Maybe, just maybe I'll get a Japanese car this time....

[silly_me]

Curious question to you all, if I do decide not to follow my general mantra of replacing my audi with another (or a merc or Jag) and decide to go with Infiniti (the only Japanese brand that appeals to me) should I go M35 or M45? Keep in mind my requirements are simple:

I need a large comfy couch to ferry myself down the highway during inclement and cold *** weather that should be able to rack up 200k miles with little fuss to my wallet.

If the M fits the bill, a few additional quesitons:

*I love my quattro system, fully mechanical, torsen diff, and reliable. Does the infiniti system rely heavily on electro gizmos, clutches, etc. Things that break over time and cost stupid money to fix?

*How are the electrics in this car? So complicated that they are unreliable (the one reason that keeps me from an A8).

*Transmission woes?

*I read on here that 'tramlining' was a problem. What is this?

*How does the Infiniti CPO warranty work, and what does it cover? (honestly this reason alone is the main point of this thought to purchase, coverage up to 100k miles is less for me to worry about).

Thanks much!

[palincal]

Large comfy couch? and you don't consider lexus?

You can rule out M Sport for its harsh ride.

[antzrus]

The M35x is a gentleman's sports sedan. It is not a couch on wheels. Albeit it is a very comfortable sports sedan; hence a gentleman's sports sedan.

There are a number of posts on this list about tramlining. It is easily solved by not taking the machine from the seller w/OEM Goodyear RSA rubber thereon.

You sound as though you might be chronologically (I'm 61) older and developmentally (I'm 18) older than me. A Cadillac, Benz or Lexus might be more in line w/the sofa scene.

[silly_me]

Lexus do not appeal to me.

Regarding the couch statement, I want room and comfort, I have no problems with a bit of sport, and I don't mind a stiff setup but I also like a comfy seat, sprawling room, and heated seats at the end of a day at the office.

I have (if I don't go bonkers and get a D class car and say hell to warranties and reliability) narrowed the field to the Infiniti M and the Audi A6. I will say that insurance on the Audi is a 1/3 less than the Infiniti, not quite sure why, and Audi CPO has better finance rate offers at present.

Why would I want the M over the Audi?

[palincal]

Haven't heard of any major issues (other than tramlining) plaguing second generation Ms. M is far more reliable than its German counterparts. Pretty much all the auto makers have figured out how to make the mechanical stuff reliable. It is the electrical and electronic gremlins that they can't seem to get rid of, especially the german auto makers. Sensor failures on BMWs and check engine light on VWs/Audis are still very common.

I wouldn't worry abt Ms reliablity so much as to pick an A6 over an M.

[striz923]

consumer reports has the M as the top car in it's class I believe. if you are looking at reliability that has got to help a little.

I haven't driven the Audi, so i am biased (as is everyone on here). I am 6'5" and have plenty of room. Even some kid room in th back seat behind me. The butt warmer is average, I have heard a few people say they thought it was not warm enough, but it is good enough for me.

Tramlining is when the tires follow the groove in the road, then the rest of the car shifts a little to catch up with the tires, causing a wiggling or dancing (or some people violent movement), but this is fixed most of the time by getting better tires than the stock Goodyear Eagle RSA's.

If you are living and dying by the gas milage, this also may not be the car for you.

All of that being said, I still get a little giddy each and every time I get in my car. It would take something big to get me out of my M and into a different car at this time.

good luck with your decision.

[silly_me]

Thanks so far gang, but can anyone advise on how the AWD system in these cars operate?

Do all of these come with the "smart key" and "navigation"? Are these reliable systems?

How does the CPO warranty work? Is it just an extension of the standard new warranty?

What are the current market values for the M35/45?

Thanks!

[slammedhatch]

I would go with the m45.... I would not call it a sofa but it is pretty damn comfy.....

[silly_me]

A few more questions:

Do the V6/V8 use T-belts or Timing chains? What is the service interval for them?

Is there any failure rate with the rear steering system of the sport models? What happens if it does fail?

[NightWatch]

The V6 uses a timing chain. I do not know of any failures of the Active Rear Steering (I have a 2008 M35 Sport). If it ever did fail the rear wheels lock in the "normal" caster/camber position and an idiot light goes off on the dash.
Modified by NightWatch at 6:00 PM 2/26/2009

[szh]

Thanks so far gang, but can anyone advise on how the AWD system in these cars operate?

The specific system is the Nissan ATTESA. The Infiniti and Nissan web sites have a nice description of how it works.

Do all of these come with the "smart key" and "navigation"? Are these reliable systems?

All have smart keys, but the Navigation is an option.

Reliability is excellent. However, system electronics can die - and repairs to electronic systems can be expensive (on any brand of modern car!), so we all strongly recommend getting the extended Infiniti warranty ... call Courtney at Scottsdale Infiniti, Arizona for the best prices.

Z

[silly_me]

OK, I went and drove one, an M45. I liked it, a bit too much road irregularities are transmitted from the steering wheel but it was a nice stable ride.

Question: It had a DVD audio/video player in the centre console, but no screen that I could find. Is this an aftermarket item installed by the PO? I found some composite cable plugs in the rear ashtray.

It also had the technology package, does that include a rear view camera?

What is special about the extended warranty? Does it cover more than the standard CPO warranty?

Thanks agian.

[szh]

OK, I went and drove one, an M45. I liked it, a bit too much road irregularities are transmitted from the steering wheel but it was a nice stable ride.

The consequences, to some degree, of a sporty car ... you get more road feel than other luxury cars.

Do check out the tires and make sure that they give you something other than the Goodyear RS-A. Those are not good!

Was it the Sport model? If so, the tires should be Bridgestone Potenza RE-050A or similar.

It also had the technology package, does that include a rear view camera?

Did it show you a rear view on the center LCD when you put the car in reverse? If it had the camera, it should do so!

What is special about the extended warranty? Does it cover more than the standard CPO warranty?

The extended warranty takes you past the 4 year 60k or 70k standard warranty that comes with the car - typically extends it to 7 or 8 years at 100k miles. I think you can get more miles too ... but not sure of that exactly. Or the cost.

Z

[silly_me]

To tell you the truth the dealer brought the car round, I never once reversed the thing

[silly_me]

OK, I've been searching this forum and I can't find the service interval for the M45.

The dealer advised that it had a "case hardened" timing chain that needed no maint. He also said the same of the V6 (which was contradictory to what I've learned in this thread).

So, can anyone shed a bit of light on this?

[digiboy]

I tried the audi and really liked the ride, but talked to a friend who has a Lexus that is almost 20 years old and an audi that is about 5 years old. He drives the audi for long trips because it is comfortable. He still has the Lexus because even 15 years older, it is more reliable around town. The audi will invariably come up with some warning light or not start properly.

German cars have an affinity for spending time in the shop. Japanese cars don't want to quit. My last car was a corolla and it was just fine after 12 years.

Another option is the Lincoln MKS - too floaty for me, my wife gets carsick if the ride isn't taught, but a nice car for the price.

[silly_me]

The dealer advised that it had a "case hardened" timing chain that needed no maint. He also said the same of the V6 (which was contradictory to what I've learned in this thread).

So, can anyone shed a bit of light on this?

Can anyone advise on the timing chain for the V8? Does it require servicing?

Also, does the transmission fluid require changing on a certain basis (as prescribed by Nissan)?

TIA

[szh]

Can anyone advise on the timing chain for the V8? Does it require servicing?

Hmmm ... I would like to know too. I would be surprised if it is less than 90k to 120k miles though (or at least hope it is)!

Also, does the transmission fluid require changing on a certain basis (as prescribed by Nissan)?

Ummm ... "require changing" might be too strong a phrase. However, our collective experience has been that regular transmission flushes (every 30k miles) will extend the life of the automatic Nissan/Infiniti transmissions a lot. Given the cost of these transmissions (on the order of 3k to 4k - perhaps more - to replace when including labor), I'd rather spend the money for the flush on a regular basis to extend the transmission life.

So, I'd say "strongly recommend changing" is better!

Z

[DaddysWhiteCar]

Ok.. m35x uses TIMING CHAIN - I believe most Nissan cars don't use Timing belts. It does have drive belts which would cost $170 to change in a dealer.

My dealer/service manager) recommended to just change the transmission fluid at 60K ( he said 30 K is overkill nowadays with the better transmission fluids.)$150- drain and fill, $250 to flush- that is if they have the machine( 2 dealers near me doesn't have the machines anymore, they said it is not profitable for them).

We drove an Audi a6 q, Lexus GS300 awd, M35x. Space wise, M tops. Lexus is cramp, A6 is in between. Lexus is the most quiet/ including the engine noise. A6 /M35x is about the same. Infiniti has a stronger pull compared to both AUDI and Lexus. A6 is lighter.A6, better get a certified one. for sure, you'll be in the shop most of the time. ( german baby !!!)

Never had issues with Japanese. This is my first Nissan/Infiniti car, had Toyotas and hondas with no major issues so far. Although I did get the Elite warranty for 5 yr/60K car because this car has all the fancy gadgets in it..

Options: as of an 06 model.. should be about the same with 08/09

If you get NAVI, it comes w/ camera. I advise that you get this since this car has a high trunk. next step is advance tech ( bose 14 k, lane departure, DVD to play in the navi screen ), last is premium ( dvd at the back + seat incline + back heat/air).

Insurance is a bit higher, faster car than an AUDI, plus more sporty. and it uses Aluminum on some body panels I believe.( at least that's what I thought).