I'v been test driving an '09 coupe w/19" wheels (non sport) for 2 days. I LOVE it! I know I want to buy a used coupe. But trying to keep it under about $26k.

So.... I want to know if an '08 with the old 5 speed auto is very similar to the '09 7 speed auto. I don't really care myself. Was the 5 speed auto a good reliable tranny? Or should I definitely go with an '09 auto. Do NOT want a stick!!!

Secondly.... There are a ton of "Sport" models out there for sale. It looks like you could get an auto in some of them? Just the '08 model? Not sure... anyone know? AND.... how much rougher/firmer is the ride in a "Sport" model? I really like the base '09 with the 19" wheels. But don't want it any rougher/loud. This will be my daily driver, not a track car. Want to keep it fun.... yet civilized and comfortable/smooth/quite.

Thanks for the help guys. Can't wait to hear what everyone has to say.

 

Well IMO I would say sport not just because I have one but it comes with A LOT of stuff that the Journey doesn't. For example it comes to LSD, sports seats, BBK, and stiff suspension. All those 3 or 4 things added up can cost way over 6-7k. So when I got my car back in 08 with sport (6MT) I was Glad to pay 2K extra for the 6 MT that came with that stuff.

 

Thanks for the input.... Can I get an '08 or '09 Sport model with AT? And.. what is LSD, BBK, and how much stiffer is the suspension? Does it ride rough/harsh?

 

LSD = limited slip differential
BBK = big brake kit.

IMO the ride is about 25 to 30% stiffer. If you don't care about all those non sense and just want a G37 then you can get a Journey.

Also at the tranny part. No huge huge difference. 08 is 5 speed (which I prefer over the 7 AT) 09+ are 7 AT. Almost everyone I know with a 5 speed doesn't really have problems with it expect that they have throttle lag which can be removed with a tune or grounding kit, same goes for 7 AT.

It is your choice at the end. I wanted everything because it was a crazy deal to have all those stuff for only 2k more.

 

Thanks.... I'm just trying to figure out if I need to "disqualify" the sport versions, or the '08s from my search. Sounds like I just need to test drive a sport and see for myself if it is too stiff for my taste.

If I get a sport, and want to soften it up a little bit. Could I just buy 18" wheels and put on tires with a taller sidewall?

 

18 wouldn't help that much. It's because the Sport has a stiffer suspension than the Journey. If you wanted a S and wanted softer suspension, you would have to change out the suspension but that would be stupid cause you can just buy a Journey.

 

I would definitely buy a Sport model, they are wider in the front and back and look much better IMO. The ride quality between the journey and sport is not that big.

In terms of transmissions, I would go with the Auto. One big reason is, if you watch the resale values over an extended period of time (which I did for about 6 months), the Auto are selling for about $2k more than the stick because not as many people want a manual.

I have a 08 sport with the 5AT and the car really needs a 6th gear, it spins about 3k revs at 75mph which is way too high. I highly suggest getting a 09 or newer with the 7AT, this will give you better acceleration and fuel economy.

Overall you're making a good choice buying a G37 in any form - good luck finding one!

 

Questions you should be asking yourself about sport vs non-sport. Do you care about having bigger/better looking brakes, seat that tucks you in, LSD that helps with traction, stiffer suspension..if all the above are yes than sports if no than non-sports.

 

You might be surprised how comfortable the ride in the Sport really is. I say the ride is firm not necessary rough- except over bumps- but even that is relative. On most roads the Sport is still one of the most comfortable cars I have owned. To me it is more comfortable than our Nissan Pathfinder.

Regarding 08 vs 09... The 08 transmission is still rock solid. The 09 has 2 extra gears which gives you better highway mileage and a little more lockup from the torque converter.

 

Get the Sport. I have an 09 Journey and am struggling to get it to "Sport" status. I prefer the front bumper, side sills, and larger brakes in the Sport. The steering ratio is also different and the seats as well. It just makes more sense to pay a bit more for a lot more.

 

I did not know that, Im kind of in the same boat, Im still looking, but Im looking for a 2010 now, just cause I like the interior better, and Im thinking an xS model, I want the AWD for the grabbing vs spinning the tires.
The more I read the forum, the more I learn.
Thanks all

 

too many of others' replies to read...

But just like what I mentioned to other people who has the same question...
If you're a big mod'er, just get the Non-S. (as in, you'll be changing the susp, and BBK out)...

 

Before I got my 08 Sport, I also looked around for months, but found out the opposite of what you did about pricing for MT vs AT. The manual G37s were and still are more expensive in the market, the reason is because there are a lot more AT models than MT, so much that the MT has become rare and as such is more expensive, and better as to resale value. It might take you a while to sale a MT due to that factor though.

You'll also notice black-on-black G37s cost more.

I don't own an AT, so I can't compare the two, but my humble opinion usually inclines me to get a newer model, if the price is comparable. As a forum member has stated before, it revs higher which means it needs an extra gear. That is probably why Infiniti went ahead and added it to the new models.

As far as Sport vs Journey, I have a Sport and the suspension is stiff, but I like that. The bigger brakes and wheels are nice too. The Sport seats are a little tight around my thighs, but I got used to it. Mine came with 4WAS (4 Wheel Active Steering) which makes tight corners a breeze.

Either way, you'll end up loving this thing the more you drive it and discover its capabilities.

Happy shopping!

 

I went with the sport for multiple reasons. First the BBK, it has better stopping capabilities, and it looks better. Second was the suspension, I felt that the ride was all around better. It was a little stiff over bumps and really rough roads, but felt better driving down the curvy roads that I live off of. The LSD is also a plus. Third was the seats, I love the seats in the sports model they are more snug and very comfortable, they also have the thigh extender thingy for long trips(the wife loves this). Fourth was the rims. Those 19 inch Enkei

As for the 5AT vs 7AT, you get better mpg with the 7, but the 5 is very solid and in my opinion a little quicker. Both in the sport package come with the paddle shifters which are fun to use(when hitting the twisties you can keep both hands on the steering wheel and row through the gears at the same time). They are not including in the base or journey.

Not sure if it was the base or Journey that I test drove, but the sport came with the areo bumper(not sure if the journey does, but the base does not). Anyways, good luck with the shopping and let us know how it goes.

 

Get the sport. The extra stuff is well worth the difference in price.

Nothing against the non S guys but getting it would be like getting a cake without any icing.