Considering the Purchase of 2003 M45

[ChiefRider]

Hello all,

I've been lurking and reading posts for the last few days, researching the pros and cons of a Y34 (correct?) M45. I wasn't looking for one, but it sort of hit me from left field, and I'm interested.

The car belongs to a friends family member, and is one owner from new, 60k miles always garaged and actually never winter driven. It was even stored with the tires removed every year in the fall. And always serviced by the delivering dealer. Owner has all records, although I have not yet reviewed them to learn what may have been done. The car appears virtually new- as clean a 60k car as I have seen.

They are looking to KBB to determine what they will sell me the car for, we have not yet discussed. From what I can see, if we can agree on a price, I'd be happy to own it.

Is there anything I should particularly be watchful of on one of these at 60k? Any thoughts on a reasonable price for such a car? Will post some pics shortly.

Thanks!

[Ilya]

Welcome to the forum!

Thing sounds MINT which is awesome. If I recall, these are kind of rare so the value is elevated a bit due to that...but I'll let one of our resident Y34 folks chime in as I'm more familiar with the Y50 (06-10) and Y51 (11+).

[EdBwoy]

If they go by KBB and only that, then you'll probably get a very good deal. Bluebook values haven't been kind to the y34s.
Especially with all that babying at 60k miles? I'd get it.

Big thing is oil consumption. Almost guaranteed, it's just a matter of how much it consumes.
The camshaft and or camshaft sensors might need attention too. This should not be a deal breaker at all. They might have already been addressed by now, but if not, welcome to Nicoclub - we know Infinitis and we'll take care of you.
The battery might be on the way out if original (due to age more than mileage)
The TPMS sensor batteries might be going out as well.
The trunk support struts might be dying especially if you have a spoiler - simple solutions.
The suspension components might not have taken a beating as badly, but the rubber might be deteriorating due to age.
Talking of rubber deterioration, check the hoses around the engine.
How old are the tires? I feel like they might have good tread, but age might be tipping the balance on their safety.
The fuel gauge recall is still free, so no worries about that.

[ChiefRider]

Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate the insight!

When I figure out the Photobucket thing and how to post pics, I'll do that. It's a very attractive car in metallic red. It does have weak trunk struts. I don't know the status of anything else, only that the owners have been very thorough in their maintenance of the car.

My wife has a 300c. I'm curious how the M45 feels in comparison.

[EdBwoy]

For pictures,

To know to post pics, try this:
howto-post-your-images-in-threads-t573706.html
or how-to-post-pictures-using-photobucket-t521110.html
I've posted posted photos for other members who didn't intend on posting many pictures and didn't want to go through the process of setting up accounts in photo hosting sites, so if you're interested I can do that for you...

What year is her 300c?
I've never been in a 300, but Ive been in a charger and I know that the 300c is a damn good sleeper. The m45 is a sleeper in its own right in that very few people know what it is and even fewer expect it to be as fast as it is.
That being said, the m45 probably won't be as fast off the line due to the Chrysler's torque although the HP is similar. I think the 300 has a better rear end as well. Not sure how the ride quality would compare -> Chrysler 300 = q45, dodge charger = m45. I thought the m45 rides better than an E-class i had, which inspired the earlier Chrysler 300 suspensions.

The m45 is a midsized sedan for all intents and purposes and the rear seats are cramped for tall people. The front seating is quite narrow too. My experience with American cars is that they value space. It is also my assumption that the interior of the m45 will feel better - quality and touch, although the American car might have more features. Remember not too many vehicles came with heated and cooled seats and a sensible voice command system in 2003, like the m45.

The downside of m45 ownership is its rarity. When parts fail they can be difficult to source and expensive to obtain. But it's an old school Nissan, so reliability is pretty good. 300 parts are easier to get and things can be modified for a little cheaper.

But you'll definitely like being in the m45.

[Double E]

Be sure to read my 100K mile review and consider a catch can for the oil consumption.
Enjoy!

[EdBwoy]

Be sure to read my 100K mile review and consider a catch can for the oil consumption.
Enjoy!

Do you mind posting the link to the review? I know I've seen it in the past, but I haven't been able to find it recently.

[Sstupid]

I entered the m45 world with the same intention as the OP. I wanted a Y34 because of the body style. Some hate it, but I loved it. It kind of has a mean cop-car vibe. After searching for 6-7 months and finding a beautiful example with only 91K miles on it, I though I was ready to dive in. Then I started doing research and found all the oil consumption issues. The owner of the car said that he indeed had to add at least 2 quarts every oil change, and he changed oil at 3500 mile intervals. That is absolutely ridiculous. I finally was able to meet with him and drive it around a bit. After having driven the current style that I own ('07,) I realized that the car was severely lacking in oomph. I don't know whether that was caused by lack of compression or just because that particular 8-cylinder isn't as powerful as the one in my car, but it turned me off completely.
My recommendation is to drive the next body style before you make your decision. It certainly changed my mind.

[EdBwoy]

Having owned both a y34 and y50, I'd say you should definitely consider what Sstupid says. The y34 looks cool and is rarely confused for an Altima or g35. The newer ones are amazing to drive. The entire driveline is the same and the only difference might be body weight, but the y50 has amazing suspension and road manners.

...you know, unless the 03 m45 is a damn good deal, then money talks.

[Double E]

topic573525.html
That link has the review and my story on leaving the Y34. I still miss it occasionally.

I think it's weight is why it's slower combined with (perhaps?) gear ratios and how it shifts. It was 330hp from the factory...so it should be close or even all else equal.

On it being a "collector" vehicle. it's unique but I don't think a low mileage, pristine example will ever roll across Barret-Jackson and turn heads. I think those that know what is it are the market that maintains the value.

Again, the oil consumption issue is not/should not be a fail that makes one walk away. A BG44K treatment or 2 and a catch can would be what I did if it were good otherwise. Oil in the intake and burning it lowers octane and timing will adjust accordingly.

[ChiefRider]

So, it appears I will be buying this car, picking it up tomorrow. While I have not seen it myself, I have every reason to trust my friends description and testimony, and I think the price is too good to pass up on what should be a very interesting daily driver for the money. The car has been maintained by the delivering dealer exclusively since new, and to a high level.

I'll report back after I get it home, and read up on posting photos.

Thanks!

[Double E]

Not that I'm raining on your parade but I think you said it was red... Nissan red-spectrum paint colors are notorious for fading. The clear coat is also probably at end-of-life so be ready for some paint imperfections too. If it was stored indoors while not in use for much of its life, that is a real bonus.
Congrats on the car!

[Gene Ln]

Consider the Y34 has a rear diff gearing of 3.03, which is absolutely terrible for acceleration, a 350z has a 3.69 gearing and I think many of the 06-09 G's are 3.73 or so.

I in fact hope to replace the rear diff with a LSD from a Z or another similar.

[ChiefRider]

It's here! A 5 hour drive home, and I'm a happy guy. Yes, the car is red, and the original paint is nearly perfect, no detectable fading, and a great shine! In and out its really nice, only the front floor mats need cleaning. I received all of its service records from day one, including the original window sticker. On the downside, there is only one key, I'll need to research what to do about that. Everything worked as it should, car has new Toyo tires, and got 23.7 mpg with the air on and 70+ mph. The only thing I see right now is the trunk struts will need to be replaced. Next step to post some pics.

And of course, I appreciate your comments and experience!

[EdBwoy]

Spare key you say? topic591081.html

Congratulations on the purchase. My y34 story also started with a 5 hour drive back home after a 5 hour train ride. I still remember the day I brought her home.

I'm sure you'll get caught up in time but if you would, let us know what major services have been done so far. Out of curiosity and also to guide you on what else might need attention.

[Gene Ln]

Double E has a key fob that will need to be programmed to your car, he is asking $150 he has posted, that is by far the best deal you will find on one.

[ChiefRider]

That sounds fine w/ me! Double E, I will PM you on that.

Thanks Gene!

[ChiefRider]

Double E, not sure how to contact you. Apparently, since I am new here I do not yet have PM contact privileges.

Any suggestions? I would like to buy the key fob, thanks!

[EdBwoy]

With good intention, I'd like to mention that there were different iterations of the kbrastu13 key + chip. Not sure what was different about them, but the 3 dealerships I spoke to reported that some used keys wouldn't accept the programming even though the FCC ID was similar to the working one. Apparently when you mix the 03 and 04 m45 in a pot with the 02 to 06 q45s, you come up with enough variation within the same fob.

On other news, pictures man!

[Double E]

Chief,
PM sent. Just realized there was no e-mail in my PM so I sent another with it.

[ChiefRider]

Hi Double E,

So far I only have the first email- no 2nd one with your email. And of course, I cannot yet respond to your PM as a new user.

I'll watch for the next one, thanks!

[HarvesterUT]

I'll let this forum speak to all the things you need to check prior to buying the car. I bought my 2003 M45 a little over two months ago with 36k miles, and I love the car so far. It looks like nothing else on the road, and I've had people comment that they can't remember ever seeing this car on the road before. It's a rare gem, for sure. As for the handling, I find my car to handle much better than I expected it to. A few things to keep in mind:

- Oil consumption - these engines are known for this. Install an oil catch-can and you'll prevent your intake system from getting gunked-up.

- Brakes - the OEM rotors were known for warping easily. My car has warped rotors which are being replaced with the 14" Akebono BBK.

- Car audio - the audio/nav system is integrated into the console. There is no true DIN radio. You can install a DIN radio, but you'll need to run separate wires for it if you want to retain your OEM controls (just in case). Basically, upgrading the audio is a PITA.