2007 M35 Pre-Purchase Question

[festivus]

Did a search, but came up pretty empty. Was scanning the local paper yesterday, and stumbled across a 2007 M35 with Journey (no nav), Liquid Platinum Exterior, black interior with only 11,500 miles. Took a quick test drive, and it appeared to be flawless both from a cosmetic and mechanical standpoint. Clean Carfax, was apparently a personally leased car for nine months.

The asking price is $30,405, which is far below wholesale book from just about every online resource I could find. I assume that the market is somewhat soft on these cars due to the generous cash incentives that dealers have on remaining new 2007's ($5,000) and subsidized interest rates, and the fact that this particular car doesn't have Navigation, which I assume most would want. I have a Garmin which I only use once or twice a month when I drive locally, so factory Navigation really isn't a big issue for me. I typically fly when I travel out of town, so having the Garmin to bring along with me is very convenient.

In any case, since the car has a ton of warranty left, I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to get it unless some of the more knowledgable folks here can alert me to something I really need to check out. Assuming that I don't find anything, I look forward to joining the group. Just sold my 2004 Passat TDI (got 90% of MSRP 3.5 years after the fact!!!) and am looking forward to getting the Infiniti.

[GJEMD]

This is some transition, from a Passat TDI to a M35. Get ready for twice the acceleration and MPG down by 50%.

[jgoodman]

A year ago I bought a 2006 M35X with 30K miles for $32K. My car had a similar history as the one you are considering. Clean Car Fax. Mine was also box stock, with no options and no navigation. It has been great...no problems whatsoever. I think the Ms with no options are not as desired and you can get them at a lower price. Good luck.

[festivus]

No doubt that I'll be bracing for impact with the increased fuel bill. As for the car itself, about the only issue that concerns me is the oil consumption prblem. How prevalent is this on 2007 models, 1 out of 10, 5 out of 10?

[Q45tech]

Way less than 10% of 3.5 have a problem with excessive oil consumption and those that do have engines replaced if the owner is diligent doing his part.Most of what you hear comes from kids and modifiers who give Nissan a way out. They run low of oil and then try to cover it up without recepits.

Make sure the M has documented oil changes every 180 days and 7500 miles otherwise Nissan can void the engine warranty if 1 mile or 1 day off. It should have had at least 2 by now. Check the dealer computer for proof!