Need Your expert opinions on buying a G35 Coupe

[G35 Toronto]

I have just fallen in love with the G35 Coupe and I am now in the midst of considering a purchase.

I promise to do as much reading on this forum, but I was wondering what you all might suggest I look for when inspecting a used 2003/2004 model?

Are there anything that you current owners could pass on to me prior to making a decision?

[nnkfws333]

Welcome G35 Toronto!

As a buyer I always look to make sure there are absolutely no modifications. I mean not even a Z-tube!

I haven't had any problems with my 2004 G35, only thing I had replaced were some gas flapper valve that I couldnt fill up my gas tank to full without the pump stopping and also my rear view mirror would shake. All replaced under warranty.

Are you looking for a manual or automatic?

Its pretty much common sense, I would normally buy from a lady since most guys would probably push on the car more then a lady. Ask to see if they have service records, car fax report, any work has been done on the car.

You can look at service bulletins as well http://www.infinitihelp.com/In...r.htm

and also look at other forums, not trying to discourage you from NICO because NICO rocks, and just see what other problems people have had.

I do recall some 2003 G35's having some transmission problems and brake problems for the non-brembro models.

Hope that helps!

[szh]

I do recall some 2003 G35's having some transmission problems and brake problems for the non-brembro models.

Hmmm, I had not heard of any transmission problems. Do you know what the reported issues were? I believe that I have the same transmission model in my M45, so would love to know what people are saying about it!

Brakes are a common "problem" with G35 models! The pads wear quickly (you get outstanding braking performance as a result) and most people would prefer some longevity rather than performance (oh, well!)

Infiniti has a program going where they will replace pads for free for some length of time (I think it is up to 36 months.) Check with the dealer about this.

[szh]

I have just fallen in love with the G35 Coupe and I am now in the midst of considering a purchase.

Cool!

I was wondering what you all might suggest I look for when inspecting a used 2003/2004 model?

As with any used Infiniti purchase, get the dealer's complete service records on it. Infiniti is outstanding in maintaining these for a long time.

The service records will indicate all work done on the car (particularly any warranty work, since people will bring those into the dealer - it is free!) to see if there is any issue you should know about the particular car you are interested in.

Depending on the mileage, I'd look for frequent oil and filter changes (done at least every 3750 miles - the type of oil is less important.) on the Infiniti records or owner's records. Most 2003/2004 models ought not to have too many miles on them.

Based on a bad experience, I'd avoid any "lease return". I think that these are driven into the ground and not well looked after, because the "owners" know that they are going to turn the car in at some point soon enough that the problems they create will be for the next owner to deal with.

Z

[G35 Toronto]

thanks all for the quick responses.

I am quite excited and will be looking at a few used cars (private sales) this weekend.

[G35 Toronto]

Welcome G35 Toronto!

Are you looking for a manual or automatic?

Hope that helps!

Manual! Thanks it does help.

[nnkfws333]

Hmmm, I had not heard of any transmission problems. Do you know what the reported issues were? I believe that I have the same transmission model in my M45, so would love to know what people are saying about it!

Brakes are a common "problem" with G35 models! The pads wear quickly (you get outstanding braking performance as a result) and most people would prefer some longevity rather than performance (oh, well!)

Infiniti has a program going where they will replace pads for free for some length of time (I think it is up to 36 months.) Check with the dealer about this.

IF you look at some of the 2003 automatics they seem to have some problems, I wouldn't say major but there are some. Also Ive seen other people complain about not getting into 2nd gear and being resolved.

As far as the brake goes, I believe all 2003 non brembro owners have an extending warranty to have there brakes serviced for free. They seem to wear a lot faster but since your getting a manual it doesn't apply to us.

Oh yeah one thing too, maintaining this car is really expensive. Rotors alone for the BRembro's are $400-$500 for just the front!!!! Tires are going to cost a lot more $150-$300 for one. Just giving you a heads up since I didn't think about this before I bought my car. I got a project car as a daily so I can keep the miles low on this.

A link to service bulletins for all year G35.http://www.infinitihelp.com/In...1.htm

[rydwhite]

I haven't had any serious problems with mine and I am pushing 48k miles now. My ECU went out and was replaced under warranty, but no transmission problems at all. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Ted B]

I have a 2004 6mt and love the car, but it's not without it's quirks...- The manual transmission is nothing to write home about. It takes a sensitive foot to keep you from looking like Jerry Lewis is driving it.- My Brembos' look awesome, but the backs wore unevenly (down to metal on one pad and 1/8 to 1/4 on the others.- The Air conditioning is pretty weak with some wicked heat coming from the floor area.

Service is great at the dealership, but with these three problems above, they never seem to find anuthing wrong.

t

[joe603]

For my '05, the only complaint is the occasional rattle from the vents. Usually on a bumpy road...fixed the rear view mirror rattle myself. The dealership said they would take care of any rattles; I just have to take the time to go.

[33infinity33]

My '03 6mt is at the dealer right now getting a new transmission and clutch under warranty w/23k miles on the clock. It suffers as some other 03/04 6mt's with bad synchros in 3rd and 5th gear. They gave me an '06 G35 Sedan loaner car, so I'm not complaining.

Other than that, its a great car.

When I get it back, I have a set of Tein springs and Hawk ceramic brake pads waiting for it.

Ted B- try changing you in-cabin micro filter. My A/C kicks a**.