2003 Infiniti G35 Problems, complaints, reviews etc.

[XJNick]

I'm new to the forum, and to the Infiniti line of vehicles.
I'm going to be starting a new job, which which I'll be commuting about two hours three times every week- but that's just how I'm going to justify getting a new car.

A local dealership here has a 2003 Infiniti G35 with 112K miles listed for $8,500. Is has the 3.5L V6 engine, I'm not sure that it has a trim level package, though.

I need a car that isn't going to screw me over with the maintenance, or a car that is going to need to be repaired ever other week. Is the Infiniti right for me? How difficult is it to do your own work on the car? I'm a long time Jeep owner, and have grown used to doing my own work, but it just looks like I'd get lost in the Infiniti's engine compartment.

So, I guess I'm wondering if I should be concerned with the car having 112K miles, or is that a reasonable number? Are there any big complaints or reliability issues with the 03'?

Any help you guys can give is much appreciated!

Nick

[Poyzinous]

They all have 3.5 motors. You may want to check its service history. If they are well taken care of, they'll run forever. I know a customer who recently hit 200k.
The G35 engine compartment is probably simpler than your jeep when you break it down. However, I wouldn't use my G for 1000 mile per week commutes...

[XJNick]

It wouldn't be 1,000 miles per week. It's be more like 500 miles per week.
Is there a certain reason you wouldn't want to use your G35 for the commute?

[biggie]

For a commuter car I'd go with better gas mileage vehicle. I think most on here just would think of the G as a weekend/cruiser car over a commuter.

You didn't mention, but Coupe or Sedan?

I've had my '03 for a year now without any serious problems, but am only at 34k miles currently.

[XJNick]

It's the 4-door Sedan. Using the car as a commuter would be temporary- two months at the most. After that, the commute goes back to 20 miles every day.

I'm used to getting 13-15 MPG with my oversized Jeep, the guy at the dealership said the the G35 got something like 18 city and 25-28 highway, does that sound accurate?

[telcoman]

It's the 4-door Sedan. Using the car as a commuter would be temporary- two months at the most. After that, the commute goes back to 20 miles every day.

I'm used to getting 13-15 MPG with my oversized Jeep, the guy at the dealership said the the G35 got something like 18 city and 25-28 highway, does that sound accurate?

I do over 500 miles a week with mine except I start work at 5AM and have no traffic in the morning and not too bad traffic in the early afternoon on the way home.

Although I hate to say this but purchasing something cheaper with better mileage such as a brand new Honda might make more financial sense. Infinit's can be expensive to repair if you can't afford repairs.

My G35 has been the best vehicle I have ever owned but I've personally given it 33 oil changes with the dealer doing two for a total of 35 oil changes so far in 115k miles with no major problems.

Some people don't change air or cabin filters and if the MAF sensor gets dirty you've got a problem.

Personally I no longer purchase used vehicles.

Just my $.02

Good luck and welcome to NICO

Telcoman

[biggie]

For devil's advocate, I don't purchase new vehicles anymore.

I'm not sure on the differences of Sedan vs Coupe on gas mileage, but 23-25 should be possible on highway. I average 20mpg in my coupe with mixed driving and popcharger/z-tube/heavier right foot installed.

[XJNick]

Hmm, I appreciate the responses.
I have no intention of buying a new vehicle, to be honest, at this point in my life anyway.

My step-father is a Chrysler mechanic, so he would be able to help me with some repairs, but definitely not all of them.

Gas mileage us not too huge of a concern for me, I just need reliable and comfortable. I am fine changing filters and oils myself and can afford to do the maintenance. I probably sent the wrong message by saying I need a commuter car- because that is not the case. The 'commuting' I would be doing, would be going back and forth from home to work twice every week, for at the most two months. I'm temporarily relocating with my company, but after that it won't be a commuter car. It'll be for what I currently use my Jeep for, driving to school, driving to work and leisure driving.

[biggie]

Then yes, other than the long drives adding mileage there shouldn't be a problem. And '03 with 112k is around 16k a year, that's not that much at all. Would just make sure its been maintained (espeically if records are at a dealership). One thing I've heard to check is the OEM radio occasionally had some problems, make sure its working completely. And look for any damage outside and make sure the seats work and look good. Seats could be the biggest expense on the car if the gears go out or leather gets ripped/wore out.

[SVTCOBRA]

Welcome to Nico!!!!

Don't have much more to add other than been buying used cars more lately.
I would pay the $$$ and get a carfax on it if you can't get one from the seller.

[XJNick]

Yeah, if I do go through with the purchase I'll definitely be getting a Carfax.
They are an extremely laid back dealership- just a couple of older guys with only 12 cars on their lot.

I'm sure they would provide a Carfax if I asked for it. Will a Carfax show Nissan's service records?

[SVTCOBRA]

Yeah, if I do go through with the purchase I'll definitely be getting a Carfax.
They are an extremely laid back dealership- just a couple of older guys with only 12 cars on their lot.

I'm sure they would provide a Carfax if I asked for it. Will a Carfax show Nissan's service records?

I've found that service records are hit and miss.....I would use it to ensure something bad doesn't show up. And, again, sometimes not everything is reported, so it is just another tool to use.
Still need to check the car over very carefully to see if panels have been removed/painted. Check for excessive rust underneath. Brakes, fluids, etc.
If you have a mechanic that you trust, you might take it to them.
You can take the VIN to your local Infiniti dealer to see if they can pull up any records.

[Sentientbydesign]

Honest opinion:

The G35 is a relatively reliable car. The repairs that I had to perform in the 2 years and 35k miles I owned the car included:

Rreplacement engine (not applicable to your Model Year)
Lots of tires (Not Applicable to your sedan)
Clutch (Probably not applicable to you)
Brakes (VERY applicable to you as you have very small brakes for the car)
Driver's seat support (Looked like a manufacturing defect, not common)

The sedan you're looking at should yield you decent fuel economy. Low to mid 20s depending on how fast you drive. The common "death" parts are usually accessories like the head unit. I think the one drawback of the 03 sedan that I don't like is the mechanical radiator fan (Late 03s and newer had electrical fans). Again, not a big deal. I'm also not a big fan of the doggy door drunk or the unpainted side skirts.

So, in conclusion, if you plan on buying a balanced luxury/sports sedan and don't plan on modding it for power, then it's a great car. Especially for the price you're looking at. Also, there are a lot of Nissan parts that are compatible with the G35, so repairs shouldn't be too pricey. I'd look into aftermarket brake pads and rotors and you should be fine.

[pintsize725]

It's the 4-door Sedan. Using the car as a commuter would be temporary- two months at the most. After that, the commute goes back to 20 miles every day.

I'm used to getting 13-15 MPG with my oversized Jeep, the guy at the dealership said the the G35 got something like 18 city and 25-28 highway, does that sound accurate?

I have an 03 sedan that is currently @ 112309 miles. My city mileage has averaged 16 recently. It was around 12-14 in the winter. Recently did my first road trip and averaged 25mpg.

I have not had any major problems since I bought the car in Feb.

[Ellison@FCPImport]

Around town I get 15-16 mpg on a recent trip from CT to FL I got 26-28 on the highway which i was happy with. 74k on the odometer.

Sentientbydesign: Any idea how to fix the drivers seat. My 03 has the issue. It makes noise on the left side bolster.

[autoengr]

I've had my 2003 G35 for a little over 5 years now. We are now at 110k miles and it is still a good ride. I have spent $3500 in repairs since 60k miles and would logically expect to spend more over the next 60k. (That figure does not include normal maintenance but does include a couple of sets of brakes). Still, the car is paid for and lots of fun to drive. It is now my daily driver and getting 20-23 in congested highway driving. Over the past few years I have used a 2006 Civic as a DD and that was a soul killing experience...