Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

chinee · February 2003

Uncle D is right. The interior really doesn't bother me all that much, but in a comparison with the competition, the G's interior scores pretty low. When I bought my G 2 weeks ago at a great price, I realized that the only way Infiniti could have given consumers so much bang for the buck for to compromise somewhere...the interior.

In my opinion the interior is above average, but below the average for luxury cars. Actually I rank the G's interior about the same as the 2002 TL I traded.

For me, it's all about tolerance... and acceptance.

Unca D, if you can adjust to the G's interior, you WILL NOT be disappointed with your purchase. The only car I would have purchased before the G was the IS Sportcross, even though it's aging, I've always loved the shape and rarity of this model. But for some reason or the other Lexus has been holding these back and not offered them for sale over the last few months (I suspect for an HP upgrade).

Good luck with your decision, and be sure to let us know which car you chose. (I have a feeling you'll soon be a G-driver.

rslnp1 · February 2003

I have had the G35 for 3 months and it is a thrill to drive. Two minor complaints...poor gas mileage (15 mpg in mostly city driving) and a clock that is unreadable at night. Anybody know of any fixes for the clock?

c3po33 · February 2003

I've had my G35 since March 14 and love it. I do agree that the glove box could be one big glove box and not split in 2. They could but the DVD under the passenger seat (if there's room) or in the truck. Also the center console could be made of better materials, wood like the M45 (or Nismo option for the Skyline in Japan) or Aluminum like the FX 45. Other than that though for the price you cannot ask for much more IMHO.

jedmonds · February 2003

I have read a bunch of different websites, and every single one of them has a different 0-60 time
I have seen as high as 6.9 secs to a low 6.1 secs. what is the deal???

markjenn · February 2003

Lots of variables: car-to-car variances, weight of options, driver skill, driver willingness to abuse car, track condition, track elevation, ambient temperature, tire brand, tire pressures, etc. Given this, a variance of 0.8 seconds seems about right.

In general, early tests of a car are usually the quickest. The mfg knows how important early reviews are so they test several examples and supply the best one. And the magazines push the cars as hard as possible to get the best times. Later, everyone is more non-chalant about it and the times reflect more of an average car.

- Mark

fnt · February 2003

Uncledavid:

In my opinion, the G35's controls aren't as poorly designed as some have made them out to be. To me, the key point is that the controls that I often use while driving must be accessible without being overly distracting. For example, I can use the steering wheel controls to turn the audio system on and off, change modes, or go to the next station or track without looking down, so the placement of the main audio controls isn't as important.

Other switches, such as the seat and mirror controls, may be more difficult to use than some, but once they're set I don't use them very often.

As for interior quality, I do agree that Infiniti could have done better. Overall, however, I think that the positives far outweigh the negatives. Since buying my G last summer, there hasn't been one instance where I've wished that I'd bought something else instead.

I also hope that Infiniti takes constructive criticism to heart and makes changes, but I don't have any inside information regarding their plans.

stanny1 · February 2003

If any of you wander into a local SCCA Solo 2 race, you should know that according to the new issue of the official SCCA mag, "SportsCar", the G35 Coupe is classed "BS", and the Sedan is classed "DS". The sedan was classed previously as GS.
The coupe will have to compete with S2000 and M3s, and sedans with WRXs.
Should be interesting!

ezaircon4jc · February 2003

"The coupe will have to compete with S2000 and M3s, and sedans with WRXs.
Should be interesting!"

Especially since the traction control can't be disabled!

uncledavid · February 2003

I think that I agree with most of you. I'm not thrilled with the interior, but the characterization of it by CHINEE "below average for the class, but above average overall" is sensible.

Infiniti actually has the lowest rate of problems per car, according to multiple sources (like Consumer's Reports). It is probably the best sports sedan out there - that will also be reliable. BMW and AUDI offer some aspects that the Infiniti doesn't, but I would feel sooooo much more confident about the G35's longterm durability.

So, right now, I am leaning in that direction.

Thanks for the input guys! I appreciate the information.

jwilson1 · February 2003

BS is the same class as the Z. Should be fun for the coupe .... how well they do will depend on the course layout (as well as the driver!!)

JW

scottc8 · February 2003

This month's SportsCar, the SCCA magazine, has an article that mentions a guy who bought a G35 with the automatic. He took it autocrossing and found he couldn't turn the dynamic stability control off. Needless to say, this really neutered the car. Is this true? Only on the automatics?

maxima4 · February 2003

Besides Chilton Automotive and Haynes Publications, has anyone purchased an Infiniti G35 Service Manual directly from Infiniti/Nissan? If so, what was the cost? Most likely this is available on CD-Rom as well.

Just curious. Thanks in advance.

jwilson1 · February 2003

There's a lot of disagreement on this one. Apparently it is a factor on both the auto and the manual. Some insist the VDC doesn't go off at all, or only partly. Others claim you can trick it into staying off by shutting it off then forcing it with donuts or some such. Others claim it shuts off but the LSD stays on (manual, coupe). Check freshalloy for full, confusing debate.

JW

robmarch · February 2003

certainly can't turn the LSD off, if it's on your car, except by replacing it with an open differential.

uncledavid · February 2003

Hey guys - one last question. For those of you who have the winter package, how much extra trunk room do you lose with the full size spare? The Infiniti brochure suggests a drop in trunk size from a bit more than 14 cubic feet to about 12 cubic feet. That seems a bit extreme to me, and I wondered if it was simply incorrect.

billmorgan2 · February 2003

I took delivery of the first 6MT sedan to arrive in Seattle area. It's Brilliant Silver with Graphite leather interior. Has Premium and Winter packages. So far, it's been everything I expected. Some of the knockoffs might have been addressed... e.g. clock seems readable to me. The console for the manual is much classier than the one in the coupe. I much prefer the hand emergency brake. The Homelink button might be glow-in-the dark or something. I had a heck of a time fumbling for it driving up my driveway at night. It is absolutely a delight to drive on the winding rural roads in my area.

sopecreek · February 2003

Wow, I haven't even seen any test drive reviews. How much did you have to pay?

uncledavid · February 2003

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your new ride.

maxima4 · February 2003

How did you do on price? W

cdnpinhead · February 2003

You now have a car many of us are interested in.

Please keep us posted.

waterloog35 · February 2003

This is my first post so hope it goes through.

This seems trivial, but i'm about to buy the G35 premium with aero sports package. It comes with the five spoke rims, but the dealer said he'd change them for the six spoke if I want. I can't decide. Anyone have any preferences. Believe me I've been banging my head over this. If i get the five, then i'll probably want the six and if i get the six, i'll probably want the five

fnt · February 2003

My sedan has the winter package. I have no basis for comparison, as I've not directly compared it to a car w/o the package. However, the trunk is plenty roomy for my needs. I got the winter package because I prefer full-size spares, and the heated seats and mirrors come in handy, even in the south.

norcalmike2 · February 2003

I know this is just a matter of personal preference but I think the 5 spoke wheels are absolutely drop dead gorgeous! I had to "settle" for my 6 spoke wheels. I would have loved to have the option of trading my wheels. Perhaps if you see the two styles of wheels side by side it will be an easy choice for you to make. My dealer did not even offer me the option of switching the wheels because the 5 spoke are unique to the sports package. I'm green with envy.

waterloog35 · February 2003

thanks for responding,

i guess i'm privellaged to have the option. if it would have cost me money then i wouldn't consider switching the wheels, but i think the fact that its free has put me in a dilemma. i guess in the end i'll get the five spoke, but i had figured that a aero sports package with 6 spoke would be different. i pick up my car next week and i can't wait.

stanny1 · February 2003

I am very interested to know if your MTX G35 Sedan has LSD? Thanks

ryoken · February 2003

Sedans do not have an LSD from the factory, even the 6MT's. Only coupes can get one from the factory.

As for a previous mention of "disabling LSD" -- the VDC system has what they call a "Brake LSD" where the traction system brakes the wheel that's spinning, forcing power to the other wheel. This is what cannot be disabled when you shut off VDC (according to the owner's manual). Of course, it's not nearly as effective as a real LSD.

ryoken · February 2003

I have the winter package and the sport package, and a compact spare. I've heard a rumor that it's because Infiniti can't stock enough of the 5-spoke wheels to ship all the cars with a full-size spare. So, I have the 14 cu ft trunk.

Dropping to 12 cu ft with the full-size spare sounds about right. The way Infiniti does it is by raising the entire floor of the trunk a little to accommodate the fatter tire. That 1/2 inch or so (I'm guessing) spread across the whole floor can easily eat up 2 cu ft.

robmarch · February 2003

sounds like traction control, in everyone else's terminology

sorry, I didn't mean to jump on anybody.

kfhmail · February 2003

That was interesting that the dealer made the offer to switch the 5 spoke for 6 spoke wheels. I am looking at a G35 sedan without the sports package, but I would like to get the 5 spoke wheels. Has anyone else had any luck getting the dealers to "swap" 5 spoke for 6 spoke.

Thanks.

uncledavid · February 2003

That answers my question!

waterloog35 · February 2003

the dealer didn't actually make me the offer to swap my wheels. i had told him i might be interested in the 6 instead of the 5. after a little prodding he said he would arrange for it at no extra cost. but the way it seems now i'll probably stick with the 5's since the general consensus is that they are the better ones

stanny1 · February 2003

Referred to earlier entitled "High Tech Challenges", dicusses the difficulties of running the G35 Sedan in Solo 2 or any high performance driving.
The G35's TC system cannot be turned off totally. It has a "fail safe" function that cuts power and locks into 4th gear when the car decides you are having too much fun.
None of the press cars that were slolomed by the magazines displayed this behavior, which makes one wonder if these press cars had a "patch" in the software so these cars could be run to their full potential.
Gary Merideth, who owns the G35 that was the subject of the article, could get no help from Nissan/Infiniti.
We need to get together on this, folks!
If anyone knows some suit in the top corporate structure, please let us know their E-mail so we can lobby for the solution.
The G35 got real close to the real deal. The TC problem is the hardest challenge.
It's easy to solve the lack of LSD by installing the LSD pumpkin from the Coupe or Z. LSD would probably help prevent the TC from being activated.
But the real solution is a real "off" switch.

ryoken · February 2003

Yes, it does sound exactly like traction control. Except that the G35 owner's manual mentions both traction control (TCS) and brake LSD. It states that the TCS is turned off, but brake LSD is not. I'm not sure what the fine line is they're referring to.

From the manual:
"If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynamics control system turned off, all VDC and TCS functions will be turned off. The brake LSD system and ABS will still operate with the VDC system off."

So they clearly seem to thing that TCS and Brake LSD are two different things. Here's what they say about Brake LSD:
"The VDC system uses a Brake Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) system to improve vehicle
traction. The brake LSD system works when
one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The brake LSD system
brakes the spinning wheel which distributes
the driving power to the other drive wheel."

They don't give any indication of what TCS does. Maybe it uses the yaw sensors, and TCS is for straight lines, while Brake LSD only actives when going around corners (and not in a skid). I'm speculating here.

My opinion on the matter is that the way they have it is fine for the average consumer, and I'd be happy if they offered a Nismo upgrade to turn the thing off completely.

ihaberman · February 2003

Per the Chicago Auto Show last week, I was told that the G35 will be made available in the north with 4WD come fall...so as to compete with the Quattro, 330ix, and Jag. Can anybody else confirm this? And do you think it will slow it down (0-60) past the 7.0 mark?

djocks · February 2003

Is there anyone else who has heard or has information verifying the all wheel drive rumors for G35 for the northeast??????

robmarch · February 2003

I'm guessing that the coupes with an actual LSD don't get that "brake lsd" treatment.

This is similar to the traction distribution system that mercedes uses on it's suv. I think it's good for low traction events and getting moving on slippery surfaces, but probably not the best system for autocross or performance driving.

But...what do I know...my car has no ABS, TCS, and rear drums

jwilson1 · February 2003

For the sedan drivers who want to Solo, do you know if the tech folk at SCCA would be upset if a fuse was disabled before the events?

(No, I haven't checked about what else is on the same fuse, just being theoretical for the moment until Infiniti steps in with a real solution for the sedan.)

JW

billmorgan2 · February 2003

I paid MSRP. Not much bargaining power for first of very few allocated 6MT sedans. And, no other Infiniti dealer within 200 miles. The options are weird. My Winter Package does not have the full size spare. Is it because of the Sports Suspension? Anyway, they re-substitute the All Season tires that come with the standard sedan. Based on forum reading, I had the dealer make sure that I got the Bridgestone Turanza instead of the Goodyear. We get lots of rain here, not much snow. I imagine there will be decent options by the time I need to replace them. The trunk is decent sized. I took my neighbor to the airport.... 2 suitcases and golf clubs in a case. I'm still learning about the car and its features. I wasn't sure what the VDC OFF button accomplished. Thanks for the explain. I'll leave it on. I'll tell you..... it is one heckuva pleasant driving experience. The sports suspension is a little stiff, but handling is a dream. Quality control seems outstanding so far. Whatever 'bugs' were found in the early models seems to have been fixed.

robmarch · February 2003

sorry, I'm not an autocrosser. No idea here

corkfish · February 2003

Don't forget, AWD will add considerable weight.

kfhmail · February 2003

Question: What are the advantages AND disadvantages of an AWD G35 Sedan?

From comment 7201
Have seen several comments about a possible AWD G35 sedan.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of AWD compared to only rear drive?

Additional Sticker Cost ???

Any additional cost for maintenance???

Does it require more maintenance?

Answer:

From comment 7203 by jwilson1

Advantages:
traction at 4 corners, double the contact patch.

Disadvantages:
more expensive (usually about $1500-$2000)
heavier (uses power)
No extra cost for maintenance or repair. Most systems on the road are very reliable. Of course there are lemons with everything.
For more detail, you might want to check out some of the Subaru or Audi boards here, though you'll mostly hear about the advantages.
JW

envoydrives · February 2003

I purchased a G35 sedan monday and now, thursday, the wheel shakes at highway speed, the car will change lanes in a matter of seconds it pulls to the left so badly, the hvac fan whistles loudly at nearly any speed, and passenger front tire's valve stem leaks air. The front license cover was also mismade and has visible wrinkles in the plastic. When i called for service i asked if a pre-delivery checklist had ever been completed and the service man told me not to belittle his workers (!?!?!?!?) and that i got one when i purchased the car. I searched all the paperwork as i never received a pre-delivery checklist, probably because one was never completed. I'm more than dissatisfied, I would expect better service from kia. Any ideas on who to turn to for such horrible service, I think the dealer should have to answer to someone (infiniti customer service?). Otherwise im stuck with Grumpy O's Service scheduled over a WEEK away.

afty · February 2003

I would suggest calling your salesman at the dealer and expressing your dissatisfaction. He should help you out with service since you are a recent customer and have yet to submit the all-important customer satisfaction survey from Infiniti.

robmarch · February 2003

it at least sounds like you may have lost a wheel weight. I'd check your tire pressures also.

you should get a survey from Infiniti in the mail, I would think.

Good Luck.

coche944 · February 2003

I spoke with the local Infiniti dealer yesterday and they are expecting my black on black 6MT around March 17th. Looking forward to it. Also looking forward to donating my '89 dinosaur to Good Will. I expect the G will be quite an improvement.

I only saw one other post re: price, so here's the deal that I got:

6MT (includes Sport)
Premium
Winter-Sport
Aero
Mats
Splash guards
$32,550 (inc. $545 destination and $320 Ad fee).

Only a few more weeks. . . .

chinee · February 2003

Since you've only just recently taken delivery of your car, your salesman must surely realize that you have yet to receive your Infiniti survey. In fact, I'm sure he emphasized to you the importance of marking all as "excellent" ratings. Call your salesman and let him know that based on the after-sale service experience, it will be very difficult for you to rate your overal experience as excellent.

I've been told that there are either incentives withheld from the dealer, or penalties assessed against them if their survey ratings aren't consistently high, or dip below Infiniti's standard.

I am almost 100% certain that this will spur action to address your issues. Then again, I don't work for Infiniti, so I could be wrong.

Nothing to lose by calling your salesman.

jwilson1 · February 2003

djocks · February 2003

I made a stop at a dealer yesterday.

The AWD G35 will be released in April according to him. More expensive but, great news for us in the Northeast.

He had an FX35 there. Priced at $39,125. Awesome look and really nice job on interior.
Very interesting release by Infiniti

ihaberman · February 2003

Just spoke to a dealer in Chicago. He says the original plan was for AWD in late Spring...but most recent news is fall. That's a shame as I would really like to compare the two ASAP. I've actually got a call into Tire Rack to find out how much of a "real" difference there would be b/w a RWD G35 with snow tires and an AWD G35 with all season tires. Will keep you updated. Let me know if you have any additional thoughts.

carshopper46 · February 2003

Where are you buying your G35 6MT from?

Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

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