Best Used Infiniti Sedan - Q45, G35 Sedan, M

In the late 1980s, Japanese car companies decided that if they were going to make any headway in the North American luxury market, they would have to make some fairly radical moves. In the minds of most buyers, these manufacturers were known for their excellent build quality and good value. However, the economy image of several of these automakers lingered in the American consciousness, particularly since their broad product lineups still included inexpensive entry-level vehicles. Aware that buyers in the United States had been trained to move from one brand to another as they progressed up the pricing ladder, these organizations began to lay the foundations for the launching of their own luxury marques.

One of the interesting aspects of these new premium brands was the fact that they were only intended for consumption outside their home country. This was due to the fact that in the domestic market, Japanese companies had no issue selling upscale versions of Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas. In fact, these were the same cars that were being repackaged as vehicles from Lexus, Infiniti and Acura for consumption overseas. Sometimes the vehicles would be re-engineered in order to add specific features or extra luxuries but it was not uncommon for a new badge to be the primary difference between the models.

Infiniti, the Nissan luxury division, found themselves offering a varied lineup to their North American customers. While some vehicles, such as the QX4 SUV were merely re-badged editions of Nissan products currently available to buyers in the United States, most Infiniti vehicles were in fact upgraded editions of the parent corporation’s automobiles that were sold exclusively in Japan. Especially when it came to sedans, this helped the brand differentiate themselves from Nissan’s standard offerings. For example, Infiniti offered nearly all of their lineup in rear-wheel drive form, in direct contrast to the front-wheel drive platforms that dominated Nissan’s American showrooms. Given that rear-wheel drive was considered the hallmark of a true luxury / sport sedan and was also the favored drivetrain of the German automakers which lead the market, this helped to create an image that would serve the brand well when they debuted their revised line of cars just after the turn of the new millennium.

This article discusses the three best used sedans available from Infiniti, and examines the designs and features that have helped to make them secondhand favorites when it comes to four-door luxury vehicles.

2002 – 2006 Infiniti Q45

The 2001 – 2006 Infiniti Q45 has served as the company’s flagship sedan during its entire production run. Aimed at buyers who are considering both the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Q45 is a long four-door luxury sedan that places a premium on driver comfort and style. It also helps that Infiniti has regularly priced their vehicles to be less expensive than German offerings, making the Q45 even more of a deal when considering how well equipped the vehicle actually is.

There is only one edition of the Infiniti Q45, and it is powered by a 4.1-liter V-8 mill that affords drivers with 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission provides manual shifting capabilities to drivers who are interested in squeezing an extra bit of performance out of their full-size sedan. Stability control, traction control and HID headlights are standard features. In 2006 a Sport model was made available, which included rear-wheel steering assistance, larger rims and a stiffer suspension system to help the car handle tighter corners.

The 2002 – 2006 Infiniti Q45 is a veritable wonderland of interior features. As time went on, what were once optional features like the impressive DVD navigation system became standard. A voice-controlled climate system, a great Bose stereo and leather and wood trim are also available. Options like Intelligent Cruise Control, heated and cooled seats and rear passenger climate controls can be found on later editions of the car. The Q45 feels enormous inside, and all occupants are treated to accommodations that are the definition of opulent.

When it comes to alternative full-size luxury options, the 2002 – 2006 Infiniti Q45 finds itself near the top of the list for used sedan buyers who are looking for a vehicle that will coddle them with an extensive list of creature comforts, but which doesn’t wear the pricey blue propeller or three-pointed star.

2003 – 2006 Infiniti G35

When Infiniti decided to undergo a substantial makeover in 2003, they choose to highlight the G35 sedan as an example of the company’s new design and styling philosophy. With a look unlike any other vehicle which had previously borne the Infiniti name, the G35 sedan opened a new swath of the market for the Japanese automaker. Adopting a similar philosophy as Cadillac did with the CTS, the G35 was large enough to challenge mid-size luxury vehicles but was priced to appeal to those looking for an entry-level premium automobile.

The 2003 – 2006 Infiniti G35 sedan features a strong 3.5-liter V-6 as its only engine choice. For the first few years of production, this engine churned out 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but in 2005 it was boosted by 20 horsepower for base models and jacked up to almost 300 ponies for 6MT performance editions of the car. The latter vehicles also came with a 6-speed manual transmission in place of the 5-speed automatic unit, and a sports suspension matched with a performance brake package. This combination of equipment helps to make the G35 6MT a real contender in the field of high end sports sedans. All-wheel drive is also available on the G35x.

The G35 sedan manages to balance modern interior design with the luxury features that buyers in this segment crave. A straightforward dash uses a horizontal information screen across the top of the center column to display climate control information alongside an analog clock. Fine leather seats accommodate passengers front and rear, and legroom and shoulder room are good, although taller drivers may find themselves infringing on backseat real estate when adjusting their distance from the wheel. The G35 can be outfitted with a sunroof and upgraded trim as premium options.

The 2002 – 2006 G35 is a capable used sedan that provides buyers with some of the best features that a modern luxury vehicle has to offer.

2006 – 2007 Infiniti M

The mid-size Infiniti M sedan was completely redesigned in 2006 in order to help it find its place in the new Infiniti styling universe. The result is an elegant four-door luxury car that fits in well with the forward-looking cues that have come to define the brand’s offerings. The new M bears few vestiges of its previous incarnation, and the fresh look and stronger platform have helped the car truly come into its own as a legitimate premium contender.

Entry-level M sedans are labeled the M35, and they are motivated by Nissan’s well-engineered 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which in the M35 contributes 280 horsepower. A more powerful 4.5-liter V-8 is found underneath the hood of the range-topping M45 sedan, and with 335 horsepower the vehicle can hit 60 miles per hour in a very fast 5.4 seconds. Both vehicles see their gears shifted through a 5-speed automatic, and each is also available with all-wheel drive. A sport edition can be ordered which adds larger wheels, headlights which swivel in concert with the steering wheel and rear wheel steering as part of an overall upgraded suspension system.

The Infiniti M can be decked out with all manner of special features when it comes to interior appointments. A rear view camera which is linked to the vehicle’s navigation screen helps drivers to avoid obstacles while backing up, and heated leather seats feature a cooling function to help out with the vehicle’s automatic climate control on especially warm days. Rosewood trim is standard, and reclining rear seats are available with Infiniti’s Premium Package, adding even more room to an already generous passenger compartment.

The 2006 – 2007 Infiniti M has finally found the perfect combination of style and power which eluded the vehicle for so long. As a used sedan, it makes an excellent alternative to traditional offerings from Acura and Lexus, especially when taking into consideration its excellent performance.