Looking at used G35 Coupes, advice, etc Help a MOD out!

[biggie]

Howdy.

Don't drive as much for work now and thinking about trading in my Versa for a G35 Coupe 6MT.

My main issues is that prices seem too high for me and most I find seem to be AT. Looking to keep my payments at the same or even lower. So would need to find a Coupe for around $15-$16k (and get a good trade in value on the Versa). So far the only Coupes under $18k are 90k miles + and usually AT.

I did test drive an '05 at the local dealer yesterday, 6MT, fully loaded including Nav with 47k miles, but they want $20k and say it won't go any lower. They also had another '05 with 44k miles and no Nav, same price though.

Any suggestions on good deals or seen anything around? Also anyone noticed the economy to force the prices much lower than advertised?

Thanks G-people.

[G_whizz]

Hey Big guy...welcome to teh G side...

I'm a Canucky so my prices are way different then yours. So someone will have to chime in about pricing.. Although to what I do know...that does seem kinda pricey. I thought with the economy being the way it is, they would be more flexible. Why not sell the Versa privately first? Is that an option? You know your pretty much going to get hosed on a trade in almost anywhere..

Try to go with an 05+

There are less problems (although theres the famous oil consumption problem with some models) I had an 05 and now an 07 and NEVER experienced this. 05+ come with the Rev up engine and no Brembo's BTW which are expensive as hell.

hang tight...other Yanks will chime in..

[biggie]

I have the Versa posted on every forum known to man and on Autotrader. After a week, only 3 scammer calls to speak of. Could probably find a Z33 in my price range, but want the more comfy ride and the back seat/trunk room of the G.

So far only '03s and '05s have been found around here. So you would stay away from the Brembos? This will be purely a DD and probably none/very little modification would happen.

[AZhitman]

Don't be too quick to discount the AT... There's times I wish I had it (especially given my commute).

GL selling the Versa - I have a 40-mpg commuter here that I paid WAY too much for and can't seem to get a bit of interest... go figure.

[JeromeS13]

No, Chad. You can't have a G. Wait. Sell me the 240 back and THEN you can get a G. Hahaha.

You should just get a Sedan. Hell, that's what I did. I love how much room I have. AND you can find more in your price range.

-Jerome

[G_whizz]

Uunngghh...sorry to hear your having a hard time off loading the Versa.

The trunk space on the G is a joke (IMO)

I agree with AZ... especially if this is your DD ...you may want to re-think autotragic.. Agreed...there are days I wish I had one..

As far as Brembos go... yup they are VERY expensive. Almost EVERYONE complains of the immense amounts of brake dust too, and IIRC they don't seem to last very long.

[biggie]

'Rome, the S13 coupe is finally getting boosted, pretty sure if the alignment works out as well I'll never sell it. Just replaced rear subframe and front crossmember, that along with every arm on the car being adjustable should work out.Here's an update on it, in case you miss seeing it:zer...coupe

The Versa is 6 speed and have been DD'ing it for almost 2 years, no issue. I do currently have my convertible as an AT, but that will change soon.

Trunk space is small on Gs, but still better than the Z33.

I've considered the sedan, but then I'm torn on getting a X or MT regular one. And the main reason for doing this is getting a sporty DD, sedan just isn't the same as the coupe. For me, a person has the same chance of sitting behind me in the coupe or sedan, zero. So why have the extra 2 doors?

[JeromeS13]

Sedan isn't sporty enough for you? I track my 6MT Sedan. And, to be honest, it's faster and it feels as though it handles about the same as my old '04 6MT Coupe. And, there's a TON more room in the Sedan. They may not be able to sit behind you, but someone could sit behind your passenger.

2005-2006 6MT Sedan FTMFW!!

[kmckis1029]

dont dis the sedan... i got it over a coupe... more room same performance... the auto transmission on my g35x is not bad at all... and the manual mode is not intrusive at all... and it wont let you down shift at high rmp by a mistake... but will up shift at redline if you want it to... there is no auto up shift like some cars have. if you dumb enough to ride around in 1st gear at redline it will let you.

i got my 2005 g35x (Everything but Navi and wood aka prem pkg C) for $19k ($23k after taxes/fees) here in GA with 18k miles on it, last year. I guess NC has a higher cost of living than GA. Have you tried purchasing out of state?
Modified by kmckis1029 at 12:41 PM 4/16/2009

[infg35coupe]

i had done a search when i was buying my g35 coupe on http://www.autotrader.com, i wanted an 06 w/ low miles, navigation, 6mt and a clean title history and no accidents, there was only 30 in the whole country...i ended up buying a 2006 g35 coupe 6mt fully loaded with 21k miles for 24k, they wanted 28,950 but i talked them down to 24k this was back in february 09.

good luck with your search, this might help

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...false
Modified by infg35coupe at 10:44 AM 4/16/2009

[biggie]

^I constantly check autotrader, among many other sites. After the opinions, I really want an '05 Coupe, but just have to find one with miles that match my price range.

I'm trying to figure a way to get the one I test drove the other day, but have to figure a way to gain about $4-5k. The salesman took my number, hopefully he's desperate to sell when he calls in a few days.

I may start looking at the 6MT sedan, just have to see. Good news is I'm in no big hurry.

Will say I'm shocked at the problems the Gs have apparently been experienced. I had an '02 Pathfinder with VQ for 4+ years and they never had problems.

[joe603]

The resale on the 05-07 G35 is outstanding...you'll be hard pressed to find a coupe with low miles and a clean title for under 20k.

The problems with the Gs are fairly minor...the 03-04 have issues with the AC/Radio deck and the 05-07 6MTs have oil consumption in some models (mine doesn't burn a drop of oil...and I don't baby it!)

I would also look at the 07+ g35 sedan. The new VQ is very fast and the interior redesign is nice. I know how you feel about 4-doors...I was the same way.

If you do get a 03-07 coupe, I have a subwoofer box that's custom made I'll sell ya real cheap...if you pick it up.

Good luck with the search!! Make sure to check out the G-series FAQ for more model info.

[biggie]

No way I can look at '07+. Price has to be lower.

I've found these 2 '05s that would both work for barely under $20k, but just can't afford to go to a $400/month payment. Used car rates being high aren't helping. I currently have 3.9% on the Versa.

Looks like I may be stuck with the Versa for some time to come, unless I go to a Z33 or something else. Sucks big floppy...

[joe603]

To get the price down that far, you'll have to get an 03...unless you find a steal!

[biggie]

To get the price down that far, you'll have to get an 03...unless you find a steal!

I would say an '05 could be in my price range. It would probably have to be around 70k miles though.

The '05 I drove the other day I figure could be talked down to around $18k, due to interior wear. But that's still too high for me. Guess I'll see how desperate they are to sell them when he calls back in a few days.

[kmckis1029]

yeah i was in no rush (i think it took three months) and my g35x fell right into my lap... plus right now buyers got all the power... i hope you find the car you want

[BrandAidDesignG35]

My suggestion to you sir would be to get a 6mt first and foremost.

I don't know why I didn't wait for one. Do it now, you'll be sorry if you don't. This is my advice to you. I have never driven a versa, but I have driven a few 6mt & TT, it's very sick. Why I didn't go on auto trader is beyond me, I you were planning to fly, you could drop in and pick one out if you find a few in the locality - drive it home and .

I would first do a carfax and maybe get a local mechanic to go look at it. Best of luck, the market is in your favor... Oh, and G's are sweet as HELL!!!

[adren77]

The 03-04 have problem with brakes on NON Brembos.

I have 04 with Brembos with OEM pads and rotors and they have No dust, No noise whatsoever and can last 40k+ miles easy. After 20k miles my front pads are at 60%+ and rear almost look new. The performance upgrade over non-Brembo is awesome. I would definitely recommend it.

As far as the 03-04 AC/Radio issue, I bought a used OEM dash kit for $150. I sold my OEM Radio/AC unit for $200 and I bought a sweet double din touch screen DVD player for $350. So for $300 I was able to solve the whole AC/Radio problem before it happened and upgrade the s***ty OEM radio (even the 2005 + radio is a POS). I also have my Ipod connected with a full control over Ipod with control on the touch screen as well as a flash drive with 8 gb of music. Between my Ipod, DVD and flash stick I never have to switch out a CD.

PS: The 2003/2004 Dash kit is MUCH easier to obtain than on a 2005+ and it is way cheaper too, so this is a good reason to get a 2004 over 2005 .

The Sedans are just as nice as Coupes. I had 2005 350z suspension on my sedan with the 2005 G 19" rims and the car felt 200% better over sloppy suspension/tire setup. Only bad thing is you can't get Brembos.

I agree the Revvup on 05 is nice, but it is not something to spend extra 5k on if you get a good deal on a 2004.

[biggie]

Bring this back up as the search continues.

Had a line on a great deal on an '05 AT Sedan. But the dealership just called to say it was stolen Friday.

Considering an '03 AT Coupe now, good price, but just concerned about it being an '03 and no Brembo. Any suggestions on that?

[tollboothwilley]

Brembo isn't a HUGE upgrade...you can find other brake upgrades if you feel like you need it. Other than that...stock brakes work pretty good just have a lot of dust.

[biggie]

Brembo isn't a HUGE upgrade...you can find other brake upgrades if you feel like you need it. Other than that...stock brakes work pretty good just have a lot of dust.

Just didn't know if the '03-04 standard brakes were an issue. Is the dust reduced with different pads?

Will try to go look at it this week sometime. Hopefully no issues with electronics. Leather looks at little worn, but nothing bad. Has 52k miles on it, but price reflects that.

[biggie]

Just noticed this '03 is listed as: "Fleet, Rental and/or Lease Use"

Scares me if it was possibly a rental car. See if I can get what it was from the dealer.

[G_whizz]

Hmmm...I'd be a lil nervous to buy an 03 that has been rented/fleet.

You MUST KNOW that it's probably had the" ish" kicked out of it daily for the past 6 years.

[biggie]

Hmmm...I'd be a lil nervous to buy an 03 that has been rented/fleet.

You MUST KNOW that it's probably had the" ish" kicked out of it daily for the past 6 years.

Going to go ask about it today. If it was a company car or something it wouldn't be that bad, but if its a rental, then definately not for me.

Have another '03 AT Coupe near my house, like the miles and price, but someone put a pin stripe and 20" chrome wheels on it. May try to talk to that dealership tomorrow.

[SVTCOBRA]

Biggie, What price range/miles/years are you looking for??Will look around here to see what I can find.

Bought my 04 used with New Nissan pads that squealed and produced pounds of dust. Replaced the pads with Akebono without turning the rotors and no more squeel and much less dust!!!

[biggie]

Biggie, What price range/miles/years are you looking for??Will look around here to see what I can find.

Bought my 04 used with New Nissan pads that squealed and produced pounds of dust. Replaced the pads with Akebono without turning the rotors and no more squeel and much less dust!!!

I've been searching down there as well. But basically looking for anything around 50k miles or less and under $16-17k (lower the better to keep payment lower than what I have now).

[SVTCOBRA]

I would check this one outhttp://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...false

Everytime I see you post, I think of my daughter finishing up her first year at ASU! My brother, sister and sister-in-law went there, I went to UNC-C

[vijaysingh]

I would not buy 03/04 Coupe. Esp. wit the regular brakes. I had an 04 G35 5AT. Had soo many issues with that thing. ALL brakes [pads and rotors] were replaced under warranty 4 times before I finally got rid of it. The Stereo was replaced 3 times. If you do buy 03/04... I recommend replacing braking system and doing the stereo swap wit A/M dash kit.

Also, Lots of creaking noise esp wit sunroof. Never was able to get it fixed but I read that you had to have the rear suspension points rewelded to truelly fix it.

Beware before you buy 03/04 and have a good qualified tech go over the car prior to purchase.

[biggie]

I would check this one outhttp://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...false

Everytime I see you post, I think of my daughter finishing up her first year at ASU! My brother, sister and sister-in-law went there, I went to UNC-C

Too high for me right now on that one. Private sellers have good deals, but I'll need to sell my Versa first. Down to $11k on it now, so hope to get rid of it. Oh and you missed out on the best school.

Drove the '03 Coupe yesterday, was pretty good except light wear on interior in places. But trade-in just isn't what it needs to be for me on my Versa, so I have no hope of a G without selling the Versa privately. Could afford to trade it in, but just don't want to lose that much money, trying to save it.

If I do sell the Versa though, I will probably find an '05 G of some sort, I'd like to avoid the 03-04 if possible.

Just have to hope and pray I guess.

Thanks guys.

[RED_DET]

6MT Sedan FTMFW!!! The issue with 03-04 brakes can be solved with different pads.