I was just wondering if any of the 5 Gen Maxima owners have opinions or experience with the G35?

I have a 2000 Maxima GLE. The regularity of these annoying problems (TCM, brakes, trunk scratch, wind noise...) are making it difficult for me to enjoy the car. I'm sure compared to others these are not that major, but still - I was hoping for better quality than i think i got.

I'm considering trading in my Maxima on G35 - Money issues aside - does anyone think the G35 will have better reliability than the Maxima? Or should I look at the IS300 or TL?

I hve not sat in a G35 yet, if someone has could you comment on how comfortable it is for the rear passengers.

 

I suggest you give it a test drive. Its got the same torquey engine in our Maximas(without the torque steer of course) and handles beautifully. The brakes are the best you can find on any sedan on the market, 60-0mph in 114ft I believe and Infiniti's service is top notch.

The IS300 handles beautifully also, but its v6 can't hang with the VQ and the rear seats are miniscule.

The TL is a nice looking car, but it is FWD and I've heard a lot of complaints about its tranny.

 

Ditto, 'cept I would stay away from the TL. The look is getting old.

 

I don't think you'll have better luck with the TL...it has major issues with the transmission...something that will leave you stranded...did you have anything wrong with the Maxima that ever left you stranded?

The IS300 is the size of the Sentra inside...looks WAY better, and performs every aspect of driving better than a Sentra, but is the same size as a Sentra...

G35 looks like you best choice...or just live with the nit-picky complaints you have on your 2000, and mod the heck out of it... could be more fun!

-vq

 

I have a 2k as well and I'm about to buy my wife a G35 soon, I already test drove one. It is a very nice car inside and out, the power in the rwd is like that's what it was made for.
It has plenty of space in the backseat and you could even option for the seats in the rear to recline.

I've driven in a TL, not impressed by it's power delivery, although its' not bad and the IS300 dash is too silly looking for me, plus the rear seats are made more for lil kids not adults, besides that the G35 has them both whipped in the power arena and IMHO it looks better and for the money offers more bang for the buck.

 

Its pretty funny, I have the exact same opinions as you regarding the TL and the IS. As I was reading your post, I felt like I was reading something that I wrote.

 

Might want to check out the new RX-8 as well...same idea, although my vote would go for the g35

However, for 38k you can have the Volvo S60R (with a sunroof).
AWD, 300HP, 6 spd. That's my next car.

 

I test drove a G35 coupe, 6 speed a few weeks ago and I decided to get the 03 MAX 6 speed. Why?
1. I like the shifter better. G35 a bit rough, MAXi smoother
2. Maxi has less road noise
3. Performance almost the same; except G35 can corner much better. Maxi needs Pilot A/S
4. Maxi has more back room space
5, Payed $24 K for nicely loaded MAX; try $ 35 K for G35
6. I am very happy with my choice
I say try both the 03 MAx and G35 and compare
Good luck to you

 

My 2 cents:

G35 is a lot smaller car.
Power delivery feels better due to rear wheel drive.
Handling better due to same.
Stops like a jet fighter hitting an aircraft carrier.
Infiniti is better for service and resale. Although I'm not sure about the resale.

I just tried to trade mine in on a used G35. Unsuccessfully. $15k is not a reasonable price for a 2k2 6 speed.

 

3 things:

1-RWD
2-Awesome all around
3-not as expensive as a BMW 3 series

 

Spent some time behind the wheel of a G35. it is one awsome car..you will not go wrong with it

 

i had the chance to test drive the G35 for a few days while they serviced my car.... and it was a great car and handled very well...
but like most said... it's not roomy as some said... may be bigger compare to IS300.... and IMHO i just hate the look of the rear.... and that is why i went with I35 and with few mods the handling will be much better..

 

check out freshalloy.com forums. there are issues with the G. And some owners are not really very happy about the service and the availability of revised parts (TSB) into the dealer service network. Smells very Nissan-ish Overall, they are alot better, but just saying its not the sure bet you may be looking for.

Youre willing to take a pretty big financial hit over;
quality rotors = 400
paint on trunk = ?
rear wind noise = $4 in foam and an hour of your time.
TCM = a few days without the car, repairs should be warranty.

I recently asked myself this same question. I decided to keep the car awhile longer. If times get leaner, I sure would like to have my car paid off.

I digress, back to the service issue.. I really think your only option is Lexus. Are they a value? no.. not at all. But thats what service costs these days I guess.

 

Thought about selling my 2k3 SE and buying either a 530i, G35 sedan or G35 coupe. The 530i was nice but a little underpowered and not worth the extra $20K. The G35 sedan handled well, power was a little better than the max (not a real difference) but I hated the driver's seat. I thought it was very cramped and uncomfortable. Lastly, at highway speeds, it had some of the same wind noise I can't stand in my Max. The G35 coupe was terrific all around as long as you don't use your back seat much. However, I refuse to pay MSRP for any car. So....I gracefully backed out of selling the Max and plan on keeping it. I have a nice relationship with my dealer's service dept having been there over 12 times for various issues and like the free coffee and donuts. And, I am getting used to raising my voice to talk to folks in the car over the wind noise.

 

I think I'll probably be in the same boat as you all.

I think right now I'm jsut really frustrated with the Maxima because problems seem to be coming all at once.

I don't really drive my car hard at all, and for the first year I had the car I put less than 6K miles on it.

This past year I drove like 18K and all of a sudden these problems that I've heard others owners complain about, but never experienced myself start showing up.

I have not had an MAF problem or the ignition coils, but reading this board and my recent experience seems to suggest that my Nissan service department will be position number 1 on my cell phone redial.

Truthfully, it is probably not likely I would get rid of the Maxima for the G35.

What have you guys or other Maxima owners done to revive your enjoyment in the car. The first year and half I had the car I loved it - I wish I could have driven it more, I just was not around much - now that I'm driving it a lot more it seems these problems are taking away from my enjoyment.

I'v been thinking about some mods - I thought maybe that would make it at least feel different for a while and maybe doing the work myself will inspire some new kind of enjyoment from the car - who knows.

Hopefully after next week (I having my transmission work done) things will be looking up.