2003 M45 v. 1999 Accord

[tbrightm45]

Hey All,

I'm mulling over a 2003 M45 as a replacement for my 1999 Accord.

The case for the Accord (Dark Green V6 2dr Coupe, 76000 miles)
1. + Great stereo (Pioneer deck, Polk Speakers, Infiniti 10" Amp) Nothing crazy but I love it.
2. + Cheap to run-it's paid off, insurance is cheap, parts are plentiful, I have a good Honda shop that only charges 75/hour.
3. + Gas mileage is OK- I average 18-19 MPG Reg. around town
4. + Ugly enough where I don't mind parking in near stores and don't mind leaving it bad neighborhoods.
5. + I could probably get $4000-5000 for it if I sell it privately.
6. + Trunk can swallow an amazing amount of stuff with the rear seats folded down.
7. - It's ugly- clear coat is peeling all over the roof, and it has it's fair share of door dings. Never been garaged in Arizona. It's plain, you see them everywhere.
8. - The transmission may or may not last- it's a known weak spot for the v6 Hondas (Odesseys, TLs, and Accords)
9. - Needs some work: SRS light is on, $800 belts are due, and a shock boot is torn.
10. - Having 2 doors is a hassle.

The case for the M45 2003 88k $10k
http://tucson.craigslist.org/ctd/2272901080.html
1. +Looks awesome-always loved these and you don't see them around everywhere
2. +Good Arizona colors: silver on white leather
3. +Fast, mean old' v8 YES!
4. +4 doors
5. +Good paint (small ding on hood, and clear coat peel by the rear drivers side windows-but still miles ahead of the Accord)
6. +Serviced at Infiniti Scottsdale.
7. -Trunk is smallish, rear seat doesn't fold down
8. -16-17 MPG Premium
9. - Known problems? Glovebox squeaks but I think that's an easy fix.
10. -Dash reads 38k, car has 88k dealer says he will fix it in his greasy little shop and get the title right before selling
11. -Stereo upgrades aren't easy? I've read about the ipod/tape deck-that looks doable. I think I can find some decent 2ohm Polks to replace the door speakers. Adding an amp and a sub also seem straightforward. Trunk is small for my box, but I could eventually make use of the existing sub hole and find a suitable free air sub or build a slim box against the back seat.
12. $900 90k service coming up.
13. + Looks bad a**.

Handling-wise----the Accord is pretty happy down-shifting and scoots from 30-60, which is just right for my city commute. It can take a corner, but it doesn't take much to push it to its limits (which is kind fun ) The M45 felt....slow? Maybe it was too quiet and 50mph didn't feel like 50. I would have like to heard the V8 more(Exhaust? Air intake?). Mushy off the line? (but so is the Accord) I didn't really get a chance to toss it around any corners. In a straight line the m45's ride felt just right-not to soft or to tight. Felt like a freight train/missile once it got going.

I realize this crowd might be partial to the m45-but am I missing anything? What do you guys think?

[06M4.5]

I will say that the honda will save you on gas but that's about it. I would tell you to get the M.

good luck, Freddie

[rsg123]

I would say it depends on your financial situation. The maintenance (services, tires, etc) and fuel costs will be quite a bit higher with the M.
I recently sold my wife's 97 Accord and the maintenance on that car was very low (it was a 4 cylinder so I got around 30mpg highway as well). I did not feel like it was a very reliable car for my 75 mile round trip commute since it had been through a rough 252k miles.

[rsg123]

Also, why is the odometer reading incorrect on the M? Was it involved in a crash?

[a.blanco0905]

OP be wary of that M... The least you should do is to run a carfax paid by you at your home, dont ask for the dealership's carfax. Get the VIN number off the car, not off dealer's paperwork or from a post it a salesman wrote on. Good luck and keep us posted.

[tbrightm45]

OP be wary of that M... The least you should do is to run a carfax paid by you at your home, dont ask for the dealership's carfax. Get the VIN number off the car, not off dealer's paperwork or from a post it a salesman wrote on. Good luck and keep us posted.

Yeah I'll check that out. The Craigslist website gives this as a VIN JNKAY41EX3M006057 which led me to this site showing it for sale for $6,991.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/s ... google.com

According to the dealer (Sal Messina from dtads.com) the lines are out on the digital read out.

[a.blanco0905]

That's extra shady brother!!! Be very careful dealing with that dealership and the car and from experience on digital read outs, when the "lines" are out on the digital display the numbers usually still show, tho distorted or pixeled out... so that's odd too.

[tbrightm45]

I tracked down the original sale ad:
http://www.coultercadillac.com/web/used ... scrolldown

I have a call into them to see if they can't give me more info on the odo issue. That ad lists the mileage at 344.

[a.blanco0905]

I see, and it's listed as sold... just be careful, this is a shady business. I wouldnt mind a seller selling you a car that has been in a wreck or something along those lines, as long as there's full disclosure about it, they're not trying to hide it and they adjust the price accordingly.

[EniGmA1987]

8. -16-17 MPG Premium

Maybe at the very best, from what other say you should expect closer to 13 mpg

[tbrightm45]

8. -16-17 MPG Premium

Maybe at the very best, from what other say you should expect closer to 13 mpg

I could plan for that, I suppose- but 13mpg is lower that what I typically see listed online for the m45.
The stuff that scares me is the sudden $500-800 repair items.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I could plan for that, I suppose- but 13mpg is lower that what I typically see listed online for the m45.
The stuff that scares me is the sudden $500-800 repair items.[/quote]

I'd be very careful about buying this one. The mileage indicator bothers me. While carfax is good it doesn't always tell you everything if it wasn't reported. I have a 2004M which I bought new so I know what maintence, etc. has been done to it. I love it, its a great car, but it is getting old. Your 2003 is 9 years old and any older car is going to need repairs. Many posters have had issues with their M's, the most common seems to be oil consumption. Bottom line, these were expensive cars new and are expensive to repair. If you don't have deep pockets, I'd probably pass and move on to a newer Nissan like the Altima or Maxima. Also, these cars are rare and parts are getting harder to find. There is very little aftermarket stuff available for them. I love the car as I said, but it may not be the best way to spend your money unless you are 100% positive its in good shape and you really want it. Good luck, either way.

[bhrees]

are you sure you can affords a luxury car..even an old one

[myother45isalesbaer]

One more comment from the peanut gallery. You are buying a car, not a stereo system. Make sure the car is sound, forget the colors, and other extras, make sure the mechanics of the car are good. Sleep on it, are you getting too influenced by items that don't have any relevance to a good car? Just asking.

[tbrightm45]

One more comment from the peanut gallery. You are buying a car, not a stereo system. Make sure the car is sound, forget the colors, and other extras, make sure the mechanics of the car are good. Sleep on it, are you getting too influenced by items that don't have any relevance to a good car? Just asking.

This is the first car that I've looked at that wasn't a easy DIN swap for a new deck...after researching it seems everything w/o a DIN deck would be an equal pain in the @ss to upgrade. I'd say the M45 might even be on the easy end with the amp already in the trunk.

In regards to mechanicals- you all right. I should get the thing checked out before I get too far in. (And read more about the oil burning issue) My wife has a FX35 so I'm familiar with the maintenance to expect- and I'm comfortable enough replacing the little odd bits (regulators, seat motors).

I'll call the title clerk from the original dealership and see if I can't find more info on the fishy odometer.

[myother45isalesbaer]

GREAT!! You sound like you know what you are doing. A few posters bought used M's and then had regrets. Good luck and let us know what you do. If you do buy it you will be a member of a very exclusive club. It is one hell of sleeper machine. I intend to keep mine well maintained for many more years. I wish sometimes NICO would break the 2003-04 models away from the others. They are not the same cars. I hope your checking turns out good and you buy it. You won't regret it!!

[candymanfb]

You forgot one VERY important thing!!!

Insurance will go up and for several reasons. The M is a faster car, the engine puts it in another insurance category compared to the Honda. If you finance you will need to get full coverage - hell even if you don't finance, you'll need to protect your investment fully. I went from paying 360 every six months to 1600 twice a year. Now three years later, I'm paying 900 every six months.
Call your insurance agent before contemplating an M45, if you're happy with the quote then proceed.

I agree with everyone else about the odometer.

Good luck!

[EniGmA1987]

Or shop around for insurance on it. State Farm, Mercury, and some other "big name" insurance places wanted over $1800 every 6 months for insurance on my M35 sport, I did some homework and found other triple A rated insurance companies (same rating as State Farm) and they only charge me $700 every 6 months for the exact same coverage.

[tbrightm45]

Just a quick update- checked with my insurance guy and he told me my rate would actually go down about $100/year.

I've snooped around and called some Infiniti dealerships around the state and got the service records with the VIN. The dealer's guess at 88k seems to be pretty close- (last serviced in 2009 with 79000 miles).

My guess is that the little corner lot picked it up for a steal @ $7k because of a possible "Not Actual Milage" title.

I still might go give it a second drive, talk some numbers, and have it inspected by the local Infiniti dealership.



Thanks again to everyone for the helpful advice.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Just a quick update- checked with my insurance guy and he told me my rate would actually go down about $100/year.

I've snooped around and called some Infiniti dealerships around the state and got the service records with the VIN. The dealer's guess at 88k seems to be pretty close- (last serviced in 2009 with 79000 miles).

My guess is that the little corner lot picked it up for a steal @ $7k because of a possible "Not Actual Milage" title.

I still might go give it a second drive, talk some numbers, and have it inspected by the local Infiniti dealership.

Thanks again to everyone for the helpful advice.

Sounds good. Do give it a second drive and have it inspected. I just had mine in the shop for an oil change and had the biggest, worst repair bill since I bought the car in 2004. I needed a new battery. The original one from 2004 seems to be going. Total cost was $150. That is the largest I have laid out since I got the car. Good luck. Like I said before, if its in good shape, you will love it. Its a bad a** sleeper of a car.

[sunoco]

1600 every six months for insurance? 700 every six months? Geez what do yalls records look like???

At 23, with 2 previous claims, my insurance is 467 every 6 months for my 07 m35 sport, with GAP included. I was quoted 485 for a 2007 m45 when I was shopping. And I'm through Nationwide, typically one of the highest.

If it were me, I'd be finding another insurance agent...

[candymanfb]

1600 every six months for insurance? 700 every six months? Geez what do yalls records look like???

At 23, with 2 previous claims, my insurance is 467 every 6 months for my 07 m35 sport, with GAP included. I was quoted 485 for a 2007 m45 when I was shopping. And I'm through Nationwide, typically one of the highest.

If it were me, I'd be finding another insurance agent...

I live in L.A. so that jacks up most rates and also I have a lead foot. But more importantly the coverage I have puts me at ease!
I want to have enough coverage to cover me if I rear end a Maserati or a transit bus.
I've had two claims on the M and my rates continue to decline considering parts for my model are rarer than any other model.
There are so many factors agents use to determine insurance.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,
I have had my 2004 M45 for over 4 Years and it has been by far the best car I have ever owned. If you can find a 2004, I highly recommend it as the location of the CD Changer switches from the Glove Compartment to where the Cassette Player is in the 2003.
In addition, the Homelink Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror is standard as is a Full Size Spare Tire and identical Wheel.

As has been pointed out these Cars retailed for as much as 50,000 Dollars and is in another league than the Accord. With this does come much more expensive Parts and Repair.

If possible try to find one with the 5000 Dollar optional Technology Package which includes Navigation, Laser Guided Cruise Control, and Speech Recognition. Also, the Premium Package which adds Heated and Cooled Seats is a great Option. Especially if living in AZ.

Regardless of year, what is essential is to have a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) preformed at an Infiniti Dealer. They will be able to tell you how well taken care of the Car is over the Years and also alert you to any problems. It is almost always under 100 Dollars and should be considered compulsory.

I paid almost 30,000 Dollars for my 2004 which was a CPO and has all Options but the Chrome Package and the Rear Spoiler. I was able to add the Infiniti Elite Warranty for 600 Dollars more at the time of purchase and has been the best decision I have ever made as I still have Coverage until August. Right now it is at the Dealer getting the Y Pipe Replaced and the Trunk Struts,
Cheers,
ML

[myother45isalesbaer]

Hello,
I have had my 2004 M45 for over 4 Years and it has been by far the best car I have ever owned. If you can find a 2004, I highly recommend it as the location of the CD Changer switches from the Glove Compartment to where the Cassette Player is in the 2003.
In addition, the Homelink Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror is standard as is a Full Size Spare Tire and identical Wheel.

As has been pointed out these Cars retailed for as much as 50,000 Dollars and is in another league than the Accord. With this does come much more expensive Parts and Repair.

If possible try to find one with the 5000 Dollar optional Technology Package which includes Navigation, Laser Guided Cruise Control, and Speech Recognition. Also, the Premium Package which adds Heated and Cooled Seats is a great Option. Especially if living in AZ.

Regardless of year, what is essential is to have a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) preformed at an Infiniti Dealer. They will be able to tell you how well taken care of the Car is over the Years and also alert you to any problems. It is almost always under 100 Dollars and should be considered compulsory.

I paid almost 30,000 Dollars for my 2004 which was a CPO and has all Options but the Chrome Package and the Rear Spoiler. I was able to add the Infiniti Elite Warranty for 600 Dollars more at the time of purchase and has been the best decision I have ever made as I still have Coverage until August. Right now it is at the Dealer getting the Y Pipe Replaced and the Trunk Struts,
Cheers,
ML

Wondering...Mine does not have Nav, which I don't miss as there are better ones on the aftermarket. I have voice, but I am sure I don't have laser guided cruise, but I have cruise. I have the wing, heated and cooled seats which don't do much. Regardless, I still love the car and am wondering what the OP decided to do. My trunk struts are getting a little weak in cold weather. Not a big deal. This car is all about power and handling. Its a sleeper that likes a good run. Options really aren't that important. As for insurance costs it cheap. I pay $50 per month with State Farm for full coverage. Although that includes a multi-car, homeowners and umbrella coverage discount placing for all my coverage with one company.

[The00Dustin]

Wow... if I had known the 2004 had cooled seats as an option, I totally would have held out (for an 04 instead of an 06).

[tbrightm45]

"I still love the car and am wondering what the OP decided to do"

I drove it again last night and I think I am pretty sure I am going to take a pass.
Fun car, but it felt a little big to me. I think the G35 might be a better fit for me- even if the M looks a lot better.
High miles (88k), unknown parts/repair costs, small hood dent, peeling clearcoat at the rear windows, and iffy stereo upgrades scared me away.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,
Taking that M to a Dealer for a PPI would shed a great deal of light on the condition of the car and whether or not it was Infiniti Serviced. These cars are built to last provided they are well taken care of.

The Laser Guided Cruise Control was only on M's that also had Navigation as they are the main parts of the Technology Package. It seemed to be quite rare in 2003's, but far more common on 2004's. Problem is under 2000 M's were Imported in 2004 as opposed to approximately 8000 in 2003. Aside from the stupid joystick Interface, I have found the Navigation to be quite good.
I especially like being able to enter the Telephone Number for a Location.
Cheers,
ML

[myother45isalesbaer]

"I still love the car and am wondering what the OP decided to do"

I drove it again last night and I think I am pretty sure I am going to take a pass.
Fun car, but it felt a little big to me. I think the G35 might be a better fit for me- even if the M looks a lot better.
High miles (88k), unknown parts/repair costs, small hood dent, peeling clearcoat at the rear windows, and iffy stereo upgrades scared me away.

Sorry to hear about your pass, but totally understand your reasons why. These are some funky, strange machines. I think the are like Crown Vic cop cars on steriods. Given your issues I'd probably pass too. The G's are not better in my opinion. Maybe you need to look at other cars other than Infiniti. Personally I would not buy or have a G if you gave it to me. I'd rather have a Maxima.

[tbrightm45]

I drove a 2009 Maxima around the block- fun drive but the interior is crap.

One thing I forgot to mention- I found the dealer's socket wrench in the engine bay when I popped the hood last night.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I drove a 2009 Maxima around the block- fun drive but the interior is crap.

One thing I forgot to mention- I found the dealer's socket wrench in the engine bay when I popped the hood last night.

Too funny!! How about a Lexus? More luxury than sport compared to the G and the M, but still a nice car.