z32

Although I'm not a fan of Infiniti, I just happened to visit a local Infiniti dealer and test drove the M45 (w/ Navi, Tech pkg and Premium pkg). This car is 'fast' and 'solid'. Lots of gadgets to play w/. I love the 'air conditioned' seats, it's really handy when in 100 degree temperature here in Cali. The 7" NAvi is voice capable, even the climate controls can be commanded through your own voice. I guess the extra 1000cc, 45hp and the extra torque makes this car 'feels' better than the GS430. But I personally thinks the design of the M45 a disadvantage to Infiniti. The GS is a much better looking car than M45. I really hope that the next generation GS will pack much better technology as the M45, not to mention better looks.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

The M45 has great specs, but a pig is still a pig (with all due respect to pigs) no matter how much lipstick you put on it.

Also, I think the M45 engine is only 200cc bigger than the GS430.

gsintensive

do you even own a Lexus? Z32? troll alert.

m45 is just a Japanese built crown victoria to me, not my cup of tea.

LexFather

In Motor Trend, the M45 finished behind the INLINE 6 115 hp less GS 300.

God is in the details......It is a nice car but more on the Lincoln LS, Jag scale, not the BMW, Benz, Lexus one.

D-MAN63

The M45 IMO doesn't look too good. Looks more like a lincoln towncar or something of that nature. I would choose the G35 over that, but the G35 is still not up to par with the Lexus GS.

z32

gsintensive, I do not own a Lexus yet. I'm in the mkt looking for 'possibly' one

chanmannyhc

I thought this thread should go in the racing forum...until i read it of course. Ive been dying to catch one on the freeway.....to see if the extra torque and horsepower is actually makes a difference. I believe the GS should be marketed as the Muscle Car with brains instead of M45....oh well. too boxy for me too much like the old Q45

pvmike1

I think it's a nice car. The big downside, however, is Infiniti resale values. If you like the M45 now, just wait a couple years. It'll be a great buy at under $20k.

babyGS3

the only infiniti that i would ever consider is the qx4 (pathfinder) or the 2door G35 (skyline).

Manaray

Personally, I like the M45...a lot. Considering I own a GS430, I think I can give a fair option on the M45 (versus the GS430 at least). Now I have owned three Lexus cars and an Infiniti so I'm not quite as biased as some people here...

The M45 is a nice car. Built well and it's been in Japan for years. It's currently in it's 4th body style and it's always been a "boxy" car but I actually like that....and I currently own a SC400 too (far from boxy). I might just have a wider appreciation for car designs than others....

The M45 has all the features of the GS430 plus some new things like climate control seats (awesome), voice recognition, slot loading CD changer, etc., etc...

Inifiniti's Nav system is as good as the Lexus one with the addition of a Birdseye view (which is pretty nice). Infiniti's service is also as good (at least in my experience). The engine (from the many test drives I've taken) does feel strong. Compared to the 3UZ-FE in the 430, hard to say since I have various mods that would affect performance. But overall, I would say it feels very similar but a bit stronger than the 3UZ-FE. Nissan builds good motors too (RB26DETT for example).

The quality of the leather is better in the M45. The ergonomics and overall interior is pretty nice in the M45 too. Different from the GS430 so it takes a little getting use to (if you're used to a GS430 of course).

I only have a couple of complaints about the interior...the first is the gauge color...Amber. Not my favorite color. I wish they would have used a "hyper white" or something instead. The second is the steering wheel. No wood wheel but of couse that can be fixed quite easily.

What I REALLY like about the interior is the leather quality and the fact that you can get it with Black Wood (in a black interior)...Yes, Lexus offers that too but ONLY in the GS300 Sport Design (lame)

If the M45 was out when I was buying my GS430, it would have been a hard decision. The M45 also comes in at the same price as the GS300 which just an added bonus. Extra money for modding.

Dunno, if someone were to buy my GS430, I would highly consider the M45 as a replacement (especially if the next GS is a dissapointment!)...I would also consider the LS430, SC430, and a couple of other cars...

PVMike is correct about the resale value though. Traditionally, Infiniti's never hold their resale value (if that concerns you) but with the recent string of awards and sales streaks for Infiniti, that might change....

This looks ok to me...

DrewGS4

Yes,
I would pick up a M45 in a few years time when the price is right. It would make a great second car. Not too flashy but still has the ***** to whoop ***.

I agree ....Inifinty has a horrible resale.... which makes it more appealing to buyers who are looking for second hand

Anyone see the used prices on a Q45 new body style that is out right now. Here is a 2002 with 21k miles for $35k Considering these cars retail for about 60K. Over 40% depreciation in the first year for a japanese car....outch! For Lexus, 40% is usually the residual used after a 3-4 year lease.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2425784852

J.P.

Kit on the M is nice, reminds you that much like an LS, a kit and some wheels can change everything.

This Q45 for example, with the AC setup, WICKED

J.P.

2

KVA

I am working at Nissan North America right now and have got to say that the M45 is not a big seller...If I had a choice of all the Nissan/Infiniti cars/trucks, I would go with the 350z over the G35 SC (cheaply made IMO), and wouldn't even consider the sedans...trust me, I could of gotten a great deal (VPP) on any car or truck but chose the Lexus GS300...and I just love driving it onto the Nissan campus every day

LS4fun

troll alert...jeesh....