Best car to start with... - Page 4

Meh, no not really. I like music. I like cars. I like driving cars while listening to music. If the weather is amenable, I will roll down the windows because I prefer it to A/C. It so happens that while listening to music I tap on the door skin below the side mirrors. I have done this in many cars. My Jaguar has the thickest doorskin of any car I have driven and tapped. It is very noticeable. So, in other words, rust does not eat Jaguars and Fiestas alike. The quality of the anti rust coating also plays a role. Things aren't simple. ~ Huntsman

OP, based on personal experience I wouldn't put a great deal of stock in the belief of substandard reliability in Infiniti products. Through undergrad I owned an Infiniti J30 up until right at the 200k mile mark - had very few issues with the car. In six years of ownership I think I only had to replace the power steering pump and the alternator, you would have a hard time matching that sort of reliability with any German competitor.

My experience with that car was so good that I now own an M45. A bit bigger, a hell of a lot faster, and still a great deal of fun. I have high hopes for such outstanding reliability in this vehicle as well.

In particular, I wouldn't worry about engine problems in the G35's or any other Nissan with the 3.5 or 3.7. That motor in one form or another has been in production for at least 15 years, has won numerous awards, and has generally had the kinks worked out over time it seems.

As far as my advice for your selection, please test drive all of your options! You'll probably find that the BMW's have more finesse than the G35, but you may fall in love with the more brutish nature of the Infiniti. I believe the BMW's, certainly the 1 series, have the edge in handling. Pick the car that you feel will make you happy on a daily basis - there's nothing like leaving after a hard day at work and sinking into a machine that you truely enjoy spending time driving.

As far as I know the anti rust proofing and treatment of the actual metal plays a much bigger part than the actual thickness. Once rust takes hold, thicker material will only take a little longer to rust though. Much better off getting a car that has really good rust proofing and get touch up paint for those little chips that make it through the proofing layer.

At a guess I'd say a Jag would have much better rust proofing than a Fiesta.

+1. As I stated earlier, my Infiniti is the most reliable vehicle of the 3 I have. Although I much prefer the handling and features of my German built vehicles, the Infiniti gets regular fluid changes, tires, and that's it. The running costs of the others are significantly higher, and it's not due to mpg.

Porsche 928.

@ OP How much extra cash you've got in your pocket ? First answer that question, then begin to worry about which premium used vehicle to buy. Zee German ones are going to break, and when they do expect to be raped by the dealer. We're talking here labor rate north of $110/h without the cost of parts. Otherwise, the BMW is DA BOMB Though I love Audis too, as they roll like small tanks. BTW, the newly redesinged G35 is a road rocket - and it's much more reliable than zee Germans.

+1

While not dealing with the exact models in question, here is a rather damning bit of evidence concerning Nissan:


It goes on to say while one model hade 50% less complaints this year, it is still far worse than the average # of complaints. YMMV (literally).

http://autos.msn.com/advice/CRArt.as...tentid=4023544

It did say the M class Infiniti is very good however for reliability this last year however.

Probably the best advice so far.