2003 Infiniti M45 Reliability

[wslyminski]

Iam currently looking at an 2003 M45 with 28k on it. It wasn't put into service until 2005 so the warranty doesn't expire until May 2009. How are the reliability on the 2003 model? Also anything I shuld look for when test driving. Any other info would be helpful. Thanks for the help!

[szh]

Iam currently looking at an 2003 M45 with 28k on it. It wasn't put into service until 2005 so the warranty doesnt expire until May 2009. How are the reliability on 2003 model? Also anything I shuld look for when test driving. Any other info would be helpful. Thanks for the help!

Welcome to NICO!

It is unusual to find a 2003 M45 that went into service in 2005 - please do make sure of that date and the warranty expiry date. Do you think it might be a 2004 model? The VIN will tell you this information.

In terms of what to look out for, the one major source of concern is the engine oil consumption. Particularly if the engine was not broken in properly. If you do a search for "oil consumption" in this forum, you will see some information about this and what actions to take.

Other than that, it is a very nice car indeed. I like mine a lot - particularly due to its unique looks. .

Other than the oil consumption issue mentioned above, the car does not have any major problems in general, although you will see reports of a few (hopefully isolated) cases of expensive repairs (like the Navigation system). Your warranty should cover that, and if you plan to keep the car for a long time, then please do get an extended warranty too!

Z

[wslyminski]

Looks as if its an '03.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ist=8

Carfax report-

http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_...00138

[CakeDaddy]

I thinhk Szhosain said it all, but pop the trunk with the remote and make sure the trunk lid rises ok. I had an issue with my trunk, so when I hit the remote to open it up it would re attaqch it self, but it got covered under waranty, but I had to really pester the dealer service. And you can get that car for less than 28K, trust me. I got my car 11 months ago for with 21,400 miles and I paid 25k minus the eibachs and rims of course.

and why was it in service for so long?

[Q45tech]

Other than customer paid 30k and 60 k services $1000 and 90 day oil changes, only the tire and brake maintenances and replacement come to mind another few thousand.

If you plan on keeping after 59,999 miles I would spring for Nissan extended service contract until 100k to protect against electronic failure or the unforseen.

We have three of these as customers nothing major yet...............I would guess at 10 cents per mile to 100K from 30k, depending on how agressive you drive and brake [tires and brakes]?

[wslyminski]

I am guessing I could buy around 24K.

[szh]

Looks as if its an '03.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ist=8

Carfax report-

http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_...00138

Very interesting! The VIN is indeed a 2003, and the serial number is quite low: it was the 138th M45 made! The one I bought in Sept 2003 (it was manufactured in Dec of 2002) has a way later serial number ... almost 3000. Maybe you can ask the dealer for the manufacturing date (it is on the door panel on the inside) and see if that is consistent.

BTW, at the autotrader site, the first picture is of a different car, but that is not of consequence, since the other pictures are correct. The interior picture shows some buttons on the passenger seat that are not on mine (are those seat heaters, per chance? I can't tell clearly - if they are seat adjustment buttons, then that is unusual ... looks more like the G35 seat). The car and interior color is identical to my car!

I wonder if this phrase in the Carfax report means anything: "Sold at auction in Illinois Listed as a manufacturer vehicle." Does anyone know what a "manufacturer vehicle" is?

I am also extremely curious as to why it sat so long before selling ... particularly with such low reported mileage in June of 2005.

Z

[wslyminski]

It is indeed the vehicle. I went to the dealership when closed. The buttons on the seat are indeed for the heated/cooled seats. Not sure why it sat so long before selling. My neighbor just bought a brand new 2005 Buick, & 2007's are out. Guess it sat on a lot for a while. And yes the first pic is that of a G35.

[szh]

One other thing to check. With 28k miles on the car currently, it has probably had one set of tire changes already. But, if not, then this should be taken care of immediately! Four+ year old tires are pushing the limits of what you should drive on in any car - let alone an M!

If necessary, get some good V-rated, (minimum H) tires with a load index of 95 or higher in a 245/45-18 size. See the spreadsheet in the spec sticky in this forum.

BTW, the tire date of manufacture can be found on the tires near the DOT numbers - only on one side of the tire, so you may need to walk around the car. If the month and year listed is more than 4 years old, replace the tires for sure. Get the dealer to drop the price further (by about $1k or so) or have them put new tires on.

Z

[Q45tech]

Manufacturers register vehicles for test and internal use [excecutives] then sell them at auction to dealers or anyone.

Be sure to check dealer data base for a buy back [by manufacturer] and things like engine replacement [probably a good thing].

Since the car is physically 4 years old less than HALF of NEW MSRP is in order even with low mileage..............use the savings to buy a Nissan Extended Service Contract until 7 years 100k...........depends on when you get to 60k...........that part of warranty may be up.

On manufacturer owned cars the warranty starts from from first use with a Manufacturers TAG [considered retail use].................not from auction date.

Get in warranty date in writing.

[nmgoodthing]

I had an issue with my trunk, so when I hit the remote to open it up it would re attaqch it self, but it got covered under waranty, but I had to really pester the dealer service.

Cakedaddy,

I'm having the same issue right now with my trunk. So garcia gave you a hard time about it? I want to get all issues taken care of before warrenty runs out. What was their reasoning for you having to pester to get it done?

[CakeDaddy]

Cakedaddy,

I'm having the same issue right now with my trunk. So garcia gave you a hard time about it? I want to get all issues taken care of before warrenty runs out. What was their reasoning for you having to pester to get it done?

WHATs UP!

I just kept showing my face over there and they finally took it in. Now that you mention it; I was there Thursday the 7th for the same thing again and Billy in service said that it is very common issue with the gas struts getting cold and fail to keep the trunk open. They've experimented with small spring along the trunk seal in an effort to give the trunk a small boost, but to no avail.

[CakeDaddy]

Iam currently looking at an 2003 M45 with 28k on it. It wasn't put into service until 2005 so the warranty doesn't expire until May 2009. How are the reliability on the 2003 model? Also anything I shuld look for when test driving. Any other info would be helpful. Thanks for the help!

I know of a dealer here in Albuquerque NM if you want to take a road trip. All are between the price of 20-22K I believe. I've seen the cars, but I can scout and get pics and vin # for you. Not sure about the nav in all the cars.

2003- M45 Black mileage 40k - may have nav2003 - M45 Crimson rust red 56k miles non nav 2003 - m45 Silver 40k - not sure on nav2003 - m45 White 45k miles Nav

[wslyminski]

Thanks but NM is way too far from St. Louis!

[szh]

Thanks but NM is way too far from St. Louis!

Would be a fun drive and good way to get to know your car at high speeds!

Z