I formerly owned a 2005 G35x, then i owned a 2007 G35x. Traded it in for a 2015 Murano and my wife has been leasing a 2013 Hyundai Sonata.

Now, I'm running a little experiment since we have two car payments. I'm experimenting with the idea of turning in my lease and buying a car straight out. I have 2 cars in question a 2005 G35x and a 2006 G35x my budget is 5k so tell me what you think.

Here is a little synopsis of my thoughts

Option 1:

2005 G- Hes asking 5k but i kinda negotiated it down to 4.4k - I like that its a one owner car fully documented and all the major work has been done( Tranny , Valve cover, AWD service receipts everywhere) Also has factory keyless start system. I dislike that its close to 200k miles (177K) I hate the color combo(Blue on Ivory) but can live with it and it needs some work brakes and battery. Has a small dent on the drivers side fender not the wost but will urk me if i dont get it taken care of Also has the airbag light on it may be covered under recall but if its not then its gonna cost me $$$$$$. It Drove very nice , It didnt pull left or right but there was steering wheel vibration at high speed no vibration in brake pedal just in the steering wheel not sure what that is- total cost will be about 4800 possibly more with airbag and vibration

Option 2:
2006 G asking 4500 think i can get him down to 4k- I like that its a newer year , less miles (140K) color is great Silver on black, hate that its a smokers car, a city car. Will need to do routine maintenance, alignment and full detail. Will require body repair sooner rather than later($200)-however No air bag issue I estimate the total cost for everything about 4900

Option #3
Lease another Sonata

I have until June July so if i pick one of these up ill have more than enough time to fix these up. I am leaning toward the 2006 but there is alot to be said about the 2005. I keep going back and forth. Worst case scenario ill get a 2016/2017 Sonata Lease

 

Why does it have to be one of those cars?
Keep an eye out, another will pop up

 

lease another sonata...
the other two options shouldnt even be considered.

 

^^Amen brother.

 

As much as I dislike leasing in general, in this case I'd lease another Sonata.


You are comparing 10+ year old cars with 140-180K miles on them to the reliability of a brand new car that you can literally just throw gas in and drive.

Do yourself a favor. Lease the newer car, and go spend your Sat mornings hanging with your wife rather than searching around on how to diagnose an airbag light, or how to replace bad bushings, and such.

 

I heard that airbag issues can be a big headache and very costly. For that alone avoid the 1st car.

Option 2 is better if all it needs is routine maint and a good detailing.

Of course getting a new car is the best option. I've never leased and probably never will (don't understand why people do it), but if that works for you then go for it.

 

I bought an 06 g35 sedan AT with 128k miles for 5k. Ran perfect. The only things it needed were accessory belts, valve cover gasket, one rear tire, and brakes in the near future. The fuel pump actually gave out the other day and is $4xx to replace (parts and labor) at an independent shop. I'm sure you can find better deals...