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I've owned a 1998 VQ for almost 22 years. Overall I think Nissans are reliable cars, but I've always thought they were all engine, no chassis. At the same time, Lexus imho has better engines. Maybe better chassis, although the LS430 can't handle despite having a sophisticated chassis. I wouldn't do it but for $5k it's not much risk, why not try it.
p.s. I'll always remember the Motor Trend cover saying the king is dead. They had a G37S coupe v. 335i shoot out and the 335 overheated. Never seen such partiality before they were elated the BMW failed. It's now 2020. Would you rather have a G37S, or 335 (2007-2010)?
Id rather have a G37. The 335's are awesome but screw maintaining it.
I think the ls430 has potential to handle if you use sport model parts and coilovers, but you are going to sacrifice what the ls430 is known for then.
This is the one for 5k...Been on the lot for 150 days. Exactly my type of car, on lot too long and price has been lowered 3 times. Go in and act like I cant decide, look it over each time they throw a number at me, find any issues I can (always can). Tell them I want money off instead of them fixing it if I can fix it. Most of the time the sales person breaks due to it taking so long...asks what the price has to be to make this happen, then I come up with an outrageous proposal and say ill give you my lexus and $500 for it...probably end on my lexus and write a check for 1000. So the real question would be do I want to ditch my Ls430 and part with $1000. Id have to drive about 2 hours to see the car to decide if after a test drive I even like it since my only opinion of them are newer low mile examples. Its at a toyota dealership which Im sure could unload my LS430 fast, but Im sure they would give me some BS $2000 trade in.
I worked at an Infiniti dealer right when the G37 coupes came out. My absolute favorite cars that came in for service were the M45 sports.
2006 years, I found one for 5k with 151k on it, found another for 8500 with only 60k on it. They are priced right for me. I feel like if I get rid of my LS430 Id be shooting myself in the foot as far as reliability is concerned. Im POSITIVE the infiniti has its own issues that drive people crazy. My LS430 has the issues of the rear hat rack rattling and a clunking in the front suspension thats noticeable only in the cold months, vibration at 65mph that may take ~$500 in parts (its tolerable its just annoying too). Other than that its great, The m45, I just love the look of the sports and they also have some nice features. The m35's have the same engine as the g35 which are known to be very reliable.
I dunno, its a tough call because the ls430 is such a boat. I really love the car some days, love the engine. I have 5k into my ls430 with 181k on it (bought with 160k for $5000), and I may be able to sell it for 4500-5000. Id really like a CT200h but that wont happen because I WILL NOT spend money on cars that will depreciate 5-10k in the next 4-5 years.
Thoughts.
I'd keep away from the m45. I've been told they have some oil consumption issues. Just some food for thought..
Id rather have a G37. The 335's are awesome but screw maintaining it.
I think the ls430 has potential to handle if you use sport model parts and coilovers, but you are going to sacrifice what the ls430 is known for then.
This is the one for 5k...Been on the lot for 150 days. Exactly my type of car, on lot too long and price has been lowered 3 times. Go in and act like I cant decide, look it over each time they throw a number at me, find any issues I can (always can). Tell them I want money off instead of them fixing it if I can fix it. Most of the time the sales person breaks due to it taking so long...asks what the price has to be to make this happen, then I come up with an outrageous proposal and say ill give you my lexus and $500 for it...probably end on my lexus and write a check for 1000. So the real question would be do I want to ditch my Ls430 and part with $1000. Id have to drive about 2 hours to see the car to decide if after a test drive I even like it since my only opinion of them are newer low mile examples. Its at a toyota dealership which Im sure could unload my LS430 fast, but Im sure they would give me some BS $2000 trade in.
I've owned a 1998 VQ for almost 22 years. Overall I think Nissans are reliable cars, but I've always thought they were all engine, no chassis. At the same time, Lexus imho has better engines. Maybe better chassis, although the LS430 can't handle despite having a sophisticated chassis. I wouldn't do it but for $5k it's not much risk, why not try it.
p.s. I'll always remember the Motor Trend cover saying the king is dead. They had a G37S coupe v. 335i shoot out and the 335 overheated. Never seen such partiality before they were elated the BMW failed. It's now 2020. Would you rather have a G37S, or 335 (2007-2010)?
The 430 is really not as bad as people make it out to be, it's not a sports car but does really really well for the normal car segment. I bet most will never really push it and get false notions from the reviews, main thing I don't like about it is mid corner it doesn't communicate the line via the steering. As far as holding gs and recovering after a sharp turn it's not bad as perfectly fine for daily use imo
my 1998 doesn’t. Original water pump, clutch, timing, egr evap blah blah blah. It was a stepping stone for so many including those on YouTube with lambos 2 day (4th gen manual SE).
but if you were to say would it be a Nissan without rust perforation, then I would say no it would not!
Japanese cars are above average reliable. But as my brother in law said to me, “Man can’t eat steak everyday.”
I chose to invest in my '01 LS430 replacing all of the struts and new LCA bushings. Then, needing tires, opted to move from 17" to 18" wheels with 235s. The car has 242K miles and rides better than ever. I prefer it over the wife's 460 but that is a real nice car, too.
My son has an '11 M37 with just over 60K miles and it has been reliable so far. Nice car with that monster 330hp motor which is plenty.
I would stay with the 430 if the car is in decent shape inside and out.
Didn't know we have a thread on this. I once check out the M45 but ended up with 2003 Q45. Owned that and my 03 LS430 at the same time, both black on black.
Reason ended up with q45 was the slightly bigger on side and more as a head-to-head to my LS430. The headlight was a +, power seems to be better, but overall build quality, Lexus still a bit better.
When I drive my LS, I feel stable, confident, quality while Q45 provided me with SPEED and smile