Why would someone want to get rid of a '03 M45 with low mileage

[agilyard]

I plan to purchase an '03 M45 Infiniti on ebay as soon as I see the right color and price. I guess I am curious as to why most owners are rolling these cars over, especially when they have less than 40K miles. Could it be because it is an 8 cyl? There is one out there now for 11,900 but it is listed as salvage because it was stolen about a year ago. The owner claims that it is is good condition after inspection but I am just a little leary about that one.

Just curious to get some thoughts/feedback

[maxnix]

More important than color and price is the Infiniti dealer performed service history and how much of the remaining warranty is in force, that way you can get the Nissan extended warranty. Establish the 3,750 OCI has been observed and no owner reports of excessive oil consumption.

Salvage is a lot of hidden gremlins.

[agilyard]

Thanks Buddy. So it is worth the 7-14 dollars to purchase the Vehicle history.

Regards, Andre'

[JoeyJ]

In general, people are giving up on big 8 cyl cars in droves. i work for a leading car manufacturer, and we can't keep the small 4 cyl cars in stock! My customers tell me that every day they drive the big engine car, they are throwing away money. this is reflected in the trade in values of gas guzzlers plummetting, and the length of time they stay in our pre-owned lot. Don't forget that the M45 is also a very complicated car. lots of stuff to break. Fans in the seats, adaptive headlights etc. The great thing about these vintage big 8s is that the rich dude paid all of the depreciation, and you can own a flagship ride for about 1/5th of it's original cost. look at the prices of 5-7 year old BMW 745, Merc s430, Lexus L430 M and Q45s.

I would strongly advise against buying a salvage title car, especially in the US. There is just not enough shared info between states. In Canada it is fairly easy to track the actual history of a car. The other issue is that it is on ebay. be careful.hope this helps.

[Double E]

I agree with Joey on the reasons for not pursuing a salvage unit unless you can see it and know what you're looking at and looking for.

The efficiency thing is a reasonable consideration. That being said, I'm on my 11th tank of fuel sunce purchase and have yet to fall below 23mpg avg. I reset the mileage on the computer every 2 tanks. I have an ideal commute though.... Still not bad for a high strung, high revving 8.

If it were me, I would pursue an '04 unit and reap the advantage of a CD player where I want it, no gas gague issues and fewer oil consumption issues.

[maxnix]

Thanks Buddy. So it is worth the 7-14 dollars to purchase the Vehicle history.

Regards, Andre'

Infiniti dealer performed service histories are free from your friendly service writer/manager. Technically, they are not available if you don't own the car, but a little social engineering goes a long ways.

[CakeDaddy]

No, do not purchase this vehicle until you get your own inspector. Shop around for a clean 03-04M in the meanwhile, and disregard that talk of oil consumption in 2003’s. Oil Consumption is present in a small percentage of both 03&04 models. This was due to poor break in periods. It may be more evident in 03’s due to larger numbers that were produced in 2003 as opposed to 2004. Same is for the gauge problem. 2003 was a complete year for production and only half were produced in 2004. Simple math and no calculator was needed for this one. Good Luck.

I am curious to know if it’s standard protocol to publish a car as salvage after a theft and who was this "inspector" ? Who provided him?

[JoeyJ]

The protocol, or rather the law in Ontario canada is that car dealers must disclose the type of "brand" the car has: Irreparble, Salvage or Rebuilt.rebuilt cars are previous Salvage brand cars that have been inspected by a certified structural inspection station. A Structural Inspection Certificate must be presented at a Vehicle Licensing Office in order to change brand from Salvage to Rebuilt.Any insurer, importer, dealer, auctioneer etc are required to make this determination. These brands are then reported to the Transport ministry and added to the vehicle registration database. rebuilt cars being imported to Ontario canada from the US will be registered as Salvage and required to go through the Ontario structural evaluation before being declared Rebuilt.It is a dealers legal and ethical responsibility to disclose the brand of a vehicle, or whether an unbranded vehicle has been in a serious accident. Full disclosure is the law.I assume it's much the same in the US.

[hamads]

I have a 04 M45 w/19k miles that im trying to sell, its cherry with clear title. Selling it because I dont need a car like this right now, driving it to my workplace is no good so i'd rather have a beater