buying a high mileage commuter G35 MT. Anything I should look out for? Carfax is acceptable. There is the typical gas gauge problem I can get over. Anything else I should check? Its an AZ/NM vehicle so rust is not likely to be found.



On another note: Are there aftermarket fuel sending units/fuel pumps and gauges that fit the gas tank? Curious on doing something different instead of chasing a 10 year old 'known' gremlin.

 

Buying a high mileage first gen G35, your main concern should be OC (oil consumption) so you'll need to have a compression test done! Nissan used cheap azz oil rings that fail all too often! You may as well have them go thru the car so you'll be aware what needs to be fixed prior/after purchase! Service records are always a plus, my glove box is full! Like you posted, a car fax is important so you're not buying someones junk yard dog!
Good Luck, hope to hear back from you with good news...Gary

 

First off don't use Carfax, use Autocheck for reporting. Carfax can hide a lot of warts.

Second for some reason there are a lot more coupes that experience the gas gauge issue than sedans. In fact for sedans to have it is fairly rare.

Third in all high mileage vehicles there will be a lot of maintenance to catch up on unless the previous owner was diligent. Bushings everywhere, fluids, belts, brakes, bulbs, spark plugs etc. will need to be checked and replaced if necessary. Individually not a big deal especially if you can DIY, but collectively can add up to big $$$ quickly. Have someone check out the vehicle you like before you purchase it to know what you're getting yourself into.

 

Thanks. I am fairly mechanically inclined for DIY stuff. I'm looking for any g35 "gotchas" or things that I will need to replace right away. I expect to do a full tune up regardless of what I find. I will test drive it tomorrow before I choose to purchase.


I'm curious of any one re-invented the gas gauge setup. or if someone took from another car altogether and applied the sender unit to gas gauge? My other car is a jeep with ford axles, new aluminum fuel cell, etc. so its a common thing to take non jeep parts and apply it to a jeep. curious if anyone has done that to the g35.

 

hmm..i have an 05 coupe....I never new the gas gauge was an issue...

 

How many miles? Rev-up VQ35s (05-06 6MT only) are notorious for oil consumption, so the oil level needs to be monitored. My 05 sedan gas gauge has a mind of its own. Its annoying, but I just reset and rely on the trip odometer to fill up every 300-350 miles.

 

Oil consumption, LCA/compression rod bushings and the headlights being oxidized are the biggest issues.

 

I did buy it. 161k miles. its a commuter while my enormous built jeep becomes more of a trailer queen. the body and interior are in amazing shape. the headlights show a little oxidation, New Mexico is a fairly dry climate. the PO did mention oil consumption. The engine is still strong. The gas pump was replaced ~5 months ago. I'm tracking the gas via the trip odometer. The sending unit may be on my list to replace in an attempt to get a better gas gauge reading but I'm not too picky on it. Its hard not to drive it hard with the power. The clutch engages right off the floor. I have read about a tweak you can do move the clutch engagement out a bit. I'm pretty excited about it.

 

lets see pics of the jeep!!

 

As requested:
(these are pre 40" muds and pre-Dana 60 axles)

 

nice man!!! Thanks for sharing. A group of us are slowly getting into the off road scene. Combination of JKs, Tacos, Xterras, and FJs

 

This is how I got into the off road scene...

 

Now that's a jeep.

 

I already got that part covered!!