New potential owner - M56xS

[orys]

Hello all,
Great forum. I am looking to purchase a 13' M56xS with all options including the body kit. I have some questions:
1. I have test driven both an S and a non S. The suspension is stiff on the S - is there anything I can do about that? I like the bigger breaks and the paddles that come with the package but preferred the non S suspension as the roads in LA resemble a third world country.

2. Would you recommend the all wheel drive with the M56 or the rear wheel drive? Is there a drop in HP with the X? I know fuel consumption is a bit worse. Is the car better planted? Is it more of a front or rear biased system?

2. What other cars did you cross shop? The only one I am currently cross shopping is 2016 Golf R.... Totally different, In know, but very close in price.

THANKS!

[stm37s]

Hello all,
Great forum. I am looking to purchase a 13' M56xS with all options including the body kit. I have some questions:
1. I have test driven both an S and a non S. The suspension is stiff on the S - is there anything I can do about that? I like the bigger breaks and the paddles that come with the package but preferred the non S suspension as the roads in LA resemble a third world country.

2. Would you recommend the all wheel drive with the M56 or the rear wheel drive? Is there a drop in HP with the X? I know fuel consumption is a bit worse. Is the car better planted? Is it more of a front or rear biased system?

2. What other cars did you cross shop? The only one I am currently cross shopping is 2016 Golf R.... Totally different, In know, but very close in price.

THANKS!

As far as I know you will not be able to do anything about the stiff suspension in the S model, as far as awd, it depends on the person and where your located, me I'm down south and love my rear wheel drive, just a personnel preference. Before I got my M37s, I was looking for a Jaguar XF supercharged/ type R or a CLS AMG55/63. When I went to various locations they had just sold them but didn't take the cars off the website. So, everything happens for a reason. Just my 2c, some of the other fellas will chime in and point you in the right direction as well.

[Debonair]

1. For the suspension you could swap in some adjustable coilovers. You can order them with a softer spring rate, lower the car if you want, or keep it at stock height, and adjust the dampening.

2. I always vote RWD unless you need AWD for snow driving. Less weight, less components to service, less components to break.

3. For me I was looking for a Japanese RWD V8 full size car. This left me the Lexus LS460, Infiniti M, and Hyundai Genisys. The Lexus IS-F was also on my radar but it's just a tad bit too small for me.

[Ilya]

1. For the suspension you could swap in some adjustable coilovers. You can order them with a softer spring rate, lower the car if you want, or keep it at stock height, and adjust the dampening.

2. I always vote RWD unless you need AWD for snow driving. Less weight, less components to service, less components to break.

3. For me I was looking for a Japanese RWD V8 full size car. This left me the Lexus LS460, Infiniti M, and Hyundai Genisys. The Lexus IS-F was also on my radar but it's just a tad bit too small for me.

What he said. My next car is probably another M or the LS460L.

[orys]

Thanks for the replies... I already own a 2012 LS460 with the rare sport package (before the F sport came out), so I have the 'other' Japanese V8 car. The V8 in the infiniti is more powerful but the LS is nice and comfy

[orys]

1. For the suspension you could swap in some adjustable coilovers. You can order them with a softer spring rate, lower the car if you want, or keep it at stock height, and adjust the dampening.

2. I always vote RWD unless you need AWD for snow driving. Less weight, less components to service, less components to break.

3. For me I was looking for a Japanese RWD V8 full size car. This left me the Lexus LS460, Infiniti M, and Hyundai Genisys. The Lexus IS-F was also on my radar but it's just a tad bit too small for me.

Great info about suspension options - thank you. It seems that most of the M56S that I come across have the all wheel drive unfortunately...

[orys]

I have narrowed my search to 2 cars, both identical M56xS 2013, with full aero package. One is black with 35k miles and the other white with 30k miles. Both out of state for me.... Never bought a car unseen before. What's the best color for this car? Totally subjective I realize but thought I'd ask your opinions. The black is still under warranty for 1 year.

[pedsemdoc]

What's the best color for this car?

I like WHITE.... (but I'm biased)

Seriously, I wasn't too sure I'd like it, but my wife convinced me that it was a nice color and she was right! It shows dirt way more than black, but hides swirl marks well.

[thewifesM56S]

Just bought a '11 56S that was shipped from Va. to La. Just have them take pictures before they even load it and have them emailed to you if by some chance there's some visible damage upon arrival. They'll have plenty time between signing paperwork and when they call for transport. I have a few quirks w mine that I'm working on but I had no warranty to fall back on. The only reason I kick myself in the a** is because it's black and my wife didn't want another white vehicle. But the white is amazing. In my opinion. Good luck.

[orys]

What's the best color for this car?

I like WHITE.... (but I'm biased)

Seriously, I wasn't too sure I'd like it, but my wife convinced me that it was a nice color and she was right! It shows dirt way more than black, but hides swirl marks well.

Your car looks great! So hard to keep white clean.... This car looks good in both black and white... tough decision.

[orys]

I have now pretty much set on the black one... passed inspection accept for some stone chips on hood. No repainted body panels and still under warranty for 1 year.

Now if I can just talk myself out of the 2016 Golf R that keeps popping into my head.... it's exactly the same price and is quite the package. Totally different car i know... I looked into both cars depreciation-wise, and was surprised to see that the Golf would actually fair better down the road although it's a new car. It seems to have quite a following and the M56 doesn't keep value as strong as the LS460, for example...

[JCesar]

the color that looks better and makes the car stand out from the crowd is Storm Front Gray

[Larz]

Too bad they don't offer Stormfront Gray any more. My two favs now are Hagane Blue(steel color) or Moonlight White. Runner-up is Liquid Platinum - the BEST silver color on any car ever. My old M was black and had bourbon leather which was quite the sexy beast. Infiniti needs to offer more choices for interiors. The blood red would look great with any silver or black colors but its only for the IPL I believe. I like java but they really need to offer a medium brown or bourbon (peanut butter). That would be great instead of wheat (too light).

[pedsemdoc]

Your car looks great! So hard to keep white clean.... This car looks good in both black and white... tough decision.

Thanks, and you're right - dirt shows up quickly. My wife warned me not to constantly detail it - lol.

@Larz, I really liked my old M45's color: Diamond Graphite - kind of like a mix between dark metallic gray/pewter
I really liked the interior of the car too - the Sport interior - aluminum...not as warm as wood, but very clean IMO.

Black is still a great choice for your car - you'll love it.

[orys]

Turns out I can't get financing for the black car.... BoA will only finance me through certain dealerships out of state... this dealer can't finance me because I am out of state. I might have to wait for another dark color loaded one.

[orys]

can anyone tell me if it's worth it to get a CPO car? Is Infiniti CPO any good? A 2014 Q70xS just popped up in the market and although it's 5K or so more than the 2013, it only has 15K miles and is CPOd... Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

[seldomseen]

A CPO vehicle can have its benefits, and not all CPO vehicles offer the same benefits. If you post the CPO verbiage we can offer more sound feedback. I went with a CPO for my '15 Lexus GS because of the generous coverage and benefits. However, Lexus is known for having a stellar CPO product.

[orys]

A CPO vehicle can have its benefits, and not all CPO vehicles offer the same benefits. If you post the CPO verbiage we can offer more sound feedback. I went with a CPO for my '15 Lexus GS because of the generous coverage and benefits. However, Lexus is known for having a stellar CPO product.

I also have a CPO lexus LS but I am asking specifically about the Infiniti CPO program...

[Mjkkb2]

I think Infiniti CPO program is not that great. It doesn't rank very high if you do the research. They have a lot of exclusions for the electronics which I would be very afraid of having to pay for on this type of vehicle. I would for sure not pay anymore for it that I could get the Elite coverage for for the same period/mileage.

I found out that the CPO programs (regardless of the manufacturer) are very misrepresented by dealers. They make the consumer believe it's just like the extension of bumper to bumper warranty. The truth is the list of exclusions is way to long. Some are better than others, but Infiniti is not leading the pack on CPO's.

[orys]

I think Infiniti CPO program is not that great. It doesn't rank very high if you do the research. They have a lot of exclusions for the electronics which I would be very afraid of having to pay for on this type of vehicle. I would for sure not pay anymore for it that I could get the Elite coverage for for the same period/mileage.

I found out that the CPO programs (regardless of the manufacturer) are very misrepresented by dealers. They make the consumer believe it's just like the extension of bumper to bumper warranty. The truth is the list of exclusions is way to long. Some are better than others, but Infiniti is not leading the pack on CPO's.

Totally agree - the entire CPO market is kind of bogus. Too me, it's just an indication the car is CPO worthy but I always do my own inspections regardless.

[orys]

Can anyone chime in if this deal is good?

I located a 2014 Q70xs in black/black with the aero, certified with 15K miles but they won't budge below 47K...
Should I pull the trigger?

[BlackCat81]

Can anyone chime in if this deal is good?

I located a 2014 Q70xs in black/black with the aero, certified with 15K miles but they won't budge below 47K...
Should I pull the trigger?

Our dealer just sold a 14 (or maybe it was a 15) Q70S 5.6 with 2,500mi for $50k, so I think that's sort of in the ballpark. You ever check the app called cargurus? You can put in what you're looking for and it'll give you an idea of how many are out there and what they're asking. Also tells you if it's a good deal based on market demand. Pretty cool app.

[orys]

Can anyone chime in if this deal is good?

I located a 2014 Q70xs in black/black with the aero, certified with 15K miles but they won't budge below 47K...
Should I pull the trigger?

Our dealer just sold a 14 (or maybe it was a 15) Q70S 5.6 with 2,500mi for $50k, so I think that's sort of in the ballpark. You ever check the app called cargurus? You can put in what you're looking for and it'll give you an idea of how many are out there and what they're asking. Also tells you if it's a good deal based on market demand. Pretty cool app.

Thanks, I bet it was a 15... They dropped price to 45K now. There are a couple of 15 in the south for 48k.

[Larz]

In my opinion, 45k is a good price but only if it is fully loaded. If it is missing any features, I'd keep looking.

As far as the Inifniti used warranty goes ...
Infiniti has too many excluded items. I would check out after market warranties that offer more complete coverage. The rub there is that you have to find one who allows you to have the shop call in the repair and get paid immediately. My warranty works this way: The shop (my infiniti dealer) calls in the repair and part numbers. The warranty rep approves the repair, provides an authorization number, and provides a CC# for the dealer to get paid that same day just as if you would charge the repair to your own credit card. All I pay my $50 deductible when I pick up the car. Extended warranty companies are very competitive. Shopping around is well worth your time.

Buying a CPO compared to non-CPO:
Seems that CPO vehicles are simply lower mileage used cars. Let's face it. No used Inifniti will be placed on the lot without first passing a pretty serious inspection. They will do their best to avoid selling any used Infiniti with a serious fault and send it to an auction. I reckon that a "CPO" infiniti might have some extra work performed before going the the lot for sale. But the work that is done is most likely covered under the original warranty which you can have them do after purchase at no cost to you. When they give it the CPO badge, they increase the price above the blue book, and make a higher profit when you buy it. I am NOT calling the CPO a scam in any way! I'm confident that the CPOs are possibly in better shape than a regular used Infiniti. But any extra work done to the car is likely not any expensive work as those cars shouldn't need any expensive work because the mileage is low. Also, CPO only includes "basic" maintenance items free of charge for 1-2 years (oil change and tire rotation). It does NOT include coolant, transmission, or other high priced maintenance that might need doing during that time.
Basically, I am saying that the higher price of a CPO Infiniti is a fair value, bot not as great as one might be inclined to believe. I would go for one with more mileage (lower price) and buy an after market warranty that covers more items like electronics, etc.

[orys]

In my opinion, 45k is a good price but only if it is fully loaded. If it is missing any features, I'd keep looking.

As far as the Inifniti used warranty goes ...
Infiniti has too many excluded items. I would check out after market warranties that offer more complete coverage. The rub there is that you have to find one who allows you to have the shop call in the repair and get paid immediately. My warranty works this way: The shop (my infiniti dealer) calls in the repair and part numbers. The warranty rep approves the repair, provides an authorization number, and provides a CC# for the dealer to get paid that same day just as if you would charge the repair to your own credit card. All I pay my $50 deductible when I pick up the car. Extended warranty companies are very competitive. Shopping around is well worth your time.

Buying a CPO compared to non-CPO:
Seems that CPO vehicles are simply lower mileage used cars. Let's face it. No used Inifniti will be placed on the lot without first passing a pretty serious inspection. They will do their best to avoid selling any used Infiniti with a serious fault and send it to an auction. I reckon that a "CPO" infiniti might have some extra work performed before going the the lot for sale. But the work that is done is most likely covered under the original warranty which you can have them do after purchase at no cost to you. When they give it the CPO badge, they increase the price above the blue book, and make a higher profit when you buy it. I am NOT calling the CPO a scam in any way! I'm confident that the CPOs are possibly in better shape than a regular used Infiniti. But any extra work done to the car is likely not any expensive work as those cars shouldn't need any expensive work because the mileage is low. Also, CPO only includes "basic" maintenance items free of charge for 1-2 years (oil change and tire rotation). It does NOT include coolant, transmission, or other high priced maintenance that might need doing during that time.
Basically, I am saying that the higher price of a CPO Infiniti is a fair value, bot not as great as one might be inclined to believe. I would go for one with more mileage (lower price) and buy an after market warranty that covers more items like electronics, etc.

Thank you for the great response. I think you are correct, for me though it's that extra peace of mind knowing the the CPO car is (usually) a car that the dealer picked a little more carefully and has had no major accidents or defects. For example - 3 months ago we purchased a 2012 LS460 CPO and I just had to pay 1K for 4 brake pads (brembos)...The CPO docs noted 6mm left of pads. I only drove 3-4K miles in that time so I find it hard to believe I worn the brakes out in that time....I think dealers do the minimum work possible on CPO cars and try to get away with doing nothing literally...

[orys]

So I ended up going for a platinum graphite 2013 M56s with 33K miles... I am partial to black but deal too good to pass (basically at auction price). Will get car in a few days.... will be installing the aero package on it.
Not crazy about PG color but I guess will grow on me...

[orys]

So I ended up going for a platinum graphite 2013 M56s with 33K miles... I am partial to black but deal too good to pass (basically at auction price). Will get car in a few days.... will be installing the aero package on it.
Not crazy about PG color but I guess will grow on me...

Actually still reconsidering....