What to look for when pre-purchasing a 2005 FX35

D

DChan88

Member
Location
Vancouver
Car
2005 fx35 awd
Hi all,

New to the forums, not sure if this is the right spot for my question but if not please move my thread.

I'm looking to buy a 2005 FX35 and it's getting pretty close. It currently has 48000 miles so about 78000KM. Talked him down to $10,000 as he bought a new MDX or that's what he says.

What are common problems with these vehicles? What should I look for?

Should I even bother taking it into Infiniti for an vehicle inspection or are these cars tough as rocks?

1 problem I noticed is his exhaust or muffler makes a sound when he drove off after I test drove his vehicle. This may be the flange wearing out?

He said he would let me take it in for inspection but I test drove the vehicle and it seems fine, and I will be taking a look at the vehicle today again and make sure it's the exhaust and not the engine or something.


Thanks
 
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To be more thorough, you need to get it on a lift. Check wheels bearings, balljoints and tie rods for play. Remove the splash guard and check for any oil and/or coolant leaks on and near the engine. Drive it and see if the brakes shudder at all and if the vehicle pulls to one side.
 
STIBungy said:
To be more thorough, you need to get it on a lift. Check wheels bearings, balljoints and tie rods for play. Remove the splash guard and check for any oil and/or coolant leaks on and near the engine. Drive it and see if the brakes shudder at all and if the vehicle pulls to one side.
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Thanks, I will be test driving it today but the only thing is we won't be able to get it on a lift as he is a bank manager and he doesn't get off work till 430 usually and not that many mechanic shops open late or take appointments after 3.

His insurance runs out this Sunday as he bought a new car so it's pretty hard for me to take it to a shop.

Worse comes worse if there leaks on the vehicle how much would it cost to repair or is this a big no-no.


Thanks
 
One of the more common leaks is the valve cover gasket, results in spark plug wells full of oil. It's not catastrophic, but you do have to replace the entire valve covers to fix. That's an easy thing to check though. But there's not really any huge common issue that could be catastrophic. It's basically a G35 mechanically. If there are good maintenance records, I wouldn't worry too much. 48000 miles is relatively low, but it is a 10 year old car so it's not going to be perfect. Check for rust, that's a pretty common thing, but it's mostly surface rust and not a structural problem.
 
shadow191 said:
One of the more common leaks is the valve cover gasket, results in spark plug wells full of oil. It's not catastrophic, but you do have to replace the entire valve covers to fix. That's an easy thing to check though. But there's not really any huge common issue that could be catastrophic. It's basically a G35 mechanically. If there are good maintenance records, I wouldn't worry too much. 48000 miles is relatively low, but it is a 10 year old car so it's not going to be perfect. Check for rust, that's a pretty common thing, but it's mostly surface rust and not a structural problem.
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Thanks so much Shadow191,

I will check the car for leaks. Only other thing I noticed like I mentioned was when he drove off I heard some rattling sounds like its from the exhaust. And then I googled common problems and noticed that the flange might be rusted and just needs to be welded on a new pipe. And if the exhaust is messed, I plan to get an Invidia exhaust anyways so that shouldn't be an issue?

Thanks!

---------- Post added at 09:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:06 AM ----------
zebra555 said:
Welcome to :iS:
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Thanks Zebra

---------- Post added at 09:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 AM ----------

Sorry one more question.

If I turn on the AC and blow it to max and if there is something wrong would I smell engine oil or oil burning through the vents?


Thanks!
 
That's an indication of oil leaks. Any leaks you can see in the engine bay? It can also be a leaky oil cooler o-ring which splatter the engine oil under the engine.
 
la_fx35 said:
That's an indication of oil leaks. Any leaks you can see in the engine bay? It can also be a leaky oil cooler o-ring which splatter the engine oil under the engine.
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I'm meeting with the seller later today after work but I'll make sure I check the engine bay area and see if there's any leaks.

Thanks guys!
 
Hi all,

So i checked out the car one more time and it's pretty good. I believe....

No leaks that I can see.

Only thing is the rear passenger side window button doesn't really work but that should be an easy fix.

Thanks guys I will be getting the car on Saturday!
 
It seems like a excellent buy for the mileage. I just bought a 2006 fx for $16,000 that has 68,000 miles. I'm happy with it. It's been almost 2 months of daily driving, and I haven't seen or heard any issues yet. (I have my fingers crossed)
 
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