Buying used -- CPO worth it?

[Gasol1]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and will be replacing a car coming off lease soon. Glad I found this forum as there is plenty of great information here. I have pretty much decided on a late model M, debating between 35 or 45.

I'd like to buy a CPO (probably because I've looked at the Mercedes E350 and felt uncomfortable without CPO for that), but am having a hard time finding low mileage, late model CPO cars. Plenty of private seller or car dealer used cars for good bargains these days - say around $32k for a 07M45 w/tech and 15-20k miles. The CPO models seem to have 30k miles + for a 2 year old car.

My questions are:

1. How many miles is too many for an '07? 24k? 30k?2. Is CPO that much better for Infiniti vs buying a used car and adding the Elite Warranty?

For the E350 I wanted low miles and only CPO, just wondering if I should follow the same guidelines for the M.

Thanks in advance!

[palincal]

I bought a 2007 M35 Sport with 24K miles. It drives like new and smells like new. Absolutely no vibrations at idle. The leather looks new. Nobody could tell it was a used car (obviously they didn't know the difference between an 08 and 07 models).

As long as car is well maintained and you can find the service documents, a CPO is waste of money. An 07 will have at least 2 more years of original warranty.

[maxnix]

Read the how to buy a Q45 sticky in that forum. Apply its principles.

Basically, it comes down to the Infiniti dealer performed service history which at the minimum must confirm the 3,750 OCI.

Besides the per-purchase inspection by a senior Infiniti technican whom you pay, the other good idea is to obtain the Infiniti Nissan underwritten extended warranty from a dealer. The electronics, if they fail can be spendy on your dime.

[SteveTheTech]

Hey there and Welcome to Nico!

The M is a great choice, CPO means that anything that is ~50% worn gets replaced. If the used car inspection was performed correctly everything that moves, turns on, or does something should be thoroughly checked. If you plan to get an Elite warranty (very good idea, if you are planning on keeping) you should be good with a standard used car.

Depending on what your budget constraints are you may want to take a look at 08 M leftovers, since you mentioned the Tech package. This years M is a beautiful car the interior illumination color was changed from orange to blue and XM Nav Traffic was added to the Nav system, which if you are like me anytime you drive one you will indeed find traffic.There is also an available M45X, which is an unnecessarily fast car. There are no real major differences with the different years the 07 should have less miles being a year younger. Any Infiniti dealer can supply you with the service records for any car you are thinking of buying from any dealer nationwide, check that before getting into anything.

Good Luck with your selection let us know what you decide.

[Gasol1]

Thanks for your responses. I have always purchased or leased a new car, so am new to the used car process.

What's the best way to find a senior infiniti technician who would be willing to examine a car on the side? I was unable to locate one using Google -- I live in Los Angeles.

Some of the local dealers has some leftover 08's, those do look pretty attractive -- my only reservation there is knowing the '09s will have a 7 speed transmission and a bit more horsepower (makes it hard to have peace of mind).

[SteveTheTech]

I really do not know what the best way to get you the ideal service tech is. I wish I could tell you magic password, but all Infiniti techs specialist and above are all ASE certified in at least a few categories and have completed many Infiniti factory training courses.

If your looking at the 09 you may as well consider a lease on a new one. If you are looking to purchase one see what you can get for a deal, the sales numbers are down everywhere they may be looking to make you a deal that fits your predetermined budget.

[Gasol1]

I've narrowed choices down to:

07 M45 w/nav and 22k miles, around $32.5k with a transferred Elite Warranty good another 4 years.

new leftover 08 M35 around $38k.

Both prices are pre-tax, title, registration, etc. I don't drive much, maybe 8k per year. Any thoughts as to which is the better buy?

Thanks in advance.