BMW or Infiniti

I've owned several cars throughout the years ranging from a '78 Nova to a '97 Monte Carlo to a '94 Infiniti G20 to a '98 AWD Ford Explorer. Quite a few others in between...

By far, the Infiniti was my favorite to drive. With suspension modifications, high performance tires, and its small size, it was a blast. My current vehicle is the '98 Explorer. The AWD is great in the winter, but other than that, I don't really need a 15mpg 5500lb beast.

I just graduated from college and I'm about to accept a job offer making more money than I would have ever imagined making fresh out of college. I'm engaged and my fiance's parents have decided to let us have their house because they're looking to relocate. This is going to leave me with quite a few clams each month.

This thread isn't only about choosing which car. I also need advice on how to get it but I'll get to that in a minute. Lets start with the cars in question, shall we?

2007 BMW 335xi - roughly $45,000
2007 Infiniti G35x - roughly $40,000

Every vehicle I've owned has been modified in one performance aspect or another. I like to tinker. The new car will be no exception. I understand that both of the cars above have approximately the same power. Of course, the BMW utilizes twin turbos whereas the Infiniti is naturally aspirated. Which car has the largest aftermarket for performance accessories? Lets say I plan on spending an additional $10,000 on accessories... which car will yield the most performance gains? Why should I buy the BMW over the Infiniti?

Now, to the second part of the thread. I know I'll be making the money, but I'm not sure of my credit score. The only payment I've ever had has been my car insurance and it has been paid on time every single time since I started driving. How easy is it for someone in my situation to finance a $45,000 car? What kind of down payment am I looking at? What about the interest rate? Would it be possible to get either of these cars for $650-$750 a month if I financed for 60 months? Any idea of what my insurance rate would be? 21-years-old... no driving violations... single, but will be married in a few months.

I would appreciate input from you guys. Since I've been 10-years-old, I've said that I would one day own a BMW. I think my day might finally be here.

Reply » BMW or Infiniti

First, the only way you can decide which car is better is to drive them yourself.

I just bought a 2007 Infiniti G35 with sport pkg, pretty much loaded, for $31k. My wife's little brother is an engineer at Nissan and can get the highest and best discount. For me it was an easy decision, at nearly $13,000 less then a comparably equipped 335, it is no contest.

Now, we still have a BMW in the family. IMO, I'd say the BMW is the slightly better car in just about every category, except, perhaps, long term reliability.

If you are BUYING, which you seem to be, then maybe you should consider that.

The Infiniti is a great car, about 9/10th's of a BMW. Nearly as good handling, power and ergonomics. The 2007's interior is *nearly* world class, whereas last year's interior really sucked. (Most people here probably haven't sat in or driven the 2007 and are going off last year's lousy interior).

Finally, check out an Infiniti forum for pricing, you could get your car for thousands less than $40k. If price is really an issue, the Infiniti will be the cheaper car. Right now many dealers are selling them at or even below invoice for regular buyers.

Infiniti is a helluva lot a car for $33k. But if money was no object, I'd get the 335.

Reply » BMW or Infiniti

Yesterday Hertz gave me a red G35 with 3950 miles on it. My one day review

the ride is pretty great - tight steering and suspension, comfortable and supportive seats and the ergonomics behind the wheel are great. Feels planted on the road, and solid too. The only knock - IMHO - the dash and aluminum-looking trim look like hard plastic, like they kinda skimped on the material, and the cluster, ac/heater controls and i-drive controller thingy look a little like a boom box to me. Ah, one other minor knock - the trunk lid has this chrome strip on it that needs to be removed. Overall thumbs up though - great ride.

Reply » BMW or Infiniti

I was in your shoes just last year...

I considered the TL, G, A4, and 330. I too have always wanted a bimmer. First and foremost, drive them all! Also read Car and Driver..they are anti iDrive (they're old and apparently technically challenged), but the 328 beat out the G35 due to its superior handling. You can't beat a BMW in the turns...and you want a car that is fun to drive, don't you?

But to save time, consider used...go big or go home was my philosophy. I found a 2004 545 with every option possible, and I'm paying $750 a month for 60 months. It's warrenteed up to 100,000 miles, and the downpayment was up to me (I put down 7k).

It's been the best decision I have ever made. I have driven a few 3 series when my car is in for maintanence...and they are tiny! I like a car that my friends can be comfortable in, and buying certified pre owned allowed me to get a big V8. If you want to put 10k into a car, buy a used 545 or 550, and then get the upcoming supercharger from VF engineering. You'll have a car that competes with the M5!

Reply » BMW or Infiniti

Infiniti's depreciate like rocks. Keep that in mind if you plan to buy and then sell later down the road. BMWs are fairly reliable if you do proper maintenance and if the car is reliable from the get-go (you'll know if you got a lemon within a few weeks).

Of course, you must drive the two to find out. However, I believe the 335i has a lot of aftermarket potential, since I've heard many reports of the hp being underrated from the factory; actual hp estimates are closer to 330+hp. Put in a new chip, and......well the rest is up to you.

One company is an innovator. The other one imitates.

Reply » BMW or Infiniti

Quote:

1. While Infiniti resale isn't as high as BMW, it does not "depreciate like a rock" (See below).

2. Who invented VANOS technology that BMW uses? (or is it really just BMWs version of VTEC which they ripped off from Honda?

). This is but one of many examples in which BMW "borrowed" significant engine technology from the Japanese.

Look, everyone does it, but it is absolutely not fair to say that BMW is an innovator while Infiniti is an imitator. It is much more complicated than that.

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2006 Best Resale Value: Top 10 (in alphabetical order)
BMW 5-series
Lexus GX 470
Chevrolet Corvette
MINI Cooper
Honda Accord Hybrid
Porsche Cayenne
Infiniti G35 Coupe
Toyota Prius
Infiniti M45
Volvo XC90

(All values based on the September/October 2005 Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide).

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