| laborlitigator |
Looking to trade my Certified Pre-Owned 323 with 37K for the G35 Coupe. . . .
I'm looking at the premium package (no nav, already got the Garmin) with 17" wheels (the 18" ones, which I prefer, are uni-directional and would be useless here in the cruel northeast winters).
Already test drove it and immediately fell in love. I was also interested in the 330i convertible but that was a good $5K more.
Any opinions on the car and the trade? |
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| laborlitigator |
| Another pic |
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| kishino |
| My neighbor has a G35 coupe, black. That car looks great, the lines and general look on the car looks very fast and smooth. I usee to have a BMW325ci (traded it for the MDX). I was thinking that if I was ever to get another coupe, it would probably be the G35coupe. The price is a major factor and also the Japanese reliability. The G35 has won quite a few awards for the short time that it was out, so that should tell you something. |
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| laborlitigator |
I liked the black one too but winters will probably kill the luster. . . i'm leaning more towards the desert platinum. . . similar to the Mesa Beige on the MDX.
But setting aside the price issue, if you had the choice, would you get the 330cic Certified pre-owned (100K coverage) or this one? |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
laborlitigator that car looks awesome. I don't know why ever buddy likes it but who cares. I like the 18" rims, they look awesome. The only thing I don't like about the styling is the rear. Like what MotorTrend said in one of the cons "Rear tail lights not for everyone" I think they are right. I like the engine too. With 280 ponys V6 under the hood it is very fast right (I never test drove it) and red looks the best (because red = fire to me). Thats my opinions about the G35 coupe. Good luck
:29: |
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| TheWorm |
I'm eyeballing the G35c for when our GS lease is up next fall. Great looking car -- REALLY well-priced IMO.
Haven't seen one in person or test driven yet (afraid I'll end up with an extra car ;))...you might check out freshalloy.com and g35driver.com (if you haven't already) for owner experiences. In general, they're all in love w/the car.
I'd get the G35 instead of a used 3-series. I had a 3-series convertible. Lots of fun to drive, good looking too, but $cheduled $ervice was an absolute killer. I'd bet the G costs half as much to service.
Plus, the 3's are as common as the Accord nowadays. Get it and work out the bugs between now and next November, k? :D |
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| MrPrescott |
I think you'll notice a big performance improvement over your 323. Plus, I think it's a much better choice for all around sporty transportation vs. the 350z and others because of it's back seat and more useable trunk.
This car is going to be very popular, so expect to see a lot of siblings on the road. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by MrPrescott
I think you'll notice a big performance improvement over your 323. Plus, I think it's a much better choice for all around sporty transportation vs. the 350z and others because of it's back seat and more useable trunk.
If that back seat is more usable than the 350'z, the 350z's must be the size of a matchbox. I know you'lll all laugh, but I still have to fit a baby seat back there and it's looking pretty tight. :p
As for the trunk, I think the MDX's glove compartment is slightly smaller. |
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| DaveI |
G35 coupe is a great choice based on its overall performance, styling, reliability, & price. If I were in the market for a sports coupe, it would be hard to pass on it compared to what else is out there for the price.
Good luck fitting a child seat (& the child) in that back seat though.:D
Btw, what kind of prices are the dealers giving on the G35? Seems like they would be sticking it to the buyers based on all the positive write-ups. |
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| bomo |
| my wife wanted a convertible and got this instead. Oh well, I will drive it if I have to and without the kids too. |
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| ndahbar |
| R U kidding me? There is no contest in the way it drives, the feel. BMW is unmatched for that stuff. Sports Sedan or coupe? BMW all the way, especially if you don't have to spend a lot (which they ask for) for brand new, get your cert. pre-owned. The G35 is nice but it won't satisfy you like the BMW. DUnno if you're into the convertible thing, but just the coupe is stellar (and better to drive in terms of dynamics, obviously). |
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| laborlitigator |
| I am torn between the 330 convertible and the G35 |
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| bomo |
| I have 2 friends who are going for the G35. Mainly for the HP, look and price. There is excellent value for your $$$. Ndahbar, I agree with cert. pre-owned, you can find real bargains if you look. |
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| crmsnidol |
quote:
Originally posted by MrPrescott
I think you'll notice a big performance improvement over your 323. Plus, I think it's a much better choice for all around sporty transportation vs. the 350z and others because of it's back seat and more useable trunk.
This car is going to be very popular, so expect to see a lot of siblings on the road.
The G35 also give you the option of having a moonroof. The 350Z doesn't have one as an option. |
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| Desant |
| I like the new G35 2-door a lot. Only problem with Infiniti is depreciation. Can buy 1999 top of the line Q45 with 50K miles for $17K. That is about $35K drop in 3 years!!! |
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| DaveI |
| Depreciation on the Q45 is brutal, for sure. I don't think the rest of the Infiniti models take quite as big a hit on their value, however, as the Q for some reason. |
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| sports007girl |
my boyfriend went and test-drove the g35 coupe and i think he came home drooling. i could hear the excitement in his voice over the phone. the salesman told him that was the fastest he had ever been on a test drive in that car. my boyfriend claims he was only cruising at 100 mph. :)
power and handling is great. pricey when comparing to the CL-Type S (after adding premium package and other options), but has the advantage of folding back seats. i think overall the CL has more room, but the design of the G35 works a little better for his drums. he is still debating the car vs. suv thing, but i think he will end up buying the g35.
selection here is minimal on the coupe (they have 4 in stock) and there is a wait list, but they have a lot of the sedans in stock. i test drove the sedan just to check out our competitors and was quite impressed. a fun car to drive for sure. |
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| TopDog |
| Get it and be done with it!! Look at all of the pics you attached. This seems to be what YOU want. If your family can deal with the vestigial rear seat (no problem for me!), then do it. The reliability and expenses will be much lower on this than the used BMW. Also, who wants to see theirself coming and going like 3 series BMW drivers do. I think you'll be ecstatic with your choice! |
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| feliz |
| We own a G35 sedan and I think the coupe is great. We got a free poster of the coupe inside our local paper a few days ago and it's now tacked up on the garage wall. Buy it, it's a good choice. |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by DaveI
G35 coupe is a great choice based on its overall performance, styling, reliability, & price. If I were in the market for a sports coupe, it would be hard to pass on it compared to what else is out there for the price.
Good luck fitting a child seat (& the child) in that back seat though.:D
Btw, what kind of prices are the dealers giving on the G35? Seems like they would be sticking it to the buyers based on all the positive write-ups.
MSRP on the G35c, especially the 6MT or if you're ordering one "custom". A few are charging premiums but not nearly as many as did on the X, at least based on my reading @ Fresh Alloy. Reportedly you can easily get the sedan @ under MSRP.
I need to fit a child seat in the back of the G, too. I recall reading a couple of posts on the other sites indicating that they do fit. Best to bring it along with you to confirm, of course :) |
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| stumpie |
| Great exterior, less than great interior.....IMO |
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| ndahbar |
Go test drive a 330 and then a G35. Test drive them WELL. Push em. Then come back and tell us what you like. I bet it'll be the Bimmer...
There really is nothing that feels so satisfying to drive than their cars. *SIGH* too bad their X5's are too much $$ and have crap Nav compared to MDX. Oh, nevermind the fact that going to pick up my parents from the airport in one will be a challenge with that small trunk. :p |
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| MDXLuvr |
Let's do an analysis of the two:
G35c / 330ci
- Engine 1 / 2
- Driveline 1 / 1
- Handling 2 / 1
- Ride quality 2 / 1
- Features 1 / 1
- Fit and Finish 1 / 1
- Value 1 / 2
- Styling 1 / 1
- Fun to drive 1 / 1
- Dealers 1 / 2
- Cost to own 1 / 2
I tried not to be biased, and based these ratings on what other mags have said about the two cars(C&D, R&T).
Overall, it appears to me that the G35c comes out on top. The bimmer handles better, has more heritage, but then again the g35 is based on the skyline which has a huge following across the world. The taillamps of the G35 are supposed to resemble the r34 skyline coupe. The Infiniti dealers got higher marks is b/c of their consistently higher rating in JD power surveys.
you guys add to my list. |
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| laborlitigator |
I actually was loaned the 330 coupe for about a week. The drive truely is incredible. My brief drive of the g35 was comparable (yes, not as "powerful" or "nimble" as the 330 but it's just something about the G35. . . . maybe it is the lines and the $5000 less sticker.
However, knowing my love of cars, i'm quite sure the residual value of the 330 as compared to the g35 after another 2 years won't even be close. One place where BMW kills them is their service (under the Certified Pre-Owned - 100K miles) and my service dealer is simply awesome. Any item that has worn out (brakes, battery) they replaced for free. And the car has basically been without problems.
Now I'm really confused. . . |
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| laborlitigator |
BTW here's the convertible that I was interested in. . .
'02 CPO (100K mile full warranty)
Sport Pkg
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Telescoping Wheel
Cruise Control
AM/FM Stereo
Compact Disc
Harman Kardon
Dual Front Air Bags
ABS (4-Wheel)
Traction Control
Leather
Dual Power Seats
Alloy Wheels
5 speed manual
$41,995, BMW is willing to give me $22,500 for my trade.
as compared to the G35 coupe that I wanted which was the premium/no nav for around $35,000. Infiniti wants to give me $19,500 for my trade. |
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| prairiedawg |
I think the G35 is one of the best looking vehicles on the road.
Last September I planned to drive 50 miles to order one with a stick shift. However the battery was dead on my car so I decided to wait till the next day. 24 hours later I decided I would opt for something more versatile. Short story, I now own an Acura MDX.
What a differenc a day makes! |
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| laborlitigator |
Prarie,
That's a huge difference. . . I know you're not regretting it. . . if I could only have one car, it would still be the X. |
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| donsev |
Laborlitigator,
Here is a narrative of my test "sit" (I didn't have time for a test drive);
1)Wow, it looks even better in person, if that is possible - just drop dead gorgeous
2)Brushed my head against the door frame the first time I went to sit in it (I'm 6"1') - ok, I can get used to ducking when entering
3)Don't these seats go any lower... where ARE the seat controls anyway... oh there they are...don't these seats go any lower...
4)Ummm, can I get one without the sunroof - oh, that will be a special order, 90-120 days
5)Let's look at the brochure to see if it tells me how many inches of headroom I gain by foregoing the sunroof...it has to be in there somewhere...there it is 1.6 cubic feet...huhhhh (the square root of the sum of the squares two sides of a right triangle...)
6)Ok, lets put the driver seat where I would like it and just for kicks see how much room that leaves for a rear seat passenger - with me as the rear seat guinea pig. I like that the tilt forward release powers the seat forward for easier rear entrance, I don't like that I feel like I am in a trash compactor as the mechanism powers the seat back into position...stop..stop..stop.. whew, I fit, barely. This isn't SO bad, no... wait... when you release the mechanism to move the seat forward for rear access, it resets the seat back angle to the most upright position, which means that a)you have to reset it each time someone gets into the rear and b)my little test with me in the rear seat didn't reflect how far back I would have angled the seat back.
7)Now let's look at the trunk space, "she''ll fit two golf bags back there - or so they tell me" says the car salesman. I would be happy if it could fit two briefcases and two backpacks for the odd times that I need to pick the kids up from school on my way home from work.
8)The rear seat-back does flip forward and that does really increase the luggage capacity - of course now I can only fit one passenger.
9)All of these would probably become mute when I have the time for a full test drive
10)Definitely would order the 18" wheels and black, red, or silver. I would probably like the graphite but that is the color of my current IS300
In the end it is still on the short list with the WRX (just hard to beat that bang-for-the-buck) and the Mazda RX-8 (yeah, I'm in no hurry and could probably wait until June. The BMW is still an alternate (for a couple of reasons), but that could change. |
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| laborlitigator |
| What's the price range for the RX-8 going to be? |
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| hammerX |
The G35 Coupe is a very sweet looking car, much better looking overall than the 350Z. Power is adequate, handling is very nice, and you have japanese reliability. The Bimmer is a different class of car. It all depends on what you're looking for. :2:
2003 SS MDX (cdn model) |
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| laborlitigator |
| Since I do trade in my cars quite often, now averaging around 2 years, I'm leaning towards getting the 330cic solely based upon the resale value. . . . just not absolutely decided yet. |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
What's the price range for the RX-8 going to be?
C&D has it at $27-$28 base. Article |
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