2003 Gen Questions(HELP)

[03M45CT]

I am looking to purchase a 2003 with 57k from a private owner for $11600 (He came down to that from 12,900) , he is the 3rd owner, first was a lease up to 21k then a personal vehicle to 34k and then he bought it. It looks so nice, but I am so worried about buying it and then having the engine go because of this notorious oil consumption. Do they tend to start burning at a certain millage or just random??? How much would it cost for me and if this is possible to get a warranty from a local infiniti dealer. (Are there choices). And also what maintenance has to be done at 60,000K. PS i am 23 and in school, student budget. PS I am thinking of getting this car this week, so any helpful hints would be awesome. Also is there a way to find out what maintenance has been done to the car, carfax did not say much at all. He said he changed the oil himself with High Performance Quaker State (Not synthetic) Would you guys get this car or pass it on and get something more reliable. PS(He just changed the cluster on it) (Also states that the mesh has small holes from dog paws in the back seat) Would the dealer replace an engine under the original factory power train warranty.

In my local searches I also came upon a 2003 Peral White Model that states" 61,000 MILES 22,000 On NEW ENGINE) Same price, hmm would this be a better deal since the engine was already replaced????? Or is there a chance that the NEW ENgine Will burn oil. Help Guys, Thanks allot!
Modified by 03M45CT at 9:40 PM 3/8/2009

[NightWatch]

Don't you have a duplicate post on this topic?

"Hey guys I am new here, I am a few days away from purchasing a 2003 M45 from Rhode Island, It has 59,000 MILES on it. $11500 is the price. Anyway is there anything I should ask or check out before I sign the title. Thanks"

You'll need to call an Infiniti Dealer to get an exact price on an extended warranty. They varry. With a 2003 you may not get much additional time (years) extended, but the mileage will be to 100K (warranty expires with whichever comes first). I do not recommend ANY other extended warranty other than one from Infiniti.

Again... Infiniti may not be a good choice for a student on a student's budget. You may find even the required scheduled maintenance a bit pricey for your budget. They are after all luxury vehicles and everything costs more on them. Have you considered another reliable vehicle more in line with your budget? Honda Accord? Toyota Camry?

[Andrew224]

This vehicle is expensive to maintain. Might not be a good choice for a tight budget. When the maintenance isn't performed, problems will crop up. I spend about $500 every 6 months for maintenance give or take (and that's with a extended warranty).

No real way to tell if the engine burns oil without checking the level over a period of time. From what I've heard, either it burns it from the get go (not broken in properly) or it doesn't and will last a long time.

Sounds like a good price though. If your set on this car, go for it. Just be forewarned, you will absolutely need snow tires in the winter if it snows where you are. This car is not good in bad weather. So set money aside for that if you do get the car.

Andrew

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Oil consumption while an issue, is not widespread. Some owners do have issues, many do not. That being said, looking over service records is quite helpful. In addition, spending 100 or so dollars to have a Infiniti dealer or qualified independent shop inspect the car should be considered essential. Look at the oil cap for varnish, check the exhaust, etc...

These cars are not cheap to work on. Furthermore, if equipped with nav and laser cruise control, things can get real expensive. Though at the prices listed, I would be shocked if the cars are so equipped.Good Luck,ML

[CakeDaddy]

Like I said earlier at 57k miles you are looking at 500-700 for the 60 k service. And not to mention the other items that may need replaced while its on the rack at the dealer. The last thing you want to do is buy a car and take it in for service and get stuck with a $750+ tab. Are you ready for that?If money is an issue for maintenance..... Id pass if I were you. Look into a used V6 honda or toyota car. Good luck

[saeedakobiakov]

11600 with 57k , dude that's a good price,.if you dont buy , i will. give me his address, please.did you ask him, why did He buy it? looks, power? and why is he selling it? how old is the dude?did he put new tires on when he get it? and you sould look how much is the rubber left? drive the car over rough roads and listen for rattels? i bought mine with 48k on it, sounded with out rattles, but in mass. we got s*** roads, as you might know. now i have 75k and i cant stand driving it, rattels over every bump.japanese cars with firm suspenssion cant last over the rough roads.dont warry about oil.for most of the cars with over 300hp with semiagressive driving, you will need to add one 1/4 after 1500mile or so.i use thicker oil with prices over $4 my style was in safty mode so did not burn oil, now that gas is $2.00 cars is staring burn one quater after 1500. driving style whent back to normal, if you know what i mean.Good luck.

[odie]

I've been in your shoes... honestly, I don't recommend it but not based on your description of the car. I almost bought a 944 in college but against my car enthusiast judgment, I stuck with the car I had till graduation.

If you're 23 and in college, I'd just wait a little longer unless you have to have a new vehicle. In that case, buy something that will last you a few years for $7-8k which won't have alot of maintenance costs (think Civic or Mazda3) in the near future.

I don't think you're going to be able to get an infinity warranty for a reasonable price either.

Good luck to you!

[03M45CT]

http://boston.craigslist.org/g....html

Yah I think im going to pass on this.