Avidly looking for a Y34, have I done my homework?

[MazDuh]

Well, I'm new to posting on the forum but i've been lurking around for several weeks reading sometimes hours every night. Ever since 2004 When i was thrown the keys to a brand new M45 for a night, I've had owning one on my mind. Now, I'm definitely not new to cars. I've got 13 at the moment(i know, i need to seek help), most of which are mazdas... I guess you could call me a glutton for punishment...I specialize in their K series of V6 engines, especially the uniformly loathed Supercharged miller cycle, I just put an engine in my current Millenia S in december. Anyway, I'm at the point in my life where I can now look back at my youth based desires, and act upon them, so I've been looking for an 03-04 M45. I know exactly the one i want, and the options i do and don't want, but like all cars, I've read the M45 has a few quirks to watch out for.(whats funny, is the quirks in a mazda usually lead to people junking the cars). These are in no particular order.1. Oil consumption. Read that even nissan admits the engines use oil. During warranty nissan ran an oil consumption test, some cars got new engines, some did not...this is a pretty standard practice on any car accused of using oil under warranty. I've seen the catch can, which keeps re-entry of oil via positive crankcase ventilation from happening. I did not however see what the underlying culprit is. Crankcase pressure or the PCV system design. If crankcase pressure i'd tend to point to a combonation of oil control and compression rings either not seating, improper machining, poor placement...lots of possibilities. I'm no stranger to having a car that uses oil, I actually calculate the MPQ(Milage per quart of oil) on my 300whp '88 Turbo mx6, however it uses oil for a reason. I'm not about to buy a 6 or 7 year old infiniti and attempt to re-ring it, but I still like to know the underlying reason.

2. Loose seats. Saw that many had seat tracks replaced. Does this happen in all Y34's or just 03's?

3. Fuel gauge issue, this is probably the one that bothers me the most because its the discretion of nissan whether you fork out several hundred, or nothing at all. I don't expect to buy one, note the gauge is bad, drive to an infiniti Dealer where i've never been and attempt to get the car fixed for free. I have a couple friends at a different infiniti dealers, but I don't want to bank on them being able to pull the right strings. On whatever car i end up with, i plan on taking it to infiniti for oil changes and at least establish a relationship with a dealer so that if an issue were to come up, I have them on my side.

4. the 03's have the CD changer in the glovebox, and are prone to issues. I want an 04 simply because of this.

5. The front brakes suck, My guess from reading and general consensus is that they are undersized for the car and the metallergy is poor. Most every car I drive has a set of Hawk pads and centric rotors on it so this wasn't too much of a concern for me...But i am curious... does any one know if the brakes are the same as any of the other infiniti cars? G35 sedan or? with mazdas, a lot of the newer cars have a similar but larger brake set up that merely bolt onto the older cars. I have 2005 Mazda 6 brakes on my '93 Mx-6...it almost picks the back tires off of the ground I was curious because of my job i have access to lots of used high-end salvage cars and would go so far as to pick up a wrecked 350z with the track package brakes if i knew the brakes could work. Not a necessity, but curious if anyone has tried.

6. Saw several issues with navigation, since I have it on my phone i will be shying away from any M with nav.

7. Heated/cooled seats. Saw a few issues with the switches or controls with them(aside from their location). Do all M45's have cooled seats? Ive sat in about 6 of these cars and all of them did, they also all had nav.

8. Console lid and glove box loose. Do they break? or are they just designed/manufactured poorly?

9. Saw instances where the stock shocks/struts failed and were insanely expensive to replace, I'm never planning to put the car on the track and shocks generally aren't a milage or time expiring part, but rather a condition related part. I don't live on a gravel road, and i won't take it to my shop in st.louis city so I'm hoping I don't have to take two mortgage payments worth of cash to infiniti at a certain milage.Basically, i'm looking for an 04 Base black on black with the grey woodgrain(i think the opted out ones come with the natural colored wood), under 80k for 12k or less. I know it won't be easy with the rarity of these cars but Im in no rush and won't settle. Is there anything I missed?

-Eric

[szh]

Welcome to NICO!

Excellent reading and doing-your-homework skills!

I think you have nailed all the potential areas of concern.

My 2003 Y34, which I bought new in September of 2003 - manufactured in Dec of 2002, has seen some of the problems you mention, but (a) nothing that causes me to regret buying it and (b) pretty much everything has been fixed under warranty or nominal cost. I do expect this to change once the car gets older and gets past the 100k warranty point - due to expire in Sept of this year!

Regardless, the price-performance-luxury value of the 2003 and 2004 Y34 - particularly now ... since the price has dropped so low - is tough to beat! The resale value dropped too quickly for some people, but since I had always planned to keep my car for a long time, this did not bother me.

Finally, you must definitely consider getting the Infiniti Elite warranty if it is possible for the Y34 at this point - in terms of miles and time, it has definitely been a while for both the 2003 and 2004 cars that might be available.

Z

[Poyzinous]

I've always had a soft spot for the Y34. I think they are pretty cool. Unfortunately, the ones in my area either have bullet holes or a history of bullet holes, or are not taken care of. If you find one in above average condition, you may not regret it.

[Double E]

Yes. You did your homework...

Here's more to ponder from my perspective a while back on pre-purchase considerations....

I still stand by it but do encourage you doing the general maintenance like all filters, oil and what ever else can be done in an hour or so.

zer...age=1

Trunk lift struts are notoriously weak also.

[MazDuh]

I totally missed the trunk struts, i saw a few threads on them.

I agree that doing my own fluid and maintenance is best, however that leaves no way to know the dealer other than parts, and parts people generally don't have an impact on a decision. Nothing scares me on the M45 as far as working on it, after dealing with BMW's, volvos, saabs, Benz's and the most complicated rotaries, the M45 seems rather old school as far as the way its put together. Oil changes are not expensive even at the dealer, and if something happened to the engine in 2-3 years, and it wasnt covered under any manufacturer warranty or recall, its always nice to have the dealership on your side in a battle...while used VK's are relatively cheap, relative is the key word.

I will definitely look into getting a warranty with the car, I have a few dealers searching the auctions for the right car, though they all think i'm insane for being so picky. If i have to get an aftermarket warranty I will, I had one on my 2000 Millenia and i got lots of things fixed for free under it.

I'm dead set on getting an M45, its going to happen... I just worry that the car I want doesnt exist. Theres three other cars I'd like at the moment, but none of them are practical, cheap, reliable(Porsche 928, 93-95 non vanos 540i 6spd, GTE'ing the '93 SC300 at my shop)... I'm equally picky with those, and those are even harder to find, or would require massive amounts of work in the same amount of time the M45 would require a tire rotation

they are unfortunately thug-esque cars in this area too, I actually saw the first Y34 insurance total yet at one of the junkyards i buy from, and from information on this forum, i grabbed the trunk struts, CD changer, fuel pump with sending unit and the gauge cluster, though the cluster got damaged in the accident(it was baaaadddd). I just hope I can find one of these cars before they're all beat to death and have a ton of miles.

-Eric

[GJEMD]

I'm afraid you have set your price point around $4000 short. Smoked birds eye maple trim is very rare. I have a 2004 Black M45 Premium package with Fawn interior, black birds eye maple, chrome wheels, ceramic window tint, 60,000 miles.new brakes and ZERO oil consumption.If it was for sale I would not take less than $17,000 at this mileage.

[MazDuh]

I've already seen 20-25+ Y34's that only don't meet my requirements simply due to ext color or int color for 10-11k. Not that KBB means much, but KBB puts an 04 the way i want it for $11,2 from a private party. I've seen plenty of overpriced M45's while looking, people asking $15k for a 110k 03, and i've also found some as cheap as $6k. I hate to say it but 17k is about 2k more than even the nicest, 35k cars i saw on autotrader, and some of the other sites. Even dealers were only wanting 16k for those same cars. I didn't really come to the forum looking to find the car, and i don't think i'm looking for the deal of a lifetime either, i've already had a few of those in my one lifetime. I just figured I'd ask the people who own the cars if i've got my ducks in a row as far as finding one. I'm not scared of one that burns oil, has loose seat tracks, bad fuel gauge, etc etc, as long as the price reflects it.

-Eric

[austexm45]

I'd be willing to sell you mine for $17,000

Mine is a 2004 Black w/ 42K miles and the INFINITI ELITE warranty until 3/2014 or 100,000 miles

Fully loaded with tech and comfort package. I have 20" Boss wheels, Tein-S Springs, Magnaflow Exhaust, UpRev flashed ecu, metallic tint, xm radio, factory wing, upgraded HID fog lamps, Audi style LEDs, zinc plated cross drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads and in almost perfect condition. It is also prewired for an aftermarket amp and sub. All maintenance completed at Austin Infiniti. I purchased the car with 12K miles on it about 2.5 years ago.

You can view some pics here: zerothread?id=473824

I wouldn't even think of selling it if I wasn't lusting after an BMW M5.

[dvan]

I didnt think the 04 M45's ECU can be UpRev'd

[austexm45]

The uprev mod is just the 2 degree advanced timing for that extra little oomph.

[Y34GLORIA]

I've already seen 20-25+ Y34's that only don't meet my requirements simply due to ext color or int color for 10-11k. Not that KBB means much, but KBB puts an 04 the way i want it for $11,2 from a private party. I've seen plenty of overpriced M45's while looking, people asking $15k for a 110k 03, and i've also found some as cheap as $6k. I hate to say it but 17k is about 2k more than even the nicest, 35k cars i saw on autotrader, and some of the other sites. Even dealers were only wanting 16k for those same cars. I didn't really come to the forum looking to find the car, and i don't think i'm looking for the deal of a lifetime either, i've already had a few of those in my one lifetime. I just figured I'd ask the people who own the cars if i've got my ducks in a row as far as finding one. I'm not scared of one that burns oil, has loose seat tracks, bad fuel gauge, etc etc, as long as the price reflects it.

-Eric

wow u saw that many Y34 already? Thats almost like 50% of the AUTOTRADER listing out whole entire USA. LOL U must have alot time on ur hand to travel around the country. When I was shopping my Y34 I only have chance to see 5 Y34s before making the final purchased. I honest dont think those car are overpriced. I think Y34 a steal for what u pay for. U can NEVER be too picky on those cars buddy or else u gonna come up empty hand or miss out on good deals. There are just over 7000 units sold on the Y34 between 2003-2004. by the way my Y34 is 140k miles and its still runnning strong as hell. good luck to u bro
Modified by Y34GLORIA at 10:53 AM 3/12/2010

[MazDuh]

I've seen over 60 Y34's for sale, i have several friends at dealerships who go to different auctions, and theres also http://www.hankshelper.com which saves tons of time.

I don't mind driving a car back from florida or oregon, i work for myself and can make a business trip out of it if i need to(obviously can't write off the cost of the car though lol).

I can be that picky, about 2 years ago i started looking for a 93-97 mx-6. I wanted black, blue or silver, black leather, 5spd, and a nice car. I also wanted 93 only due to no passenger air bag. 4 months later i towed that very same car back 305 miles from the indiana/ohio state line and put together a car I drive almost every day. I don't need a y34, I just really, really, really want one. I won't be happy with the tan interior, white exterior or anything other than black on black. I might be ok with an 03 because i dont really use CD's that much anyway. I also might be alright with a car with nav, i just won't use it. I can wait 6 months if thats what it takes...I have a few other cars to drive. Good things come to those who wait.

-Eric

[nmgoodthing]

Good luck with your search my friend!

Keep an eye out for Southwestern cars. Lots of Y34's.

I love mine, while I had most of those issues, I got them all fixed and they have never returned. I just turned 70k on my 03. Never had the oil consumption problem.

[kingpin]

oo man.. some time you just about some threads ..

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,I absolutely love my 2004 M45. I purchased it almost 4 years ago for 28,000 Dollars and has every option but the Wing and Chrome Package. It was a CPO and the price included the Elite Warranty

My car has had none of the issues described aside from needing the Driver Seat motor replaced. I currently have 55,000 miles. I have managed to get the Steering Wheel and Shift Knob replaced under Warranty due to peeling on the SW and the Shift Knob turning green (common problem with light wood version)

It has definitely been my favorite car I have ever owned. Don't get me wrong, when I see what I can buy now for 28k, I want to cry. However, the Y34's are super rare and I love the way they look.Cheers,ML

[DELUNASC]

I may be interested in selling mine shortly, and I am also in St. Louis.

zerothread?id=429280

[MazDuh]

reallly? Im in no rush to buy one, but when were you looking to sell, if you do? I've got the cash ready, but again not in any rush. Car looks great. PM me some details!

[UpStar]

Blk 2003 M45 here. 37000 miles no issues and no fuel gauge problem. I got an oil consumption check and came back good about a year ago. I'll sell for $14,750

....yes, you've done yo homework
Modified by UpStar at 6:33 PM 3/13/2010

[RyanF]

What a great and timely thread!

I'm starting to look for an M45 too. I've been somewhat on the prowl for a a couple weeks, but getting more serious now.

austexm45 - I understand about the BMW M5! I'm replacing my 350Z because baby #2 is due at the end of August and I'm just going to have to have a back seat now. I've been looking for an 02-03 M5's. Prices are pretty reasonable depending on mileage ~$20-$25k. However I ended up in the hospital a couple weeks ago and my $10k deductible just ate a large chunk of my car budget. The M5 is the "perfect" replacement though - powerful, RWD, 6-spd manual, decent size backseat, good handling, etc. Since my budgets been cut, I'm looking for a "compromise" car with the least number of compromises! The 03-04 M45 seems to fit that bill.

There are 2 Y34's for sale within 200 miles of me, thankfully one only about 20 miles away. Went out today with the family to check it out. The Wife isn't a big fan of the design, but I wanted her to see it in person. We get to the dealer and a salesman finds me while we're wandering the lot looking for it. I ask him about it and his jaw drops. They *just* sold it an hour earlier. He said it had been there 3 weeks without a single person looking at it (most people don't know what it is). A guy started looking at it yesterday and bought it today We did get to see it after waiting a bit - they had to fix a tire pressure sensor. But, since it was sold we didn't get to drive it or anything like that. Sure enough, my wife liked it better in person - so at least it was worth the trip to see it.

The info in the this thread is great! Just what I was looking for in terms of what to look for when checking them out. I really need to drive one so I can confirm its worth pursuing - although I don't think it will be an issue. I have no problem buying one long distance, but not without ever having been in one!

[UpStar]

What a great and timely thread!

I'm starting to look for an M45 too. I've been somewhat on the prowl for a a couple weeks, but getting more serious now.

austexm45 - I understand about the BMW M5! I'm replacing my 350Z because baby #2 is due at the end of August and I'm just going to have to have a back seat now. I've been looking for an 02-03 M5's. Prices are pretty reasonable depending on mileage ~$20-$25k. However I ended up in the hospital a couple weeks ago and my $10k deductible just ate a large chunk of my car budget. The M5 is the "perfect" replacement though - powerful, RWD, 6-spd manual, decent size backseat, good handling, etc. Since my budgets been cut, I'm looking for a "compromise" car with the least number of compromises! The 03-04 M45 seems to fit that bill.

There are 2 Y34's for sale within 200 miles of me, thankfully one only about 20 miles away. Went out today with the family to check it out. The Wife isn't a big fan of the design, but I wanted her to see it in person. We get to the dealer and a salesman finds me while we're wandering the lot looking for it. I ask him about it and his jaw drops. They *just* sold it an hour earlier. He said it had been there 3 weeks without a single person looking at it (most people don't know what it is). A guy started looking at it yesterday and bought it today We did get to see it after waiting a bit - they had to fix a tire pressure sensor. But, since it was sold we didn't get to drive it or anything like that. Sure enough, my wife liked it better in person - so at least it was worth the trip to see it.

The info in the this thread is great! Just what I was looking for in terms of what to look for when checking them out. I really need to drive one so I can confirm its worth pursuing - although I don't think it will be an issue. I have no problem buying one long distance, but not without ever having been in one!

what color are you looking for and how much do you want to spend? $20-$25k is waaayyy too much for this car? Oh....2003-2004 are the years for this model

[RyanF]

what color are you looking for and how much do you want to spend? $20-$25k is waaayyy too much for this car? Oh....2003-2004 are the years for this model

I think you misunderstood. The 2002-2003 M5's of the quality/mileage I wanted were about ~$18.5k-$25k.

I'm looking to spend under $13k for an M45.

I'm really on the fence about this. There are some nice ones that are $13k-ish. There are higher mileage examples for $10k. I work from home 98% of the time. In fact, on 3/3 i filled up my Z with gas for the first time since 1/6. Almost 2 months on one tank! Over the last two years I've averaged about 5k miles a year on my car.

SOOOO, since I drive so little, and I generally trust the reliability of the M45's, I'm okay with a higher mileage one - which I'd have inspected by a mechanic of my choosing before purchase. But the price gap between 70k miles and 100k miles isn't that much! So I'm torn. Lower mileage for a bit more, higher mileage for less. Considering I drive so little, there isn't a whole lot of "return" for the extra cost as long as the reliability is there. I've had exceptional "luck" with buying nice used vehicles in the past - all with pre-purchase inspections to verify all is well. It's paid off over the years. I'm just not sure I'm going to get much more out of a 70k mile car then I will the 100k mile car. Thoughts? I'm a "car guy" so I want a nice looking, well kept vehicle. On the other hand, I know I'm buying a used car, so it will have the little things here and there.

As far as what I'm looking for here are my main requirements:

-silver or white are preferred colors, black okay-much prefer the light interior color but its not a deal breaker, I just hate getting into the car after a round of golf and burning my precious little tush -no preference on the NAV - it could have it or not, doesn't matter to me-stock wheels, no offense but most of the non-stock wheels I see I wouldn't keep, just a personal preference for stealth and anonymity-prefer spoiler but again, not a big deal

Question - I was looking at some online ads and it seems that some M45 headlight covers are VERY "cloudy". Is this just a matter of cleaning with one of those 3M lens cleaner kits? The pics of the M45's I see on here look so much better - have the covers been replaced or just cared for? The "cloudy" look makes the front end look bad.

[paperfootball]

I looked 18 mos before finding a "suitable to me" white on blk y34, so I can certainly understand where you are coming from...

I would say that you have done your homework!

About the headlights, yep they will clear up rther easily with one of the "kits" on the market...

[Y34GLORIA]

I think you misunderstood. The 2002-2003 M5's of the quality/mileage I wanted were about ~$18.5k-$25k.

I'm looking to spend under $13k for an M45.

I'm really on the fence about this. There are some nice ones that are $13k-ish. There are higher mileage examples for $10k. I work from home 98% of the time. In fact, on 3/3 i filled up my Z with gas for the first time since 1/6. Almost 2 months on one tank! Over the last two years I've averaged about 5k miles a year on my car.

SOOOO, since I drive so little, and I generally trust the reliability of the M45's, I'm okay with a higher mileage one - which I'd have inspected by a mechanic of my choosing before purchase. But the price gap between 70k miles and 100k miles isn't that much! So I'm torn. Lower mileage for a bit more, higher mileage for less. Considering I drive so little, there isn't a whole lot of "return" for the extra cost as long as the reliability is there. I've had exceptional "luck" with buying nice used vehicles in the past - all with pre-purchase inspections to verify all is well. It's paid off over the years. I'm just not sure I'm going to get much more out of a 70k mile car then I will the 100k mile car. Thoughts? I'm a "car guy" so I want a nice looking, well kept vehicle. On the other hand, I know I'm buying a used car, so it will have the little things here and there.

As far as what I'm looking for here are my main requirements:

-silver or white are preferred colors, black okay-much prefer the light interior color but its not a deal breaker, I just hate getting into the car after a round of golf and burning my precious little tush -no preference on the NAV - it could have it or not, doesn't matter to me-stock wheels, no offense but most of the non-stock wheels I see I wouldn't keep, just a personal preference for stealth and anonymity-prefer spoiler but again, not a big deal

Question - I was looking at some online ads and it seems that some M45 headlight covers are VERY "cloudy". Is this just a matter of cleaning with one of those 3M lens cleaner kits? The pics of the M45's I see on here look so much better - have the covers been replaced or just cared for? The "cloudy" look makes the front end look bad.

u just need headlight restore kit and clean it urself. u can get those any where like Kregon, pepboyz. thats non-factor. My 2003 Y34 is 140k miles and still run like champ. By the way, why dont u look for an black on black? I know they are harder to find but thats one sexy lady! haha

[b16gsr]

I'm looking to spend under $13k for an M45.

I'm really on the fence about this. There are some nice ones that are $13k-ish. There are higher mileage examples for $10k. I work from home 98% of the time. In fact, on 3/3 i filled up my Z with gas for the first time since 1/6. Almost 2 months on one tank! Over the last two years I've averaged about 5k miles a year on my car.

As far as what I'm looking for here are my main requirements:

-silver or white are preferred colors, black okay-much prefer the light interior color but its not a deal breaker, I just hate getting into the car after a round of golf and burning my precious little tush -no preference on the NAV - it could have it or not, doesn't matter to me-stock wheels, no offense but most of the non-stock wheels I see I wouldn't keep, just a personal preference for stealth and anonymity-prefer spoiler but again, not a big deal

I would sell mine for close to $13k.

-its white-has willow interior-no NAV-stock wheels or HRE's for right price-no spolier

It has 73k miles, and 3200 on a brand new replacement motor from Infiniti, under warranty. That was a $11k bill, and included the replacement of all of the fluids, as well as a transmission service.

I do not have to sell it but would entertain offers.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Though the 2004's seem to sell for a bit more than the 2003's, it really seems the majority of 2004's came with the Technology Package (Intelligent Cruise Control, Navigation) and Luxury Package (Heated/Cooled Seats and Homelink). And the location of the DVD Changer in the 2004 really makes a huge difference in terms of convenience.

I have had mine for almost 4 years and still love it. It is a bummer that resale value has not been that great.Glad I got the Infiniti Elite Warranty (only cost 650 more with CPO Warranty).

When I look at what I could buy now for the 28,500 I paid for my Technology/Luxury Package 2004, I could cry. However, I truly like the way it looks and is a great Interstate cruiser.Cheers,ML

[iwantyourcar]

I've got one I could let go for 10k, it is black on black with 85k miles. Natural wood interior accents, non-nav..

mechanical issues:burns about 2 qts oil between changes at 3750 miles.

cosmetic issues:trunk has small paint chipped, a few spots the size of quarts by by the plate (used touchup to help)Back bumper has light spiderwebbing. Small scratches and door dings on multiple places throughout (used touch up on most of the scratches that needed it, most dings can be done with paintless repair.) small dent on lower passenger side by wheel well..this is noticed if you are looking directly at it.drivers fog light is burned out and needs resealed or replaced (fogging up)front bumper has holes that need bumper plugs installed. some scuffs also present on bumperslight peeling on black windshield molding tape, underneath is chrome, may just take it all off to match the cars trim.front under guard has a crack and the plastic spoiler is in rough shape rims are curbed and need refinished.

I planned on doing a whole re-spray and fixing all body work of the car when I got it....but that is delayed due to a house purchase.

other than that trans shifts smooth, brakes are good, tires are good, interior is pretty clean with a few cosmetic issues. Using full synthetic every 3750 miles, along with BG44k with each oil change. Just drove it for around 250 miles straight and it floated like a dream, also has tints.

if your seriously interested let me know and I can get you pictures of EVERYTHING. Also if you are looking for an s2000 I have one of those too, in almost mint condition!

[RyanF]

I've got one I could let go for 10k, it is black on black with 85k miles. Natural wood interior accents, non-nav..

Also if you are looking for an s2000 I have one of those too, in almost mint condition!

Black on black would be my least preferred combo so not really interested at this point. I have a friend who is looking for an S2k though. He and his girlfriend may be moving soon because of a job offer, so I'm not sure if he's going to wait until he knows for sure or not but if you want to send me the details I'd be happy to pass it along.

Ryan

[MazDuh]

I'm going to hold out a bit to see what Delunasc wants for his, his is local to me and has the right milage, I rather pay 12k for a car that doesnt use oil, doesnt need body work, or a paint job. Paint jobs of quality are 4k+ and the M45 doesnt deserve anything less than a quality paint job. I'm over cars that need body work, I've had my share, I rather pay more dinero for a nicer car.

I went and talked to the infiniti Dealership, where i have a couple of friends. They spoke of the very same problems I posted about in this thread, and most of the senior techs agreed that the cars that burn oil usually are ones that are driven harder, or neglected. Not pointing any fingers by any means, and they also said they've seen 150k cars that don't burn oil, so it may come down to which cars were more religiously taken care of, or run hard.

-Eric

[Y34GLORIA]

I'm going to hold out a bit to see what Delunasc wants for his, his is local to me and has the right milage, I rather pay 12k for a car that doesnt use oil, doesnt need body work, or a paint job. Paint jobs of quality are 4k+ and the M45 doesnt deserve anything less than a quality paint job. I'm over cars that need body work, I've had my share, I rather pay more dinero for a nicer car.

I went and talked to the infiniti Dealership, where i have a couple of friends. They spoke of the very same problems I posted about in this thread, and most of the senior techs agreed that the cars that burn oil usually are ones that are driven harder, or neglected. Not pointing any fingers by any means, and they also said they've seen 150k cars that don't burn oil, so it may come down to which cars were more religiously taken care of, or run hard.

-Eric

yes u were right on the burning oil issue. However most of the forum members will prob disgreed witgh u. As I have posted on this issues before, my 03 is slightly burn with less than 1 quart in between oil change which isnt really bad consider my orignal engine has over 140k on it. I have many friends owned BMW, MB V8's they all burn oil like crazy. People quickly pointed finger tgo INFINITI flowed design. I highly disgreed on this one. its really all depends on how u drive and care for the car. thats my honest opion.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,A very high number of high performance Engines consume Oil between intervals. I have had the Oil Consumption Test performed 3 times and never have failed it.

Yes, some Y34's have had major consumption issues, but most have not required huge amounts of additional oil. It is good to read that Y34's with 120,000 miles+ are holding up well. I kinda figured they would as the Y34 is mostly a pre Renault Purchase of Nissan Design.

While newer Infiniti's certainly have been critically acclaimed, the new Owner's CEO Carlos Ghosn is known as Le Cost Cutter and there have been many references to build quality being reduced.

The Y34 is such a strange bird in that it has the Body and Chassis of the JDM Cedric/Gloria with the post Renault 4.5 V8 and shares most controls and technology with the F50 (2002-2006) Q45. Truly a unique car as no other World Market got the combination that we did.

I really love that our Cars have the option of Laser Guided Cruise Control, Heated/Cooled Seats, a good Navigation System, and Voice Recognition. Honestly, the available feature set is still up to date with most current cars. I really like that you can input a Telephone Number and often get directions.Cheers,ML