Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Ditto on the Volkswagon CC 2.0T. The 6AT was actually more fun to drive than the 6MT. (Contributed to in part because the 6MT gearbox & clutch sucked azz.)

Freshness

i brought my M3 in to the stealer to replace some bushings before i install my coilovers. Currently driving a 2011 335i sedan loaner. I acually like my G more, call me crazy. The way this thing pulls and the sound of the turbo is quite exhilarating. Everything else, meh.

jcho01

iTrader: (2)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X: Fun, raw power, not in college anymore.
Lexus IS-350: Too small and Posh.

Almatti

I'd seriously look at the 2013 Lexus G350 AWD; Audi A6 Quattro 3.0 (or even the 2.0T); crazy as it sounds: the 2013 Buick LaCrosse AWD [looks like a Lexus]; an Acura TL SH-AWD; and maybe a 2013 M3.7X [but only if something has been "really" been done to the 7AT]; even a Chrysler 300 AWD [Hemi?? it's tempting] ....I know these are in different price ranges than the G, but hey I'm 61 now, time to treat myself. If I go to that price level{Lexus, Audi}, I'd also look at the MB E350 AWD & a BMW 335ix....That's if i stick with a sedan. I will stick with AWD vehicles...we have a 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i (CVT Tranny), for the $$$$, a terrific car. If Subaru aimed for a more luxurious car in their line- I'd look at it for sure.

If I consider going to a SUV or CUV: The Jeep Cherokee is winking at me; the new 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe (see what they have done !!!); Cadillac SRX; and the new Ford Explorer...

JohnnyGswag

C-350 benz or the Subaru WRX Sti

glad i bought the G sedan!

'11G37S

iTrader: (4)

I was looking at a Kia Optima SX. The dealership had the one I wanted but it was a demo car so it had 300 miles on it. The MSRP was $31,500 and they wanted me to pay $35,600 for it because the car was in such high demand. I laughed my way all the way to the Infiniti dealership.

I was also considering the Pontiac G8 GT. I love that car but there are absolutely no features, so I passed on it.

Lokosis

I was pretty sure about the G37 the whole time. Although did look at the A4 and the 3 series.

WannabeSport

iTrader: (3)

I drove other **** but knew I wanted this car from the get go.

bhvrdr

I cross shopped another MB C-class, the 328i, the A4 Quattro, and the IS350. I just wanted something different. I'm using the G37S as an intermediary car right now because of the 18 month lease deal. Basically I figured that most new cars I was looking at would depreciate well more than the 5 grand i'm paying in leasing during the first two model years of ownership so I did this to hold me over while saving money (sure I could have bought a used car but I wanted one with full warranty still in effect and buying a CPO can still mean taking a large depreciation hit due to the upcharge for CPO).

So the G37 works out well for now. I've always owned German cars in the past. It's my first japanese product. It's not anywhere near as nice as the styling to me as the german rivals and it lacks the ultimate feeling of solidness but it is a very decent handling car with a great engine and a lot of electronic gadgets for the money. Viewing it that way I feel its a great car.

cheers! Mike

zoner

@Almatti...In your SUV category the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best, not very attractive on the outside but the chassis and interior are excellent. The SRT8 version is a hoot. I rode in one across Utah @ 100+ and it was like sitting in your living room (mileage is only 18 highway at normal speeds). If you can go more towards the high end I would be considering the S5 or A7. And if you are short term or have the pocketbook to not worry about repair bills.

Almatti

Zoner, thx... But I am considering leasing (which would replace my G37X lease next June). All of the cars mentioned have BIG service bills - including the Jeeps. I've got plenty of time for shopping & research, But I do intend to take very thorough test drives of all the vehicles I'm considering. In fact, I would try renting the top 3 for a week Before i take the net Plunge.

I posted way,way, back on the Tranny Thread about the very short test drive when I took the 2010 G37X. I had a 2007 G35X (best car I ever had), and so after a short test drive, I signed on the bottom line. Two days after taking it off the lot, in fact on the drive home, when I felt the terrible Lagging / hesitation, I wanted to return the car or there was something very wrong. The Service advisor, whom I knew at the same dealership, told me: "that's the way it is"....Its working as designed .....meaning the crappy 7AT.

INFINITI G37

Thought of Kia Cadenza, then Maxima..

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

The 7AT was introduced in 2009. And yes, lots of people think it's crap.

zoner

Almatti, my Jeep experience is from a 2 day rental in a blowing snowstorm in St Louis with 5 inches on the ground. Smart move to rent for a few days a lot can be revealed in an extended drive. Good luck with whatever you choose.

txg37x

iTrader: (1)

New '12 WRX- Love those cars, but not the most mature looking, especially if your going to be hauling kids around.
'09 335i- Bad reliability and they're priced so much more for slightly more speed.
'09 Pontiac G8 GT- I've always loved Pontiacs, but they're hard to find and when you do find one, the warranty has expired and you can't get the extended factory warranty.

So, bought a used '11 G37x with the Elite warranty for 6 years and bumper to bumper to 112k.

It wasn't the most fun choice (WRX) and wasn't a future collector car (G8), but I think the G was the 'smartest' choice of the group.