opinions on if I should buy a 2004 infiniti m45..

[crunchy408]

im hearing alot of bad things about the 03 and 04 models..i really like the whole look of the car and whats under the hood..im just asking for everyones opinion and to help me make my decision..

[CakeDaddy]

im hearing alot of bad things about the 03 and 04 models..i really like the whole look of the car and whats under the hood..im just asking for everyones opinion and to help me make my decision..

Alright, are these opinions from people who own the car or are they just random opinions from people in general? Please excuse my candor but, I could care less about what they are saying, but I'm curious about the whom and if they even drive the car. The trick to purchasing any car is to make sure that is has been well maintained and broken in properly, especially the 03-04 M. You've come to the right place, so I applaud you for that. Now, if you are serious about the car look into one with the lowest possible mileage with the proper documentation that states that the car has been maintained from 3500/7500/10,000, etc...

The car has a unique style that isn't attractive to everyone, so keep that in mind. The car is a long way from conservative looking and I notice the strange looks from Lexus/new gen M/Audi/BMW owners at red lights, but I like that. Also, they only gave birth to a few of these cars, so there is room to be different.

You have two choices: 1 Be unique 2: Be another pathetic sheep following the herd

So, your question is "should I buy a 2004 infiniti m45" correct?

Answer: You decide


Modified by CakeDaddy at 3:47 PM 4/8/2008

[MinisterofDOOM]

im hearing alot of bad things about the 03 and 04 models..i really like the whole look of the car and whats under the hood..im just asking for everyones opinion and to help me make my decision..

What bad things are you hearing?

[M45-Zero260]

Most of us on this site were sold on the looks of the car and it's performance. Any pre-owned car 4-5 years old will tend to give someone "iffy" feelings. The thing that separates the '03-'04 M45 from the rest of the pre-owned cars out there IMO is the value/features you are getting, as well as, you are guarenteed to own a rare car (as opposed to most other brand/model '03-'04 cars out there).

I bought my '03 for 40% of it's origional cost, after it was just 36 months old. At that time, the NADA value was around 50% so, to me, it was a no-brainer. I felt that if I drove it for a month and hated it, I could always sell or trade it in for a minimal loss, if any. I'm still driving it...even though she likes to drink a lot, but, I probably do too. Only thing is, my drink tab at Mobil is about $13.99, while her's is about $63.99, but, who's counting? Were both happy.

[jadeM45]

The only real issues I have heard about is oil consumption and the gas gauge issue. I picked up a extended warranty from my credit union. It was a 5yr 60k plan with no deductible for $1350. I had the gas gauge fixed, a light module (short), and the CD changer replaced. All to the tune of about $2600, all paid by the warranty.

I would say find a car that has good service records and pick up a good warranty as things are expensive to fix on all luxury cars.

I love my car and have only seen 3 since I have had it. The people at infiniti even said, "wow, we don't see these that often".

[szh]

The only real issues I have heard about is oil consumption and the gas gauge issue.

Yes, plus some problems with the trunk gas strut being kinda weak and dying after some time (there are some inexpensive after-market solutions for that too)!

Everything else is either relatively minor or just a few incidents ... no more than other cars of its type.

I would say find a car that has good service records and pick up a good warranty as things are expensive to fix on all luxury cars.

I would agree on both the good service records (ask the Infiniti dealer for their info) and also the extended warranty (this is pretty much mandatory on all new, high-electronic-content, cars - the cost of repair of a failed component like the NAV system is pretty hefty!)

Z

[Double E]

Crunch,I can tell you where 4 are for sale right now. They range in color and year.

3 of them are near me and one other is in NE. I can vouch for two of them near me as in good shape and well mainteined, however I do not know the carfax of them nor what service has been performed on them. I have driven them though and poured over them looking for signs of physical abuse under and around them. They were possible candidates until I found the color & option package I wanted.

If you've owned an Infiniti before, you should have decent relationship with them and be able to request the service record information by providing a VIN.

So what color are you looking for....interior...options....

In general, I understand the 04 models had fewer issues with oil consumption and fuel gague readouts. All that said, the ones that did have issues were probably taken care of under warranty.

I agree with the above post that if you get it and realize that it's not for you, it can be unloaded for minimal loss. Even with my agressive driving I've been able to maintain over 21.5 mpg in mixed driving since taking delivery 4 weeks ago. That is only a mile or so away from the 97 I30 it replaced.

Another consideration (for some) is the premuim fuel requirement and insurance increases. I was already using premuim in the I30 so that's no change and the insurance difference was reasonable coming from an 11 year old car to an 04.

Don't get me wrong, I'd change a few things were it my design to implement, but that would be the case for any car. None are deal breakers though.

[saeedakobiakov]

#1.what made you think of buying one of 03,04 M45?#2.what is your style of driving?

Thanks,caug.

[crunchy408]

I really like the body style of the 03 and 04 models..i hardly ever see them down here in baltimore..i was glad i found this site cause i looked at others opinions online and said alot of negative things about the controls and using the nav system..i really like the newer body styles but a little out of my price range

[saeedakobiakov]

this car is a cruiser/sleeper. with tint windows and exhaust and 9.5 wide rims at the rear you will see the reactions on people faces you will never forget.straigt line performance not a corner carver.

i just put mufler on the car , it is sounds nasty.i need to put sound clip here. EVERYBODY is turning there heads when i drive by them, friking everybody.If you want this kind of attantion , then you found yourself the car.

new style M or G, they look a like, as you know.every v8 when driven hard uses more oil.good luck.

caug.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Welcome to NICO. Most, if not all , are quite happy with their cars here. All cars have shortcomings. Simply, can you live with them. I have been quite happy with the nav system. The controls are a little daunting at first but become second nature in time. What are the other cars you are looking at?Cheers,M.L

[THT]

Crunch,I can tell you where 4 are for sale right now. They range in color and year.

3 of them are near me and one other is in NE. I can vouch for two of them near me as in good shape and well mainteined, however I do not know the carfax of them nor what service has been performed on them. I have driven them though and poured over them looking for signs of physical abuse under and around them. They were possible candidates until I found the color & option package I wanted.

If you've owned an Infiniti before, you should have decent relationship with them and be able to request the service record information by providing a VIN.

So what color are you looking for....interior...options....

In general, I understand the 04 models had fewer issues with oil consumption and fuel gague readouts. All that said, the ones that did have issues were probably taken care of under warranty.

I agree with the above post that if you get it and realize that it's not for you, it can be unloaded for minimal loss. Even with my agressive driving I've been able to maintain over 21.5 mpg in mixed driving since taking delivery 4 weeks ago. That is only a mile or so away from the 97 I30 it replaced.

Another consideration (for some) is the premuim fuel requirement and insurance increases. I was already using premuim in the I30 so that's no change and the insurance difference was reasonable coming from an 11 year old car to an 04.

Don't get me wrong, I'd change a few things were it my design to implement, but that would be the case for any car. None are deal breakers though.

I think I may have just taken one of those. There's a black/black fully loaded 04 at Carmax in NC that I just had transferred to IL.

[Double E]

If it's the one I'm thinking about, there is some curb rash on the lower air dam, but not bad. Also the first aid kit was missing and so was the NAV disc.

There was also a burgundy pinstripe on it but the miles were so low, I had to still consider it.

[THT]

If it's the one I'm thinking about, there is some curb rash on the lower air dam, but not bad. Also the first aid kit was missing and so was the NAV disc.

There was also a burgundy pinstripe on it but the miles were so low, I had to still consider it.

Fayetteville Carmax? VIN ending in 401406

[Double E]

Nope. Not Fayetteville.

Looks like you did your homework. That is a good deal even after shipping ...

[THT]

Nope. Not Fayetteville.

Looks like you did your homework. That is a good deal even after shipping ...

Honestly, I got lucky. I saw it once on Autotrader and thought about having it transferred only to find that it was transferred the same night. It popped up again and I transferred it without a second though. $24,500 OTD for a black/black 04 with less than 23K miles and fully loaded to boot was just too good of a deal to let slip through my fingers twice.

[mrmark]

I would buy the '04 Y34......

I've had mine since '04 and love it. It's probably one of the most modified Y34's state-side and still get's the old

"what kinda' car is that????"

Gotta' love it......

[slownrusty]

It's probably one of the most modified Y34's state-side and still get's the old

Do you have pics to share?

[nicad2000]

As a fellow Raleigh native, which two did you find to be in good condition? I'm in the market for an '03-'04 myself. Thanks!

[M45-Zero260]

I've been meaning to ask, Double E...I was in Raleigh for 2 weeks for my work a month ago and (looking for a different place to eat) decided to check out the Fox and the Hound restaurant at North Hills Mall (I believe), anyway, trying to walk off my meal afterwords and checking out all of the different stores, I stumble across this beautiful silver Y34 parked on the end of the parking spot near the sidewalk. I just stood there for a second and said to my buddy, "Dude!" Then I pulled out my camera and took some video of the car as I walked around it. It's funny, but I probably would not have done that if it was a yellow Ferrari, but it was MY car, but in silver, in a different state, and it was clean and stood out in the parking lot full of 'regular' cars. For me, it was pretty cool. It might not have been your car, but rare nonetheless.

[Double E]

NiCad,

If you want a recommendation for which units to look at, PM me and I'll get with you asap. I can also give you the biz card of a person I think will be fair on a very nice example. I didn't buy from them but they sure were pleasant to work with.

Z-2-60,

It's been awhile since I was at that F&H so I doubt it was mine. I actually saw (what was probably) that car locally just before I decided a 1st Gen M45 was my next ride.

I do live on that end of town though and mine's silver on black, no rear wing. If you get back into town, let me know & the wife & I will grab some dinner with yaz.

[nicad2000]

NiCad,

If you want a recommendation for which units to look at, PM me and I'll get with you asap. I can also give you the biz card of a person I think will be fair on a very nice example. I didn't buy from them but they sure were pleasant to work with.

Z-2-60,

It's been awhile since I was at that F&H so I doubt it was mine. I actually saw (what was probably) that car locally just before I decided a 1st Gen M45 was my next ride.

I do live on that end of town though and mine's silver on black, no rear wing. If you get back into town, let me know & the wife & I will grab some dinner with yaz.

Thanks for the offer - I sent you an email as I don't seem to be able to use PM's... Not enough posts probably.