FS: 2002 Infiniti I35 - One Owner, Dad's Old Whip

[Jake]

I'm gonna copypasta from my Craigslist ad, but Dad's old car is for sale. He bought it brand new from Rosenthal Infiniti in Tyson's Corner in November '02. Finally moved on (upgraded?) to a 2013 Power Hardtop Miata. So... I want this sold. Would be a great first car, college car, "super nice beater" and so on.

It's been a good 11 years, but it's time to move the ol' girl along. I'm selling this 2002 Infiniti I35 on behalf of my parents. It is a one-owner car that my dad bought brand new from Rosenthal Infiniti of Tyson's Corner in November of 2002. I sat in the backseat as an excited 13-year-old on the test drive and goofed around in a Q45 in the showroom while he signed the paperwork.

Dad recently purchased a new car, and neither my parents (nor I) have space or interest in keeping this around.

The Basics
• 2002 Infiniti I35 -- essentially the nicest '02 Nissan Maxima you could buy that year
• 153,500 miles. This will go up slightly, as I'm commuting 30 miles round-trip in it until it's sold
• Obsidian Black over Black leather
• 3.5L V6 motor -- Nissan's quasi-legendary "VQ35" that's found in everything from the 350Z to their minivan
• 4-speed Automatic Transmission (nothing legendary, but it shifts well)

Nice/Cool/Awesome Things It Has
• Heated front AND rear leather seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Front and side airbags
• Automatic climate control with cold AC
• HID headlights
• Power-adjustable front seats (driver moves 8 ways, passenger moves 4)
• Driver's "auto-entry/exit" seat (moves the seat all the way back to ease ingress/exit)
• Power sunroof that tilts and slides
• 7-speaker Bose audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and subwoofer
• HomeLink garage door opener on the sun visor
• Folding rear seats
• Power rear sunshade
• THREE keys and keyless entry fobs (one set looks brand new, because it is)

Has It Been In A Crash?
Nothing concerning, no.

In 2004, at 20k miles, a truck wheel/tire came across the highway and smacked the side of the car. The driver's front fender was repaired and driver's front door skin was replaced. You'd never know anything had happened, but in the interest of full disclosure...

The rear bumper was replaced in 2005. I don't remember the story on this one, but I think an old lady backed into the car while it was parked.

I have insurance paperwork documenting both repairs.

How Has It Been Maintained?
Fairly lovingly, I'd say. Dad always took it to Rosenthal Infiniti for the big services, and to a local shop for smaller things. I have paperwork documenting a lot of the maintenance.

It's got new spark plugs and drive belts. An oil change will be due in the next 2k miles. The front tires will need replacing in the next ~5k miles or so. Rears are good for a bit longer.

I'm fairly sure (but don't have the receipts to prove it) that the struts/shocks were replaced around 120k miles and that it has a newer radiator (within the last year or so).

What Does It Need? What's Broken?
• Front tires (I'm leaving this up to you -- as an enthusiast, I hate when a seller puts the cheapest WalMart tires on their car and thinks it's a good thing. Go pick out tires you like, I've priced it accordingly)
• An oil change. I can do it if you really, really want to. And maybe if you bring me a six-pack of beer.
• The exhaust has taken on a bit of a drone. It's gone from sounding like a dead-silent luxosedan to a quasi-350Z. Doesn't bother me, but it might bother you.

Otherwise, it seems to drive like any other 11-year-old Nissan. Nothing is glaringly wrong or broken. It doesn't seem to be leaking any fluids. It drives well both around town and on the highway. The motor is strong and the transmission shifts well with no slipping.

It's a pretty solid car that would be great for anyone wanting a nice car on a budget. As I've mentioned, it's essentially a Maxima in high heels, so most parts/repairs/maintenance are not terribly costly.

I'm asking $4,900 and am entirely open to discussion about what you think is a fair price. My goal is to sell the car, not sit on it trying to squeeze every last dollar from some poor buyer. If you're interested, let's chat.

More photos available on Imgur: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://imgur.com/a/smfOV">http://imgur.com/a/smfOV</a><!-- m -->

[Ken]

Man. I really could use a commuter car. What's it getting em pee gee wise these days?

[Jake]

Man. I really could use a commuter car. What's it getting em pee gee wise these days?

My commute is 17 miles and is half-highway, half-stoplights-on-highway. It'll do 23-24 doing that sort of driving.

A few years ago, the Davids and I took it up to Greenwich, CT and it got 28-29 on that all-highway drive.

Very comfy for commuting, if you don't mind the lack of a third pedal.

[JustinG]

do the VQs require premium?

[Jake]

do the VQs require premium?

It doesn't need it. It'll run fine on 87. I think dad usually put mid-grade in it.

Not like a 20¢/gallon difference between regular and premium makes much impact on your wallet though. It's an 18.5 gallon tank. Assuming it's bone-dry, that's $3.70 per tankful.

[JustinG]

Yea, I know, was just curious. Didn't know if the premium requirement was across the board or just on certain models that are "tuned" (350Z)

I think it is funny when people write off a car cause it takes premium, but alot of folks are concerned about it.

[Ken]

ehh, not as true up here. Difference can be almost 40-50 cents, that adds up a bit quicker.

Either way, going to see if I can make the numbers work. Very interested.

[Jake]

ehh, not as true up here. Difference can be almost 40-50 cents, that adds up a bit quicker.

Either way, going to see if I can make the numbers work. Very interested.

Wow, didn't realize the difference. Well, throw 87 or 89 or whatever (just not diesel) in it and it'll run fine.

Feel free to PM/text/call if you have more direct questions, Ken. Happy to show you things by video if you want to hear the exhaust or see anything moving/working.