AZhitman- impressions of your M test drive ?

[yidal8]

AZhitman , you mentioned in my other thread , that you just drove the M for the first time . What did you think of it ?

[jEzTeR]

I have not driven a M *yet* but I have looked over them real good in the showroom.My thoughts are that the M45 is a awesome car.It reminds me of a mussle car with class.I would have a hard time picking between the M and the Q both are so sweet.Then there is the FX45.(I spent a few hours in the V8 area of the Infiniti showroom.

[AZhitman]

Well, I was killing some time Friday while my wife was having an outpatient surgery done...

Rolled over to pinncle Infiniti (which i've hardly ever been to) to wander the lot. Did the typical "I'm just looking", but several sales guys came out to check out my Q... Of course, then they ask about NICO, and all of a sudden I'm the day's entertainment.

At any rate, a few sales guys and I start talking cars, and I mention that the M is probably going to be my next car, but that i have yet to drive one.

Next thing I know I'm holding the keys to a silver / black 04 M45 with the tech package.

Let's put it this way: the M is an update of the 1st gen Q. The new Q? Well, it really doesn't capture the spirit of the old Q at all.

What can I say? Great power, great handling, comfort, and ergonomics... It really didn't feel too different from my Q believe it or not. Cabin feels less airy, more closed-in, and I definitely wouldn't want all the extra goodies (nav, sunroof, etc) but other than that it's a spectacular car, and definitely will be the replacement for my Q when the time comes.

[nuQ]

Thanks Hitman!!!! Hoping the M will the replacement for my Q someday, or the G35 coupe, or the Z........................ Jeff

ps-how was your trip to Cleveland?

[Jesda]

I also loved the M45. It felt solid, confident, and of course it was quick as hell. When law school is done and this old Q retires, the M will be my next.

This is all compared to my 92 Q, which does 0-60 somewhere between 6.9 and 7.4 seconds. Magazines say the M45 pulls it off in 5.7 -- it feels a bit faster than that.

I also prefer the elongated wraparound design of my Q's dash, while the M45 crams all of the controls up into one pod with an LCD. The M feels more upscale and screams high-tech hot shot. The Q feels more welcoming -- Jag-like and more organic.

The Q is a stately sedan. The M is a high-tech muscle car. If you see one in your rear-view mirror, get out of the way.

-Jesda

[pmcd1966]

In the past week I've tested the G35 Coupe 6M, the '03 M45 and the '03 Q45. All three were impressive, but I like the Q the best. The interior design and the space are the key differentiators for me. I thought the M was a little tight and I don't care for the contrasting center console on the light color interior. Curiously, some options only available on the Premium Q are included with a well optioned M for less money.Also, my dealer is discounting the '03 M and Q $8,000 off list. That got me looking. Still no decision...

[maxnix]

Rode in a new M45 while my wife drove. Very fast and quite quiet. Seemed to be geared lower and operate higher in the 3K-4K rpm range. Lots of geegaws, most of which are helpful. corners flatter and ride is not too harsh in spite of the 18" wheels. Sport shifting was not as precise as I would like. Stereo and premium package and Comfort and Convenience were nice options. Garnet Red with Willow is beautiful, but the black dash intrudes since it is not color coordinated.

Drove and rode in the G35 Sedan 6MT. Very good at carving the curves, and the first two gears are for accelrating with the V8s. 70 mph was 2.5K rpm in sixth. Very nice car, with more rear leg room than the M45, but noisier. Navigation package quite useful for those who are not confined to routine travel routes.

Rode in a G35 coupe with Sport and automatic. Automatic worked very well. Coupe noisier than the sedan and much less space efficient. Looks great, but not good for more than two people with minimal luggage.

If I had an old clapped out Q45, the M45 would be tempting. Back seat is servicable, and I prefer the cushioning to the G35.

I do love both of my low mileage G50 1995 Q45. I will not be losing them soon.

[yidal8]

pmcd1966 : Wow , where did you get that $8K under sticker offer . When was that . Is it restricted to certain trim levels or colors ? . The best I negotiated so far is $6655 under sticker.