The wife is buying a 2013 Infinity G37 Journey tomorrow

[laserguy]

Watch out for the scion FRS as far as value fun and gas savings

Watch the whole video

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[Parsec]

Wow, I'm surprised your wife likes the way it drives because I think it belongs on the track, not the street. Before we bought an Audi Q5 for the wife, we test drove several models from Infiniti including the G37 and thought it was way too loud and shifted very rough. In fact, I almost threw up after getting out of the car after a 10-minute test drive because of the motion sickness I got. I realize I get motion sick more easily than others, but it was the only car brand that did it to me (and we went to Toyota, Lexus, Audi, VW, Volvo, BMW, and Acura).

Did you feel it was very spirited drive compared to the other brands you test drove?

EDIT regarding Audi reliability: The poor reliability for Audi over the past 5 years were all due to the terrible 3.2L engine they used in all their models (i.e. as an upgraded engine in a Q5, or a base model in the A6). Since they came out with the 2.0T and now the 3.0T, reliability has improved a lot. In fact, Audi is actually ranked higher than Infiniti in the latest JD Power Dependability study. Also, here are the latest results from Consumer Reports, so we have 2 sources which back up my claims (Note the jump from last year of 16 spots):

Rank (last year), Brand, Best model, Worst model

1. (same) Scion, xB, xD*

2. (+4) Toyota, Sienna (AWD), Prius C*

3. (-1) Lexus, GX, CT 200h

4. (same) Mazda, Mazda3 (Skyactiv)*, CX-5*

5. (+3) Subaru, Legacy (6-cyl.), Impreza Sedan*

6. (-1) Honda, Odyssey, Fit

7. (+4) Acura, MDX, TSX

8. (+16) Audi, S4*, A7*

9. (-2) Infiniti, G Convertible*, G Sedan

10. (+2) Kia, Sorento (V-6), Sportage

11. (+14) Cadillac, SRX, CTS coupe*

12. (+10) GMC, Sierra 2500 (turbodiesel), Terrain (V-6)

13. (-4) Nissan, Armada, Leaf

14. (+4) Mercedes-Benz, E-Class Convertible*, E-Class (V-6)

15. (+2) Chevrolet, Corvette, Volt

16. (+3) BMW, 7 Series*, 328i*

17. (-6) Hyundai, Sonata (turbo), Veloster*

18. (-2) Volkswagen, Jetta (4-cyl.)*, Jetta SportWagen (5-cyl.)*

19. (-6) Jeep, Wrangler (4-door), Patriot

20. (-10) Volvo, C70*, XC70

21. (+3) Buick, LaCrosse (V-6), Enclave

22. (+1) Mini, Cooper Countryman, Cooper Clubman*

23. (-8) Chrysler, 300 (V-8)* 300 (V-6) *

24. (-3) Dodge, Charger, Durango (V-6)

25. (new) Ram, 2500 (turbodiesel),1500 (V-8)

26. (-12) Lincoln, MKX, MKS

27. (-7) Ford, Explorer (V-6, 4WD), F-150 (V-6)

28. (same) Jaguar, XF*, XJ*

[klossfam]

Not the G37 but owned a 2008 G35xS sedan for 4 years and 48,000 miles...Solid ride with great dynamics. Lower mpg than my RL, however (14-16 mpg in suburbia - but mpg is better now with the new 7 speed AT). No reliability issues overall but a TSB for new front rotors at 30,000 miles (I replaced the rear rotors and pads at 29,000). Ended up with a head gasket leak at 45,000 which turned into a month long fiasco when the local Infiniti dealer BROKE the cam shaft (right side) while doing the head gasket. Almost impossible to break a cam but they did it.

Ended up trading the G for a 2011 VW GTI Autobahn (more fun to drive than the G - primarily due to weight - and a true 24-30 mpg while doing it).

[zroger73]

I considered a Lexus IS, BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class, and Acura TL a few years ago. All were nice vehicles in their own way, but I found the G35 to have unbeatable performance and features for the price compared to the others. The BMW was a close second, but it just looked too plain and was lacking such expected features as HID headlamps, navigation, and even leather at the price range I was shopping in. The G35 might not have the heritage of BMW or Mercedes, but it sure held its own on the road. Turns out, it was too nice of a car [for me] to use as a daily driver so I ended up getting rid of it after a year and 8K miles. Admittedly, it was indeed a blast to steer with the rear wheels - frightening if you weren't careful or didn't know what you were doing.

[rollinhonda]

Originally Posted by zroger73

Admittedly, it was indeed a blast to steer with the rear wheels - frightening if you weren't careful or didn't know what you were doing.

Especially when you turn the VSA switch off. Then it gets real 'fun'. Even with it on, the torque was very impressive. I wish I had driven a stick version at some point, just for the experience.

[coolbob]

I had great experience with my Audi's. LOVE the way they drive, feel as if they are machined from one huge chunk of billet aluminum rather than assembled from a lot of parts.

1997 Audi A4, FWD, 1.8-turbo, 5-speed. APR chip added after warranty expired. Drove for 8-years, 80,000+ miles with only 'major' problem was being stuck ignition key ($200), I opted to change the timing belt early at 60,000 miles because a higher than average number of belt tensioners were failing prematurely on early 1.8 motors (dealer gave me a break on early belt change I think I paid about $800-850).

2006 Audi A4, quattro, 2.0-turbo, 6-speed, APR chipped after 2-years. Drove for 5-years, 70,000-miles (traded it in for Ridgeline). Only problem was water damaged ignition coils (I washed engine after Audi tech spilled oil during oil change, dealership said I should not wash engine, I said they should not spill oil, we split the cost of the four coils so I paid $300).

Audi felt glued to the road and was pretty quick, especially after chip-tuning. I was able to beat quite a few Maximas, BMWs and even a muscle car or two I could easily take most exit ramps without any drama at 65mph and usually took curves at double whatever the recommended speed was around curves All maintenance was performed on schedule and I used only Audi filters and synthetic oil.

The only downside with the Audis was the resale, I knew this when I bought both cars new, but I'd do it again if I wanted a fun-to-drive car. Traded my last A4 in for the Ridgeline, it needed a new set of tires and I only got $12,500 for a 6-year-old car that cost about 35k new.

If you enjoy driving, I highly recommend test-driving an Audi. If you have concerns about reliability, get an extended warranty, or trade it in at the end of the warranty.

[feetdry]

Isn't one of those companies that armors vehicles located there in TX? You could have them bullet proof the whole thing and add a turret on the roof and you could remotely fire your own Ma Deuce at the "bad guys". Texas has changed a lot since I lived there.

[dboz]

I prefer my daily driver (EVO X) for performance in all conditions. Get the MR for the wife with leather and stuff and dual clutch auto. SKIP to 4:30 for the 8 ft. snow segment.

You Tube

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[MikeT]

Originally Posted by laserguy

Watch out for the scion FRS as far as value fun and gas savings

Watch the whole video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijwpg...e_gdata_player

We still have two boys and two dogs at home. Once their on there own, we will own a two door sport coupe so dad will, once again, get his chance to play.

[MikeT]

Well, it's over. She took delivery of a white exterior / black interior G37 Journey Sedan with the Premium and Navigation packages. She was given free oil changes for the first year / 12,000 miles. She then purchased the extended service plane and extended warranty that covers all needed services and warranty issues for 12 years or 120,000 miles from any Infinity dealer in North America for less than Honda sells just the extended warranty plan for the Ridgeline. It is a beautiful car and it scoots pretty quick and handles surprisingly well. I just may have to get the coupe version in 2014 or 2015. That is if we survive the zombie apocalypse and the second coming of Christ.