Are you a current Michigan-based car shopper? A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/2 for details.
Right on aggie4! I was about to post that. There are 2 versions of those pamphlet, the one with the old 255HP spec came out 6 months ago. Since then a new pamplet states 260HP and 260Torque. An old one must have been shipped to you by accident if you just received it.
dpepper: where did you see "4200 under invoice across the board" on I35? Grubbs advertised on their site a DEMO that is loaded with MSRP of $37K+. ONE AT THIS PRICE DEMO! ANd it's 4154 under MSRP not INVOICE. Here is the quote:
"Stock Number 11529 is an Executive Demonstrator with an MSRP of $37,154 and is discounted $4,154 making the sale price $33,000 plus TT&L. This offer ends 2-28-02 and vehicle is subject to prior sale. "
I haven't seen one in person, but from what I've read and researched (here and elsewhere), if I were buying a $30K to $40K (near) luxury sedan today, the G35 would be it (although I might wait for the 6 speed).
Now how do I convince my wife that we need another new car?
cecilt: I am going by what it says on the CanadianDriver.Com website. Your best bet is to wait until the details are up on the Infiniti Canada (www.infiniticanada.ca) website. The following is a quote of what CanadianDriver.com said about the prices of the G35 (I added in the conversion to US dollars based on todays exchange rate). As you can see, many features that are options in the U.S. are standard in Canada. Our base model appears to be similar to the Luxury Leather model in the U.S. with BOSE (and probably the winter package) but does not include the sunroof.
"Inside, G35 offers a standard 6-disc in-dash CD changer, leather-appointed seats with 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, a Bose premium 200-watt 7-speaker audio system and an available DVD Infiniti Navigation System with 6.5-inch retractable monitor.
The G35 is positioned to compete against popular sports sedans such as the BMW 3-series, Lexus IS300 and Audi A4 3.0.
The new G35 will be available in Canada as one luxury model with a choice of three optional packages - the Premium Package - Navigation Package - and Aero Package. The luxury model is priced at $38,900 (US$24,476).
The Premium Package, priced at $2,600 (US$1,635), adds a power glass sunroof, driver's seat with 2-position memory and driver entry assist, a 4-way power passenger seat, dual zone air conditioning, rear a/c vents, one touch up-down windows, manual reclining rear seat with adjustable rear seat headrests, genuine wood trim on inside door armrest grips and a genuine wood/leather shift lever.
The Navigation Package is priced at $3,400 (US$2,139) and includes Infiniti's DVD navigation system, a 6.5 inch colour monitor with tilt, and a trip computer with vehicle maintenance information.
The Aero Package, priced at $1,500 (US$943), offers a rear spoiler, under body aerodynamic fairings, titanium trim on centre console and inside door armrest grips, a sport tuned suspension and 5-spoke sport alloy wheels."
From the limited interior pictures I have seen, the interior of the car looks cheap with loads of plastic. In addition, it appears that the leather in the interior will be of lesser quality than the I35. I would like to hear from those who have seen the car, their impressions.
Internet pricing is just advertisement and does not reflect what you can actually pay for the cars - the true test of what the cars will cost is what you can negotiate. Paying the price on a sticker or in an ad just means you are leaving money on the table (and not in your pocket) for the dealer. There are very few cars that command asking or sticker price in the DFW area.
As for the pricing on G35s, we will see if the prices are negotiable once the cars are sitting on the dealers' lots for a couple of months. I was told that Grubbs has 69 cars on the way - that is a lot more inventory than you will find for the cars selling for sticker in this area. One thing is for sure - if you order before inventories arrive you will pay more as you won't have a chance to see how the market reacts to the product. You have to let the dealers feel the burn of the inventory financing charges for a while. Then you can save some real money.
Btw, on my last Infiniti purchase, Grubbs "best" price was beat significantly by the other two Dallas dealers.
Well, if those prices hold true it's a no-brainer to get one in Canada. For $27k(US) assuming the currency rate don't change much for a decked out luxury car w/out the nav is a steal compared to the US MSRP of $34ish. Were those invoice or MSRP. US MSRP for the above is 33-35 I bet.
I have been doing alot of research on this and it is perfectly legal...also the car will meet emission and safety standards in the USA...you will pay a refundable tax of 7% if you buy the car in alberta...other provinces have a 7% tax on top of that which i am not sure yet is refundable...the warranty is honored in the US...once the car crosses the border ou pay 2.5% duty...the instrument panel is in metric but this can be switched out a ta dealership for 300-500...once home you register it in your state and pay the state sales tax...so if i buy the car in alberta i would pay list price on the car (a loaded G35 for 30K american) and then another 10% in state and duty taxes for a total of 33K....thats a savings of approximately $3,500....good luck...
If you fly to Canada and buy the car from a Canadian dealership and then drive it across the border, how would they know to ask you to pay the 2.5% duty at the border? You could've just as easily bought it in the U.S. and drove it to Canada for the weekend and are driving across the border to return home to the U.S.
I'm liking the sound of this more and more. With the Olympic skating scandal, we Americans are in love with Canada right now as it is, and this G35 pricing is just icing on the cake. Thank goodness for the still strong U.S. dollar (against both Japanese Yen and Canadian Dollar). The local pricing of the G35 is really the same, it's the exchange rates that cause the discrepancy. The U.S. dollar just buys more in Canada than the Canadian dollar does.
They ask you: "Do you have anything to declare?" If you lie to evade the duty, and they catch you, they confiscate the item you should have declared. If this happens, you will be out $35K and have a long walk.
Well, the deal doesn't sound quite as appealing now. I'd need to buy in Toronto since I live in VA. Are you saying that is 14% on the sale price by buying in Quebec rather than Alberta. Then 2.5 and then $500 to switch out the odometer. Factor in flying up there $300 and driving the vehicle 800 miles now makes the deal marginal. I would think other hidden charges would surface. Anyone with direct experience in buying in Canada who lived in the US
invest100, you raised a question about the quality of the interior. At the Baltimore auto show, I was able to sit inside and open the hood. The materials appeared of very high quality. The dash is soft touch and the leather was supple. I was very impressed. It doesn't quite have the luxury of an Audi, but in my opinion, nothing comes close to an Audi in terms of interior quality. I'd like to get an A4 with quattro but I know several people who've recently bought A4s and have had serious problems (doesn't start, check engine light, etc). Considering the current G20 is the most reliable car you can buy according to Consumer Reports, I assume the G35 should be very reliable. Overall, the G35 is an impressive package for just over $30K. I have my eye on a 6-speed, sport package, Bose, sunroof, and winter package. Depending on option choices, I'd also like the Xenons.
Yes, it is all perfectly legal. I (we) bought our '01 I30 last year in Toronto and saved $2500 US even after taking into consideration all the expenses of flying in, picking up the car, taking a weekend sight seeing and driving back to Cincinnati. The most trouble is having to convince the bank that this was not some kind of a scam. The border crossing (customs) was very easy as I had all the paper work ready prior to arriving. Most Canadian taxes are totally refundable once you return to the States. For complete How-to information email JonLofquist@aol.com He will not mind my posting his email address as I just spoke with him two weeks ago; feel free to tell him I sent you. He has put together a "package", which he has updated since we made our purchase, that explains the entire process; it even has all the official forms you will need. Jon has advised several dozen of us Yankees how to save a bundle by doing this. I certainly give my experienced approval to his methods.
BTW, I did not change out the instrument panel since the odometer and speedometer has the miles/MPH in a smaller font on the inside of the dial. I just live with it.
This is an old topics on some boards. A fellow in Minnesota, Jon Lofquist, has made it a sort of hobby to help Americans buy Nissans in Canada. For details, see post #4105 on the Nissan Maxima board.
The interior of most cars is plastic, with a few strips of wood stuck over the plastic dash and maybe leather panels on the plastic door panels in "luxury" models. Whoopee!
well I live in Toronto, went to the car show last saturday, and going again this saturday. I love this car, the interior is very classy. the front headlights are really nice, only negative comment would be the backlights. anyways if anyone wants me to take pictures of anything specfic email me, as i will be going this saturday. I had just purchase a 2002 passat gls, and now i am thinking about trading it in.. what to do!! which would u guys rather have???
I had the chance to sit in the G 35 prototype that is on tour today. It looks better in person than it does in the pictures. The interior is somewhat disappointing however. While it is not bad, it is not good enough to deserve the Infiniti badge. For me, it is not a very comfortable car nor does it provide much luxury. The seats are just a bit "not right"; I guess my butt is too big (I am 6'1" and weigh 225 pounds and well into middle age). I would also like to have rotary controls for the radio volume and air conditioning temperature setting. There is a protrusion in the driver's foot well that and be slightly irritating against your lower leg. It is a bump on the transmission tunnel that hits me just about 5 inches above my ankle. I would have liked to see fold down rear seats to allow hauling larger items. The car has only a small pass through that is about 8 by 14 inches.
I may be expecting more of the car than it was designed to be. After sitting in all of the seats, I sat in the I 35. Hey, I know its not a fair comparison, but there is a very noticeable deference in favor of the I 35. The I 35 is much more comfortable and attractive. I suppose it is like comparing the Lexus IS 300 with the ES 300.
To give it its due, the G 35 looks like it will make IS 300 sales drop almost to zero. As exciting as the G35 is, it is probably not for me although I still want to drive one; I might be seduced by the ride. It looks like they will be available in Orlando, FL around the first week of March.
I am thankful that I live in a country that allows me to have this kind of choice instead of say, choosing between a used Pinto or an old Yugo. And I am also happy to see our friends in this group from other countries dealing with the same wonderful choices in choosing a new car.
I had a chance to finally see the car at the Cincinnati auto show last weekend and here is my 2 cents on the interior. Some manufacturers do an excellent job with plastics, offering high quality finishes and textures. The G35 seemed to be better than average, but I can't say that I was extremely impressed. The leather was very supple and the seats were quite comfortable, offering plenty of cushion as well as support. The G35 that I sat in came with the sport suspension, xenons, willow leather, power seats, winter package, and reclining rear seats. IMHO, the seat controls weren't very intuitive; although, they should be fairly easy to memorize over time. The 2-position memory seating was very difficult to locate with the doors shut. All of the switchgear actuated with precision and good feel. I didn't care for the amber illuminated gauges, but that is my personal preference. The doors were very light and felt a little tinny when shut with the windows open. But with the windows and sunroof shut, they did make a decent "thud" when shutting. I really couldn't fault the center console. The center display was intuitive and easy to read. I did have a chance to listen to the Bose (radio only) with the windows and sunroof shut. It offered very even cabin fill and had rich base and good hi-frequency tones. The back seats were comfortable, and I'm 6' tall. The reclining seats were a nice touch, but felt a little cheap in the way they adjusted. I inspected the gap between the seat back and the rear deck while the back seat was in the upright position and Infiniti uses a leather flap that is velcroed to the rear deck to cover this gap. The flap compresses when the seat is reclined. The flap in this model wasn't adhering all that well to the velcro and some of the velcro was exposed. This left a bit of a bas impression with me. Windows and sunroof had one-touch operation, both opening and closing and their operation was very fluid and quiet. By the way the sound insulation was excellent - it kept out the noise from the convention center very well. The trunk was a decent size with a good opening for loading. I personally think that Infiniti should have done a better job with the materials in the trunk - it was a very cheap felt. When you compress the button for the trunk it actuates an electric latch that opens the trunk. This seemed odd, and it didn't sound or feel like it was engineered with any thought for aesthetics.
This car was one of the 100 or so prototypes brought into the country initially. I hope that a few of the details will be ironed out before the car officially goes on sale. For instance, I hope that they put struts under the front hood instead of a prop rod. That didn't sit right with me for a $32,000 car. When compared to the 3 series, A4, or Lexus ES300 (which won't necessarily compete with the G35, but is in the same price range), the G35 lacked some detail and finish, which honestly, I expect for $30,000+. But, I think most of its magic will be under the skin, and I am still eager to test drive this car. If the performance blows me away, than I can definitely live with the lack of details. I'll let you know after the test drive (April in Cincy). Oh and I will be waiting for the 6-speed.
If you sat in an I35 and felt that car was for you, odds are good you're not Infiniti's target with the G35. The G35 is designed to fill in Infiniti's glaring lack of a 3 series competitor, not to create another Buick.
The G35's supposed to be the canyon carver while the I35 slots into the blvd cruiser mold. Tight, body hugging seats in one while the other is a leather couch. I've only seen the G35 now at two events but from what I've encountered the car is the polar opposite of the I35/ES300. Thank God.
cecilt: Toronto is in Ontario and not Quebec. As far as the taxes are concerned, in Ontario you will pay 7% federal tax and 8% provincial tax, both of which will be refunded to you when you fill in the appropriate paperwork.
maybeg35: Toyota/Lexus is one of many manufacturers that will not allow their Canadian dealers to sell new cars to Americans. This is not because it is illegal but simply because they do not want their American dealers to lose business. Nissan/Infiniti on the other hand does still allow this.
keyrow: Does the odometer actually have miles also? I believe that the odometer on Canadian I35s have kilometers only.
...much like all the Nissans and Infinitis being sold in Canada. And in order to bring the car over to the U.S. anyway, a letter from Nissan/Infiniti America is required stating that the car passes US EPA Standards. The document needs to have the VIN# stated.
only registers kilometers. Sorry, I was typing and thinking simultaneously (bad idea in my case). I was trying to think if there was anything else I ought to let the general board know about all that had to be done to get this car back into the US, which is VERY easy. For a couple hours of paperwork I saved $2500. Now if I could just find a legal, and ethical, job that paid so well. Anyway, I finally decided to let those who are seriously considering doing this get the information "direct from the horse's mouth" so to speak, that is why I posted Jon's email address. He is the expert with all the inside info.
The Km odo does not bother me since I still know when to change the oil and do all the other routine maintenance. Again, sorry for the confusion.
Click on the link, no need to download characters.
It's in Japanese but go through the pics. Lots of close ups. Spoiler, lights, int. There are more than one set of pics. Click on page #s at the bottom of page.
From Infiniti's web site, it looks like you can't get the sport suspension without either the aero kit (yuck!) or the winter package which includes all season tires (there goes the handling advantage of the suspension and summer tires). Moreover, if you want the premium package with the sport suspension, but don't want the spoiler, then you have to buy the navigation.
What G35 did you sit in that had tight, body-hugging seats? Besides the lack of a 6MT, that's the only complaint I had about the G35 when I saw it in person a few weeks back at the dealer in Plano, TX. Sit in a TL-S or CL-S. THOSE are body-hugging seats. I was not impressed AT ALL with the insufficient bolstering in what's being touted as a 3 Series alternative. My wife's Civic has more supportive bolsters than the G35.
Face it, no matter what market we think we're in, Infiniti has modeled the G35 to meet the requirements of as large (literally) a demographic as possible. I guarantee you that the JDM spec seats aren't as wide as the ones we're getting.
After looking at those pictures I was wondering if it is possible to drop by the parts department and order the "Home market" Nissan & Skyline badging? That is, just to cause confusion, could one replace the grill with one that has the Nissan circle rather than the Infiniti symbol and remove the rear Infiniti & G35 designators then put on Nissan & Skyline replacements. If it wasn't overly expensive I would like to do it just to have everyone in the neighborhood running down to the local Nissan dealer demanding to see the new Skyline "like the one my neighbor just bought."
Or perhaps dealers will swap the trunk lids from "aero" cars with non-aero cars to give the sport suspension without the wing! There is always someone who wants the spoiler because they like the way it looks.
...You can delete the spoiler. I really like the lines of the G35 and it must have the sports suspension, so I pray they will delete those ugly pieces of useless plastic at the whim of buyers. I doubt if I bought a G I'd ever break 120, so the usefulness of the spoiler is questionable at best.
Nothing bugs me more on a nicely designed car than a totally hideous spoiler. I've been a car lover my whole life and I've never liked the look of a spoiler, even on my favorite car the 911 Turbo.
This is probably going to start another debate - just like the rear lights, spoiler, and interior quality - but I have to ask.
How is the rear view when sitting inside the car. By that I mean, are the three rear view mirrors large enough? That was the most noticable problem I had when I test drove the 3er sedan. The external mirrors were too small, and the rear window was also a little small - which hurt the view from the internal rearview mirror.
I realize that manufacturers put small mirrors in the interest of aerodynamics/fuel economy and low wind noise, but I think some of these are getting way too small for them to be useful.
To those who have sat in the car, or are going to soon, could you report on the view from the driver's seat in to the three rear view mirrors. Are they good enough to be useful in traffic?
I think the spoiler looks good. Its not too high off the rear lid, but it is high enough to be functional. And besides they didn't design it just to look good, they designed to lower the drag coefficient and increase down force.
Besides, the lower drag and higher downforce are facts, while the spoiler looks are just opinions.
collision lights built into them. You do realize that some people in this car's interest group are probably delighted with it. I'm not one of them though.
>>Besides, the lower drag and higher downforce are facts, while the spoiler looks are just opinions.<<
The lower drag and higher downforce are marginal and I can't see the spoiler impacting 100 mph performance that much. Even if it did, I still wouldn't want it. I'd rather have a squirrely car than a wannabe-boy-racer looking car with a spoiler tacked on. I see a spoiler on any car and all I think of are local Civics and Knight Rider.
For those of you who have actually seen and touched the car, do the mirrors fold in?
This is a feature that is quite valuable, once one becomes used to it. I drove a lot in Taiwan, and when the traffic or streets get tight, the ability to pull the mirror(s) in is of considerable value.
Then there was the time my wife backed out of the garage and caught the mirror on the jamb. Oh well. . .
I'm pretty sure you can do this. One method involves sawing fishing line back and forth behind the badge to break the glue, then sticking a new one on. This assumes the badge is only glued on, not having a post that inserts into a hole in the body. For more info do a Google search on "badge removal".
Where to get the SKYLINE badges is another matter. I'd Check eBay or search Google.
Great pictures on post 1532 maybeg35! I'm definately not a rear spolier fan but I sure do like the rear window wiper! I have never seen a non hatch back sedan with a rear window wiper. I want one! Are you listening Infiniti?
For the most part, having or not having a spoiler is a stylistic opinion. IMHO, the one in the picture is more or less subtle and yet still lends a sportier nature to the car. So, I guess I like it. My main concern with most spoilers usually centers on whether or not it seriously obstucts the cars rearward view. However, I would caution Infiniti to make any aero package an unbundled option to appease the more conservative crowd.
I missed noticing the spoiler in post 1491 before. It does look like the same spoiler, and I don't like the way it sticks out beyond the rear of the car. I prefer a more restrained spoiler like on my 2000 Maxima SE.
Concerning the spoilers usefulness, not only does it help maintain control at 160 mph, but it really helps to see exactly where the rear of the car ends when parallel parking and judging exactly how close the tailgater behind you is.
It also makes a better place than the rear deck for the CHMSL.
Comments
dpepper: where did you see "4200 under invoice across the board" on I35? Grubbs advertised on their site a DEMO that is loaded with MSRP of $37K+. ONE AT THIS PRICE DEMO! ANd it's 4154 under MSRP not INVOICE. Here is the quote:
"Stock Number 11529 is an Executive Demonstrator with an MSRP of $37,154 and is discounted $4,154 making the sale price $33,000 plus TT&L. This offer ends 2-28-02 and vehicle is subject to prior sale. "
Please don't mislead people.
You are correct, my mistake, it's $4200 under MSRP not invoice.
Now how do I convince my wife that we need another new car?
"Inside, G35 offers a standard 6-disc in-dash CD changer, leather-appointed seats with 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, a Bose premium 200-watt 7-speaker audio system and an available DVD Infiniti Navigation System with 6.5-inch retractable monitor.
The G35 is positioned to compete against popular sports sedans such as the BMW 3-series, Lexus IS300 and Audi A4 3.0.
The new G35 will be available in Canada as one luxury model with a choice of three optional packages - the Premium Package - Navigation Package - and Aero Package. The luxury model is priced at $38,900 (US$24,476).
The Premium Package, priced at $2,600 (US$1,635), adds a power glass sunroof, driver's seat with 2-position memory and driver entry assist, a 4-way power passenger seat, dual zone air conditioning, rear a/c vents, one touch up-down windows, manual reclining rear seat with adjustable rear seat headrests, genuine wood trim on inside door armrest grips and a genuine wood/leather shift lever.
The Navigation Package is priced at $3,400 (US$2,139) and includes Infiniti's DVD navigation system, a 6.5 inch colour monitor with tilt, and a trip computer with vehicle maintenance information.
The Aero Package, priced at $1,500 (US$943), offers a rear spoiler, under body aerodynamic fairings, titanium trim on centre console and inside door armrest grips, a sport tuned suspension and 5-spoke sport alloy wheels."
As for the pricing on G35s, we will see if the prices are negotiable once the cars are sitting on the dealers' lots for a couple of months. I was told that Grubbs has 69 cars on the way - that is a lot more inventory than you will find for the cars selling for sticker in this area. One thing is for sure - if you order before inventories arrive you will pay more as you won't have a chance to see how the market reacts to the product. You have to let the dealers feel the burn of the inventory financing charges for a while. Then you can save some real money.
Btw, on my last Infiniti purchase, Grubbs "best" price was beat significantly by the other two Dallas dealers.
We shall see how it goes.
-juice
I'm liking the sound of this more and more. With the Olympic skating scandal, we Americans are in love with Canada right now as it is, and this G35 pricing is just icing on the cake. Thank goodness for the still strong U.S. dollar (against both Japanese Yen and Canadian Dollar). The local pricing of the G35 is really the same, it's the exchange rates that cause the discrepancy. The U.S. dollar just buys more in Canada than the Canadian dollar does.
They ask you: "Do you have anything to declare?" If you lie to evade the duty, and they catch you, they confiscate the item you should have declared. If this happens, you will be out $35K and have a long walk.
BTW, I did not change out the instrument panel since the odometer and speedometer has the miles/MPH in a smaller font on the inside of the dial. I just live with it.
I may be expecting more of the car than it was designed to be. After sitting in all of the seats, I sat in the I 35. Hey, I know its not a fair comparison, but there is a very noticeable deference in favor of the I 35. The I 35 is much more comfortable and attractive. I suppose it is like comparing the Lexus IS 300 with the ES 300.
To give it its due, the G 35 looks like it will make IS 300 sales drop almost to zero. As exciting as the G35 is, it is probably not for me although I still want to drive one; I might be seduced by the ride. It looks like they will be available in Orlando, FL around the first week of March.
I am thankful that I live in a country that allows me to have this kind of choice instead of say, choosing between a used Pinto or an old Yugo. And I am also happy to see our friends in this group from other countries dealing with the same wonderful choices in choosing a new car.
Peace
Mike
This car was one of the 100 or so prototypes brought into the country initially. I hope that a few of the details will be ironed out before the car officially goes on sale. For instance, I hope that they put struts under the front hood instead of a prop rod. That didn't sit right with me for a $32,000 car. When compared to the 3 series, A4, or Lexus ES300 (which won't necessarily compete with the G35, but is in the same price range), the G35 lacked some detail and finish, which honestly, I expect for $30,000+. But, I think most of its magic will be under the skin, and I am still eager to test drive this car. If the performance blows me away, than I can definitely live with the lack of details. I'll let you know after the test drive (April in Cincy). Oh and I will be waiting for the 6-speed.
The G35's supposed to be the canyon carver while the I35 slots into the blvd cruiser mold. Tight, body hugging seats in one while the other is a leather couch. I've only seen the G35 now at two events but from what I've encountered the car is the polar opposite of the I35/ES300. Thank God.
maybeg35: Toyota/Lexus is one of many manufacturers that will not allow their Canadian dealers to sell new cars to Americans. This is not because it is illegal but simply because they do not want their American dealers to lose business. Nissan/Infiniti on the other hand does still allow this.
keyrow: Does the odometer actually have miles also? I believe that the odometer on Canadian I35s have kilometers only.
The Km odo does not bother me since I still know when to change the oil and do all the other routine maintenance. Again, sorry for the confusion.
It's in Japanese but go through the pics. Lots of close ups. Spoiler, lights, int. There are more than one set of pics. Click on page #s at the bottom of page.
http://www2.wbs.ne.jp/~y-hat/02-ITS/0204-Skyline/Skyline.htm
From Infiniti's web site, it looks like you can't get the sport suspension without either the aero kit (yuck!) or the winter package which includes all season tires (there goes the handling advantage of the suspension and summer tires). Moreover, if you want the premium package with the sport suspension, but don't want the spoiler, then you have to buy the navigation.
I sure don't like this packaging!
Face it, no matter what market we think we're in, Infiniti has modeled the G35 to meet the requirements of as large (literally) a demographic as possible. I guarantee you that the JDM spec seats aren't as wide as the ones we're getting.
My decision is easier now. All I want is G35 coupe with manual, luxury package, and sunroof.
Nothing bugs me more on a nicely designed car than a totally hideous spoiler. I've been a car lover my whole life and I've never liked the look of a spoiler, even on my favorite car the 911 Turbo.
How is the rear view when sitting inside the car. By that I mean, are the three rear view mirrors large enough? That was the most noticable problem I had when I test drove the 3er sedan. The external mirrors were too small, and the rear window was also a little small - which hurt the view from the internal rearview mirror.
I realize that manufacturers put small mirrors in the interest of aerodynamics/fuel economy and low wind noise, but I think some of these are getting way too small for them to be useful.
To those who have sat in the car, or are going to soon, could you report on the view from the driver's seat in to the three rear view mirrors. Are they good enough to be useful in traffic?
Thanks
Besides, the lower drag and higher downforce are facts, while the spoiler looks are just opinions.
cybersol, where are you going to drive where such a spoiler is going to matter? I would like to stay off the streets in that area.
The lower drag and higher downforce are marginal and I can't see the spoiler impacting 100 mph performance that much. Even if it did, I still wouldn't want it. I'd rather have a squirrely car than a wannabe-boy-racer looking car with a spoiler tacked on. I see a spoiler on any car and all I think of are local Civics and Knight Rider.
This is a feature that is quite valuable, once one becomes used to it. I drove a lot in Taiwan, and when the traffic or streets get tight, the ability to pull the mirror(s) in is of considerable value.
Then there was the time my wife backed out of the garage and caught the mirror on the jamb. Oh well. . .
Where to get the SKYLINE badges is another matter. I'd Check eBay or search Google.
See photo (top):
http://www2.wbs.ne.jp/~y-hat/02-ITS/0204-Skyline/Skyline.htm
someone already posted this board, so it won't be new for everyone
Of course the corner of some picture is no substitute for seeing it in person...
Concerning the spoilers usefulness, not only does it help maintain control at 160 mph, but it really helps to see exactly where the rear of the car ends when parallel parking and judging exactly how close the tailgater behind you is.
It also makes a better place than the rear deck for the CHMSL.