05 F50 road trip report

[Bigmike40]

So I drove my F50 from Virginia Beach, Va to Alabama this past weekend. This is the first road trip since I've owned the car, I actually racked up over 1800 miles.

The facts:

I averaged over 22 MPG the entire trip down I-85 and I-65. My average speed was 70 MPH, I only exceeded 80 twice just to pass some big rigs. I achieved this MPG with 20" chrome rims, I thought it would be worse.

The ride was really comfortable, even with the 255/35/20 tires it was a great ride. The seats in the Q are fabulous!! I was very refreshed when I arrived home. The navigation was flawless and the weather was great on the return trip.

The Q has great torque, I was pulling hills with the cruise engaged and the car never had to downshift (V8 Yea!).

The bad:

My car definately consumes oil, it only has 34K on the odo and it still uses about a quart between oil changes. I am having my oil changed tomorrow and I will inquire about an oil consumption test.

Other than the oil issue I am really glad I bought this car. My brothers like it, so much that my younger brother is buying a G35. I received a lot of stares on the highway, I was asked several times at the gas stations "i didn't know Infiniti still makes the Q45" They can't believe it is a 2005!!

Mike

[mcrews]

Bigmike,aint it great!!!!!! 22mpg and 70 to 140 in 10 seconds!!!! these are fine cars. my 02 just got 26mpg on a run to my office ....sacramento to san ramon CA about 70 miles. I am also running a larger size 255/45/18.it's 3.4% larger dia. great for the road. also, after 02 or 03 the went with a higher rear end gear so thats part of the reason for our difference.Also, I JUST took off the lower piece of the airbox that is in the wheel well.I ran some 3 inch tubing from the lower right fog lamp slot on the impul bumper right up to the hole in the bottom of the airbox. I had benn getting 24mpg on that run and that was my only change.i have 159k on mine and will buy an 06 at 225k.

[seldomseen]

Nice write-up...yes the Q45 is a very smooth and comfortable highway cruiser. It's 340 horses makes it a treat to drive on the highway. Did you turn off your VDC and let the Q loose like a wild stallion during your trip?

It is a damn shame that Q45's engine does burn oil. The bad news is Infiniti will most likely tell you it's normal and will not be able to offer any permanent fixes. I just check my oil every 1,000-1,500 miles and reverted back to conventional oil. Using synthetic is just a waste of money the way the F50 burns it.

[Bigmike40]

Nice write-up...yes the Q45 is a very smooth and comfortable highway cruiser. It's 340 horses makes it a treat to drive on the highway. Did you turn off your VDC and let the Q loose like a wild stallion during your trip?

It is a damn shame that Q45's engine does burn oil. The bad news is Infiniti will most likely tell you it's normal and will not be able to offer any permanent fixes. I just check my oil every 1,000-1,500 miles and reverted back to conventional oil. Using synthetic is just a waste of money the way the F50 burns it.

I turned the VDC off at home and had some fun!!! As for Infiniti's position in regards to the oil consumption problem, they said it is not normal. After they changed my oil yesterday they told me they are running an oil consumption test and do not top off my oil. They said if it fails the test they will replace the engine. My car only has 35K on it and I have the 100K warranty. I will let you guys know what happens when I take it back for the results at 39K.

Mike

[seldomseen]

Sweet keep us updated!