REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

SofaKingFast · 03-01-2014, 05:15 PM

Currently looking to buy a 2005 g35 coupe as my first car. I have been scanning through g35driver and have used the search bar here, researching here to there.
Any G owners here want to give me a few pointers when checking it out?

The power windows seem to fail often, and i heard the 6mt burns oil. I know its an expensive car to feed being a student, but my trips will usually be 15min drives to SFU and back.

Any input will be appreciated. Kinda had a thing for this car since the 8th grade lol

Holeshot · 03-01-2014, 06:28 PM

The Mt models had a tsb for the oil burning that required motor replacement. Automatic tranny are just boring to drive. Squeaks and rattles as it get old. Gas guzzler. Expensive insurance.

Not a car for the student budget Imo. But the engine sounds fantastic.
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wonton1017 · 03-01-2014, 06:30 PM

Had an 06 g35 coupe for ~4 years.

Only thing I had against the g35 was that the interior is a major turn off (probably worst in class), gas mileage was horrible and the performance is not impressive for the amount of gas it consumes. The gas mileage was literally 0.2l/100km better than a E92 M3.

Maybe I was just lucky, but I literally did not have a SINGLE problem with the car. $0 into repairs.

And you should probably go for a 2006 g35 coupe instead due to the improved interior, better/updated body kit, 19" sport wheels, projector headlights, newer taillights and a LESS ugly trunk spoiler. Can't imagine how bad the non-updated interior will be...

But make sure it does have everything above before you spend the extra on getting an 06 over the 05. I've seen some CL ads where they say its a 2006 g35 coupe but it has the old body kit, 17" wheels and lights. Those are either US cars or went through some repairs, all Canadian 06-07 g35 coupes don't have options to NOT have the sport body kit.

I believe the 05 has SOME of those upgrades but not all of it. Those projector headlights are crucial.

I know you barely notice any of these small changes between the two but once you own the car, you will regret it if you don't get the 06+.

2006-2007:

2003-2005:

kwy · 03-01-2014, 07:14 PM

How much do you have to spend? The G37s coupe has depreciated tons, I would almost suggest spending a little more on one of those if you have the cash. Much, much better interior, more power. But some people prefer the styling of the G35.

Guy above has a point with the G35 interior not being top notch, but I don't think it's worst in class(05+ anyway)..try sitting in an e90 and see how fast the interior drains your soul. 03-04 interior kinda sucks though, material and build quality wise. If you're set on a G35 then I would definitely suggest an 06-07.

Climate control/radio tends to fail, I think its a problem that runs through the entire production run. Not covered under a recall for the most part. Most owners put in a double din to replace the factory radio/climate control board. Will cost you $400-$1000+.

Yes, it is an absolute pig on gas.

No mods will give you significant +HP on the vq short of forced induction.

Mine is an 03, but it has the headlights from an 06 which are much better.

You'll find yourself slowly adding parts from the 06-07s if you buy an older one, so just do it right the first time and buy an 06-07. Honest advice from an 03 owner.

It is a reliable vehicle, and it won't leave you stranded. Most of the parts that tend to fail are not related to the drive train. Radio, window motors/regulators, power locks.

multicartual · 03-01-2014, 07:49 PM

A friend of mine has a 2008 or so G car, not sure which model, but his interior trim is falling apart. 90k on the car.

Super Dipper · 03-01-2014, 07:51 PM

great cars. oil burning issue in the 05-06 was a problem. ive had mine for a while now and the car is solid. zero issues since day one. interiors are a bit lacking I will say that.

depending on what you want to spend, I might be putting mine up for sale soon. its dark graphite 03 coupe with a hks blower. pm me if interested.
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ShanghaiKid · 03-01-2014, 07:56 PM

03 coupe here. As mentioned, its not a cheap car to maintain. It does eat a bit of gas if you drive like an idiot, although I can average about 450 a tank If I drive conservatively (6mt). Electrical issues like window motors dying, climate change dying, radio dying occassionally, and door actuator's dying are common in the first generation models. I'll have to agree with putting in a bit of extra money to look into a 06+ or even an early g37 since they've managed to smooth out all the kinks in the car.

Drivetrain/engine wise, car is generally bulletproof, so you shouldn't need to worry too much about it mechanically (which would end up tearing a hole in your pockets). Mind you, keeping all the electrical components maintained will still give you a run for your money, although if you're technically savvy you can save yourself some labour costs.

edit: yea the interior is a little dated, but the exterior was way ahead of its time imo.

SofaKingFast · 03-01-2014, 08:18 PM

I've saved up 11g from work over the past 3 years, but my parents are gonna be a huge contributor once i get into SFU. Lets say 15? I think the 06's are mint, if i get the chance to see one up for sale then i'd for sure consider it.

How much are you guys paying for insurance with your discounts?
I've also considered maybe a TL since it fits under my budget, but the G sounds so majestic..

Fafine · 03-01-2014, 09:01 PM

s2k

JackyJai · 03-01-2014, 10:41 PM

06 G35 Coupe 6MT here
Its an excellent all around car.
Fun, comfy, decent power, reliable.
I don't find the interior is that bad.
Its not Audi level but it's not Hyundai level (I don't understand why people complain about the interior. Porsche pre 991 models are just as bad but no one complain about it).
I believe Infiniti will replace the engine if it has oil consumption (check with dealer).
And I also dont understand why people complain about gas mileage on a sports car.
What do you expect on a 300hp sports car?

meme405 · 03-01-2014, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackyJai

And I also dont understand why people complain about gas mileage on a sports car.
What do you expect on a 300hp sports car?

There are lots of other sports cars that use A LOT less gas, but I agree with you, in the long run its not a reason to complain too much about the car.

As is always said around here; you gotta pay to play.

underscore · 03-01-2014, 11:11 PM

You guys are weird, I like the look of the 03-05 much better. I also like the interior, but to be honest I don't have much experience in any comparable cars. The seats are very comfy and they sound sexy as fuck IMO, the backseats are absolutely puny but the trunk is quite large, you can fit two sets of golf clubs in the trunk which is what sold my parents on one.

Also don't those engines have an issue with plastic timing belt guides wearing out and causing the valves to get smashed?

T4RAWR · 03-01-2014, 11:43 PM

as others have suggested go for an 06+

J.C · 03-01-2014, 11:55 PM

i think parents throwing in around 4k on top of his 11k

T4RAWR · 03-01-2014, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.C

i think parents throwing in around 4k on top of his 11k

thanks, totally misread that

donot521 · 03-02-2014, 12:04 AM

I had 05 G for 8 years and sold it last year
i had no problem with it but it is crazy on gas
it is fun to drive, lots aftermarket parts if you are looking to mod it and YES it sounds mad.

Timpo · 03-02-2014, 12:10 AM

The G35 is very nice car, make sure to get a Vaydor bodykit

Grim · 03-02-2014, 12:28 AM

isnt a G like 90 bucks to fill up for 350-400km?
assuming our gas prices stay the same..

kwy · 03-02-2014, 12:31 AM

Definitely get a G35 coupe over a TL..once you drive the G you won't be able to live with the Honda.

Yes the exhaust tone is sexy as fuck. Its purrs. Redline sounds sick as well.

For 15k you could easily grab an 06..but don't forget to factor in insurance expense, maintenance, GAS, some repairs and mods, and did I mention gas..

I can't speak for the sedan(why would you get the sedan version anyway) but the coupe trunk is useless. Very shallow. Rear seats are somewhat usable. I've had the car packed with 3 adults and it was alright.

dared3vil0 · 03-02-2014, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwy

Definitely get a G35 coupe over a TL..once you drive the G you won't be able to live with the Honda.

So if a TL is just a "Honda", wouldn't that make a G35 just a "Nissan"?

kwy · 03-02-2014, 12:34 AM

Well yes. A Nissan skyline 350gt to be exact.

JackyJai · 03-02-2014, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grim

isnt a G like 90 bucks to fill up for 350-400km?
assuming our gas prices stay the same..

A full tank will go over 450km with some what spirited driving.
Dropped to below 350km after full bolt ons but no ECU.

ScratchedMy991 · 03-02-2014, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackyJai

A full tank will go over 450km with some what spirited driving.
Dropped to below 350km after full bolt ons but no ECU.

7 km/L fuel "economy" on a car with a 75L tank is going to wear out the sexiness of that exhaust tone pretty quickly.

knight604 · 03-02-2014, 01:30 PM

If the car is stock , it will get 400km+ ish... insurance is meh , same as suv basically .

3800 without discount , full coverage.

gas is rape on this car though , pay to play.

Aim for 06-07, well worth the extra cash for upgrade headlights/taillights , body styling (if sports package) and spoiler.

IIRC, the projector headlights are discontinued now so the prices are rape if you want a new pair.

It's rare to find a white with black interior , i dont believe they made many of those because ive only seen like maybe two and the rest is tan or some other ugly color.

Very reliable car , barely had to do much for this car .

Timeless design imo.

JSALES · 03-02-2014, 02:53 PM

I used to have an '03 G35 which I owned for about a year

- it was standard transmission and bad on gas
- insurance was pretty expensive as well
- I did love the sound of it though

Quote:

Originally Posted by knight604

If the car is stock , it will get 400km+ ish... insurance is meh , same as suv basically .

3800 without discount , full coverage.

gas is rape on this car though , pay to play.

Aim for 06-07, well worth the extra cash for upgrade headlights/taillights , body styling (if sports package) and spoiler.

IIRC, the projector headlights are discontinued now so the prices are rape if you want a new pair.

It's rare to find a white with black interior , i dont believe they made many of those because ive only seen like maybe two and the rest is tan or some other ugly color.

Very reliable car , barely had to do much for this car .

Timeless design imo.

lol I had a white with black interior, maybe it was one of the rare ones