Forgive me but I cannot find anything concrete on what the differences are between a G37 and the G37S. I am contemplating buying a kind of rough (but kind of cheap) 2008 G37S from an auction but really want to be sure that the "S" is really the better model. I did see that it had paddle shifters, navigation and a moon roof.

 

S models have the Akebono four-piston brakes up front; viscous limited-slip differential; bigger anti-sway bars; sedans get 18" wheels while coupes get 19" wheels; 7AT gets paddle shifters. And, of course, the S badge.

Except for the differential, it's easy and relatively cheap to add this stuff to a base model.

 

The one thing I noticed I don't see in most of them is the paddle shifters. This one has them. It is a salvage title auction car so it would be cheap to buy but I don't mind the salvage thing if I can save a lot when I buy it. It already has some nice aftermarket 20" wheels and newer tires too.

 

P.S. Thanks for the info. I always try to buy features before finish since you can restore anything, but if it aint got it, it aint got it. Kind of like a BMW M3. I had an M3 and it looked almost just like the regular ones but that M made a big difference.

 

S models also get sport seats (deeply contoured buckets w/adj thigh support) and a different front bumper.

2008 is 5AT, not 7AT.

The Akebono brakes look awesome but didn't do much for performance. If I have the chance, I will swap Akebono brakes in some day just for the looks (I don't track my car)

The LSD rear diff is very nice to have!

 

i sure wouldnt buy a base and try to make it into a s model thats just dumb. too many available s models out there to be wasting ur time and money trying to make it into one

 

What if you were "dumb" and already bought a base Journey? There's a decent upgrade path.

 

i would skip trying to make it into an s model and go straight to aftermarket.

 

Some like the guarantee of proper fitment using OEM.

 

nah stick with name brand stuff and it will surely fit.

 

When I was looking for my AWD coupe, there was a shortage big time of AWD S (xS) coupes. However, I did notice that when a S became available, or even looking at RWD S coupes, there is very little price difference in my market between non-S and S, making it a no-brainer to get an S, especially for the RWD coupes. Just upgrading the brakes alone seems to be the same cost as buying a S over a non-S.

With the AWD coupe, I was way more concerned with getting black leather interior and navigation, as the AWD negates needing a LSD rear diff. I would prefer the S wheels and Akebonos, but I'm totally happy with the car as it is. Changing out interior color and non nav to nav is way more difficult to do than swapping in Akebonos or some sport wheels.

 

The S also has the fast ratio steering.

I’d get a S.

 

Go for the sport, it took me sometime to find a nice one.

 

I see lots of dealers trying to pass off journey models as ''sport" models.

 

very true, be careful. Lots of homework and searching