So I have a '04 G35 sedan that I use as a daily driver. I am on the road frequently and drive long distances to make sales calls. The car is great for what I do, but sometimes I have to carry lots of heavy boxes and a SUV would be better. I really don't care for how SUVs drive though. The car has 104k and has some routine maintenance coming up. I was planning to:

-flush trans
-flush coolant
-replace battery (still using the OEM one!)
-replace spark plugs
-install new struts

This is all routine maintenance but it isn't free either. The car will be paid off in August. I can't decide if I should go to a 09 G37xS (live in MN, definitely want AWD in next car) OR just keep my G35 and perhaps buy a fun project car I can put mods on and drive in the summer only.

The body is near mint and the interior is in very good condition. I actually own THREE sets of wheels for this car. 16" snows, 17" OEM, and 18" 04 coupe wheels.

The only issues the car has is that the 5AT shift quality has gone down a bit (transmission "hunts" for gears sometimes), the 3rd brake light is out (NOT replacing that for $600, FU Infiniti dealer!) and that's really about it.

If it were you, would you keep it or sell it?

 

So you're looking at probably 1000 bucks in maintenance costs in the near term. Trade in value is around 9000 ( actually i just checked kbb). If it were me, i'd skip the maintenance and just trade it for something. You already mentioned you need something bigger and or has more utility.

 

Hard to say. The only reason I wouldn't sell after it's paid off would be bcause I would no longer have a car payment. Alot if not all of the maintenance you need can be done with a little elbow grease...

 

I would keep it because I hate car payments, but if it doesnt fit your work needs, why not trade it in on an ex or fx35?

 

The EX is tempting, I have never driven one. It would be nice to have something bigger but I think I would actually enjoy something smaller. The 2 cars thing is really calling me but I have never done it so I'm a bit unsure of it.

Other cars I have been contemplating..

'11 WRX 5 door (not the STi, insurance is insane)
'09 EX35 AWD
'08 335xi sedan
'09 G37xS

As far as the maintenance I have no problem with the fluids and battery, and I could probably handle the spark plugs, but I am NOT interested in doing the struts.

 

^Oh yeah, the struts were fun! Only because every bolt was a PITA to break loose! Took me 3 hrs per side for the Z springs I put on them! WD40 is your friend!

 

if you can afford it bro, get something newer...indulge yourself.

 

I'd keep the car.

BTW are you coming out on May 7th? We are having a MASSIVE meet with the Gs and Zs and are currently at a 40 car count. Its going to be epic.

 

I say keep it if there's nothing wrong with it, especially if it's paid off soon.

 

Thanks for everyone's opinions. Seems like its not really an obvious decision. I'd like to get something new, but I'd also like to not make car payments for awhile and start on finishing my basement.

Thanks for the invite, but I will be in Las Vegas that weekend.

 

Paid off? KEEPER!
The used market on G's isn't fantastic, but it will quite likely serve you well for another 100k miles.

If you can continue using it for a while, you can have a chance to work on your basement and then get something newer as a 2nd car after you have the basement out of the way.

 

I say keep it its almost paid off and the money you save on monthly payments will take care of the maintenance costs

 

I know this probably makes the most sense, but I have the "bug" to get something new bad. I suppose the longer I hold off, the better.

My fiancee's car is paid for as well, but I don't think it will hold up quite as well as mine. It's a '03 Volvo S40, I thought about using this as my work car but it has had its fair share of problems.

 

^Yep.

Like I said, enjoy being payment free for at least a little while.

 

If you want more space, but want something that drives like the G, get an FX. They drive pretty well granted you can't have one with a manual. Go FX. Or the new X3's have the same motors as the current 3 series, so you can get an X3 with a 300hp twin turbo