I am new to the forums and just started looking at a new sedan for work, as I am going to be driving clients and coworkers to meetings (I'm in a sales-related function). I am looking at CPO used '11 or '12 and have a couple of questions and would appreciate your insight.

First, I am in Pennsylvania, so think Northwestern winters. I drive quite a bit in the winters, and have done so for many years. What are your experiences driving AWD vs RWD with snow tires? I've seen some rather compelling video and discussion on RWD with, say, Blizzaks, but welcome your firsthand thoughts regarding this.

Second, I have always owned a manual, from my second car more than 25 years ago. I just like the feeling of control. It looks like the G37 6MT has substantial upgrades in the vehicle, especially the suspension. But, I drive 30-40k+ miles per year and I am wondering if it creates a harsher, louder or more jarring ride? Are there tires you recommend to alleviate this? Other measures? Also, your thoughts on the comfort of the sport seats vs. the normal?

I owned a G35 Coupe and LOVED the car, but man did that thing eat tires. Should I expect the same from the sedan, or has that been improved? I'm not an aggressive driver, but I do like to have fun, occasionally (read as: driving fast, but not drifting, burning out, or any of that general hooliganism).

It is generally accepted that black is the best color, but Infiniti offers two shades. Really? Also, I like the silver. General thoughts on paint quality, color, and other considerations?

I realize I am on a G37 site, but welcome thoughts regarding other models. Reliability is high priority for me, thus I think I can rule out the BMW. I like a livelier ride, and the Lexus felt like a soulless, upgraded Camry. any thoughts on how the G measures up vs. say the Mercedes C Class, Volvo S60, or others?

Thanks all.

Fishr
Oh, and any deal-making advice would be appreciated, too.

 

Welcome to the site Fishr.
If you are used to driving RWD in harsh weather I'd go that route, the big brakes, LSD rear end, more seat adjustment and support, bigger wheels, and better tires are all a big plus. Since you really prefer a manual transmission I think you've almost answered your own question. As far as eating tires, the stock summer tires are typically bald after 18k miles YMMV. Upgrading to Michelin Pilot Super Sports will still provide excellent grip but also better tread life.
One other bonus w/ RWD is there is better aftermarket part availability for them over the AWD.
Enjoy your search and let us know how it goes.
Brad

 

I got the AWD and regret it. If you love manuals, don't get an auto. I did and it sucks, despite being an excellent car otherwise.

 

6mt.....

 

This


And this. If you've been driving manual for 25 years, you probably want another manual

 

I currently own a '12 xS that is malbec black and while it is a beautiful color, especially in sunlight, it is a pain in the rear to keep clean. Also I went with the awd because of the winters where I live. I'm sure the rwd with good winter tires get around good, but I get a little more piece of mind knowing I have snow mode when needed. That especially holds true if I'm on a hunting trip and have my wife's f150 (yes she has a truck as a daily driver) and she is at home with the boys and the weather gets bad......just my 2 cents though.

 

One thing to note is not all mods are available for the AWD.

I really wanted motodyne Art pipes and they wouldn't work due to the transfer case.

 

Also another thorn in my side is the fact that you best run a squared setup. Found a great set of coupe rims and can only use the back 2. Am still hunting on eBay for 2 new rears.

Wish I had a RWD sedan. Then I would have slapped on the coupe set and be done with it.

On the positive side it handles like it is on rails and it gets off the line pretty damn fast.

 

I really like my all wheel drive model. That said the 7at trans pisses me off and I wish they would have included the steering ratio and brake upgrades they do on the non AWD Sport. the Infiniti motto should be ...almost awesome.....or just close enough to **** you off.

 

I like my xS, especially after all the mods that I added. I do wish it had the sport steering ratio though, that's about the only thing I don't like about it. I think the 7AT is decent, but could be better.

 

I'm located in Central PA. I have a Wrangler Unlimited for the days I wake up and the snow is really bad, but I use my Infiniti 99% of the time (I had a G35X before the G37X).


I travel throughout the state as well as WV, NJ, MD and OH and there have been times when the weather has caught me by surprise i.e. at a client site all day and come out to weather that was much worse than predicted.


It's days like those that I like the convenience of the X, and it saves me the hassle of swapping wheels, tires, TPMS etc. when the seasons change.


I also have a slightly different philosophy than some when it comes to daily drivers. I'm self employed, so my DD is a business tool for me - if it breaks down, or leaves me stranded somewhere, or I have to turn around because the weather's bad, then that's lost revenue for me.

 

I don't know if I would ever go back to a Sedan without AWD. I wanted a RWD Sedan when I first drove a G, but couldn't find one here in the 'Northern' Snow states - they are all AWD. I'm glad I stuck with the decision to go with the X model... sure if you want to have a 6MT than the AWD isn't for you, but I was coming from a 6spd manual car (Altima SE-R) and wanted an automatic due to the traffic here in Maryland.

The AWD with a good set of all seasons does more than fine in snow. The car would be an absolute monster with a set of legit snow tires on it.

 

I bought an AWD model without hesitation. This car is my DD and I enjoy the flexibility and added assurance of AWD when weather catches me off guard. I'm not looking for this to be my sports car though, as some people do.

 

- the 6MT sedan does have a firmer ride than the non-S sedan. it is not harsh, like a STi subaru or anything like that, but it is firm. i love my sport seats. wouldn't have 'em any other way
- no inherent tire-consumption issues with the S sedan. just keep on top of your alignment and you should be OK.
- the sedan comes in many colours, not just black and silver. not sure where you got that information. for instance, i have Blue Slate which is neither black nor silver. i would never buy black - way too difficult to keep looking the way i want my paint to look. the paint is known to chip somewhat easier than it should. try not to tailgate. that helps extend paint life...
- the G sedan is a very reliable vehicle. no major dealbreakers that i can think of. .

 

WOW! Thanks so much for all of the advice and insight. You guys rock, and I really appreciate you taking the time.

Pontiacstogo - My wife has a VW Tiguan and she's a schoolteacher, so really bad days I can take her 4WD, when I know it's coming. She gets the day off and I get convenience. But, I hear you on getting trapped, too.

Canucklehead - the Black paint thing was a joke. I like black and silver.