Am I crazy to consider buying a 210k mile M45 Sport?

[Mikesvagen]

This my first post, My wife and purchased an 04 FX35 a couple of months back (our first Infiniti) and we love it. I am looking at sedan for myself, I only drive around 10k miles a year so I decided to look for an older M56 after test driving a couple locally I'm hooked... Anyway

The owner has had it since 80k has only done belts, plugs and synthetic oil changes at Walmart every 5 k has all receipts, Tires have about 15k on them. Car is an 06 almost fully loaded, feels tight interior is in great shape. Checked underneath not a drop of oil, checked around the valve covers the best I could, no sign of leaks. All the electronics work, has the speakers in the seats. He is asking $6400 What do you guys think?

[bicsintegra]

keep looking, too much for that many miles.

[shodog]

I agree, that's about 1K more than the car is worth on KBB. I would have reservations buying a 210K mile caras that is a lot of use on the suspension and drivetrain.

[EdBwoy]

I'm one of the few people who aren't scared by mileage, so I'd say it's not crazy at all.

The asking price is too steep for my liking as the others above. If they have replaced all those items that wear out around the mileage, then I'd consider it. It would suck to pay $6,000 for a 175k mile example then have to spend a couple thousand to bring it up to snuff.

Depends on location too. You say you've test-driven a couple, what are the others going for?

[cruzad3r]

are you a car guy? as in, can you follow instructions and turn the wrench? if yes, negotiate the price down by factoring in all the old suspension parts plus brake and tires. you can swap out all of those parts with the money you saved and you could have a good car in hands without the headache. if you are not willing to do the work yourself, i suggest find and buy a newer with lower mileage car.

[Larz]

I agree on the high price. I would also inquire specifically about the suspension, steering rack, hoses,wheel bearings, etc. If they have not been replaced since 80k miles, those could be weeks away from replacement. Also inquire about fluid changes - transmission, coolant, rear dif, power steering, and brake fluid. Also, in my opinion: Taking ANY car to Walmart for ANY reason is a red flag in my book.

[Ilya]

are you a car guy? as in, can you follow instructions and turn the wrench? if yes, negotiate the price down by factoring in all the old suspension parts plus brake and tires. you can swap out all of those parts with the money you saved and you could have a good car in hands without the headache. if you are not willing to do the work yourself, i suggest find and buy a newer with lower mileage car.

This. If you are a DIY'er and won't be paying someone labor, get the price down to around $5k and have at it. If you are someone who drops the car off at his neighborhood mechanic, this will cost you more than its worth later.

210K is a LOT of miles and there is a LOT of refreshing that needs to be done now or soon.

[Mikesvagen]

Thanks for the advice guys... I found a 06 m35x with 189k on it for $4,200.00. At that price point, I figure it worth the risk.

[EdBwoy]

Congratulations on the purchase. If you need help/info keeping the baby on the road, you're in the right place at Nico. We've seen it all (well, most of it)

[airmanhoward]

Nice another awd congrats bro

[bicsintegra]

congrats good looking M, and the price was much better.

[Mikesvagen]

Thanks guys, I made my first purchase for the car and got an Icarsoft code reader. It will read the modules on the car as my old one would only pull engine dtc's. I have a bad left front abs sensor that need to be addressed, I have the ABS, VDS, slip, awd lights, on. Considering the Indy's want $80.00 to read codes Nissan wants $120.00 the unit has already paid for itself lol.

[Sstupid]

I realize it's too late now, but I bought an '06 M45 Sport two years ago with 185K on the clock. I paid $6200. The only issue I've had is the A/C electromagnetic clutch, which was not fun to replace, and some carbon knock that was taken care of with a can of Seafoam. Been smooth sailing otherwise. Great car. It has 213K on it, now.

[Mikesvagen]

Im glad to hear. These cars are pretty great. I had to get the fob programmed yesterday. There is only one locksmith in my area that could do it. It is awesome having the keyless features working. The drivers door button does not work someone tore the rubber leaving button exposed. Can the handle be replaced without any issues like programming?

[EdBwoy]

... Can the handle be replaced without any issues like programming?

Yes Sir, it should be a plug n play affair.

Being unclear exactly what needed programming, I want to mention that getting a new key fob remote to lock/ unlock the car can be done by yourself. To make the fob start the car is what requires a locksmith or dealership - FYI

[Mikesvagen]

... Can the handle be replaced without any issues like programming?

Yes Sir, it should be a plug n play affair.

Being unclear exactly what needed programming, I want to mention that getting a new key fob remote to lock/ unlock the car can be done by yourself. To make the fob start the car is what requires a locksmith or dealership - FYI

Thank Ed, Fob I received with the car would start the car, however the proximity feature and buttons did not work. I could not find any information with regard to programming these features myself I had a locksmith do the programming. As for the drivers handle that is great news I will pick one up this weekend and get working on that. Plans for May ABS sensor, Change fluids: trans, diff, brakes, drain and refill coolant. JUST SUBBED TO YOUR YOU TUBE CHANNEL

[EdBwoy]

How much did the locksmith charge, if I may ask out if curiosity? Glad you got it sorted either way.

Also, take pictures of the door handle job if you can. I reckon it is some invasive surgery since it's the last thing sitting on the door skin accessed from the inside of the door panel. But the door disassembly isn't too bad of a job either.

[Mikesvagen]

The locksmith charge was $60.00 I wish I had a second fob, Nissan quoted me double.

I will document the removal and install process of the handle and pretty much everything else I do going forward. I found one at salvage yard hopefully the part will still be on the car when I get up there.

[EdBwoy]

Thanks for the youtube support
If I happen to get to the door before this weekend, I'll post something up.

[Mikesvagen]

couple of issues ironed out with the help of my code reader (c1104 and no signal during real-time testing) and and 1/2 hour of my evening. Most of my warning lights were caused by a bad drivers front wheel speed sensor. The last remaining light is AWD. I will work on that over the next couple weeks. It sure is nice to have cruise control.

[MinnesotaM45]

Great you ran from the M45 like the PLAGUE! BUT, change the differential fluid in the M35x. Valvoline Synthetic is pretty good in there, my friend has the same one.

[Mikesvagen]

Well life got in the way for a little while (remodeling the house etc). Finally got the car on the lift. Replaced drivers side wheel bearing(love when you find the part being held on by two bolts), ordered drivers upper control arm and drivers tie rod end (Passenger side looks to have been done recently). Replaced all 4 rotors and pads. Went to the junk yard over the weekend picked up a set of floor mats in pretty great condition. Got the outer drivers door handle, a replacement push start button (mine was worn to hell), Drivers door check,( the one the car makes a horrible noise at the stops). Found a set of 19" Sports with new Nitto's on them pretty cheap (Not putting them on until the rest of the suspension work is complete). I will do the Diff fluid change when I do the control arm and tie rod end. Also need to do rear bearings on the wifes FX. fun, fun fun!!

[brevardchachi]

I think price is to steep when it come down to the miles but also you have to take into consideration how good it runs? and maintenance done to the vehicle. in other words if the car is in good condition and well taken care of then it should not matter the miles on it. I know this from personal experience I have had 3 cars now with way over 300k and compression in every cylinder was good. but its up to you this is just an opinion. but also remember that when buying something with this amount of miles be prepared to spend some money just in case s*** goes wrong