So back in 2006, I purchased my 2003 A/T Infiniti G35 because I fell in love with the car the first time I saw it. Back then when I bought it, it had 55,xxx miles on it. Fast forward today, I am sitting at 167,xxx. I made it a goal to basically bring this car back to life, and ended up repairing worn out stuff, and adding some goodies. I have decided that this car will stay in my life for another 2-3 years and maybe rack it up to 200,000-225,000.

In the last three months, I have:

Installed Whiteline bushings to Lower Control Arms/Compression Rod - $600 (Had a shop do it)
Installed Sway bars & End Links - $605 (Had a friend do it)
Bought OEM 19'' Wheels - $600
Replaced bad tires on the OEM wheels - $420
Fixed curb rashes on the OEM wheels - $200 (Had a mobile truck do it)
LED Upgrade - Approx. $75 (DIY)
Wire Tuck - Free (DIY)
Battery Cover for Brake Fluids - $55
Mishimoto Coolant Hoses - $100 (DIY)
Power Steering/Brakes/Coolant change - $200 (Had a shop do it)
Alignment - $75
Replace Front Wheel Hubs - $250 (DIY)
Fixed both Door Actuators - $360 (DIY)
Replaced Floor Mats - $119
Replaced A/C Power Steering Belts - $105 (Had a shop)
Changed Differential Fluids - $55 (Had a shop)
Changed Oil - $60 (Oil + labor)

Total: $4029

My car now feels like it's brand new, minus the paint on the car. I am planning to ride this baby til the wheels fall off.

So, what do you guys think? Was it worth it? My initial decision was... either spend a few thousand... or spend another $40,000 + interest fees for a new car..

 

And also, my Valve Covers need to be replaced, which I was quoted $500 to do, along with the spark plugs.

I know it's quite a lot of money to put into this car, but I'm going to milk this car and I hope I'll be getting my money's worth.

 

OMG you overpaid soooooooooooooo much on stuff

 

Well, I priced it based on parts + labor. Some are just parts because a lot of stuff I also DIY, which came out cheaper. The bushing job off the bat I paid a shop to do. $200 for the bushings and $400 for labor. What do you think could have been cheaper?

 

Valve covers or valve cover gaskets? $60 oil change?

 

I believe the job includes changing both gaskets and cover.

I use the great German Castrol 0w 30, which is about $45 at Autozone. Sometimes on sale for $33 if I'm lucky. Plus $15 labor.

 

Dealership said I should really consider drain and fill for brake fluid and power steering fluid but not sure how to do it or if I should even do it? Will it really make a difference? I dont notice anything wrong with the car but you never know.

any input is much appreciated.

Luis

 

Every 30,000 miles you drain and fill your fluids. But don't have the dealer do it. Research what fluids to buy and take it to a shop. Save you an arm and a leg.

Still waiting to hear if the investment was worth it?

 

I plan on doing the same thing.. I have 3 more payments and then I'm gonna go crazy on the mantaince.. Gonna replace every fluid, hoses, belts, plugs, valve covers, etc..

 

Sweet! How many miles on the car?

 

I also think you overpaid for some stuff but the wheels were a decent deal and a good investment. The LEDs should have only been about $25. The bushings should have been cheaper as well as the sway bars. Diff change should have only been about $20 unless you had a shop do it. Other than that I think it was money well spent and your car should last you many years.

 

You have to know if its worth it!!!
Yes, that money you could of put down on a new car and start paying back the bank monthly or fix the G that will last probably 2-3 years depending on how you treat the motor and tranny.
I'm bought my 04 Couple 4 1/2 years ago certified with 19000 miles on and now have 110,000. daily driver!
I probably spent no more than $800 in OEM repairs. Gonna keep the G probably for a year or two. Then upgrade to something big.
And honestly u did over pay or a lot of things. You could of save mad money if you do them yourself.
But Good Luck!

 

Seems like a no brainer.....

$4K VS $40K

 

Thanks. For the LEDs, I did full car, not just interior. Dome lights, vanity mirrors, clock, under door, front fog lights, reverse tail lights, license plate, and trunk.

Whiteline bushings I could not find cheaper. The control arms INNER was $53, OUTER was $56, and Compression Rods were $98.

I bought the Hotchkis Sway Bars used for $280... which is one heck of a deal. However, the end links killed me for $245... Labor was approximately $100... I think that was a deal.

 

Sweet. Yes, I know I could have saved money if I did it myself... but a lot of the stuff I would not bother to do myself because I lacked the knowledge or equipment.. rather be safe!

Your baby will last you, these cars are built to last!