G35 sedan and the Legacy GT

[T2urtle]

I'm currently in the market for a car in the 16-18k sticker price. Obviously both cars will be used.



First off my background and information. I always buy a car in hope of keeping it and running it till it does. I came from a 96 camry 4 cylinder, gave that up to my mother cause she needed a car and i felt it was a little sluggish, currently have a 98 maxima and giving it to my father. The maxima was completely loaded black/black and i love it. But now i'm looking for a little more speed. I've taken it to the track plenty of times and ran 16.2's stock. Now the car is about 15.5 with bolt on's and it is a auto with full interior and everything. I should have 180-185 whp, never dynoed but comparing my mods to others.


Now my requirements for a car would be, daily driven. i would like to target 230-250whp overall and running low 14's, pretty much silent as possible. obviously 16-18k price. AUTO, I live in chicago so, we do get snow every now and then. AWD is a plus but also comparing the g35 RWD as well. Must have 4 doors. fairly loaded. heated seats, sunroof are a must, black leather interior. somewhat decent aftermarkets, a little stealthy look.

basiclly i'm looking to put about $5k worth of mods, on the g35 it will remain NA and LGT will just have upgraded pipes.


currently i'm 21 and 16-18k is about what i can afford to do. As far as i know g35's do have oil burnning issues, the EJ25 doesn't have too much engine issues. i know the g35x is auto only, now i'm struggling to find real life numbers of stock or near stock at the track to know how work i gotta put into it.

As far as i know the LGT needs cobb accessport and probaly a up and down pipe to take me to low 14's if the accessport doesn't get me in the 14's alone. The g35 sedan should be at 14.5-14.8 stock and i'm sure i can drop .5 easily. with the spacers, Z tube and couple of minor stuff. I like bolt-ons plain and simple.

I've driven both cars now, to be exact i'm comparing a 04 sedan VS a 05 LGT non-limited both in the 50-60k miles.

I dont know how much slower the X is then the normal G. Cant get real numbers. I also know winter tires are forsure either way i go. I've never had a RWD nor ever had snow tires but with the next car it will be.

Both cars drive nicely. A little boost lag with the LGT but it's fine with me. given this situation which would one get.

Or would you suggest another car... please list details.

NO E36 m3, just not me.

 

[senseamp]

G35's have oil burning issues? I highly doubt those are prevalent enough to be of any concern. That VQ engine (follow on to your Maxima engine) is as close to bulletproof as you can get, and the whole G35 drive train is rock solid.
If you love the Maxima, I would get the G35 in a heartbeat. BTW, the G35x AWD system is the Atessa ET-S from the Skyline GT-R. It is RWD biased and only directs power to the front when necessary, so it is the best of both worlds.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Honestly ask yourself how long will it take for you to get bored of the G35/Legacy. Seems like you mess with it a little bit, then sell/give it away. Just seems like a waste of money IMO. I'd ask yourself more importantly what you want out of a car in X years, and not just "how much hp can I put down so I can smoke some fool on paper".

 

[lurk3r]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Honestly ask yourself how long will it take for you to get bored of the G35/Legacy. Seems like you mess with it a little bit, then sell/give it away. Just seems like a waste of money IMO. I'd ask yourself more importantly what you want out of a car in X years, and not just "how much hp can I put down so I can smoke some fool on paper".

He said he planned on keeping the car until it [dies], I'd say it depends on what you want to do with it, the lecacy will have more tweaking room, the infinity will be a hotter car. I think the infinity will be slightly more reliable too, the subaru's are bad for timing belt maintence. Both are good choices though.

 

[T2urtle]

Um.. the Vq35 is not as bulletproof as my VQ30. TSB are put out for them.

I've know about 4 VQ35 maxima that nissan's put new motors in them. But they were very low mileage. If i get the G35 then it would be out of warranty give or take, i'm not orignal owner so yea.

I didn't know the AWD was similiar to the R34's system. I do like the maxima a lot, it seems like a great upgrade.

How long i keep my cars are mainly due to need in my family #1 and then car payments will most likely make me keep the car. I bought my 96 camry with 50k for $5g and gave my mother the car at 90k, they offered me $3k down payment when i bought my 98 maxima with 52k and i drove the car 3 years and 101k now. When i give/sell w/e the cars there is a reason. We are trading down cars, mom's car died gave her mines, younger brother is driving, gets dad's car i sell him mines for 4k down payment. My parents dont want new cars, just realible cars. I've fully maintained all my cars to a high standard. The maxima has been almost return to stock except for the Y and B pipe which my old one rusted out so my dad gets the extra 10whp or so from those. In a way i'm helping the family because my parents do like my car, i fix the cars as well. It would be the same as me selling the wierdos. Every car i bought i looked to have the car between 5 years or untill i have a reason to get rid of. say repair cost more then car.

I think you got me all wrong about my HP goals. Cars are like my hobby similiar to most people here and their computers. Not everyone needs 3gb of ram and a TB of storage but a good amount of us have them. Similiar with me and cars, Not everyone needs a fast car that only gets 20mpg but i do and look forward to having that.

The G35 has more of a refine look and newly found info about the AWD makes it a little more nicer. I have to confirm that info tho. I've read about a fuse to pull to disable AWD and make it 95% rWD since the shafts for the front should still be moving slightly.

THe legacy has a nice sleeper looking, steering wheel shift buttons, no one will ever expect it to have a turbo. STI manifold/ turbo bolts on almost to get me 250AWHP easily with supporting mods.

I've also looked at older CTS's as well. they seem decent, loaded and etc.

 

[fbrdphreak]

My vote is for the LGT. The G35 will be a bit more of a dedicated sports car out of the box, but I love the power band of a turbo motor and the LGT has a lot more potential FOR THE BUCK than the G35. I'm sure the handling of the G35 has as much aftermarket as the LGT, but to get serious power out of those motors requires a LOT of money - compared to the uber-potential of the venerable Subaru 2.5L

 

[senseamp]

Be careful not to confuse anecdotal evidence with statistical evidence, and TSBs with long term reliability. If TSB is performed and it addresses potential problem before it happens, then it is not an issue.
2004 G35 is rated very highly, and so are other vehicles using that drive train.
http://autos.msn.com/research/...ti&model=G35&trimid=-1
I personally would pick an NA 3.5L VQ over an FI 2.5L EJ for long term reliability. Which is not to say either is unreliable, but if something were to go wrong, I would be more worried about repair costs for a hard to work on H type Turbo engine than a proven V6 that is used on millions of Nissans with plenty of cheap spare parts available from junk yards.
The fact that G35 is a luxury car that to me looks much better than a Legacy, and is RWD biased does not hurt.
The other factor is that you are getting an automatic. Turbo + automatic just isn't a good match for drivability.
Autos like good low end torque, while Turbos provide most torque at mid to high RPMs.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: T2urtleTHe legacy has a nice sleeper looking, steering wheel shift buttons, no one will ever expect it to have a turbo. STI manifold/ turbo bolts on almost to get me 250AWHP easily with supporting mods.

Except that you can achieve nearly that power level with the stock turbo and some simple bolt-ons. One thing you'll definitely want to consider depending on what your power goals are is an upgraded valve body for the AT.

My gf's bro has a AT wagon pushing 400whp. I just have a "simple" setup on mine (stock turbo and TMIC) and I would venture to guess I'm around 225 whp.

But, as always, MT > AT

 

[Audiotherapy]

the 04-06 G35/350z (ones with revup engine) has the oil burn problem. if u buy a g35, make sure its under warranty and do an oil consumption test.

link for further reading:
http://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180181

 

[mayonnaise]

Look at an Infiniti I35.

 

[T2urtle]

i35 = 5.5 gen maxima and then was dropped because the G35 pretty much took its place as the maxima's replcement in the infiniti world.

the whole AT/ MT was another reason why i was leaning to g35.


yea, i would need to drop 600$ on the place who does the VB and then another $50 on the trans cooler. most people were able to run stage 2 on their LGT on them. Another thing would be T-belt driven VS T-chain.


http://autos.msn.com/research/...ti&model=G35&trimid=-1
according to the site the G35x is a hair faster most likely doe the the launch.

But like stated i'm targeting a 04 model with 50-60k since most of the G35x fall into 16-18k sticker price and then the haggling beings. I dont want the navi but seems like a 50/50 chance of me getting it with the packages. With that being said warranty should/might be up unless i pick up a 3rd party warranty which i never knew how much it would be and there are weird loop holes.

Plus with a 3rd party warranty and the minor bolt-on parts i'll be installing, i might have to deal with lawyers if they try to deny my warranty repair.

 

[senseamp]

Honestly, having had a (Don's) VB mod on my old Maxima, I don't recommend it. It makes the shifts jerky. Basically that's what it does, stops the internal clutches from slipping by shifting faster and more jerky. So less wear on clutches, so more durable, but kind of annoying to drive.
G is the way to go. I would keep it stock myself though, but if you like mods, do the classy ones. No rice

 

[T2urtle]

external mods are min, looking at track edition 350z springs, 20% tint, shaved trunk. maybe a front lip.

the rest would be engine mods. 1/2 spacer, lower manifold, z tube,

my maxima only had, blacked out headlights, overlay tails, shaved trunk and drop and tint on stock wheels as well.


i just found a deal breaker for me right now. 05 g35x with 55k miles silver on black with the options i want. minus the navi. sticker price at 17,500$ driving it mororw

 

[Arkaign]

G35 no contest. The Sub is nice, but it's a couple steps down the ladder from the refinement and class of the G. Neither car is going to ever be a Vette, but each will perform decently.

 

[sniperruff]

a couple of important points:

the legacy GT's competitor from nissan would be the VQ altima/maxima
the legacy GT has a turbo, meaning more parts to break down the road, or possibly higher insurance premium.
the legacy GT has AWD, which is better than the G35 in the snow (friend has a 04' G35 sedan and told me his tail breaks loose in the rain)
the legacy GT looks better than the G35 sedan IMO
the legacy GT might have better interiors than the G35 sedan (surprisingly)

its a tough choice, but i'd choose the G35.... coupe!

 

[NutBucket]

I agree on some points, but naturally disagree on others.

First, I doubt the premiums are any higher on a LGT since they aren't driven by younger folks like the WRX. I'd venture to guess there are more stupid drivers behind the wheel of G's (personal experience anyway).

Turbos can easily last 150k+ with proper maintenance. No reason to avoid a turbo. Just means easy power

The AWD system in the LGT is better IMHO than the system found in the G35X. Besides, G35X = slush box only so that's a big no-no

 

[T2urtle]

bump, its been about a month and yea... still here, still thinking...i played with adding a 330c and some other cars but in the end of the day its... g35 VS LGT.

yea both cars aren't exactly comparable but those are really the only 2 cars i'm into.


prices has droped a little. but its still a 2004 g35x and a 05 legacy GT limited. I figure i have to get the limited because i want leather and sunroof. both cars will be auto.

chicago weather has really woken me up about the looking getting a normal g35... so yea. I think at this rate i will get which ever comes in the color combo i want and price. which is white/black leather. silver/black and black/black.

I haven't done the insurance quotes yet. but i did a 05 WRX last time. it was 540$ 6 months, my 98 max is 340$ same price. 05 GTO is 490$. I think a WRX should have a higher prem then the LGT. given all the numbers i got from last time. i think the g35x should be at 475-490 and lgt should be a little over 500. so honestly price doesn't matter if my numbers are accurate.

I dont really know about the windows on the LGT. not sure how frame-less windows hold up in rain/ snow. i still dont know which car...

 

[NutBucket]

The most complaints you'll hear about frameless windows are about added wind noise. Never had any issues with water leaks and such, even on older cars.

Besides, G35's are guido-mobiles

 

[Arkaign]

/thread to follow :

1998 BMW M3 4 Door Auto 76k Miles $14988

Pluses : Truly superior handling, braking, class, this one has low miles, there are gobs of mods for these E36 cars. They are lightweight, and stock you should be in the 14s. You can also carve up tracks much better than heavier, looser, cheaper modern competitors. They literally race these things at highly technical tracks in much the same setup that you see here with this stock model. Unquantifiable BMW-ness. M3s drive like a dream, even when modded to ridiculous amounts of power.

Minuses : It's 10 years old. You will have to pay attention to maintenance (though 76k miles is amazingly low). Serious power mods might set you back another $4k or so for an installed turbo or SC.

 

[Arkaign]

Dammit missed the E36 M3 thing

You don't know what you're missing! And learn to drive a manual, dammit It will net you positive track time!

 

[Demo24]

frameless windows should not even be a reason not to get the car. You would have to rip off the side molding for any possible water to get into the cabin, trust me they seal up pretty good. I also have no issues with wind noise.

Also a LGT will be in the 14's stock, getting into the 13's will require a bit more grunt though. Still the engine in the Lgt is strong! It's mostly an STI block, although a few internals are not the same (piston rods, etc) but the blocks themselves can handle plenty of power before having any issues. Pretty much the only way one in good shape is going to have issues is if you run out of oil or push too much boost. Also an Acessport will net you some nice gains with nothing else done. Then you can upgrade the exhausts. I also suggest you get some stainless steel brake lines because while the stock brakes are good the feel is not wonderful and doing that switchout will improve it significantly.


Also I don't think the sedans AWD is the same Altezza system as is used in the coupe. I know in the coupe that it incorporates 4-wheel steering, a R34 carry over, but the sedan does not.

Personally I would get the LGT. To me it looks cleaner and honestly I don't think the G35's looks have aged well. Also since many parts are shared with many other vehicles in the Subaru lineup finding parts will not be too challenging nor should they be overly expensive.

 

[T2urtle]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Dammit missed the E36 M3 thing

You don't know what you're missing! And learn to drive a manual, dammit It will net you positive track time!

Oh i can drive manual... I just choose not to with this car. I have a 200sx SER boosted. that is just tapping on the high 12 second range. But i'm selling that car too. If i wanted a manual then its pretty much m3 sedan e36 or a couple of other cars.

but a auto is what i want with the next car.

i was only wondering about the frameless windows, never had a car with it. I've been in a 91 teggie, it leaked in once under hard rain but thats it. I was just thinking i might be a littler easier to steal, and it might cause problems with it freezing. I know this year along my door was frozen to the body like 4 times. i had to play around with all four doors and i went in thru the rear doors plenty.

Both cars are really nice. I've still yet to drive a auto g35 sedan. I've done manual/auto coupe and manual sedan for the g35.

Just looking at them aside from performance wise. It is true guido-mobiles but thats only in coupe form, not too many in sedan. I like the style of LGT's interior with the whole white/red lighting. I like sleep-ness, when i had the 200sx people were like WTF as i rolled past many many evo's and sti's at highway speeds. the AWD system on the g35x is only traction shifting not 4 wheel steer. its pretty much 45/55 under 15mph and then 0/100 at 15mph+, so its like best of both worlds type thing, should be a little faster up top.

i ruled out the oil burning issue. I need to stop by agent to talk insurance rates. I really don't know why these 2 cars are so hard to choose from for me.




About the sharing parts, same can be said with nissan almost everything is running a vq35. suby's have a lot of EJ25 motors as well. as for the power. all i want is 13.5 ish numbers. i'm more concerned about power for daily driving. My 200sx had no power for daily driving, boost was made near 4k. I figure the LGT should make it a little easier with it torque curve a little more to the left of the dyno plots. I'll most likely get AP for the LGT and leave it for a year or so before more. g35 gets the ztube and 5/16 spacer almost instantly and be done for a bit.

 

[Demo24]

I got snowed in at the beginning of this year with temps hovering around 7f during the middle of the day and my doors opened just fine. It's a pretty decent seal.

The auto in the LGT will be a bit different in f/r bias. about 40/60 for normal driving. However you might have to get use to driving in snow with it. It does very well and is pretty fun, so I'll let this article describe it for me:

http://www.motivemag.com/pub/f...ck_2_5i_L_L_Bean.shtml

 

[T2urtle]

yea i've read about the LGT i think its 45/55 at most. it might just be due to the fact that it has a rear limited-slip and a open front. What do you drive DEMO?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Any Impreza-based car (WRX, STi, etc) will have noticeably higher insurance rates thanks to the teen ricers wrecking them everywhere - I priced it out a couple years ago for myself. My $30K 400HP RWD V8 was cheaper to insure than a $25K 230HP AWD H-4.

The windows are no problem. My 97 LGT WAgon has 212K on the clock and they seal fine.

I vote for the LGT hands down. I'm not a slushbox guy, but it doesn't sound like the tranny's between the two make any difference to you (yes, automatics from two diff brands can make a difference in driveability)