Tips on purchasing a 1995 Q45

[Satch]

Friday I will be looking at a 1995 Q45. The car is in great shape (according to the pictures) and has 118,000. The car is for sale cheap and I want a clean car for a second car.

What tips to you guys recommend in buying a used Q45? Things to look for, ask for, listen for etc. I know the 1995 does not suffer from the timing chain guide issues of pre 94' models (which is a good thing), but what other, if any ,common issues do these vehicles have?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[maxnix]

Satch, welcome to NICO!

Did you notice the sticky above? It will answer all your questions until you recieve the Infiniti dealer performed service history and other maintenance records to guide the Senior Infiniti Technician that will inspect the car for you.

Let us know.

[96Qowner]

Common issues at your mileage are mostly maintenance related.

Listen to the trunk when the car is running. Is there a loud buzzing sound? Fuel pumps, and often the pump controller, begin to fail around 120K miles.

The suspension probably needs a rehab - shocks, mounts, bushings, upper links. Any maintenance records you can get are crucial.

The transmission mount may be shot. Look for a vibration at 2300rpm under mild acceleration. It's very important that the transmission fluid has been changed on schedule. In a hot climate, the transmission doesn't stay as cool as it should. NICO recommends installing an external cooler for maximum transmission life. The transmission should have a firm 1-2 shift and a slowish but smooth 2-3 shift.

The intake path is probably dirty. The car should idle smoothly and silently at 650rpm. That's relatively easy to correct, if it's a problem.

The motor is very stout - when you test drive it, try to find a place where you can floor it at 35 and run it up to 85 for the 2-3 shift. It should pull like a bat out of hell when it hits about 4000rpm.

Maintenance records are key.

[Q45tech]

A 13 year old car will sell for less than 10% of new MSRP [less than $5,000] because so many of systems are worn to the point where almost nothing performs as brand new and failures start to require a serious amount of time to diagnose and repair. It may seem perfect or nearly so because you have nothing to compare to.

Even the foam in seats will be different, the glass will be pitted, the headlights will restrict the light transmission amount. The AC/Heat air flow will be greatly reduced due to dirt/hair blocking fins and fan motor wear slowing the fan speed.

That things still function is the result of engineers knowing their craft [and historical failures] and wanting to build the best without getting caught and fired for wasting resources.

After the mid 90's computer simulation and advanced mathematical techniques became more and more common resulting in a much narrower range of excess. The engineers work was all double and triple checked to squeeze out any waste.

It is a useful exercise to compare MB, Infiniti, Lexus, BMW, Audi, even Cadillac in the 94-95 period with the 97-2000 periods.

Just assume any used car will need $3,000 minimum shortly after purchase.

The trick is to HAPPILY PAY an expert to give his best guess and test known wear items to create a LIST of things, then add up the cost in advance so you KNOW what you are buying and WHAT IT WILL COST in the future.

My standards are high in many areas, but low in asthetics since I'm an engineer by training. Whereas the majority are the exact opposite.

A vehicle can last for 50 years if you care enough or have no choice as those in Cuba prove. Or at least a Horse can pull a light one.

[elwesso]

the engine should idle like glass. If it shakes a tiny bit at idle (which should be at 650 RPM hot) you should not feel the motor at all. if you feel a rhythmic shaking then an injector is probably bad.

96Q has about everything else.. Pay attention to the condition of all the fluids, it tells a lot of the car's history. Pay attention to the trans, how it shifts, and any vibrations or noises while you drive.

[oldmako]

If you plan on doubling your investment in the first 6 months (for rehab / repairs) then you can have a nice ride for a little money. These cars are so cheap used that it's still a worthwhile investment, particularly if you are inclined to do some or all of the wrenching.

A high performance, high quality luxbox for less than 10K. Hard to beat!

[Satch]

thank you for all of your tips. I am going to look at the car tomorrow. This is intended to be a 2nd car and being in perfect "like new" mechanical condition is not expected. My last $3000 car was a 300e MB that ended up lasting me 3 years and all I spent $ on was regular wear and tear items (tires, brakes etc).

If I end up with a Q I will most certainly post an update. Looks are not the tell all, however this car does look well cared for. Put one check in the "good" column! (electric antenna is inoperative but that is a minor thing).


Modified by Satch at 5:48 AM 5/10/2008

[maxnix]

Problem is many think the G50 is a great car when it needs about $3K of work. Then they put the $3K in and realize what a great car it is and start reading here on how to maintain it correctly so it can last 300K+ miles, which is easily attainable.

[elwesso]

thank you for all of your tips. I am going to look at the car tomorrow. This is intended to be a 2nd car and being in perfect "like new" mechanical condition is not expected. My last $3000 car was a 300e MB that ended up lasting me 3 years and all I spent $ on was regular wear and tear items (tires, brakes etc).

If I end up with a Q I will most certainly post an update. Looks are not the tell all, however this car does look well cared for. Put one check in the "good" column! (electric antenna is inoperative but that is a minor thing).

Ill straight up say.. Regardless of what happened with your mercedes, dont plan on it with a Q.

[Satch]

Well gentlemen I appreciate all of your help. I passed on the Q45. I was really disappointed in many things when I checked it out. I looked at several cars and ended up paying a little more for a MB with more miles on it.

Again, thank you for your help.

[elwesso]

Good luck on your purchase!! We'll be here if you decide to come to the dark side!!!