First off, I think the OP is looking at a Sedan. Second of all--$42K for a G35 coupe? Mine was $39K with Navi, Premium, everything. No way. Third of all, feature set is there. Bluetooth was available starting in 2005, and Rear-active steer. Intelligent Key, more power than TL, RWD, Bose, rear-reclining seats--I don't think you can GET more features at that price. Sorry. Honda/Acura "fAn boI" bias need not apply here.

 

Yep.

I would go with the Infiniti. Can't deny they are classy yet sporty. No rediculous maint. costs like the Beemers. Powerful and full of features.

I'd drive the TL and the G but I think you'll find yourself scoring the G. There's some great deals to be had especially when the small redesign just occured.

 

I would definitely love to have TL S =(

 

i have family member that paid $42k for a '04 g35 coupe fully loaded with everything in Cali back in '03 (when it was still in demand).... so it is definitely possible.

while the TL good, i'm not that fond of the car in general. it feels like... an accord to me. it is FWD. eh. out of the 3 choices you listed, G35 is probably best value for under $30k... they are heavily discounted since the new generation has been out.

but if the only reason u r gettin rid of the s2k is due to DD duties, then why not a STi and/or EVO? both can be had for under 30k, same type of performance as a S2000 but with awd and better DD abilities.

 

sorry little off topic but anyone hear that the new TL-S is going to be SH-AWD??

 

You might want to consider a VW Passat if you are looking for a sedan. When we bought my wife '03 we cross shopped the acura's...I asked the salesman why the acura was better than the VW...his only answer was "its an acura"...not much of a reason for me. We had the 03 for 60K miles, and bought an 06 last winter.

One thing to look out for...we got the v6 the second time versus the 2.0T because it sounds like the dreaded engine oil slugde issue that is affecting a lot of late model cars might be hitting the 1.8/2.0T VWs as well. Some spotted cased of engine failures out there...one of the reasons we swapped to the 06.

For 28K, we got a fully loaded Passat (end of the model year) versus the upper 30's your hearing people talk abot for an Acura. Passat is as nice, maybe nicer than an acura, at least in my mind. The V6 is 280 HP, so there is no lack of power.

Junebug

 

$42K for an 04 G35 Coupe means that would have included either dealer markup, other accessories, tax, doc fees, or otherwise ripped off.

The most expensive 04 G35C is $33040 with destination. Add $2250 for Premium Pkg. Add another $2000 for Navi. $550 for Aero. $400 for Satellite radio. Add another $200 for mats, splash guards, and other junk. All prices are full MSRP. That makes it just shy of $38,500. I'm not a rocket scientist by any means, but $38,500 does not = $42,000. Sorry. Not buying your story. x2.

Infiniti has always been a bang for your buck proposition, with more features than others at the same price, or features that other vehicles just don't have.

 

What is the car for?

How many people do you need to haul?

Daily driver? Weekend car?

Kids? No Kids?

I like the G35 and TL, but they are everywhere and i like that the S2000 is a bit less common.

If you need to stay in the same performance bracket as the S2000 then the G35 is probably the only choice on that list.

 

I'd do it for a G35X or maybe spend a little more and get a used RL.

 

Sure, if you're OK buying an e46 with 100,000+ miles on it.