You guys are like family, you can be honest with me. Selling my M45

[EdBwoy]

Well, I’m considering letting go of my 2008 M45S. This isn't meant to be a For Sale thread, but would help me set up a proper sale.

I suppose this thread could have been titled, “How much would you pay for this car?” or more aptly, “What would you sell this car for if you owned it?”
I will upload some videos and pictures afterwards, but wanted to get my thoughts out here first

The basics:

• The body, and I assume the transmission as well, has approx 155k miles
• The engine has about 100k less than that. Infiniti paperwork shows that the engine was replaced before it rolled over 100K. At purchase, I was made aware of some other paperwork that showed a receipt for $17k or so; an amount that indicates a brand new engine to me. Plus it looks like it
• It runs and drives very well, based on not only my opinion, but those of people who drive new cars all the time
• I am the third owner
• There are no accidents in its history for as best I can tell
• It does not consume oil at an alarming rate. I check weekly, and it uses less than half a quart over approx 7,000 miles
• It is up to date on all the recalls. (Yes, as much as I like to handle my own stuff, I do go to the dealership once in a while )
• The passenger airbag was replaced last year.
• So far, the dashboard is still impeccable
• Being a sport model, the only option it could not get was the premium package with reclining rear seats, but every other possible package is here.

The tough questions:
How much are you selling it for?
- Not sure. The last time I listed it, I was asking for a little under $11k. I got a lot of traffic, but no reasonable offers came my way

How do you figure the price?
- First off, I am not a car salesman. I just happen to like Infiniti V8s and I have to somehow create room for my projects. Talking of which, this car was not a project; I paid good money to have this as a daily driver.
- I use KBB and craigslist. I find the best compromise between KBB’s average value/mileage + my real odometer mileage + the mileage on the engine (which to me is the whole point of having a vehicle. No engine = no motion). So I gather these numbers and scour my local craigslist, then I set a price that leans more towards my odometer value
- The numbers in this case for KBB private value “good condition” are $8.5K & $7K & $13.5K

Why are you REALLY selling it?
- If I had a larger garage, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.
- I’ve had some ideas brewing for the M platforms (yes, all - Y34, Y50 and Y51) but I can’t get anywhere fast, if far at all if I can’t get the space to execute

Why don’t you lower the price? You’ll surely sell faster
- True. But I don’t need to sell it.
- Secondly, I am certain that if I take whatever sum of money I get from the sale, I will not be able to get another car like this. I have been around a lot of Ms, and I know what $7,000 will get you. I can confidently say that my car has had no abuse, neglect or any form of deferred maintenance*

How fast can I get it?
- As fast as it takes me to replace the rear wheel bearings. It was one of those cases of being too particular about my car. I heard one sound that made obviously only me uneasy, bought 2 OEM bearings but I have been occupied by another M45 in the past 2-3 months so this one sat on the back burner quite literally

Any mods?
- Not at the moment (just tinted windows maybe), but I might be installing the Akebono brake hardware soon
- This is one of those tricky subjects for me. If I spend $2,000 in mods today, I will barely be able to squeeze $500 for selling the car with the extra stuff tomorrow. I have made and witnessed a lot of sales and I understand the value erosion of modifications. Basically, I am more inclined to spend money on the BBK if I am going to keep the car.


I understand this car isn’t for everyone. Some people only care to have a punchy V8, 4 wheels, a steering wheel and a driver’s seat – this car probably isn’t for you at this price point.
For those who care to have the best that Infiniti had to offer in 2008 in terms of performance, refinement, diving dynamics, technology and beauty in four doors, then we’re speaking the same language.
I rack up the miles whenever I get a chance because I enjoy driving it. The few passengers that I have also enjoy it… and I’m not the kind of guy that buys the finest horse to keep it hidden in a stable. I’ve got a lot of traveling to do so I do it in the best mode of transportation my garage can offer.


However, I’m not too blind to know that if my asking price would have been so great, the car would have sold by now. Hence why I am here talking to you all today as owner-experts.
What are your thoughts, where would your asking price be?

[EdBwoy]

Here are some videos I have taken recently. Warning, you need a good leisurely evening. I go into detail with this car.




Jump to 3:27 or so for the video below on media.

[EdBwoy]

The videos will show you everything in better detail, but for quick skimming, here are some pictures:

[pedsemdoc]

Your car reminds me of my old '06 M45 sport - I LOVED that car, same color, but more sculpted front fender + rear entertainment screen.
Tons of technology for relatively little coin and it is a joy to drive.
I don't think I would take less than $10k for it - If I wasn't thinking about buying a used Audi RS7, I would plunk that down right now.

[LIBRILZ]

I'd say its priced appropriately, man I wish I had your color gauges instead of this orange

also wish I had the bose speakers in seats package

[Larz]

I agree. I would list it at $10,000. Perhaps take a little less, but no less than $8,500. This car had lots of tech and options not available non other cars, It's from a time when Inifniti used to be ahead of the rest, unlike the present when they are significantly behind everyone else.

[cruzad3r]

gotta be realistic - do a cars.com or autotraders around your area to see what they're listed for. There's the wanting to sell versus testing the water. good luck with sale!

[EdBwoy]

Thanks for the input guys. At least I'm not too insane. Or if I am insane, I'm not alone. haha

Cruzad3r, thanks. I followed your advice and ran an Autotrader query for 2006-2010 M45 sport models. Most of them were mislabelled, and the one true 2008 sport with 85k miles is listed for $13,500 (link). It doesn't have the advance tech package.
Which is what I'm saying. I have checked various sources and a fully loaded M45 sport is rare to find, especially in the condition mine is in.
Then there's that new engine. It means a lot to me, which was a big determinant in me buying the car. Now to find someone who cares about all these things as much as I do


EDIT: I ran the search a different way and found 2 other 08 sports nationwide, both with approx 102K miles. One is asking for $9K and the other $11K. Plus a 2010 with 76kmiles asking $14K
Again, no packages in either of them

[cruzad3r]

gotta seize the moment since there aren't that many choices like your car around. i've toyed with the idea of selling mine but now that i'm putting in new struts/shocks front and rear, new tires, partially new rims, and i'm painting the front over; i'm going to hold on for a while. hopefully whatever you decided to replace your M45 is going to be fun and make you happy. again, GLWS!

[MechanicMods]

i wish i didnt buy my camry so fast if i knew you were gonna sell the m45 i probably wouldve bought it. i wouldve loved the m45 coming from an 06 m35. other than that dont take any offers under 10k that car got alot of technology in it def worth it to who ever plans to buy it.

[EdBwoy]

Thanks double M. Huge compliment. I hope the Camry is treating you well though, what year did you get?

Cruzad3r, thanks again. I'm thinking of relisting it again... well, listing all of them. Parking in my garage is like playing musical chairs. Everything is for sale; for the right price. If I list the M56 and it sells, I will not be too mad. At least I know I can replace it in kind within a year or 2. This particular M45 is the one I'm at pains to let go of. But yeah, typically I try to not get too attached.