Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Infiniti M45
The 2004 Infiniti M45 faces notable issues with its fuel system, particularly the inaccurate fuel gauge reading that can lead to unexpected fuel depletion. Exterior lighting and electrical system complaints should be verified during inspection. Despite these concerns, if well-maintained, it remains a reliable option.
Known issues to inspect
Inaccurate fuel gauge
How to check: Check if fuel gauge moves correctly with fuel levels.
Brake lamp malfunction
How to check: Press brake pedal and check all brake lights.
General electrical failures
How to check: Operate windows, locks, and lights for consistency.
Circuit board failures
How to check: Inspect dashboard for irregularities or warning lights.
Seat function issues
How to check: Test seat adjustments for smooth operation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Note how quickly the engine starts up.
Red flag: Delayed or rough start
- 02
Idle
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Knocking or constant shaking
- 03
Neighborhood driving
What to check: Check response of brakes and steering.
Red flag: Brakes not responsive
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe fuel gauge accuracy during drive.
Red flag: Erratic fuel gauge behavior
- 05
Parking
What to check: Test the parking brake efficiency.
Red flag: Parking brake fails to hold
- 06
Switch off
What to check: Ensure all lights turn off properly.
Red flag: Exterior or interior lights stay on
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel gauge been repaired?
- Have there been brake light issues?
- Is there a history of electrical problems?
- How often is regular maintenance done?
- Has the vehicle ever run out of gas?
- Are there complete service records available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair history
- Service and maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation, if applicable
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/20/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2004 Infiniti M45.