What's up ClubLexus!

Earlier this year I made the switch over to the Nissan-Infiniti family as the not-as-proud-anymore owner of a 2003 G35 cooupe, after totalling my old SC300 in the rain. Some cliff notes:

-Bought G35 in February of this year with 81k miles
-Spent about $2.5k in mods (Nismo bumper, updated projector headlights, HO tints, etc.)
-Spent another $2.5k in maintenance and repairs (new brakes front and back, 90k service, and a new e-brake system w/ rear wheel hubs b/c e-brake was engaging randomly causing rear rotors to warp and crack- this was $1800 to fix)
-Now, 8 months later and with 92k on the clock, the dealership told me my valve covers are leaking. It's $1,800 to fix, but I have a friend who's a DIYer and the parts would only cost $350. If I do fix it, I'd send it over to my DIY friend.

I bought the G35 for $16,400 including tax and title fees, and spent roughly $5k on mods, repairs, and maintenance. I'd be able to sell the car out for about $15k as is. Even if I take tax out of the equation ($1400), I'd still be losing out on about $5k after eight months (probably only $4k if I take the time and mileage depreciation into consideration).

So my question: Should I suck up the losses and buy a new car (most likely a 2011 WRX or 2011 GTI) or a CPO-car with warranty remaining? My concern is that because the G35 is getting so old so fast (I average about 20k miles a year) that additional problems will continue to crop up in the future. My other alternative is to drive it until next summer, when the mileage is around 100k, but prospective buyers might be turned off by the high mileage. And of course there's the option of just fixing it and keeping my fingers crossed that nothing else will go wrong.

It's an excellent car (immense engine power, still turns hears, and I enjoy the exhaust note) and I would hate to see it go, but it's being quite a gold digger. Your advice is much appreciated.

 

Cut your losses, as in the grand scheme of things it's really not to bad and move on to something newer with a warranty. Nissans/Infinitis arent called Japanese BMW's for no reason (at least I call them that) as replacement parts are very costly and expensive. Though I do like how they look and drive and the Vq motor does sound great and moves out well. But with the amount of driving you do anually I would move on, I tend to average the same amount of miles you do if not a little more.

 

I think you should let it go. Why don't you look for another car? s.th like 06-07 WRX or/and STi, 06-07 IS250 or older model IS300, these are nice a little car and they are reliable. Why don't you clarify what you really need for what price range?

 

the g35 seems to become more of a money pit now. personally, i'd ditch it and get something a little more reliable. you may be losing out on money now, but in the long run, it should be worthwhile, especially considering how much you estimate driving per year and the a newer vehicle with a warranty. the only downside would be initial cost and with that new car payments instead of owning the car outright with the g35. but at the same time, keep it if it is still able to run properly. maybe the 350 for repairing the valve covers might be worth it to not have new car payments. best of luck!

 

Get a new car that you like and can afford, break it in properly, drive it sensibly, and take care of it. Do this correctly, and you probably won't have the problems you've experienced with these used cars, although some new European-designed models may (?) give you some electrical problems no matter how well you take care of them.

 

Taking my finances into consideration my budget would be under $30,000. @mmarshall I absolutely agree on the "can afford part"!

I'd like my new ride to last for at least 4 years. Two cars I have been looking into are the MK6 GTI and the updated 2011 WRX. Been told the Mazdaspeed3 and RX-8 are also good choices. Have not really taken the Civic Si into consideration because everyone and their mom drives one in Northern California.

Another alternative is to buy a CPO-car, such as IS250 or a G37, but considering that most CPO cars are lease-returns they've probably been abused/neglected, and most of them are at least 3-4 years old.

It seems like there are countless opportunities, my head is ready to implode from all the web diagrams I'm drawing.

 

stop taking your car to stealership rape department and learn to work on it yourself.

 

I would get rid of it and get something built better.

 

Consider finding a good independent mechanic/shop to get it fixed at more reasonable price. The dealership service department is nice for a price point only. Regardless this will be the most economical approach and cheaper than replacing the car.

Or replace it with a more reliable and lower mileage CPO car. This will satisfy the bug for a new car but will be much more expensive. Your budget and financial situation is your business and should be taken into consideration of course.

 

I also had a g35 coupe I sold due to commute miles. It was a bad choice. The coupe an 04 was fun and reliable, but bad on gas. I also read on the forums that these cars are not Toyota's that go 130k. Fortunately I did not take a loss. My advice is to sell NOW.

As for buying new I say defiantly don't jump on a band new car now. You can't enjoy a car when the car note matches the rent or house note. Since you drive a lot. You will depreciate your new car fast and get upside down.

Defiantly buy a used proven reliable car. I also don't think you need a CPO car. With the usual 2 - 4k mark up that's money that can be saved and sitting in the bank as a rainy day fund. You shouldn't have a break down that cost more then $500 unless you get a used M3 or E55 etc.... Screw the stealerships! Get a used privately owned car with no warranty.

Now on to some suggestions. I will soon sell my Mazda 3 so I have been doing research. I would try to find the following cars used with no need for cpo. They are also fun to drive and good on gas.

Mazda 3 Hatch 5 speed around 7 - 10k
TSX 6 speed 05 or 06 best years around 12 - 15k
Mazdaspeed 3 07 around 14 - 17k
GTI around 14 - 17k

I can personally vouch for the TSX and the Mazda 3 Hatch. My 05 TSX was a great reliable car. I went through a faze with it where I wanted to sell it because it was not as fast as my coupe but, I grew out of that and fell in love with it,.... well... until an old lady totaled it. I never had a problem with it maintenance was LOW and I had no warranty. My current car an 05 Mazda 3 Hatch is a blast. Its not fast but it handles like a gem, reliable and low in maintenance cost as any Toyota or Honda. I bought it with 100k for 7k and it has 136k now. I have not had one problem NO warranty.

Good Luck.