Need help from experienced Y34 M45 owners

[Salty2X]

First let me thank all the Y34 owners on this forum. The past month I have been reading almost every post on here about the y34. I think I am addicted, that is bad considering I dont even have an M45 yet. Which brings me to my question.

I have checked the kelly blue book and the NADA pricing. Both books have a 2004 listed for around 18000-20000 give or take depending on mileage and options, the mileage I am looking for is around 40000 to 50000 miles, and the only option I kind of want is Nav, but I have a plan to solve that (the whole stock system is going to be replaced including the screen with a touch screen head unit with Nav).

What do you guys think is a fair price in this market? There is one round me listed near 15000, I am hoping to get him down at least a grand, What do you think.

I have to get one soon. I just got back in town from my parents and my old man has a 2003 pearl white Y34, I told myself if you drive it this week and still like it, then get it. Well I still like it........ a lot.

Is there anything particular that I should look for when checking out these cars?

I hope this is my first of many post to come. I plan to lower, get rims, and redo the sound.I stumbled onto this site http://www.eliteautostyle.com/...5.htm , I dont know if you guys know about it or not. I emailed the guy there and he said they could definitely get Y34 stuff, it just takes a while. The site has some cool suspension stuff from Nagisa, and some JIC and Insurance coilovers, although I think you can get the JICs direct from JIC for cheaper.

Thanks for looking and any input would be appreciated.

[300freekzx]

That is good price but you can find lower.

[Mark Linkous]

Welcome to NICO.If you are set on gutting the sound system, might as well get a 2003. The biggest advantage to the 2004 is the location of the CD changer. In the 2004, the 6 disc changer is in the interior, above the shift knob where the tape deck resides. In the 2003, the CD changer is in the glovebox where the tape deck is in the 2004.Also, some 2004's might still have warranty remaining depending on the in service date. They usually go for several thousand more than 2003's.

Changing out the stock system is not for the faint of heart. Between the Blose (Bose) integration and the fact that most controls are routed through the display, this is not a cheap proposition. It is essential to use someone who knows what they are doing. To incorporate a touchscreen system will be a nightmare.

Y34's have proven to be reasonably reliable. Oil consumption has been an issue with some. I would consider it mandatory to have a PPI (pre purchase inspection) preformed at an Infiniti dealer or independent Infiniti specialist. Most essential to see that OCI's (oil change intervals) are done in a timely manner. Ideally 3750 between changes. I would not buy one with 7500 intervals. While these cars are reliable, if something breaks, it is not cheap. This was a 50 thousand dollar car new. Especially true if you purchase one with the Technology Package (Nav, Intelligent Cruise Control, etc...) Also makes getting a extended warranty important as well.

I would not let price be the deciding factor. Finding one with a full service history is well worth spending more. Pay now, pay later...Good Luck,ML

[CakeDaddy]

You got big plans! I like that. The Nagisa & JIC for the Y34 looks very attractive. I checked into the JIC’s a while back and I believe they wanted to do a core swap. Might be worth verifying. Keep us posted.

I think Mark Linkous hit all the hot points in his statement about the 03 vs 04 and the oil issue, nav, etc..


Modified by CakeDaddy at 11:00 AM 12/30/2008

[F1SportsFan]

I agree with what the other guys said. Get an extended warranty that at least covers the powertrain in case you end up with the oil consumption issue.

Also, you might want to look around more for a better price, as they have been falling like rocks lately. Check out this deal (in Seattle): http://seattle.craigslist.org/....html Again, ask for service history to make sure it was maintained.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes!

[Wuher]

I just bought a 2008 M35 with 10800 miles, and have seen quite a few M35/M45 prices during my search process. Although you're probably not close enough, or interested in traveling to do it, I saw this during my search process:

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/ctd/970063452.html

I bet they'd come down to $22k at least, if not lower, judging by my experience.. their "internet price" on my M35 was $30k and I got them down to $26800 (their lot price was $33k). Just another piece of sample data for your pricing estimation, at least. Good luck. There are definitely deals to be had.

[Salty2X]

Thanks for everyones Input it was greatly appreciated. I just picked up an 04 w/ nav today. Got a 4 year 50000 mile bumper to bumper warranty at a killer price. You know you got good price when the dealer is really bummed at the end of the sale. I am going to see my suspension guy this week:naughty. I will keep you guys posted.