world. The dealer is also tons more professional than the lexus dealer that yelled at me and my wife for taking to long of a test drive (25 minutes).
Everybody has there own experiences with different cars makes etc. post your thoughts once then let it go. sorry but I get tired of scrolling through countless messages saying the same thing.
Cover up??
helena143, msiseng and I both bought our cars from the same dealer. I had one TSB issue during my time at that dealer and they fixed it w/o question. I also shared some of msiseng's concerns about that dealer (service advisor turnover being the primary convern). I have since changed dealers to service my car to a dealership that is more convenient to me, plus I have gotten to know the service advisor there in "the real world." The new dealership was not open when I purchased my G. I have also had brake problems on my car, scroll up a few pages to see my post on this topic. I am disappointed by the fact my brakes wore out, but satisfied with the service I received from my new dealer and Infiniti corporate. Am I 100% satsified? no, but overall I am.
As far as the brake issue is concerned, I must say that when the car is new, the brakes are extremely touchy. Anyone that owns a G knows exactly what I mean. Maybe this too contributes to the rapid brake wear.
Helena, don't be spooked off by these negative reviews. Also one other thing to consider-the fuel economy is atrocious. It's like filling up a truck. But remeber you are buying a 260-280 hp engine. I believe Nissan fudged the numbers on the MPG.
There are posters who live to sensationalize some issues had by few and make it seem like a pinto nightmare shared by all. The G35 won the Total Quality award. That says a ton being it's in year #2 of existence.
You have a better chance of flipping a coin to determine the best car for you to have the most trouble free experience. BMW and german cars in general have issues with electrical gremlins and intuition tells many that the japanese car is more reliable for this reason as a rule...the same intuition says that German cars are more outstanding in finish and luxury.
Buy what you feel passionate about and don't worry about the now waranteed brakes or the CD problems affecting a disapointed few. BMW's boards can effectuate the same dread if you read them too...no car is immune to problems and based on Infinit's reputation for above averge quality ownership - you should not take too much to heart from a "problems" thread fraught with pro bmw and anti infiniti folks. Take a look at the subjective spin that many here have put into thier answers to your questions.
Take what I say and everyone else does with a grain of salt. Drive the car, research it yourself and decide if you like it.
I like the G. Now if I could just find a dealer to give me a bargain on the AWD.....sigh.