Infiniti G35 coupe or B5 Audi S4? Opinions
 

I know the 2 aren't exactly in the same category - I just like both for different reasons and I am considering one of them as my next car.

The G35 will be a first gen (approx. 2003) and the S4 a 2000/2001. Both will be manuals.

This isn't so much a 'which would you buy', but rather a pros and cons of each and owners experiences. I've heard not-so-flattering things as far as the drivetrain on the 350Z and i know the G35 has the same motor, but then Audis' also have their inherent electrical gremlins.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

By the way - anything else you can think of in the $10-12K range is welcome =)

B5 S4
- lower mileage + local + zero accident m/t S4s are nearly non-existent in the lower mainland
- if the stock K03s have not been replaced, you should budget enough $$$ to have both turbos replaced soon
- I believe "Dangonay" has a fully-built S4... beautiful car

G35
-Might burn oil
-It is the very first production year of the series, so it will be a hit/miss in terms of longevity; They made significant changes to the interior on the 2004.5+ models in terms of styling and build quality
-Guzzles gas

The E46 330i 6m/t is a great contender, though $12k might not land you a very nice example. Possible issues include front shock tower mushrooming, rear sub-frame...

2 suggestions to OP, save up a ill more and buy a more updated G35 if you are going that route... If its the Audi like someone said, a good example will be pretty hard to find... And prepare for ass rappage when repairs... It's a Euro (not even entry Euro at that).

I don't know why you are hung up on those 2 cars... But everyone has their preferences... Maybe consider an older car? If you are already pushing your budget at 12k...

The 03s never burned oil, it's the newer gen motors that have that issue.

I've owned a 03 G35 Coupe 6spd for 4yrs(2007-2011), it was a super fun car to drive.
I miss her...http://photoshare.shaw.ca/image/d/9/...45-0.jpg?rev=0
I got a 2012 Acura MDX now cuz I like the freedom to go snowboarding when I want to.

Mine never had any drivetrain issues AT ALL.
Only issues I had to fix were electronic related. CD player, power window motor, power door lock motor, power seat adjustment module.
I had suspension issues too, but my car was slammed. Mostly bushings needed replacement. Exhaust was all scraped up.

One thing I should mention is that the Brembo's chew through pads and rotors. Aftermarket is the way to go!

In my experience the VQ35 is a solid, reliable engine. It powers a good chunk of the Nissan line up, and for a good reason.

I had all electrical issues on my 03 coupe as well. No engine problems whatsoever. Door lock actuator died, window motor died, and my headlights turned on and off whenever they felt like it. Also like mmmk said, G's go through brakes like toothpicks.

Nonetheless.. I still miss it. :alone:

Both the G and S4 are finnicky cars when it comes these electrical issues. If it's something you can put up with, then go for it.

Wahhh I miss my G :cry:

I think they changed the brakes after 03 or 04 because the Brembos got chewed up too quickly. An 05 or 06 shouldn't have this issue, cant remember what year they changed it though.

G35 coupe has such timeless beauty, I really love that car. imo, g35 has better styling, better interior, better engine..G35 in a heartbeat!

$12k is on the low end for G35, you will be looking at high mileage cars, or ones that require expensive repairs. However, 10-12k for a B5 sounds about right for a decent car with average km's.

03/04 6spd got Brembo's. The automatics got regular brakes!

B5 S4, if you are not going to work on it yourself, prepare some good money for it.