Deciding on a '03 G35...PLEASE HELP ASAP!!

[Nicoleg4]

I am looking to buy a 2003 G35 sport sedan. It has 170,000 and the seller has accepted $5800 for it. I'm female and don't really know that much about cars but it looks nice. I really need something to last me about 5 or so years until I'm able to get a newer G35. I'm going to look at it today and possibly purchase. I'm going to look up the VIN number also. Here is the ad. Also about how many mpg do you guys think it will get. Online is says 17city and 24 hwy but the seller says 20-25? Do you think it is worth it to buy and that there will be minimum maintenance issues if well kept?

"For sale is my 2003 infiniti g35 sedan fast and fun to drive is a pearl white lowered for that vip look also improved handling has 19 inch 2 piece rims made in japan, big afterrmarket racing brakes with 4 pistons on each brake really powerful, ventilated in the back, slotted on the front, has HID headlights, paint has no fading or cracking, inside is well kept, black leather, all interior lights inside have been upgraded to LED lights, has a carbon fiber insert kit does add a really nice touch to the car, has infiniti navigation system the screen goes up, has bose sound system, power seats, one touch power windows, back seats are reclinable which is pretty cool,auto headlights, 2 sets of kesy"

[biggie]

First welcome.

According to KBB you are getting it below book value, so probably a good price as long as its in good condition.

The 170k miles scares me a little, but I've heard of no real problems with any well maintained G35.

May want to check it out throughly or get a mechanic to do so. Especially may want to look and make sure the spark plug holes don't have oil in them (some gaskets are known to leak). Also if the factory stereo is in it, the head unit (along with the AC controls) can go bad (can get fixed for $250 or so, or replace with aftermarket). I'd ask for any/all modifications and services.

Reply back if you get anymore updates.

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO!! First, let me say that you have pretty high expectations on a 11 year old car with 170k, then add another 5 years. Not impossible if well maintained; but even a car with a perfect maintenance record can have a major failure. I'd have some extra $$ set aside for just such an occasion.

Another thing to consider is that it sounds like it was modified, specifically suspension and brakes. Have a mechanic look at it before you buy it.

The 2003-2004 have a known problem with the stereo head deck/AC control board. It can be fixed, but you have to send the company the deck and they send a replacement. Make sure it plays CDs and the AC works as it should. If if just blows the air on high, or the CD is "stuck", that is a red flag that it needs work.

Finally, ask them for receipts on the tires to see how they've held up to the changed suspension components. You may find yourself going through tires because it is set very aggressive or worse...wrong.

Personally, I would not buy a car with more than 50k miles...but that's me.

Good luck, and let us know!

[telcoman]

I am looking to buy a 2003 G35 sport sedan. It has 170,000 and the seller has accepted $5800 for it. I'm female and don't really know that much about cars but it looks nice. I really need something to last me about 5 or so years until I'm able to get a newer G35. I'm going to look at it today and possibly purchase. I'm going to look up the VIN number also. Here is the ad. Also about how many mpg do you guys think it will get. Online is says 17city and 24 hwy but the seller says 20-25? Do you think it is worth it to buy and that there will be minimum maintenance issues if well kept?

"For sale is my 2003 infiniti g35 sedan fast and fun to drive is a pearl white lowered for that vip look also improved handling has 19 inch 2 piece rims made in japan, big afterrmarket racing brakes with 4 pistons on each brake really powerful, ventilated in the back, slotted on the front, has HID headlights, paint has no fading or cracking, inside is well kept, black leather, all interior lights inside have been upgraded to LED lights, has a carbon fiber insert kit does add a really nice touch to the car, has infiniti navigation system the screen goes up, has bose sound system, power seats, one touch power windows, back seats are reclinable which is pretty cool,auto headlights, 2 sets of kesy"

Welcome!

I traded in my 06 G35 a year ago with 171796 miles as it need a couple of thousand dollars worth of work.
Have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle on a lift including brakes, tires, belts, age of battery.
If the vehicle still has the original water pump, alternator, and starter these are items that most likely will need replacement if you intend to keep the vehicle for 5 years.
Make sure this vehicle did not receive a visit from Hurricane Sandy like the 400,000 vehicles that did.
I don't think you should buy this car.
Until you have more money perhaps you should consider a Honda
Much cheaper to repair

Just my $.02

Good luck

Telcoman

[Nicoleg4]

Thank you both so much! I appreciate the input and have decided not to purchase the car.

[joe603]

You're welcome! Try to find a good deal on a newer one with less miles. I love autotrader. email a bunch of dealers via autotrader (I copy/paste the message to send to multiple dealers) and try to knock the price down. Some will want to work with you...others won't. Makes your decision easier.

Good luck!

[kmckis1029]

yeah i was going to say no too... while i expect a well maintained G do easily hit 200k miles. i wouldnt buy any car at 170k miles with the expectation of it being worry free for 5 years.

by the way my 2010 G37x it about to hit 100k... it runs perfect. but my car is only 3 years old versus a 2003 G35 thats 10 years old.