93.5 purchase advice needed

[grondike]

Greetings,

Just discovered the site (and forum) today while scanning the 'net for G20 info. Looks like a good place to hang out and leech info.

I just started looking for something to replace my '87 Stanza, and this popped up on the radar. Someone at work (who I didn't know previously) posted a 93.5 G20 for sale on the intranet bb. Following is the text of the ad.

4-door, automatic, leather, sunroof, CD player, antilock brakes, keyless remote entry, power adjustable seats, green exterior, tan interior, airbags. 4 cylinder, 2.0 liter. One owner, Carfax report available. 136,000 miles. Never been in an accident, has had regular oil changes. Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide rates the Infiniti G20 as having “exceptional” reliability.

I took it for a test drive at lunchtime, and will have my Nissan wizard mechanic check it out on Thursday. It runs well, and seems to be in pretty good shape. The only problems she knew of were broken power antenna (motor?), display on stereo not functioning, repaired chip in windshield, and a motor mount replacement a while back.

Asking price is $2600, which seems to be pretty good from looking at KBB and Edmunds. Assuming my mechanic give it a thumbs-up, should I go for it?

And if I do, what kind of cost am I looking at for the power antenna and stereo repair or replacement? Seems to be a model-specific unit with separate receiver/cassette module and CD player. Can I stick an aftermarket unit in there? What other problems could I conceivably see in the near future with this amount of miles?

Here's what it looks like.

http://home.nc.rr.com/jcurran/G20.jpg

TIA.

Regards,

Jim

[tnpartsguy]

1st thing, you can ditch the power antenna, it also has one embedded in the rear window. If you want to replace it, more than likely it's only the mast, less than $30 retail.

2nd, replace the stereo with something newer. More than likely the speakers are crap/or dry rotted anyway. IF you just wanna stick something in the dash, remeber you have amps, and will require an adapter (www.crutchfield.com).

3rd, is it an Auto or a stick? If it's a stick, I'm gonna get jealous...

4th, enjoy the HELL out of this site, you will be AMAZED at the info you can get here. And the deals, check out the buy/sell forums. Also check out the Nissan/Infiniti owners Group http://www.nissaninfiniticlub.com/ Another good site. Not as good as this, and not G20 specific, but a good reference.

From one newbie to another though, use the search feature, as the old farts get bitchie about it.... <G>

[DaPCWiz]

<-- 93.5 G20 Owner as well

I pretty much agree with everything tnpartsguy said, I've had the car since 96 and I love it. It sounds like a good deal to me and I'd go for it. My 93.5 has pretty much the same problems... for now I have disconnected the motor to the antenna, but I'll replace it someday, dun seem to have too much of a problem w/o it working tho. A new head unit will easily fit it, and it's a great car to have as well as fun to drive. go for it

[Cliffgump]

Price seems decent, although i highly recommend finding one with a 5spd, you'll regret getting the automatic after owning the car for a while.

[pwr\\leather//trim]

Ive got a 93.5, auto, I wish it was a stick but i love it to no end nonetheless. If it checks out OK get it! Ive had mine for 7 months now and haven't for a day regretted buying it. Wonderful cars, thats all I can say! But i dont know about the green paint, I like silver!

[JASG20]

The green is sort of rare...havent seen many actually.

I have a 93. Its really a great car, and value wise its one good deal. As for the power antenna, the motor is not necessarily dead but theres a piece of plastic that pushes the antenna up and down. As others said, though, u dont need it and ive been doing fine without it.

a stereo is extremely easy to install except for the amp, but everything is pretty much do-it-yourself.

Good thing he has the motor mounts replaced because they need to be replaced at around 70-80k(?).

Anyway, problems that might occur and are very common:
Starter, Blower motor resistor, Antenna (as u very well know)and thats about all i can think of off the top of my head...

IF this car has good records and proper oil changes, it should last you for a long time. The price is good, i say go for it. Look around in the newspapers and on autotrader, though, because a 5speed comes around once in a while and goes for a good price. Anyway if you're OK with auto, i say go ahead with it because its just a matter of preference. I have a 5 speed and i love it. But the G20 is a great car auto or stick and you should be pleased with it as most here are.

Good luck
JAS

[TeqP]

I have that exact same color in the 5 speed. I have had the car for over 6 years now and have not encountered any major problems. Like JASG20 said, the starter and blower motor resistor seem prone to needing replacement, but what can you expect from a car that is close to 10 years old anyway. I replaced both parts already.
Another area to check would be the CV boots. If they have not been changed, they could need replacing soon. If the motor is strong when your mechanic checks it and you like the car, I would buy it. I think the price is right

Good luck in your decision.

[Fraychild]

You're getting yourself one hell of a good deal.
First off... Welcome to G20.net, information flows on this forum like water in a river... All you have to do is ask and you'll find answers.
I have a friend of mine who owns a (dark?) Green 96' automatic and his ride is very sweet. I personally own a Black, 92', 5 speed, I've had it since May of last year, and I have absolutely no complaints about the car. It's a smooth ride, it's known to have great handling due to the suspension, pretty comfortable and reliable. I think the price is right... but that's just because of the mileage on it... I believe what the seller's described should be worth a lil' more if you ask me...
The antenna is no headache, it's a very common problem with this car... 7 out of 10 people on here probably encountered it... including myself... I just don't pay it no mind... Disconnect it as perviously suggested, it shouldn't disrupt anything.
The radio can be replaced... easily. If indeed you have separate cassette/CD players... they sell head units made to fit such factory set-ups, so no sweat there... Try any electronic stores (BestBuy, CircuitCity, PCRichards, Crutchfield) and you'll be set.
Judging by the picture, this car looks like it was taken good care of, which is comforting.
It's also a good thing that the motor mount(s) were replaced, I had to do so myself after about 100K on the car.
There are many other things that can be done to a G20, and many things to learn about it... Especially if you're a car enthusiast.
Like they mentioned before, use the SEARCH button alot... Not that the "old farts" bitch about it... It's just that most likely, and I mean MOST LIKELY, your question was already asked and answered at one point and the answer is there for you to get...

Good luck...

Oh... by the way... tnspartsguy... you're not a newbie anymore... You're getting closer to being an 'old fart' yourself LOL j/k

B!

[Chris]

<previous quote>
Price seems decent, although i highly recommend finding one with a 5spd, you'll regret getting the automatic after owning the car for a while.
<end quote>

I'd have to agree with this statement! I got bored after just under a year of G20 93.5 ownership and just under 20K miles and now own a 5-speed Beetle!


...otherwise, with 136K on an auto, check to make sure the tranny is in good shape because I've been told the auto tranny is only really good for up to 140K miles before needing to be replaced (..that is just wears out from age).. and this is NOT a cheap fix!

[tnpartsguy]

Naw, I'm an old fart in real life, but on here, I'm just a JR Member, or maybe someday a sponsor!! But I'll never be a "GURU" Like you!! Mostly I listen, and try not to but in unless I can offer something real, unlike I am doing now.....

OK, here's some content, I fixed my Antenna, but during the cold months I unplug the connector to the motor so I don't rebreak it due to ice, Radio still plays fine most of the time, and when it don't the tape deck was never used by any of the previous owners, and I have a lot of books on tape.....I still want another factory CD player, but havn't found one in my price range yet (CHEAP or even better FREE)......LOL

Dang, 3rd edit to one post! BTW, sounds like Chris gets bored with cars really quick....find the post about how many cars they went through in ...what....2 yrs?

[DonSwier]

Go for it!

You won't regret this purchase (although the 5spd advice you hear from the others is worth heeding)

BTW.... did you own a Prelude before the Stanza?

I've always wanted to ask that

!!!!!

[Chris]

remember to double check all the windows to make sure they go up and down easily! ...replacing the window motors isn't cheap either...

..and in the center console, make sure all the window switches work along with the central lock feature --- it has been known that folks spill pop on this part of the car and then the switches have to be replaced -- not fun!


Otherwise, good luck! My former G20 served me well! It was a really good reliable car and very comfortable and quiet with fantastic visibility!

[Fraychild]

tnpartsguy... stop picking on me already!

[Chris]

Hey Tnpartsguy...

Your right, we get bored with cars easily... ...especially after long road trips.....


....but my records are as follows:

Shortest time owning a car = 5 months (87 VW Fox 4-speed)
Longest Time Owning a car = 7 years (89 Merkur XR4Ti)

...for my boyfriend,

Shortest time owning a car = 3 weeks (The '01 Beetle I have now)
Longest time owning a car = 4 years (His 67 Dodge Dart)


...I think I average out to 1 car per year while my boyfriend averages out to 3 cars a year -- LOL

[grondike]

I appreciate all the information posted, and now have quite a few things to look at tomorrow. I'll be getting the car at lunchtime to take it in to be checked, so I'll be able to wring it out a little while driving it.

I'm actually looking forward to having an auto for a while, since a lot of my day to day driving is spent in stop-and-go traffic. It's a bit of a pain to have to shift constantly and not get above 2nd or 3rd. I'll probably miss it soon enough, though.

-Jim

P.S. No Prelude before the Stanza, Don, but I am looking for a nice Interlude or Postlude for my wife.

[Double Overhead]

Of course my 93.5 is the best model of all p10's due to the following:

1. It doesnt have the annnoying seatbelts from the 91-93
2. It has the highport motor with the good cam.
3. It has matching molding mirrors
4. Dual airbags

Did I miss anything?

[g20chick]

I'm on my second 93.5 g20. After i totalled my first one for the third time I would not buy anything but another 93.5 G20. I love them to peices. they're great cars , and the airbags work.

[jbloggs_c]

I happen to like the motorized seatbelts. But anyway thats an incredible price. If you dont buy it I will.

Oh hey what kind of converter is needed to work with the factory amp? I had circuit city put in my head unit so how can I check if they did this or not?

[Chris]

If your radio works, they probably put in the proper components..


BTW:

The 93.5 also has the improved ABS unit found in the 94-96 P10s as well as the improved Auto tranny

[grondike]

Other than the issues noted in the first post, most of what my mechanic found were normal maintenance items that need to be done, ie. tune-up w/plug wire and dist. cap replacement, drive belt and front seal replacement, possible rotor replacement next time the brakes are done if they can't safely be turned.

I know that the asking price of $2600 was a pretty good deal anyway, but I offered $2300 based on the write-up, and it was accepted!

Woo-hoo, I'm a soon-to-be G20 owner!

now to start some shopping...