Acura TL vs Infiniti G35

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Comments

  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    I don't know about the G, but the TL is actually on the downside of the third generation. Third generation debuted as a 2004 model and it seems 2008 will bring us a 2009 fourth generation. Or so I hear. ;)
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    I just want to make a fw comments. THis started off as a "rebuttal" to your TL criticisms, but I realize I don't really disagree with your criticisms, so these are just comments. :)

    The leather in our TL doesn't feel as soft...and... doesn't wear as well.
    I have to agree on that one - I was surprised at how my seats are wearing.

    The dash also is not of uniform color. I have to constantly apply NXT to keep it looking nice, becuase otherwise, it looks like it's fading at different rates across the dash.
    Weird, I experienced this issue in 2005 - I applied a turtle wax product that's probably very similar to your NXT product. I applied 2 coats and the problem has not returned in more than a year. If your NXT product doesn't contain UV protection, try something that does.

    I like the Bird's Eye view, because it lets you see ahead better, and better anticipate turns and such.
    This is opinion, of course, but I've driven with birds eye view navs and hate 'em - I lose the sense of where I'm going and the scale. Guess it's nice to have an option, but I don't like it.

    Points of interest database and the G having more than the TL. Were your nav discs or downloads or whatever done at the same time? What I mean is, if your TL nav dvd was made in 2002 and the G was made in 2004, that might explain a lot of the differences.

    touch screen in the TL...locks up too easily
    Do you mean it takes too long to retrieve info? If I ask for a list of restaurants, it may hesitate while it gathers the info, but it doesn't "lock up"
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Thanks for the clarification. The G is on top in its 2nd generation.
  • printman2printman2 Member Posts: 2
    I have an 04 G35X-worst car I ever owned!
    Had a TL previously and loved it. I drive 55k per year and get a new car evry 3 years.My experience with the car and the dealership have convinced me to NEVER buy another Infiniti. Th Acura dealer was great-we also own an MDX.
    Will go with Acura or Lexus next time.
  • printman2printman2 Member Posts: 2
    This is the worst car I've ever owned.Brake problems,noises,many issues.. I drive 55k miles per year and have tried a number of different vehicles and models. My experience with both the car and the dealer have convinced me to go with Acura or Lexus next time. Have owned both Acura TL & MDX and the cars were great(still have the MDX with 98k). The dealer has been responsive to any problems. Stay away from Infiniti !
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "Brake problems,noises,many issues.."

    What kind of noises? What were the other issues?
  • tang2tang2 Member Posts: 12
    Think I am going with the G35 Journey Graphite Platinum...but am unsure of interior color. Does anyone know if the black interior will show marks....don't need AWD since I live in New Orleans.
  • kring5kring5 Member Posts: 144
    I have the graphite and it doesn't show marks at all, but it does show dust easier then the other colors. I keep a microfibre cloth in the glove box to wipe down the interior regularly. I've had two tan interior cars and the show marks and dirt really bad, but hide dust well.
  • tang2tang2 Member Posts: 12
    kring5...are you happy with the G35.....any problems or suggestions that you may have?........Thanks in advance
  • hausshauss Member Posts: 169
    I'd rather deal with dust than scuff marks any day. Go with the graphite. It'll look much more sleek with the wasi aluminum trim. I just went to the Atlanta Auto Show today and Infiniti had one on display with that color interior. I think it looked good.
  • kring5kring5 Member Posts: 144
    I am absolutely thrilled. I have a goofy smile right now as I type this. I've posted a handful of feedback on the car if you seach by me. but so far I have zero complaints and an endless list of positives from the feel of the leather on the steering wheel, to amount of rubber seals on each door and in between every piece of sheet metal. The fit and finish is outstanding.

    I went through the G35,TL, 335i, IS350, Audi A4/A6/A8(used) but in the end it boiled down to the G35 because I was looking for a fully loaded performance vehicle and Luxury was second. And to me... price did matter.

    there are some g35driver forums that will go into more details, but the list of "wish it had" is small and non on their own, or even rolled up really deter most from buying.

    for instance, Sirius isn't available with the Nav unit, only XM, Some have complained of pitting on the grille from road thrashing, otehrs say theirs had a noise coming from the Dash, but Infiniti released a TSB to fix it, others had an issue with a rubber gasket on the sunroof which Infiniti already released a TSB to resolve. The scrolling feature is disabled on the navigation unit while the car is in motion which is not that big a deal, basically if your nav's points of interest are 20 for the area, it will only show you the closest 5, if you pass two then refresh and you'll see the next closest 5, but when the car's stopped you can see all 20. Other complaints are that the CD changer is in the trunk on Navi units, but I could care less, with a CF card and CD player up front, I really havn't used the CD changer once. if your overweight I think the sport seats can be slightly uncomfortable due to the Bolsters, and by overweight we're talking 250+ or over pant size 42, if that's the case go with the Journey or a TL which has flatter seats. And the latest is the Tire Pressure monitoring system doesn't show the exact tire pressure, it ONLY alerts you when it goes below 26... to me all of this stuff is a joke because if these are they type of things that come up, it means there's nothing wrong with the car, and there are a lot of people (including myself) that have put thousands of miles on the car already.

    So that's it off the top of my head, all feedback from people that own them are trivial things like I mentioned above, I'm sure those who own the other cars have their list of trivals as well, I know Audi people probably have the most (from personal experience)

    So to sum up, the car's amazing and I can not hold back my smile every time I walk toward the vehicle. If you havn't test driven one yet, get out and do it, it will seal the deal.
  • skinnytonyskinnytony Member Posts: 121
    Kring, I'm mulling over pulling the trigger on the G35x. How do you like using the in-dash "computer" for for controlling the audio system and climate control? Easy to use? I'm obsessively concerned with that thing having problems after warranty and am hoping somebody can talk me off the ledge...
  • kring5kring5 Member Posts: 144
    The whole system is fantastic. very intuitive and easy to use, I havn't needed to ever look in the manual. Everything can be controlled 4 different ways. Voice, Direct Button, Touch Screen or Media Wheel. I find I use a combination of everything. for climate control I pretty much stick to the direct buttons. For audio control It's 70% steering wheel controls and a 30% mix of the other methods. For Navigation it's 90% touch screen, 10% media wheel.

    The touch screen is fantastic, very bright, very sensitive and responsive, and it never shows any finger prints which surprised me.

    To be honest, I don't give specific things much thought when it comes to repair costs because you never know what your going to have a problem with and it's basically just a simple computer, so pricing on it is probably less then $1000 installed if you needed out of warranty service, but hey 6 years down the road I'm sure there will be used ones or the price might drop... so it's never a thought for me. I just had to replace the computer in my Nissan Altima and that was $825. And I doubt the prices on the Acura or Lexus are any cheaper, and the BMW certainly isn't, just had a co worker get a $4500 bill on the BMW 3 series which is 6 years old, and they baby it.
  • ggesqggesq Member Posts: 701
    Can you input on the Navi while the vehicle is in motion?
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Through voice commands - Yes
  • kring5kring5 Member Posts: 144
    depends on the input, but either way the answer is YES. to input a street address you need to use the voice commands because the on-screen keyboard is disabled. the voice works very well btw. Now nearby places, saved locations, points of interest etc.. can all be inputed via the media wheel or touch screen in addition to voice commands.
  • skinnytonyskinnytony Member Posts: 121
    Kring, when you say "direct buttons" are you saying you can control audio and/or climate control directly and separate from the computer? My memory of the details is cloudy but I was thinking there weren't separate controls. I hope I'm wrong b/c that would certainly lessen my concern...
  • sprinkler13sprinkler13 Member Posts: 455
    Well...by direct buttons he is referring to the actual buttons on the cluster. Most of the controls that are on the touchscreen also have physical buttons that can be used on the cluster. For example...switching between Radio pre-sets...you can use a voice command to bring up a new station, or you can use the buttons on the cluster to switch stations, or you can use the touchscreen to select a new station, or you can use the steering wheel to scroll thru pre-sets, etc. Basically you should have multiple control options for just about everything...other than say starting the car or cruise control.
  • thegidgethegidge Member Posts: 4
    I just bought a TL last Saturday and I was wondering if anyone out there had suggestions on what products to buy to apply to the dash and the seats to try and avoid the wear issue. I anticipate parking outside in the sun so I'd like to try and protect it a little if it all possible.

    Thanks
  • ggesqggesq Member Posts: 701
    Visit zainostore.com.
  • tang2tang2 Member Posts: 12
    I can't answer for the leather seats, but I have a 8 year old Honda and the dash is in perfect shape.A guy at a detail shop some time ago told me to just wipe it down with a damp cloth and do not use any products on it. Just my experience and I an very anal about my car.
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    As for the dash, you will need to continuous clean it to avoid the "fading" look that the TL suffers from.
    None to worry, the dash is not fading, but the chemicals used in it's construction break down over time and leave a haze on the dash. This can be cleaned, but can be difficult if left without cleaning for too long.

    As for your seats...
    use a solution of 6 parts water/1 part Woolite.
    Once the seats are cleaned and dry, you can use your choice of conditioner.

    People complain about the Honda/Acura seats.
    I've kept the wife's 00 Accord seats clean, and they look brand new after 180,000 miles. ;)
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I just heard a commerical that claims that Infiniti of Pleasonton (Bay Area) is selling g35's for 26k. Is that possible? :surprise:
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Do they have engines in them?
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    LOL - I am wondering if I missed something in the commercial. Maybe they were 06 cars and not 07. :blush:
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I wish I could land a deal like that.
    I've been searching for a G35x with Prem/Nav/Tech packages and the wood trim.
    Very elusive... they are already sold when they come in and there is a 6 week wait for orders.
    Also, they are so popular that they cannot be had for anything under MSRP.

    I just talked my salesguy into meeting me right in the middle between Invoice and MSRP.
    Dropped a deposit and it'll be here in 2 weeks. :)

    Deciding Factor:
    I dropped the MDX off yesterday for some minor warranty stuff and they hooked me up with a new 07 Type-S.
    It was a ton of fun to drive, but I think I'm looking for a little more on the refinement side, so I'm going with the G.

    The Type-S was fun though.
    I picked the wife up at lunch and we tore up the streets.
    Felt like we were 18 again. :D
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Congrats on your new ride!!! :shades:
  • tang2tang2 Member Posts: 12
    You use the water and woolite combo on leather seats? also..can this be used on the perforated leather....
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Absolutely, and absolutely. :)

    You are not going to soak the perf seats with a water/woolite solution.

    Spray it on and wipe, or wet (dampen) a microfiber cloth and then wipe them down.

    I keep a spray bottle for this.
    Works on everything in the interior.

    Just keep your seats clean... and conditioned!
  • hausshauss Member Posts: 169
    You don't recommend Zaino's leather cleaner and conditioner? How come? I'm about to pick up their entire cleaning package kit but if you know something about the leather cleaner and conditioner that makes them unneccessary then maybe I'll get the cheaper kit without those two products.
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    As for the dash, you will need to continuous clean it

    I haven't had to. When my '04 TL dash got "faded" I had to apply 2 coats of an armor all-like product (I don't remember the name). That took care of the fade and since then, I'm redo it once or twice a year, and not beceause it started to fade again. It's never faded again on me.

    I'd suggest picking a plsatic-cleaning/preserving product with UV protection and make sure it doesn't contain alcohol.
  • hausshauss Member Posts: 169
    Same goes for me. Mine got that ashy / milky look and I was worried it was ruined. The service shop manager at the dealership told me that Acura puts some chemical on it when they send it out from the factory that doesn't mix well with dust and regular glass cleaner (as it falls down on the dash from cleaning the windows). So, he applied something called Vinyl-X or Vin-x (can't remember the exact name) and my dash has been fine ever since.
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I'm not saying that I don't recommend Zaino... it's actually a phenomenal line of products.

    All I'm saying is that the Water/Woolite mixture is perfect for maintenance type cleaning and a heck of a lot cheaper.
    Keep the Zaino on hand for those horrible times when you need deep cleaning, and their conditioner is great as well.

    As for the dash... it doesn't happen to everyone and I honestly don't hear of it as much as I used to.
    Acura does have a cleaner that corrects the problem, but if the dash is not done with it's 'breaking down' process, it will haze again.
    Acura has been really good of taking care of the problem, for those who do experience it.
  • hausshauss Member Posts: 169
    Thanks for the advice. I'm going to go ahead and get the full kit then so I'll have the leather products. BTW, do you have anything you recommend to remove scuff marks on the kick plates and seat holder? Those things really chap my backside.
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I'd start with the ol' woolite solution first.
    Those black plastic panels are a pain with the amount of scuff marks they pick up.
    Try the Wooilte first.
    If they don't come out, you can move on to phase 2...
    Plastic-Vinyl cleaner

    For really bad marks that refuse to come out, use a Mr Clean Magic Eraser, but be very light and gentle with those, as they are abrasive.
  • tang2tang2 Member Posts: 12
    I'm getting ready to make a decision on a 07G35 and I was debating which interior to go with...the graphite or stone. I thought the black interior did not show scuff marks as bad as the light interior............
  • 22332233 Member Posts: 64
    I have a 2004 G35x and a 2000 TL. I must repectfully disagree with the other gentleman who really did not like the G-35x. The rear wheel drive (all wheel when needed) is spectacular and superior to any front wheel drive vehicle. Acura makes the best front wheel drive vehicles but any front wheel drive car pales in comparison to the G-35. The steering and handling are much more sport like on the G and is much more fun to drive. Some may find the ride "too harsh" but when I occasionally my wife's car, the TL, I feel like I'm driving a Buick or a Lexus E series.

    She will be replacing the TL soon with the 2007 G-35x or an FX-35.
  • hausshauss Member Posts: 169
    Two of the same car in the same family? The G is a fine car but add some variety to your garage. ;)

    And if you think the TL drives like an ES than you've clearly never driven the ES. It's much softer, less communicative, and more isolated from the road than the TL. Then again Lexus never designed it for taut and agile handling of any sort.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "I feel like I'm driving a Buick or a Lexus E series."

    OUCH!! That was like a kick to the groin! Boy, you really know how to hurt a guy... :P ;)
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I went with Black.
    The Stone may show less in the dept of scuffs, but will be much more difficult in trying to keep that "Like New" look.
    Black, when properly maintained, will look awesome for a long time.

    She'll be here in 2 weeks.... can't wait!
  • rubleyrubley Member Posts: 5
    I just drove the G35 Sport (auto) and the TL-S (auto) back to back. In terms of power and handling, the G35 is way ahead. When you floor the G35 it launchs like a rocket! The TL-S makes a lot of noise but doesn't seem to pull any harder than a standard TL. The TL is still a fine car, has more interior room, and the auto seems to shift a bit smoother. But if you're looking for sporty handling it's G35 all the way.
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    Agreed... I made the same comparison and came to the exact same conclusion.
    I also think the G has a more refined feel on the inside, especially with the Rosewood trim.
    The G also offers more in terms of toys and technology.

    I had the luxury of taking the Type-S for an entire day.
    It was fun, but it just wasn't for me.
  • hausshauss Member Posts: 169
    Something to check out. Can't say it's an apple to apple but it is neat for stat nuts.

    http://www.car-videos.net/performance/view.asp?ID1=319&ID2=320
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Do you think Infiniti will drop the 330 hp 3.7 in the 2008 Sedan?

    The 3.7 in the 2008 G coupe, IMO, owns the twin-turbo 335.
  • nk582nk582 Member Posts: 12
    I just came back from test from test driving the G 35 coupe and the G35x and I can honestly say that they ride better than the TL-S in terms of power and handling. But, the interior of the TL-S is superior to the G's in terms of quality and refinement. In my opinion the seats and the steering wheel are equal, but the rest of the interior is lacking in the G's, most notably in the feel of the window controls and the plastic used on the the door, aound the dash area and on the center console.
  • rubleyrubley Member Posts: 5
    In my opinion, the center console (especially around the shifter) in the TL looks like it came out of a Hyundai. The G35 Sport has fantastic seats - inflatable thigh and back support. I might end up buying an IS350 because the interior is better than both.
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    I stated my shopping back in March of 06.
    I was inches away from the IS.

    The IS handles like a trolley when compared to the new 07 G.
    You are correct though, the interior is beautiful.

    All depends on what you want more.

    Good luck.
  • kring5kring5 Member Posts: 144
    Scottm123.. So is tomorrow the big day??
  • scottm123scottm123 Member Posts: 1,501
    :cry:
    I called yesterday and the car is still not in.
    They'll need time to prep the car and install the 3M kit, so I'm starting to lose faith in this weekend.

    Being 70 miles away, I can only really get there on a weekend.
    There's a good chance that it may be another week, unless some miracle happens.
    (Although, I may just take a day off if it magically appears during the week)

    The salesman seems very confident that it will be in tomorrow, but he really has no idea.
    Fact is, with such a large dealership and cars coming in all the time, the car could actually be there right now and they don't even know it.
    :cry:

    They know I'm dying to get the car and I'm bummed about the unknown delivery date, so they have even offered to deliver the car to my house.
    I decided not to accept the offer though. I have a trade-in that they have yet to see.
    I have no idea how they planned on properly reviewing my trade.... in my driveway :confuse:
    Maybe they forgot that point.
  • kring5kring5 Member Posts: 144
    Good Luck! Let us know how it goes!

    For the trade in, they use the Galves book, which is basically a book for dealers to price a car with intent to dump the car at an auction, it's heavily weighted toward the dealer and usually is thousands, or hundreds below NADA or Kelly's BB. Google Galves and there are some free calculators, they will give you a range for you car, like 6600-7500, accept nothing less then the top number, because the 7500 is usually below NADA/KBB's lowest figure. Of course I'm assuming your trade in is fully working with no major damage.
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