I had a 2007 (Gen 2) G35x sedan with 5-speed auto followed by a 2008 (also Gen 2) G37S with 6-speed stick. Both of these cars used about 13.5L/100km in mixed driving and I'm getting reliable 11.5L/100km in my 535. I'm a bit surprised the BMW uses that much less fuel (that's 15% folks), but I'll take it.

As for driving, the Infiniti cars are sporty and handle well. They were designed to compete in the 3/5 Series range (3 series for price, 5 series for size) but the back seats are smaller - much less leg room. The V35/V37 engines are quite strong but lose a lot of refinement at high revs. The interior in the Gen 1 G is pretty poor, Gen 2 much better and closer in quality/appearance to the BMW. Gen 1 G is a bit noisier too.

So, if you're 'nerdy' enough to drive a 4 door car at your age, the Infiniti will be OK.

 

G35 as everyone else stated...the coupe isnt so bad I had a 545i fun car absolute nightmare...I'm surprised no one mentioned the infamous timing chain guides and oil consumption associated with the vq motor...

 

I would love a 4 door but i hate the rear ends of the g35 sedans

 

I've had 4 Infiniti G's and 2 BMWs.

The Infiniti is a more reliable car -- no doubt -- HOWEVER it does have its fair share of issues. That being said most Infiniti work is definitely DIY and they have a great forum to keep you up to date with on DIY stuff. The leather in the Infinitis is a total POS - so if you're looking for something from this age -- seriously consider a seat swap from a newer car or a Katzskin reskin.

However in the Atlanta area for approx $12k why not just get this;



Cars for Sale: 2005 BMW 325Ci Convertible in Acworth, GA 30101: Convertible Details - 339716201 - AutoTrader.com

or here

Cars for Sale: 2004 BMW 325Ci Coupe in Birmingham, AL 35233: Coupe Details - 343264729 - AutoTrader.com

or here

Cars for Sale: 2004 BMW 330Ci Convertible in Alpharetta, GA 30004: Convertible Details - 340494709 - AutoTrader.com

In my opinion the e46 is one of the most reliable BMW platforms ever to exist. I have an 01 e46 right now with 215k on it and I've had to replace ... an ABS sensor. Thats it.

That and a convertible in the Atlanta area would be ball'in for 6 months out of the year.

 

But i was thinking about a b7 audi a4 also

 

Thanks I never looked at the e46 as a option i will look in to those

 

Yeah, you're welcome. For your purposes, I'd seriously consider an e46. It will give you a much more refined driving experience than your 1980 320i, yet enjoys Infiniti like reliability with a BMW driving style.

 

if you opt for an E46, make sure you have it put on a lift to check the rear subrame attachment points to the floor. the floor is prone to tearing at these points. BMW settled a class action lawsuit regarding this design flaw. dont let it scare you away from the E46, just make sure it's one of the first things you have looked at before you buy a car.

good luck with your car search.

 

I had a 2003 G35 when it first came out, loved that car for the sportiness, never had a problem with it. But then I sold it in 2004 when I moved to Cali, hard to have too many problems when you own it for less tahn 2 years.

 

After school today I went to a dealership and saw a nice 40 330ci coupe and a 2006 a4 quattro they we both in great shape and had all records