FR-S vs. Used G37 Coupe

[Chris]

Ok hear me out. I know they are completely different, target different markets, used vs. new etc etc. I am looking to get a different car in the next few months, and have decided I want something fun for a reliable DD. I have had several old BMW's (2002, E21, E30) as project cars, and they were a blast. So the idea of a small lightweight RWD car is appealing (I know the G37 wouldn't be classified as light). The majority of my driving will just be commuting, and driving to visit my g/f. Could be upwards of 500 miles per week. She has a G35 coupe, and it's great. Rear seat is very usable IMHO, plenty of power, and is a good highway cruiser. Ultimately I guess I need to just drive both.

$25k '08 G37 39k. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=317351588

[suprachica79]

I was cross-shopping these as well when I was in the market for a new car. Never ridden in one but I'm all for the luxuries and creature comforts that a luxury car brings, not to mention I love the styling of the Gs. Gas mileage was a killer for me though as I do about 700-800 miles a week. I've been very impressed lately with Nissan's build quality so I don't think it would be a bad buy, just a pretty different car than the FR-S.

[pastuch]

I have test driven three different G37s and owned a G35 Coupe. I hated my G35, it was unreliable and almost every electrical motor on it failed. Power door locks, windows, seats... failed. I didn't let that taint my review of the G37.

The G37 is a boat, it's even heavier than the G35 and it feels it. It weighs 1000 pounds more than an FR-S. The exhaust note is awesome and it accelerates in a straight line but there is no sense of fun to the car. The steering feel, or lack there-of, is almost Lexus-boring. Handling is poor with quite a bit of body roll and understeer. The manual transmission is a big improvement over the shit-box that they used in the G35. I would describe the G37 M6 as loose, there is a lot of play, but the shifting action is more direct and the clutch has better take up than the G35. It pales in comparison to the M6 in the RX8, Miata, RX7, BMW 3 and S2000. If you like the M6 in any of those cars above then you'll like the one in the FRS/BRZ more than the g37. Nissan\Infiniti still can't build a decent transmission.

The G37 has a very nice interior but I still think you'd be crazy to buy one over a BMW 328 or 335 Coupe. The driving dynamics of the BMWs are so much better in every way. The steering in the BMW is hydraulic, heavy and communicative. The transmission is not even comparable, the M6 in the 3 series is a class benchmark. They have beautiful interiors, better sound systems, and the horrible i-drive system. Maintenance costs between a 328i Coupe and a G37 will be comparable. The 335I will be substantially more.

Gas Milage: The FR-S\BRZ will embarrass the G37 (And 3 series) in this category. Fueleconomy.gov for comparison.

If you're shopping for an automatic you should just buy a Camry and get it it over with. Sports cars aren't for you, start having babies and buy a minivan.

[preetham]

For your use case, i'd go with the used G37.

[veewonwon]

My current ride is a 08 6MT, and pre-order a FR-S as a replacement.

As you already know, the G is a cruiser with a touch of sportiness. However, at 3,600+ grross weight, it is very noticeable. I'd a 06 RX-8 which weighs 3000lbs, and was much more fun (was my DD) even with a torque-less tiny rotary. I would have kept it if it had a more normal engine, the neutral handling is among the best out there.

Since you mentioned your Bimmer experience, I'm not so sure you'll like this big G, b'cos I don't. Had E36 and E46 before, the E36 was great, not so the E46, and the G37 is more like the current E92, numb and porky in comparison. I'd a 04 G35 6MT coupe for 3 yrs, it was much more fun (raw, still porky, but more direct feel) compare to the upscale G37s.

The power is there, but can't use it most of the time, as I'm not a city street racer and always downshift when passing. My Infiniti dealer tried to cut me a good deal on a 2012 G37s IPL, I kept telling them, get me a light and raw car, not an upscale cruiser and labelled as a sport coupe.

Freeway mileage is ok, a full tank will run about 720km (445mi) if my left foot stayed steady, cool weather, no AC, and made one stop. Based on a couple of fairly long trips. City mileage is as bad as the RX-8 rotary. Observed no improvement over the G35 as factory claimed.

Trunk and back seats are not very useable. Anyone over 5' 6 will not be able to sit straight back there. Leg room is tight on the rear driver side. I'm 5' 10, and no one can sit behind me (no, I don't lock my elbow in my driving position). Your GF's G coupe is similar in this regard.

Do your test drive and find out if your opinion differs. For me, I can't wait to drive the 86.

[yayforaddison]

I've actually been a huge fan of the G37, and its one of the cars competing with my possible next purchase along with the FRS. Probably one of the few luxury sport cars I have been debating on. I love the sound, I think the car is very very sexy, I like all the extra little gadgets, its very comfortable, and I've been a Z enthusiast for years. Now I do go back and forth between wanting lightweight, and sport luxury. I've never had a sport luxury car, but have driven plenty. I'm a mechanic for a HUGE branch with enterprise, and we have some very nice new cars that come in (G37 sedan, Chrysler 300 8 speed, BMW 328i). I have had mostly smaller sports cars throughout my life (2 Porsche 944's, 2 300zx's, an old Nissan S12, RX8, to name a few) and am unsure if I could move to something bigger, more powerful, and heavy. What I have been debating, is buying one and down the road (wayyyy down, maybe even 5-10 years) have another for a DD. I may keep my 300zx and get the FRS for my weekend my, then down the road, I could let the Z go and buy a G37s for my DD.

Decisions, decisions...

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by veewonwon

Since you mentioned your Bimmer experience, I'm not so sure you'll like this big G, b'cos I don't. Had E36 and E46 before, the E36 was great, not so the E46, and the G37 is more like the current E92, numb and porky in comparison. I'd a 04 G35 6MT coupe for 3 yrs, it was much more fun (raw, still porky, but more direct feel) compare to the upscale G37s.

LOL and everyone thought the E36 was bloated compared to the E30. I love that an E30 3 series weighs less than the current 1 series. Fucking safety standards.

[veewonwon]

Originally Posted by pastuch

LOL and everyone thought the E36 was bloated compared to the E30. I love that an E30 3 series weighs less than the current 1 series. Fucking safety standards.

Yes, drove my buddy's E30 when I was in school, it was definitely a blast.

None of the current Bimmers are attractive to me. After my ultimate dreadful experience with the E46 330ci Sp, I'm staying far and away from this company.

[brufleth]

Originally Posted by veewonwon

After my ultimate dreadful experience with the E46 330ci Sp, I'm staying far and away from this company.

My father-in-law offered up a really nice 3 series that's in great shape and has been well maintained. I considered it but it is out of warranty (I actually can't remember what year it is but it is probably close to ten years old). I don't have the facilities to work on it myself (like he does) and I don't think I want to spend the money to keep it on the road. It doesn't require major constant work but there's always something that needs to be done and I wouldn't call them all minor problems.

[Chris]

Thanks for all the replies. I assumed the G37 would drive a lot like the G35, but it sounds like there is more of a difference than I imagined. Gas mileage is an issue, but all my past DDs have all averaged less than the G37. It would be nice to find another deal like I found for my g/f. 2003 G35 48k miles for $13k. It is mint, and given her no problems in the last 1.5 years / 14k miles.

Decisions indeed.

[Turbowned]

I drove a G37S 6spd; it was rubbish. Worse than the 370Z and G35x sedans I've driven. They look sooooo much better than they drive! G37 had a clunky gearbox, noisy engine, and cheap feel. It didn't feel anything like a luxury sports car so much as a sports car with luxury bits grafted onto it. I'd recommend an Audi or BMW over one any day of the week! Or better yet, an FR-S/BRZ

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

I drove a G37S 6spd; it was rubbish. Worse than the 370Z and G35x sedans I've driven. They look sooooo much better than they drive! G37 had a clunky gearbox, noisy engine, and cheap feel. It didn't feel anything like a luxury sports car so much as a sports car with luxury bits grafted onto it. I'd recommend an Audi or BMW over one any day of the week! Or better yet, an FR-S/BRZ

For the most part I agree but Audis don't feel any better than the G37. I test drove a 40000KM Audi A5 Sline. Beautiful interior, space-ship like even, but the whole car felt loose. The transmission was no where near as direct, elegant or driver oriented as a 328 or 335. I think a used BMW 328I Coupe is actually a very good deal. They are the most reliable BMW you can buy right now, get good gas mileage, look cool and are affordable. The problem is that a 2008 328 Coupe with low mileage is the same price as a 2013 Scion FR-S!

BMW 328I > Infiniti G37S if you want a luxury SPORTS coupe. The G37 is a boat.

[Turbowned]

Originally Posted by pastuch

For the most part I agree but Audis don't feel any better than the G37. I test drove a 40000KM Audi A5 Sline. Beautiful interior, space-ship like even, but the whole car felt loose. The transmission was no where near as direct, elegant or driver oriented as a 328 or 335.

Auto or manual? The 6spd autos were only OK; they switched to the 8-spd last year which is a really good automatic. The manual is a little indirect, but it can be shifted very smoothly and if you're really good your passengers won't feel any shudder between gear changes like in most manual cars. I do wish it felt a little more mechanical, though. The sport pkg firms up the suspension and gives it better composure than the standard car, too. I'm sorry but I don't even compare Japanese "luxury" brands to the Germans. It's seriously a joke. Of the 20 or so cars I've owned, 14 were Japanese, 4 were American (never again!), and 2 (including my current car) were German. And oh how the Germans embarrass everything else by comparison!

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Auto or manual? The 6spd autos were only OK; they switched to the 8-spd last year which is a really good automatic. The manual is a little indirect, but it can be shifted very smoothly and if you're really good your passengers won't feel any shudder between gear changes like in most manual cars. I do wish it felt a little more mechanical, though. The sport pkg firms up the suspension and gives it better composure than the standard car, too. I'm sorry but I don't even compare Japanese "luxury" brands to the Germans. It's seriously a joke.

Autos are terrible, no exceptions. The M6 in the A5 I drove was very loose, lots of play, clutch uptake is smooth but it's no where near the quality of a Miata, S2000 or BMW. Like you said, no mechanical feel at all. I hated the steering in the A5, terrible weighting and the car felt like it weighs 9000 pounds. Oh it had the sport package suspension too but still felt heavy in corners and pavement cracks were very jarring. The IS250 Sedan has a better M6 transmission than an A5 but it also has the least communicative steering I've ever tried. Just an awful electric steering column.... AWFUL.

[D87]

Bringing this thread back from the recent past...

So I'm sort of in the same boat. I currently own a 2003 G35 which only has 60K. I just sold my DD so now I'm commuting in the G. Now if you're familiar with this model year, the interior isn't all that - plenty of hard plastics abound and squeaks and rattles have snuck up on the almost-10-year-old car. Mileage is decent on the highway - I can get ~25mpg if I keep it at 65mph with cruise control. Don't ask me about city mileage because it will make your eyes fall out.

Contemplating what I'll lose and what I'll gain if I go for the BRZ: Power loss, squeak-free chassis, new car smell, warranty, better tech, audio controls on steering wheel (yes I actually WANT that lol), gas mileage. I still wonder which is a "better" car - a 10-year-old "sport-luxury" or a brand-spankin' new "entry" coupe from this decade?

I've never owned a brand new car before in my life, and I'd like to, before December 21, 2012, so second model year is out of the question - unless we're all still here on the 22nd.

Input people! I need input!

[thill]

Originally Posted by D87

Bringing this thread back from the recent past...

So I'm sort of in the same boat. I currently own a 2003 G35 which only has 60K. I just sold my DD so now I'm commuting in the G. Now if you're familiar with this model year, the interior isn't all that - plenty of hard plastics abound and squeaks and rattles have snuck up on the almost-10-year-old car. Mileage is decent on the highway - I can get ~25mpg if I keep it at 65mph with cruise control. Don't ask me about city mileage because it will make your eyes fall out.

Contemplating what I'll lose and what I'll gain if I go for the BRZ: Power loss, squeak-free chassis, new car smell, warranty, better tech, audio controls on steering wheel (yes I actually WANT that lol), gas mileage. I still wonder which is a "better" car - a 10-year-old "sport-luxury" or a brand-spankin' new "entry" coupe from this decade?

I've never owned a brand new car before in my life, and I'd like to, before December 21, 2012, so second model year is out of the question - unless we're all still here on the 22nd.

Input people! I need input!

I would not trust others opinions. You need to drive both cars back to back on extended test drives. Your opinion is the only that really matters at the end of the day.

[SUB-FT86]

I agree with Thill 100%.

[D87]

Originally Posted by thill

I would not trust others opinions. You need to drive both cars back to back on extended test drives. Your opinion is the only that really matters at the end of the day.

Yep, I'm gonna do that. BUT...

I still want to know what other people think: Does a 10-year old "luxury-ish" car hold its own compared to a new, "basic" model? I mean with technology advancing the way that it is, I'm thinking they can get the gaps on the panels tighter, parts are designed to last longer, etc. I mean my factory NAV in the G still has a little stick for me to point the cursor to the individual letters to spell out my destination! (For those of you that don't understand, this means it isn't a touch screen) Honestly, the most awesome part of the BRZ I think, is the location of that oil filter! This is the part where I tell you I had to get special ramps just so I can roll the G to change the oil!

OR: Is this one of those cases where "They don't make them like this anymore" and I should just keep the G? I've been thinking about this for two years while I watched the FT86's development.

[Turbowned]

Pull up 30+ positive magazine articles and videos for the G and maybe I'll say it's a worthwhile comparison.

Otherwise, get the BRZ.

I'm a Nissan enthusiast. I'm a Z owner. I loved the looks of the G35 and G37; thought "it must be such a great car!" Then I made the mistake of driving one. Hated it! Same thing happened when I drove the 370Z. I was giddy as-can-be when I saw the ad for the new Z coming January 2009. I waited 3 years before I finally drove one, and I was so disappointed.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

....I'm a Nissan enthusiast. I'm a Z owner. I loved the looks of the G35 and G37; thought "it must be such a great car!" Then I made the mistake of driving one. Hated it! Same thing happened when I drove the 370Z. I was giddy as-can-be when I saw the ad for the new Z coming January 2009. I waited 3 years before I finally drove one, and I was so disappointed.

I loved the old Z's (the original 240 and that ilk), the 3 series, not so much, mostly just from a looks prospective.

Honestly when I first saw the 86, it reminded me more of a "retro" 240Z than it did anything Toyota has ever built.

[thill]

Originally Posted by D87

Yep, I'm gonna do that. BUT...

I still want to know what other people think: Does a 10-year old "luxury-ish" car hold its own compared to a new, "basic" model? I mean with technology advancing the way that it is, I'm thinking they can get the gaps on the panels tighter, parts are designed to last longer, etc. I mean my factory NAV in the G still has a little stick for me to point the cursor to the individual letters to spell out my destination! (For those of you that don't understand, this means it isn't a touch screen) Honestly, the most awesome part of the BRZ I think, is the location of that oil filter! This is the part where I tell you I had to get special ramps just so I can roll the G to change the oil!

OR: Is this one of those cases where "They don't make them like this anymore" and I should just keep the G? I've been thinking about this for two years while I watched the FT86's development.

Well the drive will confirm that. Me? I would probably go for the newer car. But these are too different cars.

I would also tell you to drive everything you can as well that are in the same price range as the BRZ then decide:
- VW GTI
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Upcoming Ford Focus ST
- Ford Mustang V6 w performance pack
- Mazda Speed3
- Mini Cooper S
etc

Assuming you have not already

When you drive the right car for you, you will know

Also decide what your priorities are. Is it handling over acceleration? Are you willing to go with a car that has lesser interior features and amenities over one that does? Warranty? Custom mods? Gas mileage?

I know for me I focused on the following:
- Acceleration
- Handling/suspension
- Exterior Styling
- Interior quality and amenities
- Road noise
- Warranty
- Gas mileage
- Reliability

As I drove cars, I would rate each one. Some areas for me (handling and acceleration) were more important than say gas mileage.

[D87]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Pull up 30+ positive magazine articles and videos for the G and maybe I'll say it's a worthwhile comparison.

Otherwise, get the BRZ.

I'm a Nissan enthusiast. I'm a Z owner. I loved the looks of the G35 and G37; thought "it must be such a great car!" Then I made the mistake of driving one. Hated it! Same thing happened when I drove the 370Z. I was giddy as-can-be when I saw the ad for the new Z coming January 2009. I waited 3 years before I finally drove one, and I was so disappointed.

What was disappointing? Power? Fit and finish? Weight?

My first car was a Nissan Sentra, then a 1993 Sentra SE-R (which is about the same weight as the BRZ but only had 140hp, but boy did I have a lot of fun in that sucker!), then the G35 - so I guess you can say I'm a Nissan enthusiast too.

Hey did you forget all the praise the automotive world gave the G35/350Z when it first came out. Everyone DID love it, in fact, so much that it was the Motor Trend COTY! It really brought Infiniti back into relevancy after meager offerings of the i30, G20, etc.