Hello all. I am currently the very proud owner of a Torrid Red/Black M6 2004 Pontiac GTO. I have long-tube headers, slight intake work, a short-throw shifter, and some drag radials, so, while not the fastest thing on the street, its a pretty strong car. That being said, I may be entering a new set of life circumstances that would easily justify a car with a little better gas mileage and a little more subdued presence. Enter the G35. I would be purchasing a preowned G and I have only recently started looking, but have done a fair amount of searching on this site (great site by the way). I understand that there would be a drop in horsepower and torque (though I'd pick up some in the handling department) and I am quite certain that I wouldn't invest in FI anytime in the near future. I do have a few questions though, in order to make me a little more educated shopper. I would be buying a coupe with an M6.

1. I've been trying to form a mental list of the differences between model years, but I wanted to hear some opinions from some owners. What year is typically the best "value"? By that, I mean, what year did Nissan add the right mix of features that justifies a little extra investment? Or are there any years in particular that had issues (I've heard of the 2003-04 350z tire feathering) that I should avoid?

2. Is there anything in particular that I should look for in a used vehicle that would suggest excessive wear? (other than the obvious signs, high mileage, worn clutch, etc.)

3. Am I kidding myself thinking I could get something good for about 25 grand? I've done some looking and it seems that there are a handful of 2003-2005's that seem to fit that bill, but I want to make sure that these aren't undesireable cars.

Thanks in advance for any help. I hope I put this in the right section! Here are a couple pics of my GTO!!!!

 

If you want the stock Brembos, then your only choice is to go with the 03/04 coupes. However, if they are not important to you, then I strongly suggest looking into the 05+ coupes. The 05+ 6MT's come with what they call a revup engine - do a search on the forums to find out more about this. In a jist, they have a little more HP, but lose a little TQ as well. The 05+ coupes come with much nicer interior than the 03/04s. If you want to spend a little more for looks, then I suggest looking into the 06/07 coupes. These come with newly designed headlights (with projector/bi-xenon HIDs, whereas the prior years came with reflector HIDs) and taillights with an integrated trunk button - which I have found to be very useful.

I don't think 25 grand is unrealistic at all. I purchased my used 2006 coupe for 30 grand out the door. I'm sure you can get a good deal if you don't mind waiting for the right opportunity.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

Good info. I think I have found a few '05s that fit the bill. From what I can tell, the big advantage of the Brembo's is resistance to fade. I won't be tracking the car, so if my assumption is correct, then I don't know that I would want to give up the "rev-up" engine or interior for the brakes. Been checking out the "what I hate" thread (which EVERY car forum needs for prospective buyers by the way) and that has been helpful as well. We'll see what happens! Still a few months down the road, perhaps, so I have time to find that killer deal!

 

I picked up my new 07 coupe last night. I got it for under $36k and it's loaded with everything but navigation. I think you can get an 05 for your price, or so. I've heard the interior was upgraded as posted earlier.
I traded a 2000 Corvette, so I'm in a similar situation with the HP and torque. Welcome.