G35 Coupe reliable or should I stick with Honda?

[sandman0209]

Hi guys! I've been reading on here all night trying to get as much info as possible before making my purchase. I hope you guys can answer some questions for me. I'm currently a Honda guy, but my parents last 2 cars have been Infinitis (no G35s though).

I would like to get a used G35 Coupe. I'm looking at 2003-2004. The ones that are in my range have approx 60K-90K miles on them and are running approx $15K-$17K. Although I would prefer a manual trans I am open to an auto. Seen these mostly on LA craigslist. I had some questions about what to expect and what to look for.

-What major repairs or maintenance is needed around the 70-90K miles?-Are the coupes problem prone at these high mileages? (Our infinitis have gotten a bit finicky approaching the 100K mile range)

-Are there any specific problems with certain model years?-How much is maintenance going to run on these?-Any general reliability issues with the coupes?-Are the prices and miles I'm getting acceptable?-Are they trouble outside of warranty?-Any specifics I should check in purchasing a used coupe?-Any general advice?

I've never purchased a used car before, so i'm hesitant. But starting residency is no time to plop down a ton of cash on a new car. I would love to join the G35 family so your help would be appreciated!

[phil4watching]

Well. welcome to nico first of all. the price of the G that you're looking at seems high to me. the earlier models have had a few problems such as stereo problems, window motor problems, and more. Maintenance really isn't that bad, atleast on my 06 coupe... i would ask that they bring the price down. otherwise welcome to the club

[all G'd up]

I am fairly new to my coupe, but I love it! I only got 23k miles so no problems yet, but all I have heard for the 03-04's are stereo problems & maybe power window motors... Both of which are minor and relatively cheap to fix... Even tho harder to find, the 6MT is the way to go!

[Kenrik]

I have 90k miles...

I have had to do nothing except normal wear parts.. (breaks, tires etc..)

[Sentientbydesign]

I would go for an 05+ for reliability and warranty.

Email me and I'll get you some info on a really good auction dealer in SoCal. He can probably get you a high mileage 05 for 18k out the door. You just have to be patient enough for him to find the right one.

I didn't have patience, so I bought one from a used dealer, but this guy is pretty on top of things and is really picky about what he buys and sells.

Those prices you listed are HIGH.

[AddictionG35]

I had an 03 Coupe 5AT and the only problem I ever had with it was the stereo problem. This is where the factory amp/stereo draws too many amps on your battery while the car is shut-off and drains the battery, took it in to Infiniti and they fixed it. No problems. I personally had a slight preference to the 03-04's based on interior, and the brembos. The 05-06's interior is pretty much the same with a few small changes, but for some reason, despite the bugs with the 03-04's I do prefer them. Use Kelly Blue Book http://www.kbb.com to get a good idea of what any vehicle you are looking at is worth and then go from there. Good luck, welcome to Nico, and we look forward to you joining the G family.

[pippen99]

2003 G35 coupe leather: Window motors( at least 6 times on driver's side and twice on passenger side plus it always leaked in car wash.) Seat assembly(driver's side at least 4 times with the complete assembly replaced once.) Bose head unit ( replaced twice ticking noise in the cd transport.)The good news is that mechanically (anything to do with driving the car)the car was rock solid. My main problem (self-inflicted) was that the nearest dealership was 115 miles away and I had to burn an entire day anytime one of the above problems occured. Otherwise I loved the car enough to keep it 5 years and replace it with a 2008 G37. Good Luck!

[Jacko3]

Great car! Takes a lot of punishment. Some rattles and funny sounds, especially for the 6MT. Car has endurance of a Camel travelling the sahara dessert. Just keep money ready to change tires and brakes and fluids (transmission, differential, brake fluid and clutchfluid)--you will do them often because the car is so exciting to drive, you will find yourself driving the car a lot, which means more changes of these items.

[TeflonG35]

Great car. You will love RWD.

[G_whizz]

Welcome to NICO!!

I will give you the same advice I give most (as does Joe603) get an 05+

They had all the bugs worked out by then and you get the Rev up engine.

Those prices you gave are too high IMO.

Sentient will help point you in the right direction if you are serious and want a better deal.

As far as common problems for 03-04...if you do a quick search it will turn alot of threads as this question is commonly asked. Although some of the boys have been helpful already listing the common problems.

[SVTCOBRA]

Welcome to Nico!!

I've been lusting for a coupe since they first came out.When I actually started looking at used coupes, I was disapointed in the seats, so got a Sedan.I recently discovered that my a$$ liked the 04 coupe seat!! So, I traded. I had been only testing 05 and up til then.

So, beware there are differences in the seats. Also differences in the side bolsters of the seats within the same model years. Some are not comfortable to me - they stick forward too far.

Good luck!! And, search around!! Great car!!!

[sandman0209]

Thanks for all the informative responses. The prices seemed high to me as well, which is why I thought I would ask you guys. Its great to have a good community of people to turn to especially when you're trying to find a used car.

I have requested the info from Sentient and look forward to finding something with less miles or a significantly reduced price. I'll also look into getting a 05+ if it fits into the budget. I'll keep you guys posted and I'm sure i'll keep picking your brains...

If you have any other advice please keep it coming!