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MSRP: $50,360
Cap Cost: $49,700
MF: .00188 (with no security deposit - I believe it would be slightly lower with a security deposit).
Term: 39 Months
Residual: 59%
Nothing down
NJ Tax: 6%
Monthly payment: $699 (including tax)
Still considering the A6.
Moreover, here in Cincinnati, TODAY, the price of gasoline has risen to $2.35 a gallon and one year ago it was said (on the radio news program I was listening to during lunch) to have been $1.64 a gallon. Another increase is also expected.
Now, PERHAPS if there happened to be an M45x, I might consider it. But after three Audi V8s in a row followed by a 2.7T turbo (none of them being particularly miserly with fuel), I simply assume the M45 while being more powerful would also be more thirsty.
Finally, I have driven the M35x and the Audi 3.2 (and a Mercedes with their 3.2 and a Cadillac CTS with their 3.6 V6 and ditto an SRX) and the M35x "feels" like the most powerful 6 in the land. Only my current 2.7T MANUAL transmission Audi allroad feels "in the same league" with respect to its "quickness!"
So, the answer reverts to, "AWD." And, if the Audi 3.2 would be in line, cost wise with the M35x, my long term experience and loyalty, to say nothing of that "little extra something" that German cars seem to have (in terms of driving), would probably make me stay loyal to Audi.
At this point, I feel the M35x is seriously competitive with the Audi (and even if you think "one is prettier" than the other) in terms of features, functions -- content -- etc. The M35x carves up my favorite twisty secondary roads with aplomb (as does the A6).
Frankly my issues, stated long and repeatedly, have to do with the Audi marketing component expressed via their leasing program -- they have lost their edge. Technologically, I have to give some credit to Audi for perhaps having a superbly engineered car that perhaps in some ways is superior to the M35x. Then, however I get behind the wheel of each one of them and I can't find the extra $$$ the Audi seems to command. And, as if that isn't bad enough to rattle this loyal Audi driver, a more expensive BMW can be had for less than the Audi too.
If I thought that the Audi was CLEARLY and obviously superior, well, the issue of the marketing of the product via the lease program would diminish and perhaps be completely wiped away. But, this M is a serious upgrade and places the M into "German-like" capability (and I know some of the posters here will argue surpasses the Audi -- and the BMW [and they will even cite the Motor Trend Comparo where the Audi was beaten by the BMW which was beaten by both the Acrua RL and the M35] -- I cannot go THAT far.) Yet, I can go so far as to say the inherent goodness of the M35x (and while I'm at it even the Cadillac CTS and SRX) rivals, and rivals easily the Audi A6.
The fact that the Audi A6 has a rival (IMO) or rivals is (again IMO) something that hasn't happened, uh, er -- EVER. The fact that the rivals are from Japan and the US is remarkable -- and an indication that competition is indeed good for the breed, market and individual consumer, like you and me.
Ah - how could I forget.
"My Bad"
- Ray
Served my time in that sort of climate - not again, if The Good Lord's Willin' - and the Creek Don't Rise . . .
Absolutely, the M is explosive. Perhaps it "feels" even moreso because of the growl it emits when accelerating, but in any case it makes the A6 3.2 feel rather sluggish in comparison.
Then, however I get behind the wheel of each one of them and I can't find the extra $$$ the Audi seems to command.
I guess you are referring to a lease, because the last time I checked you could get the A6 3.2 for less than, or at most, the same as the M35x (even though the Audi's invoice is higher than the M's) because Infiniti really isn't backing off of the inflated MSRP due to current demand and fanfare.
I wish Audi had made the A6 3.2 just a bit faster, my decision would have been made already. The only aspect of the Infiniti that I have any reservations about (other than what I deemed as it's somewhat garish yellow-orange nighttime dash buttons + clock) is the noise factor. I fear that the loudness of the engine will overshadow the greater speed and leave me wishing for something quieter, if a little slower...like the A6.
If the shoe fits I really expected more out of Audi's new FSI V6 than it delivered. As I've said before, the 2.7T S-line can take it to the cleaners. That 280hp VR6 that is on the way for the VW Passat, I assume that will become a middle engine option for the new A6?
It must be "German guilt" -- or something like that -- that still makes me drawn (although I think I'd recover if I go the Infiniti way) to the Audi, despite what my "left brain" tells me.
But stop the presses -- Edmund's just sent me an email of their test report of the new BMW 530xi -- I'm doomed!
I just read it too mark...6.4 sec to 60 mph...
Hill ascent and descent feature....
I'm pretty sure it said it can be RWD and shifts up to 100% of the power to a single wheel? That sounds as good or better than the M35x...
But alas, the interior is still ugly and useless.
What's this lexusguy? New, more powerful engine for the A6? When? Dear God, when?
What was said on this forum turns out to be true. You could fall asleep driving the Acura and the Audi was stiff as a board. And this is coming from someone who drives a 530I. I noticed the acceleration lag on the Audi and was upsetting by the end of the test.
Quoted the following on equally equipted cars without negotiation for 15K, 36 mos and 0 down, not including taxes, except inceptions:
M35x $713 (Journey and Tech)
Audi $755
Acura $760
No doubt the bang for the buck is the M35X. It had the pep and the toys I wanted.
Has anyone got other lease quotes?
How's the 4.2? Pretty weak as V8s go, I would imagine. I've driven it, and it feels as fast as the M35x is, maybe a bit moreso. So that's $50K+ for the M35x or just about $56K+ for the A6 4.2??? Hmmmm. Any feedback?...because I think I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel here.
Once the hype wears off, lots will be full of them
unless they deeply discount.
Look at the G35 and you'll see what I mean. Infiniti's marketing dept. IMHO does not stick to its guns when it comes to shunning the bargain basement tactics to sell. Sure, it's a great car, thay all are. But Audi and Leus have classic styling that will last for years to come and they place a premium on it. I saw an older Audi A8 today and even in its boxy style it still looked elegant. The new M45 and RL both have flash in the pan styling that won't age well. Infiniti looks like a Mitsubishi; RL looks like a old school Mazda 626.
I expect M45 to do to A6 what G35's doing to A4.
Lease a new 2006 Infiniti M35 $499.35 per month plus tax. (3 at this payment) includes Journey package.
42 month closed end lease
total to start due at lease signing $5,103.66
based on 10K miles per year, 15 cnets per mile thereafter
When I test-drove the M35x, I saw an interval of 3,750 miles for oil change displayed on the screen. Later back at the dealership I mentioned to the sales manager that this interval was pretty short, and he said that "it would be twice that (7,500 miles) with synthetic oil." Was this a blunt sales tactic, or does the owner's manual confirm that? Perhaps the first oil change is recommended after engine break-in at 3,750 miles; does the subsequent interval extend to 7,500 miles?
This is an area of concern because I do not feel like going to the dealer every 3,750 miles. As I recall, my 1994 Toyota Camry had a standard service interval of 7,500 miles, with half that under extreme driving conditions. My 1988 Volvo S70 GLT has a 5,000 mile interval, and my Mercedes ML320 reaches 12,000+ miles on average with its Flexible Service System.
So the dealer stood by his word when he told me via phone last week that "I'd save thousands". The nice thing is that it is a no haggle price, so not bad consering most everyone on this board is paying MSRP if they are purchasing outright.
My final thoughts after convincing the dealer to take a longer drive to get a true feel of the car is that it is a very powerful car, great fit, finish, and feel, but as others have said on this board the growl is a bit noisy and I wonder over the long term if that is just a bit too much noise to keep enduring. On one hand it is nice to hear the growl as you unleash the power, but I can see how it could get old really quick. I'd appreciate any input for people that have already taken delivery and are driving the M35x on the noise factor.
I like the exterior very much. The interior looks good except for the cheap looking (IMO) center dash especially the "white" buttons.
Did not see the dash with the lights on so...can anyone tell me...do the "white" buttons light up (orange) all the time, or just when the lights or on (night time)? The pictures in the brochure shows the white buttons as orange.
The picture looked OK if the "white" buttons are lit...otherwise is looks very cheap.
Infiniti messed up on the center dash...
I am 6'1" and the headroom in front seemed OK...but was too low in the back.
Hope to go drive a M35 soon.
Currently in an Avalon and considerin the M35. Taalked to a friend the other day who has a Lexus and he was quoted $1500. for the 60k checkup! I know the service you get is what you paid for and you are paying for loadners, etc...but $1500. seems a bit much. My Toyota dealer does an excellent job on service and he offers Lexus service as well. he is now getting a lot of Lexus business.
Is the Infiniti service pricing similar to the Lexus???
They do not look cheap in my mind at all when non-illuminated (of course I am biased because I own an M35 Sport). I feel that the layout of the button is done so very thoughtfully, that the "look" is very sophisticated and their functionality was the idea by design.
Everyone who has seen or been in my car were in awe at its "technological" and "sophisticated" appearance inside and out.
The instrumentation and ergonomics are great as well as classy and tasteful. I realize that THIS is subjective.
- M35 Sport, Tech package, Journey package, DVD Entertainment package, MSRP $50,830
- $749/month, 12K/year, 48 months, $0 down, $0 security, 1st month/docs/license at delivery.
I wan't a bad quote (from what I can tell so far), but I'm looking some more.
As money is a big factor for me, I am wondering if any dealer really has base M35 which doesn't come with any package, so I can limit my spending to $40k for the car.
Anybody had experience?
Does anyone know?
Thanks
Let me know the details of your Costco purchase or lease when it happens. I'm working on leasing a M35 Sport with Technology/Journey/Entertainment and have thought about Costco. If it works, I might give it a try.
The best I could do so far is MSRP of $50,830 and $749/month, 12K, 48 months, $0 down, taxes included. Thanks again.
To answer your question though, the details of the purchase are this: $51,283 + sales tax for the M35x with Premium package, splash guards, and trunk mat. Or an easier way to look at it would be $2,500 + invoice cost. You can find invoice prices at many places, but for Costco, it is at www.costcoauto.com and if you click on research, you will be able to see the invoice and MSRP pricing for almost any car.
I hope this helps. As stated above, I've finally made a decision and am going with the M35x. For this price I am getting a lot more for my money and it is much more FUN to drive than a Mercedes (the other car I was looking at). I don't need to impress anyone but myself and thus am going with the Infinit.
Thanks......
I see folks here mention the Costco Auto Prices. How does these prices work? Are these Costco prices a good deal? Will dealers when confronted with the Costco price honor it.
Someone mentioned something about adding $2500 to the invoice price? Why $2500.?
How do I figure what the final price would be. The total invoice price of the car I priced out came to 41,379.00 with shipping but no tax.
Thanks............
I did speak to one other Infiniti dealer and he said he sells them for full sticker price plus tax plus all that other stuff like doc fees etc.
This M35 that I am buying lists for $45,260. with shipping, plus tax and other fees. I will be paying $43,546.50 plus tax with no other fees. I do not belong to Costco and have no idea if this is a good price or not. I went for the deal because most dealers I spoke with get MSRP for this car.
Thanks.......
Thanks much.
I know that my local dealership here in Atlanta has a base model-white w/tan leather on their lot. I believe this is the only base model they have.
http://www.infiniti.com/m/pdf/Infiniti_Service_Maintenance_Guide.pdf
- Ray
Seeing several differences between the 'free' (a.k.a. - included in purchase price) maintenance provided by Lincoln on my LS and Infiniti's approach . . .
I have always liked the locks to lock automatically once the car is underway.
I read in this thread that the M's do not engage the locks when the car is put into gear. That would be fine with me -- but I would like them to lock once the car is underway.
Does the M support this. On the new A6, for instance, you can program the locks via the MMI to auto lock as I detailed.
What if any functions can be programmed or are standard on the "M"?
Thanks.
live it is $45 for a one year membership) and then call the 1-800 Costco Auto
program telephone #. In as little as five (5) minutes, you will have the name of
the closest dealer for the type of car you tell them you are interested in
purchasing. Then the dealer will call you, in my case it was almost immediate.
As far as invoice + $2,500, I'm not really sure if this is the same for all
vehicles, but I do know that it is this for the Infiniti.
In my case, the dealer was very happy to honor it and said he just joined the
Costco Auto program because this particular Infiniti Sales Manager saw the
program as a huge success at the previous dealership he worked at. They have to
honor the Costco pricing because apparently Costco has "stringent criteria" to
qualify dealerships into the program and this particular dealer seemed to value
the relationship very much and was very happy to be in the program because, as
he said, it helps him build market share.
The particular dealer I'm referring to is Motorwerks in Barrington, IL.
As for pricing, yo uhave to take all the base price of the car + destination +
all optional equipment to get to your final purchase price. All figures should
be used from the "Invoice price" column on the costcoauto.com website as opposed
to the MSRP column. As for price competition among dealers, I doubt you'll see
them doing this now as most are getting MSRP, but it could happen down the road.
Anything is possible. I suppose it will all depend on how the product moves off
the lots.
I hope this is helpful to all.
I'd be curious as to how you enjoy driving that car after a few days, since I'm considering it as my number 1 choice compared to the Lexus ES330, the Lexus GS300, the Avalon XLS, or the Acura RL.
I'm afraid to get the black interior because of the heat - live in Southern California, although the dealer says with the cooling seats this shouldn't be a problem. The gray interior is better although I would prefer the wood trim in lieu of the aluminum trim.
Anyone have any thoughts about the heat issue with the black interior and the rosewood versus aluminum trim. I'm not sure what other luxury brands do with regards to wood versus aluminum trim.
Thank you
Personally, I think the heat is less of an issue than would be the appeal.
If it appeals to you, get it -- if not order exactly what you want.
Personally, I want the bourbon/rosewood interior.
Also, I wish Infiniti would expand their color choices to include a metallic "British" racing green -- with the bourbon interior that would be very appealing (to me).
As it stands, many car companies from all over the globe have gone from wood to aluminum to graphite to highly polished "grey" colored wood -- these "off walnut or rosewood" color schemes produced by the alum, graphite or grey wood are often in the "sporting" versions of cars -- sometimes alcantara, too, is substituted for some of the leather inserts (see Audi's S4 for example).
Do you like it?
The seats and the interior will challenge the A/C -- but the challenge may be the addition of another 30 seconds from too hot to tolerable.
I, literally, wouldn't sweat it. Get it?
I crack myself up.
- Black leather will get hot in the sun, cooled seats or not.
- Get what you prefer. You're the one who will have to look at it every day, so just make sure you like it.
Personally, I prefer the rosewood with the black, but then again, I live in NY and won't have to deal with the SoCal sun. Either way, whether you take what is readily available or wait for yours to be custom-built, you're gonna get a great looking interior.
Good luck, and let us know what you finally settle on.
I am in NY and there are no dealerships that participate in the Costco Auto Program pricing, so it looks like I'll have to go to New Jersey for it, but it sounds like you got a better deal without it.
Your help is appreciated, as MSRP and not a penny less is the price in NY. THANKS.
I would suggest that you add the journey package for 2700 so you get heated/air-conditioned seats, electrochromatic mirrors, bose stereo system, Homelink (garage door opener), adaptive xenon headlights (move in direction of your turn), and several other nice features.
If you are buying, this will add value when you trade the vehicle as base models will lost more value.
Good luck,
When I compared the two feature for feature I got different results from you. Here is a rundown of the two vehicles similarly equipped with the main feature differences listed:
Acura RL
*Onstar, Traffic Link, Power Rear Sunshade, 17" wheels, Heated 8/4-way power seats (thus no height adjustment on passenger seat)
MSRP Price $49,470
Infiniti M35 AWD with Journey, Nav, and Sat
*Rear View Camera, 18" wheels, Climate Controlled (Heated and Cooled) 10/6 way power seats
MSRP Price $48,110
Or if you want to blow away the features of the RL, then you could get the Journey and Tech packaged M35x for $49,960. This would add the top of the line speaker system, the intelligent cruise, and the lane departure warning system (the last two options are not even available on the RL).