Looking at buying an '03 or '05 & wanting advice...

[billyman]

Good morning all,

As the Title states, I'm going to look at 2 used G35s tonight. One is a 2003 and one is a 2005. I have never owned nor know anyone who owns an Infiniti, much less the G35. So I would like to ask all of the G35 owners here to chime in on their experiences.

I'm looking for inforamtion regarding options, trim levels, recalls & TSBs. I am also curious about the diferences between the 03, 04 & 05 models. Some reason why I would be better off getting on over the other (eg: horsepower, suspension, etc.).

Lastly, if you have any input and opinions regarding top dollar I should pay to a private party for the vehicle. I realize there's NADA, KBB & Edmunds and I realize each person makes his/her deal w/ the devil, but no one ever got hurt from having too much information regarding deals of this nature.

I'm also considering the Altima coupe. Although I know the Altima & the G35 are apples & oranges, I want all to know what my considerations are.

Thank you for your time and any information any of you can provide.

[G'd up]

are you looking at the g coupe or sedan. either way you can go to wikipedia and type infiniti g35 and it will show you differences, and changes. there were a couple of differences in the 03 model and the 05 model.

[grantman240z]

http://www.infinitihelp.com/In...n.htm

That site will provide you with the powertrain/package differences for each year.

[Sentientbydesign]

I'll be nicer than the other guys and give you what you're looking for. I still suggest using their methods, but I like cutting to the chase so you don't over look something.

The general concensus on the coupes is that 05 is the starting point for reliability and standard options.

03s and 04s were rated with less power, getting a VSLD was also more of a headache due to which models had it and which ones didn't.

The coupe interior was redesigned in 05 and is generally accepted as being superior to the previous MYs.

Things to look out for:

Which trim they have. I bought an 05 6MT coupe and didn't pay attention to packages. I ended up with a base backage which meant no moonroof, no auto lights, no home link...etc.

If it's a 6MT, I would really put the transmission through the motions shift through the gears while stopped, shift at varying RPMs (mine doesn't like to be under 2k).

Ask them about oil consumption (especially on the earlier models). If they sound fishy, call a dealer's service department and tell them you're about to buy one and will be bringing it to them for service. Ask them for the service records on the vehicle.

03s and 04s had brake wear issues. So much so that the dealer extended a 30,000 mile 36 month replacement warranty on them. Brembos are awesome brakes, but they can be expensive to replace, so consider than when buying a coupe with them.

The 05+ came with Infiniti brakes that were increased in size to be roughly comparable with the Brembos (In diameter and pad size, not necessarily stopping ability).

Check the tires for uneven wear. This is a common problem on the coupes with sports suspension as the camber is fairly negative and results in worn inside tread and normal outside tread. You probably find this on most of them, but it's a good thing to take into consideration when buying the car (Negotiating power-Those factory tires, 18's and 19s, cost $200-$300 a piece).

Sound system- They all suck, but the Bose probably sucks a little less.

Be armed with KBB and/or Nada values for the various packages and different conditions (tires, brakes, paint, interior...etc).

I paid just over 21k for my 05 6MT base coupe with 44k miles on it, but it needed new tires all the way around, the brakes were close to gone, and it had a couple scratches/dents on the body.

[telcoman]

I'll be nicer than the other guys and give you what you're looking for. I still suggest using their methods, but I like cutting to the chase so you don't over look something.

The general concensus on the coupes is that 05 is the starting point for reliability and standard options.

03s and 04s were rated with less power, getting a VSLD was also more of a headache due to which models had it and which ones didn't.

The coupe interior was redesigned in 05 and is generally accepted as being superior to the previous MYs.

Things to look out for:

Which trim they have. I bought an 05 6MT coupe and didn't pay attention to packages. I ended up with a base backage which meant no moonroof, no auto lights, no home link...etc.

If it's a 6MT, I would really put the transmission through the motions shift through the gears while stopped, shift at varying RPMs (mine doesn't like to be under 2k).

Ask them about oil consumption (especially on the earlier models). If they sound fishy, call a dealer's service department and tell them you're about to buy one and will be bringing it to them for service. Ask them for the service records on the vehicle.

03s and 04s had brake wear issues. So much so that the dealer extended a 30,000 mile 36 month replacement warranty on them. Brembos are awesome brakes, but they can be expensive to replace, so consider than when buying a coupe with them.

The 05+ came with Infiniti brakes that were increased in size to be roughly comparable with the Brembos (In diameter and pad size, not necessarily stopping ability).

Check the tires for uneven wear. This is a common problem on the coupes with sports suspension as the camber is fairly negative and results in worn inside tread and normal outside tread. You probably find this on most of them, but it's a good thing to take into consideration when buying the car (Negotiating power-Those factory tires, 18's and 19s, cost $200-$300 a piece).

Sound system- They all suck, but the Bose probably sucks a little less.

Be armed with KBB and/or Nada values for the various packages and different conditions (tires, brakes, paint, interior...etc).

I paid just over 21k for my 05 6MT base coupe with 44k miles on it, but it needed new tires all the way around, the brakes were close to gone, and it had a couple scratches/dents on the body.

billyman

Welcome to NICO

You will get lots of good advice here. Buy the newest G you can afford.I for one would never buy another used car especially after my experience with my 58 Ford but that was a long time ago.If you can afford it my advise is to go for brand new. It comes with a 4 yr 60k mile warranty and you can get the extended warranty for another 4 years. Then you don't have to worry how the previous owner treated the vehicle. Just my $.02

Telcoman

[Sentientbydesign]

Billy,

If the used G35 if from Telcoman, then avoid it like the plague . Once you're around here long enough, he'll try to convince you to use bargain oil and gas in your car. I pity the fool who buys telcoman's G one day dontcha luv me telco?

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO!

My advice is to buy the newest vehicle you can afford. The 05+ years are generally much better as thy fixed certain issues that plagued the earlier models. You'll love the 2005!

[Jacko3]

billy:

Everything your eyeballs have read is true. One thing is consistent, make it a 2005 + model. Inspect your bank account and pay stub like an Eagle and decide if you want a used or new one.

[SVTCOBRA]

Welcome to NICO!

My advice is to buy the newest vehicle you can afford. The 05+ years are generally much better as thy fixed certain issues that plagued the earlier models. You'll love the 2005!

I think any extra cost for a 05+ is worth it.

I would buy a unlimited carfax...you can pop the vin's in from cars.com & autotrader to eliminate some. I would avoid cars from states that salt their roads in the winter if you can.

Would shoot for KBB trade in price, but would be happy with private party. Alot depends on the market you are shopping.

Good luck!!

[billyman]

Thank you all for the insight. It will prove to be priceless.

[G_whizz]

That's why we're here my friend!

[SVTCOBRA]

billy, you've been a member since 2002?!?! And only 2 posts?!?!