The most commonly advised year to avoid is the 2003 and 2004 Infiniti G35; if you must buy a G35, look for a well-documented 2005 or 2006 with complete service records.
Year-by-year guidance
Here is a quick snapshot of the G35 years most buyers encounter. Keep in mind that individual vehicle history and maintenance matter far more than the model year alone.
- 2003 Infiniti G35 — first year of this generation; as with many first-year models, some reliability quirks show up in owner reports and recalls. If considering one, require comprehensive maintenance records and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
- 2004 Infiniti G35 — continued early-year reliability concerns for some owners; improvements over 2003 exist, but the year is still viewed by many shoppers as more risk-prone than later years.
- 2005 Infiniti G35 — generally considered a more mature, refined option within the generation; a solid pick when backed by full maintenance history and a clean vehicle report.
- 2006 Infiniti G35 — the final year of the original G35 lineup; often recommended by buyers who want a later-model example with fewer early-year quirks, assuming it’s well cared for.
These impressions reflect a mix of owner reports, recalls, and common maintenance patterns. Always verify a specific car’s history, and have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection before committing to purchase.
Buying tips and checks
To minimize risk when shopping for a used G35, use this practical checklist alongside the year considerations above. This helps you separate a well-maintained example from a high-risk one.
- Recalls and service history: Confirm all recalls have been completed; check the VIN with NHTSA, Infiniti, or a trusted recall service tool.
- Engine and transmission health: Listen for abnormal noises, ensure smooth startup and idle, and verify clean transmission shifts without slipping or hard engagement.
- Oil consumption and leaks: Look for signs of oil leaks around seals, gaskets, and the rear main; ask for recent oil consumption history if available.
- Suspension and steering: Inspect bushings, control arms, tie rods, and tie-rod ends; check for clunks or looseness during a test drive.
- Electricals and airbags: Test all lights, gauges, power accessories, and climate controls; verify airbag status is current in the dash indicators.
- Maintenance records: Favor cars with complete service records—especially for items like timing chain/water pump (if applicable), brake components, tires, and suspension work.
- Vehicle history report: Use Carfax/AutoCheck to check for accidents, title issues, odometer irregularities, and previous ownership.
- Pre-purchase inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, cooling system, and fuel system; pay attention to any corrosion or frame damage.
With these checks, you’ll have a clearer sense of a specific G35’s condition, regardless of its exact year.
Summary
There isn’t a single universal “bad” year for the Infiniti G35, but the 2003 and 2004 models are most often cited as higher-risk points to avoid unless you have strong maintenance history and a favorable inspection. If you’re aiming for reliability within the original G35 lineup, prioritize a well-documented 2005 or 2006 model and verify all recalls and service history. Always pair year-based expectations with a thorough inspection and a solid history report for best results.
How many miles will a G35 last?
With proper care and maintenance, your Infiniti G35 can reach more than 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs.
What is the best year of G35 to buy?
Which INFINITI G35 years are the best? Overall, the G35 and its G37 successor are solidly reliable cars, but it seems like later years in each generation are more sorted out in terms of reliability and quality. Among G35s, that means roughly 2005 to 2007 versions are the best ones to go for.
Which Infiniti G35 to avoid?
The best years of the Infiniti G35 are: 2007-2008 and 2004. The years you should absolutely avoid are: 2003 and 2005-2006. Most issues are related to the engine, specifically the variable-valve timing (VVT) system.
What is the bad year for Infiniti G35?
What are the worst INFINITI G35 years? The 2003 and 2004 models have more owner complaints on crowd-sourced sites like CarComplaints.com, and many G35 forums (the car has a big fan base) also find more electrical and trim issues in these early years.