Thinking about a G35 Coupe

[seamusnh]

I am thinking of buying a G35 coupe. It would be used, 2003 - 2005. This would be my primary car, but we have a Honda Pilot (family), a Subaru Forester (teenagers drive that) and an old Camry that refuses to die (could be my winter car). I like the styling of the G35 coupe. Sporty but not too much for a middle aged guy like myself. The Solara is boring looking and Acura does not make a 2 door midsized car. BMWs are nice but the reliability/longevity is a question and too many jerks drive BMWs.... I thought of a Mazda Rx8 but it looks kind of small...

What should I look for in a used G35 coupe? Any particular maintenance items to check? What was optional back in the 2003-2005 timeframe?

[biggie]

Most will say to look for the '05-'06 models due to a few less minor issues and should have less miles. The only issue with the '05-'06 is a little oil consuption (but nothing compared to a RX-8 rotary). You would have the option of a sport package, I would recommend it (with wing, different front bumper, lower/stiffer suspension and brembo brakes).

I'm sure more will chime in.

[kmckis1029]

+1

yeah 2005 and up mainly because they refreshed the interior and lights in 2005 then they did it again in 2007. 2006 and above have hands-free bluetooth.

[joe603]

Welcome!

I agree with the guys and get an 05+. The changes from 04 are significant...similar to the changes from 07 to 08 for coupes.

Ask for maintenance records...some 05-07 coupes have an oil consumption problem that affects certain cars. The fix is to replace the engine...not really an issue as it's done under warranty.

My advice is to get the newest car you can afford!

[SVTCOBRA]

^^^^^ I agree with everybody above......but, I have an 04 and love it!!
also, the Oil Consumption was with the manual trans, so if you go with an auto, no worries.

[seamusnh]

Thanks for the guidance. When I first saw a G35 coupe rolling down the highway, I thought "now that is a great looking car". A friend of mine has the G35 sedan and loves it, but to me the coupe is much more distinctive. I thought it was based on the Altima coupe, but that can't be in that it is RWD vs the Altima's FWD. The G35 couple looks like a 350z with room for four.
I just noticed that there is a convertible version with the retractable hard top. Now,that would be the ultimate, but not in my budget....

[biggie]

Also of note is the Altima Coupe came much later than the G35 coupe. And yes, it is a 350Z with 4 seats and a trunk.

[wingFeather]

What should I look for in a used G35 coupe?

Be careful - the G will SPOIL you. You won't want to drive a Honda or Subaru ever again. You will be tempted to roll the Camry off a cliff, once you realize it robbed you of years of Infiniti joy... all those years you could have been smiling!

[tollboothwilley]

2003/2004 you can get Brembo brakes with the sport package, not in 2005/2006
2003/2004 have problems with the head unit for stereo/HVAC controller

2005/2006 have renewed interior which is better than 2003/2004
2006 headlights were Projectors - good upgrade
2005/2006 6MT have the REVUP motor which redlines higher, higher peak HP, slightly stronger internals, better oil pump

2006 6MT would be the best bet IMO. Make sure it doesnt have oil consumption, thats about all to watch out for on it.

[G_whizz]

2003/2004 you can get Brembo brakes with the sport package, not in 2005/2006
2003/2004 have problems with the head unit for stereo/HVAC controller

2005/2006 have renewed interior which is better than 2003/2004
2006 headlights were Projectors - good upgrade
2005/2006 6MT have the REVUP motor which redlines higher, higher peak HP, slightly stronger internals, better oil pump

2006 6MT would be the best bet IMO. Make sure it doesnt have oil consumption, thats about all to watch out for on it.

Excellent info...nice way to sum it up!

I agree with everyone... Joe says it best, get the newest you can afford! I loved my 05,07 and now my 2010!!



Welcome to NICO!!

[seamusnh]

This one is interesting:
http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/1888359854.html

2005. 75k, $14k. Looks like they really need to sell. Could work for me for a few years. I'd love to get the G35 convertible but can't do that yet...

[biggie]

That one screams scam to me, but maybe not.

[seamusnh]

I am going to see the car on Thursday night. She told me she is going overseas to go to school.