Sport package.. anyone regret not getting it?
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Joined: Feb 2013
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Off the top of my head, the 09-13 Sport package includes important mechanical elements that would cost you a fortune to retrofit after the fact:
Close ratio steering rack
4 piston front and 2 piston rear larger brake calipers and rotors
Paddle Shifters
Nicer pedals (interior)
From 2010 forward, a nicer looking front fascia
VLSD (rear diff)
Performance oriented Springs and Struts/Shocks
Seats with better bolster and thigh support
The jury is still out on whether or not the Spiderman wheels are an improvement, but I personally love the Sport Appearance package 18s and would probably have the dealer swap those out if it were me. In addition, the Sport Appearance Package wheels are not staggered, so I can rotate my tires.
I sure I missed a thing or two, but you see the point. Individually, these elements would cost a fortune to upgrade after the fact.
The problem here in Socal is that the dealers know that the sport models are rare finds (there are hundreds of the Journey+Premium lease returns, but few sports), so the markup over the vanilla Journey+Premium is often greater than what the package originally cost new.
I follow this closely because I have been in the market for a clean used G37S, 2010 or newer in the Sub-30k range and there are some slim pickings here in Socal.
I think when the Q50 is fully released and the novelty wears off (December 2013), this will change.
Close ratio steering rack
4 piston front and 2 piston rear larger brake calipers and rotors
Paddle Shifters
Nicer pedals (interior)
From 2010 forward, a nicer looking front fascia
VLSD (rear diff)
Performance oriented Springs and Struts/Shocks
Seats with better bolster and thigh support
The jury is still out on whether or not the Spiderman wheels are an improvement, but I personally love the Sport Appearance package 18s and would probably have the dealer swap those out if it were me. In addition, the Sport Appearance Package wheels are not staggered, so I can rotate my tires.
I sure I missed a thing or two, but you see the point. Individually, these elements would cost a fortune to upgrade after the fact.
The problem here in Socal is that the dealers know that the sport models are rare finds (there are hundreds of the Journey+Premium lease returns, but few sports), so the markup over the vanilla Journey+Premium is often greater than what the package originally cost new.
I follow this closely because I have been in the market for a clean used G37S, 2010 or newer in the Sub-30k range and there are some slim pickings here in Socal.
I think when the Q50 is fully released and the novelty wears off (December 2013), this will change.
This is my second G and I actually prefer the look and feel of the non sport. The sport rims are ugly, the seats aren't as nice, and the paddle shifters are - well- plain stupid. Why on earth would Infiniti install them on the steering column instead of the wheel? Plus, it's nearly impossible to find a sport with the wood accents package. If the sport had a bump in hp or something worthwhile then I'd seriously consider it. I just can't justify spending the extra for insignificant extras.
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Joined: Jun 2013
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The problem here in Socal is that the dealers know that the sport models are rare finds (there are hundreds of the Journey+Premium lease returns, but few sports), so the markup over the vanilla Journey+Premium is often greater than what the package originally cost new.
I follow this closely because I have been in the market for a clean used G37S, 2010 or newer in the Sub-30k range and there are some slim pickings here in Socal.
I think when the Q50 is fully released and the novelty wears off (December 2013), this will change.
I follow this closely because I have been in the market for a clean used G37S, 2010 or newer in the Sub-30k range and there are some slim pickings here in Socal.
I think when the Q50 is fully released and the novelty wears off (December 2013), this will change.
I also had a problem with not being able to drive it or look at it in person before I bought it, but I have friends who've gone this route for other cars and all have been really happy. YMMV.
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From: Happiest Place on Earth
This is my second G and I actually prefer the look and feel of the non sport. The sport rims are ugly, the seats aren't as nice, and the paddle shifters are - well- plain stupid. Why on earth would Infiniti install them on the steering column instead of the wheel? Plus, it's nearly impossible to find a sport with the wood accents package. If the sport had a bump in hp or something worthwhile then I'd seriously consider it. I just can't justify spending the extra for insignificant extras.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Non sport is very nice, and realistically the only differences you will feel while casually driving are the seats (unless you go manual, of course). The paddle shifters are fun every once in a while. My sedan is sport auto, and my coupe is sport 6mt. My good friend has a journey sedan - so this is speaking from experience.
If I were you, I'd go with the sport. When you DO push the car, you'll feel a difference. Not to say that the journey is no fun - it's still a very capable car.
If I were you, I'd go with the sport. When you DO push the car, you'll feel a difference. Not to say that the journey is no fun - it's still a very capable car.
I have a Porsche with the paddles on the wheel and I hate it. When you are throwing the car around trying to figure out where the paddle went is plain stupid. That is one thing I liked on the G and still like on the Z far better. You always know where the paddle you need is located. Havng it on the wheel you lose them. My Z is far better in this respect. The one good point about the PDK is you really don't need to use the paddles as the tranny shifts better than a person can make it shift.
I have a Porsche with the paddles on the wheel and I hate it. When you are throwing the car around trying to figure out where the paddle went is plain stupid. That is one thing I liked on the G and still like on the Z far better. You always know where the paddle you need is located. Havng it on the wheel you lose them. My Z is far better in this respect. The one good point about the PDK is you really don't need to use the paddles as the tranny shifts better than a person can make it shift.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Boston, MA
I regret buying the non-sport everyday. However, when I see the Athens Blue in the sun, it makes me forget about the sport model. When I was looking to purchase, I couldn't find another AB sport model anywhere near me so I just bit the bullet and bought the non-s.
The problem is I find myself wanting to add the sport package one option at a time.
The problem is I find myself wanting to add the sport package one option at a time.
Last edited by cgrizzle; Jul 18, 2013 at 08:18 PM. Reason: s to non s
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From: Happiest Place on Earth
I regret buying the sport everyday. However, when I see the Athens Blue in the sun, it makes me forget about the sport model. When I was looking to purchase, I couldn't find another AB sport model anywhere near me so I just bit the bullet and bought the non-s.
The problem is I find myself wanting to add the sport package one option at a time.
The problem is I find myself wanting to add the sport package one option at a time.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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I really like what the Sport offers except the non vented seats. I have to have the vented seats, I HATE hot leather seats in the summer, its a hard decision, if anyone knows od someone that's installed vented seats, please,,,, point me in that direction, Id love to get a sport but those seats are killing it for me lol
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Joined: Feb 2013
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I really like what the Sport offers except the non vented seats. I have to have the vented seats, I HATE hot leather seats in the summer, its a hard decision, if anyone knows od someone that's installed vented seats, please,,,, point me in that direction, Id love to get a sport but those seats are killing it for me lol
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 117
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From: NJ
I have a Porsche with the paddles on the wheel and I hate it. When you are throwing the car around trying to figure out where the paddle went is plain stupid. That is one thing I liked on the G and still like on the Z far better. You always know where the paddle you need is located. Havng it on the wheel you lose them. My Z is far better in this respect. The one good point about the PDK is you really don't need to use the paddles as the tranny shifts better than a person can make it shift.
Wow. You are the first person I've come across that doesn't prefer the shifters on the wheel.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: NJ
