People giving me crap about m45.....need some reassurance

[FoxApe]

Just got a black 03 m45 and some people I know are trying to sway my opinion of it. Its at 50k and i bought it for 20k in perfect condition, but some people are saying i payed too much for that and i could have bought a 300c or a saab 9-5. I said 300s are like a**holes, everyone has one! And a saab? wtf? I figure it they just don't know what it is and they are mainstream lovers anyway.

First off I know I should stop being so soft and stop worrying about other peoples opinons........Second, it still pisses me off since i've been driving it for 2 days now and i'm still learning about what its capable of so i don't have the largest arsenal for the defense of my purchase.

What are some good points to shut these ignorant people up?

Was this car a good purchase?

[ClutchKick]

you like how it looks, its a powerful car,

tell them to go buy those cars... you like YOUR car... they can do what they want with their money...

[Mark Linkous]

Hello FoxApe,While I suppose a 300C might have it's charms, a Saab 9-5? Who is giving you this grief? I suppose this is how the Pontiac Aztek got the green light. To be honest, the two cars I could have gotten without realizing it where a 03 or 04 M-B E500 or a 1999 Porsche 996. I purchased my 04 in Feb with 30,000 miles for a good bit more than your 03. Not a Slaab that is for sure. As for a defense, the powerplant is marvelous. The interior is waaaay higher end than the 300C. I would not waste your time defending your choice of not getting a front wheel drive GM by way of Sweden. Who are your bros? The available options, laser guided cruise, heated/cooled seats, high quality leather appointments, truly put it in a higher league. And as you said, you see 300's everywhere. The 03-04 M is quite rare. As for paying 20k for a car that cost 50 four years ago, it has been said far and wide this is truly one of the best used car values on the market. Especially for that money, there is not much better. I paid much closer to $30,000 than $20,000 thus cars like the E500 turned out to be in my range with low miles and warranty.And though that would have been cause for pause, I think our car is outstanding.CheersMark

[FoxApe]

Thanks Mark. Those are good points and i won't even use them because you're right about not wasting my time arguing.

I forgot about the warranty and tax/title crap so it was a little over 23k..........I was thinking to myself that i bought too hastily and that i went soft on negotiating due to my want for the car........Its at 50k miles and the dealership was asking for 25,988. Though i came down 3k from their "asking price," I still felt that i could have gone lower and that i've been had.................But after feeling the power of the car and comparing it to the ls430 that i was looking at for 28k, I don't feel that bad even if they did take advantage of me. I can always be a pain in the a** since i have the warranty right?

thanks for the reply, FoxApe

[Mark Linkous]

FoxApe,Please believe. Buying at an reputable dealer is always going to cost more. However, most dealers are pretty good about keeping the good stuff and sending the rest off to auction. I paid $28,500 + tax/tags. It was C.P.O which never hurts. That being said, the car was thousands (almost ten)more than the 03's I found in Florida. I bought the car in Tennessee because it was the closest dealer which had a 04' that the would C.P.O For me, I decided to pay more for , at least to me, a sense of added security.(Warranty till 2011) Love the car in Black. I think often a degree of buyers remorse plagues most purchase decisions of this and larger. There will always be a degree of coulda, woulda, shoulda when buying a car. Then again, you always change it up in a few years. A good deal of the depreciation has already occured.Enjoy your rideMark

[Tekmazter]

Wow this one is right up my alley. I was interested in multiple sedans over time before I ended up buying my '03 M45. Of the cars I was looking at, the '02-'04 Q45, Saab 9-5 Aero, and the Chrysler 300C. I test drove all of the above and here is my reassurance for you ...

I drove a 2004 Saab 9-5 first and while 'peppy' it was EXTREMELY SMALL. The interior was significantly outdated for a model year of 2004. The newer 9-3's have a nicer interior than the 'supposed' more luxury edition 9-5. Trust me, you would be mega-dissapointed if you ended up in a SAAB over this M45. That piece of junk isn't even in the same universe as your M45. And on a side note, Saab's are notorious for being excessively expensive to maintain. This is the same when comparing to an Infiniti.

I figured I would be very impressed with the 300C compared to the Saab, and while I was happier than what I found in the Saab, the vehicle felt unexpectedly CHEAP! While plenty of power could be had from it's HEMI, the interior, while more modern than the Saab was loaded with plastic! And, it's a car that once you buy it you will want to put 22's on it just to get the 'look' you want --another 4-8K w/tires. I just couldn't see myself spending that kind of $$$ to get a nice ride that stood out yet overall was quite a bit chincy.

Anyway, to make a long story short. On a hot sumer day, pull up to the line with your M45, those stock 18" wheels, your voice activation, your intelligent cruise control. Sojourn leather, the devastatingly impressive 340hp under the hood. Then, look over to your pals in their ancient looking Saabs and their chincy Chrysler 300's and as they sweat from the sun glare...turn on your air conditioned seats.

[mrmark]

........Second, it still pisses me off since i've been driving it for 2 days now and i'm still learning about what its capable of so i don't have the largest arsenal for the defense of my purchase.

Wow.....I've never had to "defend" my M45.......

I mostly get..... "what kind of car is that???? "

[cremecreme]

yeah me too!!! one person said it looked like a Bentley from the side???

[FoxApe]

Yeah its just a couple haters at work who have no frame of reference. They're just going off of what they know.

MrMark I could be mistaken but don't you have one of the baddest m45s ever? If so, people who would hate on that should be slapped. that thing is cool

any pics and/or specs on after market stuff to make it look a little meaner would be appreciated

thanks, FoxApe

[CakeDaddy]

What are some good points to shut these ignorant people up?

show them these pics zerothread/252744

If that doesn't work, do a search on MrMraks ride and show them those beauties.

If that doesn't do the trick follow the instructions below:

NEVER ARGUE WITH AN IDIOT, BECAUSE THEY WILL DRAG YOU DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL AND BEAT YOU WITH EXPERIENCE.

[Q45tech]

Be sure to purchase an Infiniti extended warranty vs an aftermarket independent service insurance contract as the bumper to bumper warranty stops at 4 years 60k vs drivetrain warranty at 6 years 70k.

Bumper-bumper [electronic] are more likely to fail than powertrain items.

[FoxApe]

Hey Cake,

I've been reading that eibachs are the way to go but are pretty much extinct for our 45s. Whats the next best alternative?

As for needing reassurance, i'm over it. I'm glad i didn't spend an extra 8-10k on an ls430. I love this thing. Someone at work yesterday said "thats nice, is that an 07?"

[Bergerman]

I just wanted to add my thanks for this informative thread. Just the other night, I was thinking of upgrading from my '99 I30 and was looking at an 03 M45 out in the classifieds. What a cool looking car! It was listing around $23K at the local dealer so I would imagine that you got a pretty good deal for yours.

Two questions for some of the owners that have replied: Is the interior space larger then the I's? What were the years for that body style in addition to 03?Thanks again for confirming that an M would probably be the next Infiniti that I buy.JB

[FoxApe]

Not sure about the Is cabin compared to the m's. I used to valet and drove some is300's but can't remember. The m45's back seats, though comfortable to sit on, are very tight on the leg room. I'm 6'1 and tried sitting in the back seat. Lets just say i'm glad i'm driving.

pretty sure this body style was manufactured 1 yr 5mo for 03-04 then redesigned for 06. I'm not an expert like some of these guys so i could be wrong. some guy in a magnum stopped me today asking what make? model? year? Nobody knows what the hell it is and i love it.

[CakeDaddy]

Not sure about the Is cabin compared to the m's. I used to valet and drove some is300's but can't remember. The m45's back seats, though comfortable to sit on, are very tight on the leg room. I'm 6'1 and tried sitting in the back seat. Lets just say i'm glad i'm driving.

pretty sure this body style was manufactured 1 yr 5mo for 03-04 then redesigned for 06. I'm not an expert like some of these guys so i could be wrong. some guy in a magnum stopped me today asking what make? model? year? Nobody knows what the hell it is and i love it.

Foxape is correct; this model was only produced for approx 17 months and Im sure the back seats are larger than a lex is.

Hey Cake,

I've been reading that eibachs are the way to go but are pretty much extinct for our 45s. Whats the next best alternative?

Unfortanately(sp) there aren't any alternatives! Its a shame, but there aren't. Some will talk about the espilar,intrax,etc.., but I've yet to see this happen. JIC-Magic has a complete setup, but.... read link below.

zerothread?id=242599

[FoxApe]

jeez. so basically theres no hope to get this thing lower unless i want to spend some serious loot.

[e319960]

Weigh it down with some concreat blocks in the trunk.

[MBoxFever]

Hey CakeDaddy,

What percentage tints are those on your M?

[CakeDaddy]

Hey CakeDaddy,

What percentage tints are those on your M?

5%all around

[MBoxFever]

5%all around

Thanks...Beautiful M