Infiniti G35

[Moumou]

I went to an Infiniti dealership a few days ago and two things surprised me:

(1) If you want the six-speed manual, you HAVE to have that ugly spoiler in the back. What the hell? I find it ruins the whole design and I kept asking myself why are so many people opting for it. Guess they didn't have much choice.

(2) None of the dealership can schedule a test drive for me! They say the car is selling like hot-cakes that they can't afford to have a demo. Once they receive one, it's pre-sold and ready to go. Apparently you have to put a deposit to order the car according to your personal specs. You get the car and drive it. You like it, we go through with the sale. You don't, they give you back the deposit and the car is sold the next day. There's a 3-month waiting list.

Concerning the spoiler issue, my friend told me you can have it removed. When he asked about the WRX spoiler, the dealership explained to him that for a fee you can have the spoiler removed and they will 'cover-up' the holes on the trunk. Sounds horrific if you ask me, I don't want my trunk to look all messed up on a brand-new car! Apparently you can then sell the spoiler on Ebay or something.

Guys and girls, I need help. It's coming down to the G35 and TT. I am leaning towards the G, but this whole thing is turning me of. What do you suggest? Is the spoiler-removal operation that bad you think? I surely don't want an automatic.

I don't know...I'm thinking of getting the car in April/May, but this all seems too complicated.

Thanks for your advice!

[CMonakar]

I don't think the spoiler removal is a big deal so long as it is done by a good body shop. You could just as easily have this done yourself after purchase. I'm not a spoiler type of guy, but I think the G35 spoiler looks ok. Maybe the look will grow on you.

As for the test drive BS, I would call infiniti customer service and see if they can help. I won't put money down on anything until I've had some seat time.-I think that is pretty reasaonble.

[oscargarza88]

r u talking about the new tt ot the 1.8?
and that infinity service sux! i dindt know it was so bad

[noosee]

I'm thinking of importing G35 myself
And if you want to remove spoiler, either you will cover the holes with something or repaint the back :)
Not a good thing to do on a new car :) But don't go for the auto :cry:

[DeMoN]

I want a mitsubishi 3000gt as many of you may know. Recently, the perfect one was on sale... called the next day I saw itup, and sold. This peaced me off and made me realize that I will never have it. The next best thing, at this point, is a G35. Even though I dont like to have something that is selling like hot bread. I want something that looks cool and something that is fast. I wanted the 350z cuz it was faster but my fatherd does not agree on "paying so much for a motorcycle." You sure could have the spoiler removed, I think that if the dealer told you that they could remove the spoiler, they have done it before without complains.

[PATo355]

Bah ... get the TT , the 1.8 liter quattro is a fast reliable car .

[CMonakar]

Bah ... get the TT.

.....If you feel like paying out the Arse for the privilege of driving a VW bug with an Audi logo on it. It is a 'cute' car -not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Moumou]

Thanks for the input.

To answer one of the questions, it's the TT 225 hp Quattro. Price wise it's abit more expensive. But I'm considering it because of it's better classic looks inside and out, and has 4 wheel drive (very important in Montreal's crazy winters). Power is not as crazy as the G but the max. torque can be found at a very low rpm range, which is fun. Plus there won't be any head-aches when it comes to delivery or test-driving issues.

I am however, abit confused concerning the whole spoiler issue on the G. No I don't like it; I think it kills the smooth shape of it's rear-end which already looks fantastic. But anybody knows what the procedure it to remove a spoiler? Is it complicated to 'fill in' those holes that are gonna show on the trunk? Jeez that must be freaky.

[jinmin803]

As far as I know, you don't have to have the spoiler either. I know of other people who do not have the spoiler on their 6MTs, and I personally think it's ugly as well. The spoiler is a option called the airo pakcage, and you should be albe to get the car without it. If the dealer is telling you that you can't get it with out it, I must say that he/she is BSing you.

[RC45]

Visit http://www.infinitiusa.com and configure the car the way you would like it - print out your "built car" and take it to the Infiniti dealer concerned - rub it in his face - then demand to speak to the dealer principle - and order your car.

The dealers you are speaking to are just trying to fuck you over and trick you into buying cars they have preconfigured and ordered in the hopes of selling to suckers who don't configure their own custom orders.

I have never understood people who go new car shopping, and then instead of ordering exactly what they want, settle for some screwed up dealer option combo they didn't want.

If you are buying used, obviously you have to take whats there - but if buying new - YOU ARE EMPOWERED --- not the dealer...

Don't settle for what they want to sell you - get what YOU want - if they won't give it to you - go to another dealer.

But be sure to return to the original dealer afterwards and show the salesman the deal he lost - and let him and the dealer principle know you are going to go out of your way to let everyone you meet that they tried to screw you over and recommend they not go to their dealer.

Did I ever mention I HATE car salesman and dealers with a passion... ;)

[CMonakar]

Agreed

Again, I'm almost certain they HAVE TO all you to test drive w/o a commitment if you want one. Talk to Infiniti directly about that. I think that will set the tone for the rest of your dealings with them-including their spoiler bs.

Filling in the holes is not a big deal. I know several people that have done this with various cars and you can't see it. I believe they weld the holes closed and then sand the surface flat. I'm sure you could also order a new trunk lid from infiniti without the spoiler holes if worst comes to worst.

The TT is a nice car, but from what I've heard it's not that much fun to drive. Also the 4wd system is apparently a bit slow in transfering power from front to back.

[666fast]

and has 4 wheel drive (very important in Montreal's crazy winters).


The 2004 G35 will have all wheel drive too.

[jinmin803]

just out of curiosity and to clear things up, are we talking about the G35 coupe or the 4-door? The 4-door version does have all wheel drive, but not the coupe...

[altedza]

I went to an Infiniti dealership a few days ago and two things surprised me:

(1) If you want the six-speed manual, you HAVE to have that ugly spoiler in the back. What the hell? I find it ruins the whole design and I kept asking myself why are so many people opting for it. Guess they didn't have much choice.

(2) None of the dealership can schedule a test drive for me! They say the car is selling like hot-cakes that they can't afford to have a demo. Once they receive one, it's pre-sold and ready to go. Apparently you have to put a deposit to order the car according to your personal specs. You get the car and drive it. You like it, we go through with the sale. You don't, they give you back the deposit and the car is sold the next day. There's a 3-month waiting list.

Concerning the spoiler issue, my friend told me you can have it removed. When he asked about the WRX spoiler, the dealership explained to him that for a fee you can have the spoiler removed and they will 'cover-up' the holes on the trunk. Sounds horrific if you ask me, I don't want my trunk to look all messed up on a brand-new car! Apparently you can then sell the spoiler on Ebay or something.

Guys and girls, I need help. It's coming down to the G35 and TT. I am leaning towards the G, but this whole thing is turning me of. What do you suggest? Is the spoiler-removal operation that bad you think? I surely don't want an automatic.

I don't know...I'm thinking of getting the car in April/May, but this all seems too complicated.

Thanks for your advice!

i went to infiniti of cerritos, california with my friend and within 10 minutes the guy there was eager to pull out a brand new black one for me to abuse. i pulled it out.... floored it right off the bat, spun around a corner, floored it again. i felt it drove like shit. if you choices are the tt and the g here's my take. the tt is feminine. it has the same 1.8t you find in a jetta. although its tweaked, it's the same engine (it may not matter to you). the g however is played out and did NOT meet my standards at all. they did a good job with value and styling is acceptable but it just didnt feel right at all. didnt feel like i had a lot of control and feel.

[sickx]

It's time to go to a neighboring dealer--they are clearly trying to sell you "optioned-out" coupe models...the aero package is an OPTION on the 6MT.
BTW, the 6MT drives nicely, but feels cumbersome, despite its 280BHP. Engine is torquey, has nice grunt. The handling is fantastic, and the brakes are simply stellar. However, the weight of the car is evident, as it doesn't have the enormous thrust you would expect from the highly-tuned VQ motor.

As for aftermarket tune-ability, the TT has the G35 beat. ALWAYS easier (and cheaper) to modify a forced-air motor than a NA one.

As for getting by your horrid winters--man it's hard to pass up AWD.

Geez, I never thought I would recommend a TT over the G35, but in your case it does seem the 'practical' choice...

[Moumou]

Wow...thanks alot guys for the input. Friends and family insist that I should get the G, while the discussion here does make me think twice. I actually called Infiniti Canada today and they told me the spoiler IS standard on the 6MT. Weird eh? She explained to me that there are differences between American packages and Canadian ones. I don't know why; it's beyond my understanding (did they conduct a survey and find that we Canadians would prefer a friekin spoiler??).

In any case, my friend's uncle is pretty high-up at one of the major dealers in the Montreal area, so I will ask him as well.

Concerning removing the spoiler, I was told that the job can be done very neatly, to the point where it wouldn't even show that there was one. Thing is I won't be able to sell as I'm probably going for the 'lease-to-buy' option.

Just one thought, based on the discussion so far, I would set up a vote. Can anybody help me do this? Between the TT and G35....

Thanks again for all you help and input! :wink:

[Moumou]

I know I know...I have time anyway. Getting the car in April/May.

Thank you all for the help!

- Mo

[sentra_dude]

All I have to say about this is: you will know when you drive both, and if you don't, neither car is for you... ;)

[DanHenderson]

Personally, I'd take the G35 (sedan or coupe). It's got a more powerful engine, it handles great and, like every recent Nissan/Infiniti, it's got some of the most comfortable seats for the $$$. It's also got a more usable back seat that can do more than the TT's will ever think of.

Plus, according to nearly every study, the Infiniti's are a lot more reliable than the Audi's are. But, if you're leasing, that's different.

[altezza]

you may know these two sites already, basically they got all the info that u would ever need on the G35

http://www.infinitinews.com/infiniti/2004vehicles/g35/index.shtml
http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/infiniti/2004/g35x/firstdrive/home.shtml 8)

[Fleischmann]

Can ya give me a link to a pic of the G35 with the spoiler ?? I can only find the 'normal' version.

[DanHenderson]

quite frankly, the G35's backseat is more uncomfortable than the TTs....i have taken 4 friends in my car several times and it's TOUGH, but it can be done....the way the G35 is set up makes it even more uncomfortable than the TT.

How? It's not the greatest to get into, but a 6 fter like me could survive for short periods in the G35 coupe, but the TT has less leg room and head room the a Mustang (or my POS Escort ZX2). In order for me to actually have any comfort in it, I'd have to curl into a ball across both rear seats.

[Bigdaddytwon]

Everso, your experience may be differnt
I'm sorry i may be mis informed.. but i've heard that Audis have terrible reliability..

javascript:openPressWindow('http://www.jdpa.com/studies_jdpower/pressrelease.asp?StudyID=749&CatID=1','pressrelease','width=550,height=640,scro llbars=yes,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,top=50,left=23 0')

notice audi is signifigantly below average.. Which is pretty much in line with what ive heard.. really enjoyable cars to own.. but hey break down a lot. I guess as long as its still under warenty it shouldn't be too bad (findin a loaner is a problem sometimes).

i wouldn't just limit myself to those two cars.. now is a great time to be buying a car.. theres just so much great product out there. Go out one saturday and try to drive anything that ever interested you.

[altezza]

Can ya give me a link to a pic of the G35 with the spoiler ?? I can only find the 'normal' version.

http://www.infinitinews.com/multimedia/infiniti2004/g35/800px/014_2003_G35_Sedan.jpg

For more pics, click here (http://www.infinitinews.com/multimedia/infiniti2004/g35.shtml)

sports coupe spoiler (http://www.canadianautoreview.com/infiniti_g35_coupe1.htm)

[Moumou]

Well guys...thanks again for all the input. Last night, I test-drove the G35 at ANOTHER dealership and their treatment was terrific. It was with an automatic tranny though (only thing they had to offer), but it gave me a good feel of what the engine can do. God damn this thing can move! Power delivery is smooth and linear. And the sound it makes is very sexy. AND it's a looker! People were staring at me as if I was a painting at some museum :wink:

I just say the G has alot of things going for it. One thing I didn't like were the orange dials (they got on my nerves in the end) and there's an odd sense of 'cheapness' in the cabin. Don't get me wrong it's very luxurious, but you can tell where they cut back (radio display, center console). Generally speaking though, nice interior. I think Black on beige would look real nice, especially with a skirt kit and no spoiler!

Anyways...I'm test-driving the TT tonight. Will let you know how it goes!

You guys are the best and have been very helpful with all this information.

See yall soon! :D

[NYCHonda]

I would choose the G35 because it's a rear wheel drive car even though I think the Audi TT looks much better than the G35. I don't really like an all wheel drive car but well, that's just my personal preference though.

[Moumou]

Alright people...test-drove the TT 225 hp! I must say it's an impressive little machine, and feels like a new and improved version of my current VW Corrado VR6. Dealer was not too stuck-up either. He kept saying that he DIDN'T want me to test drive the TT 3.2 V6 because I would definitely want to have that instead! Although the DSG is an impressive piece of work, why can't they just offer it with a 6-speed manual as well? I find the 3.2 looks much better than the already gorgeous 225, with the additional subtle details in the front especially. If Audi were to offer it as a manual, it would the car I choose hands-down (finally a decision made eh? :wink: ). Do any of you have any information on that? I called Audi Canada and they weren't sure.

Alright..it's gonna between the TT 250hp and G35 Coupe. Just need to double-check the whole transmission issue! :roll:

[altedza]

keep in mind that the g35 coupe drives like crap. it feels like a simulator instead of a car. maybe you can trick yourself into feeling youre going fast by looking out the side windows?

[Moumou]

Maybe you seing something that I don't Altedza, which is perfectly fine with me. The IS fast, and feels fast. It's just that there's no involvement as much as the TT.

in any case, apparently Audi is offering the TT V6 with a 6-speed, check out: http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2031216.001/audi/1.html

That being said, North America is not lucky enough to receive it. Any of you familiar enough with the dealerships that can maybe order the car they I want it? If I can get the TT V6 with a 6-speed, I buying the car tomorrow! :wink:

Your help would be, again, most appreciated, as always.