rsivarajan, what is the CF interface? Is that where you can hookup a playstation or DVD player and use the screen? I asked the guy about how safe that was and he said you had to have the vehicle in park and the emergency brake on for it to work.
Yeah, my G has had my heart pounding a few times. I discovered the other day that I was physically all tensed up while blasting out of a red light. (I always always look both ways before doing that.)
About the XM, it just started working a few days after purchasing the car. I did read somewhere that there's a 3 month free period. You are probably in that period so if you are looking for the trial, you'll want to start checking it out.
The only thing about the music box is that you have to _record_ it from the CD (not the 6-disc magazine either). So far, I haven't found a way to do any sort of bulk copy of MP3 files. So that's a bit of a drag to convert songs off my CDs yet again.
About the CF -- That's the CompactFlash card interface. Looks like you can only play songs off that, no pictures or movies. For movies, you can use the auxiliary input. I haven't tried out the video yet but you have to put the parking brake on for it to work.
Man... did i like the car... sweet ride.. I am looking to get a good quote on a 07 G35x with Premium and Nav. I could probably go till chicago to get one.. but no one seems to be budging on the MSRP... did you guys pay sticker or get any other incentives like maintenance coupons or free stuff... any input as to who the best dealers are to negotiate with in the Midwest region
I assume you are in Milwaukee? I got the MSRP line for a while as well, but they caved in the 11th hour. Play the one dealership off the other as much as possible. Unless they know you are about to sign a purchase order, they won't start to move. You have to show you are serious about buying it from the other dealership.
I picked up a 2007 G35X end of December. I shopped the car on the web at several dealers. Finally decided on a dealer in MD (no G35X in the south at the time) and emailed what I wanted. Internet sales rep offered $300 over invoiceif I bought by 12/31, but then couldn't get the Tech pkg I wanted from another local lot, so he offered invoice on 2 cars on his lot w/o Tech Pkg. When I called 2nd dealer about the Tech Pkg car, they wanted $1400 over invoice plus the extra $1100 for Tech Pkg - too much! I punted on the Tech Pkg and got invoice from 1st dealer.
Free advice (worth every penny): play dealer against dealer, shoot for last week of the month, buy from inventory, and be willing to take other than first choice colors to get your best price. Looks like they're holding the Tech Package cars for more $$$, so beware.
Might be surprised how well you can do just sending out emails to fleet managers, finance mgrs. etc. at dealerships in a 100 mile radius (or bigger). We saved a lot on an Acura doing that, and did the whole deal in 20 min over the phone and with a fax machine. Picked it up (300 miles away) and made a nice little 2 day vacation driving it home.
I tried that with Toyota and had very good luck. Not so much with Infiniti or Lexus. All I'd get back was a phone call or more questions or invitation to come in and discuss my needs.
For those who didn't know, the Infiniti G35 is sold in Japan as the Nissan Skyline. Ok, actually it's the other way around because they make it over there and rebadge it for us.
You might be interested in checking the Japan Nissan site, even if you don't read Japanese. They have some nice photos of the Skyline/G35 including some good ones of a Blue Slate (called "Statosphere Blue") in their phot page.
Go to the following url then select the second tab #2 to the right of the "Skyline" tab to see the photo gallery.
Also, if you dig through tab #6 and the "3D" build-your-own configurator, it's interesting to see some of hte Japanese market options that aren't available to us state-side - front fender and curb cameras, proximity sensors, chin spoiler, reclining rear seats, adjustable rear seat headrests, saddle color leather interior, what appears to be a TV/Web unit, etc.
One thing we have over the "home -market" - apparently, they sell two engines in Japan - the 3.5 we get and a 2.5 as well. Their AWD version is only available with the 2.5L. So that's one where my US G35X version outpaces the Japanese Skyline 250 AWD.
Well, of course you have to be very specific about what you want, color, accessories, . ..things you don't want to live without. It's ridiculous for them to expect you to come in to discuss it if they are quite a distance from you. Like I said, I did not try it except with the Acura. I purchased the Inf, from a private party, and friend besides. Somebody who went with a BMW 550i and has not been happy with the 2 closest bimmer dealerships.
Obsidian Black on Graphite. OEM after Market Wood Dash trim. I enjoyed the deeper gloss of the aftermarket trim than the (less costly) factory installed wood.
Love the car, moved to it from Jaguar X-Type Sport, loved that one too.
Drove my New G35X right out of the dealer service area into an old fashioned New England Northeaster.... 22 degrees 4 inches of blowing snow and ice.
Hit the snow mode switch and cruised right on home...
I have had the car for one full week and of course all of this is subjective. Just wanted to give some of you out there still on the fence about the G another review that is not in a magazine or that you have to worry about which sponsors paid or how much they paid for a good review. I realize that i'm still in that honeymoon period with the car but I dont see it changing much but in fact only getting better as i pass the break in period. I've been taken it easy and want to make sure I follow the factory recommendations for break in period. although some will argue that it is not needed.
The car drives amazing. the push start tech. is wonderful, I still have not gotten accustomed to leaving the fob in my pocket and still once in a while attempt to grab a key in the steering column that is not there. I really love the way the car seat pulls forward and the steering column tilts down automatically as one pushes the start button. It make me feel like Im in a jet in my own private cockpit. It has been really difficult to keep it under 4000 rpms as the car want to go. the petal as some have read is really sensitive and one slight tap and your off. it feels like the transmission is ready to go when you are. the shifts have been smooth and quick. which i think will only get better as the break in period comes to an end and the car smooths itself out.
Gas mileage- I think I'll skip that one of course not the best but i think we all know what we are getting if you get one. do you want performance, or economical??? really hard to have both but that response time that the car gives and fun to drive feeling I get is worth the extra change in every tank. I think someone some time ago did a break down of how much you save over a year period based on the reported mileage. dont recall at this time and am not really interested in knowing. its well worth the money knowing that I can pass a big rig truck or most cars on the road as I am merging into traffic or freeway/interstate.
The sound system is good. Not great but good enough to enjoy your commute. I was expecting better from the reviews in car mags but it appeared to be a little hyped up. Again good enough but not the best that I've heard. Lacks a bit on the bass.
all the controls are integrated and easy to use. you can use the knob, the mouse controller, or voice commands for almost all features. Given that I've only had the car one week, I still have not figured them all out but it sure is fun trying and learning. Then you also have these forums where you can come for help for those little things you cant figure out.
overall, I am very satisfied with the car and very happy that I jumped in the game for the 07 model. You can always want to wait for the latest and greatest put you'll have to jump in sometime, and when you do, they will be working on the next biggest and latest model. A quick note: I also tested the TL and IS but the G just appealed to me the most and you get all the gadgets for a fair price. have fun in your search. This being my first New car buying Experience, I realized that looking/buying a car can be a fun, as long as you are well prepared and informed. if you know what you want and know what a fair price is, you will be in a great position to deal.
Hope this helps some of you out there and I appreciate all the help I received myself in these forums. I hope this smile never goes away.
Triple, in regards to the sound system... give it time. It gets a little better once the speakers have had a chance to break in.
Most people, when they think about stereos, only think about volume, bass, and how loud it gets before it starts to distort. The clarity in this "Studio on Wheels" is actually one of the best stereos I've heard. I'm hearing instuments and notes in my music that I have never heard before.
I personally feel it's clearer than the Mark Lev and by far, better than the ELS in the Acura TL. It has enough power so I can still hear it with the roof open and windows down, which the TL cannot do, but the clarity is really where this stereo shines. Close the windows, find a medium volume, and play around with the genres of music and the stereos settings.
If you looked at my Musicbox, you'd think I'm nuts, cause I'm all over the place with my music. I'll admit that some certainly sound better than others, but I think it's the media, and not the stereo's fault.
I think I was also a little disappointed in the stereo, while listening to it on my way home from the dealer. In the weeks since, I've learned to love it, and now, would not to change it at all.
It's funny you say that Scott, about the system not sounding too good on the way home and certainly not what I remember during my test drives. The first week I had the car i thought something was wrong, the bass was flat and turning up past 1/2 way introduced a little distortion on the low end. After about 1-2 weeks the system sounds completely different. I can go over 1/2 way and it's rock solid even on the exact same song I had on my CF card when I picked up the car...
It's true this system needs about a 2 week break-in period.
Also for the first month I kept all settings at center default. Over the past few months I've found the perfect setting. For me it's Turn both bass & Treb to Max, then back down Treb 1 step, and back down bass 4 steps. The whole system is much richer at these settings. It doesn't add any more bass, it just adds more life to the music, especially in the mid to high range.
I like the sound system, but I don't like the fact that broadcast stations come in much louder than XM. My presets are a jumbled mix of AM/FM/XM and I switch around a lot, which means I'm constantly adjusting the volume. I don't know why this is the case.
I haven't listened to AM/FM for over 2 years, except for the drive down to the dealer to trade in my wife's car, which I uninstalled Sirius from earlier that day.
And I hope it's another 2 years before I have to listen to that again. :P
This is a fairly well know issue with XM, it's this way in all cars. I've seen many complaints on the the TL's implementation of XM as well.
XM has very low bit-rate, it's light years away from CD quality, so it comes through weak and muffled no matter what car you have, it's quality is like stereo AM.
I got the G35 coupe (6MT) graphite/graphite w/ premium, nav, areo & splash guards yesterday . I think I should say bought, not got as I only have some papers to show for it. The car needs to come in from another dealer so looks like I don't get it before Monday
I loved the car on the test drive & it felt much better than the BMW 328i I tried, so I am waiting.
BTW, I had a question too. The dealer offered this package which is kind of a cover on the front of the car to protact against rocks n such. I plan to clay & wax my car, do you think this covering is recommended/needed? Also, if anyone has it, what did you pay?
on the protection, If the dealer is talking about the protective film then YES, do not even pickup your car without it! no matter how tempted you are, be patient and get the film installed before putting any miles on the car.
Typical price for full frontal coverage is $700-1000, I know it sounds like a lot, but your front will be destroyed in the first year if you don't get it. the cost to repaint every year is far greater then the film.
The pain on Infiniti's is some of the worst I've ever come across, running into bugs even chips this paint. I have a 07 in black with 4600 miles and the front is shredded since I didn't get it. It's too late for me, but maybe you (or others) can learn from my blunder. I'll probably have it repainted next spring and immediately have the film installed.
if they are selling some other type of protection, i.e. sealant or something, then it's a complete waste. only the film works to reduce chips and sand blasting.
Finally, I have the car. A couple of days of waiting and it was here today. The keys where missing (only had one) so new have been ordered and should get them by next week. Overall a good buying exp. Now, I am off for a drive
I just bought a Blue Slate G35 Journey w/t Premium package on Saturday. I love it! I just hit 71 miles today. When I drove it off the lot I had 7 miles. It will be fun to start talking about the car with other owners.
I just got my '07 G35 Sedan Journey w/ Premium + Tech package last night. It's liquid platinum with graphite interior and am slowly breaking it in...167 miles. Looks like it'll take a month to figure out all the voice recognition and other features. Any suggestions for new owners?
and I still LOVE my G35S. I have black with black leather and have all the packages pretty much. Love the XM radio (3 months free), the rear view camera and NAV. The seats are great, power is mind boggling, and its just a great car. I get looks everywhere I go and several people have even commented on the car in parking lots here in Atlanta. Fantastic car, I am very happy!!
Just got past break-in of our blue slate/graphite aftermarket wood, premium, XM, splash guards, cargo net 6MT.
We love the car's stable, supple handling and ready abundant power. Interior feels sexy and Bose SOW is best auto stereo we've experienced. Long clutch and high engagement point took some getting used to.
Just past break in, we took a long trip up relentlessly twisty and hilly Taconic State Parkway in New York. Wow! What a blast! Not only did my wife not complain about my "spirited" driving, the car felt so secure that she hit a 100MPH driving without realizing it.
My '07 G35 sport MT sedan is one week old. Black on Black, Prem, Nav, Tech, rear wheel steering, splash guards, cargo net. Got a great deal and the car feels like I am riding on air. Love that I can record my CD's as I play them. My whole collection will be in my car within 3 weeks! Not to many twisties down here in Coral Springs FLA, but it sure eats up the straightaways!!!
My car-Infinity G35 with Borla Cat Back exhaust system. Question-What are your recommendations for Cold Air Intake systems? Installation-cost-benefits etc
Yesterday, I bought a Lakeshore Slate Infiniti G35 Sport with Nav Package, Journey Package, Premium Package, Illuminated Door Sills, Trunk Mat, and Cargo Net. I'm completely in love with it! I'm 16 and it's my first car. I drove it home from the dealer, which was about forty miles away. It was so enjoyable; I really love those paddle shifters. Basically, I don't think there could be a more perfect car for me.
Comments
About the XM, it just started working a few days after purchasing the car. I did read somewhere that there's a 3 month free period. You are probably in that period so if you are looking for the trial, you'll want to start checking it out.
The only thing about the music box is that you have to _record_ it from the CD (not the 6-disc magazine either). So far, I haven't found a way to do any sort of bulk copy of MP3 files. So that's a bit of a drag to convert songs off my CDs yet again.
About the CF -- That's the CompactFlash card interface. Looks like you can only play songs off that, no pictures or movies. For movies, you can use the auxiliary input. I haven't tried out the video yet but you have to put the parking brake on for it to work.
Thanks for the note on the XM, I'll wait it out and keep checking. Right now I get three channels, all preview stuff.
I finally figured out how to switch the display from day to night. I spent all this time going through menus and there is a button right on the dash.
I am looking to get a good quote on a 07 G35x with Premium and Nav.
I could probably go till chicago to get one.. but no one seems to be budging on the MSRP... did you guys pay sticker or get any other incentives like maintenance coupons or free stuff... any input as to who the best dealers are to negotiate with in the Midwest region
Free advice (worth every penny): play dealer against dealer, shoot for last week of the month, buy from inventory, and be willing to take other than first choice colors to get your best price. Looks like they're holding the Tech Package cars for more $$$, so beware.
BTW, the car is sooooo sweeeet!
We saved a lot on an Acura doing that, and did the whole deal in 20 min over the phone and with a fax machine.
Picked it up (300 miles away) and made a nice little 2 day vacation driving it home.
You might be interested in checking the Japan Nissan site, even if you don't read Japanese. They have some nice photos of the Skyline/G35 including some good ones of a Blue Slate (called "Statosphere Blue") in their phot page.
Go to the following url then select the second tab #2 to the right of the "Skyline" tab to see the photo gallery.
http://www2.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE
Also, if you dig through tab #6 and the "3D" build-your-own configurator, it's interesting to see some of hte Japanese market options that aren't available to us state-side - front fender and curb cameras, proximity sensors, chin spoiler, reclining rear seats, adjustable rear seat headrests, saddle color leather interior, what appears to be a TV/Web unit, etc.
One thing we have over the "home -market" - apparently, they sell two engines in Japan - the 3.5 we get and a 2.5 as well. Their AWD version is only available with the 2.5L. So that's one where my US G35X version outpaces the Japanese Skyline 250 AWD.
Like I said, I did not try it except with the Acura. I purchased the Inf, from a private party, and friend besides.
Somebody who went with a BMW 550i and has not been happy with the 2 closest bimmer dealerships.
Love the car, moved to it from Jaguar X-Type Sport, loved that one too.
Drove my New G35X right out of the dealer service area into an old fashioned New England Northeaster.... 22 degrees 4 inches of blowing snow and ice.
Hit the snow mode switch and cruised right on home...
The car drives amazing. the push start tech. is wonderful, I still have not gotten accustomed to leaving the fob in my pocket and still once in a while attempt to grab a key in the steering column that is not there. I really love the way the car seat pulls forward and the steering column tilts down automatically as one pushes the start button. It make me feel like Im in a jet in my own private cockpit. It has been really difficult to keep it under 4000 rpms as the car want to go. the petal as some have read is really sensitive and one slight tap and your off. it feels like the transmission is ready to go when you are. the shifts have been smooth and quick. which i think will only get better as the break in period comes to an end and the car smooths itself out.
Gas mileage- I think I'll skip that one
The sound system is good. Not great but good enough to enjoy your commute. I was expecting better from the reviews in car mags but it appeared to be a little hyped up. Again good enough but not the best that I've heard. Lacks a bit on the bass.
all the controls are integrated and easy to use. you can use the knob, the mouse controller, or voice commands for almost all features. Given that I've only had the car one week, I still have not figured them all out but it sure is fun trying and learning. Then you also have these forums where you can come for help for those little things you cant figure out.
overall, I am very satisfied with the car and very happy that I jumped in the game for the 07 model. You can always want to wait for the latest and greatest put you'll have to jump in sometime, and when you do, they will be working on the next biggest and latest model. A quick note: I also tested the TL and IS but the G just appealed to me the most and you get all the gadgets for a fair price.
have fun in your search. This being my first New car buying Experience, I realized that looking/buying a car can be a fun, as long as you are well prepared and informed. if you know what you want and know what a fair price is, you will be in a great position to deal.
Hope this helps some of you out there and I appreciate all the help I received myself in these forums.
I hope this smile never goes away.
It gets a little better once the speakers have had a chance to break in.
Most people, when they think about stereos, only think about volume, bass, and how loud it gets before it starts to distort.
The clarity in this "Studio on Wheels" is actually one of the best stereos I've heard.
I'm hearing instuments and notes in my music that I have never heard before.
I personally feel it's clearer than the Mark Lev and by far, better than the ELS in the Acura TL.
It has enough power so I can still hear it with the roof open and windows down, which the TL cannot do, but the clarity is really where this stereo shines.
Close the windows, find a medium volume, and play around with the genres of music and the stereos settings.
If you looked at my Musicbox, you'd think I'm nuts, cause I'm all over the place with my music.
I'll admit that some certainly sound better than others, but I think it's the media, and not the stereo's fault.
I think I was also a little disappointed in the stereo, while listening to it on my way home from the dealer.
In the weeks since, I've learned to love it, and now, would not to change it at all.
It's true this system needs about a 2 week break-in period.
Also for the first month I kept all settings at center default. Over the past few months I've found the perfect setting. For me it's Turn both bass & Treb to Max, then back down Treb 1 step, and back down bass 4 steps. The whole system is much richer at these settings. It doesn't add any more bass, it just adds more life to the music, especially in the mid to high range.
And I hope it's another 2 years before I have to listen to that again. :P
XM has very low bit-rate, it's light years away from CD quality, so it comes through weak and muffled no matter what car you have, it's quality is like stereo AM.
I got the G35 coupe (6MT) graphite/graphite w/ premium, nav, areo & splash guards yesterday
I loved the car on the test drive & it felt much better than the BMW 328i I tried, so I am waiting.
BTW, I had a question too. The dealer offered this package which is kind of a cover on the front of the car to protact against rocks n such. I plan to clay & wax my car, do you think this covering is recommended/needed? Also, if anyone has it, what did you pay?
Thanks, Vidur
on the protection, If the dealer is talking about the protective film then YES, do not even pickup your car without it! no matter how tempted you are, be patient and get the film installed before putting any miles on the car.
Typical price for full frontal coverage is $700-1000, I know it sounds like a lot, but your front will be destroyed in the first year if you don't get it. the cost to repaint every year is far greater then the film.
The pain on Infiniti's is some of the worst I've ever come across, running into bugs even chips this paint. I have a 07 in black with 4600 miles and the front is shredded since I didn't get it. It's too late for me, but maybe you (or others) can learn from my blunder. I'll probably have it repainted next spring and immediately have the film installed.
if they are selling some other type of protection, i.e. sealant or something, then it's a complete waste. only the film works to reduce chips and sand blasting.
I just bought a Blue Slate G35 Journey w/t Premium package on Saturday. I love it! I just hit 71 miles today. When I drove it off the lot I had 7 miles.
We love the car's stable, supple handling and ready abundant power. Interior feels sexy and Bose SOW is best auto stereo we've experienced. Long clutch and high engagement point took some getting used to.
Just past break in, we took a long trip up relentlessly twisty and hilly Taconic State Parkway in New York. Wow! What a blast! Not only did my wife not complain about my "spirited" driving, the car felt so secure that she hit a 100MPH driving without realizing it.