Hello All,

I'm going to purchase an 09 G37 sedan in the next month or so and I can't decide whether I want black obsidian or platinum graphite. I've always like black cars, but lately I've been taking a serious look at PG.

The black just flows with the chrome lining of the windows and also the alloy wheels.

I'm really taken in by the PG because when you see it with dark tint, it just grabs your eye and it just looks fresh, clean and new. Very new to me because I've never owned a grey colored car..(always owned blk or red). Bottom line, I love the color but worry that it may be too light (especially on sunny days) I love the dark grey shade it presents in the evening!

Does anyone have pics of a PG sedan in late evening or before sunset? I've searched but didn't get good results.

I would appreciate ANY feedback, thanks

 

I'm a bit biased, Black FTW, but either choice looks great. I'd get the one that's in the best shape w/ the lowest miles. And if you can find an S in either color that would be the way to go IMO.

 

So is the sport model worth going for? I'm still researching models, but have read several reviews of the S seats being "uncomfortable" and a very firm ride". Basically that and budget has me looking at base and journey models.

 

For a 2009 the price difference between the S and non-S models shouldn't be too bad. The seats are have more adjustment w/ the thigh bolsters and the suspension is a bit firmer w/ the larger sway bars and slightly stiffer springs but not overly so. You get the huge Akebono brakes, limited slip differential, sport pedals, shift paddles, sport bumper, bigger wheels/tires, and that cool red S on the tail
If you're financing it I'd imagine the S might add another 20 bucks a month to your bill, definitely worth it for all you get w/ the S pkg. If possible try to sit in an S and non-S to see if the seats are going to be a problem. I've had tight supporting seats in a built off road vehicle and it's one of those things you get used to, and once you do it's tough to go back to "loose" seats.

 

Thanks, I will look into the S model and try to actually sit in the seats before I make a decision. I've got time to research more and found out what I really want

I've searched auto trader a lot but don't see many sport models available!? Especially one that matches what i'm interested in.. i.e preferred color, RWD etc.

Also, I'm concerned about the sport wheels and the different sized tires. I want to be able to rotate the tires. ?Having staggered wheels/tires you can only rotate across right? I've never owned a car with staggered wheels, not sure how long they would last. I need to think economically.

Don't worry, I will do it for you..

 

I recently did 3K+ miles in my S. In general, the seats were comfortable, no issues there. What I did have issue with were some interstates, both concrete and asphalt. Due to degraded roads, there were some sections that although appeared smoothed, turned out to be anything but. Ended up having to drive miles and miles in the left lane or be jarred in the right. Locally, I never experienced this problem.

So, if you do lots of long distance/interstate driving, the stiffer suspension is something to think about. For me, it's a non issue as I may do a long trip like this once or twice a year and can deal with this inconvenience. The benefits of the improved mechanical bits in the S outweigh the negatives.

Color wise, black looks good for about 5 min after it's detailed. PG will hide the dirt well and needs to be filthy before it starts to show.

Assuming tires are non directional, they can be swapped side to side. Tire life is a function of driving style and tire compound, not stagger or square set up. If you corner hard and spin your tires often, you'll wear out even the hardest tire.

EDIT ^^: Agreed, properly rotating tires will yield more miles out of them - staggered setups lack this and does will result in less miles.

Be weary of cars listed on autotrader as being 6mt of S. Seems many dealers are clueless in both regards and list regular X as sports models. Look at the car to see if it has the S in the back, oversized brakes, sport seats, etc. Some consider tiptronic to be 'manual'.

 

Summer tires don't last long, usually 20k miles or less. You can always upgrade to bigger wheels for a square setup but that's another expense. Staggered vs. non staggered treadwear would be about 10-20% less wear due to lack of a true rotation, but IMO staggered looks

 

I will definitely look for the details to make sure it's an S. And hell, If I like it I may go for it anyway. When I first started looking at G37 I wanted the S. We'll see..

I've learned to always keep my options open and see whats out there before jumping into something. Sometimes you think you want one thing, but then realize what you really wanted was something different.

Thanks fellas, good advice

 

I'm definitely leaning towards PG now. Can't wait to have her sitting in my garage.

But first I have to get the wife into a used 07 or 08 G35! Then I will have her! Wifey comes first.

 

The Vibrant red is sexiest IMO. The S is worlds apart from the Journey. The suspension while firm does not crash and the stock Bridgestone Potenzas can be loud over rougher surface. That's not due to the suspension it's the aggressive tire. If its used its probably not on the Potenzas. If you don't do a lot of city driving the 6mt is even better. The brakes are huge and look awesome and provide good braking in spirited driving. The seats are comfortable to me on long distances although a little snug. I'm a wide guy but on ride trips the are comfortable.

Don't forget you get a limited slip differential which you don't know you need it until you have a car that has it. It helps it put the power down coming out of corners.

 

John B, I would love 6MT, but scared the wife may have to drive my car in certain situations.

Probably just better to get AT.