So just how BAD is it to buy/own a used 03-04 M45 today?

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

I know this question can be asked of any car model, but Im in need of a daily driver that's not dead boring to commute in (tried that with my '98 Altima...)

Enter el-cheapo prices on the '04+ Maxima, and '03+ M45 on Craigslist (<$6000-7000). After getting all worked up I find the Maximas had epic fail of an auto transmission along with a host of other issues which kind of pissed me off.

Onto the 03-04 M45 which I happened to stumble on while browsing C. list, and now I'm finding out that it's as if every one of them is infected with Nissan 'quality'; whether it be bad fuel display/sending unit/gauge cluster-fk or oil burning or some other overpriced GEO METRO type problems. I have to ask, are the 03-04 M45s really THAT commonly full of issues aside from wear and tear related stuff like belts or hoses, brakes, rotors etc. that I can replace myself....(I'm hoping Infiniti didn't design them THAT user unfriendly) how common IS the oil consumption issue, or the dash fuel gauge (which did have a recall, right? or no?) or other things I've read?

Ramblings:

I've been a Nico member since '09. I've owned Nissans since '01. My previous car before the '98 was an '09 Altima Coupe, 3.5SE I bought brand new and put 103k miles trouble free with the exception of a shock or two that needed replacement (at my cost, of course, no thanks to the good for nothing stingy 36,000 mile b2b warranty), a B15 Sentra, '01 Xterra and Quest, and '05 Altima 2.5. I've lived through the cheap window regulator breaking, fuel pump busting, o2 sensor and cat guzzling and am ready for something a bit more refined, IF it's worth it. As much as I loved my '09 Altima I was tired of making $500 payments, and maybe just wanted something 'different' and well here I am after totalling the '98 I bought for 2 grand 2 months ago...

[nuQ]

Hmmm, hopefully not too bad since I just bought an 03 M45!! There are a couple truths....ANY vehicle that has been neglected, maintenance wise, will cause problems down the road. And as we always used to say over on the Q45 board, after the warranty is done, all the cheap miles have been used up. Around the 100K mile mark, things will begin to go,,,fact of life. I can tell you that my M45 appears to be a lot easier to work on than my 90 Q45....just the fact I can reach all of the spark plugs is a bonus!

Mine is going in tomorrow for it's state inspection (I'm lucky,,,no emissions is needed in my county), but I'm also putting in all new plugs, new fuel filter, thermostat, rear diff synthetic fluid, and I know the front brakes are toast. The best thing that can be done is to get a base line for as much maintenance items as possible. I don't trust that the previous owner did the proper changes, or used the products that I use....so it's better to start new with as much as possible. At least that's my feeling. Good luck!!

[myother45isalesbaer]

I know this question can be asked of any car model, but Im in need of a daily driver that's not dead boring to commute in (tried that with my '98 Altima...)

Enter el-cheapo prices on the '04+ Maxima, and '03+ M45 on Craigslist (<$6000-7000). After getting all worked up I find the Maximas had epic fail of an auto transmission along with a host of other issues which kind of pissed me off.

Onto the 03-04 M45 which I happened to stumble on while browsing C. list, and now I'm finding out that it's as if every one of them is infected with Nissan 'quality'; whether it be bad fuel display/sending unit/gauge cluster-fk or oil burning or some other overpriced GEO METRO type problems. I have to ask, are the 03-04 M45s really THAT commonly full of issues aside from wear and tear related stuff like belts or hoses, brakes, rotors etc. that I can replace myself....(I'm hoping Infiniti didn't design them THAT user unfriendly) how common IS the oil consumption issue, or the dash fuel gauge (which did have a recall, right? or no?) or other things I've read?

Ramblings:

I've been a Nico member since '09. I've owned Nissans since '01. My previous car before the '98 was an '09 Altima Coupe, 3.5SE I bought brand new and put 103k miles trouble free with the exception of a shock or two that needed replacement (at my cost, of course, no thanks to the good for nothing stingy 36,000 mile b2b warranty), a B15 Sentra, '01 Xterra and Quest, and '05 Altima 2.5. I've lived through the cheap window regulator breaking, fuel pump busting, o2 sensor and cat guzzling and am ready for something a bit more refined, IF it's worth it. As much as I loved my '09 Altima I was tired of making $500 payments, and maybe just wanted something 'different' and well here I am after totalling the '98 I bought for 2 grand 2 months ago...

While its true owners have reported on this site the problems you listed I have had none of them on my 2004 M45. It's been a wonderful, fast, luxury, sleeper car to own. I have no intentions of getting rid of it. I do admit I maintain it. Besides normal wear and tear it has been extremely trouble free.

[Larz]

My M is the very first used car I ever purchased. I got it from a car dealer and added a warranty for 6yrs / 72k miles just to be safe. If you're buying from a private party, you should first ask to see the receipts for all the maintenance that should have been done (based on mileage). If they can't provide them, or say they did it themselves ... I'd pass on the purchase, or plan to get them done soon after you buy it. Also, if they have modified anything, look very closely at the mods. Some people mod their cars very poorly. Hopefully this M you're considering has not been modified. Members on here like Freddie and others have done extensive mods, but they didn't go to "Joe's Car Shop" - they know what they are doing and they used high quality shops with high quality parts.
Second, you need to remember that you're buying a 10yr old car. The electronics, suspension, radiator, water pump, sensors, etc are all 10 yrs old too. I have no idea what the expected lifespan of these items is, but you have to consider that after 10yrs, the lifespan is at least nearing its end.
Reading this forum, seems the 45 is more likely to eat oil than the 35 - dunno why. Other than that, most 45 owners seem quite pleased with them so I'm not sure what you mean when you say "infected" with Nissan quality. I am very impressed with the quality of every aspect of my M. My only gripe so far was changing the headlamps - which requires removing the wheels, inner fenders, etc. That said, the M is much better than it's competition (BMW & Mercedes) for reliability and repairs.

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

Thanks for your feedbacks folks. I understand as cars get old they have issues, I'm not necessarily asking about those types of problems.

As contrast to my research on the 03-04 M45s and even consumer reviews of '06+ models, I've read nothing but praise for the older '98-01 GS300/400 models most with 100-200,000 and MORE miles, with almost no mention of problems/patterns with bad components like the Infiniti models I've looked at, other than routine maintenance, and the odd suspension ball joint or scheduled belt replacement etc. That's not even taking into account the poor customer service I've read about from angry customers who ate thousands of dollars due to long known problems with the VK or VQ 35/45 burning oil in the Ms which Infiniti to this day has offered no relief from what I've found. That tells me there is something going on within Infiniti that perhaps I should keep my eyes peeled for, when deciding upon a deal, no matter how cheap it may seem (too good to be true?).

I know there's always exceptions, but it seems a perfectly running M is the exception rather than the norm... Hmm...

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thanks for your feedbacks folks. I understand as cars get old they have issues, I'm not necessarily asking about those types of problems.

As contrast to my research on the 03-04 M45s and even consumer reviews of '06+ models, I've read nothing but praise for the older '98-01 GS300/400 models most with 100-200,000 and MORE miles, with almost no mention of problems/patterns with bad components like the Infiniti models I've looked at, other than routine maintenance, and the odd suspension ball joint or scheduled belt replacement etc. That's not even taking into account the poor customer service I've read about from angry customers who ate thousands of dollars due to long known problems with the VK or VQ 35/45 burning oil in the Ms which Infiniti to this day has offered no relief from what I've found. That tells me there is something going on within Infiniti that perhaps I should keep my eyes peeled for, when deciding upon a deal, no matter how cheap it may seem (too good to be true?).

I know there's always exceptions, but it seems a perfectly running M is the exception rather than the norm... Hmm...

I disagree. Larz pretty much gave you the bottom line with these cars. Owners are few in number and tend to beat the snot out of them. But if it runs like a rat, abused like a rat, then it probably is a rat. DON'T buy it! These are unique cars. Few are left. Take an all out test drive and see how you like it. Consumer reviews are not all they are cracked up to be. This is a NICO site so you are seeing the worst complaints. All cars have issues. But you have to ask yourself after a major test drive is this the car for you?

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

I disagree. Larz pretty much gave you the bottom line with these cars. Owners are few in number and tend to beat the snot out of them. But if it runs like a rat, abused like a rat, then it probably is a rat. DON'T buy it! These are unique cars. Few are left. Take an all out test drive and see how you like it. Consumer reviews are not all they are cracked up to be. This is a NICO site so you are seeing the worst complaints. All cars have issues. But you have to ask yourself after a major test drive is this the car for you?

I understand that more people usually whine and complain on the internet about problems more than they would rave about quality when everything's working just fine, which skews facts.

I guess if I could find out some cold hard numbers about the failure rate on these high dollar items I'd be more likely to overlook them and focus on maintenance and records instead of these types of doom and gloom things...

[myother45isalesbaer]

There was a poster that was trying to get stats on all Infiniti's. Not sure if he got enough on the 03-04 M45s to publish. If you search around this site you may find him.

I don't know your age. These were made to replace the Q, but they did not sell well so Infiniti stopped making them. They are really for the middle aged group who likes luxury and power. The dang thing had excellent reviews when it first came out. They are not for everyone. If you could find a nice clean one with no issues, I would buy it if you don't want to. If you are looking for luxury with no balls go for a Lexus. If you want pure snot power get a Mustang. All I can tell you it is a unique car that combines luxury with snot power. I love mine. Along with luxury I have knocked off several BMW's, other Infiniti's and a variety of so called muscle machines. It has excllent handling, braking and power, plus all the luxury amenties. But, it is not a street racer. It's more of gentlemen's car until you hit the pedal and it changes to a get out of my way kind of machine. As I said before its a sleeper. I love mine and will keep it as long as I can,

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

I'm 33 and what you're describing is sort of what I'm going for. I've had fun with my '09 Altima Coupe 3.5 SE, and looking for a possibly more practical but fun 2/4 door car and these M45s happen to fall into my budget which is what piqued my interest. That and I've not been able to find a decent manual transmission LS1 Trans Am locally. LOL. Never say never but I wouldn't touch a Mustang. Too common and cheapish interior, and everyone's cousin has one.

In any case, the 2 M45's I was eyeing on CList must have sold because they vanished as of today, and the others are either obviously needing too much TLC or out of my price range. :-/

As for no balls, I guess the GS400 is a bit more of a whale but then the M45 doesn't weigh much less at all, so it comes down to the 30-40 hp/tq in the M45's favor, but the apparent reliability track record favors the GS 400 so it's almost a toss up for me at this point between budget and reliability, and maybe which one is less expensive to insure.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I'm 33 and what you're describing is sort of what I'm going for. I've had fun with my '09 Altima Coupe 3.5 SE, and looking for a possibly more practical but fun 2/4 door car and these M45s happen to fall into my budget which is what piqued my interest. That and I've not been able to find a decent manual transmission LS1 Trans Am locally. LOL. Never say never but I wouldn't touch a Mustang. Too common and cheapish interior, and everyone's cousin has one.

In any case, the 2 M45's I was eyeing on CList must have sold because they vanished as of today, and the others are either obviously needing too much TLC or out of my price range. :-/

As for no balls, I guess the GS400 is a bit more of a whale but then the M45 doesn't weigh much less at all, so it comes down to the 30-40 hp/tq in the M45's favor, but the apparent reliability track record favors the GS 400 so it's almost a toss up for me at this point between budget and reliability, and maybe which one is less expensive to insure.

Nothing wrong with the Lexus. Its a good car. Nothing wrong with the Infiniti. The two are just different in handling, luxury, power, etc. Test each one and decide what suits you is the best I can offer.

[Larz]

If you're considering a Lexus G, go to a forum dedicated to them and read the threads. I'm sure you will find posts both good and bad and maybe that will help you decide which is best for you.

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

If you're considering a Lexus G, go to a forum dedicated to them and read the threads. I'm sure you will find posts both good and bad and maybe that will help you decide which is best for you.

Yup, went over to Clublexus.

I ended up buying a '98 GS 400 tonight. Drove and looked at 3 before deciding on one.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Congradulations! Enjoy it.

[pedsemdoc]

Hopefully the Lexus, CoupeVQ35CVT, will work out for you

I'm quite happy with my M because I wanted a "sportier" luxury barge, and I know you have to take car comparo's with a grain of salt, but had to smile when I saw this, as I was doing my research...

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sed ... ewall.html
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20050815/FREE/508150709
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons ... 50h-page-2
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/au ... s-gs_x.htm
http://forums.triplezoom.com/showthread ... %28LONG%29

vs.
http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/gs-430/200 ... -test.html

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

Interesting links, but that's exactly what I'd have expected, as with the first 5 links. Brand new vehicles, it's all about the whizz bang they came with, none of them appear to be about long term reliability. However, it'll be interesting to see just how those same reviewers feel now that both the GS430 and M45 have aged about 6-7 years and run up the miles, ran through their shares of post sale quality issues and quirks. Though just to make it clear, my budget limited my range choice to what happens to be the '98 GS300-400, and Y34 M45, not the '05+ models in those articles). I'm not saying Infiniti is trash, I'm saying Infiniti as a reputation in my mind that is not unlike a crap shoot at least with the models and years I am discussing.

BTW the '98 GS I bought has 245,000 miles (the other 2 of 3 also '98s I tested that evening had 160k and 200k miles, and other than worn leather and some paint fade, just as impeccable given the years) and when I test drove every one of them, they purred like little kitties and the transmission didn't skip a beat with my admittedly unsure gas pedal usage around the busy streets. While not my first choice in strictly performance between all the cars I looked through; damn, I am in love with mine and almost worried something's gonna jynx it!

Just an honest curiosity, how many of you know of Y34s that have aged that well... still running as strong? For someone with less than $4500 to spend, I have plenty (ok, $500) left to spend on any service or fixings I need for this car (I'm thinking alignment and perhaps a good fluid once-over and that DIY passenger power door lock motor fix for $5). I'm not worried about when the fuel gauge will stop working or the engine burning oil every 1000 miles.

[pedsemdoc]

Though just to make it clear, my budget limited my range choice to what happens to be the '98 GS300-400, and Y34 M45, not the '05+ models in those articles).

True, my M is a Y50 2006.

I think you bring up a really good question: what is the overall reliability of the Y34?--hard to know the true values. Truedelta website has gathered data on a variety of models/years, but I don't think it goes back to the 2003-2004 model years.

[Double E]

Glad you found something you like.
I looked at those series Lexus when I started to hunt down a V8 that had a nice look. The Lexus had an interior that was dated feeling and a body style that was homologous to what else was out there. That being said, I'm on my 2nd Y34 after losing the first in an accident. #1 gave 134K trouble-free miles. #2 has 80K on it and aside from some little stuff like leaking chrome plated wheels, it's probably going to folow the first.

Oil burn? Yes for both. I believe it's a PCV system that's in need of some imaginative solution that I'm working on now....

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

Glad you found something you like.
I looked at those series Lexus when I started to hunt down a V8 that had a nice look. The Lexus had an interior that was dated feeling and a body style that was homologous to what else was out there. That being said, I'm on my 2nd Y34 after losing the first in an accident. #1 gave 134K trouble-free miles. #2 has 80K on it and aside from some little stuff like leaking chrome plated wheels, it's probably going to folow the first.

Oil burn? Yes for both. I believe it's a PCV system that's in need of some imaginative solution that I'm working on now....

Ah, so the oil issue is related to the PCV in your case. I thought it was mostly due to bad piston rings or cylinder boring etc. (might be confusing that bit with the QR25).

And yes the 15 year old '98 GS, of course, is somewhat more on par in tech with non-luxury cars of today, minus Bluetooth etc., and I agree on looks, never cared for them but I've grown to really appreciate the car for its quality and the looks are following suit, given how cheap it was for me.

[Ryansfishn]

Hey, man. So I've done my fair share of research on these as well. Since March, actually.
I just recently (August 31st, 2013) Picked up my 2003 white M45. I love everything about it. It came with Tien lowering springs, (I think) a mild exhaust, K&N intake, and an entire audio system. I'm 21, and wanted something kinda powerful, but easy on my insurance.

The one thing I'd say about these cars, is that the audio system is a whore to replace. If you don't like the way it sounds, you've got two options, one is a writeup on a ton of work, that if you can't do yourself, will cost hundreds in labour at an audio shop (thegreenM.itgo.com) the other is replacing the cassette and doing a system from there, which also takes hours of work.

I did TONS of research on the VK45, asking techs, talking to tons of Nissan people, and getting to know it inside and out. No one has told me of any major problems with it, which is why I chose this car. The transmission and engine were fantastic, and long-lasting. My issue with it is the performance aftermarket...or rather lack thereof.

The interior's pretty nice, about 8/10. I've read so many good things about this car, I couldn't help but get one. After months of research, I found the right one 300 miles away from me, and picked it up with 99k miles on it for $7,000. Car's in fantastic condition, and has everything I wanted. Would I recommend one? Not unless you did research and knew the car inside and out. This one's for a Nissan guy, not your regular driver, since it's kind of special, and you have to appreciate it for that. It's an incredible car, but I don't think someone could truly appreciate the car, unless they knew a lot about it. The only other M45 owner I've spoken to down here, says the same thing. No complaints, and it's the best thing he's owned. And he's had his wayyy longer than I've had mine.

TL;DR
It's a fantastic car, didn't see many problems, I love it except for the sound system.

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

Congrats man! I've been a sort of Nissan guy for 13 years which culminated in my purchase of the '09 Altima Coupe 3.5 and why I really wanted to get an M45...

I think it was a matter of being in a hard spot transportation-wise and not having enough time to research one, or I'm sure I'd have built up some confidence in buying an M45 like you did. I usually go nuts googling and lurking forums before I buy a car and with the GS, the Land Cruiser, the '98 Altima, I felt I knew most of what I could face and based the purchases off that. Just couldn't feel it with the M45 and the ones for sale in my area.

I would love to own an 03-04 M with the VK45 -- there's just no denying that awesome exhaust note and the rarity. But I guess I'll leave that to another day. And yeah I read more than once that the sound system was crap for what you paid for the car, but I think even my GS400's standard system is not any better (mine didn't come with the Nakamichi audo system).

7 grand for 99k miles is a great price from what I have gathered so far. Good luck!

[Double E]

100k mile Y34 report and my story on owning two of them...

double-e-totals-his-y34-t573525.html

[CoupeVQ35CVT]

100k mile Y34 report and my story on owning two of them...

double-e-totals-his-y34-t573525.html

Thanks for your detailed experience and thorough listing of the issues, likes/dislikes as you have experienced.

It would seem from my research that your ownership was about what I was expecting and almost exactly the reasons why I decided to avoid an Y34 M45 in the end. Suffice it so say that as much as I feel tempted to own one due to its uniqueness, the quirks as you have listed in your 100,000 miles report thread are just too much of a stress for someone like me to handle mainly due to funds, and it would seem that even then some of the problems are there to stay..creaks, prematurely worn leather, that oil issue, etc. ...and all this at the time of your post in a <10 year old car and only 100,000 miles. Good luck with your second M45!