Question for the car buffs

[justinn]

My family is interested in purchasing a new car. We were look at the Infiniti G35 Sedan. I am wondering if anyone has any input in regards to the car, things like resale value... etc. I would greatly appreciate any response about this as i am not much of a car person.
http://www.infiniti.ca/en/g_sedan/index.html

-justin

[owenmxz600]

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Infiniti/review/2007-infiniti-g35-sedan-preview/1847/ There is a review on the car, if that helps any!

[The Troll]

We were look at the Infiniti G35 Sedan.

The G35 is a great car but I would opt for the all wheel drive G35x model. I would suggest you find a low mileage year old model as you'll save much $$$.

[Ben Hogans]

My family is interested in purchasing a new car. We were look at the Infiniti G35 Sedan. I am wondering if anyone has any input in regards to the car, things like resale value... etc. I would greatly appreciate any response about this as i am not much of a car person.
http://www.infiniti.ca/en/g_sedan/index.html

-justin

You can PM me if you are interested in getting one a couple of years old with decent mileage.

[akrus]

I've got a 2005 G35 sedan and it's a great car. I haven't had any problems with it and I'm currently at 62,000 kms (bought it Aug 05). Plenty of power, great performance handling, just an overall excellent car.

I'm assuming your parents are looking at the 07? If they are interested in an 06, brand new G35x (all wheel drive), Guelph Infiniti Nissan has a couple at a really great price of $39,995. They did about a week or so ago, at least.

Mine is not the x, but I do have Dunlop Winter Sport M3s and winter is not a problem.

[justinn]

akrus, im just wondering does the wood trim in the interior come standard?

[golf nut]

akrus, im just wondering does the wood trim in the interior come standard?

No.. the wood trim is automatic.

[Pingnut]

No.. the wood trim is automatic.

BRILLIANT :rofl:

[justinn]

lol im sure you guys are poking fun at me right now, but i have no clue whats going on. (haha im not stupid or mentally challenged).

[akrus]

akrus, im just wondering does the wood trim in the interior come standard?

The wood trim is a $300 option, in 2005/2006. Not sure how much it is in 2007. It's still an option, but only on the x - it's not available on the other 3 models. Standard is aluminum.

[wonderboy]

G35 sedan is a fantastic car.. just to be certain go take a CTS out for a test drive, it's very similar in that it's a mid-size RWD entry-level luxury sedan in the same price range (only you can probably bargain it down for thousands less). It will either help solidify your thoughts towards the G35, or get you shopping around and trying out the TL, 3-series etc..

[tickyboy]

Isn't the BMW 3 series similarly priced? I know they always rate highly in Car and Driver... I could pull out some old comparisons between the two if you want. What other cars are they looking at?

[simar]

if you are going to invest money in a car, the g35 is a good option. the resale value will vary, as the market has its ups and downs. save yourself the newcar tax and find something with low kms.

[mikejb]

<Cough> Car auction <cough>

I am with Simar, find a broker and send him to the auction with you budget and what you want. You will be amazed at the deals that can be found.

Also check out this link (I picked a couple cars) http://www.auto123.com/en/new/carinfo/models/compare/compare.spy?CLS=Passenger&LNG=en&ID4=1076300905&ID1=1072600401&ID2=1070800101&ID3=1070600601

I was also chatting with a VW Dealership owner. As an fyi, the Passat 3.6 has not sold as well as VW Canada was hoping. So I think they are selling they at aggressive prices.

[fresh]

as for resale/residuals...year after year BMW has the best residual value of any car on the market...if you want any help in that dept...let me know as I work in the auto finance industry and our company owns the company that puts out the residual values across north america

[The Troll]

....our company owns the company that puts out the residual values across north america

Hey Fresh, just keep pushing the residual down on the Cadillac XLR will ya. :D

That's likely going to replace my aging SL....mind you, the XLR is already showing terrible residual value.

Another car that has poor residual value but is actually a very good car is the Mazda RX-8....so long as you don't care about mileage it is a fun car.

Trollie

[akrus]

Isn't the BMW 3 series similarly priced? I know they always rate highly in Car and Driver... I could pull out some old comparisons between the two if you want. What other cars are they looking at?

Entry level BMWs are lower price, but very weak powerplant.

The G is a bargain that can run with the BMW 330/335. Is the BMW worth the extra? Depends on how much you value the propeller logo and the differences in feel.

As for the other cars out there, personally, for a family sedan I would look at the Camry. The redesign is great and you won't beat the resale value of it.

In my case, I chose the G because it's the best performance/luxury car out there under $50k. Not sure what your parents are looking for out of a car. Not everyone needs a car that has class leading brakes or class leading horsepower.

The new vs used thing is something you have to figure out yourself. Buying used, especially from someone that you don't know, is a crap shoot. Was it in an accident? Did it have the proper service done on it? I have seen tons of horror stories related to buying used.

All in all, drive everything, but if your parents love the G - they won't be doing anything wrong if they purchased one without testing others as it really is a terrific car. I took everything out when I was looking and kept coming back to the G as the best value, haven't regretted it one bit.

[fresh]

Another car that has poor residual value but is actually a very good car is the Mazda RX-8....so long as you don't care about mileage it is a fun car.

Trollie

Why else do you think mazda has been pushing 0% financing on this car! LOL

as for the xlr - sweeet ride.

Entry level BMWs are lower price, but very weak powerplant.

The G is a bargain that can run with the BMW 330/335. Is the BMW worth the extra? Depends on how much you value the propeller logo and the differences in feel.

As for the other cars out there, personally, for a family sedan I would look at the Camry. The redesign is great and you won't beat the resale value of it.


I'd have to agree...my mom has been driving camry's for years. The first car I drove was a camry back in 96 and it was a sweet ride. She now has a 2006 and driving it is a dream. So much so that my dad sold his Lexus and "down graded" to the top o the line camry!

[The Troll]

as for the xlr - sweeet ride.



At $40-50, yes....at $100k plus, not so much. :D

Trollie

[ethandelacroix]

I have always been a huge fan of the g35 ever since it first came out.

I drive a G20 which is alot cheaper and they don't make anymore. My parents have a 2003 Max and they love it.

Knock on wood, none of these cars have had a problem with them... Nissan right now are on top of their game.

If you wanted to get a really nice car for cheaper than a G35 tell your parents to look into the new Altima. I've driven it and it's beautiful inside and out. With the 3.5L engine it might just be a hair slower than the G. Wait for the S version to come out (if not out yet) and you'll have an amazing car.

But if it's Infiniti you want, the new G sedan look better than the 2006's in my opinion.

Good luck... Stay with Nissan you won't regret it.

Miles

[justinn]

Thanks miles for your input!

Went out today with the family to take a look at the cars, i found that the interior of the G35 to be a bit of a disapointment. Also, a bit too small for our family.

We took a look at the Lexus GS 350, the interior looks great. 60000$ range though. Just for fun, i took a look at the lexus LS 460, the interior of that car looks flawless. haha, only problem is the 85,000$ price tag.

We also visited the Toyota dealership, and i was swayed away from the camry because of its interior. It looks way too simplistic and the panels location seems out of place.

Still looking for that perfect car haha.

[akrus]

Thanks miles for your input!

Went out today with the family to take a look at the cars, i found that the interior of the G35 to be a bit of a disapointment. Also, a bit too small for our family.

We took a look at the Lexus GS 350, the interior looks great. 60000$ range though. Just for fun, i took a look at the lexus LS 460, the interior of that car looks flawless. haha, only problem is the 85,000$ price tag.

We also visited the Toyota dealership, and i was swayed away from the camry because of its interior. It looks way too simplistic and the panels location seems out of place.

Still looking for that perfect car haha.

Sounds like you're going to have to look at the Acura TL. Decent looking car, but I have a friend with one and it's been a nightmare with respect to problems. Also, he hates his dealership and there really aren't that many around.

What are your parents driving now?

[NorthernRMK]

If you're willing to go a little higher in the price range (it appears you are) the BMW 3 series could be for you. I cross-shopped the 2006 330i (now the 335i), G35, and IS350, I never considered Acura though simply because of the FWD. I went with the 330 because the drive was incredible, and my wife thought it had more of a unique look to it. It all depends what you want, value, performance, resale, available options, etc... There is no wrong choice, you just have to be happy with your decision.

[justinn]

I've been hearing storys about the higher price to maintain say a bmw or benz than another car. Is it true, that only the dealership can fix the car? (sorry if i sound stupid, i dont know too much about cars).

[akrus]

I've been hearing storys about the higher price to maintain say a bmw or benz than another car. Is it true, that only the dealership can fix the car? (sorry if i sound stupid, i dont know too much about cars).
If your parents can buy into a new benz or bmw, maintenance costs shouldn't be an issue or they really shouldn't be looking in this area of the market.

BMW includes scheduled maintenance during the warranty period:

BMW - http://www.bmw.ca/com/en/index_highend.html (select BMW Owners and then Scheduled Service)

It's true that maintenance costs after the warranty period are likely to be higher than say that of a Pontiac Sunfire, but you need to expect better quality parts (ie: suspension, brake components, etc) to be part of a premium car.

This all said, if your parents can buy into even the entry-luxury level, maintenance should not even be a concern. For instance, my G requires the normal oil changes, along with doing major fluid changes (rad, brake, trans, etc), brake jobs, etc and they are easily comparable to any domestic vehicle.

Keep in mind, the dealer will take you to the cleaners if you opt for "super duper service schedule A" with the "let me know if it needs anything" inspection that most owners perform themselves...

[The Troll]

I've been hearing storys about the higher price to maintain say a bmw or benz than another car.

Justinn, no question parts and maintenance are more expensive for any German car. Always has been and always will be....I drive a MB SL500 and I have actually had a MB rep tell me "we don't care if customers have a problem with what we charge, they can drive something else".

Luckily, my car has been very reliable.

Right now, MB's are rated very poorly for quality....mostly due to the E class being, imo, just a very poor quality car.

See if you can google the vehicle satisfaction ratings for the past couple of years....not sure where Bimmers are but MB was right near the bottom on the last one I saw.

Trollie

[wayland]

Altima - very nice. my brother just got one for his company car and it's decent for that price.
BMW 3 series - too small if he thinks G35 isn't big enough
Acura TL - nice car but not alot bigger than the others in this class
Camry - don't even bother if you didn't like the G35...Camry isn't as nicely finished and equipped as the Infiniti.

[The Troll]

If I wanted a 4 door, I would look for a low mileage 2-3 year old Audi A8 L or S8.

[justinn]

sorry to keep asking you guys questions, but when do you think is the best time to purchase a new car? or do dealerships sell cars that are displayed?

[bythehour]

Yes, the dealer will be more than happy to sell you lot inventory. You may even get a better price than if you ordered a vehicle that is specific to your preference.

Buying at month end, or ideally at year end, can get you better deals. Sales managers (and reps) may be looking to make their quotas.

Be wary of high volume or popular dealerships. you may get a better deal on certain things, but they are also less inclined to go out of their way to help you. I've a several buddies tell me that the BMW dealer in London Ont is much more flexible than the dealers in Toronto on price.

I also second Troll's opinion of M-B's dealer service reputation. They suck. Try booking a service appointment for an oil change. It's like you're inconveniencing them!

I don't know if the E-class is to blame. The current C has been horrible, as were the earlier (pre-2003) versions of the previous S-Class. It seems that MB just went through a period of extremely poor quality. They sacrificed their traditional focus on quality engineering for "gee-whiz" (high tech gizmos, prone to failure) engineering.

You should also consider going the route of a broker. They may be able to get you a deal that you otherwise can't. (My sister saved $700 on a 2006 S40 from the lowest price that she bargained by going through a broker.)

[threeputt]

If you're willing to go a little higher in the price range (it appears you are) the BMW 3 series could be for you. I cross-shopped the 2006 330i (now the 335i), G35, and IS350, I never considered Acura though simply because of the FWD. I went with the 330 because the drive was incredible, and my wife thought it had more of a unique look to it. It all depends what you want, value, performance, resale, available options, etc... There is no wrong choice, you just have to be happy with your decision.

I looked at the same 3 cars and ended up with the Lexus IS350. Fun to drive and the interior was better than the other two IMHO. The BMW was about 8K more when compared feature to feature with the Lexus. The G35 was the cheapest of the 3 but that does not mean it is not a good car. Drive them all and pick what you like the best.

[golf nut]

Lexus is unsurpassed in construction performance and customer service.

[goshawk]

sorry to keep asking you guys questions, but when do you think is the best time to purchase a new car? or do dealerships sell cars that are displayed?

I'm not sure about imports, but the time to buy new cars from the "big 3" is after the new year models are on the lots. They want to get all the old year's models out as soon as possible, and are willing to deal more. I sold trucks in Baltimore and we were given incentives to get a customer on an "old year" vehicle if we could.
Also, if a car/truck has been on the lot for a long time, managers are really anxious to get them gone. It's costing the dealership big bucks to keep it there. I once sold a pickup for over $1k less than cost because it was there for about 7 months. But these are hard to find and you probably need to know someone at the dealership to let you know about that particular vehicle. Hope this helps.

[akrus]

I found this link which should help with getting an idea as to the maintenance costs of any car you're interested in. Mind you, it's for the US market, so convert the info as needed...

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/vehicle.do?synpartner=edmunds

[justinn]

Thank you everyone for your help!

[Ping High]

<Cough> Car auction <cough>

I am with Simar, find a broker and send him to the auction with you budget and what you want. You will be amazed at the deals that can be found.

Also check out this link (I picked a couple cars) http://www.auto123.com/en/new/carinfo/models/compare/compare.spy?CLS=Passenger&LNG=en&ID4=1076300905&ID1=1072600401&ID2=1070800101&ID3=1070600601

I was also chatting with a VW Dealership owner. As an fyi, the Passat 3.6 has not sold as well as VW Canada was hoping. So I think they are selling they at aggressive prices.

I wouldn't say they haven't sold as wella s predicted but we certainly can offer you some great incentives. If you're interested in any VW model please call me @ 905-889-7701 I am a sales associate for VW Richmond Hill, my name is Drew.:)

If I wanted a 4 door, I would look for a low mileage 2-3 year old Audi A8 L or S8.

or even a VW Phaeton same car as the A8 a little more luxurious and uber rare. We a have a lightly used 2004 V8 model priced around $50,000 (msrp $99,800.00) Amazing car, AWD plenty of room and tonnes of power. rated as best used luxury car buy for 2006. I got one at my dealer. Shoot me an email address and I can send you some picks if you'd like.

Drew