Hey all,

I'm the somewhat proud owner of a 2003 Dodge Ram at the moment, and the MPG and overall lack of speed is killing me. I'm trying to sell it, and once I do I think I'm sold on the idea of a G35 sedan. I'd like to get some opinions from the forum.

1. I'm looking at 2003-2005 model years. To my knowledge, the 05 model had an improved braking system (thankfully, the 03-04 years were pretty bad from what I've read), 20HP more under the hood, and less cheap plastic on the interior pieces. Other than that, I believe everything else is the same. Would I be making a wise decision to go with an 05 instead of an 04 for those reasons, or in your opinion are they not that much different?

2. Mileage.....I'm only looking to dump $9k or less on a car (got a new baby on the way, don't need to spend more than that since I should get that for my truck anyhow) and most cars I'm seeing on CL are 100k+ on the clock. Assuming the cars were decently maintained and may have some service records, would you be hesitant buying a car in the 100k plus range? I've seen some nice ones even up around 140k on the clock, but I have never in my life owned a car with that many miles. Opinions and thoughts?

 

Another question worth pondering....do you take an 05 or 06 with 140k on the odometer, or an 03 with 80-90k?

 

pretty sure less then 100k milage and older then 05 will be good.

 

The interior quality between the 05 and 03/04 models was my only concern. I've heard that the plastic used in the first two years was horribly cheap and replaced with aluminum in 05.

 

I like the 05/06 styling better. The engine is the same in the automatics between the years.

If I was looking at an 05 with 140k vs an 03 with 80k I would buy the 03. If you wait and find one i'm sure an 05 could be had with around 100k for about 10-11k depending on condition.

 

Do the brakes in 05 models require changing as frequently as they did in the first two model years?

 

I just recently purchaced an 05 sedan and so far I love it. Car only had 1 owner who took super good care of it. It had almost 89k when I took delivery which was only a week ago. Since then, whenever I see an 03-04 model, I'm glad I went with the 05. Originally I was looking for an 04 G35x but was pretty much impossible to find in the time I had. I ended up paying a little more than i wanted, $13,999. At the end of the day I'm still happy with my decision. Good luck with your search. Cheers.

 

i would opt for the 05-06 model. better exterior styling as well as interior styling as well. revised motor with less problems than the 03-04. Brakes were changed in the newer ones to bigger diameter, as for change interval, i can't imagine it be too poor. in my 05 coupe front brakes needed to be changed at 45k, and rear brakes at almost 80k.

but when asked the question 140k newer model vs 80-90k older model, i just might opt for the lower mileage depending if the price was the same, maintenance records, and whatnot.

 

Ok...original question bears a bit of revision....I was slightly off on my projected numbers. It's either an '03 with 115K or an '06 with 140k. I ALMOST think I'm leaning towards the '06....someone talk me out of it if it's a bad decision. Of course, this is all assuming both cars are equal in condition.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/2864746574.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/2796715793.html

 

Have you test drove both and talked to the owners? I would get as much info. as you can on their history- maint., # of owners, etc. I would also talk to them and ask them if they’d take $7,500 for the ’03 and $8,000 for the ’06. I would let the history of the car carry the most weight on your decision.
If the maintenance history is unknown then you will probably want to have a dealer or shop do the complete 120k service. You could also use this as a bargaining chip on the purchase of the car. My dealer quoted me $680 to have the 60k service done which I believe is the same as the 120k. I just purchased my ’05 6MT sedan w/ 74k miles and don’t have any maintenance records. I’m planning to have the 60k service done (which changes all fluids in the car) in the next month or two. I wasn’t really planning on dropping almost $700 right after purchasing my car, but it’s a good idea so I know the car is current on it’s maint. and will hopefully pay dividends as the car ages. I would keep that in mind going in to the deal. With a baby coming you don’t want a big expense popping up! Good luck and let us know how things go.
-T

 

if the brakes are a major concern, many member here upgrade the rotors and pads and are happy with the stopping power it provides for the 03-04. You can also upgrade to the 05/brembo brakes as direct bolt ons from other G's as well.



As far as mileage.. do you know if they are highway or city? Id take 140k highway miles over 100k city miles 99% of the time.

 

Actually going to test drive both cars this Saturday, with hopes of bringing one of them home with me. I may spring for the 120K service just to be safe anyhow, unless it was already done. And your thoughts on what to offer for both cars is right in line with what I planned to offer too. Great minds think alike! Oh...and the baby is already here.....2 weeks this Sunday!

Fairly certain that both cars were highway miles, although on an '03 to have that many miles is right around average anyhow. The brakes issues is a concern for me...and one of the driving forces behind me looking at 05/06 models because the problems weren't as bad.

That raises a good point....can you just install better rotors and pads (non-OEM) on the 03/04 models and have most of the issues solved?

 

I'm not 100% if upgraded rotors/pads is enough to make you happy (since this is subjective) but i know you can find a used braking system off an 05-06 for around $200 on driver. Many of the forum members upgrade to the Akebono BBK (G37 Sport brakes) or even bigger BBKs.

Good luck on your search.

 

https://g35driver.com/forums/g35-sed...ml#post6355763