Alright, I am on the verge of buying a 2003 M45. It is a fairly stripped version (no sunroof, nav, heated seats, etc.), but in brand new condition. It only has 15,000 miles and it comes with an extended 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.

The seller, a guy I work with, is going to give it back to the dealer and get wholesale in return ($24,000). He will sell it to me for the same amount, $24,000.

Seems like a great deal, especially with the warranty. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles, which isn't a huge deal to me. I'll probably add sattellite radio and a backup camera.

They are selling it because they have too many cars and just bought a yacht that they are going to live on and travel the world next year. The car is immaculate, literally looks brand new.

I know they just did a re-design of the M this year so I am leary to buy what will look like an out of date model.

Do you think this is a good deal and a car I could resell if necessary in a few months for at least 24k? Please let me know ASAP your thoughts. Thanks.

Modified by bcable at 10:17 AM 10/26/2005
Modified by bcable at 10:19 AM 10/26/2005

I'll leave "final" word to the M experts, but I'd say it's a good price, but not a screaming deal, since there are very few options.

Have you dirven the car? My thinking is once you do, you'll feel the need to buy it .

Comparable cars (more miles, but more options) in my area (45040) are going for ~$26-27k, asking ~$28-29k.

I don't think it's something you could buy/sell and pocket much change, but you could buy, drive ~6 months then sell and almost break even.

I don't know about the price (seems about right to me, I think), but I can tell you that I love my 2003 M45 a lot. it is also a bare-bones model (no nav or tech package, no sunroof, no heated seats, no convenience package, etc.), but it has all the functions and luxury that I want in an enthusiast car!

As Keith (Rex) mentions, once you drive it, you wil be hooked! Just keep in mind that the resale value of an unloaded car is not as high as others - particularly in later years. So, be prepared to keep the car once you get it (this is not a bad thing! )

Yes, the new 2006 M45 is superior in many ways (bigger interior, better dash and control, better handling, etc.) but it is also a lot more expensive right now.

Given that I have a 2003 M45 right now, I do not feel the need to rush and get a 2006. But, if I were driving my older 1995 Q45, the temptation would be high!

Inre this particular purchase, the one major thing I would check is the oil consumption on that engine. In some of the Q45 and M45's of that period, if the engine is not broken in properly, the oil consumption is not acceptable. If it takes more than 1 qt per 1500 to 2000 miles, I would avoid the car - an excellent result is 1 qt every 3700 miles ... like I get on mine. Infiniti may replace your engine if the oil consumption is 1 qt per 1000 miles or less miles, but this is a rare situation.

And, oh yes, welcome to NICO regardless!

Z

I was perusing autotrader and found several loaded-out 1st-gen M's around $25-27K... more miles, but those options are awfully nice.

However, if the dealer is giving them that amount on trade, one of 2 things is happening: They're jacking up the price on the new car quite a bit, OR they're making a load on the backend (financing). Retail on that car isn't much more than that.

They are not trading the vehicle, just selling it back to the local Infiniti dealer. I am guessing they will put it on their lot at $28k or so. Still on the fence, great car, but I'd love a few more options. Plus, a 100k bumper to bumper warranty is a pretty big value.

bcable wrote:Plus, a 100k bumper to bumper warranty is a pretty big value.

From a third-party company or from Infiniti? If from Infiniti, then this is worth about $1500 to $2100 on a new purchase ... depends on the deductible though!

Z

Its from Infiniti and is an extension of the normal warranty, so no deductible. I looked at one for our Lexus and it would have been around $2500, so I assuming this cost them around $2000 or so. The dealer said they will buy back the car at $24,000 and cash them out for the warranty if they want, or give them more and take it back with the warranty.

THE PRICE IS IFFY IN MY VIEW BUT LIKE EVERYONE SAID YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH THE RIDE AND PERFORMANCE. GIVEN THAT I ALSO HAVE THE 2003 M45, LOADED, DON'T WORRY ABOUT WANTING THE 2006 M THE 2003 GETS MORE COMPLIMENTS THAN ANYTHING ELSE. PEOPLE WILL STOP AND STARE AND WALK AROUND THE BACK TO SEE WHAT IT IS. VERY FEW 2003'S OUT THERE WHEREAS THERE WILL BE ALOT OF THE 2006 M45'S AND M35'S

I agree with Sidvicious's comments about the rarity of the 2003/04 M45 and its unique look! It is the reason we have ours!

Z

Thanks for the info/advice. Still undecided. I have until Sunday to decide, he's turning it into the dealer on Monday.

I did drive it and its really nice. Really throws you back in your seat. Even without all the options, it would be a fun car to drive for a few years.

I'll let you know if I pull the trigger.

Make sure to check the oil consumption issue!

Z

Will do. That's a good bit of information.

SO DID YOU GET IT?