18 year old first car descisons (M35?)

[igotoptions]

new to this forum but just wanted some advice from M owners. I currently drive my moms 07 Infiniti G35x and I now realize the g35 or g37 Is NOT the car I want as a first car. Ride is too rough, steering is too heavy road noise is a JOKE, feels cheap, interior quality is crappy etc. It is a BEAUTIFUL looking car outside but I am not impressed. I have fun flooring it here and there but that gets boring and really with all that power you cant do much unless your on a track. Ive come to find I like smooth, quiet & relaxing/soft cars and to me that's the epitome of luxury. To cut to the point in a year I will be taking out my first loan when I turn 18 and I'm doing some early planning by deciding now what I want. I am thinking about the M35, 07-09 models are beautiful minus the taillights and the interiors are even MORE beautiful. Now ive never sat or been in an M, I don't know how well the interiors hold up nor do I know how they ride. Is it A LOT better than the G35/G37? we have rented an 2010 ES350 before and I fell in love with it the second I sat in it. That's the main car I'm looking at now (08-09), but do you guys think the M35 is a better car in anyway? the car I buy is gonna stay with me through university and maybe longer... Thanks any help is appreciated!

[Ilya]

new to this forum but just wanted some advice from M owners. I currently drive my moms 07 Infiniti G35x and I now realize the g35 or g37 Is NOT the car I want as a first car. Ride is too rough, steering is too heavy road noise is a JOKE, feels cheap, interior quality is crappy etc. It is a BEAUTIFUL looking car outside but I am not impressed. I have fun flooring it here and there but that gets boring and really with all that power you cant do much unless your on a track. Ive come to find I like smooth, quiet & relaxing/soft cars and to me that's the epitome of luxury. To cut to the point in a year I will be taking out my first loan when I turn 18 and I'm doing some early planning by deciding now what I want. I am thinking about the M35, 07-09 models are beautiful minus the taillights and the interiors are even MORE beautiful. Now ive never sat or been in an M, I don't know how well the interiors hold up nor do I know how they ride. Is it A LOT better than the G35/G37? we have rented an 2010 ES350 before and I fell in love with it the second I sat in it. That's the main car I'm looking at now (08-09), but do you guys think the M35 is a better car in anyway? the car I buy is gonna stay with me through university and maybe longer... Thanks any help is appreciated!

First off, welcome to the forum. However, your username is a bit inappropriate and has been changed (check your email - I think you know which part).

Secondly; I'd take an Infiniti M over a G. It's day and night.

Thirdly; I would also take an Infiniti M over anything that isn't a Lexus LS. GS, ES, IS...all below the M IMO in aesthetics and layout and possibly reliability. Maybe not in materials, but overall bang for buck.

Fourthly (lol?); the 06-07 M is one style and the 08-10 is a slightly updated style. So focusing on an 07-09 you're actually looking at two different styles.

So you're 17 now? Are your parents helping you buy the car or are you going to be taking the loan on your own? You might be better off getting something with better MPG's and lower insurance costs than an M (or Lexus) as a first car unless your parents are footing all of the expenses.

[WillV]

Glad you also pointed the username out Ilya, lol. I had a response typed out that included a mention of his username but wasn't sure how moda here felt about that so I refrained from posting. But my unpublished posts hit literally everything Ilya says, except I also like the GS. But I second everything.

[Ilya]

I like the exterior of the GS myself, but ALL Lexus interiors in terms of how the media center console and wheel is layed out...I'd take an M56 interior over a LS 460L interior all day. Same with BMW, Mercedes, etc. I like my interior over even the most fully loaded German car. The GS and LS are the only Lexus' I'd consider from an exterior aesthetics point of view. The ES is quite ugly and the IS is just too small.

This is classy/timeless:

Y50:



Y51 (exactly what mine looks like):

[pedsemdoc]

Agree with Ilya and WIllV too:

M is in a total different league from the G -but I think you realize that based on your criticisms of the G...

I've driven a 2014 Lexus ES350 - decent car, but no M - Not sporty enough. The M is a pretty good blend of decent luxury, but has some sportiness to it to make driving fun. You should really drive one - it'll make a believer out of you.

Based on what your budget is, you might want to look into a older model V8 (M45) which has even more torque/HP goodness
But an 06-07 is now a 10 year old car: there are a few members that have experienced dash cracking and even the most persnickety owner is gonna have some wear and tear issues, especially if it is a daily driver.
I had a little dash cracking in my M45, but the rest of the trim/steering wheel/seats etc. seemed to be holding up pretty well.
The engine is pretty rock solid too, although a few guys have had some oil burning issues, more with the VK (V8) then the VQ (V6) engine.

My advice is to do your research, AND drive the cars you are interested in (go to a CarMax where it's likely that they have all the different brands/models that you are interested in) and see how they stack up to each other.

[igotoptions]

new to this forum but just wanted some advice from M owners. I currently drive my moms 07 Infiniti G35x and I now realize the g35 or g37 Is NOT the car I want as a first car. Ride is too rough, steering is too heavy road noise is a JOKE, feels cheap, interior quality is crappy etc. It is a BEAUTIFUL looking car outside but I am not impressed. I have fun flooring it here and there but that gets boring and really with all that power you cant do much unless your on a track. Ive come to find I like smooth, quiet & relaxing/soft cars and to me that's the epitome of luxury. To cut to the point in a year I will be taking out my first loan when I turn 18 and I'm doing some early planning by deciding now what I want. I am thinking about the M35, 07-09 models are beautiful minus the taillights and the interiors are even MORE beautiful. Now ive never sat or been in an M, I don't know how well the interiors hold up nor do I know how they ride. Is it A LOT better than the G35/G37? we have rented an 2010 ES350 before and I fell in love with it the second I sat in it. That's the main car I'm looking at now (08-09), but do you guys think the M35 is a better car in anyway? the car I buy is gonna stay with me through university and maybe longer... Thanks any help is appreciated!

First off, welcome to the forum. However, your username is a bit inappropriate and has been changed (check your email - I think you know which part).

Secondly; I'd take an Infiniti M over a G. It's day and night.

Thirdly; I would also take an Infiniti M over anything that isn't a Lexus LS. GS, ES, IS...all below the M IMO in aesthetics and layout and possibly reliability. Maybe not in materials, but overall bang for buck.

Fourthly (lol?); the 06-07 M is one style and the 08-10 is a slightly updated style. So focusing on an 07-09 you're actually looking at two different styles.

So you're 17 now? Are your parents helping you buy the car or are you going to be taking the loan on your own? You might be better off getting something with better MPG's and lower insurance costs than an M (or Lexus) as a first car unless your parents are footing all of the expenses.

LOL my bad... & thanks for the response. & I don't know if I mentioned before but I hate the choppy ride and loud interior of the G sedans, 03 was HORRFIC 07 was bad. is the M35 much more isolated? that's kinda why I like the LEXUS ES. Everyone else my age wants a sports car/has one. I don't think that's my thing I like luxury. & Yea I realize there was an update on the 08 model I think I said 08-09 too on my original post. I cant look at 07 and older I don't think I can take a loan out for an 06 or 07. & Yes I'm 17 in a month or so and my mom MIGHT help with downpayment but I will make monthly payments and insurance payments. I will take the loan out on my own as well. & I think that's why infiniti as a whole put me off because it costs $80 to fill my moms car and it goes like 450 kms per tank LMAO... but if I fall in love with an M then its worth it, so maybe I might test drive an es350 and an M sometime soon to get a feel of both.

[igotoptions]

I like the exterior of the GS myself, but ALL Lexus interiors in terms of how the media center console and wheel is layed out...I'd take an M56 interior over a LS 460L interior all day. Same with BMW, Mercedes, etc. I like my interior over even the most fully loaded German car. The GS and LS are the only Lexus' I'd consider from an exterior aesthetics point of view. The ES is quite ugly and the IS is just too small.

This is classy/timeless:

Y50:



Y51 (exactly what mine looks like):

I really don't care THAT much about the layout as long as the interior holds up well and doesn't have an excessive amount of cheap plastic and quality materials (g35 problem) then I'm good. but of course I LOOOVE the M's interior and I sat in the Q70L and by far that was the most BEAUTIFUL car I sat in. I agree IS is too small which is why I ruled it out by I don't think the ES350 is ugly at all. Its a very bland boring looking car to most people but imo I think it looks like a lexus LS just a bit smaller and less OUT THERE. I like big cars lmao so the ES & M are very appealing to me.

[igotoptions]

Agree with Ilya and WIllV too:

M is in a total different league from the G -but I think you realize that based on your criticisms of the G...

I've driven a 2014 Lexus ES350 - decent car, but no M - Not sporty enough. The M is a pretty good blend of decent luxury, but has some sportiness to it to make driving fun. You should really drive one - it'll make a believer out of you.

Based on what your budget is, you might want to look into a older model V8 (M45) which has even more torque/HP goodness
But an 06-07 is now a 10 year old car: there are a few members that have experienced dash cracking and even the most persnickety owner is gonna have some wear and tear issues, especially if it is a daily driver.
I had a little dash cracking in my M45, but the rest of the trim/steering wheel/seats etc. seemed to be holding up pretty well.
The engine is pretty rock solid too, although a few guys have had some oil burning issues, more with the VK (V8) then the VQ (V6) engine.

My advice is to do your research, AND drive the cars you are interested in (go to a CarMax where it's likely that they have all the different brands/models that you are interested in) and see how they stack up to each other.

Yea I know that that ES is faaaaar from sporty though it does have quite the powerful engine. And that's what I like about it, sporty cars are stressful idk if that makes sense but I always feel so tense and uneasy driving my moms car. tight steering & the s*** suspension or whatever makes it so bumpy probably contribute to that lol. I think that's my main concern.. is the M just a larger version of the G? & LOOL if the 306 HP V6 is too overwhelming, rough and aggressive for me I don't think the BIG V8 will be any better for me. as for the 06-07 models I'm not looking at them. Thanks for the advice! will still check out an m35 just get a feel

[Ilya]

The M is way better in terms of materials than the G. That's for sure.

However, the M (and G) are both not great in the noise level department (you can easily hear music outside of the M with the doors and windows closed). If you want quiet, you'll likely have to look elsewhere unfortunately. Me personally, I don't care if people hear me sing Bye Bye Bye at the top of my lungs so I couldn't care less about the sound deadening. I usually have my music on at a decent clip so I also don't care about hearing road noise.

If anything, having no sound deadening makes it easy to troubleshoot various noise lol.

It costs me about $45 to fill up my M56x (V8)...and I don't granny drive it and I average around 17mpg.

I love the M and personally I'd own it over an ES, but the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

As for buying the car...be careful you don't get an insane interest rate due to your age, etc. Your insurance will also be considerably higher than someone who's older. This class of car, until your 20/21, might not be a smart financial decision.

[pedsemdoc]

The M is way better in terms of materials than the G. That's for sure.
I love the M and personally I'd own it over an ES, but the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

THIS. I'd only own a Lexus GS or LS. The IS is too small and I think of the ES as a retiree's ride (no offense)
The M is luxo enough for me: sunroof, heated/cooled seats, back up camera, navigation, voice control, power everything, etc.
But if you need to do some spirited driving or sudden maneuvers, I'd take the M over the ES every time and on Sunday too.

The M is definitely not as quiet as the ES, but I put some dampening material in my doors which has attenuated the road noise somewhat.
As much as I loved my "06 M45, I like the "08 and up styling better, but I like my "13 M37 the most (even though Larz doesn't -lol)

[EdBwoy]

Not much to add to the other posters above, but this is how I see it:

1. If you want something reliable, either an infiniti M or Lexus will do you good. The Ms don't break often, and when they do it's usually pretty manageable.

2. If you want good gas mileage, avoid the M. This car is a buttoned up G35. Yes, it does have luxury features with softer touch materials, but it out-handles anything in its class and probably outpaces many of them out there. The engine is punchy and the transmission wants you to have fun.
They are sleepers, and you'll feel it in your pocket at the gas pump.

3. You want a purely luxurious ride, the Lexus does it better (even the G300/G350). Like Ilya above, I don't crave total isolation, and would like to diagnose noises when things change.

4. You want to look rich? Lexus has the name. People still sometimes refer to the M as an altima or something else . These don't walk into a room and high five everyone to get attention.

5. You want affordable? The Infiniti M is the best bang for the buck. Performance + technology + luxury features + reliability, not much can beat the M in that regard. Due to old perceptions, Honda and Toyota products command a huge premium on the used market. I find Nissans just as reliable plus you could always get them thousands cheaper than a Toyota of similar age and mileage.

- Finally, have you considered an Infiniti i35? Pretty cheap, fast, comfortable, decent features, better mpg than the G35.
- If you want to stick with pure luxury, break out the piggy bank and look at Acura TL or RL. Good features, good reliability, luxurious, but universally regarded as boring styling.

[igotoptions]

The M is way better in terms of materials than the G. That's for sure.

However, the M (and G) are both not great in the noise level department (you can easily hear music outside of the M with the doors and windows closed). If you want quiet, you'll likely have to look elsewhere unfortunately. Me personally, I don't care if people hear me sing Bye Bye Bye at the top of my lungs so I couldn't care less about the sound deadening. I usually have my music on at a decent clip so I also don't care about hearing road noise.

If anything, having no sound deadening makes it easy to troubleshoot various noise lol.

It costs me about $45 to fill up my M56x (V8)...and I don't granny drive it and I average around 17mpg.

I love the M and personally I'd own it over an ES, but the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

As for buying the car...be careful you don't get an insane interest rate due to your age, etc. Your insurance will also be considerably higher than someone who's older. This class of car, until your 20/21, might not be a smart financial decision.

LMAO... I don't really care if anyone hears me, believe me I do my share of rapping/singing out loud which does bring a few stares at red lights since I get pretty into it but I just kinda wanted a car where id feel relaxed and calm. How about this, this week or maybe next week I'm going to go test drive an 08 Lexus ES350 This one to be exact http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/ES/Oak ... up=8_15_27 & An 08 M35 http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Infiniti/M/O ... up=7_15_11 just to get a feel, this one has high kilometres/mileage so id never buy this exact one. But there's only like 3 available in the 50 km radius so I will try out this M. & I'm aware of the high insurance but I don't mind, Ive been in love with cars all my LIFE since I could speak so paying a few hundred a month on insurance is something I can deal with.

[igotoptions]

Not much to add to the other posters above, but this is how I see it:

1. If you want something reliable, either an infiniti M or Lexus will do you good. The Ms don't break often, and when they do it's usually pretty manageable.

2. If you want good gas mileage, avoid the M. This car is a buttoned up G35. Yes, it does have luxury features with softer touch materials, but it out-handles anything in its class and probably outpaces many of them out there. The engine is punchy and the transmission wants you to have fun.
They are sleepers, and you'll feel it in your pocket at the gas pump.

3. You want a purely luxurious ride, the Lexus does it better (even the G300/G350). Like Ilya above, I don't crave total isolation, and would like to diagnose noises when things change.

4. You want to look rich? Lexus has the name. People still sometimes refer to the M as an altima or something else . These don't walk into a room and high five everyone to get attention.

5. You want affordable? The Infiniti M is the best bang for the buck. Performance + technology + luxury features + reliability, not much can beat the M in that regard. Due to old perceptions, Honda and Toyota products command a huge premium on the used market. I find Nissans just as reliable plus you could always get them thousands cheaper than a Toyota of similar age and mileage.

- Finally, have you considered an Infiniti i35? Pretty cheap, fast, comfortable, decent features, better mpg than the G35.
- If you want to stick with pure luxury, break out the piggy bank and look at Acura TL or RL. Good features, good reliability, luxurious, but universally regarded as boring styling.

i do think i am pushing towards the ES350 but i am not settled because i have never driven nor have i sat in that Generation of M & the newer one i sat in, i fell in love with. So i haven't crossed it off my list which is why i am going to drive both this or next week. & LMAO people call the M AN ALTIMA?????? that's like saying the GS is a camry... smh. but yea like i said I'm gonna get a feel of both and let you guys know after. & an i35 is SUPER old and looks like a maxima. (no offence to any i35 owners) & i don't consider Acura a luxury car i would rather get a Hyundai Genesis lol. Thanks though!

[shodog]

In the past I had and '03 G35 and currently have an '03 i35 and a '06 M45. My G35 was a great car and it was a runaway hit that truly saved Infiniti as a brand. Sure there are some cheap things about the early g35 but most of those issues got cleared up on the '07 makeover. Complaining about those little things comes off as snobby.

Everything that Infiniti makes is geared more towards to sporty side of things. I don't think you'll like that heavy planted feel that the M offers in comparison to an es350.

The i35 is more like the es350. it drives light on the wheels and has plenty of power. They are priced dirt cheap so you could probably save your pennies for one and buy it outright and not need a loan. The touring version looks far better and any es350 I've seen.

[centralcoaster33]

Since you have a year or so to go, be sure to build up your credit rating and set money aside for a down payment. Get a credit card or something if you haven't already.

[igotoptions]

In the past I had and '03 G35 and currently have an '03 i35 and a '06 M45. My G35 was a great car and it was a runaway hit that truly saved Infiniti as a brand. Sure there are some cheap things about the early g35 but most of those issues got cleared up on the '07 makeover. Complaining about those little things comes off as snobby.

Everything that Infiniti makes is geared more towards to sporty side of things. I don't think you'll like that heavy planted feel that the M offers in comparison to an es350.

The i35 is more like the es350. it drives light on the wheels and has plenty of power. They are priced dirt cheap so you could probably save your pennies for one and buy it outright and not need a loan. The touring version looks far better and any es350 I've seen.

Thank you for taking your time out to give me your advice but 1: I completely disagree the 03 and 07 both are disappointing equally when it comes to build quality I can tell you that first hand as ive driven BOTH. 2:Yea I know but I want to test drive the M anyway, I loved the new version so the 08/09 might be good too. 3: no offence but I think the i35 is beyond ugly and I don't consider that a luxury car at ALL. they all have rusted out where I'm from and look just like a maxima & i35 cannot be compared to an ES350, the es350 is the epitome of LUXURY CAR imo while the i35 really doesn't have anything going for it regardless what trim level the ES may be an old persons car but I think its a beautiful luxury sedan with a presence. i35 lacks presence, importance and much more. if I didn't like the G35 the i35 would be worse for me. thanks again.

[igotoptions]

Since you have a year or so to go, be sure to build up your credit rating and set money aside for a down payment. Get a credit card or something if you haven't already.

Thanks but I'm 17 so I cant build credit yet from my understanding lol. Also I will start saving for down payment in a few months. I'm not too concerned bout that though my bank said they don't charge over 10% which is fine by me

[EdBwoy]

... no offence but I think the i35 is beyond ugly and I don't consider that a luxury car at ALL. they all have rusted out where I'm from and look just like a maxima & i35 cannot be compared to an ES350, the es350 is the epitome of LUXURY CAR imo while the i35 really doesn't have anything going for it regardless what trim level the ES may be an old persons car but I think its a beautiful luxury sedan with a presence. i35 lacks presence, importance and much more. if I didn't like the G35 the i35 would be worse for me. thanks again.

lol, strong feelings much? Structurally, the i35 got a lot from the maxima. The interior was done up quite a bit. For example as much as this generation of both i35 and maxima were the most ergonomically friendly cars I've sat in, the i35 had nicer seats. Ugly, I don't think so either... even after three 5.5 gen maximas and 2 i35s.

If you think an es350 is all that and a bag of chips, you need to try the LS for size. Amazing stuff I tell you. The Lexus ES is as I understand, Toyota putting more effort into the camry than Nissan put into the Maxima to convert it to an i35.

Either way, opinions usually aren't wrong. IMO we as forum members have a duty to let to know why you won't like to own these cars as much as we give you info to do the opposite.
Let us know how your test drives go. You have quite the taste for a first car. Who knows, you might end up with a Cadillac or Benz.

[Larz]

You mentioned 07-09. I have had both 2007 M35 and 2009 M35. Both have the exact same interior, same dash design, and body style. Slightly different tail lamps. But there are a couple of major differences between those two:

2006-2007:
amber colored dash lights
5 speed gear box
VQ 35 engine with single intake

2008 - 2010
blue/white colored dash lights
7 speed gear box (better MPG on long trips but searches for gears in stop and go driving - like all 7,8,9 speed gear boxes)
35HR engine with dual intakes

I would take an 08-10 over any 07 just for the extra gears and the beautiful colors on the dash. I have had no trouble at all with either model year. My 07 had nearly 100k miles and the only repair was a starter. I did regular maintenance only.
Same for my 09 M35 which is approaching 50k miles. Maintenance only - no repairs and its now 9 years old.

If you opt for an M45 - the most frequent complaint I can recall in here is the oil consumption between changes. That seems to be relatively common only on the M45s. The gas mileage between an M35 and an M45 is not much at all and the M45 will go like a stabbed rat!

I have not owned may cars, but I must tell you that Infiniti's M and now Q70 series are very different from all but the late model Jags. They are two cars in one. You give it the beans, drive it spirited and it becomes a great handling sport sedan. You drive like "Lady Slow-poke" and it becomes a smooth luxury saloon. No Lexus ES can do that to the same degree.

My only gripe with Infiniti is there blind devotion to Bose stereos. And even that is a very minor one. Both of my cars have the 14 speaker 5.1 surround and it plays fine, but not as well as a Matk Levinson, Harmon Kardon, Meridian, etc of many other cars in this class.

[Ilya]

Since you have a year or so to go, be sure to build up your credit rating and set money aside for a down payment. Get a credit card or something if you haven't already.

Thanks but I'm 17 so I cant build credit yet from my understanding lol. Also I will start saving for down payment in a few months. I'm not too concerned bout that though my bank said they don't charge over 10% which is fine by me

Bro. 10% interest on a car loan is ASTROFREAKINNOMICAL. STAY. AWAY. You're better off borrowing the money from your parents and setting up a payment plan with them and pay them 3%. Or something. Or, as 95% of us did as kids, buy a POS hooptie for $500 and beat on it, enjoy it, and then step up when you're nearing the end of college and have a steady salaried job in your profession making 35, 40, 50k a year.

Please, for the love of your future, do not get a loan for anything more than like 4% MAX (and even that is pretty bad, my current loan is like 0.9%).

Also, if you do somehow manage to get a credit card (you should be able to get one with a credit limit of like $500 to buy gas and crap with), don't get too 'free' with it. Only buy what you can pay off at the end of the month. Take it from me, I struggled for years with credit card debt and the only reason why I got out is because I forced myself to grow the hell up and take care of my outstanding debts (all I have is a car loan now) before I got married (getting married in May).

I really hope you have someone in your family who's coaching you on these things...I have no problem sharing lessons learned but, don't take this the wrong way, your posts are screaming that you are looking at cars with a certain type of glasses and not looking at the possible long term financial ramifications down the road.

I know you came here for car advice and not financial advice but please heed the above warning. Seriously.

[igotoptions]

... no offence but I think the i35 is beyond ugly and I don't consider that a luxury car at ALL. they all have rusted out where I'm from and look just like a maxima & i35 cannot be compared to an ES350, the es350 is the epitome of LUXURY CAR imo while the i35 really doesn't have anything going for it regardless what trim level the ES may be an old persons car but I think its a beautiful luxury sedan with a presence. i35 lacks presence, importance and much more. if I didn't like the G35 the i35 would be worse for me. thanks again.

lol, strong feelings much? Structurally, the i35 got a lot from the maxima. The interior was done up quite a bit. For example as much as this generation of both i35 and maxima were the most ergonomically friendly cars I've sat in, the i35 had nicer seats. Ugly, I don't think so either... even after three 5.5 gen maximas and 2 i35s.

If you think an es350 is all that and a bag of chips, you need to try the LS for size. Amazing stuff I tell you. The Lexus ES is as I understand, Toyota putting more effort into the camry than Nissan put into the Maxima to convert it to an i35.

Either way, opinions usually aren't wrong. IMO we as forum members have a duty to let to know why you won't like to own these cars as much as we give you info to do the opposite.
Let us know how your test drives go. You have quite the taste for a first car. Who knows, you might end up with a Cadillac or Benz.

LMAO no I just was confused as to why I was being suggested a car that old when I haven't expressed any interest in it prior. I'm sure the i35 was an ok car when it came out but were in 2017 now and the i35 looks beyond dated.. interior would of looked nice if we were in 2004 maybe.... and yea the same way people may find the ES boring or ugly or whatever I personally find the i35 to be bland & ugly. the only old infiniti that id buy would be an 02-04 Q45... LOVE those. As for the LS I don't NOT have LS money lmao I wish but luckily the ES350 is quite affordable which is why I'm somewhat drawn to it. & yup i looking forward to test driving the M this week... Thanks

[igotoptions]

You mentioned 07-09. I have had both 2007 M35 and 2009 M35. Both have the exact same interior, same dash design, and body style. Slightly different tail lamps. But there are a couple of major differences between those two:

2006-2007:
amber colored dash lights
5 speed gear box
VQ 35 engine with single intake

2008 - 2010
blue/white colored dash lights
7 speed gear box (better MPG on long trips but searches for gears in stop and go driving - like all 7,8,9 speed gear boxes)
35HR engine with dual intakes

I would take an 08-10 over any 07 just for the extra gears and the beautiful colors on the dash. I have had no trouble at all with either model year. My 07 had nearly 100k miles and the only repair was a starter. I did regular maintenance only.
Same for my 09 M35 which is approaching 50k miles. Maintenance only - no repairs and its now 9 years old.

If you opt for an M45 - the most frequent complaint I can recall in here is the oil consumption between changes. That seems to be relatively common only on the M45s. The gas mileage between an M35 and an M45 is not much at all and the M45 will go like a stabbed rat!

I have not owned may cars, but I must tell you that Infiniti's M and now Q70 series are very different from all but the late model Jags. They are two cars in one. You give it the beans, drive it spirited and it becomes a great handling sport sedan. You drive like "Lady Slow-poke" and it becomes a smooth luxury saloon. No Lexus ES can do that to the same degree.

My only gripe with Infiniti is there blind devotion to Bose stereos. And even that is a very minor one. Both of my cars have the 14 speaker 5.1 surround and it plays fine, but not as well as a Matk Levinson, Harmon Kardon, Meridian, etc of many other cars in this class.

Thanks for all the info, I personally liked how they added the chrome accents around the M after 08 I think. But I like the look of both even though they did make the taillights look MUCH better after 08 as well. But yea I don't have much of a choice anyway as my bank wont give me a loan on an 07 or 06. * & yea ever since i started driving my moms 07 G35X I have been flooring it every chance I get lmao and though its an all wheel drive car,if I floor it while making a turn the rear end slides out slightly.... that's always fun lol but Thanks again!

[igotoptions]

Thanks but I'm 17 so I cant build credit yet from my understanding lol. Also I will start saving for down payment in a few months. I'm not too concerned bout that though my bank said they don't charge over 10% which is fine by me

Bro. 10% interest on a car loan is ASTROFREAKINNOMICAL. STAY. AWAY. You're better off borrowing the money from your parents and setting up a payment plan with them and pay them 3%. Or something. Or, as 95% of us did as kids, buy a POS hooptie for $500 and beat on it, enjoy it, and then step up when you're nearing the end of college and have a steady salaried job in your profession making 35, 40, 50k a year.

Please, for the love of your future, do not get a loan for anything more than like 4% MAX (and even that is pretty bad, my current loan is like 0.9%).

Also, if you do somehow manage to get a credit card (you should be able to get one with a credit limit of like $500 to buy gas and crap with), don't get too 'free' with it. Only buy what you can pay off at the end of the month. Take it from me, I struggled for years with credit card debt and the only reason why I got out is because I forced myself to grow the hell up and take care of my outstanding debts (all I have is a car loan now) before I got married (getting married in May).

I really hope you have someone in your family who's coaching you on these things...I have no problem sharing lessons learned but, don't take this the wrong way, your posts are screaming that you are looking at cars with a certain type of glasses and not looking at the possible long term financial ramifications down the road.

I know you came here for car advice and not financial advice but please heed the above warning. Seriously.

thanks, I completely understand what your saying I appreciate you letting me know but there's no way I'm going to buy a $500 car. I don't spend money on anything else my main interest is cars. Occasionally I like to treat myself to a nice watch or pair of shoes but overall I don't spend much on myself so Id like to think the one thing I really always wanted all my life, I can now finally get (Not now lol but in a year). As for the interest rate sure its not great but it doesn't make much of a difference In the monthly payment. I mean I could try to do the payment plan thing with my mom that's always an option I guess. But I don't plan on ruling out a car loan. I forgot to mention the 10% is NOT MY RATE its as high as it can get at my bank but I'm sure i can get much lower. & yea i was planning on a credit card for when i turned 18. and i am not too concerned for the future "ramifications" as i have planned out almost everything and have an overall idea of how things will play out but of course ive considered if this car loan would be a good or bad decision. I'm just a litttttle bit worried about insurance i think 500 a MONTH is a joke and is completely messed up (that's what i was quoted). But overall i think i should be fine...

[cruzad3r]

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?

[centralcoaster33]

IMHO $500 cars are awesome! Especially as a first car, because you're going to wreck it (that's the assumption of the insurance place quoting you and also my personal experience). Also, because it's not financed, you can get just liability instead of full coverage. They do smell funny and force you to figure out how to fix them. Great fun though, especially the freedom. Car ownership is like an all access pass to freedom! Debt is damn near the opposite.

I stand by my suggestion, build your credit and save. You can start saving now. I'm surprised you haven't already, since your life plan is getting a car and you've known that for a while now. You can build your credit now and you should figure out how. I said get a credit card or something. You don't know how to or can't get one (did you already look into one with a secured deposit or a co-signer). Okay, how about the or something? I don't know the rules in CA, but figure they're similar to rules in US and you can certainly have a credit record before turning 18 here.

$500 insurance (that IS messed up!) plus $250 payments (8% interest, 10% down payment 2007 M35 X), plus $25 maintenance, plus $80 fuel is a pretty hefty monthly bill. Worthy of some rough planning at least. Are you getting similar numbers in your calculations? Talk to your folks or whomever you trust for financial advice.

I like your determination and convictions. I think there is a way to get the car you want. Getting the car you want can be a dream or a nightmare (wait, aren't those both dreams?). I think a plan will get you more of what you want and less of what you don't.

How's the test driving coming along? I'm interested in your opinions on these larger cars. Maybe you can create a summary list of your driving, looks and feels impressions.

[Ilya]

Sorry if we're getting preachy...I just think you'll have the most fun and learn the most of how to maintain a car that doesn't have 900 computers (and definitely learn to appreciate a nicer car later when you get it) if you start out with a POS hooptie.

My first car wasn't a $10k+ M. It was a Geo I was handed down from my mom and 2 siblings after her that I sold for $200 once I was done with it (I'm the baby of the family). Couldn't put more than $5 of gas in because it would spill out the tank and stunk like gas inside. Had no radio. Thing was a true POS but it drove. lol. Here are my cars, in order from top left to bottom right although first two are just Google images (Subaru was also my moms old car and my first Maxima my parents bought from my brother for me - the Gold Maxima was the first car I actually paid for myself and see how much love went into it?):

[igotoptions]

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 you wouldnt be the first to tell me, dont know why people think that way. If i have the means to own a nice car then why not?

[igotoptions]

IMHO $500 cars are awesome! Especially as a first car, because you're going to wreck it (that's the assumption of the insurance place quoting you and also my personal experience). Also, because it's not financed, you can get just liability instead of full coverage. They do smell funny and force you to figure out how to fix them. Great fun though, especially the freedom. Car ownership is like an all access pass to freedom! Debt is damn near the opposite.

I stand by my suggestion, build your credit and save. You can start saving now. I'm surprised you haven't already, since your life plan is getting a car and you've known that for a while now. You can build your credit now and you should figure out how. I said get a credit card or something. You don't know how to or can't get one (did you already look into one with a secured deposit or a co-signer). Okay, how about the or something? I don't know the rules in CA, but figure they're similar to rules in US and you can certainly have a credit record before turning 18 here.

$500 insurance (that IS messed up!) plus $250 payments (8% interest, 10% down payment 2007 M35 X), plus $25 maintenance, plus $80 fuel is a pretty hefty monthly bill. Worthy of some rough planning at least. Are you getting similar numbers in your calculations? Talk to your folks or whomever you trust for financial advice.

I like your determination and convictions. I think there is a way to get the car you want. Getting the car you want can be a dream or a nightmare (wait, aren't those both dreams?). I think a plan will get you more of what you want and less of what you don't.

How's the test driving coming along? I'm interested in your opinions on these larger cars. Maybe you can create a summary list of your driving, looks and feels impressions.

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.

[igotoptions]

Sorry if we're getting preachy...I just think you'll have the most fun and learn the most of how to maintain a car that doesn't have 900 computers (and definitely learn to appreciate a nicer car later when you get it) if you start out with a POS hooptie.

My first car wasn't a $10k+ M. It was a Geo I was handed down from my mom and 2 siblings after her that I sold for $200 once I was done with it (I'm the baby of the family). Couldn't put more than $5 of gas in because it would spill out the tank and stunk like gas inside. Had no radio. Thing was a true POS but it drove. lol. Here are my cars, in order from top left to bottom right although first two are just Google images (Subaru was also my moms old car and my first Maxima my parents bought from my brother for me - the Gold Maxima was the first car I actually paid for myself and see how much love went into it?):

Love ur champagne coloured maxima. & your M's are beautiful! & yea dont be sorry i appreciate EVERYONES help it means a lot. people on this forum are cool lol. but anyway i look forward to tomorrow maybe the day after might test drive an M, kinda excited for that lol. & will definately look at the ES still.

[Ilya]

Yeah, that "Sunlit Sand" Maxima was the best color...that thing stayed clean FOREVER. Could wash it once a month, all sand and dirt blended right in lol.