Looking to own.

[calisonic]

Currently proud owner of a 2005 Sentra spec V, looking to update to a post face-lift (so 2010+ I believe) G37 6 speed. To help narrow my search, was wanting to ask what caveats these cars are known for (for instance the sentra spec had a pretty serious pre cat issue) and what to expect in a 50,000 mile plus g37s.

I've done a bit a research, and on paper this car is what I want, back to rwd, nice amount of power, plenty of creature comforts (not as much as its BMW and Mercedes competition I hear, but unlike those it does have my biggest priority, reliability) and a fun to drive factor in the sport model (I don't mind somewhat stiff suspension as long as it doesn't make awful clunking noises).

How much does the car cost to maintain? Whats the life expectancy out of the engine and 6mt (I am meticulous on mantainence and feel comfortable doing anything but engine and transmission rebuilds).
And also very important for me, how's the low end torque? I've heard mixed reviews, and I had a 3.7 v6 mustang which was dead til 4k rpm, and has similar displacement and peak power. Main reason I got rid of it and one big reason why I like my sentra.

Oh and what are the differences between coupe and sedan ?


Thanks.

[ArmedAviator]

I'll answer your questions with what info I have. I do not and never have owned a G but I do have an M37 which is similar....kind of.

How much does the car cost to maintain?

Thus far on my 85k mile M37 which I bought 5 months ago I spent about $1400 in maintenance, but that is to replace every fluid, every filter, and brand new brake pads, rotors, and one caliper that I effed up. By my calculations, I should only need to do oil changes and tire rotations for the next 24 months/20,000 miles. Maybe I'll do spark plugs, if I feel like it.

Whats the life expectancy out of the engine and 6mt

As long as you don't over-rev or miss a shift and change the oils on a reasonable schedule, they should easily blow past 200,000 mile mark. The only failures I've heard of the VQ37VHL engine are from guys that do exactly that in the G37s or 370Zs with the 6MT aside from a few corner cases in the early models with a few oil consumption problems.

how's the low end torque?

I came from a Ford 4.6L 2v which had plenty of low end torque and not much up top. It was only when punching it did it have to go above 3k RPM. Moving to an NA V6 was definitely a change for me. However, the VQ37VHL has a fairly flat torque curve, thanks to the VVEL system. I'd estimate you start getting in the torque band around 3k but it pulls all the way to 7k. I can still out-accelerate most average road-goers and shift just under 3k RPM.

what are the differences between coupe and sedan?

2 door or 4 door. That's about it.

[calisonic]

Thanks, very helpful. Glad to hear there's no major failures before 85k. $1400 seems high for fluids and brakes, doest that include labor? I plan on using all synthetics as usual.
I also had a 4.6 but it was the 32v in a mark viii. Good low end but crippled by the 3.07 or 3.08 rear axle. Next car was a wrx which sucked until the turbo kicked in as well. 3k isn't too bad.. I really need to test drive one.

[ArmedAviator]

I paid the dealer to flush and fill the 7AT, transfer box, and front and rear differentials. That was around $650 alone. Next time I'll do the transfer box and diffs, but the 7AT is very peculiar when it comes to draining and filling. The other big expense were the brake parts, which I did myself. After you take care of all of the fluids, belt, and filters, it definitely adds up but I did it to start fresh - I know the status of all scheduled maintenance.

Yeah I was in a Grand Marquis with some bolt-ons, trans mod, and a tune. I swapped out the 2.73s to 3.55s and an LSD and it made a massive difference. Still nowhere near the acceleration from the VQ, but alot of that has to do with the giant, low-stall torque converter and 4-speed gear ratios on the Ford/Mercury.

[calisonic]

Also, evidently certain years had the "self healing" paint. How does this react to traditional polishing, waxing etc?

[Starter]

I'll help you a little here. I've got an '11 G37S sedan; 6 sp; 68K miles. Bought it new. Maintenance to date is oil, filters, pads and tires. I'm using Mobil 1, so I go around 8K between oil changes. There have been zero issues with the car. Get your parts, where possible - pads, rotors etc., from Tire Rack and beat the dealer prices. You'll like the car.