1995 Q with no P/S - should I buy the car?

[buzz09]

Hey everybody! My name is Adam and I'm a newbie. But I did read the thread about posting...so, without further ado, I searched for power steering issues on the Q. After sifting through a bunch of stuff about the 240, I decided to post.

I'm looking at buying a 1995 Q45 with 199,000 miles. The owner had it 6 years and his cousin had it 5 years prior. I have not looked at the car yet as I came here looking for the tips and tricks of buying a Q.

The only "problem" that this car supposedly has is the power steering does not work. The guy doesn't know whats wrong with it (or isn't telling). My question is - for the possible cost and hassle of replacing the rack, should I even bother? I assume that it could be simple, like a hose leak, but how much of life is really that simple? LOL.

[qship96]

Gotta wonder why the seller has not completed the repair - usually means he got an estimate that was soo high he decided to put the car up for sale. Safest bet is to pay a professional to give the car a bumper to bumper check up and report listing the estimated costs to repair old worn neglected items.....could total to $10,000, but usually $3000-4000 needed immediatly on these old cars.

[american v8]

My question to ask the seller is, does the power steering fluid leak? The best bet, if you really want the car, is to have the car checked out by a Infiniti Mechanic. If your sure its the power steering rack, go to a wrecking yard and get a rack or two (because its still cheaper than one brand new rack) and swap the rack. I say get two because if one that you get is bad, you have a back up. Good Luck, these cars are awsome!

[1QIKQ45]

Which model is it? FAS runs off the PS pump. As well as HICAS. Both of those things determine the cost of repair

My question to ask the seller is, does the power steering fluid leak? The best bet, if you really want the car, is to have the car checked out by a Infiniti Mechanic. If your sure its the power steering rack, go to a wrecking yard and get a rack or two (because its still cheaper than one brand new rack) and swap the rack. I say get two because if one that you get is bad, you have a back up. Good Luck, these cars are awsome!

American V8? On an import Site? U BALLLLZY man.

[Q451990]

Rack failures are pretty rare. I would suspect the instrument cluster, control solenoid, etc - if the rack isn't leaking. Definitely fixable if you're willing to spend the cash. It all depends on what kind of deal you're getting...

Heath

[buzz09]

I really appreciate everyone's input. I'm leaning towards passing on this one. Its $2,000 but, at the moment, i don't have a lot of extra to put into it. I think I will wait until either I have more cash or find one with no glaring defect for a little more money.

[buzz09]

If I had $3500, I'd definitely try to find a way to come get yours!! LOL

[Q45tech]

T3 hasn't done a prebuy inspection on a 90-96Q45 in a year but since 2000 they have all ranged from $3,000 to $11,000 not counting paint, body work, interiors or glass.

Ask yourself are you competent to do the electromechanical work and do you have the $1500+ in parts money per year forever [after initial fixes] or at least until E20 becomes the norm?

[buttons]

Id walk away for sure then. I got my 94 q45 for $650 plus my 42" samsung plasma valued at $500ish. it runs and drives great, just needed front rotors and an alternator pulley. probably will need more stuff somewhat soon but it gets me work work and back in complete comfort.

there is a REALLY sharp 94 q45 for sale on nico forums for under $1000 but he says it is having an injector issue. i wish i could buy it and use my current one as a parts car :-) they are terrific cars but most people cant justify maintaining them.