boredlawstudent writes:
OK best and Brightest, I really need your help! My car was totaled last week by a DUI driver and I’m in need of a car. I’m trying to decide which car to buy. A NEW Altima Coupe or a 2007-2008 CPO [Certified Pre-Owned] G35. My top concerns are reliability and material quality (and comfort). I’ve see a number of 2007 CPO G35’s with low miles (17K) on dealer sites requesting $24-26K. I’ve seen some 2008 CPO’s for $25K, but they seem to be off rental which I obviously don’t want. Some questions…
First, what’s a good price for a low mile CPO 2007 G35 (with no options) in this buyers’ economy?
Second, does anyone have any experience with the CPO warranty? Have trouble getting the dealer to honor repairs? Is it pretty much just a Powertrain warranty for the 3 years after the B2B expires?
Third, would you chose a NEW Altima coupe or CPO G35 if reliability, material quality (interior+exterior) and comfort were your TOP priorities and you plan to keep the car for 5+ years?
To give you an idea of my buying preferences, I’m the kind of person who purchases a refurbished aluminum Macbook over a NEW flimsy plastic Dell because I respect design and material quality, and like to keep my purchases a long time.
Your help would be most appreciated.
74 Comments on “Ask the Best and Brightest: New Altima Coupe or CPO G35?...”
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I’d spring for the CPO G37 (think that’s what you meant to say since the G37 Coupe was new for 2008) soley on performance, material quality and luxury at a [relative] bargain. A friend of mine has a CPO 2006 G35 coupe and his dealer honored every piece of warranty work needed, but it really comes down to the dealer you have.
i vote cpo G35 too.
better ‘value’ overall…
assuming similar / the same purchase prices.
I have had problems with the CPO warranty on my Nissan. However, I take this as more of a Nissan dealer issue than a warranty coverage issue. My guess is that the CPO at an Infiniti dealer is morelikely to get you a warranty repair than even a new car warranty at a Nisaan delaership. I think the g35/g37 is the best bet for a durable ride with better quality. The Altima may be the more comfortable and spacious commuter though. Plus, with used sales picking up and new cars festering on lots, the Altima might be a much better deal now.
I think the superior styling and luxury/creature comforts of the Infiniti make it the car to purchase for the long term. Plus, you take much less of a depreciation hit by buying used.
The Altima probably has more luxury/creature comforts than the pre-’08 G35 coupe – in fact I’d say the Altima is probably nicer overall on the inside. The G37 coupe is a whole different ballgame.
It all comes down to what you’re looking for. I passed on the previous G personally when I was shopping because I didn’t care for the plastomatic interior. If you’re comparing to a non-luxury car, however, things are a bit more even.
I also don’t like Nissan’s option bundling in the Altima. Why do you have to get the V6 to get stability control?
So the boxer got boxed up? Sad. I hope the offender is still in jail at this moment.
The Altima Coupe seems more confining than the G35/G37 and are largely found with that blasted John Deere CVT, no thanks! The interior material is kind of cheesy too.
I’d look hard at a used/certified G35, I think it is a much nicer car and in used form will still do a good job of holding its resale. Hardly scientific, but I never see an Altima coupe on the road which tells me something….
I’ve driven both; among our vehicles I have a 2008 Altima to tool around in for business and my better half has a 2009 Murano…so I guess you could say that I’m fairly familiar with the Nissan “D” platform.
Both have their merits, and you can hardly go wrong with either choice. Aside from how solid this platform is, what amazes me is how well balanced it is despite the forward weight bias of front-wheel-drive. I’ve read some gripes about the quality of the Altima’s interior materials, but I don’t find it objectionable…in fact, I find the pieces to be very similar to those of the G. One deal-maker for me was a folding rear seat, which I don’t recall being available at the time I looked at the G; unfortunately, I sometimes need that feature for my line of work.
That being said, I will probably be taking a long, hard look at the G37 when I get ready to buy a new car in a few years, probably just because I’d like to say that I upgraded. But that aside, I think you’ll be happy with either…it’s just that you may be slightly happier with one, depending on your particular needs.
Hands-down, the CPO G37, if for nothing but for the enjoyment of the drive and the feeling of pride for the whole life of the experience.
CPO, almost always. The G35 is going to fit much better with you Macbook aesthetic and appreciation for the finer things. Also, obviously, someone else already ate the depreciation, which is a big bonus.
No one is pointing out the G35 is a RWD performance machine, plus the fact he is coming from an AWD turbo I am sure he will hate the Wrong wheel drive of the Altima.
I have a 2004 G35 coupe that I am having trouble letting go of as I honestly cannot find a suitable replacement for as I enjoy it so much.
(I DID take a spin in a 2.0T Genesis Coupe….)
@ CanCarnut
Excellent point! I generally avoid FWD anything, it’s just not the same as having the engine pointed in the correct direction powering the correct wheels!
Thanks Robert for positing this. This is why I am a loyal reader for 2+ years.
I should clarify:
I’m interested in a Altima coupe only because I think the 4-dr looks like a rental.
I’m comparing the Altima coupe to the 2007 G35 SEDAN (the new style).
Any idea on pricing on a low miles 2007 G35 CPO?
Would any of you consider a NEW 2008 BMW 328i (leftover new stock) or 2007 CPO BMW? Reliability too much of a nightmare even with CPO?
Thanks for helping a fellow TTACer in his time of need!
Much clearer now, I am not so good at giving informed advise based on logical reasoning, more of a viceral responce to how it feels.. :)
You want a reliable daily driver, buy a new Altima coupe 4cly.
(yawn removed..)
And buy the extended warrenty.
I can’t speak to a price suggestion for the G, but I do have two thoughts overall. I vote for the CPO G. I think the G is a better looking car and a better all around performing car. I don’t like the back end of the Altima coupe, not a fan of FWD on that car, and not a fan of Nissan CVT. I would also venture to guess that the G will have a better value over the years with less depreciation than the Altima. Second thought is that I have purchased my last 3 cars on a CPO program. They were BMW’s, but you will want to research the details about what is and is not covered. Any reputable manufacturer these days runs similar programs. So, with that, CPO has always been very good to me and I have been more than pleased. I have never had any major issues with my 3 CPO BMW’s and they have all proven to be very reliable cars. But there have been some small things and the dealer was always willing to help. Something to remember too is that it has been my experience that the dealer you purchased the car though on CPO is usually more flexible and accommodating. In addition, the dealer will typically select the best cars and do any needed minor repairs/replacements in order to meet CPO requirements. So if you like piece of mind, you are probably pretty safe with the CPO route.
In regards to your BMW CPO question, I would absolutely prefer the BMW over your other choices. They are all good cars, but I prefer the overall feel, drivability and performance of the BMW. As I mentioned above, I have never had any major issues with my BMW’s. My out of pocket expenses (minus tires) for my 3 CPO BMW’s has been maybe $1000. With a new BMW (the leftover 08), you have zero maintenance costs for 4 years. With the CPO, the warranty will be 2 years remaining on the original warranty, and two additional years up to 100k. I would probably pick the leftover 08, but you have to factor in your budget. Hope that all helps!
Further clarification, coming from a boring 4cly, a 6cly is a must for my sanity and enjoyment (I still love driving even though I consider reliability a huge priority!)
Forget about the Altima. It’s too big to have front wheel drive and be enjoyable to drive. A car that size needs rear wheel drive to be fun to drive.
Does anyone have any experience (or know of anyone) with a high mileage G35? Does the car hold up better than your typical midsize Japanese family sedan (Altima, Accord, etc.)? Does it still feel tight and rattle free? Does the engine still feel smooth?
Thanks for all the help guys!
boredlawstudent
My bad for assuming you were comparing the Altima Coupe to the G37 coupe.
That would be a whole other ball game then. If you’re comparing a coupe to a sedan then it’s obvious you don’t care much about practicality (yes, the Altima Coupe’s rear seats do fold down but come one, 4 doors are ALWAYS more practical than 2)and I’d go out on a limb and say the G35 sedan does look a tad nicer than the Altima ever will.
That being said (as well as the new luxury car initial depreciation being eaten by someone else) I’d still take the CPO G35 over a new Altima anything for the same reasons I stated in my first post and this one.
I’d also stay away from CPO BMWs (you did say you plan to keep the car a long time) because once the warranty runs out they tend to be on extremely expensive side to repair. Regarding the BMW, a coworker recently bought a CPO 325i (when the 330i was top dog sans M3) and he’s still adjusting to how much the maintenance costs.
I liked the coupe because I can count on two hands the number of times someone sat in the back of my car (it was a 4dr) in 5+ years of ownership. I figured, why care now!
I have 60Kmiles(100,000KM) on my G35C , it still feels very solid, even in a back to back comparison with a new Genesis coupe. Reliability has been top notch with oil changes and one front wheel bearing.
Buy the 2007 G35 4door for sure.. better yet since you have no back seat humans, get an 05-07 350z
I’d say 23-25 is reasonable for a low mileage 07 model with no options, but good look finding those. Most every car you’ll find will have something tacked on, but in the current market, they really don’t amount to much of a price difference unless it’s the Nav system.
I’m the current and second owner (the first was my dad) of an 03 G35 sedan, and the powertrain has been rock solid. It has 127k miles. I wouldn’t worry too much about that if you’re looking at CPO cars. The little electronic gremlins will end up showing their face eventually. The CD changer in my car is angsty about switching CDs properly, and the forward passenger window doesn’t like closing properly in the automatic mode. Little things like that can get annoying, but you’re not likely to find any difference with that stuff if you’re looking at a new altima.
The biggest question you have to ask yourself is this – do you want to get yourself a good car with peace of mind that you’ll enjoy, or a car that you’ll feel obligated to have small worries about that you’ll absolutely love?
For the price point, the G35 sedan obliterates the competition, especially in the slightly used market. I’m looking to replace mine soon with something along the lines of EvoX, but I know I’ll miss it, because no matter what the driving situation, it never fails to put a smile on my face.
I think warranty issues are more of a dealer thing than a manufacturer related concern. I’d buy the CPO Infiniti at a reputable dealer. Get your service done at the same place you buy, and you should never have a problem. The G is just a nicer car to drive, and it’s more likely to hold on to more of its value than the Altima. And having worked with used cars for several years, I’ve personally seen far too many used Altimas that look and drive like total crap after several years of ownership versus G35s that are still nice and solid. No comparison, IMO.
I generally keep my cars for 5-7 years and 100K miles. As long as the CPO warranty covers the vast majority of repairs, I’ll feel comfortable.
A low milage nicely maintained off lease G35 would be the better option in my opinion. The Altima coupe is OK, but it’s not as attracive or enjoyable as a G35 coupe.
However, one big caveat here is that the G35 coupe has a very small trunk, it’s quite shallow. Depending on your needs that may make a difference for you.
CPO warranty problems will vary for dealer to dealer.
Also, have you checked out a new Accord coupe?
How about loaded Accord V6 vs CPO G35 Sedan? Reliability, driving/handling, material quality.
A low milage nicely maintained off lease G35 would be the better option in my opinion. The Altima coupe is OK, but it’s not as attracive or enjoyable as a G35 coupe.
I’m pretty sure he’d be looking at G35 sedans. 07 was the last model year for the G35 coupe, as 08 saw the coming of the G37 coupe.
The G35 is absolutely bullet proof.
Nissans made in Japan (i.e. the G35) have much better quality than Nissans made in the US (i.e. the Altima).
Infinitis have longer warranties than Nissans, and the entire Infiniti warranty is fully transferable (call Infiniti with the VIN and they will tell you when the warranty kicked in – the in service date).
Therefore the CPO warranty on a one or two year old Infiniti is worthless; do not pay a premium just because an ‘07 or ‘08 Infiniti is CPO.
I am hesitant to buy the first production year of any car, so I would try to avoid the ‘07 G35; get an ‘08 or find a really good deal on a previous generation ‘06 (I actually prefer how the previous generation looks). The interior of the first generation G35 was originally not great, but they did a mid-cycle refresh for 2005 that made it much nicer.
If you are worried about image the Altima coupe will make you look like a teenage girl or ricer.
Drop out of law school while you still can (oops, try to stay on subject).
That Nisaan v-6 is simply too big for a FWD car, I’ve always loved the engine (going back to a college buddies Maxima) but pairing it to that drivetrain is irresponsible, lazy and has unpleasant side-effects. If you’re used to that sort of thing this might not be a problem though, just never test drive the RWD G cars if you think you might actually settle for the Altima. There is really that big a difference.
The CVT gets good reviews, but I think (talking from experience with a 4cly. Altima) that it’s a shamefully poor piece of technology, but then, I think automatics of any sort are essentially crap. They may well have improved things, but my first impression was so awful that I simply need to see before I believe.
The Infinite interiors that I’ve been in have been noticeably better than Nisaan’s (not sure about the new Maxima, and keep in mind I’m not a dealer so I don’t see every spec.). I don’t think this is like choosing between a VW and Audi, where you can value spec a passat to save yourself $10k over the similar A4/6. If appreciating finer things is your priority, there really isn’t much to debate, Infinite trumps.
I have an 08 Accord V6 EX-L sedan. It’s as reliable as you would imagine (hasn’t been back to the dealer in over a year of ownership for anything). It’s also boring. FWD torque steer saps all of the fun out of the 268 HP. It needs a six-speed auto with some manual control. It has neither.
If I had it to do over again, I’d go with a CPO RWD, manual tranny something – AWD would be a second choice. BMW 3-series would be my first choice for driving feel/fun. The 3-series is better than average reliability – same as the Infiniti G35. I had an 01 330i and it had the best driver feel of anything I’ve been in. I never should have sold that one – black and tan and a solid driver’s car in the way that a nose-heavy, torque-steering FWD econobox can never be.
There is no way I’d ever consider an Altima anything – sorry, but it’s even uglier than my Accord. And it’s not as reliable. The Infiniti dealership experience is going to be a lot more pleasurable to spend time at if you have to bring it in – same as BMW. It doesn’t sound like practicality is that important, so a 3-series coupe might be the way to go if I was in your shoes. Leasetrader.com might be something to consider if you’re willing to lease and want to avoid the initial downpayment. Otherwise, I’d shoot for a one-owner CPO and comb through all maintenance records.
And if you still are considering FWD, I’ll sell you an Accord and go out and get a 3-series. ;-)
Are you going to carry people in the back seat with any regularity? If so, the Altima is probably a better idea. If I recall, the rear of the G coupe is unpleasant for children, let alone adults. I’d hazard that the Altima is better looking, too.
If not, well, skip both and get a Z. You’ll save money versus the G35, get a little more cargo versatility, a little more “fun”, and could be had without a roof, if you like. If you can find a gently used one, it’ll be much cheaper than the Infiniti, too. It’s a little chintzier inside, but not objectionably so, and especially not when compared to the previous-generation G35. I have a soft-spot for the Z, though, and might be considered biased.
I like the G35, and the coupe is pretty, but the sedan is just as capable and doesn’t require the same sacrifices. And—this is just me—it makes you look more like a real-estate agent and less like a trust-fund baby. But I’m younger than you, so that might not matter.
If design and finish is important to you, though, you may want to look elsewhere than Nissan. The engineering is pretty good, and the service (you’re coming from Porsche, right?) will be amazing in how much it won’t cost. But Nissan is still a little rough around the edges: the materials and ergonomics are a little odd, the materials perhaps not quite there (in the G) and the powertrain coarse. The Accord coupe really is better than it’s equivalent Altima, holistically.
psarhjinian:
He’s comparing the G sedan to the Altima coupe.
In the US a used G can be had much cheaper than a used Z with the same age and mileage, despite the higher initial price of the G.
Also, in the US Infinitis have better warranties, and the G has more safety features, along with luxury features, than the Z.
That said, I’m currently looking for a Z, but because I don’t want a roof.
I say drive both and see what you want. They’re both solid cars, but a lot of the people here haven’t driven either. Drive it yourself.
Nissan uses the same materials and similar switchgear in both. Having driven both, you’ll see the same headliner, dash material, door switches, etc. Material quality is typical Nissan- which is to say better than average.
Neither is a bad choice. The Altima is probably the best performing FWD vehicle you can get, the G is a proper RWD sedan. I can’t name a single reason NOT to get either, so drive both and buy based on your personal preference.
The picture at the head of the article fooled me. I thought the comparison was Altima Coupe vs. G35/G37 2-door.
That being said, I rented a G35 sedan about 2 years ago and I found it to be a very nice car. I’d probably still pick it over the Altima.
As a former BMW technician, I would never ever EVER recommend owning a BMW that was not under warranty (unless you really like working on your own car).
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/the-truth-about-automotive-electronics-pt-3-the-ugly/
This is a tough question. I’d lean toward the CPO G, as I prefer RWD….though I’d still hesitate to say the G. But you want interior quality, reliability and comfort.
If you’re talking G35, I’d say get the Altima. That does not have a very good interior, and in my experience car shopping, the comfort is not there either. Its very loud, and crashes down the road with the 19″ wheels that come on the cars with manual gearboxes. I didn’t like the car at all. G37 I’ve only driven in the sedan, and its well improved, but again, I didn’t care for it over other competitors, including the Acura TSX (last gen) which despite its FWD and much lower power I preferred much more.
Problem with the Altima is that it isn’t really all that fun either, and it drives ok, but just more of a 2 door sedan. However, I’d say the interior is fine, especially if you get leather, being brand new means full warranty for at least several years of ownership, making 5 years probably no problem. And comfort is much better due to the roominess over the G and softer suspension with more compliant tires. Only thing that sucks is new car depreciation. But again, sportiness and depreciation were not your top concerns. Based on your requirements, get the Altima.
*Note: The Altima options packages are the WORST of any car I’ve ever experienced. Base prices aren’t bad, but if you want just 1 item, say leather seats, or a sunroof, you have to buy their several thousand dollar technology (or whatever its called…premium?) package. Suddenly your $26k Altima V6 coupe is $30,0000 and full of options you don’t want. So do you wanna pay all that extra or have cloth seats? Maddening.
I think that you have two different issues here, namely the vehicle and the CPO program.
As far as the cars go, the Infiniti is a substantially better car than the Altima. The build quality is superior, as is the reliability. The early models went through brake rotors at a rapid pace, but that bug has been worked out and the cars are now highly reliable all around. If you intend to own the car over the long haul, I’d have more faith in the G than in the Altima.
Then there is the matter of the CPO. The G is highly reliable, so I’m not sure that I see the benefit of paying a premium for a CPO. A two year old G35 should have two remaining years of full warranty and four remaining years of powertrain, so it’s not as if buying a used one without a CPO results in having no coverage.
If buying a used BMW, I would insist on having a CPO, given the potential reliability issues and the high repair costs. With an Infiniti or Lexus, it isn’t as necessary.
He’s comparing the G sedan to the Altima coupe.
Is he? I missed that comment, and I’d thought it was Robert himself who was posting. Serves me for not a) reading and b) sleeping enough.
By all means, get the G sedan. It’s a fine vehicle.
In the US a used G can be had much cheaper than a used Z with the same age and mileage, despite the higher initial price of the G.
Also, in the US Infinitis have better warranties, and the G has more safety features, along with luxury features, than the Z.
That’s probably a big difference between the US and Canada. Here, the warranties are more or less equivalent (other than loaner privileges at Infiniti dealers) and the Z drops in value like a stone.
That said, I’m currently looking for a Z, but because I don’t want a roof.
I’d love to be in your position (I just bought a Sienna) as I have a “thing” for the Z. I like the styling—especially that of the 350Z—and it’s one of the few sportscars I can fit in comfortably. Good luck to you in your search.
I would also suggest he look at 2007-2008 Acura TL Type S… if he can get his hands on a 3.5L 286hp TL, it is a great car…
back to the G vs Altima… no brainer, the G is a car, the Altima is a poseur
Hey, the Altima is someone’s dream car.
Hahahahaha….good one Ed. That was my laugh for the day.
That you even have to ask the question…nevermind.
Friends dont let friends buy FWD!!
psarhjinian:
I almost told him not to get the G35 coupe also, before I noticed he doesn’t want it.
It’s good to know you could fit in the Z, space is sometimes an issue for me. My old G35 actually cramped me a bit because of the sunroof.
Have you been in the convertible Z?
After reading the comments, I can tell you now anyone telling you the G’s build quality / material quality is dramatically different from the current generation Altima’s hasn’t been in both.
Although a lot of people here are saying “Go RWD” , but dynamically I don’t know of a single valid reason to if you’re looking for comfort vs. flat-out performance. The steering feel below 7/10th’s on both is surprisingly similar given the different drivetrain layouts. Then again, deep down if you still want to cane it the difference will come up.
If you’re financing, you’ll likely get a better deal buying new vs. CPO, but YMMV. Again, your best bet is to drive both.
How does the steering compare between a G35 and Altima. I thought the steering on the Altima was rather loose compared with some Altimas I’ve driven in the past. Is the G35 substantially tighter? For some reason, I really enjoy, tight, heavy steering…gives me a feeling of safety and stability at high speeds.
Why the constant knock on FWD? For one thing, if you live in a area where snow is a concern, FWD will do a pretty good job of getting you through the winter. I know, you say, the G35 can be had with AWD that is superior. But the added weight and drag of AWD over FWD will take a toll on fuel economy. Forget that the G35 already consumes a lot of fuel without AWD. What about a RWD G35 with snows? Who wants to deal with swapping out and storing summer/snow tires every year. I’ve owned all three modes of drivetrains and, while RWD may offer the best driving dynamics, FWD is not a bad way to go if winter driving is a concern as well as operating costs. Not to mention, a new car will be cheaper to finance over a used vehicle.
The G35 all the way. RWD. End of story.
mjal
I’ve owned the 3 main layouts myself, and I had more winter control with RWD. I swap winters for summers regardlss of drivetrain, so that really isn’t a factor for me, but I can say with confidence that FWD torque steer and understeer can raise their ugly, eggplant shaped heads at low speeds. Right now I’m in a FWD’er, and I can feel torque steer on any road with extensive weather warping or even the slightest snow or sand patch. Granted, that’s not all the time, just during acceleration or engine braking, but it’s a huge turn-off (and has almost smacked my fender into concrete barriers before). When a RWD’er kicks loose on the other hand, it’s fun and controllable, and worth doing until tires get really expensive.
Pch101 :
March 25th, 2009 at 11:01 am
If buying a used BMW, I would insist on having a CPO, given the potential reliability issues and the high repair costs. With an Infiniti or Lexus, it isn’t as necessary.
I won’t argue that, overall, Infinity is not more reliable than BMW. I will say that, based on CR stats, the Infinity G and the BMW 3-series are equally reliable from 06+. In fact, for 07, the 3-series is better than average, while the G actually declined slightly from 06 to 07 to average. BMW, like Audi, have both seen reliability gains in most of their 06+ models.
mjal :
March 25th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Why the constant knock on FWD?
Because it saps nearly all of the driving pleasure out of a vehicle. That constant torque steer never allows you to really feel where the wheels are planted. Combine that with the nose-heavy FWD layout and you’re guaranteed understeer. Sure, there are some definite traction and packaging advantages. Traction control and stability control do help out a RWD car to a great extent. It just really depends on what is important in a vehicle to you.