G35X VS Maxima S VS WRX-09 VS TL

[manimal]

Well after many a year of dayly driving a 2004 Avalon XLS I am due for a new car. I have seen driven and drooled over the 4 above listed vehicles. I am trying to decide on which so if it wouldnt be too much of a bother I was hoping for AT's opinion.

All of the above vehicles are 2009 models with less than 40k miles. There are some AMAZING deals on cars in this price range.

1. The criteria I have so far is decent enough mileage so the WRX's 25ish mpgs is good enough.

2. I need a little excitement in my life since I spend so much time in the car its a worthwhile investment for me.

3. I do on occasion drive clients around, usually 2 ever at the most but singletons most often.

4. Status really inst important to me though my wife did look at me all weird when I told her I was thinking about buying a Subaru-she commented on the brat I had in college...

5.I have owned a Lexus LS400 and a 5 series BMW before so I could spend a little more but I dont really feel like doing so.

2009WRX 22k
2009 TL 26K
2008 G35X 27K
2009 Maxima 22K

Oh BTW When my wife spoke disparagingly of my old beloved Brat I said the only brat I ever worried about was her

 

[MotF Bane]

G35x over the Maxima; so I'd scratch the Maxima immediately. G gives you RWD and AWD instead of FWD, and I wasn't much impressed with the CVT last time I drove one. The interior is nicer in the G too, in my opinion.

I know you said you want to keep the money a little lower, but one more year newer on the G would get you the 37, which means a much smoother 7 speed automatic, better fuel economy, and a notably improved motor. It's really worth thinking about. 27k could get you a medium load out (e.g. Premium package, but not Sport) on a G37x in my area, don't know about Indiana prices. Just throwing it out there.

WRX is an excellent option for fun, and it'll be nice in winter, but I'd be very wary of used ones being abused heavily.

If you're looking for status, and drive clients around sometimes, the WRX is probably not the way to go. It's a fun sporty little car, but the ride might be a bit stiff for clients to enjoy, and it's a Subaru. For status, it's the Acura and the Infiniti; to me, that's not even a competition.

 

[Doppel]

WRX will be the most fun and is the most boy racerish. It will by a long shot be the least impressive to drive clients around in. Smaller and more spartan.

The other cars are all much nicer, are larger, probably cheaper on insurance (can't say that for sure with the infiniti and acura, though), and still very quick.

I assume the TL is more expensive than the Maxima or G.

 

[manimal]

Thx for the responses guys. I should write off the wrx as being too boy racerish as you say but the old school subaru guy in me cant let go of it. I am giving the G35 a long look. It has pretty much ruled out the maxima as you said.


My wife is now telling me to get a BMW 525Xi AWD or a A4 or a A6. I am driving a G35 first thing tomorrow and is even nicer on paper than the one I already drove.

Thx!

 

[thescreensavers]

G35 wins easily

WRX is cool but if your driving clients around the G wins imo.

Also the G35 year you are looking at has the HR motor, its similar to the newer engines.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Man, I have a 2003 Maxima with 103,000 miles on it and I'm not even considering getting rid of it yet. Your Toyota have a million miles on it or something?

 

[MotF Bane]

G35 wins easily

WRX is cool but if your driving clients around the G wins imo.

Also the G35 year you are looking at has the HR motor, its similar to the newer engines.

There's still a notable difference between the '08 G35 and the succeeding G37.

Also, the transmission is way better.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Maxima for clients

WRX for fun

TL is too ugly

G35 is great IF you need the AWD - RWD might be the better answer

 

[T2urtle]

i wound rate those

1.g35x i'm bias on that since i own a 05 g35x.
2.TL
3. WRX
4. MAXIMA

of those i would really only pick g35x and TL.

you said you owned a LS400 so i might want to tempt you with a M35x, you might not get a 09 for the money your looking for but 06-07's should be in the low 20's. I had it as a loaner and LOVED it. Same power much bigger and comfier. Also throw in a acura RL into the mix.

 

[Zap]

1. The criteria I have so far is decent enough mileage so the WRX's 25ish mpgs is good enough.

2. I need a little excitement in my life since I spend so much time in the car its a worthwhile investment for me.

3. I do on occasion drive clients around, usually 2 ever at the most but singletons most often.

You may not get 25MPG. I think my Mazdaspeed 6 is rated the same MPG as the WRX, but in actual use it gets noticeably better mileage.

It certainly is the most exciting car in your listing.

What kind of clients? If giving them rides is fairly common, tailor your purchase around that. For instance you can probably get a Subaru Legacy GT instead of the WRX. Think of it as... your Avalon (okay, maybe a lower rent Camry) but with the engine of the WRX. If you don't go around modding the intake/exhaust, most people probably would never know it was anything more than yet another mid-sized sedan.

 

[Aaviel]

I'm pretty sure an 08 used 335 is around the price range of most of these cars as well.

 

[Doppel]

Thx for the responses guys. I should write off the wrx as being too boy racerish as you say but the old school subaru guy in me cant let go of it. I am giving the G35 a long look. It has pretty much ruled out the maxima as you said.


My wife is now telling me to get a BMW 525Xi AWD or a A4 or a A6. I am driving a G35 first thing tomorrow and is even nicer on paper than the one I already drove.

Thx!

I am not giving you permission to buy a used Audi.

 

[RKS]

I'm pretty sure an 08 used 335 is around the price range of most of these cars as well.

when does the warranty expire. an out-of-warranty german car can be expensive.

 

[manimal]

Thx a ton for the responses guys. I drove a ton of cars yesterday and found two prime examples. One 335 black on tan 28K miles that looks brand new. I seriously would consider trading my left arm for that engine. I mean OMG that Engine and suspension on the 335 is something special. That car had a very magical feeling to me. Reminds me of the first time I drove my ls400 in 1992.

I drove a loaded 2008 G35 that my wife went nuts over. It was an amazing blend of performance and comfort. How could infinity outdo the interior of a bmw and mercedes C300 that we drove? Its engine was great though no 335 engine.

I seriously could see myself driving eather of these cars. Same mileage, both super clean and both colors that I can deal with.

Audi was ruled out thx to you good gentlemen.

 

[manimal]

You may not get 25MPG. I think my Mazdaspeed 6 is rated the same MPG as the WRX, but in actual use it gets noticeably better mileage.

It certainly is the most exciting car in your listing.

What kind of clients? If giving them rides is fairly common, tailor your purchase around that. For instance you can probably get a Subaru Legacy GT instead of the WRX. Think of it as... your Avalon (okay, maybe a lower rent Camry) but with the engine of the WRX. If you don't go around modding the intake/exhaust, most people probably would never know it was anything more than yet another mid-sized sedan.

Oo good idea!!


Lemme drive one of those as well.

 

[MotF Bane]

when does the warranty expire. an out-of-warranty german car can be expensive.

This. I'd be wary of a BMW aging. Not at all concerned about an Infiniti.

 

[manimal]

This. I'd be wary of a BMW aging. Not at all concerned about an Infiniti.

Both Cars are below 30k miles. The BMW warranty I think had 5 years 50k or 60k and infinity was close or the same. I had the same thoughts about the BMW. Same reason I ruled out mercedes outright.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Both Cars are below 30k miles. The BMW warranty I think had 5 years 50k or 60k and infinity was close or the same. I had the same thoughts about the BMW. Same reason I ruled out mercedes outright.

You may wanna check that. BMWs typically come with a 4yr/50k factory warranty. If you get a CPO, it bumps it up to 6yr/100k.

So if you're looking at an '08 335, it's factory warranty is likely to run out some time in 2012.

Aside from the HPFP issues and the crappy RFTs, the 335 is a pretty reliable car. No major mechanical issues that I'm aware of. But if something does go wrong (and it's pretty much a 50-50 chance), it's likely to be pretty expensive outside of warranty.

So if you don't plan on keeping it for at least another 3-5 years, and have enough in the bank to cover unforeseen repairs, you may want to go with the G35.

Having said all that, if I were in your shoes, I would still go for a 335 instead of the G35.

 

[RKS]

I'm not sure about the G35 but with the G37 vs. 335 you get about 95% of the performance at 75% of the price but I think BMW just released a software upgrade that boosts the power even more.

I cross-shopped both sedans but the BMW was about $9K more when similarly equipped to a base G37S sedan.

 

[manimal]

You may wanna check that. BMWs typically come with a 4yr/50k factory warranty. If you get a CPO, it bumps it up to 6yr/100k.

So if you're looking at an '08 335, it's factory warranty is likely to run out some time in 2012.

Aside from the HPFP issues and the crappy RFTs, the 335 is a pretty reliable car. No major mechanical issues that I'm aware of. But if something does go wrong (and it's pretty much a 50-50 chance), it's likely to be pretty expensive outside of warranty.

So if you don't plan on keeping it for at least another 3-5 years, and have enough in the bank to cover unforeseen repairs, you may want to go with the G35.

Having said all that, if I were in your shoes, I would still go for a 335 instead of the G35.

I am having trouble forgetting about that car. The flick-ability surprised me. The torque that it had in low gears really surprised me. I did a few turns in a roundabout-aplenty here in Carmel-and the rear end stepped out nicely with moderate oversteer that was easily controlled by the gas. The G35 had great acceleration and had similar oversteer characteristics but felt heavier and a little more sluggish needing a sec to settle down in a corner. All in all I would be ecstatic with either of these cars.

The Infinity is Certified pre owned which appeals as well while the 335 is private and thus only has the remaining warranty.

I am driving a G37 on monday morning and will report back! BTW What do you guys think about a 2007 Fully loaded tech-premium-wood-etc vs a base G37 2009?


The G37 owner is motivated to sell so will probably cut a deal to close what the 335 and the g37 cost.

 

[thescreensavers]

The G35 you drove was an X right? yea its like 400lbs heavier over the RWD model.

btw its Infiniti with an i not a y.

the 335 and G35 are both great cars, but how about prices for parts, and cost of ownership?

 

[KDKPSJ]

The G35 you drove was an X right? yea its like 400lbs heavier over the RWD model.

Actually, make it 200lbs, that's more correct figure.

My vote goes to G35. Not only because I am G37x Coupe owner, but also it's just perfect combination of my preference. WRX is not a good choice to drive with clients, TL and Maxima are too big. But if you prefer something bigger, TL may be a 2nd choice.

 

[manimal]

Actually, make it 200lbs, that's more correct figure.

My vote goes to G35. Not only because I am G37x Coupe owner, but also it's just perfect combination of my preference. WRX is not a good choice to drive with clients, TL and Maxima are too big. But if you prefer something bigger, TL may be a 2nd choice.

Ya I have pretty much ruled out the wrx. Its now between a 2007 335 with 30k miles for 22K-2007 G35 sedan with premium-tech-wood with 26K miles for 24K negotiable-and a 2009 G37 Sedan with 50K Miles base model with few options for 25K.


I got 99 problems but a car aint one!!

 

[MotF Bane]

I am having trouble forgetting about that car. The flick-ability surprised me. The torque that it had in low gears really surprised me. I did a few turns in a roundabout-aplenty here in Carmel-and the rear end stepped out nicely with moderate oversteer that was easily controlled by the gas. The G35 had great acceleration and had similar oversteer characteristics but felt heavier and a little more sluggish needing a sec to settle down in a corner. All in all I would be ecstatic with either of these cars.

The Infinity is Certified pre owned which appeals as well while the 335 is private and thus only has the remaining warranty.

I am driving a G37 on monday morning and will report back! BTW What do you guys think about a 2007 Fully loaded tech-premium-wood-etc vs a base G37 2009?


The G37 owner is motivated to sell so will probably cut a deal to close what the 335 and the g37 cost.

If you are saying loaded BMW versus base Infiniti, I'm still inclined to go with the Infiniti.

If you are saying loaded Infiniti versus base Infiniti, premium is nice, technology is nice, sports package is useless if it is an X. And get the X, not the base coupe.

 

[Brigandier]

If you like Subarus, why not the Legacy?

I think it's an attractive sedan, AWD and if you get a GT, the same engine as the WRX.

Some of the older models still have frameless doors too, which I think is awesome.