'03 I35 with 140k miles or '02 with 118k miles???

[Mo_Owner34]

Hey, I'm new here and looking to purchase either an '02 I35 with 118k miles on it PLUS an airbag light that is on OR A '03 I35 with 140k miles. Both cars are in great shape and are going for the same price.

Should I be scared off more by the 140k miles or the Airbag warning light? Oh the '02 also has a motor mount that needs to be replaced soon.

I would appreciate your advice on this...I REALLY want to become an Infiniti owner :-)

Thanks!

[loystock]

It's always best to exercise due diligence when buying a car, new or used. Make sure you get a CarFax report and maintenance history of each vehicle then go to Edmunds/Yahoo to get a better idea about pricing.

The Flashing Air Bag (SRS-Supplemental Restraint System) light may be due to spurious signal or hard fault that requires module replacement. There is an Air Bag light reset procedure in this forum (a couple just posted recently). But if the Air Bag light cannot be reset, then you have to take it to a shop/dealer for reset/repair. Replacement of SRS components can be very expensive.

Make sure you check the level and condition of all fluids. If the ATF smell burnt, walk away from it as the transmission is bound to fail soon.

Make a thorough inspection of the car, inside and out and ensure components (AC. audio, power door locks/windows, sunroof, etc.) are operational. Watch out for signs of collision or flood damage. Make sure the CEL comes ON with Ignition ON and goes off once engine is running (some people tamper with them). Ditto with Security LED - blinking when ARMED/DISARMED and turns off once Ignition is ON.

Test drive the car on city streets, with potholes/humps if possible, and check for unusual rattle (exhaust), thumping sound (suspension), grinding noise (wheel bearing), whining (belt tensioner), or clicking sound on tight turns (CV joint). Then take it to the highway, check alignment, listen for unusual wind noise, engine/wheel vibration at higher speed and observe transmission shifting. Then do a high-speed braking (>45 MPH) and check for vibration (warped brake rotors or even very bad suspension).

If it has electronic motor mount, when it fails (short circuit), may kill the ECU (power transistor inside it).

Given the problems with the 02 and possible expensive repair cost, I would focus on the 03 or find another vehicle.

[Mo_Owner34]

Thanks loystock I appreciate the advice! So do you feel that 140k is OK on an I35? Are these cars known for longevity? I'm not scared by the mileage but should I be?

[parksmopar]

My 03 has 183k on it now. I am replacing the engine due to stupidity of the previous owner.. otherwise I would've still been running the same ol' engine. It ran great.

[Mo_Owner34]

183k is impressive!!! Sorry you had to replace engine. I guess I can give it a go being that this will pretty much be my commuter and 2nd car. I'm hoping for a good 3-4 years tops..by then I'll be looking to purchase new :-)

Thanks Parksmopar!

[Joe88]

I own a 2003 I35 with 120K miles.I absolutely love it. I never had any major problems with it just regular maintenance. My I35 runs perfectly fine. If I were you I'd pick the 04 with 140K. I would stay away from the 02 i35 due to Air Bag light. Replacing/Fixing air bags can be expensive they can easily cost over $1000. If you need a Carfax or AutoCheck PM me. I can provide you the reports at no cost.

[loystock]

Thanks loystock I appreciate the advice! So do you feel that 140k is OK on an I35? Are these cars known for longevity? I'm not scared by the mileage but should I be?

The VQ is one of the best V6 engines in the world. A well maintained VQ engine can easily go beyond 200K miles.

[tigersharkdude]

many guys "over there" pushing 300k-400k on the original motor

[Markc]

If possible, I'd get the root cause of the air bag light on the '02 checked. If not serious, and economically repairable, lower mielage is always a good thing. The '02 and the '04 are the same car. From what I understand, a couple fixes with crank & cam sensors and other than that, the same car.