Jeremiah87

So I wanted to get some people's opinions/feedback on the M35 (Y34)




My cousin has a black 2003 M45 (Y34), photo above is not his car...just for illustrative purposes...his is pretty much stock just has tint. My car is a 1998 LS400 and pretty much stock as well...tint. He asked if I wanted to trade cars, both of our maintenance is up to date and he has slightly less miles than me at 120,XXX. I have 126K. The car has a 4.5L 340 hp motor and from what I understand these cars are somewhat rare and handle good. I don't see as much of these as I do the LS400 and I like the Jaguar esque styling. He really likes my LS and I have taken a liking to his M45. I heard reliablity with these cars is not 100% but for the most part are trouble free.

Anybody own one or know someone who does, any thoughts? I feel like this car is an upgrade from my LS but he also wants me add $1K on top of the trade. Which I don't want to do so it will have to be a straight trade, he can take it or leave it because I am content with my LS anyways but could switch over.


^My ride in all her OEM glory.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

interior sucks, the 4.5l is not unreliable but not as reliable as an xUZ engine, the interior really sucks, and it's overall comparable to a GS, not an LS.

I wouldn't unless you plan on doing something in specific with it.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I'm with PD on this. The M series is fairly low in production numbers so it will seem rare. Reliability is not like the Lexus so be prepared for fixes. I didn't feel it drove close to the refinement of the LS. The suspension in the M was firmer and it handled ok. I didn't like the driving position nor dash controls layout. Seats are firmer. Once accustomed to Toyota, I wondered what the Nissan designers were thinking. You'll adapt anyway.

My vote is keep the Lex.

Sc0pe

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I'm with these guys. Keep the LS. If this were a Q45 and the circumstances were the same, then the responses may have been different, though at the end of the day it's your call.

As far as modding potential goes, body mods are pretty much as JDM as it gets (because you can ONLY get JDM parts, unless you've got a buddy with a done up M lying around). But, does this car have what you wanted originally? Like the black interior you crave and what not?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I've liked the looks of the Q and M series. OTOH, their value drops like a stone with rockets attached. A 3-4 year newer Q was selling at the same price as an LS. Pretty sad value considering. That was what tempted me towards a Q45 because they can be bought for less.

Jeremiah87

Thanks for the input guys, the interior is not as nice imo as the LS400 in terms of design/refinement but its not a deal breaker. And to ScOpe, yes lol it does have a black interior...black on black. I was salivating over the sea of black inside the cabin haha. But the leather is not as good condition as mine unfortunately...the seats are a 6-7 out of 10 while mine are a solid 8.5-9 out of 10. At least the door panels aren't cracked and the dash as well.

I am leaning towards keeping the LS though. I dig the looks of the Y34, its definitely not something I see everyday. In fact, spotting one is like spotting a shooting star, at least here in the Bay Area. They are just not common.

I just love the masculine boxy body of the LS400....interior is good design wise and super comfy.

LScowboyLS

the M45 that is the one to have is the 2006 and newer.

Legender

Stay with what you love...otherwise you're just setting yourself up for disappointment...