02> Qenis Envy? (Sorry, long)

[HeavyDuty]

There's a certain amount of pride that comes from owning a Q. Those that know a little about them say "Cool" when I tell them it's a 1st gen, probably because so many are falling along the wayside from age & lack of maintenance. Those with no clue roll their eyes, so what.

Maybe it's because my radiator, clutch fan, p/s pump / lines, diff, and driver's window alignment button thing all broke at once, or because three car seats don't fit very well in the backseat, or that it's getting hot outside & my a/c is intermittent, or the countless 1000's already invested, or maybe it's because I know there's still an endless array of stuff to do to a 170k mile car, and even if everything were in 100% shape, it would have cost 10's of 1000's only to yield what NADA book value would be, but.........

I have been checking out 02> Q's lately.....a lot.

It won't be long before they get relatively cheap enough to find a clean used one. The *last* thing I need is a car payment though, currently embattled in a big, nasty, capital "D". Although I'll be hosed with frequent down time when I have no other car to grab for School Bus duty. When I had a second car (and a second person) for taxi functions, if my car needed work, it was no big deal, suddenly it is.

Somebody stop me.....

For those who own 02's, 3's, 4's, what is your opinion of your car? Power? Prowess? Glitches? Did you own a 90-96 or 97-01 before this one? If so, which do you like more?

I really, really, like my car, and from what I can see, the newest model is just more to like. Yes? No?

Future resale value for the next 6-8 yrs is a non-issue. My last two core vehicles I owned for 11-12 years. Plus, with a car that lasts so long, the long term financing offered these days make good sense for the long haul consumer, just stupid for those who trade every few years.

I like the new M, but think it's too small inside.

I'm just a sedan man in an SUV world. Do I 'deserve' a 50k car? Probably not. I could buy a new Crown Vic or something that would serve the purpose.

Sorry for the whiny rant.

[Jesda]

Looks like you slammed into a brick wall on your 91. Its interesting how these really old 1st gen Qs never actually "break down," in the traditional sense. Its always the neglected parts that kick the bucket one after another. And often you cant tell whats about to fail until it finally does.

Anyone who attempts to be practical about performance cars is doomed to frustration and heartache -- I've learned to accept my losses, suck it up, and love what I've got, in part because as a student its really the best I can afford.

Now, the Chrysler 300C will hit 60 in 5.3s, for just $32k loaded. My only concern with it isnt the fact that its Chrysler, its the possibility that it contains Mercedes-Benz electronics.

...be sure to post pictures of your new Q when you get it!

-Jesda

[natsoundup]

I don't see how you can handle the payment of a 02 right now...

I think if I were in your position...or at least talking like you are....I would search for a 2000 Anniversary edition. of course that is me....

....i had plans for one of those, then my situation changed...so I just got a 94 instead....first year of gen 1a or whatever some guys call it... but you know that already.

I am just real comfortable with the styling and ride.... I am allotting 100 dollars a month for general maintenance and hoping for 75 dollars a month in repairs...

of course I am maintaining the 90 for my son....

What I have found out about the Q is that they really don't break down.... they just get tired.

[Jesda]

There a few 94s and 95s listed in classifieds and auctions here and there with under 50k, usually asking about 10-14k

What happens when the differential fails?

-Jesda

[louiegz]

Now, the Chrysler 300C will hit 60 in 5.3s, for just $32k loaded. My only concern with it isnt the fact that its Chrysler, its the possibility that it contains Mercedes-Benz electronics.

No concern if the electronics are MB. Better than it being Chrysler. The suspention and the platform I think is last gen E-class. Not bad. I saw one at the NYIAS. I wish they would also get fit and finish tips from MB. Interior looks cheap but very comfortble. More that my Q. I like the driving position. This car is just surounded by a whole bunch of ugly. That front end is a little hard on the eyes. I'd like to get a new car in like 5 years. $32k for a V8 sedan with MB underpinnings sounds nice. The car I fell in love with at the show was the M45 and that's going to be about $50k. What to do, what to do?

[AZhitman]

I don't see how you can handle the payment of a 02 right now...

He's got a little gig on the side, selling himself as "Joanna" on the streets of Orlando...

Actually, Jason, a 00-01 Q would be the most bang for the buck if budget becomes an issue. They're generally accepted to be the most "bulletproof" car Infiniti has ever built, and have depreciated enough to make an 80K mile Anniversary Edition a very SMART purchase.

[AZ94Q]

Here is something shocking. I was watching consumer reports special on cars, on cnbc...

This is how bad the new 7 series is

IF you had bought a 6 year old LS400 (1998)

You would have had less problems with your old ls400 in the 6 years of ownership then the first 6 months of ownership with the 7 series..

Normally I think consumer reports is crap, but I have heard this stated by multiple sources

The new 7 is glitchy as Windows 95

Same thing with the new mercedes benz..

Rattles/Electronic glitches/all sorts of stuff

And NO it isn't dumb americans who can't figure out IDRIVE!

The Japanese showed the Germans how to build a car..

It appears nearly 15 years later, they still haven't learned..

BMW needs to figure out how to have the complexity of the 7 series, with the reliability and solidness of the 3 series.

As for the new Q, I am in love.. I sat it on in the carshow... How can you not love it.. It's way MORE luxurious then our g50s.. so much more inviting on the interior.. If you really look at the detals, you will agree

The G50 has such a nice rounded interior.. If you look at the cars coming out in 1990, the interiors were boxy sparse and fugly..

The G50 was rounded, and sexy.. The 2002 q45 is also very rounded. Espically the windows..

I will own one in a few years.. Hopefully the electronics will hold up.. This has been a major problem with used BMW and S class mercedes.. The complicated NAV/Idrive etc.. If it fails, you are looking at 5,000+ to get it repaired..

Let's hope the Q continues it's rock solid reliability, when it comes to electronics.

[AZ94Q]

Heavy

You arn't selling out, by getting a new Q..

It won't be the absolutle drivers car the G50 is.. BUT

It's FasterSmootherMore LuxuriousArgueably more "ballin" looking

The G50 is all about the drive..

The new Q is all about luxury, and horsepower

If anyone says you're a sellout for wanting a VK45DE, is wrong!!

I would love for the car fairy to transport a vk45de and a 5 speed transmission in my car, when I was asleep.

[Jesda]

My main concern with MB electronics, is how they use separate control modules for almost everything, making troubleshooting difficult and expensive. Chrysler uses centralized systems, typically making electrical troubleshooting a snap. I think thats what caused MB to drop to 32nd out of 33rd place in a German customer satisfaction survey.

Im sure a significant part of those electrical issues came from MB's excessively complex "COMMAND" central navigation/climate system. That, and strange design flaws like a poor cupholder design that leaves some CLK owners stranded. (Non-waterproof cupholder placed right above the transmission shift unit).

-Jesda

[elwesso]

I think the overall best thing to do would be to KEEP your G50 and get an F50..

Why??? your not gonna be able to get enough out of the car (4000 if you sell it on the market, 6000 on NICO).....

Personally, the Y33 is a waste, IMO. Its a nice, bullet proof car, but for that why not just get a honda?? If your gonna spend the 20grand to get a 2000 or 2001, why not wait a year and spend that money on a F50...

Just my humble opinion...

[Jason B]

Heavyduty, you might want to check here to see what others thinks that have your current car and bought a new one. I couldn't PM you with the link since you don't have that feature enabled.

[AZhitman]

The most notable thing about those three lists (aside from the chrome oval mopping the floor with the competition)....

The absolute ABSENCE of any domestics from the top ten.

[AZ94Q]

Eat it lexus.

[szh]

Jason

Is this from the April 2004 issue of Consumer Reports? I think I just got it, but have not opened it yet ...

Z

[Jesda]

Thanks for posting that sheet, Jason!!!

The best part about all this, isnt just that our Mt Fuji logos are stamped on the best cars on the road... its that the overall quality in all brands improved dramatically.Despite hectic mergers and consolidation, the worldwide brands are getting their act together. Especially the Koreans.

I wonder what VW's lineup was in 99. I know the Bettle launched in 98. The new Jetta didnt come along until 2000 -- I read a lot about electrical problems on 94-99 models.

-Jesda

[OLU40]

I'm thinking about an '02 Q myself or that new M. Really is a good bang for your buck. If finances are rught. It has depreciated to around the mid to upper 30's at last check here in NYC.

[AZ94Q]

I saw a gorgeous black M45 today..

Black is definetely my color of choice in the M.

It's so YAKUZA, I LOVE IT

It was black had the 18s, and spoiler..

Definetely the successor to the orig G50 Q45...

Please lose value quickly, I demand one of these fine automobiles

[AZhitman]

Please lose value quickly, I demand one of these fine automobiles

They do. Big time.

During my brief "between jobs" stint at a local Infiniti dealership (laid off in September), I sold 2 M's - One new and one pre-owned. The pre-owned one had 30K miles and went for almost $18K LESS than original sticker.

They are already coming well within reach. AND the Keulian supercharger is available for them.

[szh]

AND the Keulian supercharger is available for them.

Where? I keep doing searches for them (spelled Keuylian, I thought) and then I found out that their web site had gone "off the air". So ... I would love to get more information!

Z

[OLU40]

They do. Big time.

During my brief "between jobs" stint at a local Infiniti dealership (laid off in September), I sold 2 M's - One new and one pre-owned. The pre-owned one had 30K miles and went for almost $18K LESS than original sticker.

They are already coming well within reach. AND the Keulian supercharger is available for them.

I think that the resale value slide is slowing down with the advent of the G35 line and excellent sales outlook for this new M. The current M has mixed reviews. I think the new M is a great sign of things to come.

[EWT]

Used 2002s+ are scarce around here. I looked on autotrader and cars.com last week, and there were none for sale in Northern CA. There's usually 1 or 2 at most when I've looked in the past.

[AZ94Q]

Quite the contrary.

The 2002+ Q and 2003-2005 i guess M are sliding fast.

You can get a fully loaded 2003 Q45, all options 60+ new, with under 20k miles, for around 30k...

You can get Ms for in the 20s..

The slide has stopped for the popular models..

The G has great resale value.. If the new M sells well (which i cant see why it wont) it's value will be great

The current M/Q are sliding just as fast as the G50s

[HeavyDuty]

I'm betting I could pick one up at the Orlando auction for a steal.

I wouldn't do it if it weren't a 'deal'.

Keep sliding, baby.

I looked at the M45, too. Way to few cubic feet in leg & hip room in the rear.

I'm also not talking right this minute, just looking at a lot of money in repairs at one time. Typical stuff, I just need to get through it one way or another, I can't sell it with this stuff broken anyway. So after I fix it, I'll go looking for an 02, dust it's britches in my G50, then resume maintaining mine.