Just got my M

[tbmgu]

This has been a long process and I won't bore you with all the little details but thrilled the process is complete and would like to share the cliff notes of my journey. Part of what made the journey long is that most of the cars I was interested in typically are not sold locally where I live. I am a corporate pilot though which means I find myself in other cities often with time to spend, which I've been using to look at cars.

Several months ago, I decided it was time to replace my old car that I've driven for more than 10 years, a Pontiac I acquired when I was just getting started with my career. By nature, I'm quite thrifty and hate spending money on things that depreciate as much as cars do but looking back on the idea that I tend to drive a car 10 years before I'm ready to move on, I decided it was worth it to get a nice USED luxury car I would love for a LONG time. But I'm NOT a car guy so I needed a bit of education (never heard of an Infiniti!)

Did a lot of reading online on cars I recognized the name of, looked at the those that I liked the looks of. Loved the look of the Jags but reviewers talked about little head room in the back (my kids are approaching their teens and look like they will be taller than me. Jag was off the list quick. Hated the idea of Lexus and Cadellacs. I always associated them with old people cars and I don't think of myself as that. So they were off the list without much of a look. Came down to Mercedez and BMW I thought. And I'm a very casual driver, or so I thought, so I thought the E350 was going to be my car. NOPE! Drove three different E350s and hated the floating boat ride they offered. :-\

I drove a few BMW 5 series and LOVED it. Really loved the BMW. I thought that was going to be my car. But when I started researching the car and hitting the various BMW forums, I discovered a common theme, even the BMW fanboys themselves typically had no interest in owning a BMW past 40,000 miles. That really blew me away because I wanted to own my next car for a very long time.

This is when I started noticing a brand I'd never heard of before. A lot of reviews mentioned the Infiniti M when talking about the BMW, for better or worse. So I looked it up and I really liked the curvy look of the Infiniti 2011 and on. Reminded me of sports cars from another era. So, one day on a trip, I took one for a test drive and I loved it. I started looking for an M37 right then. But I wanted one with the Tech package and the Deluxe Touring package too and those aren't easy to find at a decent price. Throw in the fact I was only interested in certain color combos, it was still hard.

In mid December, I noticed an M35h on the market that was too far from home for me to look at but had the features I was looking for so I started to consider the hybrid. I found one to drive that didn't have the packages I was looking for but just wanted to get an idea of what driving a hybrid M was like. And I really liked it. Good punch and acceleration and most importantly, I didn't really notice the engine cutting in and out for the most part. Smaller trunk is not an issue for me.

Once I started including the hybrid in my searches, the options opened up. I guess those that are interested in hybrids are more likely to order the tech package? Anyway, it was just before Christmas that I started including the hybrid in my search but holidays are difficult times for me to focus on things. This past week was when things moved to hyperdrive. Wednesday, I drove a car I would describe as about $4000 above market but was pristine and had me drooling but I could not get past the ridiculous price. Friday, I had a trip to a location where I intended to look at a hybrid that carfax had shown to be in a rear end accident at about 10,000 miles but now had 48,000 miles with very regular service intervals in the carfax. Only reason I wanted take a look at the car was that the dealer was asking 25% below market. When I landed, had a voicemale to look at another car in the area that I had been waiting for. I went there first and was unimpressed with that one. Just didn't have the look of a car that had been taken care of but was a car without accident history and priced at market value.

Then I drove to the 'accident' car. It looked just like the car I'd driven the previous Wednesday. Looked damn near new and I really couldn't see myself anything that indicated accident history, tire wear seemed even and all doors and the trunk closed fine and seams seemed normal and the car drove as I'd expect a car to drive. But I'm not a mechanic so I arranged for an independent shop to look at the car the next day. I was told it looked liked like they replaced the bumper and whatever the damage was, it was minor. He said he thought the paint needed buffing (looked good to me) and the spare tire needed air. That was it on his long sheet of 'checks'.

So, I drove to get it and brought it home and just got in. I'm thrilled. It's black on black so you've seen cars like this before. I intend to tint the windows as dark as the state of Texas will allow me and would like to do some debadging and will post a pic or two when I'm done.

[szh]

Welcome to the Infiniti M family and to NICO!

Z

[mazz]

I spent 6 months looking as well for a advance tech pkg . You were smart adding the hybrid model to search I did not figure that out. I am thrilled with my new car [18 months ago] and happy to see your solution worked.
Mazz

[Larz]

Congratulations, mate! Welcome to NICO and may I say you have made a great decision. Now, you need to add the car description and your location to your signature. Oh .. yes ... you will also need to post a pic of the final winner in your long and storied search!

[coolchuck]

Welcome to the M family. Obsidian or Malbec black?

[Ilya]

Welcome

[tbmgu]

Welcome to the M family. Obsidian or Malbec black?

Obsidian.

I have not seen the Malbec in person but the few pics I've seen that caught the purple hue looked beautiful but a bit too feminine I thought. There were a couple M37's I saw listed too far away to take a good personal look at that I passed on because of it. If I'd seen one in person, I might have change my position. Really, I wasn't a fan of the Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Moonlight White, or Blue Harbor. All others were on the table as long as the interior was dark. Platinum Graphite was my favorite with Storm Front Grey a close second. Black Obsidian was part of the rest I liked and the color that was on the first car I couldn't walk away from.

[RichMarth]

Congratulations and welcome! Black on black here as well!

[SmoovC]

Welcome to the forum, and to the M family.

I enjoyed reading your about your experiences in the "hunt" for you new car, and appreciated the unique perspective in regards to the hybrid.

Oh, and FYI: It is "Harbour Blue", not "Blue Harbor".

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Great read and glad it worked out in the end for you. I hope you're able to enjoy your M for a long time to come.

Welcome to the Infiniti family!

Another Obsidian black with black interior member as well

[tbmgu]

Welcome to the forum, and to the M family.

I enjoyed reading your about your experiences in the "hunt" for you new car, and appreciated the unique perspective in regards to the hybrid.

Oh, and FYI: It is "Harbour Blue", not "Blue Harbor".

Haha, OK Harbour Blue. My Brit wife would like that spelling distinction lol.

Actually, the first M37 I drove was Harbour Blue. Everything was great about it but the color just didn't sit well with me. Pics of Harbour Blue cars look great to me though.

[SwissCheeseHead]

Welcome. We're a small group here but a good one nonetheless . Enjoy the car and post pics when you get it tinted!

[wideopn11]

Whatchu got against Moonlight White!?!

I'm joking; congrats and welcome. Glad you were able to find the M for you.

[SmoovC]

If all cars were made with Henry Ford's premise, life would be pretty boring! For some reason, I tend to gravitate towards the more obscure colors. Perhaps I think it gives me a false sense of exclusivity......lol.

[coolchuck]

Welcome to the M family. Obsidian or Malbec black?

Obsidian.

I have not seen the Malbec in person but the few pics I've seen that caught the purple hue looked beautiful but a bit too feminine I thought. There were a couple M37's I saw listed too far away to take a good personal look at that I passed on because of it. If I'd seen one in person, I might have change my position. Really, I wasn't a fan of the Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Moonlight White, or Blue Harbor. All others were on the table as long as the interior was dark. Platinum Graphite was my favorite with Storm Front Grey a close second. Black Obsidian was part of the rest I liked and the color that was on the first car I couldn't walk away from.

Blakc on black is always a good looking car. Funny I was a fan of all the colors you didnt like ...except white. Mine is Malbec.

Its a funky color you really have to see in person. I think it looks better on the M than the G.
Aaaaaaand where are your pics sir?

[SmoovC]

I think the Malbec is a beautiful color, especially in the sun. The way the purple hue from the pearl reflects off of the body lines is pure sexiness.

[ssaeed]

Just picked up my M last Saturday as well. Loving it so far but keep instinctively reaching for that 3rd pedal. It's my first Auto car in 18 years... i'm sure i'll get used to it eventually!

[kmk786]

Former M45 owner that went to Lexus and wants to come back home! Really like the styling of the 2015 Q70L. So, I am in, all in! Setting up sometime to go drive both the V6 and V8 version this Saturday morning. I am 90% of the way there. Never purchased a new car, Always bought pre-owed vehicles. Any advice in what the dealers are offering off MSRP? I got a few emails with 10% discounts without stepping a foot in the dealership, but I believe there is more room. I would sincerely appreciate any experiences you guys could share.

I don't mind going out of state (reside in Texas) to pick up the vehicle if the deal is right! Not to mention, it is a fun way to break in the new ride.

[tbmgu]

Former M45 owner that went to Lexus and wants to come back home! Really like the styling of the 2015 Q70L. So, I am in, all in! Setting up sometime to go drive both the V6 and V8 version this Saturday morning. I am 90% of the way there. Never purchased a new car, Always bought pre-owed vehicles. Any advice in what the dealers are offering off MSRP? I got a few emails with 10% discounts without stepping a foot in the dealership, but I believe there is more room. I would sincerely appreciate any experiences you guys could share.

I don't mind going out of state (reside in Texas) to pick up the vehicle if the deal is right! Not to mention, it is a fun way to break in the new ride.

I wasn't shopping for new but I'll chime in and say that Crest Infiniti in Dallas really worked hard for my business even though they never had the car I wanted to buy. I was working with their used car division though but perhaps their new car dealership is the same.

As far as out of state, I was impressed with Infiniti Scottsdale as well, but again, for used cars.

[kmk786]

Thanks for the post. Crest is my first stop and hopefully the only place I need to go. Best wishes.

Former M45 owner that went to Lexus and wants to come back home! Really like the styling of the 2015 Q70L. So, I am in, all in! Setting up sometime to go drive both the V6 and V8 version this Saturday morning. I am 90% of the way there. Never purchased a new car, Always bought pre-owed vehicles. Any advice in what the dealers are offering off MSRP? I got a few emails with 10% discounts without stepping a foot in the dealership, but I believe there is more room. I would sincerely appreciate any experiences you guys could share.

I don't mind going out of state (reside in Texas) to pick up the vehicle if the deal is right! Not to mention, it is a fun way to break in the new ride.

I wasn't shopping for new but I'll chime in and say that Crest Infiniti in Dallas really worked hard for my business even though they never had the car I wanted to buy. I was working with their used car division though but perhaps their new car dealership is the same.

As far as out of state, I was impressed with Infiniti Scottsdale as well, but again, for used cars.

[SwissCheeseHead]

Best way to reduce the price is to have the dealers fight for you as a customer. Try to get them into a bidding war with each other. You can do this before even stepping into the dealership. When you do go for a test drive, don't commit to buy unless you've got at least one other dealership you plan on going to. This is probably the easiest way for them to drop the price.

[SmoovC]

It is always fun to test drive a car from one dealer, and drive over to another dealer.

[Ilya]

It is always fun take a test drive a car from one dealer, and drive over to another dealer.

Reminds me of this classic:

[wideopn11]

Nice Ilya! That's hilarious.

What worked well for me was playing the dealers against each other combined with end of the month and full ability to just walk away. Being in NOVA I have lots of options and dealers typically have lots of inventory. Went to one dealers test drove some stuff got assessment on my trade in, negotiated for a little bit and walked away. Went to another dealership test drove some stuff got assessment on my trade in, negotiated a little bit, didn't like there offer on my trade in, walked away. Searched inventory online since I had better narrowed my car search and went to another dealer. Looked around, test drove the car I was interested in and then cut though all the BS with the sales guy. I told him how much (highball) I wanted for my trade in, told him how much I was willing to pay (slight lowball), didn't want to waste his time or mine so make it happen and I'll sign the papers, if not have a nice day and I'll be on my way. He wanted to make a sale that day because he gave me what I wanted and I got the car.
I think the important things are; know the value of what you are looking to buy and as much extra information as possible, be fully prepared to say no and walk away, try to time it right so the dealer needs to sell you a car.

[SmoovC]

That is pretty much my strategy in a nutshell also, wideopn11.

I would only add one thing: dealers make money on the financing by bumping up the rate they bought from the bank. Often, they are willing to give more on trade, and discount the purchase price further if they know they can make it up on the financing. With this in mind, (and if fiscally it works to your advantage) buy the car with their financing, make one payment, and then re-fi at your lender for the right rate.

[kmk786]

I am humbled and thankful for all the responses. Thank you! Day two and we have visited two out of the four local dealerships. They are willing to play on the Q70Ls, but not quite where I need them to be. The car is amazing and the space in the back is ridiculous. The wife and I, both over 5" 10' can now enjoy the drive with our seats where we like them especially on long drives, along with our passengers - normally the parents!

Those that are interested Infiniti is offering financing at 0.9% for 60 months, which is next to free money. Having never purchased a car new I am very ready to bite. Hardest decision is between white and graphite shadow. The white is in the lead for now.

[SmoovC]

.9% is better than free money, considering what the inflation rate is right now. Not to rain on your new car parade, but I think it is prudent to point out that 1st year depreciation will be a killer, and possibly dampen your enthusiasm for a new car as opposed to a used one. By the same token, I understand it is impossible to find used M's right now.

Case & point: I bought my 2012 M56S a little over a year old, with 13,395 miles, for over $24k off of its new MSRP. So, imagine being the original owner and making payments on that loan, only to lose $2k a month in value.

Not trying to sway your decision, but just bringing up something to consider with regards to your potential purchase.

[wideopn11]

I am humbled and thankful for all the responses. Thank you! Day two and we have visited two out of the four local dealerships. They are willing to play on the Q70Ls, but not quite where I need them to be. The car is amazing and the space in the back is ridiculous. The wife and I, both over 5" 10' can now enjoy the drive with our seats where we like them especially on long drives, along with our passengers - normally the parents!

Those that are interested Infiniti is offering financing at 0.9% for 60 months, which is next to free money. Having never purchased a car new I am very ready to bite. Hardest decision is between white and graphite shadow. The white is in the lead for now.

Moonlight white is a pretty good looking color if I do say so myself.

[withomps44]

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detai ... /overview/

I don't see many M56x on Cars.com.... Mmm... this one is calling my name... unfortunately it called 6 months too late.

[kmk786]

Fair point, SmoovC. That is the one of the draw backs of purchasing new - insane depreciation on these fine automobiles. My counter:

A. Paying MSRP is definitely out of the question.
B. Agreed on the savings of buying used, but I have been buying my cars at least two years used all of my life. Time to live it up a bit.
C. I buy a pre-owned M37 for $35K (2013) pay an additional $2K for warranty to get me through the next four years. The delta is about $10K for a new refreshed 2015 with full warranty (4yr/60K).
D. Lastly, knowing that you have put every mile on it and took pride in ownership = priceless.

Thank you for the input. I do appreciate it.

.9% is better than free money, considering what the inflation rate is right now. Not to rain on your new car parade, but I think it is prudent to point out that 1st year depreciation will be a killer, and possibly dampen your enthusiasm for a new car as opposed to a used one. By the same token, I understand it is impossible to find used M's right now.

Case & point: I bought my 2012 M56S a little over a year old, with 13,395 miles, for over $24k off of its new MSRP. So, imagine being the original owner and making payments on that loan, only to lose $2k a month in value.

Not trying to sway your decision, but just bringing up something to consider with regards to your potential purchase.