NewPerson looking to purchase 2003 M45 Dec 27th

[Jeffb]

I hear wonderful reviews about these cars; I just sold my modded 2005 Volvo S50R and would like the forums opinion on the following car I am considering.

http://orangecounty.craigslist....htmlThis is my first choice due to the location and warranty.

Also, the navigation is what I am interested in, I will purchase the latest 6.6 release, but I wanted to ask if the navigation input is by touch screen, knob, or if you can dictate an address.

Thank You in advance

Jeff

[CakeDaddy]

You did exactly what I did 2 years ago. I purchased my M two days after x-mas. No that Nav isn’t touch screen

The car is probably the most unique body type in the streets. I've gotten nothing but praise.

Pros - Fast, Torquey, Unique, well equipped, comfortable, chicks dig it ( young and old), young boys envy it.

Cons- some complain of oil consumption, trunk struts are a joke, tire pressure sensor can be mis leading, and the U turn radius will embarrass you

Overall, the car is on point!

Oh, at 59k miles be ready for the 60k maint at your dealer unless you're the do it your selfer type. The dealer will charge approx. $500-$700 unless it's already been done, which I doubt.

Good luck on the purchase


Modified by CakeDaddy at 4:47 PM 12/21/2007

[szh]

Do a bit of a read here on the various threads, and you will find that almost all of us love the car. Not surprising!

This picture is one that matches my car color (interior and exterior).

CakeDaddy has summarized the pros and cons so I will not dwell on those per se ... However, I will strongly recommend that you get hold of the service records on the car (from the dealer) and check those out. If there are complaints of excessive oil consumption, then I would jump much more carefully!

Z

[auditech10]

and the U turn radius will embarrass you

Uhhh, as I also own an S60R(not S50, btw), the turning radius on the M is at least a hundred times better!!! LOLDrive one, you'll understand...Cheers

[Q45tech]

I assume the 4 year part of bumper to bumper has expired and the car might have some problems..............................why being sold at 59k........but I always think the worst.

Make sure a dealer is paid to analyse the car looking for things they might charge Nissan to repair.

Time for you to pay to replace shocks/struts suspension rubber etc....wear and tear items.

If still in 4/60k warranty you can buy a Nissan extended warranty to 100k or self insure by placing the $2500 in your bank for things that might break prior to 100k.

[Jeffb]

Thank you all for the words of wisdom.

I would definitly be inclined to replace the shocks and stuts and bushings.

Should this be done at a dealer? I would probably feel better having the dealer perform the work, and I assume i could purchase the parts online.

I have one other question please: can anyone tell me if there is wind noise at say 90mph since the windows do not have a frame?

Also: does anyone know what RPMs 80mph is? I often take road trips and the idea is not hear unnecessary items.

BTW, I love the comment on the turning radius, the S60R was a complete joke...

Thank you again,

Jeff

[CakeDaddy]

Thank you all for the words of wisdom.

I would definitly be inclined to replace the shocks and stuts and bushings.

Should this be done at a dealer? I would probably feel better having the dealer perform the work, and I assume i could purchase the parts online.

I have one other question please: can anyone tell me if there is wind noise at say 90mph since the windows do not have a frame?

Also: does anyone know what RPMs 80mph is? I often take road trips and the idea is not hear unnecessary items.

BTW, I love the comment on the turning radius, the S60R was a complete joke...

Thank you again,

Jeff

no wind noise to report from my M. I'm unsure of the exact rpm at 80mph, but if I had to guess it's between 3k -3.5k. This car will pull 80 without you knowing it sometimes.

edit : at 80 mph the rpm is 2.8k-2.9k
Modified by CakeDaddy at 8:02 AM 12/27/2007

[Sazar]

Thank you all for the words of wisdom.

I would definitly be inclined to replace the shocks and stuts and bushings.

Should this be done at a dealer? I would probably feel better having the dealer perform the work, and I assume i could purchase the parts online.

I have one other question please: can anyone tell me if there is wind noise at say 90mph since the windows do not have a frame?

There is little to no wind noise and little road noise if equipped with the OEM michelins. The performance tires give more noise and more feedback through the steering wheel.

Quote »Also: does anyone know what RPMs 80mph is? I often take road trips and the idea is not hear unnecessary items.

BTW, I love the comment on the turning radius, the S60R was a complete joke...

Thank you again,

Jeff[/quote]I was doing about 95 today on I-10and the RPM is about 3.5/4 so at 80 I would say it would be about 3.5 or less. The engine doesn't really strain and the car just zips. I run it in auto/manual mode and getting up to 70 or 80 is a little too easy, you don't even notice it sometimes.

I am getting ready to do a 30k service on mine right now, costs are not cheap unfortunately

[DRIPS]

also to note....18900 is a very great price....especially with the nav and only 59 k. BUY IT NOW!

[Sazar]

Fyi, at 80MPH, the RPM is around 2.9k