Genesis Coupe vs. Infiniti G35

[yottabit]

DISCLAIMER: I'm not going to be purchasing this year (unless my car shits the bed)

I'm looking between these two options. I feel like I'd get a lot more value from the G35 as they are going on craigslist for ~10k up, and for the price of a couple y/o Genesis Coupe I could get a very nice G35 coupe or sedan.

Criteria:
Reliable
Manual Transmission
RWD
Good handling

My big sticking point is the VQ35 oil consumption issues, which I've heard about, but know almost nothing about. Compare that to Hyundai's 100k mile warranty (which I imagine would transfer if I was the second owner?) and the Hyundai seems to suddenly have more value. Add to that the fact that a G35 Coupe will likely have the shit driven out of it by everyone and their uncle, and the sedan seems a safer buy.

I'm looking for something that will seem reputable business-wise, which I realize either car has kind of a boy racer look to it (minus the G35 sedan) but anything will be much better than the 1999 beaters I drive to work now.

I know the performance of both cars and honestly both of them are more than fast enough for what I care about (except maybe the 2.0t Genesis) The feel is just something I'll have to figure out when I test drive them

I probably would drive them in the winter with a good set of winter tires (living in NH) I looked at the G35x but it seems it's only automatic which is sad... plus the gas mileage hit would be awful

Let me know your thoughts!

 

[Doppel]

Hyundai warranty would move, yes. The VQ35 oil issue is a concern but apparently if you delve into it enough you can find out which ones are problematic and which aren't. I looked into it a while back and frankly couldn't be bothered. It's a great engine when working properly, but the Infiniti oil consumption problems really turned me off.

However, I'd rather an Infiniti than a Hyundai. It's a luxury brand vs a brand that in many people's eyes is less than Toyota (and realistically, it is, even with Hyundai doing better in recent years).

If you are "comparing value" you'll always get worse bang for buck buying a luxury brand. You pay a luxury premium, but far less with Infiniti than BMW, etc. And also the components in Infinitis cross into Nissan back and forth (at least the bulk of certain components), so I think maintenance and reliability will be better than with BMW or Mercedes.

AWD G is only automatic.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

the oil consumption was fixed with the "rev-up" version of the engine, 2005-2007 coupes and 2005-2006 sedans, all with manual transmission. the redline is 7000 instead of 6500. 2005 was a major update for the car, but further tweaks went into the 2006-07's (like mine )

the g35x is auto only. the sedans ride quite nicely, but my coupe does not. the manuals came with the optional-for-auto "sport pack" and 19" wheels, giving a pretty harsh ride. i strongly suggest a set of beater wheels and snow tires.

http://www.6mt.net/
http://g35driver.com/

 

[yottabit]

the oil consumption was fixed with the "rev-up" version of the engine, 2005-2007 coupes and 2005-2006 sedans, all with manual transmission. the redline is 7000 instead of 6500. 2005 was a major update for the car, but further tweaks went into the 2006-07's (like mine )

the g35x is auto only. the sedans ride quite nicely, but my coupe does not. the manuals came with the optional-for-auto "sport pack" and 19" wheels, giving a pretty harsh ride. i strongly suggest a set of beater wheels and snow tires.

http://www.6mt.net/
http://g35driver.com/

Actually everything I'm reading about (from those links you posted) says the opposite- that the 2005-2007 rev-up's are the ones that have the real problems (to the point Infiniti released a TSB for the rev ups only)

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have an '03 VQ35 engine in my Maxima. 105,000 miles and I've never added a drop of oil between changes. Maybe the version in the Infiniti is vastly different? I know it makes more power and it is RWD layout but it is basically the same engine.

 

[MotF Bane]

Actually everything I'm reading about (from those links you posted) says the opposite- that the 2005-2007 rev-up's are the ones that have the real problems (to the point Infiniti released a TSB for the rev ups only)

This. I think it's the RevUp that has the oil problem. The recall only covers them after a certain amount of consumption, 1.5 qts per... I forget the unit of time.

As for your question, RWD in a NH winter? Good luck to you, buy good winter tires. An X would make life a lot better, but since you're against automatics...

I've test driven a Genesis 3.8 coupe (not R-spec, automatic), '05 G35x, '06 G35x, '08 G35x, and '11 G37x. The Infinitis are much more refined, and they seem to be more powerful than the Genesis. Handling struck me as fairly even, I think the Infiniti would be better, but the Genesis provided more of a feeling of the road. I noted that the Infiniti coming out of a corner just moved, whereas the Genesis gave me a distinct impression of pushing from the rear - I'm not calling it oversteer, the wheels still tracked where they were supposed to.

The interior isn't even a contest. The Infiniti is much nicer. '05+ will give you a better suspension, but a far better interior than the 03-04. If I were doing your shopping, Genesis over 03-04 G, above that... requires more testing. I suspect in winter that the G, even with RWD, will do better, given its fancy computer stuff. The Genesis, in my opinion, can be summed with a single word - unfinished.

 

[CrazyShiz]

This. I think it's the RevUp that has the oil problem. The recall only covers them after a certain amount of consumption, 1.5 qts per... I forget the unit of time.

As for your question, RWD in a NH winter? Good luck to you, buy good winter tires. An X would make life a lot better, but since you're against automatics...

I've test driven a Genesis 3.8 coupe (not R-spec, automatic), '05 G35x, '06 G35x, '08 G35x, and '11 G37x. The Infinitis are much more refined, and they seem to be more powerful than the Genesis. Handling struck me as fairly even, I think the Infiniti would be better, but the Genesis provided more of a feeling of the road. I noted that the Infiniti coming out of a corner just moved, whereas the Genesis gave me a distinct impression of pushing from the rear - I'm not calling it oversteer, the wheels still tracked where they were supposed to.

The interior isn't even a contest. The Infiniti is much nicer. '05+ will give you a better suspension, but a far better interior than the 03-04. If I were doing your shopping, Genesis over 03-04 G, above that... requires more testing. I suspect in winter that the G, even with RWD, will do better, given its fancy computer stuff. The Genesis, in my opinion, can be summed with a single word - unfinished.

I drive a `10 Gen Coupe 3.8 Track, agree with pretty much everything here. As my first rwd sports car I'm not disappointed per se, but I wish I had test driven the G35.

That being said, the Hyundai warranty does kick ass, and the Gen Coupe is still new enough that it's unusual on the road (and people still think it's hot).

I'm in North Jersey and have dedicated winter tires and i was getting around better on them than a lot of fwd cars - though I suspect the traction control helped a bit. ;-)

 

[yottabit]

Thanks Bane... that's exactly the type of stuff I was looking for!

I may end up going for an 03-04 G just to save money, I can't believe how cheap they are now, I see them with ~100k miles for $6k on Craigslist. For some reason 350z's from that same era command $10k+

I've driven other RWD sports cars in the winter here before... a 4th Gen Camaro (a little scary) and a Merkur XR4Ti (not bad at all). I think the independent rear suspension makes a big difference!

I think I could deal with an automatic, but the double whammy of AWD + Automatic fuel economy losses would stink, and I just think it would ruin a lot of fun with the car anyway

For a frame of reference my daily is a 99 Saturn SC2... so I'm not too worried about interior quality- anything is going to be a world of difference! lol

 

[Jbusch]

Out of your two choices I would go for the Genesis coupe with the turbo four. As the motor is sourced from Mitsubishi and is a detuned EVO engine. A smart driver and a good set of snow tires will get more places than you think, especially if car has a limited slip rear diff.

Other cars that you may want to consider is BMW 1 series 135i. A Cadillac CTS V6 or V-series can be had with manual transmissions. Or any of the new generation V6- Challenger, Mustang, Camaro with the right options. As well as the Lexus IS 250 can be had in a manual trans and it does handle very well even though it's a little under powered.

Last option that I can think of and what I am waiting for is the upcoming Subaru BRZ/ Scion FR-S coupe. If your car lasts that long.

 

[Zap]

Compare that to Hyundai's 100k mile warranty (which I imagine would transfer if I was the second owner?)

Hyundai warranty would move, yes.

Hyundai's 100k mile powertrain warranty would NOT transfer to a second owner.

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/assurance/america-best-warranty.aspx

"Second and/or subsequent owners have powertrain components coverage under the 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty."

 

[Doppel]

I may end up going for an 03-04 G just to save money, I can't believe how cheap they are now, I see them with ~100k miles for $6k on Craigslist.

Salvage or bait and switch, maybe, most are going for far more than that.

Hyundai's 100k mile powertrain warranty would NOT transfer to a second owner.

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/assurance/...-warranty.aspx

"Second and/or subsequent owners have powertrain components coverage under the 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty."

ugh.

Both of my vehicles actually now have power train for as long as I own it, and of course are not transferable, but that is an incentive offered by the dealer, and they personally cover that based on the same coverage as factory--it's not something pimped by the manufacturer without adding that it's not transferable (which would certainly assist resale substantially).

 

[manimal]

I agree with doppel on the pricing used pricing of the Gs. Expect to pay closer to 9 or 10K for one that is clean enough to trust.

I went with a higher mileage 2008 instead of a lower miles 07 becuase of the general issues the revised engine has. Now the extra 60 horses help out as well with the second gen. Most guys spend 2k just to get to the stock power on a second gen.

I went with an X as well since winter trumps fun for my wife and I. If you get a 07 or 08 Journey or better you can add the paddle shifters for 250 bucks and pretend to be Nigel Mansell....

If I were to use one word to compare the compare the genesis to the g35 I would say Refinement would be the biggest difference. The G35 still surprises me three months after purchase with well thought out design and fantastic ergonomics and comfort.

If only my boxster had the power of my G!


Funny how nobody told him to buy a mazda 3 in this thread!!

 

[SithSolo1]

I've never had any problem with oil on my G35 coupe with the exception of the last change when they cracked the crush washer on the drain. Luckily I noticed it bleeding oil and got it fixed. The only major mechanical issue I've had is window motor failure. Both sides have been replaced and right now the passenger side is going slower than the driver, I may just need to re-lube the rails.


Complaints after 6 years of ownership:
-Gas mileage is less than stellar, I'd say most of that is my driving habit but the engine isn't that fuel efficent to begin with.

-The fuel gauge is never accurate. Above F when full, 4-5gals left when at E(5 when the light comes on).

-The ride is harsh but I have the optional sport suspension w/ lower profile tires and the roads around here are simply horrible.

-The heated seats are the weakest of any vehicle with heated seats I've ridden in.

-If you get one with the BOSE stereo and wish to replace the head unit you need to spend $200-300 alone on a new face for the console tower just so a replacement will fit.

-The mechanism for moving the seat forward for rear passengers is electric and not mechanical, thus slower than dirt.

-It eats rear tires like a stray cat eats tuna.

-Its long and low, you will often scrape either the front air diffuser or on rare occasions something in the middle underneath.

-Its has low seats with thick door panels, being short myself makes reaching some objects from the car more difficult. For example I, personally, have an extremely difficult time or can't even reach: Post Office drop boxes, some bank teller tubes/boxes, atms, some higher drive through windows, some recessed pay boxes for car washes/parking decks.

-The doors are very long and heavy. Exiting on hills is a chore as they are too heavy for the notches to hold. Tight spaces also make exiting eventfull.

Other than those small annoyances I really love my car and have thoroughly enjoyed driving it.

 

[MotF Bane]

-Gas mileage is less than stellar, I'd say most of that is my driving habit but the engine isn't that fuel efficent to begin with.

-It eats rear tires like a stray cat eats tuna.

I see a correlation there.

 

[SithSolo1]

I see a correlation there.

Shhhh you

 

[manimal]

Shhhh you

hehe

 

[xSkyDrAx]

I drive a `10 Gen Coupe 3.8 Track, agree with pretty much everything here. As my first rwd sports car I'm not disappointed per se, but I wish I had test driven the G35.

That being said, the Hyundai warranty does kick ass, and the Gen Coupe is still new enough that it's unusual on the road (and people still think it's hot).

I'm in North Jersey and have dedicated winter tires and i was getting around better on them than a lot of fwd cars - though I suspect the traction control helped a bit. ;-)

Can you give a more detail impression of your 3.8T? On paper it sounds like a pretty good car that can rival the G35 coupe pretty nicely. Is there something from the driving impression that would say otherwise?

 

[The Boston Dangler]

Actually everything I'm reading about (from those links you posted) says the opposite- that the 2005-2007 rev-up's are the ones that have the real problems (to the point Infiniti released a TSB for the rev ups only)

whoops clearly, i wasn't thinking clearly. i never had the oil consumption issue.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

I noted that the Infiniti coming out of a corner just moved, whereas the Genesis gave me a distinct impression of pushing from the rear - I'm not calling it oversteer, the wheels still tracked where they were supposed to.

i drove a g35x loaner and i distinctly felt like the car was pulled from the front - this was a left turn on commonwealth ave.

The G35 still surprises me three months after purchase with well thought out design and fantastic ergonomics and comfort.

i love the ergonomics, dislike the seats

 

[The Boston Dangler]

the genesis coupe is available in:

karussell white
bathurst black
silverstone
nordschliffe gray
acqua minerale blue
tsukuba red
mirabeau blue
interlagos yellow

:thumbsup:

 

[yottabit]

i drove a g35x loaner and i distinctly felt like the car was pulled from the front - this was a left turn on commonwealth ave.

I'm sure that's because it's an AWD model. There aren't many (if any) AWD cars I can think of that don't have understeer from the factory