I have a line on a 2004 Coupe, with about 25k miles.
Generally speaking, is the 04 better than 05, 06, worse, of about the same? Any major issues I should worry about ??
Thanks

 

The interior on the 05 and up coupes is generally considered to be better. Also 05 and up 6MTs got the rev up engine which makes more peak HP but less torque. I could be wrong, but I think 03-04 were prone to transmission problems. As I understand it, if you're at 25k miles, you would have known about it by now though. 03-04's had the Brembo brakes available.

 

05+ are the ones to get.

 

26.5k on my '04 and aside from the fuel tank sender unit and seat rail noise (both fixed under warranty) my car has been rock solid - no oil consumption, tranny issues, etc.

Though the 05+ got more peak HP, the torque went down. Acceleration performance is pretty much identical since the 05+ also gained about 75lbs in curb weight. Handling numbers are also pretty much even, though the 05+ 6MT will lean a bit less due to stiffer shock valving, rear springs and rear swaybar. The interior is nicer on the 05+ and has more electronic features, but I love the Brembos on my '04 and wasn't willing to give those up.

 

My '04 is still great. Love the brembos too, but most people say the brembos aren't worth it if you want an '05 or newer. To me, the brembos are worth it. It's up to you.

 

Premature brake wear on non brembo 04s due to the smaller brakes. Can be improved with ceramic pads.

 

By tranny problems do you mean auto or manual? or both?

 

whats da best cermic pads to get? non brembo

 

I'm using Akebono ProActs and have almost no brake dust, no squeal, and hopefully twice the brake life over the OEM pads while being easy on the rotors. The stopping power has slightly less bite than OEM pads but overall is a great pad.

 

Where could I get them from? I'm tired of washing my wheels n they are silver then in about twoi weeks they become gun metal without the paint lol straight dust

 

That's not many miles for an '04 (just like mine) the only issues our G35s have are the brakes. This is easily resolved by using Hawk HP or Project Mu pads, which will more than double the life of your pads. The '05+ years have major issues with oil usage, apparently these engines were assembled with poor quality rings that continually fail.... When you have your pads replaced with the aftermarket pads mentioned above do the break/bed in process which can be found by doing a SEARCH this will eliminate any noise/squeaks during the life of the pads. Drive and enjoy your '04!
Gary

 

Thanks to all...I'm a bit more "edu-ma-cated" now on the diff model-years

 

I think the tranny problems were for the 03s and early 04s. I haven't had any issues with my 04.5 and brembos are definitely worth it IMO.

 

Red G

Do you know how to tell an "early" 04 from a later 04 ?? Whats the date of Manufacture cut-off ?

 

You can get them on tirerack or Autobarn and many local parts outfits stock akebono. Good luck.