The bourbon/rosewood combo had a major impact on me the first time I saw the M--it was love at first sight. My 67 year old father and 27 year old brother were with me at the auto show when we saw the M, they were as impressed as I was. I insisted on bourbon/rosewood when I ordered my M35x, with Umbria Grey exterior. My salesman asked me for a backup interior since Ms are scarce, and I told him my backup interior was around the corner (literally) at the BMW dealership on a 530. Somehow he managed to find my combo for me. It's all a matter of individual taste, but it's about the sharpest and most individualistic combo I've ever seen, IMHO.
For what it's worth, my wife and i test drove a black on black with rosewood and she hated the interior, felt the matte rosewood looked cheap. I took delivery of my M35x on a Friday, when my wife was in NYC for the weekend. When she got into the car upon her return she was singing a whole different tune--she absolutely loved it, and thought the rosewood looked a GREAT with the bourbon.
Again, it's all subjective, but I think the whole aluminum/silver plastic thing sucks. The bourbon/rosewood combo was love at first sight for me and everyone I've shown the car to has gushed about it. It's a warm, rich, comfortable looking (and feeling) interior.
--------------------- Take a look at the navigation data map from Zenrin, the makers of Infiniti's Nav system. Some areas of the country don't have full route data for streets down to the residential level. Here is the link
I saw the aero kit and spoiler on a black/black M45 Sport while picking up my Black/Stone M45 Sport with journey/tech/mes. I thought it looked great, especially the spoiler.
However, I understand the aero kit gives you slightly less clearance. My wife's G35 Couple scraps the curb often when you pull into a parking spot. It is short enough I can get it parked our of the way enough without pulling over the curb. With M's length, that wont work as effectively.
I am considering getting the spoiler but already have 2500 miles on mine and can't give it up a day to have it put on.
I love driving this car, it is a dream while cruising like a luxury sedan but is a thrill when letting it rip and driving it fast. The car has been flawless todate, just as my previous 6 Q45's and my wife's G35 Couple have been.
The splashguards and spoiler still need to be slapped on (as I couldn't wait to drive the car off the lot), but there were a bunch of M's equipped with both in stock and IMO the spoiler and splashguards really add to the already aggressive styling of the car. Forgive me if I mistated above, but tints were not included in the final deal...I have to come out of pocket $200 or $250, but that's fine by me.
The price I got was hard fought for to say the least. I dealt with 3 dealerships, pitting one against the other for about, oh, 3 weeks, maybe 4.
After test driving at 2 dealerships, I called both and told each of them that the other had offered me the car (M35x, Journey, Tech, Splashguards, Spoiler) for $2,500 over invoice (45,882 + 2,500 = 48,382)....total B.S of course.
Dealer "A", let's call them Atlantic Infiniti in Lynbrook, NY on Sunrise Highway immediately matched the offer. Dealer "B", who we will refer to as Infiniti of Massapequa also on Sunrise Highway, would not go below $48,600.
After then visiting both dealerships to haggle in person without any decrease in price, I contacted Dealer "C", Competition Infiniti in Smithtown, and they offered to beat the deal. Which they did. Dealer "D" Infiniti in Manhasset was completely disinterested in dealing with me, as I guess I was not snobbish enough for their North Shore, Gold Coast sensibilities. Oh well.
After I told them of Competition's offer, Atlantic and Massapequa told me it was B.S., that I would never get it, it was bait and switch, yadda yadda yadda.
My best advice to you is to try something similar with the dealers in your area, with a price comparable or lower to the one I got ($47,849 = $1,967 over invoice). And never never be affraid to stand up and walk out if you feel something is amiss. I did so numerous times and each time the "Bottom Line" deal all of a sudden improved.
Good luck. Happy Haggling. You're going to LOVE this car!
PS: I figured out why the foglights weren't turning on...I didn't turn them on using the extra dial on the turn signal stem. ooops.
I am not sure I will be as successful- But I will try your technique. You should publish a book!
Out of curiosity- once the deal was made, did the place you bought from treat you poorly because you beat them up more than the guy before you who (likely) paid a lot more than you did?
As far as the treatment I received after the deal was signed: 1) I would rather save $$$ than be treated kindly by a car salesman. 2) I'm sure haggling and cutting into the dealer's profit didn't make me the most liked sale of the day, but I'd much rather be the on the 'Most Hated' list than the 'Easiest Lay Down" list. 3) Yeah, the salesmen (2 of them, good cop and bad cop), and their ultra-sleazy walking-cliche manager probably hate my guts as much as salespeople can hate someone's guts who just put money in their pockets.
At the end of the day, as long as I don't get the runaround from the service department when I get the splashguards, spoiler, and tints done, I should be fine.
The one thing that didn't cross my mind in the heat of negotiating was to ask if the dealer could enable the DVD player to play while in motion, but maybe that was for the best, as the car is jam packed with enough distracting technological goodies already.
Haven't seen any spoilers, but think I would want one. did see a tricked-out white Premium with Chrome wheels at the dealer and thought the chrome wheels looked great. I'm an old guy but appreciate the look. BTW, I love the rosewood, but can't decide between black (understated class IMO) and the bourban (sporty and cool, again IMO).
"Do you notice any gender preference for the bourbon interior? I only have a sample of two females (which is far from statistically significant)."
Sorry guys....I for one do NOT like the bourbon intnerior, however my husband LOVES it. I think it looks too orange-just my opinion. So, my guess is that there indeed may be a gender difference regardinng preference of the bourbon interior.
I am considering ordering a M35X, but I do not have any experience with the cost of service at Infinity. I curently lease an Audi TT Roadster 225hp, dual turbo. I would not have leased the TT if it were not covered under Audi's service plan. We are also looking at the Lexus GS,but I know their service is very costly, and the Acura RL. So I I am wondering what others experience has been with Infinity.
I negotiated with "Dealer A" and "Dealer D" and ended up leasing my M45 with journey & tech from "Dealer D." My experience with "Dealer A" was horrible - We agreed on a deal, I gave them a credit card to make a deposit but the sales associate came back to try to do a bake and switch. Also, they tried to rip me off on my trade-in - according to edmund & kelly my trade-in should worth around 27k and they printed out an appraisal showing 24k by deliberately leaving out a few options/ equipments. I threatened to walk and the sale associate literally threw my credit card back at me.
Afterwards, they have been flooding me with phone calls saying that they were willing to deal. Even after I told them I had already made a deal with "Dealer D", they continued to say that they could beat any deal. I did not bite because I do not want to do business with untrustworthy & unprofessional people and I am happy with my decision.
On the other hand, my experience with "Dealer D" was good. They were willing to match my original deal with "Dealer A." Later "Dealer D" could not find the exact car that I wanted (M45 base with Journey only) and I decided to get the technology package also for $25 more a month and the negotiation was simple. My approach is a little bit different - I am not always aiming to get the lowest possible price. I want to deal with people that I trust and I don't mind paying a fair price given supply & demand (fair price does not mean the lowest price available). The key is to make myself happy (getting the car I want as soon as possible at a reasonable price) and to give the dealer a reasonable profit.
ivyfchu, Who did you deal with at dealer "A"? At dealer "D"? Just curious.
Piece of mind is very important, so I can completely understand you not wanting to deal with Atlantic even if they had made a better counter offer. I walked out on 3 dealers including Competition Infiniti, where one salesman in particular irked me. But Competition simply put the best deal on the table for me.
Barring egregious disrespect or outright thievery, I could care less if, in the heat of negotiating a figure, there is love lost between the sales staff and myself. They know and I know that it is strictly business (assuming we are both sane) and that nothing should ever be personal.
They are trying to take as much of my money as possible, and I am trying to give them as little as possible. It's a game. At the end of a good deal, both the dealer and I get what we want to a reasonable extent. At the end of a GREAT deal, I get what I want and the dealer kicks himself for selling me a car that could have garnered a higher profit with someone else.
I'd call my deal a "good" deal. So I am happy with it.
Bottom Line is that I love this car. Were it not for the unpredictable New York winters, I might have opted for the M45, but seeing as how everyone I know with a rear-wheeler cowers at the mere mention of snow, I think I made the right decision.
The guy that I dealt with at Dealer A was Cary Weinstein. Cary was actually the good cop and I liked him. It was the bad cop who I hated but I forgot his name already (not worth to remember I guess...)
I dealt with Nazeria at Dealer D. She is relatively new/ inexperienced so it was David Fline (?) the general manager who finally approved the deal.
I too would have preferred all wheel drive given the winter weather in NY. However, I really want the big engine (I used to own an FX35 which drives similar to a M35x and I really want something faster). Anyway, I will just make sure I drive my front wheel drive 2005 Odyssey when it snows.
Have fun with your M, may be I will bump into you in the neighborhood!
I didn't like him the first time I met him, but after a second test drive (at the end of what I would imagine was a LONG day for him) he sort of dropped his salesman persona and we talked man to man. Turns out we had a lot in common and I would vouch for him to anyone reading this that he is a solid guy to deal with. I can't speak as to what lengths his dealership is willing to go to close a deal, as they did finish a close second to Competition, but from what I understand Competition specializes in undercutting Massapequa and Atlantic (which are owned by the same guy.) Cary, however will do everything he can to get you the best deal. It just so happens that the best overall deal, for me, materialized on Saturday at Competition.
Yeah, the M45 is a BEAST and you are going to have fun eating 90-95% of the cars on the road for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at your flick of your ankle.
If you pull up next to me, please, be GENTLE. Though I'll gladly go head to head with you sometime between mid December through February, so long as their is at least a 1/2" snow blanket on the road...then we'll see what's up
I wonder if there is any chance that the 45 will someday be offered as an M45X?
The initial word from Infiniti was that an M45x would never be produced because there wouldn't be great enough demand to justify making it.
I think, based off of the absolute rave reviews and sure-to-follow M sales boom, that Infiniti will be forced to reconsider that stance.
I can't imagine that an M45x wouldn't sell just as well as an M45 Sport, with a large segment of consumers in snow country foregoing Sport for X.
I for one, think an M45x would be a crushing blow against BMW in particular, who will only offer "x" on the 530i. Not to mention the A6 4.2. It would render the V8 A6 even more impotent than the M35x has the 3.2 (3.1)
I'd be first in line, maybe second right behind you....335hp + Intelligent AWD = The Ultimate Driving Machine (?)
My wife wanted an umbria gray but we could not locate one with the options that I want. We ended up getting diamond graphite with black interior instead.
Thanks for the link. I live in Wilmington, NC. The Zenrin web site says they can't find Wilmington in North Carolina!
This Nav system is a new toy for me and I am disappointed at the price I paid that I can't find it more useful in my own back yard. There ought to be a disclaimer at least referring you to the web site so you can determine whether spending the extra money will really be useful to you.
Hey, Doc, if you're using the latch system for your carseat, make sure the middle seat is so equipped. Most cars I've seen with a latch only provide 2 spots for the seat - behind the driver or behind the passenger. In many cases, installing a carseat with latch in the center position requires using the right latch of the rear drivers-side and the left latch of the rear passenger-side. Apparently, latches aren't tested to be used that way and most warn that it's unsafe.
Long-story short: count the latches in your backseat. If there're 6, you're OK. If there're 4, reconsider using the middle seat.
you don't think the bourbon, together with the black dash, floor and console, and the gray roof are too much? Do you notice it at all? Did you have to get used to it?
I think the bourbon looks great, but I'd want the roof, floor and armrest to be bourbon, too.
I totally agree with you. I'm not the negotiating type, but on the other hand, I know when I'm trying to be had. I HATE walking out on dealers (it's only happened once). I'm going to the dealer next week that I've been speaking with and test-driving the M35x to start the B.S. process. I'll be happier if they meet me in the middle to pay off my remaining lease payments on my GS300 than to fight and get the best deal on my new car. I'm sure there are alot of people out there who like the wheeling and dealing, but it's just not in me.
I've also heard that there just isnt enough space for the 4.5L V8 and the AWD equipment. Wether thats true or not, I dont know, but if it is, no amount of demand for the 35x will allow them to do a 45x.
Actually, the M35x i ordered is black with bourbon interior, and I'm female. I fell in love with the combo on an m45 they had on the lot. I made the salesman open every other car on the lot (even two in the prep bay in the service dept.) and looked at every interior before I decided on the bourbon. I had reservations about the bourbon and the rosewood combo, but I got over it. I can't wait!
You are right. The LATCH hooks are only on the two outside seats. I am using the belt (it has a ratcheting lock after being fully extended). My M35x is not our primary car when carrying the kids around (the Sequoia is more comfortable for them). If the other two were smaller, I could put one of them in the middle, but the hump makes it difficult at their age.
Not sure what you mean by "do I notice it at all"--I've owned the car for 2 weeks now. The car interior has fit me like a glove since the first time I sat in a bourbon/rosewood-equipped M. As for the gender issue, my wife hated the black on black and loved the bourbon. The feedback I've received from family, friends and colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive. Total strangers have stopped to tell me the car is beautiful and that they love the interior colors.
Hey, I don't blame you if you don't like it. I think color, whether interior or exterior, is the most subjective element of a car. I drove the black on black and didn't like it. I like the wheat/rosewood, but the bourbon was so original and unique, it really struck a chord with me. I've heard the bourbon described as "orange", but the color to me looks like that of a brand new baseball glove, and I love that.
Black on black. IMO the black leather interior with the Rosewood looks very classy, without being at all stodgy or "old-manish" for lack of a better (non-existent) word.
Regarding the light headliner: Initially, I had reservations about the headliner being so much lighter than the rest of the interior, but I have grown to appreciate the brighter atmosphere it provides inside. Most cars with black leather come with a dark gray, or even black, headliner, and it really does make the interior seem overly dark, gloomy even. When combined with dark tints, I feel the dark roof upholstery is too much. Like being inside a cave.
In regard to the interior as a whole: I have received nothing but compliments from my S55/SL55/CL55 AMG-driving co-workers, eh hem, bosses. The Audi guys are hardline "Audi interiors are unsurpassed" types, but have not uttered so much as a single knock against the car. That goes for the exterior as well. The reverse camera is by far the favorite gadget for everyone whose asked to bask in the glory of the M.
And as far as the bourbon is concerned, I just like the black so much, nothing else was even a consideration. If you go with what you like you can't go wrong with this car.
I had a low tire pressure indicator today and learned I had picked up a nail in the side wall. Dealer has no new tire inventory so Im driving on a ridiculous looking small spare tonight. The new tire is going to run around $350 from the dealer. Anyone bought a new tire from the dealer or elsewhere and found this same pricing?
I am leaning M45 now and not sure whether to go sport or lux model. Would appreciate any thoughts on the following: 1. I live in Chicago and a little concerned about snow driving. What do folks here think about the 45 in snow? Will the sport package 19 inch wheels and low profile tires have worse traction than the lux package tires (all season radials)? 2. What kind of tire wear (mileage) do you think you might get on all season performance (non-sport) tires vs the W rated high performance sport tires? Tire treadwear ratings are 340 and 140 respectively, but tire sites I check wont give you estimated miles for each as they say it depends on conditions and driving style, among other factors. 3. Will the ride on the 45 sport be tighter than the 45 lux? I prefer more cush to better handling so leaning M45 lux. 4. Are the sport seats much different than the regular ones in terms of comfort? I drove an M35X w/out sport and weeks later an M45 w sport, but dont recall a difference.
FYI, I have an internet price quote from a dealer on an M45 lux model w Journey, Nav option for $1500 off list. That's with no negotiation so I think those who say you need to pay MSRP are mistaken - at least around here.
Oh, and one more question if anyone here can address please - how do the chrome wheels look vs standard ones? Are they worth the $1000 they want? I cant find any pictures comparing the two.
I've had an M45 Lux, Journey, Tech, Splash, Spoiler in Blue/ Graphite for 3 weeks. I drive 30,000+ miles per year. I chose the lux over sport for tire costs and potholes as well as smoother ride. This car still really handles. I've read several reports that you can expect no more than 12,000 miles per set of Bridgestone RE05's. The OEM Goodyears on the Lux don't handle as well, but are quieter, smoother and have a much longer tread life. I figured I would be into $3500 per year for tires with the sport not to mention possible bent wheels with all of our potholes in So Cal. You might consider the newly available Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S in 245/45-18. Almost summer hi perf handling, but quieter, smoother and 400 treadwear rating. If you are leasing you could pull the Goodyears and turn the car in with them while enjoying the Pirelli's right away. I would not change my decision vis a vis sport/lux. Car still rocks. Definitely Chrome. At $1000 its a helluva value. Compare to Lexus, BMW, Audi, etc. chrome prices.
The Potenzas on the Sport model will be absolutely useless to you in the snow Wanna. They are designed for maximum Summer performance and they certainly do deliver that. Unfortunately, like the Pole Positions, they will not be at all suitable for Winter driving.
Depending on your driving style, you might get 20,000 on the all season performance tires. I've found the norm to be something less than this however.
The ride is a little stiffer in the Sport setup but I disagree with those who believe it to be harsh. I'm really quite impressed at how supple the ride is considering the aggressive, low profile tires and sport suspension. However, if you want maximum ride comfort the 18's and non-Sport would be a better option.
Finally, I appreciate the difference between the seats in the Sport vs. base model. The Sport model does add a nice amount of side bolstering which I happen to like. It gives you a feeling of being enveloped by the seat and is quite comfortable. Were it possible, I'd even prefer seats more aggressively bolstered like in the G35 Coupe. Having said that, the regular seats are very nicely done and comfortable. If you don't engage in spirited driving the regular seats will be just fine.
Good luck with your purchase. I think you'll love the car.
As m_pilot mentioned, The Tire Rack is a great source for tires. You can get quick delivery at very good prices. As a matter of fact, while your luck in finding a nail was poor, the good news is that the price on the Potenzas has recently dropped from the $290-305 range to a current price of $266. FYI, they indicate that their stock is currently low.
Hi shivan - actually, he can't do that. It's okay to name dealerships, but not individual sales people. Please see the Rules of the Road linked at the top for the specifics on what sort of dealer information can be exchanged in our Forums.
If this is going to be your only car for winter driving, your going to want to stay away from the sport package. I've got super high performance tires on my XKR because I can drive either my LS430 with Blizzaks or my wife's RX300 if its particularly nasty. Even with all-seaons, RWD and a big V8 dont make for a great combo in snow. I would probably still recommend a set of Blizzaks. An M35x on the other hand, could probably get away with all-seaons without a problem.
Sup folks, I noted quite a few posters have requested pics, and so far none seem to be forthcoming. Can any of you owners please post a couple of pics, especially an M with a spoiler. In reading all the auto rags I subscribe to, I don't recall seeing a single M with a spoiler. The suspense is just killing me!
Has anyone bought one in south Florida? I have found dealers here to be very tight on pricing. Dealers here are sticking close to sticker. Anyone getting a fair deal here?
What gas mileage are you getting? City? Highway? Combined?
I have owned my M35x for about 4 weeks (approx 950 miles). I am only averaging about 17 mpg (best) combined. I do at least 50 percent local driving. I am driving relatively conservatively (minimizing quick starts and hard accelerations). My dealer says mileage will probably improve somewhat after 1200 miles. I find this hard to believe.
Any comments on how to improve gas mileage other than cut out all local driving? I was expecting to average 19-20 mpg! Otherwise, I love the car!
I'm getting 18.8 mpg or so, with mostly local driving but a couple of 3 hour highway round trips. One semi-bummer is the range on a tank of gas could be better; as I'm used to refilling every 420 miles or so with my previous vehcile (X5), but it seems like I'm filling my M35x every time I turn around.
I don't have my manual handy--is anyone running his/her M on regular gas? I've been putting premium in it but that's getting more and more painful....
"My dealer says mileage will probably improve somewhat after 1200 miles. I find this hard to believe."
It is true that gas mileage will improve as the engine is broken in. There is no "magic" point such as 1200 miles though. Mileage can improve even after 10,000 miles.
From what I can gather, you can expect mileage to improve as much as 20% over time.
Getting about 20. About 2/3 local, 1/3 hiway. Now at 1600 miles. Have tried premium, midgrade, and regular, with no discernable difference in performance.
The EPA Mileage estimates for the M Series are really quite low and often represent best-case. If you purchased an M to get good mileage you very likely will be disappointed. The car will run best on premium fuel. I would be a waste to loose performance in a performance car by using regular.
The CLS steering wheel controls SCAN radio stations and CANNOT be used to move between PRESETS. I'd seen some threads in MB E-class forums, with owners complaining vehemently about this. I'd thought MB might have fixed it for the CLS, but have just learned that they hadn't.
That's kind of a killer issue for me personally. Nonetheless, I've ordered user and NAV manuals to help me further clarify this choice, and I'll report back if I learn anything of significance. Let us know if and when you come to a decision.
Dealer tells me I can use regular gas but it is likely to cause earlier failure of the oxygen sensors. This will not be covered under warranty as the dealer diagnostics will indicate oxygen sensor failure due to low octane fuel.
Thanks - I actually like the bourbon, too. It's jsut that when you choose the bourbon, only the seats and maybe part of the door inset is bourbon. The rest of the car (floor and console is black) and the roof is gray. Am I wrong on this? Anyway, I just meant to ask whether it bothered you that there was so little bourbon and still so much black. Regardless, I'm glad you're enjoying it!
This may be true, but why use regular when it will over the course of a year cost either the same or slightly more than premium? The reason to use regular is to save money, not cost money. But that only happens when the engine is designed to run optimally on regular -- the Infiniti is designed for premium, so I'm told.
Before you get too settled on using regular please make certain the engine is designed OPTIMALLY for whatever, regular, premium, etc. Then, if the engine is set up for regular, don't waste money on premium. Conversely, if the engine "can" use regular but is set up for premium, do a little research and hopefully you will find that it costs no less and sometimes more to use regular in an engine so designed for premium.
My service manager (at my Audi store) -- and I have known him forever -- explained the concept of false economy to me several years ago. More erudite posters than I have explained the money waste that accompanies regular gas when used in a premium gas engine.
The subject of fuel economy due to miles on the od is also one that I will comment on, with the assumption that there is a similarity between the German and Japanese engines.
My Audis engines seem to improve in both power and economy at two distinct points (milage related) ~ 5,000 and again at ~10,000. I have heard similar claims from Mercedes and BMW drivers.
The engines discussed in several of the posts above seem to be quite young. If the analogy holds between the German and Japanese, the worst MPG is during the first 5,000 miles of ownership.
Of course, I have also always suspected that during the first 5K miles of a new car, especially one that has enough grunt to cause many of us "little boys" to grin when we play hard, so to speak, that we may drive much less economically.
So called "jack rabbit" starts are soooo much fun when your new wheels all but "encourage" such behavior "boys gone wild -- wooo wooo!"
Of course, I'm 53, a serious business person and above such frivolity and "fuelish" behavior -- nyuk nyuk, I crack myself up.
Comments
For what it's worth, my wife and i test drove a black on black with rosewood and she hated the interior, felt the matte rosewood looked cheap. I took delivery of my M35x on a Friday, when my wife was in NYC for the weekend. When she got into the car upon her return she was singing a whole different tune--she absolutely loved it, and thought the rosewood looked a GREAT with the bourbon.
Again, it's all subjective, but I think the whole aluminum/silver plastic thing sucks. The bourbon/rosewood combo was love at first sight for me and everyone I've shown the car to has gushed about it. It's a warm, rich, comfortable looking (and feeling) interior.
Go for it baby--you won't be sorry.
Take a look at the navigation data map from Zenrin, the makers of Infiniti's Nav system. Some areas of the country don't have full route data for streets down to the residential level. Here is the link
http://www.zenrin.com/navsoft/InfinitiDVDnav.asp
It does appear they improve coverage with every release.
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I was not aware of that, and its very useful info. dickster1, does that explain your problem?
Pete
However, I understand the aero kit gives you slightly less clearance. My wife's G35 Couple scraps the curb often when you pull into a parking spot. It is short enough I can get it parked our of the way enough without pulling over the curb. With M's length, that wont work as effectively.
I am considering getting the spoiler but already have 2500 miles on mine and can't give it up a day to have it put on.
I love driving this car, it is a dream while cruising like a luxury sedan but is a thrill when letting it rip and driving it fast. The car has been flawless todate, just as my previous 6 Q45's and my wife's G35 Couple have been.
The price I got was hard fought for to say the least. I dealt with 3 dealerships, pitting one against the other for about, oh, 3 weeks, maybe 4.
After test driving at 2 dealerships, I called both and told each of them that the other had offered me the car (M35x, Journey, Tech, Splashguards, Spoiler) for $2,500 over invoice (45,882 + 2,500 = 48,382)....total B.S of course.
Dealer "A", let's call them Atlantic Infiniti in Lynbrook, NY on Sunrise Highway
After then visiting both dealerships to haggle in person without any decrease in price, I contacted Dealer "C", Competition Infiniti in Smithtown, and they offered to beat the deal. Which they did. Dealer "D" Infiniti in Manhasset was completely disinterested in dealing with me, as I guess I was not snobbish enough for their North Shore, Gold Coast sensibilities. Oh well.
After I told them of Competition's offer, Atlantic and Massapequa told me it was B.S., that I would never get it, it was bait and switch, yadda yadda yadda.
My best advice to you is to try something similar with the dealers in your area, with a price comparable or lower to the one I got ($47,849 = $1,967 over invoice). And never never be affraid to stand up and walk out if you feel something is amiss. I did so numerous times and each time the "Bottom Line" deal all of a sudden improved.
Good luck. Happy Haggling. You're going to LOVE this car!
PS: I figured out why the foglights weren't turning on...I didn't turn them on using the extra dial on the turn signal stem. ooops.
You got a great deal!
I am not sure I will be as successful- But I will try your technique. You should publish a book!
Out of curiosity- once the deal was made, did the place you bought from treat you poorly because you beat them up more than the guy before you who (likely) paid a lot more than you did?
Thanks again!
Thanks for the compliments.
As far as the treatment I received after the deal was signed:
1) I would rather save $$$ than be treated kindly by a car salesman.
2) I'm sure haggling and cutting into the dealer's profit didn't make me the most liked sale of the day, but I'd much rather be the on the 'Most Hated' list than the 'Easiest Lay Down" list.
3) Yeah, the salesmen (2 of them, good cop and bad cop), and their ultra-sleazy walking-cliche manager probably hate my guts as much as salespeople can hate someone's guts who just put money in their pockets.
At the end of the day, as long as I don't get the runaround from the service department when I get the splashguards, spoiler, and tints done, I should be fine.
The one thing that didn't cross my mind in the heat of negotiating was to ask if the dealer could enable the DVD player to play while in motion, but maybe that was for the best, as the car is jam packed with enough distracting technological goodies already.
BTW, I love the rosewood, but can't decide between black (understated class IMO) and the bourban (sporty and cool, again IMO).
Sorry guys....I for one do NOT like the bourbon intnerior, however my husband LOVES it. I think it looks too orange-just my opinion. So, my guess is that there indeed may be a gender difference regardinng preference of the bourbon interior.
Where did you see information regarding a price increase??
Dover38
I negotiated with "Dealer A" and "Dealer D" and ended up leasing my M45 with journey & tech from "Dealer D." My experience with "Dealer A" was horrible - We agreed on a deal, I gave them a credit card to make a deposit but the sales associate came back to try to do a bake and switch. Also, they tried to rip me off on my trade-in - according to edmund & kelly my trade-in should worth around 27k and they printed out an appraisal showing 24k by deliberately leaving out a few options/ equipments. I threatened to walk and the sale associate literally threw my credit card back at me.
Afterwards, they have been flooding me with phone calls saying that they were willing to deal. Even after I told them I had already made a deal with "Dealer D", they continued to say that they could beat any deal. I did not bite because I do not want to do business with untrustworthy & unprofessional people and I am happy with my decision.
On the other hand, my experience with "Dealer D" was good. They were willing to match my original deal with "Dealer A." Later "Dealer D" could not find the exact car that I wanted (M45 base with Journey only) and I decided to get the technology package also for $25 more a month and the negotiation was simple. My approach is a little bit different - I am not always aiming to get the lowest possible price. I want to deal with people that I trust and I don't mind paying a fair price given supply & demand (fair price does not mean the lowest price available). The key is to make myself happy (getting the car I want as soon as possible at a reasonable price) and to give the dealer a reasonable profit.
Who did you deal with at dealer "A"? At dealer "D"?
Just curious.
Piece of mind is very important, so I can completely understand you not wanting to deal with Atlantic even if they had made a better counter offer. I walked out on 3 dealers including Competition Infiniti, where one salesman in particular irked me. But Competition simply put the best deal on the table for me.
Barring egregious disrespect or outright thievery, I could care less if, in the heat of negotiating a figure, there is love lost between the sales staff and myself. They know and I know that it is strictly business (assuming we are both sane) and that nothing should ever be personal.
They are trying to take as much of my money as possible, and I am trying to give them as little as possible. It's a game. At the end of a good deal, both the dealer and I get what we want to a reasonable extent. At the end of a GREAT deal, I get what I want and the dealer kicks himself for selling me a car that could have garnered a higher profit with someone else.
I'd call my deal a "good" deal. So I am happy with it.
Bottom Line is that I love this car. Were it not for the unpredictable New York winters, I might have opted for the M45, but seeing as how everyone I know with a rear-wheeler cowers at the mere mention of snow, I think I made the right decision.
Best of luck with your M, you are gonna love it.
You certainly got a great deal - Congrats
The guy that I dealt with at Dealer A was Cary Weinstein. Cary was actually the good cop and I liked him. It was the bad cop who I hated but I forgot his name already (not worth to remember I guess...)
I dealt with Nazeria at Dealer D. She is relatively new/ inexperienced so it was David Fline (?) the general manager who finally approved the deal.
I too would have preferred all wheel drive given the winter weather in NY. However, I really want the big engine (I used to own an FX35 which drives similar to a M35x and I really want something faster). Anyway, I will just make sure I drive my front wheel drive 2005 Odyssey when it snows.
Have fun with your M, may be I will bump into you in the neighborhood!
I didn't like him the first time I met him, but after a second test drive (at the end of what I would imagine was a LONG day for him) he sort of dropped his salesman persona and we talked man to man. Turns out we had a lot in common and I would vouch for him to anyone reading this that he is a solid guy to deal with. I can't speak as to what lengths his dealership is willing to go to close a deal, as they did finish a close second to Competition, but from what I understand Competition specializes in undercutting Massapequa and Atlantic (which are owned by the same guy.) Cary, however will do everything he can to get you the best deal. It just so happens that the best overall deal, for me, materialized on Saturday at Competition.
Yeah, the M45 is a BEAST and you are going to have fun eating 90-95% of the cars on the road for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at your flick of your ankle.
If you pull up next to me, please, be GENTLE.
Though I'll gladly go head to head with you sometime between mid December through February, so long as their is at least a 1/2" snow blanket on the road...then we'll see what's up
Good luck! Enjoy! What color?
The initial word from Infiniti was that an M45x would never be produced because there wouldn't be great enough demand to justify making it.
I think, based off of the absolute rave reviews and sure-to-follow M sales boom, that Infiniti will be forced to reconsider that stance.
I can't imagine that an M45x wouldn't sell just as well as an M45 Sport, with a large segment of consumers in snow country foregoing Sport for X.
I for one, think an M45x would be a crushing blow against BMW in particular, who will only offer "x" on the 530i. Not to mention the A6 4.2. It would render the V8 A6 even more impotent than the M35x has the 3.2 (3.1)
I'd be first in line, maybe second right behind you....335hp + Intelligent AWD = The Ultimate Driving Machine (?)
My wife wanted an umbria gray but we could not locate one with the options that I want. We ended up getting diamond graphite with black interior instead.
What color is yours?
This Nav system is a new toy for me and I am disappointed at the price I paid that I can't find it more useful in my own back yard. There ought to be a disclaimer at least referring you to the web site so you can determine whether spending the extra money will really be useful to you.
I will provide my feed back to Infiniti.
Hey, Doc, if you're using the latch system for your carseat, make sure the middle seat is so equipped. Most cars I've seen with a latch only provide 2 spots for the seat - behind the driver or behind the passenger. In many cases, installing a carseat with latch in the center position requires using the right latch of the rear drivers-side and the left latch of the rear passenger-side. Apparently, latches aren't tested to be used that way and most warn that it's unsafe.
Long-story short: count the latches in your backseat. If there're 6, you're OK. If there're 4, reconsider using the middle seat.
I think the bourbon looks great, but I'd want the roof, floor and armrest to be bourbon, too.
Hey, I don't blame you if you don't like it. I think color, whether interior or exterior, is the most subjective element of a car. I drove the black on black and didn't like it. I like the wheat/rosewood, but the bourbon was so original and unique, it really struck a chord with me. I've heard the bourbon described as "orange", but the color to me looks like that of a brand new baseball glove, and I love that.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
IMO the black leather interior with the Rosewood looks very classy, without being at all stodgy or "old-manish" for lack of a better (non-existent) word.
Regarding the light headliner: Initially, I had reservations about the headliner being so much lighter than the rest of the interior, but I have grown to appreciate the brighter atmosphere it provides inside. Most cars with black leather come with a dark gray, or even black, headliner, and it really does make the interior seem overly dark, gloomy even. When combined with dark tints, I feel the dark roof upholstery is too much. Like being inside a cave.
In regard to the interior as a whole: I have received nothing but compliments from my S55/SL55/CL55 AMG-driving co-workers, eh hem, bosses. The Audi guys are hardline "Audi interiors are unsurpassed" types, but have not uttered so much as a single knock against the car. That goes for the exterior as well. The reverse camera is by far the favorite gadget for everyone whose asked to bask in the glory of the M.
And as far as the bourbon is concerned, I just like the black so much, nothing else was even a consideration. If you go with what you like you can't go wrong with this car.
OK...enough gushing for now...time to drive. :P
if u don't mind could you tell me who you negotiated your deal with at Competition Infiniti? I'd love to get a deal like you just worked out.
Thanks for the help
1. I live in Chicago and a little concerned about snow driving. What do folks here think about the 45 in snow? Will the sport package 19 inch wheels and low profile tires have worse traction than the lux package tires (all season radials)?
2. What kind of tire wear (mileage) do you think you might get on all season performance (non-sport) tires vs the W rated high performance sport tires? Tire treadwear ratings are 340 and 140 respectively, but tire sites I check wont give you estimated miles for each as they say it depends on conditions and driving style, among other factors.
3. Will the ride on the 45 sport be tighter than the 45 lux? I prefer more cush to better handling so leaning M45 lux.
4. Are the sport seats much different than the regular ones in terms of comfort? I drove an M35X w/out sport and weeks later an M45 w sport, but dont recall a difference.
FYI, I have an internet price quote from a dealer on an M45 lux model w Journey, Nav option for $1500 off list. That's with no negotiation so I think those who say you need to pay MSRP are mistaken - at least around here.
I would not change my decision vis a vis sport/lux. Car still rocks. Definitely Chrome. At $1000 its a helluva value. Compare to Lexus, BMW, Audi, etc. chrome prices.
Depending on your driving style, you might get 20,000 on the all season performance tires. I've found the norm to be something less than this however.
The ride is a little stiffer in the Sport setup but I disagree with those who believe it to be harsh. I'm really quite impressed at how supple the ride is considering the aggressive, low profile tires and sport suspension. However, if you want maximum ride comfort the 18's and non-Sport would be a better option.
Finally, I appreciate the difference between the seats in the Sport vs. base model. The Sport model does add a nice amount of side bolstering which I happen to like. It gives you a feeling of being enveloped by the seat and is quite comfortable. Were it possible, I'd even prefer seats more aggressively bolstered like in the G35 Coupe. Having said that, the regular seats are very nicely done and comfortable. If you don't engage in spirited driving the regular seats will be just fine.
Good luck with your purchase. I think you'll love the car.
What gas mileage are you getting? City? Highway? Combined?
I have owned my M35x for about 4 weeks (approx 950 miles). I am only averaging about 17 mpg (best) combined. I do at least 50 percent local driving. I am driving relatively conservatively (minimizing quick starts and hard accelerations). My dealer says mileage will probably improve somewhat after 1200 miles. I find this hard to believe.
Any comments on how to improve gas mileage other than cut out all local driving? I was expecting to average 19-20 mpg! Otherwise, I love the car!
Thanks.
I don't have my manual handy--is anyone running his/her M on regular gas? I've been putting premium in it but that's getting more and more painful....
It is true that gas mileage will improve as the engine is broken in. There is no "magic" point such as 1200 miles though. Mileage can improve even after 10,000 miles.
From what I can gather, you can expect mileage to improve as much as 20% over time.
The CLS steering wheel controls SCAN radio stations and CANNOT be used to move between PRESETS. I'd seen some threads in MB E-class forums, with owners complaining vehemently about this. I'd thought MB might have fixed it for the CLS, but have just learned that they hadn't.
That's kind of a killer issue for me personally. Nonetheless, I've ordered user and NAV manuals to help me further clarify this choice, and I'll report back if I learn anything of significance. Let us know if and when you come to a decision.
Pete
Is this true?
Before you get too settled on using regular please make certain the engine is designed OPTIMALLY for whatever, regular, premium, etc. Then, if the engine is set up for regular, don't waste money on premium. Conversely, if the engine "can" use regular but is set up for premium, do a little research and hopefully you will find that it costs no less and sometimes more to use regular in an engine so designed for premium.
My service manager (at my Audi store) -- and I have known him forever -- explained the concept of false economy to me several years ago. More erudite posters than I have explained the money waste that accompanies regular gas when used in a premium gas engine.
The subject of fuel economy due to miles on the od is also one that I will comment on, with the assumption that there is a similarity between the German and Japanese engines.
My Audis engines seem to improve in both power and economy at two distinct points (milage related) ~ 5,000 and again at ~10,000. I have heard similar claims from Mercedes and BMW drivers.
The engines discussed in several of the posts above seem to be quite young. If the analogy holds between the German and Japanese, the worst MPG is during the first 5,000 miles of ownership.
Of course, I have also always suspected that during the first 5K miles of a new car, especially one that has enough grunt to cause many of us "little boys" to grin when we play hard, so to speak, that we may drive much less economically.
So called "jack rabbit" starts are soooo much fun when your new wheels all but "encourage" such behavior "boys gone wild -- wooo wooo!"
Of course, I'm 53, a serious business person and above such frivolity and "fuelish" behavior -- nyuk nyuk, I crack myself up.