I don't understand why these cars are not holding their values and in my OP should be increasing. Total production numbers are very low. They have decent power. Handle well. Are a good size and have pretty good interior appointments. Granted they don't have the latest techno stuff on them, but is all that stuff really needed?
I am confused why they have not entered the classic car market and started to increase in value. Someone please explain to me why these continue to decrease and not increase in value. I still love mine and have no intention to get a new one. My OP is this car is just awesome in many ways and the initial reviews when it first came out mostly agreed with me.
M45 2003-2004 Values
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myother45isalesbaer
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Six_Legs
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1995 Nissan 240SX SE 5spd - Location: Nor Cal
Re: M45 2003-2004 Values
To be considered a "classic" a vehicle USUALLY has to be 30yrs old plus. 10 yrs won't cut it. Most of us will not have this car that long.
I understand that time is not the only criteria but it's a obvious starting point.
I understand that time is not the only criteria but it's a obvious starting point.
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myother45isalesbaer
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Re: M45 2003-2004 Values
Guess I used the wrong word. I really meant something along the lines of respect and value considering its rareity and overall build and performance quality for a luxury sports sedan.
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Larz
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Re: M45 2003-2004 Values
I could not agree more with your 'view' of the value that Infiniti brings to it's owners. You rarely meet an owner who doesn't absolutely love their car. However, in terms of higher re-sale, it's a completely different story.
First, the Infiniti idea was only a idea in 1985 and the name and product weren't chosen until 1987 - hardly a long history, and when they hit the states, an average of one dealership per state was opened and only two models were available - the M30 coupe and the Q45 sedan. Even though these cars were regarded as industry leaders, it was hardly a bold takeover in the states and Infiniti advertising - even today - is certainly not on par with it's competitors.
Because of cutting edge ideas and tech advances like voice-control and intelligent cruise control, the brand was well on it's way to impressing everyone and 2003 the G models were in the top ten driver's cars in the states. Infiniti was also the fastest growing car company in the early 2000's. But that was just over 10 years ago - again, not a long history.
For all the high quality and industry praise, it's still a 'new' car compared to it's competition. BMW, Mercedes, and others had already been around for decades and built a strong pedigree with proud racing traditions. Infiniti didn't even begin to pursue this until just a few years ago.
Having owned or driven BMs and Mercs, I honestly believe Infiniti is a better-built car and a higher quality car as well as more dependable than any of it's competition. How many American cars can go through 200,000 miles without being completely re-built from the ground up at the owner's expense? Virtually none.
Having said that, a previously owned Infiniti is, in my opinion, one of THE best values ever. Because they have no long pedigree and lack the level and intensity of advertising that GM, BMW, and Mercedes invest in their models, the Infiniti's depreciate a little quicker, and you get more car and higher quality for your dollar. Buying one new, not so much.
It takes many many years for a car company to achieve higher than average resale values and Infiniti will most certainly get there, but not for a number of years to come. They are too young a company to command high resale values, but their quality and reliability are still highly regarded.
My advise: Never buy a new infiniti and take a big loss on resale. Buy a near-new one after the big drop in dollars is done.
My 2007 M35 was a total loss after an accident last month. I paid low $20's for it at 63,000 miles. At the time it was totaled, it had nearly 100,000 miles and even after all those miles and 3 years later, my payout was still over $18,000 dollars.
First, the Infiniti idea was only a idea in 1985 and the name and product weren't chosen until 1987 - hardly a long history, and when they hit the states, an average of one dealership per state was opened and only two models were available - the M30 coupe and the Q45 sedan. Even though these cars were regarded as industry leaders, it was hardly a bold takeover in the states and Infiniti advertising - even today - is certainly not on par with it's competitors.
Because of cutting edge ideas and tech advances like voice-control and intelligent cruise control, the brand was well on it's way to impressing everyone and 2003 the G models were in the top ten driver's cars in the states. Infiniti was also the fastest growing car company in the early 2000's. But that was just over 10 years ago - again, not a long history.
For all the high quality and industry praise, it's still a 'new' car compared to it's competition. BMW, Mercedes, and others had already been around for decades and built a strong pedigree with proud racing traditions. Infiniti didn't even begin to pursue this until just a few years ago.
Having owned or driven BMs and Mercs, I honestly believe Infiniti is a better-built car and a higher quality car as well as more dependable than any of it's competition. How many American cars can go through 200,000 miles without being completely re-built from the ground up at the owner's expense? Virtually none.
Having said that, a previously owned Infiniti is, in my opinion, one of THE best values ever. Because they have no long pedigree and lack the level and intensity of advertising that GM, BMW, and Mercedes invest in their models, the Infiniti's depreciate a little quicker, and you get more car and higher quality for your dollar. Buying one new, not so much.
It takes many many years for a car company to achieve higher than average resale values and Infiniti will most certainly get there, but not for a number of years to come. They are too young a company to command high resale values, but their quality and reliability are still highly regarded.
My advise: Never buy a new infiniti and take a big loss on resale. Buy a near-new one after the big drop in dollars is done.
My 2007 M35 was a total loss after an accident last month. I paid low $20's for it at 63,000 miles. At the time it was totaled, it had nearly 100,000 miles and even after all those miles and 3 years later, my payout was still over $18,000 dollars.
Re: M45 2003-2004 Values
I see the amazement as well, however I think the desirability factor is also at play here.
Who wants a 12 year old heavy sedan with normal wear and tear that's not a class leader, has little aftermarket support, is expensive to fix, body panel parts are becoming scarce and has a body style that is not radical but instead more reminiscent of large American sedans of yore.
I do (and clearly you do) but there are not hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts that share the love.
There are hundreds at best:
http://www.spannerhead.com/2011/08/15/u ... initi-m45/
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2003-Infin ... iews-c2257
http://www.dailyturismo.com/2013/07/18- ... 5-y34.html
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum ... 307/page1/
http://www.vipstylecars.com/forums/show ... 27322-Y34-(
Who wants a 12 year old heavy sedan with normal wear and tear that's not a class leader, has little aftermarket support, is expensive to fix, body panel parts are becoming scarce and has a body style that is not radical but instead more reminiscent of large American sedans of yore.
I do (and clearly you do) but there are not hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts that share the love.
There are hundreds at best:
http://www.spannerhead.com/2011/08/15/u ... initi-m45/
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2003-Infin ... iews-c2257
http://www.dailyturismo.com/2013/07/18- ... 5-y34.html
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum ... 307/page1/
http://www.vipstylecars.com/forums/show ... 27322-Y34-(
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CPJ LB
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Re: M45 2003-2004 Values
interesting topic...Infiniti has changed the M design over the years, but I believe the 03-04 body style will always be the classic sedan... I think the younger generation that are now dumping their 350z's, G35's, etc are picking up 06-08 M's due to the affordability while possibly "not knowing too much" about the 03-04 M's...is it because there aren't too many of them (03-04 M's) on the road?? not sure.... I'd imagine the VIP car enthusiasts would be swooping up all of the 03-04 M's to modify 
I think if a high profile, top celebrity or professional athlete was seen owning/driving the 03-04 M, it would possibly help launch the popularity of the car...or maybe having the car fixed up on the show 'Overhaulin'
I was searching on Youtube and found this....
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkuRMQOTbRw[/youtube]
I think if a high profile, top celebrity or professional athlete was seen owning/driving the 03-04 M, it would possibly help launch the popularity of the car...or maybe having the car fixed up on the show 'Overhaulin'
I was searching on Youtube and found this....
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkuRMQOTbRw[/youtube]
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myother45isalesbaer
- Posts: 955
- Joined: Sun Nov 18, 2007 7:31 am
- Car: 2004 M45 Q70 awd,4.5
Re: M45 2003-2004 Values
Bottom line, I have to agree with all you guys. I bought a 2000 540i Beemer in 2001 for $42,000 which was a steal. All I got was $33,000 on a trade. This BMW was in like new condition. So much for the German cars holding their value too. It was a great car and could kick the crap out of my 2004 M45. But it literally spent close to half the time I owned it at the BMW dealer getting repaired. Thank god for the warranty. What each repair would have cost me if I did not have a warranty was insane. On the other hand my M45 has been to the dealer or any other grease monkey once for other than routine stuff. My wife loved the beemer so much she nearly cried when I traded it. She liked the M but not as much. Too big for her. I love it and intend to keep it as long as possible regardless of its value. As far as I am concerned all the newer cars are over priced cheapened up garbage. I can't find one of any brand I like as much as the M.
It just might be time to start looking at some older classics that do hold or increase in value. At least you know if you do need some repairs your money is not going into the crapper. I wish I could buy one of the monkey's fully restored ones. I just may contact them and see what's up with their private sales. Only problem is I don't speak monkey and don't really want to fly to Texas. But it just may be worth it. LOL!
It just might be time to start looking at some older classics that do hold or increase in value. At least you know if you do need some repairs your money is not going into the crapper. I wish I could buy one of the monkey's fully restored ones. I just may contact them and see what's up with their private sales. Only problem is I don't speak monkey and don't really want to fly to Texas. But it just may be worth it. LOL!