G35 sedan owners...

[akrus]

anyone on here have one? Thoughts? Likes/dislikes?

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a black on black sedan and just thought I'd see if there were any comments from TGN people.

Thanks in advance.

Albert

[DavidY]

Here are some comments on the G35 coupe:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/discus/messages/1490/18720.html

I have heard that there are issues with brakes on the G35....not sure if they still exist on the latest model year though.

Have also considered the Subaru Legacy GT? 250+ hp and AWD too. :D

Dave

[akrus]

Here are some comments on the G35 coupe:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/discus/messages/1490/18720.html

I have heard that there are issues with brakes on the G35....not sure if they still exist on the latest model year though.

Have also considered the Subaru Legacy GT? 250+ hp and AWD too. :D

Dave
Thanks for the comments. I have heard of the brake issue and that seems to have been resolved with the 2005. Also, the complaints about some cheap interior surfaces have been taken care of as well.

I have driven the Legacy GT and, frankly, thought it wasn't up to it's asking price. I like the idea of the awd, but the motor was down on power and refinement when compared to the Infiniti (drove manual Legacy). It was a bag of fun, but just not $40k fun. Also, no steering wheel controls for cruise/radio??? Infiniti had a much more welcoming interior, IMHO. Most certainly was fun to toss around.

I've also driven:
BMW 325i (new style);
Accord Hybrid (mostly to try it out - funky stuff happens in that car and Honda wants consumers to accept what would otherwise be serious short-comings - stick to standard V6 Accord and play cheaper golf balls or learn to hit straight if fuel costs become that worrisome... LOL!!)
Legacy GT;
Audi A4;
Volkswagen Passat (new style);

Domestics are really hurting as far as product offering go, with the exception of the Chrysler group, but I'm not sold on their reliability. GM = ???? WTF and Ford has a great looking car in the Mustang, with what I think is the worst interior I've seen since the 70's.

Albert

[TehFlakes]

Cant Wait to Brake in the Trunk:D

Let me know what you choose

Golf next weekend for sure Albert?

Ryan

[akrus]

Cant Wait to Brake in the Trunk:D

Let me know what you choose

Golf next weekend for sure Albert?

Ryan
LOL!! I've got a place already reserved for your sticks, Flakes! If I pick up a new car, I'll have to see what the timing of the break-in period is like, before making the trip to TO - I generally like to have about 1500 kms on the odo before taking any extended highway trips. That said, you know I'm up for a game. Will even save room for Rocknronny.

Let me know what you have in mind for a weekend round. Braeben???

Albert

[TehFlakes]

that would be ideal. ronny can make his way to my place

[BdaGolfer]

I've also driven:
BMW 325i (new style);
Accord Hybrid (mostly to try it out - funky stuff happens in that car and Honda wants consumers to accept what would otherwise be serious short-comings - stick to standard V6 Accord and play cheaper golf balls or learn to hit straight if fuel costs become that worrisome... LOL!!)
Legacy GT;
Audi A4;
Volkswagen Passat (new style);


Albert
What did you think of the BMW? I really like the styling of the new models, but I also like the G35 - what made you pick the G over the Beemer?

Alan

[mikejb]

My question continues from what Alan asked. Why the G35 over the A4, or the new Passat. The new Passat with the 3.6 L V6 will be deliveried shortly.

I am actually taking delviery of my new (2006) Passat on September 1.

[ethandelacroix]

Hi, I drive a 2000 Infiniti G20 which I bought brand new. It has over 100k and not one problem. My good friend just bought a 2004 G35 coupe and he loves it.

I will probably be purchasing a m45 or the fx35 in the spring I have to just hammer out some details on where I'll be buying a house.

Infinit's have just stepped up to the plate with everything they have come out with. I know I drive one and my parents drive a Maxima but I think over all they are superior to the "Godly" Bimmer 3 series.

In any case whether it's a G35, 3 series or an A4 you will be making some awesome choices.

If you decide to go get a G you can try Ron Daltson, he's a sales person at the Nissan dealership on Kennedy and Highway 7. Not only is he a good friend of mine, but my parents, uncle couple of friends have bought cars of him and you'll never meet a nicer guy who'll take care of you even after you've drove of the lot...

Good luck.

Miles

[akrus]

What did you think of the BMW? I really like the styling of the new models, but I also like the G35 - what made you pick the G over the Beemer?

Alan
The BMW is a nice car, aesthetically and in terms of dynamics. The Infiniti just offers more in terms of power and option level for the same cost (assuming 325i - 330i is just crazy $$$$$$, IMHO). Also, I'm currently leasing a 2002 Nissan Maxima which Nissan was offering incentives in order to have me stay on as a customer. The incentives include:
- pay out of remaining lease payments (up to 3);
- 1/4% lower than advertised interest rate;
- $500 cash back

Those incentives were not substantial enough for me to stay with the Nissan/Infiniti line, but I was also able to get them to eat my mileage overage (~30,000 kms). On top of some negotiating, Infiniti is very willing to make things work.

Some of the nice things about the Infiniti:
- largest interior/trunk (with friends like Flakes, gotta make room for golfers...);
- best warranty 4 year/100,000kms;
- MP3/wma compatible stereo;
- most power;
- very dynamic chasis and highly responsive brakes;
- my experience with my Maxima sold me on quality - no problems and rock solid at 130,000kms;
- Intelligent Key seems like a nifty toy;

There are many other reasons, but those items come to the top of my thoughts list automatically.

The Audi and Passat just plain worry me with regards to quality and maintenance costs. No doubt they have great interiors, but their mechanical reliability is somewhat behind that of Infiniti, IMO. Also, they just aren't as fun to drive as the G35. All wheel drive would be a nice feature, but Infiniti offers that as well.

The Infiniti really has the advantage due to being a great value, yet offering very much the same level of luxury/sport of anything in it's class.

I'm about 99% certain that I'll do the Infiniti, but anything can happen...

Albert

[akrus]

My question continues from what Alan asked. Why the G35 over the A4, or the new Passat. The new Passat with the 3.6 L V6 will be deliveried shortly.

I am actually taking delviery of my new (2006) Passat on September 1.
Congrats on your purchase. The new Passat is light years ahead of the previous version and I think they are definite class leaders in terms of interiors. A very practical choice in the Passat.

It will be interesting to sit down and talk in about a month or two to discuss what we think after a few miles are put on the cars, assuming that I go with the Infiniti.

Again, congrats on your purchase. What colour did you get?

Albert

[akrus]

Hi, I drive a 2000 Infiniti G20 which I bought brand new. It has over 100k and not one problem. My good friend just bought a 2004 G35 coupe and he loves it.

I will probably be purchasing a m45 or the fx35 in the spring I have to just hammer out some details on where I'll be buying a house.

Infinit's have just stepped up to the plate with everything they have come out with. I know I drive one and my parents drive a Maxima but I think over all they are superior to the "Godly" Bimmer 3 series.

In any case whether it's a G35, 3 series or an A4 you will be making some awesome choices.

If you decide to go get a G you can try Ron Daltson, he's a sales person at the Nissan dealership on Kennedy and Highway 7. Not only is he a good friend of mine, but my parents, uncle couple of friends have bought cars of him and you'll never meet a nicer guy who'll take care of you even after you've drove of the lot...

Good luck.

Miles
Thanks for the hookup, but I've pretty much got a good deal in the works.

I also agree that Infiniti is putting up a great fight against the establishment. However, I think you might be a bit hard on the BMW 3. It's a great car and I have a feeling that with a bit of ownership, the added cost would become easily justifiable, at least to the owner (which is all that matters)

The M35/M45 is another G type example of Infiniti coming to the plate with a price leader that matches the rest in it's class in terms of interior, performance, etc. I've like the M since I fist saw one at the car show. Just a great car! Think about Lexus GS300 for $64,300 and compare it to M35 at $54,000 - I know the Lexus is good, but that's alot of golf...

Not too long ago, I really thought that Nissan/Infiniti were close to being finished - now, they seem to have made a terrific comeback with a great future in store.

Albert

[TehFlakes]

Thanks Albert:)

ALL Wheel Drive Eh?
Reminds me of driving my frinds WRX STI, now theirs a fun car to drive....Did i remind you i have my liscence:)lol!


Ryan Aka FLakes
The BMW is a nice car, aesthetically and in terms of dynamics. The Infiniti just offers more in terms of power and option level for the same cost (assuming 325i - 330i is just crazy $$$$$$, IMHO). Also, I'm currently leasing a 2002 Nissan Maxima which Nissan was offering incentives in order to have me stay on as a customer. The incentives include:
- pay out of remaining lease payments (up to 3);
- 1/4% lower than advertised interest rate;
- $500 cash back

Those incentives were not substantial enough for me to stay with the Nissan/Infiniti line, but I was also able to get them to eat my mileage overage (~30,000 kms). On top of some negotiating, Infiniti is very willing to make things work.

Some of the nice things about the Infiniti:
- largest interior/trunk (with friends like Flakes, gotta make room for golfers...);
- best warranty 4 year/100,000kms;
- MP3/wma compatible stereo;
- most power;
- very dynamic chasis and highly responsive brakes;
- my experience with my Maxima sold me on quality - no problems and rock solid at 130,000kms;
- Intelligent Key seems like a nifty toy;

There are many other reasons, but those items come to the top of my thoughts list automatically.

The Audi and Passat just plain worry me with regards to quality and maintenance costs. No doubt they have great interiors, but their mechanical reliability is somewhat behind that of Infiniti, IMO. Also, they just aren't as fun to drive as the G35. All wheel drive would be a nice feature, but Infiniti offers that as well.

The Infiniti really has the advantage due to being a great value, yet offering very much the same level of luxury/sport of anything in it's class.

I'm about 99% certain that I'll do the Infiniti, but anything can happen...

Albert

[mikejb]

I think I have a Metalic Black 2006 Passat with the leather luxury package 2.0T and beigie leather interior. It comes with all the bells and whistle's for about $37,000 + tax.

After some good negiotaing by a car broker I have ended up about $1400 above delaer cost. Final price has yet to be determined.

I am loving the idea of stepping up from the Jetta to the Passat. The interior space is great, and the trunk is huge (bigger than the 5 series and the E Class).

I beleive that the relaibility issues of VW and Audi are a little blown out of proportion since the old days. When you compare the price of the Audi v. Infiiniti when you get to that price bracket, the advantage that would help me stay with Audi/VW would be the free scheduled maintenace to 80,000 K.

[wayland]

My wife drives a 2004 FX35, great car, rock solid in terms of reliability (so far *knock on wood*).

We took it in for servicing one weekend and they lent us a G35X sedan. I drove it golfing one day and can say that it's a great car. Handles excellent (as good as BMW 3 series, however I haven't driven the newest one), more than enough power, roomy enough for 4 adults.

I haven't car shopped in a couple of years but I doubt you can find another car in it's class that will beat it on performance and options for the price.

FYI, Infiniti's GPS navigation system is excellent as well. Simple to use and accurate. We have it in the FX and sometimes I wish I had it in my Boxster.

[lumpycam]

My wife has a G35 M6 sedan and I have a Legacy GT in five speed. I always tell people the two cars could not be further apart in their driving dynamics.

-The G35 is a luxury car that performs well.
-The Legacy GT is a performance car that has a decent amount of luxury content.

If I had to buy just one car being a married man with a newborn on the way it would be the G35 because it is more of a practical machine with it's size and comfort.

If I was a not fortunate enough to be married and more importantly be expecting i would choose the Legacy GT/WRX STi cars.

Luckily we need two cars so the dilemma was taken care of.:)

In a nutshell, if you do choose the G35, you will be the owner of one of the best performance sedans in the market today. The European competition is unnecessarily overpriced and their reliability pales in comparison. Not that reliability really matters if you are leasing, but still it's something to keep in mind.

Good luck either way. I am sure you'll make the right choice.

[wayland]

In a nutshell, if you do choose the G35, you will be the owner of one of the best performance sedans in the market today. The European competition is unnecessarily overpriced and their reliability pales in comparison. Not that reliability really matters if you are leasing, but still it's something to keep in mind.

Good luck either way. I am sure you'll make the right choice.
Reliability most definitely counts when you're leasing. It's your time and money wasted when you need to visit the dealer 4x a year because the check engine light is on AGAIN on your new BMW.

[akrus]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I went with a black on black G35 auto sedan with premium package. I took delivery last night and it's just been incredible! I know it may seem like I made my decision quickly, but I've been seriously looking at/driving potential cars for the last couple of weeks.

Again, thanks to everyone.

Albert

[Greywolf]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I went with a black on black G35 auto sedan with premium package. I took delivery last night and it's just been incredible! I know it may seem like I made my decision quickly, but I've been seriously looking at/driving potential cars for the last couple of weeks.

Again, thanks to everyone.

Albert

Congrats Albert, I read the whole thread, you people have some nice cars. Good luck with the G35, one of my favs, anyone want to lend me some $$.

[TehFlakes]

i'll just take it for a spin..lol..

[BdaGolfer]

Congrats on the new car - give us a review in a few weeks :-)

Alan

[akrus]

I snapped a couple of quick pics of the new ride and thought I'd share with you.

Thanks again to everyone here for advice/compliments. Greatly appreciated.

Albert

[akrus]

will look sweet pulling into eagles nest


btw, u don't happen to work for RIM?
Nope, don't work for RIM, even though lately it sure feels like I do. Our upgrade of the Blackberry server is rejecting some of my old CALs and I think I've talked to everyone at RIM, except Lazaridis - and so help me if I see him...

I'm really looking forward to fall golf at a couple of the Toronto courses, Angus Glen, Eagles Nest and Copper Creek among them. Now I just gotta get through the break in period before I get the itch to book something there.

Thanks for the compliment, greenie.

Albert

[mikejb]

Akrus, you got yours, I got mine.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/Skiterra/Passat/IMG_0773.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/Skiterra/Passat/IMG_0772.jpg

[akrus]

Akrus, you got yours, I got mine.

Looks great, Mike! You gotta love black. I like how they made the new Passat more upscale. They've done a great job on it. I'll be interested in hearing back from you after 2-3 k of seat time.

I've got about 2.5k on mine and love it more every day. I'm getting 26 mpg (imperial gal.), which isn't too bad for the break in period, also factoring in the desire of the 280 horses to lead me astray. I've had plenty of high power cars in the past, but this one is the most refined. It puts the power down like an electric motor, incredibly smooth and seemingly endless. Oh, and handles like a go-kart - think and it goes.

Get back with a mini-review in a couple of weeks, Mike.

Sweet looking car, congrats! Now, let's see it at a TGN golf meet.

Albert

[akrus]

Akrus, you got yours, I got mine.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/Skiterra/Passat/IMG_0773.jpg

Oh, forgot to ask:

Why blank out your license plate? You do know that it's visible to hundreds, if not thousands of other drivers on the highway, right?

Albert

[ethandelacroix]

Congrats to both of you,both your cars look awesome...


I'm glad that you grapped the G35, you will be extremely happy, and yeah I'm sure that it has a bigger trunk than a 3 series...

Miles

[mikejb]

Oh, forgot to ask:

Why blank out your license plate? You do know that it's visible to hundreds, if not thousands of other drivers on the highway, right?

Albert
I think it is one of those habits out of an old wise tale of urban legends that if someone in some other state/ province wanted to they could get some information about you. You never know on the net who is looking, but if they are sneaking around your house you will notice.

[akrus]

I think it is one of those habits out of an old wise tale of urban legends that if someone in some other state/ province wanted to they could get some information about you. You never know on the net who is looking, but if they are sneaking around your house you will notice.
You know the possibility of the criminal being in your province, maybe even your neighbour, is just slightly lower than that of the out of province web surfer...

Unless you're doing something illegal, there's no reason to cover it, IMO.

Albert

[Doublepar]

anyone on here have one? Thoughts? Likes/dislikes?

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a black on black sedan and just thought I'd see if there were any comments from TGN people.

Thanks in advance.

AlbertNot putting down the G35....it's a sweet car. But for the $$$ and class, shoudl have also considered the new Lexus IS. Specs, design, performance are all top notch. Even more, Lexus service is the BEST hands down. Just because of the service, I would consider another one in the future. my 2 cents.

[akrus]

Not putting down the G35....it's a sweet car. But for the $$$ and class, shoudl have also considered the new Lexus IS. Specs, design, performance are all top notch. Even more, Lexus service is the BEST hands down. Just because of the service, I would consider another one in the future. my 2 cents.
Did consider the Lexus, however, the new IS isn't out yet. With my Nissan lease ending, Nissan (therefore Infiniti) offered nice incentives that Lexus would never come close to.

Also, all preliminary reviews of the new IS show it to follow Lexus tradition of isolating the driver and thereby removing the sporty character, that I like. I am going to keep a close eye on the new IS as I really like the GS and the IS seems to take many cues from it.

I believe Infiniti to easily be in the same league as Lexus when it comes to customer satisfaction. Having owned a Maxima and knowing that it was a terrific car, I only expect the G to match and most likely exceed the reliability, customer service and ownership experience.

Albert

[mikejb]

You know the possibility of the criminal being in your province, maybe even your neighbour, is just slightly lower than that of the out of province web surfer...

Unless you're doing something illegal, there's no reason to cover it, IMO.

Albert
Albert I know and agree. Old habits die hard.

[akrus]

Albert I know and agree. Old habits die hard.
Hehehe - just bustin' ya. I've got lots of free time while trying to make a Blackberry co-operate, so you happen to be getting some of the posts...

So, what's the new ride like? What were you driving? I'm not sure that you mentioned that.

Albert

[Doublepar]

Did consider the Lexus, however, the new IS isn't out yet. With my Nissan lease ending, Nissan (therefore Infiniti) offered nice incentives that Lexus would never come close to.

Also, all preliminary reviews of the new IS show it to follow Lexus tradition of isolating the driver and thereby removing the sporty character, that I like. I am going to keep a close eye on the new IS as I really like the GS and the IS seems to take many cues from it.

I believe Infiniti to easily be in the same league as Lexus when it comes to customer satisfaction. Having owned a Maxima and knowing that it was a terrific car, I only expect the G to match and most likely exceed the reliability, customer service and ownership experience.

AlbertThe current IS, although not a "true" Lexus by design is very sporty and I love mine (although the EPA numbers stink). I really hope the new one stays the same.....plus, the review in the new Road & Track has confirmed it to a certain extent. Gotta love the F1 style shift paddles in too!

Nonetheless, congrats bro. Enjoy the ride (especially with that nice VQ powerplant)

[mikejb]

What is wrong with your Blackberry?

The drive is fantasic. I think this review (http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/roadtest,view,Volkswagen.spy?artid=47728&pg=1) is a great way to get up to speed on what writers are saying about this car.

This I believe maybe one of the best ways to describe this car. Which, loaded I am driving for $37 all in.
With a fresh face, advanced underpinnings, cutting edge technology, better engines and an upper-class interior, the new Passat is not only back on its feet, it's ready to tackle mainstream rivals in the mid-size and premium sedan marketplace. While its dependability is still to be determined, the sixth-generation model packs many class firsts and maximizes VW's engineering forte, allowing the Passat to reach a greater buyer range than ever before, giving it incredible potential to succeed. If your experience with the 2006 Volkswagen Passat is anything like mine, feeling like a million bucks is less than thirty grand away.

[racmbs]

You know the possibility of the criminal being in your province, maybe even your neighbour, is just slightly lower than that of the out of province web surfer...

Unless you're doing something illegal, there's no reason to cover it, IMO.

Albert

Hey Al,

I worked a little magic with PhotoShop, give me pm and I'll give you his plate# so we can send strippers to his house at 1 a.m. :p

[mikejb]

I think it would be mor fun to get your IP and spam you with Gay Midget Porn than send strippers to my house at 1:00 am....;-)

[akrus]

One of my users is getting the following error on his Blackberry:

Transaction error - failure at service

This is all since the upgrade to BES 4.0. I've tried everything (oh, and I mean everything)

There's no doubt that the Passat is a great deal. I think you're going to enjoy it for a long time to come. I'll be sure to read the review you've linked as soon as I get a chance.

Albert

What is wrong with your Blackberry?

The drive is fantasic. I think this review (http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/roadtest,view,Volkswagen.spy?artid=47728&pg=1) is a great way to get up to speed on what writers are saying about this car.

This I believe maybe one of the best ways to describe this car. Which, loaded I am driving for $37 all in.

[akrus]

If that's what you're going to do, put MY plate on there...

Albert


Hey Al,

I worked a little magic with PhotoShop, give me pm and I'll give you his plate# so we can send strippers to his house at 1 a.m. :p

[racmbs]

I think it would be mor fun to get your IP and spam you with Gay Midget Porn than send strippers to my house at 1:00 am....;-)
OK, WHO told about my fetish eh? :D

[mikejb]

Al did you search around the Blackberry Forums (http://www.blackberryforums.com/index.php?) o see if these guys have a solution?