Decision time for '08 M35

[J&J35x]

Hi folks - been reading this forum for years and have found it useful in many ways (particularly in figuring out tires) but haven't posted much. The wife's '08 M35x is at 213k miles. Wonderful car but up at a decision point. Needs both cats replaced and a strut - perhaps $3k. Next inspection is Feb so I can put off decision until then as it won't pass inspection w/o the new cats. I've never thought of Inifiniti's as ultra hi mileage cars and feel that we've done pretty well at 200k+ miles. I'm wondering if putting the $ into this car and hoping for another 100k miles is a pipe dream and it's time to put her out to pasture. We've spent about 20k in total maintenance (w/o fuel) over the 10 years. That cost/year is a bit higher than our other cars have been (Nissan, Honda, Volvos) Would be interested to hear if people think we've reached the likely end of her life. Thanks.

[LIBRILZ]

Well, so long as the maintenance on the transmission has been performed regularly and regular oil changes, no I do not see any of it as a pipedream. I've seen many Nissans and Infiniti go for a long time. Personally had a 98 Q45 with 280K, transmission started having a few issues because it had never been serviced, but other than that the car was perfect, Engine was smooth and quiet like the day I bought it, hardly could tell the car was running sometimes. Insurance picked it up after Hurricane Harvey

Then I had an 2001 I30t, which was also a fantastic car, only items replaced were the Alternator, starter, one coil pack, and I fixed the rear subwoofer amp, because it had an issue where it would keep cutting out. Other than that, GREAT car. Insurance picked it up with 205K on it after harvey got some water in it. I would gladly like to own another i30/35 of the same model, great cars!

My cousin had a 240sx S13 with about 260K on it, no problems. Friend of mine had a 2000 Maxima with 250K with the only problem being the CV Axle and non-working A/C. Yeah, If you like the car I say keep it and drive it so long as you have done your maintenance to it.

[EdBwoy]

I think an average of $2k per year in maintenance is rather high for these cars. But I realize that might involve paying for all/most of the services recommended at the dealership when you visit.

I don't foresee anything that would make the car randomly and suddenly die in the next few thousand miles.
As long as the engine is in good shape and you still like the vehicle, I would invest in the emissions and suspension stuff and keep it.

I think the straw that breaks the camel's back for most people is deferred maintenance. For example, instead of spreading the $20K over ten years like you did, someone could have neglected the car for the past 5 years. If all this neglect were to catch up with the owner right now, then they'd be looking at making up for $10,000 worth of maintenance and repairs...and that decision of spending a lump sum larger than the present value of the car often leads to a sale or trade of said "old" car.

[Larz]

I'm with Ed. You have consistently maintained this car for years now. Having just spent a small fortune this year on CATs myself, I feel your pain! I considered moving on to another car as well. I scratched my head for days and here is where I ended up:
My car had 102,000 miles. It looks absolutely brand new inside and out. It has had ALL scheduled maintenance plus some extra things that I had done just because I'm picky that way. Basically I had two choices:
1) buy another used Infiniti or Jag. I just bought a Q60 coupe for the lovely misses and taking another 30-40k out of the bank was not a pleasant idea - and arranging a lpow rate loan would mean monthly payments - easily done, but not a lovely idea.
-------------------------OR ------------------
2) Repair the CATs, do my best to calm myself after the trauma of such a huge expense, and continue to maintain the car until a later year when a new car is a more comfy investment. This is what I did. Like you, I reckon that since all the major things like engine, gearbox, etc have been flawless, they will likely continue to stay flawless.

You have twice the mileage on your car that I have (currently 104,000 miles), but if the majority of those miles are high speed motorway miles, the engine has NOT been worn as it would through stop-n-go driving in normal traffic. I recommend fixing the CATs but buying the actual parts from Infinitipartsonline so you get the OEM CATs at half tghe dealer price. Then just pay the dealer to install.

Here is how my CAT replacement went down:

The dealer estimate was $1235 for left CAT and $825 for right CAT + $980 for labor.
TOTAL COST = $3050 !!!

I went to Infiniti parts online and paid $835 left and $693 right plus $71 shipping. They came with new gaskets, bolts, etc so very dealer parts needed.
PLUS, when I ship the old units back for a core exchange, I will get a check for$284!
The final cost for parts: $1315 (after core rebate)

My final cost including extra 'needed' parts from the dealer:

1) Some sort of "tube" that needed replacement as it was not suitable for re-use with the new CAT on the left side: $ 62.48
2) New shield locking bolts (not included with my parts, per dealer): $ 17.46
3) Miscellaneous shop charge: $27.00
Total parts charge: 106.94

Total bill for everything: $2251 (including rebate form core return)
Dealer parts and install: $3050 (no core rebate)

I saved nearly $800 by NOT getting the parts through the dealer.
Proving, once again, what dealers charge for parts + mark-up, is actually ROBBERY plain and simple!

Mind you, I could have saved hundreds more if I bought generic 'fits all' CATs but I want my Infiniti to stay 100% OEM.

[LIBRILZ]

That labor charge seems really steep as well. I had to remove my passenger side cat from the engine a few months back and it is not hard on my V8 M45. Took me about an hour. The OEM parts price I totally understand, but that labor charge, wow! I don't imagine the V6 being harder to work on than the V8 but who knows I guess!

[Larz]

Tell me about it!!!!!!!!! I refuse to believe that it took THAT long to install. They had the car for a few days so I can't determine exactly how many hours were spent pover that time frame.