The Infiniti M45: The Best All‑Round V8 Sedan Bargain
Used V8 sedans under 15000 are overlooked luxury bargains: large four‑door cars with eight‑cylinder engines, generous equipment and real performance that cost far less than buying a new gas or hybrid sedan, yet still deliver traditional power, comfort and presence for buyers who value a classic driving feel over cutting‑edge tech. Among these forgotten luxury sedans, the Infiniti M45 is the single best pick for most people. The heart of this Infiniti V8 sedan is the VK45DE, a 4.5‑liter, all‑aluminum quad‑cam V8 borrowed from the brand’s flagship Q45 and regarded as one of Nissan’s finest naturally aspirated engines. Over its two‑year run, only 8,067 units were sold in the United States, which means you get a rare sleeper that enthusiasts are only starting to notice. If you want discreet styling, serious power around 340 hp, and a modern enough chassis to daily without feeling dated, start your search with the M45.
Buick Roadmaster V8: The Classic LT1 Luxury Cruiser
If your idea of V8 sedan bargains leans toward full‑size comfort and nostalgic charm, the Buick Roadmaster V8 is the standout choice. The 1994–96 Roadmaster sedan rides on the big rear‑wheel‑drive B‑body platform shared with other full‑size models, giving it huge interior space and the wafting feel of a traditional luxury automobile. Its real appeal is under the hood: later Roadmasters use a 5.7‑liter LT1 V8 that debuted in the C4 Corvette, paired with a 4L60E four‑speed automatic and limited‑slip differential to send power to the rear wheels. That Corvette‑sourced V8 makes it a genuine sleeper among forgotten luxury sedans, hiding muscle‑car heritage behind chrome, whitewalls and a hood ornament. In total, just over 200,000 Roadmasters were produced in this early‑1990s run, so clean examples are still findable. Choose the Roadmaster if you want couch‑like comfort, classic styling and relaxed V8 torque more than sharp handling.
Buick Lucerne: V8 Power With Six‑Passenger Practicality
For buyers who want both V8 power and room for the whole family, the Buick Lucerne is the most sensible forgotten luxury sedan to chase. This full‑size four‑door was built on an updated “G” platform shared with a high‑end sibling and focused squarely on traditional, classy comfort. While V6 engines were standard, the interesting option is the 4.6‑liter Northstar V8, offered first as the 275‑hp LD8 and later as the slightly stronger 292‑hp L37, both paired with a four‑speed automatic transmission. Inside, every Lucerne includes dual‑zone climate control and power‑adjustable front seats, with upper trims adding heated and ventilated leather seating. The party trick, though, is the available front bench seat, creating six‑passenger capacity in a V8 sedan — a layout that became rare by the late 2000s. If you value quiet highway manners, modern safety for its era and the ability to carry six people in comfort, the Lucerne deserves a hard look.
How These V8 Sedans Compare for Different Buyers
These three forgotten luxury sedans land in very different sweet spots, which is why at least one of them will fit most people shopping for used V8 sedans under 15000. The Infiniti M45 suits drivers who want modern dynamics and stealth performance; it grew from a humble executive platform but gained an aggressive V8 to satisfy buyers expecting real muscle. The Buick Roadmaster V8 caters to those who prefer traditional luxury and nostalgic character, with its LT1 engine and “Dynaride” suspension representing a last hurrah for big, rear‑wheel‑drive sedans. The Buick Lucerne appeals if you need everyday usability, six‑passenger flexibility and a quieter, more contemporary cabin compared with older cruisers. All three are V8 sedan bargains compared with buying a new gas sedan if you value torque, space and comfort over cutting‑edge infotainment. Decide whether you prioritize stealth speed, classic floaty comfort or family‑friendly seating, then shop accordingly.
| Spec/Character | Infiniti M45 | Buick Roadmaster V8 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 4.5L VK45DE V8 from flagship Q45 | 5.7L LT1 V8 first used in C4 Corvette |
| Drivetrain feel | Sporty, sleeper performance sedan | Traditional, full‑size luxury cruiser |
| Production volume | 8,067 units over two model years | Just over 200,000 units in 1991–96 run |
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Infiniti M45 if you want the sharpest driving experience and a rare sleeper with around 340 hp and discreet styling.
- Skip the Infiniti M45 if you prefer soft suspension, classic chrome details, and a more traditional luxury look.
- Buy the Buick Roadmaster V8 if you love big, rear‑wheel‑drive cruisers with Corvette‑sourced LT1 power and plush comfort.
- Skip the Buick Roadmaster V8 if you need modern safety tech, tight handling, or a less nostalgic image.
- Buy the Buick Lucerne if you want V8 power with available six‑passenger seating and a more contemporary cabin layout.
- Skip the Buick Lucerne if you’re chasing maximum performance rather than relaxed comfort and practicality.
- Buy the Infiniti M45 if you care about having one of the most interesting forgotten luxury sedans that is only now getting the recognition it missed when new.
- Skip the Buick Roadmaster V8 if a large footprint and classic size make parking or city driving a concern for you.
