New to Solara and Toyota

[parkgt]

Hello to All,

I recently sold my Infiniti G35 Coupe and just purchased a Red/black SLE Convertible for my wife. I was able to deal down to a little over $2100 off MSRP, so I felt good about the transaction.

So far we/she is very pleased with the Solara. The fit and finish is very good except for a gap where the front bumper lines up with the fenders; there is a gap that shows the under color of the bumper.

Comparing the two cars is difficult, in many areas they have different intent and focus. The interior is very nice in the Solara (better in many ways than the G35,) except for the lack of power or lumbar support in the passengers seat.

I miss the power and handling of the G35 but do enjoy the ride of the Solara.

Hope it holds up as well as my last three Infiniti's.

This is a great site and I hope to learn and contribute in the years to come. I have even contemplated getting a Solara Coupe to mod for myself.

Greg

[michaels artic frost]

Welcome and stay a while.

Mind if I ask what the reason for getting rid of the 2004 G35 coupe for a 2004 Solara SLE?

[Astro]

Congrats. The Solara is a very nice ride, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[parkgt]

I sold the G35 Coupe becuase I was not driving it much and knew my wife would get more enjoyment out of the convertible than I was getting with the Coupe.

When I bought the G35 Coupe I had a 25 mile commute on a windy, hilly two lane road with one stoplight, it was a blast. Shortly thereafter my commute turned into a more typical 35 minute traffic logged mess. The G35 only had 9800 miles on it after 18 months. Yes it was great fun for driving hard when those few chances came and I really liked the looks of that car. As a daily commuter for a 50 plus year old, thats 6' 2" t was not well suited for my drive and was less comfortable driving than my 2003 GMC 4X4 with Quadrasteer. Maybe just too old and in the wrong place.

Had my fun, now it is my wifes turn!

[SoLaRa_PimPin99]

Welcome to the forum...any pics yet?

I'm a little curious to why you sold the G35 for the Solara...just curious

[mtodde]

Welcome aboard. The G35 coupe is one of the cars I really considered before buying the Solara. I just couldn't justify the extra money

[Jaimster]

G35 over an 04 Solara?

[Rudy]

i'd kill for a g35

[mtodde]

It came down to my monthly payment and the fact that I was getting rid of a Mustang. If it weren't for money we may all be driving something else? A G35??? Or heck, make it an SC430 or maybe an M3.

Let's face it...we all make decisions on how we spend our money. I didn't want a huge car note...I have to indulge my home theater fetish and it is nice to be able to afford to go do things. Maybe some people on here make $200k; I don't. Being in telecom I feel fortunate to have a decent job. To me the Solara was a great compromise...Lexus quality, a sporty (not sportscar) ride, near luxury and it didn't feel like a kids car - which is what made me want to get out of the Mustang.

For the $8-9k price difference and quality issues (remember its got a lot in common with the 350Z), I didn't think twice. At that price I was much more interested in the 2004 TL, but it all came down to $$$$...or the lack thereof.

[slingshot]

Mtodde,
You couldn't have said it any better. I had the exact same thoughts plus the G35C wasn't as comfortable and wasn't as practical living in the snow belt.

[michaels artic frost]

It came down to my monthly payment and the fact that I was getting rid of a Mustang. If it weren't for money we may all be driving something else? A G35??? Or heck, make it an SC430 or maybe an M3.

Let's face it...we all make decisions on how we spend our money. I didn't want a huge car note...I have to indulge my home theater fetish and it is nice to be able to afford to go do things. Maybe some people on here make $200k; I don't. Being in telecom I feel fortunate to have a decent job. To me the Solara was a great compromise...Lexus quality, a sporty (not sportscar) ride, near luxury and it didn't feel like a kids car - which is what made me want to get out of the Mustang.

For the $8-9k price difference and quality issues (remember its got a lot in common with the 350Z), I didn't think twice. At that price I was much more interested in the 2004 TL, but it all came down to $$$$...or the lack thereof.

Very nicely put! It's like this...I drive what I can afford for the time being. Why put a heavy burden on yourself when you don't have to. Yea I coulda gotten something with a higher monthly payment, but do I really want to? Not really. This is my first Toyota, and I'm luvin it...


Off da subject for a minute...It feels good to come here and write bout the things I enjoy...

[mtodde]

Thanks guys...I was afraid flames were comin' my way and almost didn't post it!

Another big reason for Solara over the G35 was that the insurance was about half of what it would have been on the G35...

Michael, I really have to agree with you. I enjoy coming on here to read, learn, post & interact. The problems I've had on my ride have been annoying, but compared to any other new car...Toyota is a dream (and Lexus is too).

I've always enjoyed cars, but never been a "car person". That is starting to change. I am really starting to enjoy detailing my car, making mistakes and learning new things.

[Jaimster]

Hey, can't knock a person for saving some real dough!

[parkgt]

The G35 is definitly more expensive both to purchase and operate. It requires premium fuel, expensive tire replacement at 10 to 20k intervals, insurance was just slightly more for me.

They are very different coupes, both excellent choices but for different reasons.

[Gyaf]

Mtodde,
You couldn't have said it any better. I had the exact same thoughts plus the G35C wasn't as comfortable and wasn't as practical living in the snow belt.

And has no trunk.