So, I'm looking at getting one of these three (used, prolly a 2002 model): Benz C320 BMW 330 Infiniti G35 My initial thoughts on them were this - the Infiniti has about 60 horsepower more than any of the others - clearly the best engine performance, and along with the Benz, arguably the best exterior styling. Used G's and 320's run about the same... The Beemer is insanely fun to drive, and has the best interior layout - it's also consistently the most expensive of the three, but has the highest trade-in value. Infiniti had the slightly weaker interior and lowest trade-in value. Anyway, I'm fishing for opinions from any of you that actually have driven or owned any of these. I'd rather not hear about why I should buy an M3, or why Lexus rules, or any crap like that. All relevant feedback is appreciated.
I drive a 2003 Nissan 350Z Touring Edition. This car is pretty much the same as the Infiniti G35 Coupe but with a slightly different chassis. In the 15 years of driving, I have never driven a car like this one. Every time I step in to drive, it is an exciting experience for me. The only problem I have had is that it seems like it is really easy for water to get up in my dash when the car is cold and causes my 6 Disc Changer to act real fussy. It is something I will definitely have to have checked. Anyway, I really wanted a G35 but did not want to go to Nashville and I knew that the 350Z was really the same car. I imagine that the G35 would provide the same amount of thrills that the Z does. However, I don't think you can really go wrong with any of these 3 but the Infiniti, I think, definitely stands out. I have had my Z for over 2 months and I still get a comment a day about how great looking of a car it is. The G35 coupe has that same type of visual appeal as does the Audi TT Quattro.
There's pro's and con's to all three, I'd say. G35 Pro's - Easily the fastest of the three, Cheapest, Most Reliable. Con's - Just my opinion, but the worst-looking of the three cars, Not as nice an interior C320 Pro's - Best exterior + interior styling, IMO Con's - Slowest, Least reliable 330 Pro's - Best handling, probably faster than the MB Con's - Not as fast as the G, and they are everywhere I would probably go for the G35.
I'd agree pretty much with vj23k. I'd end up choosing the 3 out of all those. Don't buy a 3-series man... you and every princess will have one. The MB is nice, but doesn't seem to give you the bang for the buck the G35 does. The G35 interior is the weakest of all 3. Overall, I'd take the G35. You're talking sedan, right? When I was looking for a new car, the G35 came in right behind the TL in terms of what I wanted. I almost got the G35 coupe, but it wasn't practical for me. Good luck - any of those cars would be good.
Yeah - sedan - and all used. I visited an Audi delaership today - the A4 & the A6 blew me away.... at least the interiors did. Any bad Audi reviews?
I believe that Audi's reliability is behind that of BMW, MB, and Infiniti but that might have gotten better in recent years.
how weird, 3 of my cousins have one of those cars, although the G35 and the C320 are both brand new. personally i'm a fan of the MB, but the the other 2 are real nice as well. the G35 handles pretty well, especially considering that my cousin who owns it is only 15 and damn near killed us flying down Woodway (his sister just got the C320). But the 330 is the best looking, IMO. tough choice.....
Audi are just overpriced volkswagens which is saying alot since VW's are overpriced to start. They just plain suck in terms of reliability. If you are buying used. Buy the G35 or BMW because they generally more reliable than the others.
I drive a light silver 2003 A4, and I f'n love it. I've had it about 1.5 years now, and haven't had a single problem with it, which is good since I was also skeptical of the poor reputation it had from the past. I've gotten nothing but compliments from friends and coworkers who have ridden in it, not to mention it's the perfect car to pick up your date in. Anyways, you won't find a better interior anywhere than that of an Audi. Get the black leather. It looks damn sharp with all the orange lighting at night. I got mine from Advantage Audi in Houston. You can really drive the price down on those soft chumps. It is a 1.8T and came with the Premium Package (17" rims, leather, sunroof, etc) and the sticker had it listed at $30,700. I struck a deal for $27,800, which I felt was an excellent value for a entry-level luxury sedan. Only downside to owning an Audi, is that you don't get the same resale value as you do with BMW or Benz. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this car if you want something other than what all the $30K a year credit card millionaire/metrosexuals drive.
I own an '03 C320 and not only am I in a great equity situation, it is a great car. Great resale value and a warranty that I am better than satisfied with, air bags and a great reputation. I traded in my '98 325i for it and haven't looked back.
Well, a used G35 might be hard to find. They came out in '03, and I've always tried to shy away from new body styles in their first year. Also remember that BMWs engines tend to outperform engines rated at similar horsepower/displacement. You've got your choices narrowed down to three, so I'd go ahead and testdrive and see what feels right. Personally, I'd be leaning toward s the Beamer.
this may knock off one of your cons against the g35: i'm pretty sure the g35 has a better resale value than the 3 and the benz.... at least it does according to ALG: Click on the 5 star ratings: http://www.alg.com/news-information.asp?page=news_depreciation_ratings Roll over the "Near Luxury" segment: http://www.alg.com/news-information.asp?page=news_alg_RVA
Sorry but that is not right unless he wants a Beamer above the 330 as the G35 sedan outdistances both the 330 sedan and the C320. HP for BMW 330 sedan - 225 HP for MB C320 sedan - 215 HP for Infiniti G35 sedan - 260 Only the Acura TL (which the threadstarter sounds like he has no interest in) comes close to the performance of the G35 sedan (the coupe has 280 hp and my 350Z has 287 hp). The rest in this class are left at the gate. The more and more I think about this the more I think you should get the G35. It has the best performance (its torque, I think, is #1 in its class as well) and is the cheapest of the 3. Plus as Baqui said there are too many blasted BMW 3 series out on the road and most are driven by little high school teenage princesses (like my next door neighbor's kid) or metrosexuals. The Mercedes has the prestige, of course, but that seems to be a pretty weak advantage for it compared to all the stuff that the G35 gives you.
