Things to watch/ask for when shopping?

[cazten]

So im getting ready soon to go out and buy a g35. Im going used so im thinking 2003-2005. If im lucky i might score a 2006 but not likely with my price range. The mileage is most likely gunna rest between 25-50k.

So im trying to make a list of things to check and watch out for when browsing. Im 90% sure on getting a 6mt. So the main thing iv'e read thus far is watch out for the oil consumption problem. I also hear the paint jobs rather suck so i'll probably wanna go over the paint good. The brakes were change from 2003-2004 correct? If so was that only for the non 6mt, cause 6mt has brembos correct?What about mechanically? Are there any parts you recomend checking that may need changing at that kind of mileage? Besides the basicals like fluid and such. I'd expect the belts dont really need to be messed with until 50-60k or so? Tires and brakes i hear went fast on G's? The brakes cause the brembos blow through em quick, and the tires just werent that great to begin with.The major things i want to get down now is the stuff i can have fixed under warrantee, cause whatever i get probably wont have much of it left. So i wanna make sure i can spot those and fix em asap. I'd hate to run into a problem the old owner never addressed or noticed and get slapped with a huge bill.

Thanks guys!

[WESIDE]

If I recall the 06 model did not come with a brembo brakes option as the stock brakes were very comparible. Per say I wish I had brembos. And as for the stock potenza tires. They suck... My two centsWeside

[cazten]

I do believe i read though that the 06+ were still brembos basically... Just branded infiniti? The brakes honestly wont be of much significance to me either way if i got 6mt. Im an aggressive driver at times, but comming from a 10miles/gallon truck im very concious about coasting when possible and using brakes sparringly to avoid needs to hit the gas more often lol. Brembos would probably be fine, and im fully capable of changing my own pads. Which im sure the dealer would want 300+ for.

I heard the stock tires dont make it much past 25k? If that's the case hopefully i find something with new tires already lol. Thats something that would add up fast price wise!

[rn79870]

Try driving a 5AT. It may surprise you.Also, never forget that a car dealer sells cars full time. You probably don't buy them full time so experience is on their favor. Don't be afraid to walk away from the dealership. You can often do better from home on the phone after you've walked. Good luck.

[tollboothwilley]

2003-2004 had Brembo

They revised the brakes so they perform well, but they are not Brembo and don't perform quite like the Brembo.

But thats not reason enough to stick with 03-04 if you can get a good deal on a 05+ then go for that.

03-04 the Bose stereo head units suck

nothing real major to report other than oil consumption to watch out for with 05+

[telcoman]

So im getting ready soon to go out and buy a g35. Im going used so im thinking 2003-2005. If im lucky i might score a 2006 but not likely with my price range. The mileage is most likely gunna rest between 25-50k.

So im trying to make a list of things to check and watch out for when browsing. Im 90% sure on getting a 6mt. So the main thing iv'e read thus far is watch out for the oil consumption problem. I also hear the paint jobs rather suck so i'll probably wanna go over the paint good. The brakes were change from 2003-2004 correct? If so was that only for the non 6mt, cause 6mt has brembos correct?What about mechanically? Are there any parts you recomend checking that may need changing at that kind of mileage? Besides the basicals like fluid and such. I'd expect the belts dont really need to be messed with until 50-60k or so? Tires and brakes i hear went fast on G's? The brakes cause the brembos blow through em quick, and the tires just werent that great to begin with.The major things i want to get down now is the stuff i can have fixed under warrantee, cause whatever i get probably wont have much of it left. So i wanna make sure i can spot those and fix em asap. I'd hate to run into a problem the old owner never addressed or noticed and get slapped with a huge bill.

Thanks guys!

cazten

Welcome to NICO

As one of the old farhts on this site, my advise to you is to wait until you can afford a new one. Although the G is a great and fun vehicle to own and drive, there are some on this site that you would not want to purchase their used vehicles. You can do a search and read my posts on oil consumption, tires, and my hatred of Fords especially Mustangs. Don't overextend yourself by purchasing a G & then find out the repairs may be more than you can afford.New vehicles that come with 4 year warranties give you some time to set aside money for wear items such as brakes and tires. I could be wrong but I think young males can still get happy endings from their girlfriends without the purchase of an expensive G.

In short, go for a Honda or Altima & wait until you can afford a new G.You can still read the posts here even if your still dreaming about one.I wish I had listened to my father and not purchased that piece of $hit 1958 Ford. It had a 352 cu in engine and I wouldn't listen. I've been complaining about Fords ever since.

Good luck

Telcoman

[SVTCOBRA]

^^ He must have seen a FORD commercial before the post...

Get a carfax subscription.Get the newest, lowest mileage you can afford.Dump your 401K into if necessary! Telcoman you listening (actually he's right don't over-extend yourself, walk away first, always a deal somewhere)

[goneracin]

Test drive and research. If you go with the 03-04, check the history for whats been fixed under warranty already b/c the warranties are running out on those models. Try for an 05 if it hits your price range. If that doesn't work, you can get a mustang!

[zozoka1212]

ok so the most important thing to watch is...hmm.......your pocket. You'll get addicted to mod your car before you knew it. There is a guy SVT and G whiz and Rn and ......ok ok just kidding.

My friend, these boys already covered everything for you. There is no major issue with any of the years. Some minor like break wear on 03-04 and some people have oil consumption. That's about it. Oh yeah and the headunit seems to go out on the early versions.

Try to find the newest model with the lowest mileage in the pricerange you looking.

zozo

Take your time and don't get to excited to buy one. In that case you can find a suitable G for yourself.

[telcoman]

^^ He must have seen a FORD commercial before the post...

Get a carfax subscription.Get the newest, lowest mileage you can afford.Dump your 401K into if necessary! Telcoman you listening (actually he's right don't over-extend yourself, walk away first, always a deal somewhere)

LOL

BTW where is N. Mecklenburg NC

While driving down 95 I couldn't find it on a map?

[joe603]

Like others mentioned, buy the newest you can afford. The 2005+ is an excellent year, even with the few bad apples out there (oil consumption issues). Personally, I like the G35 body style over the G37, so why buy new?? Whatever you decide, post up pics and mod that baby!

[SVTCOBRA]

LOL

BTW where is N. Mecklenburg NC

While driving down 95 I couldn't find it on a map?

North Mecklenburg County, NC. We are north of Charlotte, near Lake Norman Just follow the hickory smoke from the Eastern Style BBQ and you'll find us

[Sentientbydesign]

I was in this position just 4 months ago. Wasn't sure what to buy. The 2 autos I drove didn't have enough pep for my liking (They were both 1st gens 03-04 and I didn't turn VDC off).

I finally drove a 6MT 05 and fell in love.

I'd buy an 05+. For the following reasons:

Less transmission problemsMore PowerLonger Life BrakesGuarantee of VLSD (6MT)Revised interiorRev-up engine (there are pluses and minuses to this one)Head units are less finicky

You'll also get a better interest rate on 2 y/o cars versus 3+ (I know 2005 is now going on 3.5 y/o).

Other advise- Determine which package you want. I got a stellar deal on my coupe, but I also got one of the few base models (No NAV, No Bose, No electric steering wheel movement, no moon/sun roof...)

[ImpliedConsent]

I could be wrong but I think young males can still get happy endings from their girlfriends without the purchase of an expensive G.

I don't think so. I do believe that it is now taught in middle school that a G is required, along with a jimmyhat.

(I actually blew milk out of my nose when I read that ... and nobody caught it... LOL )

[cazten]

lol, yes fortuantly for me im young and very good looking. I do not require a hot car to get laid (but who says it wouldn't help right ).

Really im just looking for a completely new change of pace. I'm young and want to enjoy a slightly sporty car. I'm part owner of a construction company, and being tagged with that title I've had many crappy for an 18 year old responcibilities dumped on me. The biggest one pertaining here being that my truck is used as the main company workhorse/trailer puller. Luckily my Dad is looking to get a complete work deisel truck so we can all get better gas mileage cars. You guys think the 18-25 sucks in the G's youve been reporting. Try 10 with a trailer. I can damn near offset half the price of the G per month by getting rid of that kind of gas mileage with how much we drive at work.

Im not the kind of person to run through cars. If i get something that im paying good money for i want to make 100% sure its exactly what i want, cause for the next few years im going to be attached to the payment, and past that i see no reason to upgrade again for 7+ years unless some new technology fuel takes over the market. So in that sense if i cant weasel a G into the range i need i'll probably not be changing cars for a long darn time.

Also i agree, i dont like the G37's as much as the 5's, so brand brand new isnt an option really even if i had the cash.

My range is in the realm of 20k. probably a 21k cut off really. Im thinking about 5k down and 15 financed for my kind of payment range. Only way to get it lower would be to jump to a 7yr loan, but that isnt an option unless i can be sure to get a warranty that will extent me most of that time.

So far in my area I've seen plenty of G's in that range, mostly 03's and 04's, but id say about 20% 05's with decent mileage, so i dont think it's to far of a long shot, not to mention i got months to look anyways. The 05's are most apealing with the interior refinish. Though im not looking for straight luxury i would like to maximize my inside. Otherwise i wouldnt be looking at a G

My biggest problem thus far is finding one thats 6mt. It seems only 20% of the cars fs atm 6mt . So slim pickins unfortuantly.

Thanks for the help guys

[telcoman]

lol, yes fortuantly for me im young and very good looking. I do not require a hot car to get laid (but who says it wouldn't help right ).

My biggest problem thus far is finding one thats 6mt. It seems only 20% of the cars fs atm 6mt . So slim pickins unfortuantly.

Thanks for the help guys

If they have a friend send them........... and I'll explain 401k plans and why they should never date guys who drive Mustangs

When you purchase a new one you can get that 6 MT in the color your gf tells you to get.

Telcoman

[cazten]

Girlfriends???? Never.... I like to refer to them as mutual benifiting very temporary companions

Funny enough i did consider a mustang before i came here.... It just seems like they're 80% chick drivers.

[Sentientbydesign]

Funny enough i did consider a mustang before i came here.... It just seems like they're 80% chick drivers.

Seriously!!! One of my wife's HS girl friends has an 03-04 midnight blue Mustang GT. She's already gotten in one accident with it and now she has a crotch rocket

Finding a reasonably priced 05+ 6MT coupe might be challenging. You might find a local auction dealer and have them look for one for you. Make sure you do you homework on the tax, title, and license.