18 year old first car descisons (M35?)

[WillV]

Ilya, that maxima IS sexy! Good work on it! And congrats on May

am I wrong to think that for someone at this age, the first car should be cheap, easy to work on and cheap to replace?

LOL my first car was worth like 2,000$... I didn't want to spend on a first car so when my grandma passed, I got her car (UGLY AF!) but it drove! Then it got in a crash (not my fault, thank goodness.. rear ended slowing for a yellow) whoops

But is there no way to cosign for a credit card or something? I was all over that as soon as I was able with my age and buying like $20 of stuff per month just to build credit. Whenever it does become available to you based on age where you are, hop on it because that credit will get you a better rate from the bank.

Nice choice in considering the M. Super solid car ever since I started driving it. Plus, if anything goes bad, there is this place, which literally outdoes every single other car make forum of which I am a member. Lexus is a good car, ES just is not for me, but have fun with test drives!

[Ilya]

Thanks!

And he should be able to get a card with a tiny limit...and even things like cell phone bills should be able to build credit, that's actually how I started building mine. If I recall.

[Wangtang408]

Luxury over rice rocket - smart kid

[centralcoaster33]

I want full coverage so i guess i have to deal with the expensive insurance & as for why i havent started saving already, its because it doesnt take long to save $4000/5000 not in a rush tbh. & im also focusing on my education. But yea i have $700-900 for my payments, maintenance, gas etc so i have that figured out & i appreciate the advice but theres no way im buying a 500$ car id prefer to take transit. & yea theres NO way to create credit history before 18 yrs old. & i called 2 dealers today & will hopefully see 2 cars tomorrow or the day after.

I got it. Too bad about the building credit not being an option. That's sort of off-topic anyway, so back on topic!

What two will you be seeing tomorrow or the day after? Whatcha gonna check out? Are you looking at RWD or AWD?

[igotoptions]

I want full coverage so i guess i have to deal with the expensive insurance & as for why i havent started saving already, its because it doesnt take long to save $4000/5000 not in a rush tbh. & im also focusing on my education. But yea i have $700-900 for my payments, maintenance, gas etc so i have that figured out & i appreciate the advice but theres no way im buying a 500$ car id prefer to take transit. & yea theres NO way to create credit history before 18 yrs old. & i called 2 dealers today & will hopefully see 2 cars tomorrow or the day after.

I got it. Too bad about the building credit not being an option. That's sort of off-topic anyway, so back on topic!

What two will you be seeing tomorrow or the day after? Whatcha gonna check out? Are you looking at RWD or AWD?

Yea i knoww :/... But since im caught up in school work today i will be checking out an all wheel drive model tomorrow instead. I would prefer rear wheel drive but i think no one bought the RWD model here in Toronto or it wasnt an option as ive only seen "X" models for sale LOL... i found a dealership that has 2 cars i like a 2011 ES350 https://www.theautomobileoutlet.ca/inve ... 0/2337375/ AND an 07 M35X https://www.theautomobileoutlet.ca/inve ... x/2338344/

[Larz]

First, I must say... Whomever that dealership uses for car-prep / detailing deserves a HUGE raise. The interior of those cars is staggering!
Now, my opinion:
That ES is a fine looking car. The build quality was absolutely great. That would make a great road trip cruiser, but is not sporty in the least, nor would it behave like anything other than a luxo saloon.
The 07 will provide the Jekyll and Hyde behavior that we M owners love. With the cruise set on a smooth motorway, it will ride better than the ES, but may have slightly more road noise as Infinity uses the cheapest sound deadening available. However, at street level, if you like, you can drive it like you stole it and it will behave accordingly. The ES cannot do that.
The ages of both cars (albeit the ES is 4 years younger) is at least approaching the period of repairs that may not be easily done by yourself and parts for both of these cars will be expensive. The mileage is about the same on both so one is no better a deal than the other based on that.
I am partial to the M because, having owned an 07 and an 09, I can report that these will run indefinitely if maintained properly.
Most important, if you will be financing, the M is a better buy and I reckon will have lower payments. Either car, when paid off will give you a credit standing that any young adult will benefit from in the future. Even if you have to carry a 10% interest for the loan, it will be the last time you have to deal with rates that high. After paying on time for the life of the loan, you will be a better contender in future car loans, possibly qualifying for the "no interest" or the sweetheart rates that dealers like to advertise.

[igotoptions]

First, I must sat... Whomever that dealership uses for car-prep / detailing deserves a HUGE raise. The interior of those cars is staggering!
Now, my opinion:
That ES is a fine looking car. The build quality was absolutely great. That would make a great road trip cruiser, but is not sporty in the least, nor would it behave like anything other than a luxo saloon.
The 07 will provide the Jekyll and Hyde behavior that we M owners love. With the cruise set on a smooth motorway, it will ride better than the ES, but may have slightly more road noise as Infinity uses the cheapest sound deadening available. However, at street level, if you like, you can drive it like you stole it and it will behave accordingly. The ES cannot do that.
The ages of both cars (albeit the ES is 4 years younger) is at least approaching the period of repairs that may not be easily done by yourself and parts for both of these cars will be expensive. The mileage is about the same on both so one is no better a deal than the other based on that.
I am partial to the M because, having owned an 07 and an 09, I can report that these will run indefinitely if maintained properly.
Most important, if you will be financing, the M is a better buy and I reckon will have lower payments. Either car, when paid off will give you a credit standing that any young adult will benefit from in the future. Even if you have to carry a 10% interest for the loan, it will be the last time you have to deal with rates that high. After paying on time for the life of the loan, you will be a better contender in future car loans, possibly qualifying for the "no interest" or the sweetheart rates that dealers like to advertise.

right! They both look great but sadly i found out both were sold right away so i have to go look at a different 06 M now. & an 09 Lexus in my area. I was gonna ask how does the M absorb bumps in comparison to other cars you drive?
And can i add sound deadening to the M? & yea exactly! Thats why i dont feel so bad/worried about the loan. But anyway today should be the day i test the M & ES, will let u know how it goes!

[Larz]

Obviously, neither of these cars will ride like a Bentley Mulsanne. Between the two, I reckon the Lexus will probably have a smoother ride (by how much I don't know). Reason being that in order for the M to maintain it's Jekyll / Hyde personality, marshmallow shocks and struts just won't do. However, the M is a smooth saloon when you drive it that way. That said, the Infiniti S models and the X models will have a slightly less forgiving ride than the standard RWD, but not so harsh that it's looses it's comfy feel.
Yes, you can add sound deadening such as Dyna Mat and others. Some members here have even pulled up the carpet, removed the door panels and trunk liner to lay down these products. They reduce outside noises and also eliminate vibrations (like blasting the stereo, etc). I reckon they might also help to insulate the car from heat and cold as well. There should be a thread if you search for "dynamat".

[igotoptions]

to update, I called the insurance broker today to discuss insurance payments, I found out insuring the ES350 was $500 a month while the M35X was $450 a month as the broker claimed the M to be a "safer car". He goes on to tell me I should get an SUV so I asked him about the Lexus RX350... its $400 to insure. (these prices will drop a bit as I'm purchasing the vehicle march next year). But yea I mean I was kinda disgusted at how expensive it is to insure a very pretty camry... (still love it deep down lol) but no longer interested in the ES350 to be honest. and I know you guys will probably laugh but I am actually considering the RX350 now lol... I didn't bother to ask about the FX... (Interiors are suuuper dated) might think about the EX35 but isn't that a wagon version of the G35? though more expensive I haven't lost interest in the M, still gonna look at it I mean its cheaper to buy, cheaper to insure than an ES, interior is BEAUTIFUL and exterior looks better than the ES in its OWN way (more aggressive) so why not.

[Ilya]

The EX35 is an FX with a smaller motor. It's a crossover, but a full-out SUV. Definitely not similar to the G.

And yeah, sucks about the insurance. Being young blows sometimes. Is that as an add-on to your parents policy or your own policy? Might save some going on your parents policy...but just be warned that if you screw up, their premium will go up along with yours.

[shodog]

Insurance is a real reality check. Back when I was 19 I bought a Porsche 924 turbo. Super cool car but the insurance was strangling me and when I finally wrecked it from being a young cocky driver, I was kinda glad it was gone.

You'll find in life what you think you can afford and what you really can are two wildly different things.

I would forget about the whole luxury car thing for right now and look to getting a cheap reliable beater. Focus on college so you can get a job that will pay well that will easily allow you to afford both the car and the insurance.

[Divindra]

You're probably better off going with the RX350. The M's are super nice but the cost of the vehicle is one thing, an extra $100 a month for insurance adds up over time. Here in New York to fully cover my O7 M35X it costs me about $11XX while with my 09 SRT8 Jeep only costs me $9XX. Although the SRT is worth triple the amount of the M, because the Jeep is a SUV they claim its more visible so there for cheaper insurance.

[igotoptions]

Insurance is a real reality check. Back when I was 19 I bought a Porsche 924 turbo. Super cool car but the insurance was strangling me and when I finally wrecked it from being a young cocky driver, I was kinda glad it was gone.

You'll find in life what you think you can afford and what you really can are two wildly different things.

I would forget about the whole luxury car thing for right now and look to getting a cheap reliable beater. Focus on college so you can get a job that will pay well that will easily allow you to afford both the car and the insurance.

just for the sake of it, I checked how much it was to insure an 06 civic and it was more expensive than a 07 LEXUS RX350. like $50 or so more. So I don't think the whole luxury aspect affects the quote by much. I'm kinda sad about the M being more expensive, but then again if its cheaper to finance than an 07 RX350 then I wouldn't mind paying the little bit extra in insurance.

[igotoptions]

You're probably better off going with the RX350. The M's are super nice but the cost of the vehicle is one thing, an extra $100 a month for insurance adds up over time. Here in New York to fully cover my O7 M35X it costs me about $11XX while with my 09 SRT8 Jeep only costs me $9XX. Although the SRT is worth triple the amount of the M, because the Jeep is a SUV they claim its more visible so there for cheaper insurance.

Its costly to own an M??? & wow 9 grand? that's what all state quoted me lol... why is your insurance so expensive??? I get why mine would be sorta but I'm assuming your not a teen so why so expensive?

[Ilya]

You're probably better off going with the RX350. The M's are super nice but the cost of the vehicle is one thing, an extra $100 a month for insurance adds up over time. Here in New York to fully cover my O7 M35X it costs me about $11XX while with my 09 SRT8 Jeep only costs me $9XX. Although the SRT is worth triple the amount of the M, because the Jeep is a SUV they claim its more visible so there for cheaper insurance.

Its costly to own an M??? & wow 9 grand? that's what all state quoted me lol... why is your insurance so expensive??? I get why mine would be sorta but I'm assuming your not a teen so why so expensive?

$900, not $9000. He only has two X's there .

[shodog]

There are a lot of factors that determine insurance costs for full coverage. Civics get stolen a lot so they will cost more to insure. If you buy a cheap car outright you can just put liability on it that way your insurance cost is based on you and where you live not a bunch of other factors. That 13 year old i35 isn't looking so bad after all.

[igotoptions]

There are a lot of factors that determine insurance costs for full coverage. Civics get stolen a lot so they will cost more to insure. If you buy a cheap car outright you can just put liability on it that way your insurance cost is based on you and where you live not a bunch of other factors. That 13 year old i35 isn't looking so bad after all.

Like i said before i rather take public transportation than drive the i35. & regardless i buy a car outright or financing i want FULL coverage. I guess if i buy the M35 (a lot lower montly payments) the insurance wont bother me that much.

[Ilya]

Infiniti i30 = 4th Generation Nissan Maxima (95-99)
Infiniti i35 = 5th Generation Nissan Maxima (00-03)

The Maxima was a ROCK SOLID car from 95-03 and then it went down hill. They had awesome motors in them (VQ30DE up to 99 and then VQ35DE in 2000+). I owned two 4th gens as you saw on the image I posted earlier.

I second the i35. It's basically a luxurized Maxima. You could do a LOT worse (see my images of my cars). If the car is in near mint condition, oh man...I'd have killed to have something like that as an 18 year old.

The old i35, IMO, is better than any old or new Infiniti G, except for maybe the IPL G. Unless you're a guy who likes coupes (I don't, I prefer 4 door sedans).

Put some 18" 5-spoke wheels on it with a Tokico strut + H&R spring setup...and man. Luxury AND handling.

You'd rather take public transport than drive a (nice) Infiniti i35 or 5th Gen. Nissan Maxima?

It seems like you know what you want so I'm not sure why we're still offering advice...but my general thought is I don't think you've considered all the possible (there are a million) variables at play here for the near and long term. I'd never recommend my kid buy a car that's still worth a decent amount like a used M35. My kid will absolutely be driving a hooptie so he can learn on it - both how to drive and how to fix it. By wanting such expensive cars (for your age) right off the bat...to me, that's heads in the cloud/rose colored glasses type of stuff. We all dream, but sometimes we need to be realistic and play the long game. Obviously this all changes if you are the son of wealthy parents...I wasn't, I'm the son of immigrants and am actually an immigrant myself.

As an 18yr old kid, what do you make a month? $600-750? I know I wasn't making anywhere near that only working 15-20hrs a week after school. How are you planning to have a car payment AND expensive insurance and still have spending money to go out with friends, etc. (which I think is a more important part of growing up than having a sweet car - you can get that when you're 25).

Again, it seems like you have your mind set so I'm not sure that any further posts will change your mind but I'd really suggest you listen to people who've been in your shoes...getting in a car payment at age 18 (with high interest rates) AND a car that will result in hefty insurance premiums because it's still worth something to the insurance company (be it an M35, a new Civic, a used Lexus, etc.) is just a bad financial decision.

Too each his own though...good luck...

[igotoptions]

Infiniti i30 = 4th Generation Nissan Maxima (95-99)
Infiniti i35 = 5th Generation Nissan Maxima (00-03)

The Maxima was a ROCK SOLID car from 95-03 and then it went down hill. They had awesome motors in them (VQ30DE up to 99 and then VQ35DE in 2000+). I owned two 4th gens as you saw on the image I posted earlier.

I second the i35. It's basically a luxurized Maxima. You could do a LOT worse (see my images of my cars). If the car is in near mint condition, oh man...I'd have killed to have something like that as an 18 year old.

The old i35, IMO, is better than any old or new Infiniti G, except for maybe the IPL G. Unless you're a guy who likes coupes (I don't, I prefer 4 door sedans).

Put some 18" 5-spoke wheels on it with a Tokico strut + H&R spring setup...and man. Luxury AND handling.

You'd rather take public transport than drive a (nice) Infiniti i35 or 5th Gen. Nissan Maxima?

It seems like you know what you want so I'm not sure why we're still offering advice...but my general thought is I don't think you've considered all the possible (there are a million) variables at play here for the near and long term. I'd never recommend my kid buy a car that's still worth a decent amount like a used M35. My kid will absolutely be driving a hooptie so he can learn on it - both how to drive and how to fix it. By wanting such expensive cars (for your age) right off the bat...to me, that's heads in the cloud/rose colored glasses type of stuff. We all dream, but sometimes we need to be realistic and play the long game. Obviously this all changes if you are the son of wealthy parents...I wasn't, I'm the son of immigrants and am actually an immigrant myself.

As an 18yr old kid, what do you make a month? $600-750? I know I wasn't making anywhere near that only working 15-20hrs a week after school. How are you planning to have a car payment AND expensive insurance and still have spending money to go out with friends, etc. (which I think is a more important part of growing up than having a sweet car - you can get that when you're 25).

Again, it seems like you have your mind set so I'm not sure that any further posts will change your mind but I'd really suggest you listen to people who've been in your shoes...getting in a car payment at age 18 (with high interest rates) AND a car that will result in hefty insurance premiums because it's still worth something to the insurance company (be it an M35, a new Civic, a used Lexus, etc.) is just a bad financial decision.

Too each his own though...good luck...

Okay thanks, i still refuse to look at a i35 lol but i do plan on buying me a used Lexus or Infiniti M when i turn 18 that's a goal ive set and nothing will change my mind so i guess for now its best i stay off the forum as it makes no sense to continue on, if i end up with an Infiniti M ( which ive test drove and very much liked) i will be back here if i don't then will probably be on a Lexus forum as i enjoyed test driving a beautiful 06 Lexus ES330 (SUPER smooth and luxurious). Either way everyones feed back is appreciated.

[Ilya]

Fair enough, sorry if my post came across a bit harsh. Not trying to scare ya away or anything.

[EdBwoy]

Igotoptions, please do us a favor and at least post back on your final pick, regardless of what you end up with.

As an M owner, I would like to know how far my head is up the wrong place, lol. I don't own infiniti stock, so I'll drive whatever the best car is out there.

[EdBwoy]

Mr. Options, I hope the past year has been treating you well. Had a chance to look at other cars/ settle on a pick yet?