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Regarding timeless designs please consider the following Japanese cars that IMO are timeless:
1. The original 240Z
2. The last 300 ZX
3. The last generation Toyota Supra
4. The Toyota 2000 sports car from the 1960s.
5. The last generation Lexus SC300 and 400.
6. The last generation Mazda RX7, much better looking than the current Corvette IMHO. The Vette looks like it copied the Mazdas front styling.
7. The original Mazda RX7 stills looks ok
8. The Mitsubishi 3000 still looks fun after 14 years.
And I am sure there are more that I cannot think of now.
And the Japanese seem to be taking more risk in styling with the upcoming:
1. Honda Element
2. Toyotas new Scion division
3. The current Toyota Celica
4. The 2003 Nissan Murano which makes every SUV look obselete IMO.
5. The upcoming Quest minivan which also has a styling edge.
6. The upcoming Mazda RZ8.
And of course JDPowers new 5 year quality study is dominated by the Japanese brands.
Lexus and Infiniti finished in first and second place. Honda and Toyota finished in fifth and sixth place. Acura in third.
Nissan did not finish in the top ten but was above average.
Boy what a great time to love cars. And there is serious oversupply coming so name your discount.
I will buy my new 350Z or Infiniti 6 months from now for 500 over invoice.
Happy Thanksgiving
dude, yup i was at the colma infiniti dealer last week. i stopped by in the evening to test drive the g35c. the SOB who assist me would not let me testdrive the car for they only have two in stock. the reason he does not want to let people testdrive them is because he wants to keep the miles at zero so that buyers can pay at a higher price (my interpretations of his way of not letting people testdrive unless they buy at the moment). so told him, "how the hell am i suppose to know that i am happy with this car instead of the TL type S?! then the SOB said, "well, if you are going to be buy then we can fill out the papers and you can testdrive." sure i was mad as hell, but instead i tried to be professional about the situation and ask if i can see in the interior. yeah, sure, he went to get the keys and lit the interior to let me observe, but that was after i told him that people have complained about the interior and the amber lights. i do have to say that i like the interior even though some people believe it sucks. the model i sat in, not testdrive aaarrrrrrggghhh, had leather interior with a sunroof. the center dash was to my surprise, black instead of silver. so for those who hated the interior, sorry, i have to disagree there. i have to admitt that at least the interior is not like the IS300 which the front dash looks and feels like high quality styrolfoam. anyhow, after i left the dealer i notice that whenever i bring up something bad about the g35c, the dealer would react and fine ways to please me, interesting. but i do have to say that "knowledge is power" when it comes to buying a car or going to the dealer.
Where you enter the show, 2/3 of the hall was to our left and 1/3 on our right. GM reserved the entire area on the right side. This area was dead, basically empty. GM did not have their vehicles rigged where you could work the seats or see the dash lights. Every one else did. Any thoughts I had about the CTS vanished. My wife requires lumbar support and this car does not have it.
I don't know if San Antonio is unique in this, but no salesman are allowed in the exhibits. At the Infinity exhibit, there were no signs about the G35 Coup being the MT Car of Year or about the numerous awards for the G35's, but believe, me, people were aware of it.
I think the G35 is a hit and if reliability holds up, the resale values should be good. I didn't talk to anyone who sat in the coup that did not like it, and there are things not to like, such as the cup holders being located at the back end of the center console (basically in the back seat), and the orange dash lighting (which seems like a gimmick).
The Jag dealer had an X-type on display with a window of $32,600. I thought this must be a new car, but found out that it jumps $10,000 when you add the bigger engine, suspension, and moon roof. No one seemed interested in it, but it was a good looking body and interior.
I visited the local Infinity dealer and they are taking orders on the Coup at list price. I will wait until I can find $500 off. I'll be watching this discussion board for a better price, but it seems Texas is a sellers market on this car for now.
Gary
It's a minor gripe, but I think it's nice to have for long trips on the highway.
Niggling - still uses a prop-rod for the hood. Hard to justify for such a fine machine in all other respects.
Show stopper - NO HEADROOM! With the seat all the way down and tilted to give me the best seating position, I barely fit. (6'4"/250)
I was otherwise very impressed with this car and came away liking it more than I was prepared to like it. Best design by Infinity - ever! Clean lines and the hi-tech interior works. Would like the brilliant white lighting in the electro-luminescent displays, but still a very agreeable interior. Leather seemed to be of good quality and switchgear fine for a $35K car.
For that price, it is a killer automobile. I may still try to justify this car in light of current economic times, as I've looked at the new CLK500 and M3... both, $50K++.
Has anyone been able to have the dealer/factory deal with headroom issue?
If it did you may loose about 2" of headroom.
Try sitting in one without a sunroof.
Up until now I had been looking at AWD cars -- Audi A4/Passat 4motion and BMW 325xi -- not necessarily b/c of the AWD, but b/c I liked those the best of this class. Acura is still an option b/c I love their engines, but the styling of their current lineup does nothing for me. I've stayed away from the IS 300 and g35 b/c they're rear wheel, but I know the g35's weight distribution is close to 50/50 (which might help?), and traction control is standard, so am I wrong for excluding this rear wheel drive car from my list? Not that I'd be out intentionally in a big snowstorm, but it definitely happens up here.
I'm not a huge fan of leather so the base g35c is looking like an absolute steal @ under 30K. I would prefer to have a manual though and I noticed the 6MT version also comes with a limited slip differential...would this help with winter driving? (The summer tires would definitely have to be switched out.)
Speaking of all this, can somebody explain the differences between the following, which are all standard on the 6MT?
Traction Control (TCS)
Infiniti Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Limited Slip Differential (LSP)
Thanks!
VDC = "skid control" - monitors the steering wheel position and the rate the car is turning and detects if car is skidding, and if so, attempts to stop it by cutting throttle and modulating individual brakes.
LSD - a mechanical system that limits the normal tendency of the differential to transfer power to the wheel with the least traction. All cars have differentials so they don't crow-hop around corners (the outside wheel has to spin faster in a turn, so you can't lock them together), but it has the bad tendency to promote wheelspin under hard acceleration. LSD limits this tendency. It's considered more of a performance item, but it would help in the snow.
If you put good winter tires on dedicated snow rims, you could probably get around in light winter conditions, but I wouldn't want to tackle serious winter weather. TCS, VDC, and LSD help some, but good winter tires would be the critical factor. Certainly, an a4, 325xi, or Passat 4Motion would do better.
FYI, all 6MT's have leather and the base model stickers at about $32.5K. Theoretically, you can get a 6MT without the premium package, but you probably have to order it. I don't see any base 6MTs in any dealer's inventories and I've checked quite a few. So unless you order and wait, 6MT's run about %35K-$38K.
- Mark
cheaper
lighter
1 or 2 less parts to wear out
how much of a pain is it to us a hood prop, anyway?
I totally agree that struts on trunks are superior to gooseneck hinges and flat springs, because they intrude into cargo space.
Fuhgeddaboudit. If you're looking at the G and have to drive, also consider a winter beater (4x4).
(As an aside, djasonw this is the first time I've agreed with you on a post! What a wonderful, warm feeling. Must be the holidays.)
Best to all.
JW
I have a 1995 Maxima that has hood struts with no prop rod. At about 4-5 years they wore out to the point of just barely holding the hood up, but the slightest shake and it would come crashing down. First time it happened when the car was in for service (I forewarned the service manager), it came crashing down on a wrench left on the battery. Nice outward projecting dent that they picked up a $200 bill from Dent Wizard to fix.
Second time it happened, the service manager nearly lost his head.
Those damn little struts are about $100 apiece to replace with labor. I may sound cheap, but $200 for something that a $7.50 rod can do as good or better is not where I want my money to go in a car. Unless they are designed not to wear out.
I'm guessing my service manager sued Nissan for his sore head and word got around.
I wish they'd start putting AWD on more cars...anyone know if it's planned on the G35 ever? (I'm sure they'd take some sales away from Audi, at least up here.) I've heard rumors about them adding it to the Maxima, but I don't think that's confirmed...anyone know? I'd consider a WRX but even at only 30 I feel too old to be driving that car.
Thanks again
Living in the Northeast, I'd like to see more AWD sports cars, and if the G35C or 350Z comes in an AWD model, that would be a big plus...
BTW, jimrcofga, it was the '70s.
JW
You have hit the nail on the head. I have a coupe due in Friday or Saturday with the 18" summer performance tires and the 6 speed. Last night we got dumped on with 10" of snow. My 02 Audi A4 also has a summer/performance tire in a 17"size . These tires are by no means acceptable for driving in snow, but it can be done in a pinch. A quick tire/rim change over or even a change to a all season tire for the Audi and you are good to go in any conditions that you would face driving in New England. The same can not be said for the G35 coupe. I suspect that the G35 even with blizaks will have problems in any kind of snow. This all comes full circle to your point, a AWD coupe would solve this problem for any customer that will face the magic flakes during the winter season. I have heard that the 04 sedan will be released in a AWD version in the summer of 03. Is the AWD version of the coupe to follow the sedan? I may have to stick it out with the Quatro A4. Looks like it is shaping up to be a wild NE winter.
$34.00 incl tax for a pair. With a lifetime warranty at that!......
Fast and easy to replace.
My previous 89 MaxSE never had a problem with those struts after 5 1/2 years and 100,000 miles.
FWD makes it easy to be lazy and not get into trouble in slippery stuff. RWD you must be smoother(steering,gas, and braking) or else you can trade ends pretty fast. Try out in a large parking lot after a snowfall. Pretend there's a egg between your foot and the gas and brake pedal.
Buy winter tires not all seasons if you live in an area that gets snow. I constantly blow past 4X4's in ditches in my 16 year old 944 (RWD) during snow storms. The only thing that holds me back(and probably the G35) is when snow is deeper than 6-8" is the air dam on the front acts like a snowplow.
I think the G35 with LSD and other aids will make a pretty decent winter car if driven right with the right tires.
Rob
86 944
02 ml320
03 g35??
'97 BMW 528i - an incredible mix of handling, sportiness, and luxury. a super car...downside = overpriced and I didn't care for the upholstery quality or the very, very light colored carpet. Also, even though the engine sounded great, it wasn't all that speedy.
Kept it a little over two years.
'99 Acura TL- I thought I'd economize, and what a mistake. The only good thing about this car was that for the five months I owned it, it was extremely reliable and needed no unscheduled service. Otherwise, extremely boring exterior, and felt like I was in an Accord. No soul.
'00 Audi A6 2.7T - beautifully designed inside and out. just a really nice and reliable car with a good dealer experience. Can't really fault it, except next to the BMW it felt a little soft in its handling characteristics, and did not feel sporty enough to me. Just felt kind of ponderous. Kept it two years.
'02 Saab 9-5 Arc 3.0T - an ok car....after the BMW and Audi it was clearly not as well put together. Just look at the vinyl material stitched behind the steering wheel...awful torque steer (I'll never own another fwd vehicle again) and medium quality of interior materials. On the plus side, you get a lot of options for the money, and it's fun to drive in a gimmicky kind of way (ignition switch, night panel, ventilated seats, etc.). Kept it almost a year.
G35- This car reminds me why I kept my '93 Maxima SE for two years. It just feels like it's tight as a drum and the engine purrs. The handling and tautness beats all of my previous cars. The styling is outrageously nice and I consider the price a steal. The only minor faults I've found are the dash materials look cheap, and it didn't do as well as the BMW in blending sport/luxury riding mannerisms. All in all, I haven't been this excited about a car in a long time. It's funny how the a lot of people talk about the efficienct, yet soul-less nature of the Japanese cars vs. the Germans. To be honest, my Audi felt a bit soul-less, and the Acura really did, but this G35 has soul to spare! Enjoy everyone.
88 Mustang GT - 4 years 10 mos.
92 Dodge Stealth - 4 years 1 mo
95 3000GT Spyder - 2 years
98 Mitsu Eclipse - 2 years 3 mos.
2002 V6 Camaro - 9 mos.
2002 Z28 Camaro - 4 mos and counting. I'll probably keep it at least 2 years, but the G35 coupe is looking more and more like it could be my next car. (AWD would be a major draw! I loved the AWD on my Stealth and Mitsus.)
1992 Toyota Camry traded for
1996 Infiniti I30 traded for
1999 Audi A6 2.8 with quattro traded for
2002 Acura 3.2 TL-S (still have)
1993 Honda Civic Del Sol traded for
1995 Acura Integra GSR traded for
1999 VW Passat GLX traded for
2003 Infiniti G35c (just got)
In terms of reliability, the I30 and the TL-S have been the best by far. The Audi A6 was the worst, hands down, and it had the highest MSRP.
1988 Prelude (6 years) trade for a
1999 Prelude (2 years, lease) turned in for a
2001 Prelude SH (1 year) traded in for a
2002 Honda S2000 (8 months)
Then I bought back my 2001 Prelude SH about six months later for a few hundred bucks over what I traded it in for. (I love soft markets--technically it was cheaper for me to let it sit on a dealer lot than it was for me to insure it.)
I'm a sucker for capable but completely unloved cars. I really ought to get one of those below-invoice CL-S 6-speeds that they're practically giving away. If I were made of more money, the G35 coupe would be sweet, but you can pick up CL-S 6-speeds for under $29k out the door, at least here in Detroit.
The engine, interior, size, and reliability are all excellent on both of these cars, the AWD would really sew it all together, in my opinion.
1979 Mont Carlo ( 6 mos )
1987 Plymouth sundance (4 mos)
1987 Olds cierra (3.8l V6 S1 wonderful engine) 5 mos
1991 Chevy Lumina 2yrs
1999 Dodge Stratus 2.5 years
2001 Chrysler 300M 1.25 year (still have)
Looking at the G35 sedan/coupe and for my first suv
I know you will say, "you only live once," but trading new cars is very wasteful given that they depreciate almost 30% in the first two years of ownership.
The only car I ever sold was a used 1994 Toyota Tercel. The cars/truck that I buy new I keep for a long time. My 1998 SE-R is now my race car and my 02 Tundra is the tow truck. My daily driver is a 1992 SE-R with 140K on the odo. I bought it for $1200 and fixed the clutch, gave it a tune-up and it runs like a champ with 27 mpg in mixed driving. It is also fun to drive.
1972 Pinto (Fell apart in 4.5 years)
1973 Harley Sportster (AMF years. Don't ask, sold in 1974.)
1977 Camaro(Donated to charity in 1989)
1984 Camry (donated to chairty in 1999)
1989 Civic (will be donated to charity in 2002)
1995 Max GLE (200,000 miles and still excellent)
2000 Max SE (112,000 miles and just broken in)
(All bought new by the way.)
Now looking at G35 sedan/coupe to replace the donated Honda next spring! (I may be swayed by the 350Z if it shows up as a roadster.)
So many new cars in so many promising designs with only 3 spots in the garage! It's a great time to be a fan of the automobile!
To the guy about trading cars alot and wealth. My first three cars were extremely used and bought with cash. My dodge was the first new car and the chrysler the second. I will never drive a single car I think for more than 3 yrs. Cars if purchased correctly and other smart investments made can have very little effect on total wealth. I consider it as an expensive hobby since I don't normally spend alot of money on any other hobbies. No car whether you drive it for 2 yrs or 10 in a wise financial decision. A wise financial decision would be to ride a bike or walk it also would be healthier. Read the millionaire next door and I still love cars and always will.
I am looking at the G35 because of Nissan/Infiniti's reputation for quality, reliability and service. Also for the fact that it will spank almost every sedan or coupe under 50k in performance
Have to say AWD would be a great improvement and upping the interior trim.
Ppower
My wife has a 2002 BMW 325Ci, which is a fabulous car. But, I am considering the G35 just to be different. Why the heck should we have two BMWs when we can have variety in two fine cars? We still have her '97 Integra GS to drive for real fun.