NEW USER: used M45 questions. thanks

[TWELVE AM]

Hello NICOz. New user here I recently looked at a 2003 M45 @ a Acura dealership, It had 67,xxx miles, 2 previous owners via carfax (no big problems). The body was incredibly clean, spotless interior etc (the tire pressure on the carputer was alarming however?). I talked the guy down to $13.5 w/ tax license included. My question is is this a fair price? I also read on here that 70-80k is a lot of miles for this car, should i look for something more expensive w/ less miles?

Oh also are there any problems with this model year i shiould look out for when/if i return to the dealership. Thanks

[jbillion]

Welcome to Nico!

I have an 04 which is very similar to the 03. I read a lot of 03 owners on this forum have had problems with Oil consumption. Another common issue is a problem with the gas gauge not working correctly. This is an expensive repair, as they have to replace the entire instrument cluster. I would highly recommend an extended warranty if it is available. My M45 has about $65K miles, I got it with 54K and it has already had 3 warranty repairs that would have cost over $3K.

[TWELVE AM]

Interesting. Thanks for the input, wasn't even considering a warranty. is there a way to determine if this vehicle eats oil or has a broken gauge before buying

[Double E]

For the most part, a hefty blue cloud upon cold start-up will give you the oil consumption issue determination. You can also take the VIN to a dealership and ask nicely for the service writer to tell you what service has been performed on it at any Inf. dealership.

The gauge thing is a crapshoot. From what I understand, the reading will register at 3/4 and actually be empty or at 1/3 and be actually full. It might never happen, it might be bad now. Warranty is the best insurance in that case...

In general, I don't think that's high mileage at all and especially for a Nissan product like ours. It does matter what life it has had before you get it though...

My preference would be to look for an '04 unit with the different tape/CD configuration, no fuel gague issue, more units built with NAV, the ability to disable the ICC and theoretically less mileage.
Modified by Double E at 5:09 PM 9/15/2008

[F1SportsFan]

You should buy my M45, it's already had both the Gas Gauge and the Engine changed. zerothread/302989

/Shamless Plug

In general, I think these cars are pretty reliable. That coupled with the fact that you can get a digital copy of the maintenance manual should result in fairly low ownership costs, as long as you don't mind doing a little work yourself.

The only other common issue that comes to mind is a crack in one of the exhaust welds. More info here: zerothread?id=302575

[Double E]

I second the offer from F1S. That would be an ideal setup if I wanted to get into a car like that for less $, even given the minor differences from '04.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Especially with where you live, Fresno, you owe it yourself to check out F1's 2003. To find one with a new motor is awesome. Takes away a major concern with used cars. The only advantage to a 2004 besides the CD location is the availability of more and cheaper aftermarket warranty's.Good Luck,ML

[TWELVE AM]

Wow your M looks amazing and i understand its a deal. But you're in Washington??? Im on a really tight budget and 13.5 is the absolute most I can do at the moment

The car in question did put out a blue cloud after starting, wouldnt call it hefty

[F1SportsFan]

Wow your M looks amazing and i understand its a deal. But you're in Washington??? Im on a really tight budget and 13.5 is the absolute most I can do at the moment

The car in question did put out a blue cloud after starting, wouldnt call it hefty

I would definitely stay away from it then. There's a reason it's only $13,500. My car went from zero oil consumption to 3.5 quarts in 3000 miles in a matter of a few months. There is no way you would want to replace the engine once the car is out of the factory warranty, unless you have major cash to burn.

[maxnix]

Read the how to buy a Q45 sticky in the Q45 Forum.

Inspection of the Infiniti Dealer performed service history and a pre-buy inspection by a senior Infiniti technician is mandatory. A Nissan extended warranty is very good thing to have.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,If 13,500 is your max, you truly might be better off with a different car. While the cost of admission can be cheap, parts and servicing are that of a 50 thousand dollar car. Especially given the one you are looking at does not have a factory warranty, this is Russian roulette. For 1,500 dollars more, you could get one with a 8-9 thousand dollar new engine. This would at least minimize your risk.

If purchasing the 13,500 M, I would highly, highly recommend a PPI (pre purchase inspection). Given the cost of some repairs, a extended warranty is also a must.Cheers,ML

[Q45tech]

Every 70k*+ used car has $3,000 [minimum] in wear and tear defects not addressed by previous owners.

It will need shocks and other rubber bushings replaced. Many things are 1/3-1/2 worn out.

Just tires, brakes, liquids, belts, and filters will cost $1500 per year prorated to maintain to as new standards.

[Double E]

Agreed. Given the budget concerns, future maintenance, (even as little as on the M as it will be) ...is still quite a bit more than a step down to a more practical vehicle.

Fuel and insurance alone will be a struggle if 13.5 is the limit of initial purchase.