Hey guys. I have been car shopping for a while, and I found a Black on Black 2005 Aero 6MT about 1.5 hours away. I'm going tomorrow.

Pros: Priced reasonable, low KMs 77,000km (48,000 miles)

Cons: Salvaged title, foreign seller. Seems to buy and fix salvage/dented cars for a living. What I know so far is the Driver side front fender was replaced, as well as strut and control arm. Also, and strangely IMO, the Driverside rear door was replaced also.

In either case, I need to know common things to check for on the G, as I don't really want to drive there twice, and I suspect this car won't last too long at that price.

I will be brining a tape measure and square with me to back-yard check the unibody, and wheelwell height while Laden on level ground. If you guys know the stock height to compare to I would appreciate that as well (Sport suspension I believe on the 05 6MT, identifiable for sure by red Struts if I've researched correctly). Not sure if that changes the height, I don't imagine it does, as likely only the dampers are different.

ANYways I'm rambling, so please, if you have any common issues I should check for or any advice while I'm driving/checking it over, please help me out!

FYI, It's a G35 sedan 6MT, or Merc C230/300/350 6MT, with the Merc's obviously much more expensive. Hard decision none-the-less

TIA

-Matt

 

I personally wouldn't buy a salvaged title, especially if you don't know how extensive the damage was. G35s are very common so you don't have to worry about not finding a good deal on one. Since it's an 05 6MT, it's going to have the rev-up engine (more HP). The downside to this is that it's know to have oil consumption problems. Other common problems to our cars include the radio going out, rattling, mechanical seat motor going out. Overall, very a good car. I have an 03 and I've never had any issues.

 

I would never buy a Canadian salvage title car ever lol. Well atleast from Quebec.

For a car to be considered totalled (VGA), the damage must exceed more than 75% of its value where as in the States it's 25%.

 

I agree with not buying a salvage title car. Unless you want one and you know how damaged it was and that it was put together the right way. The sport shocks are red, you are correct.

The 05's did have the rev-up motor, which you need to look out for but I wouldn't let that scare you away from the car. Just check the service records. ( I just bought an 05 6mt ). The radio's in the 05-06 models didn't have the common issue like the 03-04's did.

Also I believe in the states it's 50% in the majority of the states.

 

I'm pretty sure it's 50% here too, and the owner who was involved has the option of writing it off or salvaging it himself. An opt for writing it off and walking away would condem the car.

I wrote a 97 off but it was VERY minor damage, the cost to repair via 'the books' was just very high, so I 'sold it'.

I'm worried about it, as I should be, but it's priced over $3000 lower than comparables in Canada, specifically Ontario, and it has lower KMs. There's another one that was hit same location, but wasn't written off, and it's an option as well if I don't like the look of this one.

For me, being mechanically inclined, I'm hoping I can save some money going this route. The biggest part I hate is possible engine damage and the paperwork portion, it will always be listed as salvaged, so that sucks for any chance of resale.

I didn't know the REVup had issues in comparison, I thought it was the better engine in the group, so thanks for pointing out the oil consumption issues. Are these similar to the early 3.5 in the 2002/2003 Maxima? If so I'm familiar with the consumption.

Can it be remedied by a bypass?

Sorry for the newb questions time isn't on my side for today. I have been devoting a lot of research time to the forum but have a lot to learn still!

Thanks again for the help so far. I'll post back later today!

 

I believe stock height to the top of the well is at 27.5" - 28", there's a thread about it somewhere. As far as the Oil Consumption issue, lots of members do an oil catch can, but I'm not sure how much it will help.

Here is the fender height thread:
https://g35driver.com/forums/g35-sedan-v35-2003-06/369761-calling-all-sedans-what-s-your-fender-height.html

 

Thanks guys. I just got back. Not going to buy that car....

Structurally it's good, but the guy didn't tell me about the scratches all over the damn car. The TOB is completely shot and needs to be done, and the left diff bearing has more play than I'm comfortable with. It also needs brakes, etc. I talked him down to a good price but i think I'll just keep looking, even with a good deal it still needs work and I end up with a salvage title, better to just spend more upfront and get a better car.

There's a 2003 for sale I can probably get for $7000, it has 170,000km on it though, and could use a new front bumper (sandblasted). The TOB is making noise but not excessive, otherwise it's solid. I would want to convert the rear tailights and front end for sure on that car, I don't like the stock 03/04 appearance. Need to look into conversion pricing.

There's another one in Toronto that was clipped but not salvage title, it's a decent price and low KMs too, so I may check that out as well.

Thanks again gents, I'll keep up the research and check on pricing to convert.

Well, I'll keep looking. This one wasn't the one for me!

 

Good thing you didn't get that last one, but good luck on your search and hope you get one soon.

 

The right one will be out there for you. Don't jump into something you don't feel 100% comfortable. Also salvage title cars are worth about 50-60% of what a clean title car would be worth.

I believe the cause of the REVup motors semi-common oil consumption issue was the piston rings.

 

Ok, I will make a trip to T.O. when I can. In the meantime - research.....

 

Get used to the transmission noises..

 

I do hear the TOB noises are common, are there any other really common noises I'm not aware of yet in my research?

 

You'll hear a whining noise coming from the gearbox before the fluid is fully warm. Usually happens after the car has been sitting a few hours in <50 degree weather. Sounds similar to a window air leak.

https://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-...6mt-coupe.html

Also, your third gear will grind a little so be gentle with it. And prepare yourself to go from 1 to 3 when it's cold..forget about second gear...

 

LOL sounds just like the Maxima trannies, Nissans common plagued issues, Oil consumption and tranny issues. Oh and electrical problems of course...

 

I had a 98 5spd several years ago...if your going from the 4th Gen Maxima to 1st Gen G35 YOU WON'T CARE ABOUT THE PROBLEMS HAHAHA