Hello,

Looking for some advise on my first purchase of a Q45. Is 150K miles too much for this car ($3,500)? What are some of the common problems/repairs to expect if I buy this car with high miles? Are parts/repairs expensive?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/m....html

Thanks

EB

PAY an experienced certified Infiniti technican to examine the vehicle for a few hours so that he can identify where you need to spend the $3,000>$5,000 in rehabilitation on this 10 year old vehicle.

Shocks and rubber isolated suspension and support items, hoses, belts.

150k means rotating things are worn like: alternator, ac compressor water pump transmission is near end of life, as is radiator and electric fans.

How does a 10year old $50k new MSRP car get depreciated down to $3500 because it needs or will need replacement parts and labor.

Don't forget simple things like tires, brakes, battery, fluids.

Obi Wan Q-Nobi above offers you sage advice grasshopper.....may your experiment with Qcar be a happy and inexpensive one.

Lemme axe you sumpin'...Are you any good with a wrench? A multi-meter? Following factory service manuals? If you can answer yes to some of these questions, then by all means jump right in. These are great cars and the second generation models are very highly regarded by consumers reports and JD whatshisname. BUT, the parts are fairly to insanely expensive, so when something does go awry, your wallet may hemmorage like a mofo. Many of the parts are dealer only ($$$$$$$$$$$$). As Obi Wan Q-Nobi said, at 150K it's probably got some worn out bits. Front struts, tension rods, brakes and tires can easily run you well over a grand. If you can handle that type of outlay....proceed to step two.

Find out what has been done to it recently. The more previous maint info you can gather the mo' better. You may see a pattern that is pleasing to your eye, or you may find that it has been one neglected little bastard, rode hard and put away wet.

The car is engineered to last longer than 150K. But individual components do crap out. If you can wrench the new unit into place, then you will save considerably. If you have to drag your mo-sheen to the dealership to get air in your tires, then I'd consider passing and moving onto something else.

I bought one (99) with 120K and it needed shocks and tension rods and tires right off the bat. However, it was VERY cheap and well worth the investment. I consider that the key. If the car is in good shape, it's not such a bugger job to repair it and get it right. Since then I have driven it like a lunatic for 25K and have only replaced the brakes and a few other minor items....IOW, normal routine stuff.

When they are right, they are great cars. And when they are almost right - AND CHEAP, then they are great deals and worth your efforts and investment.

$3500 gets you very little in a used ride these days. At least with a Q you are getting a schweeeet ride. How deep is your wallet?


Modified by oldmako at 4:33 PM 3/17/2009

Buy it-its a deal.

All used cars need everything listed above and almost nobody makes those repairs so that figure ($3-5K) is for perfectionists.

Don't think that any Audi, BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes of the same year weighing 4,000 pounds with a V8 will be any less expensive to restore.Most with 150k will cost more.

Read the sticky above on how to buy a Q45 on this Forum.

It sounds worth looking into. Think there is a lower mileage one down here, but it is $4500.

It's a t model, so if the shocks haven't been replaced, they're due and about $1400 in parts, I think (with other stuff you replace at the same time.)

i would jump on it!i bought mine with 100k miles a year a go for $7k now i have 120k on the odo,only issue has been a bad o2 sensor!!for $70 bucks ..imo thats excellent. oh and the car rides perfect and it was in mint cond when i got it.mine is a 1999 touring edition.

Appreciate all the advise. Been looking and it seems to be a very good deal if it is in good shape.

The guy selling is a small time dealer who has no records and is probably flipping it. Looks real clean from pictures. Not expecting to restore it and make it like new. Just looking for a daily driver to get me down the road for a the next 2-3 years.

I am fairly handy with a wrench. I restore old Chevy's (1950's era). I can do all my own repairs but mainly on older less complicated cars. Not worried about basic mechanical stuff (brakes, struts, etc)

My main concern is internal engine, A/C, and electrical. If i decide to buy I will do a carfax on it to make sure it has not been wrecked, flooded, etc

Car fax doesn't catch everything, even collisions.

Check fluids carefully and look at inside of VC baffle for varnish.

Both valve covers gasket will need replace if hasn't. Cheap if you can do it yourself. Check for leaks under the engine.Make sure transmission is smooth.

If the car has been maintained based on inspection, go for it!!!

You can get parts online for 25% off dealer prices.

Mine is at 199K. These are reliabled car.

007

i bought my 99 in October with 148k and i was in the same boat as you. Take the plunge. These are nice cars.

I hate when people spell Infiniti with the Y instead of an I

The Y33 I have has treated me fairly well. I do not maintain it very highly, just the oil changes, air filter changes, etc.

I've got a problem with what I think are the coils, but even then, I have had the stock spark plugs lasting longer than their 100K mile mark but mainly because I cant afford to purchase it yet. I still drive the car minus the problem generally aggressively and you can still race and beat the few tuners with their Scion TC's on the street even though these are older, low powered V8's by todays standards. Not to mention, it will be nearly silent while doing it, but when flooring the pedal and hearing that engine start to growl, then you should have a smile on your face.

Yea the people that spell Infiniti with a "Y" either learn to spell it right (like me ) or sell there cars.

bought my touring 2 months ago at 113k in mint condition, even the new car smell is still intact and for $5.5k, still drives like a dream.

oldmako wrote: Front struts, tension rods, brakes and tires can easily run you well over a grand.

?????????

TIRES will run you over a grand.

Yeah I kind of figured that I'd get a bite on that one. Hence the word "easily".

I scored 4 tires for just over $500 when I bought my car. Now, they weren't hi dollar el- supremeos, but they were on sale and after 25K show almost zero wear. They were the fattest tire I could find locally that would fit the stock rim. They look great and handle reasonably well. And as far as shocks and rods, the price will vary depending on whether or not he does the wrenching...uses new mounts, rubber, etc. I should have said 2 grand, you're right.

When I went to the dealer to search the VIN I was quoted $1300 just for the front struts, installed. Needless to say they didn't do the work. I'm a cheap SOB!!!

But really, he's looking at a cherry 99 for 3500 bucks??? To me it's a no brainer. But I'd never recommend one of these cars to someone with zero ability to repair it themselves, unless they were loaded.

I'm currently looking at hi mileage junk for 8 grand for my daughter....hell I ought to just buy her a Q41!!

Don't waste your pennies on this car!!!

This is an old post, I know. However, since I'm new, I think I can get away with replying to this post!

I purchased a '99 Q45 (with 140,000 miles) in January of 2013 for $4k. I've been driving it from Malibu to Pasadena to Long Beach in LA traffic, with the AC blowing icicles. No problems until this week (23 months later). I think the o2 sensors are bad. And now I have to replace the alternator. Looking for the alternator write-up, I came across this thread.

This car EATS UP highway! I'm really happy with it.

HollywoodJackson wrote:This is an old post, I know. However, since I'm new, I think I can get away with replying to this post!

I purchased a '99 Q45 (with 140,000 miles) in January of 2013 for $4k. I've been driving it from Malibu to Pasadena to Long Beach in LA traffic, with the AC blowing icicles. No problems until this week (23 months later). I think the o2 sensors are bad. And now I have to replace the alternator. Looking for the alternator write-up, I came across this thread.

This car EATS UP highway! I'm really happy with it.

Here you go dude...third time this video might help someone... All I have to say is... take your time with the bottom mounting bolt and wingnut... use some electrical tape and tape it on exactly square with the mounting holes... force it and you'll cross thread it. Don't say the Wiggs never came through for ya...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYjkfMpsryM[/youtube]

man, F THAT BOLT AND NUT.

I think i just dug a touch deeper...removed the entire bracket or something, but 3 mins later I had the nightmare bolt easy as pie and 3 mins back together no cussing.

paranoidjack wrote:man, F THAT BOLT AND NUT.

Somehow I knew you were going to chime in on this PJ!! But I'm glad you did... there's always more than one way to skin a cat..., or nut, bolt AND cat in this case...

Wiggler wrote:

paranoidjack wrote:man, F THAT BOLT AND NUT.

Somehow I knew you were going to chime in on this PJ!! But I'm glad you did... there's always more than one way to skin a cat..., or nut, bolt AND cat in this case...