Please help with potential purchase

[Topshelf147]

Hey all. Looking at trading my 335xi in for a used EX35 Journey. Been looking around for a few weeks and found one that I'm interested in. I took it to an Infiniti dealer for a PPI, and while it did check out well, there's two items that concern me, one much more than the other. Was hoping someone could tell me if these are big enough concerns to walk away, or if it's not that big a deal.

1) Humming noise coming from front drivers side at all speeds. The tires are badly worn and need replacement, so everyone is assuming that's the cause of the noise. The inspection didn't find any axle/hub/bearing issues, so I'm assuming it's nothing more than tires.

2) During the PPI they pulled the codes and found a recent P0014 code which was cleared at the same time as the last oil change was done. I searched this code and found out it's the Exhaust Valve Timing Control Sensor. I also learned that the sensor is driven by oil flow, and it looks like this could be anything from low oil, to sludge, to faulty sensors, to sprockets inside the engine needing replacement. This code appears as though it could range from $50 to about $2,500, with no way of knowing what to expect. Worst part is that any thread I've found pertaining to this code usually dies before the OP posts the solution...very frustrating for us searching for answers.

So basically my question is do you guys think this cleared P0014 code is serious enough to look for another car? There's currently 98k on this one, and while I know that's high mileage, it's unfortunately the only way I can get into one of these with all the options I want. The car was serviced at the dealer for 40k miles, then no records until brought back in for the code and oil change. The dealer who did the inspection made a big deal of that, but I don't think that's particularly worrisome as I wouldn't pay dealer prices for oil changes out of warranty either.

Thoughts?

And thanks in advance!

[Topshelf147]

70 views and not a single thought on the P0014 code or general long tern reliability of the EX?

[danncas]

Whytrade the 335xi. I sold my 2007 330 xi, old then your 335
If your going to sell the BMW I would buy new. I got a left over 2011.
With the BMW you will get more or it on a new car even a one year old on. I wouldnt go for anything older unlewss you racked alot of mile on the BMW.
Seliing it out right will get you more money.
BTW I love the Ex35 it has alot of power for a SUV or CUV
But then again your BMW twin turbo does too.
The EX handles like are car that what I like the most.
Beware the cargo area is limit you trunk has more room.
If you live in a winter state you will miss the heated sterring wheel thats about all.
Bottom line if you going to buy used go for the newest. Like ever car every year they add some thing.
2008 has all the options on a basic every year infiniti would turn those option into package thus you have to have a Journy to get the options you had the year before

[Topshelf147]

Love the power of the 335, but my CPO is just about up at 90k miles, and I need to move from a sedan to an SUV/CUV/Hatch for the dogs. I prefer small cars, so I'm looking for the smallest car I can get into, but I need luxury as I'm a bit spoiled. EX seems like the perfect car for me...married, no kids, just need some limited usable space on occasion. Also considered an RDX which I liked initially, but after testing out the EX and then going back to the RDX, it wasn't even close. I have no problem doing my own maintenance on most items, so even though the one I'm looking at needs a few small things, I'm not concerned. It's just that P0014 code that worries me. Also, my 335 doesn't have heated steering wheel, so while it would be nice, I won't miss it. In fact, compared to my bmw, the Infiniti is a technology marvel. lol Of course I would like to buy just slightly used, but monthly payment is the determining factor as I'm trying to cut back where possible. Otherwise a low mileage CPO would be my ideal choice.

Thanks for the input on the car. Still unsure of what to do with this one....

[Topshelf147]

Not trying to be a nuisance here, but I'm guessing nobody has any info on either that code or reliability? Is there a different Infiniti forum that's more active?

[XIS]

Nope - not familiar with the code.

Check some G35/G37 forums to see if they have posted about the code.

What's your budget? I would personally look for something with less miles. They are out there if you look hard enough.

[XIS]

http://engine-codes.com/p0014_infiniti.html

codes-p0014-p0024-07-g35x-sedan-t552081.html

http://infinitiforum.net/infiniti-forum ... php?t=9995

http://www.justanswer.com/nissan-infini ... -ex35.html

http://x.infinitihelp.com/forum/showthr ... -9837.html


Here are a few things just from doing a GOOGLE search... Good Luck

[Topshelf147]

Thanks XIS! I'll read through them and see what I can dig up. Also posted on the G35 forum...didn't think of that. Appreciate the help!

[Gordo36]

Here's a site where you can check reliability on the EX35. www.truedelta.com
The first year there were problems with the fuel pump and the steering rack, but since then they have been very reliable.

[atlanta11]

If it doesnt feel right stay away. In all my years of buying used cars, it has never worked out when I found issues regarding the history of the car or it wasn't maintained properly. There are other choices out there

[Topshelf147]

Thanks guys. I actually ended up buying a different one today! Lower miles, powertrain warranty included, and check out perfect. Paid a little more for it than I was going to get the other one for, but it needs nothing which is very nice. It's an '08 Journey, Blue Slate (which I'm surprisingly satisfied with, wanted white), cream interior, seems very well optioned though I can't figure out how to sort out all the details, Technology and Premium is I think all it has, but it's all I need/want. Hate to say it, but I'm thrilled to be on 17's...the ride is soooo smooth! Makes my 335xi feel like the suspension blocks were left in after delivery. So the only things missing are upgraded leather and adaptive headlights, I can deal with that. Still trying to sort out all the technology as it's a lot different than the BMW systems. Power feels nice, not as aggressive, but very good. Steering is quick, though it only took a few hard corners to realize that those smooth riding 17's have a massive trade-off in cornering. lol Feels much more upscale and should be a great tourer. Looking forward to putting some miles on this car. Have a 250 mile round trip tomorrow, so I'll be getting right on that. I'm sure I'll come across a few questions over the next week, but I'll be sure to search first. Thanks for all the help!

Oh, first question....and no, I haven't looked yet. Is there an online owners manual? None included and I love reading through those.

[Mandragora]

Manuals can be found here:

https://owners.infinitiusa.com/iowners/ ... sAndGuides