Whats up Nicco Pals? Thinking infiniti again. Should I? (F50 owners)

[Q_SHIP]

I'm sure some of you remember me. I remember a few of you. (Wes, Q45tech,squeefoo, falk, and many others)

I'm thinking about buying an F50. I went from a G50 to a Y33 to a BMW 7 series. The BMW has been great but it's time to move on.

What do you F50 owners think of the cars? I have heard some bad things about oil consumption. Is this a "fluke" thing? Or somthing to worry about? I need some input. I love the looks of the F50. I love the "bang for the buck" that the F50's have. Feed me guys!!! Give me some input. My Y33 was rock solid. I took her to 200k. Can I expect the same out of the F50? Please, be honest. Don't just say they are great cars because you own one.

We still have an Ifiniti in the garage. My Girlfriend just bought an 06 M35X. It's a great car. She loves it. Infact, she has Sport wheels ont the way. I have not forgotten my loyallty.

Modified by Q_SHIP at 7:09 PM 3/16/2009
Modified by Q_SHIP at 7:10 PM 3/16/2009

[paranoidjack]

What did you think of your y33 vs. the 7?

[maxnix]

Welcome back Q-Ship!

Seems we are seeing a few things pop up on the F50. Still a good car and probably better than its peers, but the VK doesn't weem as robust as the more conservative VH series, and the electronics permeate teh car and are expensive to repair.

I suggest you read some of the recent post on the series.

[Q45man1]

Check the service history before signing your check.

I'm close to 5 years of ownership with my F50. It has 90K miles and my 18 year son is driving this beauty. It is well maintained and major stuff replaced were battery and belts at 60K miles. Shocks, struts, bushings were all replaced at 65K miles. Riding in Swift lowering springs. Rotors at 75K miles (stayed with OEM) since pricing at Joe's is at discount. Original ballasts and starter.

Ballasts tend to fail at early stage. The high output ballast caps are not designed properly. Oil consumption is a MAJOR issue. Some are worst than others. I would be lying to you if I have non of this issue. I add 1/2 qt per 2K-2.5K, and change my oil at 3K miles. M1 0W-40 with OEM filter, trans flush every year.

In general, Q45s are good and reliable cars. It is one of the most underrated cars in the market.

Good luck!

[Jesda]

Which 7-series? Was it an E38?

[MinisterofDOOM]

The oil consumption issues are something to watch out for, but not a killer. By that I mean you can find a car that's not afflicted. Some cars that did have the issue had engines replaced. Many more, I'm sure, never had the problem addressed. Just be sure the car you're buying isn't one with the issue and you'll be fine. It's not likely to develop later in the car's life, so if a car doesn't already have oil consumption issues, it is most likely a safe buy.To my knowledge, the problem became less common with each passing year, so newer F50s are safer bets.

Which 7-series? Was it an E38?

That's what I was going to ask.

What did you think of your y33 vs. the 7?

No offense meant at all to the Y33, but it's not even in the same realm as the 7. Unless we're talking about the E32.

[maxnix]

No offense meant at all to the Y33, but it's not even in the same realm as the 7.

Yeah you are right. The FGY33 is much more reliable and can be made to handle much better and is far less expensive to maintain!

[Q_SHIP]

Now Im really starting to hav flashbacks!! It's good to hear from all of you. Good info.

I have an E38 long wheel base. I will miss that about the 7 series. It's like a limo when you open the back doors.

Comparing the Y33 vs. the 7 is a hard thing to do. I will say the Y33 is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I took it to 200k before I sold it and I still see it here and there. The BMW is a POWER house compared to the Y33 though. I like to be able to stand on it at 70 and watch the speedo jump to triple digits within seconds. The Y33 rode nice but it did not have the solid feel like the BMW does. I close my door and I get a nice thud out of the BMW. The BMW is a winter warrior that goes through any snow storm I throw at it while the Y33 was scared of an ice patch on the ground. Looks wise, thats a tough one. I had my Y33 lowered with wheels so she looked nice. I do have 19" SSR's on my BMW with no drop.

Bottom line, they are 2 different cars. But I have always missed my Y33. It was a great car. I have even considered another but it does not have the power I want and need at this point.

[elwesso]

In my opinion if you're adding less than 1 quart per oil change (3k miles or 3 months) then thats normal for ANY vehicle! When you start having to add more than 1 quart per oil change interval thats when it becomes an issue..

Other than watching the oil level (which you do anyway... ) theres really nothing to worry about. I'm half thinking about buying an F50 in the next couple years.

[seldomseen]

The F50 is very nice an ahead of its time. If you do get one...look for an '05/'06 model year. They can be had for pretty good deal nowadays. My '03 has been very good to me so far and is seldomseen on the roads---which is an added bonus to owning an F50.

[Jesda]

Before buying a used F50, look into basic aftermarket warranty coverage.

From 2002 onward, there isn't much else to choose from on the level of the E38. The E65 is a finicky hassle, nothing like the much simpler E38. The new S-class is big on comfort but looks like a stretched Ford Focus. The previous W220 S-class feels cheap and has a weird interior that screams 1995.

The Audi A8 is the sharpest inside and out, but cost of ownership is very high. Pay to play.

*shrug*

[maxnix]

On a different note, there is a nice low mileage G50 down here for $2500.

[qship96]

A8L is one of the nicest looking cars in its class, both interior and exterior. Shame ownership costs are soo high, or I would snap one up.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Considering the value and reliability, the 2002-2006 Q45 is a good choice. I own a 2004 M which shares much with the Q. Oil consumption has been negligible. In 2 1/2 years, the only thing needing replacement has been a TPMS sensor. I did get the steering wheel and shift knob replaced under warranty due to peeling/discoloration.

Another luxury car idea is the Volkswagen Phaeton. If you can live with what looks like an enlarged Passat, the preowned value is absurd. Shares much with the A8 though much cheaper to purchase. The seats are the most comfortable of any car I have driven. The draft free climate control is surprisingly cool as well.Cost of ownership is certainly not cheap. And bad examples certainly have the potential to be a complete nightmare. Most for sale do seem to have or offer warranty however. It does feel like a lot more expensive car than the Q.Cheers,ML

[maxnix]

That's because it is over 1000 lbs. heavier. Think of an A8 done in steel instead of aluminum.