The M45 fever...

[mistam]

I've caught the M45 fever and now I'm desperately thinking of getting a 03-04 M45. I test drove one a few days ago and I was in love. Are there any hints or tips anyone would like to offer? I currently have a 03 TL Type-S. Never owned a Nissan product before, so I'm bit nervous of the unknown.

[Mark Linkous]

Truly not much to be afraid of. This is especially true considering your current vehicle has an affinity for chewing up and spitting out transmisions. My TL went through 3 in approximately 4 years. That is four more transmissions than I had gone through in 15 years of driving . Oil Consumption is something to be aware of with some VK45 engines. Incidence of this is significantly lower than that of transmission failure with 2nd gen TL's. Especially the type-s with the attendant 45 hp over the base TL 220 hp. The build quality of the infiniti will astound you compared to your TL. IMO Japanese cars actually built in Japan seem less problematic and better constructed. My old TL, which was built in Marysville Ohio, rattled I think by week four. The switch to RWD will be an epiphany as well. Get the extended warranty and enjoy.Mark

[szh]

Welcome to NICO!

I've caught the M45 fever and now I'm desperately thinking of getting a 03-04 M45. I test drove one a few days ago and I was in love. Are there any hints or tips anyone would like to offer? I currently have a 03 TL Type-S. Never owned a Nissan product before, so I'm bit nervous of the unknown.

The M45 (V-8, RWD, lots of low-end torque, etc.) is potentially going to be a bit of a change from your TL (V-6, FWD - I think, lower torque, etc.).

In general, the V-8 in the M45 is going to be smoother, quieter, more fun to rev to high levels, drive fast, etc. and I would pick it over a V-6 in the TL any time! I greatly prefer muscular RWD cars with V-8's.

In terms of reliability, problem areas, etc., please look at the posts about engine oil consumption - some of the 2003 and 2004 M45's were not broken in properly, and the engine is susceptible to high oil usage.

FWIW, I love my Infiniti M45 (and would not change), but I can also say that my wife's older 1997 Acura CL has been one of the most reliable cars that I have ever owned. Your 2003 TL is probably extremely reliable too - with the exception of the transmission issue that I know exists in those model years. In recent Consumer Reports rankings, Acura shows better than Infiniti on reliability in general.

Of course, long-term reliability of a particular car is dependent on how well it was maintained. If the 2003 M45 you are looking at is a lease-return, then I would be concerned. Unfortunately, most lessors - of any car - tend to not maintain properly, since they know they are going to return the vehicle and let the next owner deal with the resulting lack-of-maintenance problems.

The bottom line: if I was the original owner of a 2003 Acura TL, and I had maintained the car properly and it was running well, then I'd perhaps not make a switch to an "unknown-maintained" 2003 M45. Even though the V-8 would be awfully tempting, and I might do it anyway!

But, would I consider getting a 2006/7 M45 (or even a 2006/7 M35) over a 2007 Acura TL? For that matter, would I have bought a 2003 M45 over a 2003 Acura TL, four years ago? Without question: in a heartbeat ... to both those questions!

The new M beats the new TL handily - without a doubt. You just have to look at the April issue of Consumer Reports to see why others agree too!

Z

[mistam]

Thanks Mark. I've already done the transmission thing. Ever since the M45 debuted, I was in love just didn't think it would be the car for me until I drove one. Any trunk issues? Also how's the transmission gear-changing performance with day to day driving?

[CakeDaddy]

the trunk issue is common. If the shocks are cold the trunk will shut itself before you can catch it. I've taken my car in and had the struts replace, but...same ****

[viperatc1]

not only is the 03-04 m very rare,but it is the best of both worlds!it has the power of a classic muscle car with a big block,and it has the luxury that makes you feel as if you were in your living room!

[mistam]

Thanks Z. I'm not the orginal owner of the TL. I haven't been a fan of paying the depreciation on a new car. I do want to get out of TL due to a not so good buying judgement (long story). I think I'll take your advice and get a M45. I trade cars in all the time. I just want a car that I can enjoy until I graduate from college this December. Wish me luck.

[viperatc1]

oh and by the way this car has big ba***! it wouldn't be on the website of the worlds fastest sedans in the world if it wasnt!!!!!!

[mistam]

So there are struts. I read a review a few mins ago and they made it seem as if there were no struts to hold the trunk open.

[viperatc1]

good luck and enjoy!!!!!!

[mistam]

That's the main reason why I fell in love with the M45 in the first place. Its not common-place on the road. Sometimes I see them and i'm like "What's that." Unlike the GS300, everyone seems to have one.

[ProvidenceLeaf]

I got out of my 03 TL type-S a few months ago because of the transmission issue. I got it replaced, and the transmission was starting to show signs of failure again.

I loved my TL, but it was ridiculous that I had to worry about the transmission failing every time I got into it.

I wanted an M when they first came out at the end of 02, but at $45K+ they were a bit out of my price range.

Anyway, I had a 2000 Q45t (I had 203K miles on it) before my TL and I am glad to say that I went back to Infiniti.

Just read around this forum on what to look for, and you should be able to make a smart purchase. If you are coming from a TL you won't be disappointed. Especially when you mash the gas!!!

Good luck with that...

[mistam]

Trust me. I've been living on their forum for tha past two weeks.

[deck22t]

Has anyone here tried Jason Burtmans trunk opener- http://www.burtmanindustries.c...k_kit

[auditech10]

Yes, most of us have. Oh and he posts on this site very regularily. Cheers

[Jason B]

Has anyone here tried Jason Burtmans trunk opener- http://www.burtmanindustries.c...k_kit

DId you see the video of it on the website? If you listen closely, you can hear darth vader...