I LOVE my 2005 G35! I bought it new and have always been religious in taking care of it. But is it time for me to get rid of it and downgrade (ugh!) to a Toyota Corolla?

It has ~130k. Nothing wrong with it, but it does burn oil. On my last trip, San Francisco to Portland and back (about 1200 miles), I've had to put in 3 quarts of oil (synthetic).

Any advice, thoughts, recommendations? My preference is to keep it, but it's not logical if future repairs(catalytic converted replacement) are going to cost more than its value ...


~ 2005 G35
125,647mi
sedan, Slate Blue
sport-tuned suspension

 

Personally, it's up to you.

My train of thought is that when you put enough money (and your time) into maintaining and repairing an aging vehicle that equals what a monthly car payment would be, then it's time to get rid of the car.

I'd rather write a check for $300/month, than buy $200 in parts and spend 3-4 hours a couple times a month repairing something.

But, don't let majot repairs scare you. If I cat repair costs $900, but you don't put any other money into the car over a 3 month period, that would be equal to three $300 car payments. If you go 4-5 months, that knocks the average down even more.

Of course all this assumes the car is paid off. Having payments on a 10+ year old car really means you should have bought a Corolla to begin with.

 

Thank you for that perspective. Very helpful to think about repair costs vs car payments.
Yes, the car is paid off - years ago, in 2008. A Corolla would be really an enormous adjustment on my part ... in fact, it might just HURT!
Thank you, again!

 

I kept mine. I was only going to get $5-6000 in trade, so I kept it, dropped full coverage insurance on it and we drive it in bad weather to keep our new Q50S looking new.

 

Sentimental value makes it a tough decision. In my opinion, you have answered your own question. If it's not logical to keep it for future repairs by costing more than its value, I'd say let it go. Good luck!

 

A quart of oil every 400 miles would be about a quart a week for me. I would sell that car. Mine doesn't burn any oil, and I've never added any between oil changes.

No way I would get a Corolla though. Why do you have to get a Corolla?

 

400 miles/quart is kinda high. But if you park it a lot who cares? It would just be nice to have around. You have to decide if you have the space, the money, and time to keep it.

 

A quart of oil is $5

If you are buying 2 quarts a month for regular driving, that's still cheaper than buying another car.

 

For awhile yes, but that may lead to more serious issues all at once down the road.

 

Getting a Corolla would be an extreme desperate measure - financially driven.
I do like the performance of G35, and prefer to not give it up, as I have invested so much $ into its maintenance. It's kind of surprising that the engine has deteriorated despite my meticulous care.

 

I was told by a mechanic that with all this oil burning, most likely, the car will not pass the smog test. And a catalytic converter replacement would be the next big repair.

 

A lot of people will tell you to get rid of it but, a car you've had since new isn't just a car. It's a part of you, it represents memories. Trips to distant places with friends, family, and, sometimes by yourself. I look at things differently, every part I have to replace is a chance for me to make my car better, stronger, faster.

You can replace parts with oem counterparts or you can replace them with performance parts. High flow cats are better than oem. The G has been burning oil from day one but, we all knew and know that. Burning oil is due to faulty piston rings. Rebuild the motor and replace the rings and problem not only solved but, you'll have an almost new car, ready for more years of driving fun. Sell it now and you'll regret it later. Most owners do. Build it now and you'll be crying tears of joy later.

Even, after years later, the G is STILL like nothing else in its segment. No it's not the fastest but, it's not trying to be. Its job is to be one of the greatest Gran Tourers you can buy and, I would say it does that quite well. Don't look at every repair as a pocket drainer. Look at it as a chance to make your G better than it has ever been. I know I do. Long live the G.

 

man thats crazy to see people tell you to get rid of it.
i got my car because some guy didnt want to do work on it too. lowballed the **** out of him. fixed everything that was wrong. and now i have an awesome running car with no payments.


no payments are awesome. and a huge side note, is just because you are making payments on it doesnt mean it wont mess up. new cars have issues too, and the longer you keep it the more with start to break on it. keep your car and fix it.
put your extra money in a bank and forget you have it.

 

Ok, 3 quarts of oil in 1200 miles is excessive to say the least. Is the car smoking at higher revs? If its the piston rings that car should be smoking out of the exhaust if its burning that much oil.
As far as the corolla, well its like having squirrels under the hood compared to the G35. The handling of them with the small tires will surprise you though.
Tough call, fix the engine or another car. I have been here before when an engine went in one of my cars, I opted for an engine then another car. It all comes down to how much you are attached to the car.
This reminds me of an all to familiar place with the honda cbr1000rr motos. From 2008-2011 they were oil burners, some did , most did not. It was piston rings. So if its piston rings you have to make sure the cylinder walls are not scored up too.
Joining this forum is really the first Ive ever heard of these G35 engines being an issue with burning any oil.
Good luck