A FEW Y34 QUESTIONS.

[gammer_ghn]

Hi. I haven't lingered here for a while and i do miss it big time! Im really serious about purchasing one as my secondary 4 door car and than add a new toy to the collection when the new Camaro comes out. Thanks for bearing with me but had a few questions for you guys also.

1. Mixed driving MPG? Tell me a little about the driving conditions too please.

2. Reliability issues? Any electrical, Suspension, major problems except the engine loving to drink oil?

3. Repair costs?

[szh]

1. Mixed driving MPG? Tell me a little about the driving conditions too please.

Generally between 14 to 18 mpg for mixed driving. I get 14 to 15 monthly average doing about 60-70% city driving, and about 16 to 17 monthly average doing about 60-70% highway driving. A long trip to San Diego averaged about 24 to 25 mpg - driving most of the way at 70 to 80 mph.

2. Reliability issues? Any electrical, Suspension, major problems except the engine loving to drink oil?

1. The rare expensive repair to the Nav system has occurred. Definitely get an Extended Warranty!

2. The gas gauge seems to be an endemic problem (although I have not had it). Solution is expensive, unless you are under warranty.

3. Oil use. I use about 1/3 to 1/2 qt (sometimes a bit less) halfway between my OCI of 3750 miles.

4. Nothing else major, or common occurrence, to note.

3. Repair costs?

No more so than the usual "8 cylinder car repair costs" from Infiniti - typically much less than BMW or MB, and comparable to Lexus, I suspect. Yes, you can do some things on your own, but the engine compartment is pretty cramped to do much by less than experts. I am not an expert, so I rely on the dealer for most everything. YMMV, of course!

Z

[Mark Linkous]

Hi. I haven't lingered here for a while and i do miss it big time! Im really serious about purchasing one as my secondary 4 door car and than add a new toy to the collection when the new Camaro comes out. Thanks for bearing with me but had a few questions for you guys also.

1. Mixed driving MPG? Tell me a little about the driving conditions too please.

2. Reliability issues? Any electrical, Suspension, major problems except the engine loving to drink oil?

3. Repair costs?

Hello,1) Driving 90/10 City/hwy, I am getting 15 M.P.G. I drive fairly spirited and may can and will do better.2) Knocking on Bird's Eye Maple veneer, my car has been sound as a pound. No issues whatsoever. Some have had the dreaded VK45 oil consumption problem, not all. Not me.3) Repair costs have been reasonable. Most still have warranty remaining or have just lapsed. Most if not all 2004's still have warranty remaining. Thus, most have not been hit with huge repair bills so far. The 30/60/90/120 services are not cheap. As a Q owner, I am sure you know the drill.I would recommend getting a 2004 if possible. The location of the CD changer is the only real difference. To be able to load discs on the fly on road trips solo is darn handy, however. Good Luck,ML

[THT]

1. I drive strictly on the highway and get 26mpg cruising at 65mph2. I believe I have a wheel bearing going out (clicking sound coming from the front passenger side wheel) after 24K miles. Should be covered by the Infiniti Elite extended warranty I purchased.3. Not bad with a warranty which I would highly advise for any Y34 and would require for an 03 as that year seems to have the issue with the gas gauge as well as oil consumption. Yes, I know the engine's the same but every post I've seen complaining about oil consumption is from an 03 owner.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,That is a interesting point. I do not know that many folks with 2004's who have had the fuel gauge issue. Really excellent point. My only annoyance with the gauge is that the fuel light goes off with 5 or so gallons remaining. Granted, with the mileage of our cars, 5 gallons is sadly similar to a Honda's 2 gallons remaining before running out of fuel. Cheers,ML

[jbillion]

Hello,That is a interesting point. I do not know that many folks with 2004's who have had the fuel gauge issue. Really excellent point. My only annoyance with the gauge is that the fuel light goes off with 5 or so gallons remaining. Granted, with the mileage of our cars, 5 gallons is sadly similar to a Honda's 2 gallons remaining before running out of fuel. Cheers,ML

I just got my car out of the shop today for the gas gauge issue and I have the 2004. I am now glad I got the extended warranty.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,No doubt. Awesome you were able to fix it under warranty. It has become something of a Mantra here to implore all prospective owners to add as much extended warranty coverage as possible. Perhaps the reason there are so few 2004 owners with the issue is because, simply, there are so few 2004's. Even compared to 2003 Y34's.Cheers,M.L
Modified by Mark Linkous at 2:50 PM 7/3/2008

[szh]

Perhaps the reason there are so few 2004 owners with the issus is because, simply, there are so few 2004's. Even compared to 2003 Y34's.

A good point!

So far (touch wood), I have been lucky with mine - manufacturing date of Dec 2002. No gas gauge error problem today, and when the yellow light comes on, I seem to have about 2 gallons left typically (a refill takes in about 18.5 gallons plus or minus a few tenths).

Z