Hi all:
I'm a 2002 Maxima owner at the moment, but I test drove a 2004 G35x yesterday. I wasn't impressed for a couple reasons. Maybe you owners of this car can help me out. It is a lease buyback with 15000 km. on the odometer. A most speeds, there was a lot of vibration, worse at highway speeds, a bit of brake shimmy when braking firmly, and quite a severe hesitation when I stomped on the gas. Good pickup once it decided on the proper gear, but the hesitation was very noticible. Is the vibration a symptom of the all wheel drive, or should the dealer check the tire pressure, alignment and wheel balance? And should it need brake work at 15000km.? Any answers appreciated, because I did like the car.

 

My 2005 does not exhibit vibration or brake issues.

It does however, have crappy tires

 

+1 on the crappy tires, but the ride is like silk. Dealer needs to apply some TLC...

 

I think that the G you test drove had some problems.

I had a chance to drive an '04 for a week before I bought mine last month. And it moves out briskly when you accelerate ... no hestitation what-so-ever. And it stops on a dime ... straight and short. No virbrations in the steering wheel either. I've been babying it during the break in ... but have been up to 85 on the freeway and it's rock solid.

Cheers ..... Mike

 

I have a couple of thoughts (usually they are not worth much but what the hell). I just went through a tough process of buying a used G and this is based on my experience.

1. Some of the transmission issues could be related to the learning mode. I suggest resetting the ECU (see the "easy ECU resetting" thread for more info). That will set it back to normal.

2. Vibrations are usually tire or wheel related. Is this car at an Infiniti dealership? or a used car lot? or a private seller? Have the wheels looked at and maybe balanced. See if that helps.

3. Vibrations that are not tire/wheel related might be accident related. Mine were. The first G I bought was a rebuilt wreck thou I didn't know it when I bought it. It pulled to the right and had a shimmy in the steering wheel at various times. Lucky for me they bought it back and now I have one that drives great! Make very, very sure it was not in an accident and that it has been maintained well (your Infiniti dealer can tell you about all services done on it).

Good luck and be careful with used cars!

 

The vibration and the shimmy are NOT normal and mean something is wrong. As suggested above, it could be something simple to fix but possibly due to something more serious.

If this is a private sale, don't go back as they are not likely to fix the problem to your satisfaction. If it is an Infiniti dealer, they should fix it before they sell it. If it is another dealer, I don't know what they will do to fix it. There are ways to get reports on specific used vehicles based on the VIN, but I don't anything about them.

Remember, there will always be another one-don't feel pressured to buy this one if you have any doubts.

The G35x is a great car.

Good luck, and tell us what happens.

 

The morning I test drove my G I also test drove a new Maxima. Nite & Day difference. There is too much FWD garbage in the steering feel of a Maxima compare to the G. FWD is only a way to make cars cheaper. You pay a premium for RWD (or you don't get a FWD discount) on a G. Most car buyers want a pretty point-A-to-point-B car. They don't much care about drivability performance.

 

also, don't trust carfax. it is one thing you should check but they miss a majority of accidents that don't change the title to salvage. get it inspected if you are planning to buy it.

 

Traded my 2003 Maxima SE with 22000 miles on my 05 X and I am not looking back.

 

Yes, I forgot to remind you to have any used car potential purchase inspected by a mechanic you trust (not one connected to the seller).

 

Sounds like that X did not have a good home. I think I`d give her a pass, and look for another.

 

Okay everyone, I have an update on the g35x I started this post about. It was not a 1 year lease, it was the loaner for the Infiniti dealership!!! So, if they fix the flaws I found at the beginning of this post, is this a car you would touch, if the price was very right? Still 3 full years of warranty.

 

This purchase is from the original dealer?

In any case, I would be hesitant to buy a loaner, especially one with 15K on the clock. Loaners do not always get treated with respect from what people say on the boards. Some car drivers are not as careful of other peoples' property as one would wish. There is even an older thread on here of a guy who took his loaner to the track for a day to run some speed trials.

The advantage here is that the dealer is selling it and there are three years of warranty. But I still wouldn't do it. There will certainly be people who disagree with me, and if the price were extremely good, I could understand being tempted (no, I have no idea what a good price would be!).

Good luck--

 

I just bought a loaner from my Infiniti dealer. Double check but all maintenance was done within 50 miles of the aggressive scheudule (3750 miles) and it is in great shape. And they will really stand behind it since it was theirs.

I don't see any problem. Please don't take great care of leased vehicles either. At least I know the service shop kept a close eye on it. Mine is a great car.

 

A loaner? Pass. Not worth it IMO. The things you describe are not from a well kept X. Even if they fix it, you'll probably have more troubles down the road. Just my $.02.