Well doing a quick search, I came across a few common threads... I'm coming from the land of bavaria so bear with me here, there's lots of little bugs with the 3 series coupes too. Just want to know what to look out for...will be seeing in person tomorrow.

1. Oil consumption (just changed)

2. Tire wear (new tires and alignment)

3. Radio/Bose...Guy says it plays radio fine, tapes fine, but no CDs. Does this mean new Headunit I suppose? He said some kind of code was needed???

What else should I look out for? Obviously it's out of warranty. Anything that can be done to car, I can handle, just wouldnt' have the diagnostics. Is this a DIY friendly car (I mean if I can handle a BMW can i handle an Infiniti in the garage)?

Thanks in advance....My wife wants an auto and the HP difference is a nice selling point on the G.

Joe


This is an 03 auto, 52k miles on it.

 

I have a 2003 6mt and the most common problems you will see with the 2003's are the following:
1. Window motors are crap.
2. Paint is somewhat soft...rock chips.
3. Squeeks and rattles...vary from car to car.
4. Inside tire wear.

The radio is most likely junk so I would buy a double din conversion from ebay and install an aftermarket head unit. As far as a DIY, the G is very easy to work on if you are competent around the garage and if you already have the tools.

 

As far as the radio goes, you can just pull the radio and get a double din conversion and get an AVIC unit. That's what a lot of guys do for navigation and otherwise. Looks great.

Its a great car and the auto is fine. If it snows a lot where you live, I would get snow tires for it.

Oil consumption isn't really a problem (that I know of) on the 5AT...only on the 6MTs.

 

The oil consumption issue is with the Rev-up motors +05 6MT's....not a 2003-2004.

The issues with the 03's were many.....including the axle click, dash rattles, etc.

Plug in the info on this website

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...aintsearch.cfm

for the 2003 G35....cull thru the BS entries and you'll get a good idea of the issues on this model year. Most of these things were fixed by warranty on these cars and later year models.

 

ok, then brake pads wear out fast.

the aforementioned stereo problems as well.

How expensive are the window motors to buy (install self) or have installed.

I got a quote for 300$ for refurb 6cd stereo from dealer with core return. Not too bad i guess.

Seems pretty reasonable for a first year car.

Joe

 

Welcome.

Make sure that the recalls were done on your car as well.
There was one a while back for faulty vent hoses on the gas tank. Make sure it was done at the dealership.

The brakes/rotors are the biggest up keep on the 03-04 Auto model years.
on average, you will get about 15,000-18,000 on the front pads and rotors before they will need to either be turned or replaced.

Many go aftermarket, this will eliminate the constant upkeep. Also, aftermarket manufacturers have better pads with less dust build up.

Anyway.....hope you get the car, you will find it a real joy to own and drive.

 

RATTLES!!!! My car rattles so fvcking bad!!! I can't stand it!!! Other than that I love the car, and no major problems with 87K on the odometer. (Original Owner)

 

thanks for help.

Car is a little rough to say the least, fitment issues all around, guys wicked shady too. carfax has total loss; he's telling me perfect car...

Back to the drawing board...

Joe

 

Grab the vin number and do a Carfax check. I recall a member last week
checked out the car he intended to buy and it had been in 2 front end
collisions. You need to know the cars history. Check out our Marketplace
for a low mileage G35 that's been taken care of, maybe an '04!