Alright so i've always wanted a g35 for the longest time, since i first got into cars honestly. I've found one for pretty cheap but im not really that knowledgeable about the vq35de, and figured i should ask some forum members before making a decision.

I Found an 03 g35 coupe for 3k, but the owner suggests the engine has been ticking for the past 20k miles or so, and claims its a valve that needs adjusted (pictures)
so, is it a good idea or not? If the rest of the car is in good shape would it be a good purchase or is it a time bomb?

also idk what forum area this kinda thing would go so my apologies if it is the wrong spot. Just looking for some wisdom

 

Have a trusted mechanic check it out, not just for the ticking, but for an overall inspection of the entire vehicle. Preferably someone who has experience working on Nissan/Infiniti if possible. At 160K more than likely the car is going to need a lot of high mileage maintenance/repair that can easily add up quickly to a decent chunk of change. There's no price listed, just an offer for a trade so what does he want for the car?

Here's just a partial list of what might have to be addressed:

All bushings
Brake pads and rotors
Struts/shocks
All fluids
Radiator
Wheel bearings
Belts
Ball joints/endinks
Assorted sensors
Etc.

Just the labor alone for all the bushings can run over $1000 but obviously if you can DIY a lot of these things you'll save fat cash. For most of us our cars have been very reliable over the years but there are issues out there like oil consumption that can affect a good percentage of the first gen G's. My car, sorry now the girlfriends lol, has 142K miles and over the years I have spent less than $500 on any repairs not considered wear and tear or routine maintenance. It's been a great ride and impossible to move on from.

 

The asking price is 3k obo at the moment. I'd definitely have to check in on the routine maintenance ans wear and tear stuff

 

ticking motor - nahhh.

 

Nope that's an easy pass.

Funny story, my younger brother begged me to take him Baltimore to see a coupe with 121k on it and they guy only want 1300 for it because the trans was slipping. Did a through inspection on it and was just about done until I pulled the overflow cap. Oil all in the coolant smh. Guy said the motor was in good shape. I know it could have been the oil cooler ring but not a risk I was willing to let my little brother take.

Moral of the story? Either take a mechanic with you or do a thorough inspection of the vehicle so you won't be surprised when you get it home

 

I'd pass unless you are comfortable throwing in another motor within the next year because the mileage is high and the valve noise usually means the motor is near the end of it's lifespan anyways. Valves are not an easy adjustment on this engine like they are on other engines.