1994 Q45

[cinderellasoldier]

Hey everyone, I have been a big fan of Infiniti for a long time now and am finally about to buy one. I have a few questions...

Ok, the car is a two owner, purchased in 94 and sold in 98 with 39K on it. The present owner, an old guy has had it since then. The car is immaculte and comes with every receipt for everything that has ever been done to the car.

Its got new suspension, new tires and new brakes. The driver seat was also just reupolstered. The body is entirely dent free and even the paint is still fresh in appearance.

In asking the guy about the maintenance I asked if the timing chain had been replaced. He has had it serviced exclusively at the same place the whole 10 years he has had it. Even though the car has 217K on it now, his mechanic said that the chain shouldnt need to be replaced, that it will outlast the car in most cases.

He is only asking $2400 for the car. What do you guys think? Should I jump on this deal and if I do, should I have the timing chain replaced and what does that cost at a shop?

Thanks!!

[maxnix]

Welcome to NICO!

You need to read a little more around here, but the 1994+ has the metal backed guides.

If you buy it, many here will be envious. But be aware that time harms everything rubber. So be prepared to spend at least some funds.

Read the sticky above on buying a Q45 before you do.

Good luck.

[Infinitiguy19]

Jump on it because the chain guides are metal not plastic like 1990-1993* there fore replaced and no need to worry.

*Some late 1993 Q45's are excluded.

But still the miles are high you have to admit.

Welcome to NICO.

[cinderellasoldier]

You said read the sticky above...I dont know what to click on.

[Q451990]

It's a sticky on the main page of the Q45 forum... here's a link to it too.

zerothread/213450

Welcome to NICO!

Heath

[cinderellasoldier]

Ok, thanks, yeah I found quite a bit on here and according to what I have found, looks like I am in good shape. I should be going to pick the car up tomorrow.

I added pictures to my profile, its a beautiful car!

[maxnix]

Jump on it because the chain guides are metal not plastic like 1990-1993* there fore replaced and no need to worry.

*Some late 1993 Q45's are excluded.

Only if they have been replaced previously!

[cinderellasoldier]

Paul Wall, according to some reviews and things I have read, in 1994 they did away with plastic guides all together. So are you saying I should worry about if they have been replaced even if they are metal??

[unknown007]

If they are metal you have nothing to worry about.Not just worry about injectors,valve cover gaskets,spark plugs etc.Not trying to scare you but if you have metal guides your fine.

[Rex]

No need to worry about the guides since it's a 1994. And the mechanic is right, the timing chain itself should outlast the body.

[Q45tech]

Just remember chain guides are just $1500 [not needed to ne spent] of the $30,000 in expenses that should have been spent in previous 15 years.

A 214k engine can be tired or decent, hopefully the transmission has been replaced, same with differential, driveshaft, ac compressor, radiator, alternator, condenser, evaporator.

Anyway just have $3,000 handy for things you missed and things that will fail soon.

[bullittandy]

This car is a steal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cinderellasoldier]

Hey,

Just remember chain guides are just $1500 [not needed to ne spent] of the $30,000 in expenses that should have been spent in previous 15 years.

A 214k engine can be tired or decent, hopefully the transmission has been replaced, same with differential, driveshaft, ac compressor, radiator, alternator, condenser, evaporator.

Anyway just have $3,000 handy for things you missed and things that will fail soon.

you must work at the shop that he takes this car too! his name is Kevin and he lives in Kennesaw. Been going to the same place for 10 years. Let me know.

[aces805]

Ok, thanks, yeah I found quite a bit on here and according to what I have found, looks like I am in good shape. I should be going to pick the car up tomorrow.

I added pictures to my profile, its a beautiful car!

Yo dude looks like a nice purchase! A 94 Q is a great buy IMO. Ask the guy you bought it from about the MAF and the injectors, oh and the fuel pump too.

Welcome to Nico!

[Q45tech]

Don't be fooled by pretty paint, smooth body, or interior,

Have the vehicle inspected by one of 5 area Dealers or 3 - T3 shops. The $100-$200 you spend will tell you where the $5,000 plus must be spent in near future.

[TellarHK]

As a fairly new (and infrequent) guy around here, I have to say I got a lot of the same thing you're hearing now from people about the need to put thousands (or tens of thousands!) of dollars into service with these cars. Will they cost more than your typical domestic beater at the price you can usually get an Infiniti for? Absolutely. Get used to the idea of expensive, uncommon parts crapping out. It will happen. In fact, plan on it happening at the worst possible time. And the best way to prepare for that? If possible, have a second car! I do, so I'm fully prepared if anything was to happen with my Q.

However, if you're experienced with cars in general, you should be able to get the "feel" for your car within a period of time so that you'll know when something's going wrong or needs further inspection. Find a -good- local mechanic and keep them happy. Putting a few hundred dollars every few months into preventative work is -not- a bad idea, and if you space it out right it'll be a lot less expensive than car payments and insurance on something new.

Congratulations on getting a really nice sounding Q, especially with that many miles on it.

My Q is the same year, same color, (pic posted in one of your other threads) and came to me with a similar chain of ownership. Two owners before me, and the last one was my mother so I know the history of the car. Guys like us have to work at keeping these cars up in good shape.