Thinking about buying a 2003 M45

[OnTheRoadAgain]

I'm thinking about buying a low mileage (50-60,000 miles) 2003 M45.

Any issues I should be concerned about.

I have a 1991 Q45 now.

[szh]

I'm thinking about buying a low mileage (50-60,000 miles) 2003 M45.

Any issues I should be concerned about.

I have a 1991 Q45 now.

Definitely do a search on this topic. There are other similar threads

In general, the major stuff:

1. Some (not all) of the 2003 M45's have an oil consumption issue. Check the history of the car.

2. Get an extended warranty. You may never need it, but in all modern cars (not just Infiniti), with their fancy electronics (NAV, etc.), when these fail, the cost to fix is absurdly high.

3. Most everything else has been relatively lower incidence or much lower cost issues (like trunk strut failures).

Regardless, it is a great car to get! I love my 2003 M45 - fun to drive, unique looks. Best bang for the buck.

Z

[FDR Dippin]

I'm considering an '03 M as well, have you found any usefull posts? can you insert any in this post. There's a dealer in my area, selling an 03 with 78k for 12,900. At first glance the price sounds great, but after taxes, $399 doc fee and a $2k ext warranty. I'm not sure it's worth it. I'm going to try to track down the history tomorrow, but corporate is usually no big help except to give me the names of servicing dealers.

[CakeDaddy]

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...and the best reason to buy one is:zerothread?id=251483 cause they look so damn goooooood!

[OnTheRoadAgain]

Thanks, I've read everything.

BTW, regarding oil consumption, when I worked for Toyota (1970-1980), 1 quart per 1,000 miles was NOT considered excessive.

The manufacturer(s) should have a standard they consider reasonable?

[szh]

Thanks, I've read everything.

BTW, regarding oil consumption, when I worked for Toyota (1970-1980), 1 quart per 1,000 miles was NOT considered excessive.

Really? Wow ... I would have found that excessive. I guess it is different for different mftrs/models.

On my last two Infiniti Q45's, I never burnt any oil between changes! Tighter ring fits than the current VK45 engine. On my current M45, I add about 1/4 to 1/3 quarts at the 1750 mile mark - to take it over the halfway mark, and then change at 3750 (when it is down by that amount again).

The manufacturer(s) should have a standard they consider reasonable?

On the M45, if you are having to add 1 qt at less than 1000 miles, they will swap the engine out (if pushed a bit though - particularly if the car is not under warranty.

I'd say, if you are adding 1/2 quart or less every 1750 miles, then that VK45 or VK35 engine is within their current design tolerances.

Z