Posted this on the coupe forum, but didn't some of my questions answered, so, looking for some help here...

I have a good price on a used 2004 G35, and everything sounds great. When I tried to make a service appt at the dealer to have a buyer's inspection before the final purchase, I find out that the car has had TWO(!!) oil changes over its lifetime, at 7K and 20K miles. Current owner does have any record of service/receipts, i/e. no oil oil changes or 15K service.

So here are my questions:

1. If I go pay for the inspection and it comes out looking clean (no damage from prior lack of maintenance), how likely will Infiniti deny any repairs under warranty? I downloaded the warranty from infiniti.com, and the warranty is conditional on regular maintenance. The current owner (a dealer) insists that though this may be the "official" stance, in reality infiniti understands that "no one changes their oil at the dealer" and they will not reject any repairs under warranty.

2. Is it possible for a car to be fine after having only 2 oil changes for 22K miles?

I realize that there are many G35s out there, but I've spent a long time looking for a car that looks this this. Any thoughts are much appreciated!!!

 

2 oil changes for 22k miles? you'd really ahve to stay on top of your maintainence checks because yes they could void it if you don't show proof of keeping any service records.

i just recommend people just go to the dealer for an oil change -- here we charge $39.90 includes a free car wash and vacuum.

 

I don't think Infiniti can get way with this because it is rare to find someone that actually keeps all their maintenance records. When you buy used and under the factory warranty, your chances are slim to none for getting the records. This "you have to provide documentation" is a farce and would never hold up in court. If the engine was really starved for oil, it has NOTHING to do with if you did or did not change your oil at 3 to 8 miles. If a motor burns through that much oil, there is a defect.

IMO, this is a ploy by Infiniti to shrug off ignorant car owners and to scare them into getting their cars serviced by Infiniti.

 

i've been able to keep only a couple of receipts and stickers from the window, but i do change the oil every 3k religiously, how would i be able to prove that? engine check?

 

just keep a folder in your car and everytime you get anything done put it in the folder. I think thats the easiest thing to do and whenever you need to find something you know it's going to be in the folder in your car

 

It's possible to deny your claim but not likely. Infiniti tries (like all others) to have a great service record with customers. If they **** you off and you go file a BBB complaint it shows. They would need to have some good reason to deny you. Just my $0.02.

 

Thanks for all the responses. What do you think about this approach -- I take the car to Infiniti dealer and have them take off the valve cover to check for sludge. If it's clean, then there is some record in the Infiniti database that no damage occurred. Hopefully then they won't give me crap if I happen to need engine repair later on.

So, checking under the valve cover is really the only TRUE way to check for sludge, right? I mean, they can look at the oil cap, and look into the engine where the oil goes, but I can't think of anything else they could do (less than removing the valve cover) to check for sludge. Am I right?

The reason I ask is because they quoted me 4-5 HUNDRED dollars to check under the valve covers. That sounds ridiculous.

 

I say save yourself a few hundered bucks.... why you insist on spending so much money? Just check the engine yourself. Here is what you should do. Drive the car for about 5-10 minutes. Then check if....

1. You see smoke coming out of the tail pipes when you rev it up
2. After the car has cooled down... Put your finger inside the tail pipe and check if they are dry inside.... (watch out as they can get really hot).... you should look for any sign of moisture.... if the car has been burning oil or any problem to that affect.... you should find some moisture in there (sludge).... otherwise it should be dry and you should find black dust.

3. What is the current oil level? Is it less than half mark? Oil can get dark after 3000 miles but it should not be less than half mark.

If you like the car take it. I dont see infiniti declining any warranty claims.

 

I suggest you bypass the dealer and contact Infiniti directly to answer your questions about warranty. They will give you the layed out facts. Alot of times the dealers don't really know all about warranty coverage...trust me, it saved me $800 in the past on one visit.