1992 Infiniti Q45 - Maybe Next Car?

[1992Q45]

I'm probably going to buy a 1992 Q45 for $300. It needs a motor and my dad is a mechanic and will change it for me. I'm not sure exactly what's wrong with the motor, I think one of the cylinder is gone but IDK. The car has a 155K and I think it has every option. Sunroof, CD changer, phone etc... Does this sound like a good deal? I don't know if this car has the Active Suspension. How can I tell?

[Jesda]

Well, $300 for a car with a dead cylinder is probably a fair deal no matter what make or model.

Active models are badged "Q45a"

[qship96]

As long as you fully understand that you will need to invest 6-12 thousand into it after you buy it to fix/restore all systems,it could be a good buy-but there are so many cars out there for 6-12k that either have already been restored and/or have way lower mileage/age that you must really weigh your options

[elwesso]

As long as you fully understand that you will need to invest 6-12 thousand into it after you buy it to fix/restore all systems,it could be a good buy-but there are so many cars out there for 6-12k that either have already been restored and/or have way lower mileage/age that you must really weigh your options

I agree..

Getting the car running is only the beginning. its not because the cars are built bad but because they wear out from 15 years of living...

IMO its almost easier for some owners to just restore a car that has everything broken that way everything thta normally needs attention gets replaced and you cant take any shortcuts...

A Q that is well sorted is unlike most other vehicles on the road.

[1992Q45]

This Q is in excellent shape. The interior is mint except for some cracks in the driver seat. It has all the original owners and service manuals. It looks like it was very well taken care of.

[qship96]

Dont let the cosmetics fool you -IT IS A 16 YEAR OLD,EXPENSIVE IMPORTED CAR WITH 150,000+ MILES ON IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU must seek history as to what parts have been replaced recently so you know which ones WILL REQUIRE replacement under your ownership......just a few to consider are a/c compressor,radiator,blower fan,fan clutch & blade,water pump,alternator,pullys,window regulators/motors,fuel pump & controller,transmission,suspension....and on and on--any of these not replaced yet....are just waiting for you....the above are about $8,000.00 in parts alone,and common to replace on a q at this stage of it`s life

[Q45tech]

Unfortunately new dealer parts don't depreciate, if anything they have seen a 70%+ appreciation since 1992. .. 3 rounds of 20% each about every 5 years.

We almost never see ebay deals on common failure items other than shocks and used junkyark wreck removals.

The 92 Q costs $43,000 in 1992 dollars ...........that would be $68,000 today.

[1992Q45]

The guy I'm buying it from my dad has known for a few years. He's an elderly man who buys $500 cars, fixes what they need and flips them. I'm not sure if I could get the history on the car but I'll try. I really like the car and it's not like it'll be my only car, I have a '93 LE Corolla to drive also.

[qship96]

RUN,dont walk,AWAY FROM THIS ONE QUICK! this IS NOT who you want to buy an old,expensive used car from!!!!!!!!!!! unless you feel like learning a good life experience- one you will never forget,nor repeat

[Jesda]

If its going to be a hobby and since you have a Corolla as your daily transit, buy it and enjoy it. It won't be an easy mechanical restoration, but you'll learn a ton of great things from this forum.Don't expect to spend $500 and call it done.

The Q has arguably the best built interior of the decade (with the MB W140 and W124 being perhaps more solid). Its entirely possible for a mechanical dud to look like a creampuff.

[xerexabante]

I flip cars too. It can make you money. Make it run then sell. I know that your dad would have a client just wanting a Q. Running Q with new motor hmmm may be at least $2500. not bad. Buy a used motor or see what is wrong with the cylinder. You get the labor free anyway so who cares. I would filp your car in a heartbeat.

Just recently got a 96 4runner for $500. fixed the heads and turned around for $3500. Didn't last our shop 2 days after we got it done.

Then you have a choice if you think it is not a keeper then sell, or if you think everything else is good then keep.

[maxnix]

It looks like it was very well taken care of.

Looks can be and usually are deceiving. What do the maintenance records say?

[maxnix]

I'm not sure if I could get the history on the car but I'll try.

Each Infiniti has an Infiniti Dealer service record attached to it. One needs a friendly service writer or previous owner to obtain it for him.

[bullittandy]

As long as you fully understand that you will need to invest 6-12 thousand into it after you buy it to fix/restore all systems,it could be a good buy-but there are so many cars out there for 6-12k that either have already been restored and/or have way lower mileage/age that you must really weigh your options

Keep this in mind only if you want a perfectly restored 15 year old car-not everyone does.

There's nothing wrong with only fixing what keeps the car from being driven and living with slightly loose steering, floaty ride, dinged body etc.

For all the lunatics out there please don't bother with the theoretical dangers/soul depravation of driving a less than perfect car.

Unless you plan on keeping an older Q forever (read Q45tech) spending $10-15K on a car that is worth $3-5K is a terrible investment.

[elwesso]

RUN,dont walk,AWAY FROM THIS ONE QUICK! this IS NOT who you want to buy an old,expensive used car from!!!!!!!!!!! unless you feel like learning a good life experience- one you will never forget,nor repeat

Just becaues its cheap doesnt mean its not a solid vehicle. Even if it needs a new motor and trans, if you replaced then youd know theyre solid! Thatd probably be the way to get a Q if you have some spare time, get it with a shot motor and transmission, swap in a JDM motor and a good trans that way you know the drivetrain is good, then fix everything else. You can then redo everything while the engine is on the stand, swap it in the car and not worry for many miles.

[Q451990]

investment

That word never belongs in a car thread

I agree with your point though... fix it to meet your needs. Mine are to last as long as possible and run as close to factory new as possible - but I understand that others are more in a "point a to point b" mode.

Heath

[maxnix]

For all the lunatics out there please don't bother with the theoretical dangers/soul depravation of driving a less than perfect car.

Is this because your life is unexamined, or just cheap? What about other lives your intentional neglect may affect adversly?

Safety requires certain components be up to snuff, i.e.- as new tolerances. Suspension, brakes, tires, wheels, engine, seat belts and SRS, lights, and transmission come immediately to mind.

[elwesso]

That word never belongs in a car thread

I agree with your point though... fix it to meet your needs. Mine are to last as long as possible and run as close to factory new as possible - but I understand that others are more in a "point a to point b" mode.

Heath

The thing that I dont understand is why you would use a Q45 for that... If youre going to own a Q why wouldnt you have it run as good as possible. For the money thatd you use to buy a Q youd find other cars that are easier on gas and on the wallet in other ways, if all you care about is transportation.

[bullittandy]

Is this because your life is unexamined, or just cheap? What about other lives your intentional neglect may affect adversly?

Safety requires certain components be up to snuff, i.e.- as new tolerances. Suspension, brakes, tires, wheels, engine, seat belts and SRS, lights, and transmission come immediately to mind.

Right on cue!

Actually this is my way murdering people without having to worry about getting caught-driving a poorly maintained car.

I wish that I lived near you so that I could tailgate you on my way to work and then post messages on the forum about how I've been experimenting with making my brake pads in my toaster oven.

[bullittandy]

The thing that I dont understand is why you would use a Q45 for that... If youre going to own a Q why wouldnt you have it run as good as possible. For the money thatd you use to buy a Q youd find other cars that are easier on gas and on the wallet in other ways, if all you care about is transportation.

The Q is perfect for this! Its a $60K car that can be bought for $3K. Even if it isn't perfect its still alot nicer than most cars. I just gave my boss a ride and she remarked, "This car is so nice!" I paid $4300 and have put 35K (now 230K) miles on it with no breakdowns!!