Test Drive Review-->2003 Infiniti G35!

MikeLS · 05-11-02, 07:33

Background:
Well, I've had my eye on the sport sedan class for quite some time, and now that I finally got a new job I'm ready to stop reading auto mags and internet reviews (I've done PLENTY of homework) and start taking serious test drives of some of my top favs and do my own personal comparos.

Cars I'm seriously considering in the sport sedan class (in no certain order):
Acura TL-S, BMW 325i, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS300, and MB C Class...

Test subjest: 2003 Infiniti G35 and my first impressions!
Today I started my search for the best sport sedan under $35K and got some seat time in a shiny new G35. The G35, for those that don't know, comes with a 3.5L 260HP V6 engine, RWD, sport suspension, 17" wheels, and many amenities. Well, since no salesman came with us during the drive, I was able to stretch the cars legs more than usual. I must say, this new Infiniti really has quite a bit of power on tap (very quick!!) and the handling and steering was excellent. The car feels very solid and composed crusing at 30 or blazing past 70, with very little wind or road noise present. Also, with almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the car handled outstanding. With the G35 optioned like I would want it, the sticker comes in at $31.5K. Very sweet considering that's LESS than a similarly equipped Acura, Lexus, MB, or BMW. So, bottom line, I'm very impressed with the new G35 and it's at the top of my list right now in its class. Especially since several of its direct competitors are grossly underpowered (slower!) by comparison and actually sticker for more $$. What's funny is that I had initially had my heart set on a BMW or Lexus, and now this G35 has really captured my heart.

I must thank the local Infiniti dealer for their very kind service and professionalism that I rarely see in dealers these days. I really appreciated that they treated us with respect instead of blowing me off since I'm still fairly young. In contrast, the local Lexus dealer usually acts as if I don't even exist when I browse at their cars. I've been there twice and not 1 sales person bothered to even say hello, much less ask if I would like to take a drive. Guess they don't need my business to badly....

Anyhow, if anyone owns the G35 or any of the mentioned cars and would like to share their reviews or experiences, I'd love to hear 'em since I'll be ready to buy in a couple months.

medic · 05-13-02, 09:26

but I drove the BMW, Lexus, and TL-S before getting a TL for my parents. While the BMW was nice and powerful, it was too small for them, especilly in the back. THe Acuras are nicely equiped, larger, and powerful, but you can tell the parts are from the same bin as Honda's so it's a little cheaper. It FWD, so not as much fun to realy push. I thought Lexus was a fun little car too, like the BMW, and seemed/felt sportier then the BMW. Again though, too small. The Acura service is great, but Infinti, Lexus, etc are much better from all reports and friends experiences. The BMW dealer seems a bit snooty, while the Lexus dealer was genuine, and the Acura dealer didn't mind spending an hour with me for a test drive/walk through even though I told him I wasn't buying there.

Personally, I think the G35 looks sweet, but I haven't driven it. Also, you may want to consider that since it's a totally new car, it will probably have a lot of bugs so you may need to take it to the dealer more often then other cars you've mentioned. I'd be sure to get an extra warrenty from the dealer or 3rd party before the manufacturer warrenty runs out.

2wheelsx2 · 05-13-02, 09:38

Isn't the G35 just an upscale Nissan Altima 3.5? If that's the case, you could probably pick up an Altima and save yourself a bundle. Just speculating, as I have seen the new G35 except on TV commercials. I have seen the new Altima and know several people who own them (they are all over the roads here) and man, they are fast!

Dave C. · 05-13-02, 10:03

Quote:

Originally posted by 2wheelsx2
Isn't the G35 just an upscale Nissan Altima 3.5?

The G20 is based on the Sentra, the G35 just has the 3.5 engine and is going to be similar to the upcoming 350z. Happy belated b-day Mike!!

05-13-02, 10:11

Yes, many car makers use existing frames from other car lines to produce an upscale version. One must understand the up scale price is not just for an emblem but for the eminities. Personally, I would go with an MB, the engines are flawless and reliable as death and taxes.

MikeLS · 05-13-02, 03:27

Dave C.,
Thanks for the B-Day wishes!! I got my PC and the whole day was a blast!

Thanks all for sharing your experiences with me! I'm really having a tough time deciding which car is "perfect" for me. Honestly, all of the mentioned sedans are above average and it's hard to fault any of them. I should have done a review of the interior and exterior attributes of each, but a lot of that type of stuff is very subjective. Personally, I really liked the interior and exterior of the G35. The interior seems more "classy" than the IS300 or even the Bimmer, maybe on par with the Acura or Benz, just IMO. And, the exterior is different, not something you see everyday like the Bimmers. Plus the exterior, interior, and wheelbase dimensions are MUCH larger than the Lexus or BMW, although the car itself doesn't look "large." I believe the G35 is actually somewhat based on the upcoming 350Z platform, althought different and new, what Nissan calls "Front Midship."

Another extremely important criteria for me is that the car must have low maintainence costs. I simply don't have the time or money to spend at repair shops every other week (or month). So, reliability is very important to me. From what I read and hear, the Bimmer and MB aren't the most trouble free cars out there and cost an arm and leg to repair outside of warranty. It's true that the G35 is a new model, and that ALL new models need to have the kinks ironed out. I followed the IS300 closely after it came out, and I remember the next model year they did make several changes that customers were griping over.

All of these sport sedans are first class, and my head spins trying to figure out which is best for me. So, for now, the search continues. Thanks again to those that provided feedback to think about!

Dave C. · 05-13-02, 05:27

Quote:

Originally posted by Metallic Mike
Another extremely important criteria for me is that the car must have low maintainence costs. I simply don't have the time or money to spend at repair shops every other week (or month). So, reliability is very important to me. From what I read and hear, the Bimmer and MB aren't the most trouble free cars out there and cost an arm and leg to repair outside of warranty. It's true that the G35 is a new model, and that ALL new models need to have the kinks ironed out. I followed the IS300 closely after it came out, and I remember the next model year they did make several changes that customers were griping over.

My family has had general good luck w/ Bimmer reliability. True when stuff happens it costs $$$!! We had a '98 ML 320 that was total crap but as you point out first year models have kinks. I told my Mom never buy first year but she didn't listen. I wouldn't buy first year if I were you just b/c of potential "kinks". Also, the G35 will probably be cheaper to maintain over German counterparts but not by much. You must also factor in resale in the equation, traditionally MB's and Bimmers dance circles around their competitors in this respect. Keep test driving to see what fits you the best. Glad to hear that the b-day went good, and congrats on your recent M.B.A. as well.

medic · 05-14-02, 11:18

The Acuras are reported to have transmission issues, but they are basically good cars. Honda base.

Benz are not good on reliablity according to consumer reports; Sub par with the others you're considering.

BMW and Lexus are great service, but I think Lexus is the cheaper of the two to repair.

I think the Infiniti is running the same engine as the Maxima and that's a great engine. I wouldn't have concerns with the Infiniti for the engine. It's just all the other new stuff like the tranny(RWD) that I'd be concerned about.

dbackfan · 05-14-02, 11:30

I don't think you can go wrong with the Infiniti. My wife has an I30 and it's a great car. The Infiniti and Lexus are probably a bit more reliable than the MB and BMW.

If your looking for a sporty car AND reliability, go with the Infiniti. If it was just a fun weekend car and not a daily driver, I'd go with the BMW.

I wouldn't buy a Lexus unless I got a deal to end all deals. I've never seen such an arrogant dealership. The Lexus' dealerships I've been at have all treated me like I should be honored to be on their lot. I'll take my business elsewhere.

05-14-02, 11:59

I had this same experience at lexus of norwood. The salesmen I knew was treating me like crap and so was the rest of the sales people there. I was basically ignored. I called back and told the General manager, and he said this would be corrected. I went back the next week and they were begging me to buy from them

. Well since I had the upper hand I got the car from 30,900 dollars (list) down to $25,500 out the door. I am happy with my lexus experience. BTW, the BMW dealer in boston treated me even worse, I waited 45 minutes for the salesman to bring the car to be test driven, and then they wouldn't even deal. I have never been to an inifiniti dealer(no need, i hate their cars) so I can't comment on them. By far the best sales experience I had was at a Benz dealer, the salesman was always polite and made u feel welcome no matter what kind of attitude you gave him.

DETAILKING · 05-14-02, 12:48

i don't think it does with the 260 HP engine.

MikeLS · 05-14-02, 02:38

No, the G35 doesn't have a manual, yet. The story I heard was that Nissan needs all its manual tranny parts for use in the upcoming 350Z, and the G35 will get the manual later in the year or early next. Even so, the auto is faster than any of its competition in the price range, except possibly the TL-S. But, I have heard the horror stories of tranny failures and fit/finish problems with the TL, which shys me away from their car. So, that really leaves the IS, Bimmer, or MB...

Al,
Spunds like dealers are pretty much the same everywhere. The local MB dealer was also very kind and helpful, even though I told them I wasn't ready to buy for a little while. They even offered a test drive, but I declined. The BMW is about average I'd say, sometimes the seem to care, other times they don't. Overall so far, I'd rate the Infiniti equal or better than the MB as far as service and treatment. And, even though Lexus is supposed to be known for their great customer service, I'd have to say their on the bottom right now. In fairness though, none of them use high pressure sales tactics, which shows more professionalism to me.

Heh, they did mention at Infiniti that every visit includes a free car cleaning, exterior and interior. :scared Thanks, but no thanks...