I'm considering purchasing a used automatic sedan for a daily driver towards the summer and I need a few opinions.

I'd like to stay around $20k. In that range, I'll likely be going with a 2004 with around 30k-50k miles.

Should I be concerned about reliability? Other than some manual transmission and brake problems, I haven't heard of anything common. I've read one member post about how some have needed transmission swaps. Are these due to the synchro problem in the manuals or is the automatic problematic?

The factory warranty will likely be close to expiration on any 03/04 since I assume it starts from the date the car was originally purchased. Should I spend an extra $5k and get an 05/06 with fewer miles and be covered under a factory warranty for a good year or two?

There weren't any major changes and the money saved could go towards a repair if it happened to occur on the older car. The main advantage would be the different brakes on the 2005, though.

Where is the best place to purchase it from? Carmax? Is there a pre-owned Infiniti program?

Just needed some feedback.

Thanks.

 

I don't know statistically how common manual tranny failures are but they do pop up often on this board. Getting a warranty is definately a positive. Don't shy away from going to an Infiniti dealer. They push the warranty to 100k if you buy from them.

I would also try to get an 05+ as the powertrain tends to be a bit more refined and smooth. The 05-06 models are now in the low $20's so I would put those on my list first.

 

They push it to 100k if you buy new or used? On bumper-to-bumper or powertrain?

There's a few used ones at Infiniti dealers priced competitively, so that would be nice.

 

I believe it is 100k on your powertrain. I am sure though that if you buy the car from them, a bumper to bumper warranty is available. Make sure you find out how much it is before starting to haggle. At least this way you still get a loaner car for warranty work.

 

Listen for rear window rattles and suspension creaks. I love my car, but the build quality could be a little better.

 

Brakes probably will be out of warranty, but any trans issues should still be. The powertrain warranty is 6yr/70,000 miles. You can always go aftermarket brakes for cheaper than OEM. They'd work just as well, may last longer, less dusting...

 

I've had my car for two years now, no major problems just the common stuff like everyone else. (pads/rotors every 25k, rattles in the sunroof which I hate) Other than that love the car, I would go with the extended warranty if you plan to keep the car for a couple of years parts for these cars can get expensive!!!!!

 

I have an 03.5 sedan. Honestly, I cant say enough good things about this car. I have over 100K on it. Never had any tranmision problems of any sort, no window rattles either. I have (do) have a problem with the rocking drivers seat (also common on 03-04 sedans) The dealer as been unalble to resolve this problem. They have fixed it a few times now. I just keeps coming back. Other than that issue the car is rock solid. Its not the most smooth car on the road, or the most quiet but after driving my wifes car durring the week (My car finally made it into the garage) I can believe how powerful this car is and how well it handles. (03 350z suspension). Oh and before I forget, brakes. The stock brakes are by far the best of any car I have owned. Of cource im well out of warrany on them for the fast wear issues so I have switched over to some aftermarket pads. The good news is that I have had these aftermarket pads for about 50K miles now and they work as good as when I had them installed. Also the dusting issue is much more controlled now. The bad news is that they dont stop like the stock pads. Im sure it has a lot to do with the pads im useing but they kind of suck. It seems it takes more effort than it should to engage the ABS. Ive had a scare a time or two where the ABS never engaged, the brakes just couldnt/didnt clamp hard enough. That was never a concern on the stock pads. So, when these pads do wear out, ill get returning to stock pads and just replace them every 20K. In short, this car had needed nothing other than tires, break pads, and clean oil. Period.

 

My suggesstion is to get 2005 or higher model.... I think it will be worth the extra 3-4k you will spend. As for the rattles.... if they are there.... dealer should fixed those if car is still under warranty.... they did mine and they never came back.

 

This is just proof that resale values vary wildly from region to region. I can still easily get $22K for my 03 here in Kansas City and the Infiniti dealership is still asking $24K for similiar 03s. The used 05s are selling for upper $20s for private party. It's probably because here in KC, you hardly see any G35s. It's all newer TLs instead.

 

Wow--I bought my 04 6MT with 40K about 2 months ago for $18,000...I love it...Anyway, here in the Chicagoland area, we can get 03-04's for $18-20K, and 05's are running $22-24K, I believe...

 

The mechanical side of the car is fairly reliable. The MT issue is somewhat sporadic. There are some quality problems but it happens to all makes of car.
I am not sure about the 100k "standard" warranty from Infiniti dealer tho. My buddy bought a used 03 coupe a while back, and it only comes with the new car warranty. He haggled (didn't do that great of the job) to get the 7/100k warranty for $2300. I'm not sure if it has changed.
Prices wise really depend on region. In Los Angeles, you can find some are in the high teens. My other friend just bought a used 05 FX35 w/ some options and 13k miles for $28k. So the G35 would be much less.

 

Consumer Reports survey results have found the 04 G35X to be slightly more reliable than the RWD model. I have an 04 G35X and have been very pleased with the performance and reliability. Changes from the 04 to 05-06 models were mostly cosmetic. I'm biased, but it hardly seems worth the extra $4-5k for an 05 or 06. You would find the 07's to be significantly improved from the standpoint of the interior.

Just my $.02.

 

^ the engine is also changed
the 05+ have a rev up engine

 

Many of us with the 04s have had no problems, and are very happy with our cars. The dissatisfied owners seem to make a lot more noise than the happy owners. That said, the 05 and up have upgraded interiors and a stated increase in HP, although there have been those who questioned that. I don`t know. The guy who said the newer Gs had the rev-up engine was referring to the MT6 only. 5AT does not come with the revup. If you get an extended warranty, don`t fall for one of those aftermarket jobs. Get it from the dealer. Prices are negotiable. I think it comes with the CPO program. Check that. Welcome.