The Infiniti G35, a sporty and luxurious sedan and coupe, enjoyed a successful run, offering a compelling alternative to European competitors. Choosing the right year can significantly impact your ownership experience, as certain model years are known for their reliability and performance, while others faced specific issues. This guide will help you navigate the G35 landscape, identifying the best years to buy and those to potentially avoid.
Infiniti G35: Model Year Overview
| Model Year | Notable Features/Changes | Potential Issues/Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | First year of production; Powerful VQ35DE engine; Rear-wheel drive standard | Early production quirks; Potential for oil consumption; Transmission issues (automatic); Timing chain tensioner wear. |
| 2004 | Minor interior updates; Improved fuel efficiency | Similar issues to 2003, though potentially less prevalent; Oil consumption. |
| 2005 | Refreshed interior; Revised suspension tuning | Oil consumption remains a concern; Check for recalls. |
| 2006 | Exterior facelift (Coupe); Minor interior updates; Improved braking | Improved reliability compared to earlier years; Still check for oil consumption; Potential valve cover gasket leaks. |
| 2007 | Major redesign (Sedan); New VQ35HR engine (Sedan); Improved handling; More luxurious interior | VQ35HR engine known for its reliability; Potential for gallery gasket failure (Sedan); Check for electrical issues. |
| 2008 | Minor updates; Improved sound system | VQ35HR engine continues to be reliable (Sedan); Gallery gasket failure still a possibility (Sedan); Brake issues. |
| 2009 | No significant changes | Continued reliability of the VQ35HR (Sedan); Check for regular maintenance; Brake issues. |
| 2003-2007 (Coupe) | Classic G35 Coupe styling; Sporty driving experience | Oil consumption; Transmission issues (automatic); Timing chain tensioner wear. |
Detailed Explanations
2003: The inaugural year of the G35 came with the excitement of a fresh design and a potent engine. The VQ35DE engine delivered impressive performance for its time. However, being a first-year model, it's crucial to be aware of potential early production quirks. Specifically, be vigilant about oil consumption, which can be a common issue. Automatic transmissions in this year can also be prone to problems, and the timing chain tensioner is known to wear prematurely.
2004: Building upon the foundation of the 2003 model, the 2004 G35 introduced minor interior updates and aimed for improved fuel efficiency. While these changes were welcome, the core issues of the 2003 model persisted. Oil consumption remained a significant concern, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
2005: The 2005 G35 brought a refreshed interior and revised suspension tuning, enhancing the overall driving experience. While these improvements were positive, the issue of oil consumption continued to plague this model year. It's imperative to check for any outstanding recalls to ensure the vehicle is up to date with necessary repairs.
2006 (Coupe Facelift): The 2006 G35 Coupe received a significant exterior facelift, giving it a more modern and aggressive appearance. This year also saw minor interior updates and improved braking performance. While reliability improved compared to earlier years, oil consumption should still be checked. Additionally, potential valve cover gasket leaks are something to be aware of.
2007 (Sedan Redesign): The 2007 G35 Sedan underwent a major redesign, introducing the new and highly regarded VQ35HR engine. This engine offered improved performance and, more importantly, enhanced reliability compared to the earlier VQ35DE. The handling was also improved, and the interior became more luxurious. However, a potential issue to watch out for is gallery gasket failure, which can lead to oil leaks and reduced oil pressure. Also, check for electrical issues.
2008: The 2008 G35 received minor updates, including an improved sound system. The VQ35HR engine continued to be a reliable choice (Sedan). However, gallery gasket failure remained a possibility in the Sedan models. Brake issues were also reported by some owners, so ensure the braking system is in good condition.
2009: The 2009 G35 saw no significant changes, continuing the trend of reliability established by the 2007 and 2008 models. The VQ35HR engine remained a solid performer in the Sedan models. As with any used car, regular maintenance is crucial, so verify the vehicle's service history. Brake issues can still be a point of concern.
2003-2007 (Coupe): The G35 Coupe, spanning from 2003 to 2007, offered a classic G35 styling and a sporty driving experience. However, potential buyers should be aware of the common issues associated with these years, including oil consumption, automatic transmission problems, and timing chain tensioner wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which G35 year is the most reliable? The 2007-2009 Sedan models, equipped with the VQ35HR engine, are generally considered the most reliable due to the engine's improved design and reduced instances of common G35 issues.
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What is the most common problem with the G35? Oil consumption is a prevalent issue, particularly in the 2003-2006 models. Regular monitoring and maintenance are key to mitigating this problem.
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Is the VQ35DE engine reliable? While powerful, the VQ35DE engine found in the earlier G35 models is known for oil consumption and potential timing chain tensioner issues.
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Is the VQ35HR engine reliable? Yes, the VQ35HR engine, introduced in the 2007 Sedan, is generally considered more reliable due to its improved design and fewer reported issues compared to the VQ35DE.
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What should I look for when buying a used G35? Check for oil leaks, inspect the transmission for smooth shifting, listen for timing chain noise, and review the maintenance history. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.
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Are G35s expensive to maintain? Maintenance costs can be moderate, depending on the year and condition of the vehicle. Regular servicing and addressing issues promptly can help prevent more costly repairs down the line.
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Is the G35 a good first car? While the G35 offers a sporty driving experience and luxurious features, its rear-wheel-drive configuration and potential maintenance costs may not make it the ideal first car for inexperienced drivers.
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What is the gas mileage like on a G35? Expect around 17-20 mpg in the city and 24-27 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine, transmission, and driving style.
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What is the difference between the G35 sedan and coupe? The G35 sedan is a four-door vehicle, while the coupe is a two-door vehicle with a sportier design. The 2007 redesign only applied to the sedan.
Conclusion
Choosing the right year of the Infiniti G35 can make all the difference in your ownership experience. While the earlier models (2003-2006) offer a classic G35 experience, they are prone to issues like oil consumption. The 2007-2009 Sedan models, with the VQ35HR engine, generally provide the best balance of performance and reliability. Always conduct a thorough inspection before purchasing any used G35.