Thoughts of other Infinitinuts!

[infinitinut2]

Your thoughts, please. This is the Q45 site, but, I felt I would get your thoughts, too, and my beloved Q45 first brought me to NICO; therefore, I feel authorized to post here, too!

I own two 1992 Infinitis. A Q45 and an M30 convertible. Both in pristine condition. My M was back to the dealer for warrantied seatbelt retractors to be installed. The dealership (combination of Maybach, MB, Porsche, Land Rover, & Infiniti) is top nothch, although you definately pay for such (my January repair,mainteance, etc., bill was nearly $2000! Worth more than KBB valuations!) But, the wife loves her M30 and, with the limited build #s, you do not meet yourself coming and going! And, I like old cars!

Anyway, the Service manager very apologetically tells me that they damaged th car while detailing it! He was about to freak out on me, in that he and the rest of the folks at the dealer, know it is a really special vehicle! I told him to relax and that "++++ happens!" He told me that he would not only fix the minor sheetmetal damage, but have his body person go over the entire vehicle and fix any digs, etc., while he had the paint mixed! He even offerred to re-do the very worn leather seats, but I told him that was not necessary in that I planned to take them to my summer home and have them done there. I told, him, though, that I had a trip ti Texas/NM planned for the followind day in regards to real estate deal, and that we were going to drive the M in that the Q was in NM. He pointed to a 2006 G35 4dr and said, "ENJOY, AND I WILL SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET BACK!

Anway, even on the short 25 mile return trip to my home, I fell in love with this thing (my colour scheme, white over beige) and told the dealer chap that I just might buy the vehicle if it continues to impress on this long road trip! He cautioned me and said to look at the updated 2007 version first, due to all the upgrades! I looked at the Infiniti web site and read about the 2007 version. The AWD version goes for nearly $34K before any extras. What do you think a fair price would be to offer on the 2006 USED vehicle?

QUESTION: If I can steal the 2006 version (this is one of the dealer's loaners) upon my return trip, what do you recommend? Hold off and go for the 2007 if I am still smitten, or......................?

Thanks for reading this folks! This would make our 6th vehicle and it is a good thing I own large properties at both my homes!

[maxnix]

The 2007 has significant upgrades in materials and design so I would drive it first before deciding.

Doesn't sound like there is any rush!

Good to hear a great dealer story, and that they don't dismiss their lowest class car.

[szh]

I agree! The 2007 fixed a few things with the inside "look and feel" that makes it better, IMO.

Z

[lino]

The 2007 has significant upgrades in materials and design so I would drive it first before deciding.

Exactly.

[StarPD]

I've driven 1st gen G35s and loved them. I'd like to do what you do, that is to find a steal on one for my wife, who while not a car person, really likes the G35. I recently drove a new 2007 G35 loaner, and to tell the truth, as much as I liked it, didn't find enough improvement to make me want to spend the extra money. The 1st gen car, if clean and low miles, would be a super car to buy if you can get one for a good price.

Beware though of buying a loaner. I asked Midway Infiniti about doing this, and they said they refuse to sell their loaners. They send them to the auction, as most customer abuse them terribly, and they are not fit to sell to their customers.

I think if you could locate a nice 2005 with low mileage and good maintenance at a good price, you'd come out well. It would take patience, as the G35 has such a great reputation that they have high resale values. But somewhere along the line, someone who isn't a "car person", perhaps an older owner in a more affluent area might part with one at a good price, not kowing how well they hold their value. It does happen. My son is GSM at a car dealership in an affluent neighborhood, and he occasionally comes across a recent creampuff that the dealership can "steal" on a trade-in. He got a 2001 Q45 for his wife that way, and a few others for family and friends. But, it's ahit or miss situation, where you have to wait until just the right one comes along, which may be never. Still, they do show up from time to time.

Just be careful about getting a "Katrina" car.

Good luck.