Is the M45 for me?

[CocDiezel]

I have never owned an Infiniti. I am looking at purchasing a nice sedan. So far I have been looking at used BMW 745Li's, Lexus LS430 Sport, and Audi A8's. They seem to be in the same price range used for what Im looking for. I then stumbled upon the M45 and I really like it. Just dont know much about it.

1. How big is it compared to these other rigs?2. Is the sport package more expensive?3. What options do I have to have if I get one?4. Whats the best exterior color and interior color?

Thanks!

[xxlbeerz]

745 and A8 are pieces of ****, only buy them used if you hate yourself and money. The LS430 nice, but the styling is a bit dated. Last body LS is a good VIP styling platform if you're going that route.

1. How big is it compared to these other rigs?

The A8 and 745 are probably a little bigger outside and backseat (if you get the L model). LS about the same. However, if you're tall and fat like me, the M has awesome head and interior room.

2. Is the sport package more expensive?

Yes, but only get a sport IMO. Adaptive headlights, better wheels/suspension, etc.

3. What options do I have to have if I get one?

Make sure you get the tech package as well. Sport+tech may cost about $1500 more overall, but completely worth it.

4. Whats the best exterior color and interior color?

Personal preference. I'm in a hot area so I went with Stone interior.

I just got my M45 with every option including aero kit, 22k miles, for under $30k.

[Huy]

xxlbeerz.You have excellent taste in cars. I've test driven and admire all the cars you listed above.A8 and 7 series is probably not a good idea going used and when it's out of warranty.

LS is a great ride, but a boring one. Looks like a huge Camry. Too soft.

I sold my M45 sports 6 months ago and I just bought another M45 sport. Perhaps this will tell you what I think you should go for.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,First verse, same as the first. I am in agreement with the previous posters. I driven all extensively and each has something going for it. Be really careful if purchasing the 7 Series. Avoid 2002 and 2003 models like the plague. While both had the warranty extended to 100,000 miles/6 years, there is a reason for this. Best advice is to go to one of the BMW owners forums and read about the nightmares. I realize it is tempting to purchase a 80k car for well under 30k. However, the problems are real. Then again, to the uninformed, you will get massive snob and curb appeal. Wonderful seats as well.

The A8 is a darn nice car that will cost you a fortune to run as well. While the purchase price for a preowned is really low, servicing is a fortune. Many electrical gremlins there as well. Beautiful interior. Would rather have it over the 745i/Li though. If checking out the A8, might want to check out the Phaeton. Share many, many things in common. The Phaeton does weigh more owing to not using Aluminium in the construction. If you can live with a VW badge, you will have draft free climate control and the most comfortable seats I have ever experienced. Can also get the W12 for less than a 745i or A8.

While all of us here are obviously biased towards the M, it does provide stunning value with excellent reliability. The tech package is great and I am in agreement that I would not purchase one not so equipped. Color is subjective so not much point there. Will say be careful if purchasing Obsidian Black or any other dark color without seeing up close (ebay, autotrader,etc...). A PPI (pre purchase inspection) is a must on any of these cars. The German's especially. If the Infiniti is CPO, PPI is not quite so essential though still highly, highly recommended.Cheers,ML

[auditech10]

The M45 is not in the same class as the 7ser and the A8. Me personally I would take the A8L over any of these cars(and most cars out there for the price). The interior layout and overall styling are big pluses, but the handling characteristics and drivability both put this car over the rest.The Phaeton is a nice looking car and extremely rare, BUT is not cheap in any ways to maintain. Having the W12 is going to cost you about $150 just to have the oil changed.Best thing to do is to drive each one in question and form your own opinion from there.Good luck!

[SteveTheTech]

The M was not sort of intended to compete with the 7 and A8 but they were initially cheaper so that sort of puts them under. I don't think it was much but when it first came out the Q was still the "flagship". I think it was supposed to compete with 5 series and A6.

The relative cost of ownership is lower with the M since they don't have as many problems, not none but if they are maintained properly they run w/o issue for the most part.

They are all good cars in their own right and it's always a matter of personal taste. I would drive an 08 M in black or graphite with either stone or black interior and loaded over anything elsee on the market. I am admittedly biased though.

[Bawkchicken]

If you notice in all of the previous posts, there is a common statement in regards to the M... reliability. Also notice that problems/maintenance costs are commonly associated with the other vehicles.

I just recently purchased my M, and besides the comfort and tech packages, my main reason for purchase was the reliability reports from Consumer Reports (among many others who gave high reliability reports).

IMO, quality is a major factor in the determination of product value and worthiness.

[John2]

Within the M family, I went for a used AWD M35x, 'cause we get our share (and a bit of your share) of winter around here. But I added the aero kit 'cause I really like the look of it on the sport models. We have crappy roads, so I've stuck with the 18" wheels so far (taller side wall = smoother ride).

As for interior/exterior, buy what you like! Black interior is macho and sporty, stone is cool and luxury, bourbon is suave and sophisticated - at least IMHO (and I've got bourbon).

john