To Buy or Not to Buy?

[redash]

Hi,

So I just spent the last 4 years driving an I35 and loved it. I've sold that now and have been looking for something to replace it. What I was looking for was an 07-08 G35x, but I came across (what seems like) a great deal on an 06 M35x.
I'm struggling with what to do, because while the M seems like a great car, I feel like I'm spending a lot on an old vehicle (same would have applied to the G, I guess the issue is coming with pulling the trigger).

What I'm looking at right now is an 06 M35x with 50kms (not miles - senior driver), for about $16,000.
I was hoping to get a fully loaded G35x in the same price range, but with closer to 100kms, and fully loaded.

Based on these two, just looking at the kms, the M35x is the easy choice. The question is now that I'm about to do it, I'm thinking about what else is out there. For example, I could get a much newer Altima 3.5SE for the same price (probably looking at 2012?). I feel like I might be spending too much on an old car. Any thoughts?

Note, I do live in the north (of Canada) where we have snow on the ground 6 months of the year. I am looking for AWD, and would even consider a Subaru, where I could probably get a well equipped 2010 Legacy for around the same price. Thoughts on this as well?

I know there are huge quality differences between Infiniti and these other brands, but given how aged they are, what are the real positive points of the M? On paper, a well equipped Altima or Legacy (although I hate the CVT) look pretty close to the older M.

I'm a huge Nissan/Infiniti fan (have had a Maxima, as well as the I35), but $16k for a 2006 car seems like a lot.

[Larz]

Welcome to NICO. You didn't mention where you are located. As a Brit, living in the states, allow me to add that the M35x has about 30,000 miles give or take. That is indeed a great low mileage car. For comparison sake, my 2007 M35 RWD with 92,000 miles (nearly 150,000 km) was a total loss after a car wreck this month. I am in Florida USA and the insurance settled the car with a payout of $17,250 and mine was a year newer than the M in question here. Based on that, the asking price does not seem too high to me.

As you know (if you drove the M) the ride quality, the interior appearance, and the comfort level are far superior to the G series.
That is mostly because they are two different designs - the G is a sport designed car so it rides less smoothly, it allows more road feel into the cabin and the steering wheel. The M is more of a luxury design but with a perky powerful engine and drive system.
To me, that's the best of both styles. The M is also better shielded from outside road noises as well.

If I were you, I would grab the M35x. But consider this as well: although it has very few miles, it is still an older car and therefore, you should also spend some money on maintenance in the first year or two such as oil - brake - power steering fluid changes, gear box and cooling system flushes, etc. My 2007 M pics and vids are still in my sig (haven't updated my profile yet) so you can clearly see my car was in a condition similar to what I would expect from one with 50,00 km mileage instead of 150,000 km.

[redash]

Thanks Larz,

Sorry to hear about your M. I know when my I35 got hit a few years ago I, a fully grown man, teared up a little. What are you planning on replacing it with?

I definitely think for the price and the car, I'm getting good value. I guess what's bothering me is that for the same price, I could get a newer non-luxury car, and I'm wondering if those lower-end cars would have caught up/be competitive with the M35 in terms of comfort and quality due to how much newer they'd be?

I'll be doing a full inspection at Infiniti so I'll see where the cars at maintenance wise, but why would you recommend the transmission and coolant flushes? Aren't those to be done around 96,000kms? What role does the car's age play in those flushes, if the fluids deteriorate from usage through driving?

[redash]

Larz, just checked out your pics. Holy s*** your car looks good.
Love the interior colour, I haven't seen that on the M before. I might be picking up some of those mods if I do buy it - the carbon fiber, blacked grill, and orange in the tails looks great. I like the orange in the dash as well, but I did that with my I35 and taking apart the consol was a pain, I'm guessing it'd be worse with this lol.

[Larz]

Thank you for the compliment. That was the 2007 M that was wrecked after being struck at 65mph (100km/hr) just behind the driver's side rear wheel. The entire suspension and exhaust was ripped off and both side rail frames were bent as well as the car body itself, leaving creases and dimples on the opposite side of the car. I was devastated because I knew there were no black Ms with bourbon interior to be found as a replacement. My fiance, Fetucini as I call her, helped drive me around (as I was injured) and we finally found a 2009 M with every option available and only mid 20k miles. It's moonlight white tricoat with beige interior.
I'm confident you will be happy with that M35x. These cars are built so well and safe that I escaped that accident without any broken bones or debilitating injuries. I have a torn rotator cuff on my left shoulder and some pinched nerves, and I am mending a little more each day.

[Six_Legs]

Welcome redash!
I was in a similar spot before I bought my M back in April. I had been looking for a G37 or a 1-2yr old Maxima for about 6 months(shopping for want, not need). I favored the G mostly cuz I'm not a front wheel drive fan but I've always liked the styling of the Maxima and if all the options were right, I prob woulda bought one.

I bought my M because of the condition/price and I've always wanted one. Dealer records showed previous owner was diligent on upkeep. There was no way I could pass it up!! After checking all records/history, It was mine!

I say go for it!! Mileage is great and its at least $2,000 under it's market value(depending on pkgs).
Luxury, style, power and performance... cant go wrong!

Good luck w/ whatev you decide!

[veery]

I just pulled the trigger on an 06 M35x, 96K miles, for $13k. I talked the dealer (Chrysler. Jeep...) down from $16k, but they had it on CL for 13,677 in late Sept, so I guess I only persuaded them off $677.
The car is beautiful, and coming of a 04 330xi BMW, is a change in concept and feel. But the other car blew an axle which ate the front differential and I opted to shop.
I hope I like this car enough to keep it as it is still new to me. I'll be looking for mod ideas and more pix will follow.
Hope you continue to mend fully, Larz.

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The new bird on the block -