So my 2003 G35, with just over 200k miles - is starting to really show her age. It all started with a leak in my high pressure power steering hose - a few days later I notice a rather bad leak at the rear main engine seal, followed by a slight noise from the transmission when in park or neutral. The transmission oil is pitch black, and completely burnt - and that's my fault. I never changed the fluid. I didn't know I should until around 70k miles - and at that point the debate of whether or not you should change it was high and mighty - so I left it be.

Now my options are as follows: I can do a full tranny rebuild for around $2300 (with a 1yr unlimited mile warranty), fix the main seal leak, change sparks, replace hoses, belts, all new fluids throughout - and hope to get another few years out of her.

Or I look for a new car. If I do go with a new car - it would have to be under $30,000 - which puts me into a rather dim selection as I would like to steer clear of FWD. So I have a Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe . . . and that's pretty much it. Unless I get over my hatred for FWD handling and torque steer - and settle for a VW.

What would you guys do? What would you recommend? Keeping in mind the car sits on 350z suspension all around, and 19x8.5, 19x9.5 rears. As much as I want to think the drop and rims haven't played any role in the failures I am experiencing - and I do really thing it has just been a matter of age since I have had the car since November of 2002 now; I do wonder if there is any extra strain the rims and drop are putting onto the engine or transmission.

 

your car is begging for a 6MT swap Mike, do it!

 

The subaru would be a nice change of pace. But they are not that fast considering. Whats wrong with a g37 sedan?

 

Whats wrong with getting a second gen G? Either a 35 or a 37. For the money you are talking about you can get one with factory warranty still in place, or extended warranty for another 5 years. Why settle for something else?

 

This shows the importance of preventive maintenance.

Your best bet at this point is to fix everything and sell her.

A second gen G would be nice. The 37 is starting to grow on me tbh.

 

I say rebuild it and save up more on a newer car in couple of years. I personally think when you drop you put strain on the whole drivetrain.

 

The reason I am not considering another Infiniti is because a new one is a bit out of the price range at the moment, and I really would rather not get a CPO one. I have gotten 10 years out of this car - and I would like to get another 10 out of a new one (if I go that route). CPO warranty's are on the first date of service, so a 2008 would only have 3 years of warranty left. A brand new one has 3 years of bumper-to-bumper; and 5 years of drivetrain warranty.

On a CPO I have no idea what the previous owner did. Who knows if they ever changed the fluids. Infiniti never once suggested during any maintenance visit (and the first 100k miles I did everything at the dealer) that I should have my transmission fluid changed; so who knows if they changed it this time around. It just leaves a-lot to question.

 

Fix it then sell it? nah I dont think he will get his money back from the repairs.

 

I wouldn't. If I fix her it will be to keep her for another 3, 4 years.

 

Rebuild or genesis coupe... Those would be my choices, or a Challenger/Camaro testdrive.

 

I've seen 370Z's for under $30,000. Would definitely be my first choice if you're going for something under $30K

 

But there are plenty of nice CPO that last just as long, think about, just as much car for much less of a hit on the wallet. Rebuilding would probably extend the life a bit more, but once cars start giving you issues generally it never stops giving you issues.

But if you are going the new car route, Genisis are fun.

 

I won't ever buy a brand new car again for a lot of reasons. If you shop around for a used, but CPO, car you should be good. Find one that has service records available and as low miles as possible. Cars these days are being built extremely well and if taken care of early will usually last a long time, look at your G for example. In my opinion, it doesn't make sense to buy a new car, drive it off the lot, and have it depreciate 20% on the spot. You could find a nice G in your area with less than 35K for under $30K.

I found these as examples:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

 

This is the best idea....^....the 370Zs are a great car and if you'll keep up the maintenance they'll last another 200K miles. Why not stick with a brand that has served you well? Trade in your G after you've fixed the leaks and never look back....
Gary

 

[QUOTE=Metalp3n;6124545]So my 2003 G35, with just over 200k miles - is starting to really show her age. It all started with a leak in my high pressure

Trade it in for a left over 2011 Mustang V6 with 6 speed MT...30mpg and goes like stink