1994 Infinity Q45 test spin...

[the_franchise]

I finally got a chance to take this car for a test spin today, and I wasn't overly impressed. For being 2k over the kbb value, I was expecting it to ride like it came off the showroom floor new (ok, maybe not that nice - it is 12 years old now).

The first thing I noticed when I came to a stop light, was the slight shaking. It wasn't horrible, but definitely noticable, even seeing it in the rear view mirror. When I took the right onto the highway, I punched it down, expecting to be launched back into my seat. It really seemed sluggish, not really getting any power until it hit another gear, probably around 30 mph or so, then it seemed to really roar. I only have the 1998 and 2000 models to compare to with the 4.1 engine - this was my first older model to test out. Are the lower gears different on the older models?

As I hit 50 mph or so, I started sensing a slight vibration in the steering wheel. It got a little shakier as I approached 70-80 mph, and always seemed worse when I had my foot on the gas. The car went straight, so there was no pull. The shakiness could be unbalanced tires I guess - the car has been sitting on the lot for 6+ months at least. The tires looked inflated correctly.

I was not impressed with the suspension either. This was the first non-touring model I have driven, so maybe there is a big difference. This is MN, and where I was driving, there were severe cracks in the road every 20 ft or so. The car by no means was bad, but I remember the other Touring Q's feeling very smooth - you may have felt the bumps, but they were quiet, almost like just in the background, and you didn't even notice or think about them much. This just seemed a tad better than my 92 Maxima, which is about to fall apart.

There is a 1999 model I may check out next for sale around here - although I am not very excited about the color. The color and shadowing is bad on the ad pic - it is white on the top, and silver/grey on the bottom 1/3. Does anyone have a better looking pic of this paint scheme?

[96Qowner]

Yeah, forget that one.

You really need to at least call GTO-Dave about his cherry '91.

zerothread?id=160377

And yes, the G50 doesn't really come alive until 4000 RPM.
Modified by 96Qowner at 3:26 PM 2/23/2006

[Q_SHIP]

Yeah, forget that one.

You really need to at least call GTO-Dave about his cherry '91.

zerothread?id=160377

That does look like a nice car. Nice price too with the guides done.

[jamesmost]

check out rswicki

[qsiguy]

It probably needs the transmission/exhaust mounts. That could be some/all of your vibrations.

[BadQ45t]

My dad's old 92' was like that too at 90k, shaky. If you really wanted those older Q's to perform you needed to get the TCU or shift it manually out of 1st, that got it moving faster.

[nucking futs]

I own a 99t and it is the best car I have ever had, period and end of discussion.

It is white on top and grey/silver on the bottom. I get many compliments on it especially after I wash/wax.

I have had my car up to 120 plus and it feels just as stable at that speed as it does at 20. It isn't super quick but for a car that weighs close to 4500 pounds it is quick enough to surprise a few people.

On back roads I can switch to the sport setting and it does firm up the ride however I would rather have it a little smoother so I rarely every use it.

If it is a reasonably price and not abused I would say you can't go wrong.

[maxnix]

Are the lower gears different on the older models?

Ratios the same as on the FY33.

Without a service history, you have no clue as to what you are driving. KS, plugs, transmission service, brakes, filters? Who knows?

Degradation from abuse is incremental, but still occurs.

[the_franchise]

The dealership claims they do a 33 point inspection, including plugs and wires. The fact that it was a one owner car (they claim), and yet there is no service history with it, makes me a little iffy.

There just doesn't seem to be many choices here in MN. When I enlarge my search online through 300 miles, I get 5-7 times mor elistings in Illinois. It's not that far, but it will be tough to coordinate something like that with work, PLUS what a waste it'd be to drive out there and it is a POS.

[Q_SHIP]

Maybe someone local could help out and look at a couple for you. That way your not flying out for a hunk of garbage.

[the_franchise]

Maybe someone local could help out and look at a couple for you. That way your not flying out for a hunk of garbage.

That's a d*mn good idea - I bet that is nothing new for this board. I'm fairly new on here, and I have never been on any car forums. I will have to keep this in mind.

Is there a listing somewhere of production #'s by year? I read recently that just over 1000 45's were made for the 2004 model year I think. That's a crazy low number! I'm curious about other years, ESPECIALLY if it's broken down by colors built (i'm sure that's way too much info).

[Rex]

That's a d*mn good idea - I bet that is nothing new for this board. I'm fairly new on here, and I have never been on any car forums. I will have to keep this in mind.

Is there a listing somewhere of production #'s by year? I read recently that just over 1000 45's were made for the 2004 model year I think. That's a crazy low number! I'm curious about other years, ESPECIALLY if it's broken down by colors built (i'm sure that's way too much info).

If it's "close by" most would be willing (schedules allowing) to check out a car for a fellow Nico-naut.

As for the production numbers, I don't think anyone has those. Would be rgeat info if someone did.

What are you looking for 90-93, 94/95? Colors? That way we can keep an eye out.

[the_franchise]

The color I dig the most is that off-white/pearl/cream color. 1994 and up i'd be interested in.

I've seen a 1994 and a 1997 in these colors now - what year did they go up to in this color?

[nchopp]

Where in Minnesota are you? I'm down in Mankato, and I have a '93 that isn't running. Want it?

[the_franchise]

Where in Minnesota are you? I'm down in Mankato, and I have a '93 that isn't running. Want it?

I'm in Mpls - unfortunately I need a running car, because my Maxima is ready to die at any time. It wants me to pull the plug, but it just won't pass away...