1997 y33's have any problems due to first year debut ?

[Qfortyfiver]

hey guys, anything to look out for before purchasing a 1997 debut Q45 ?

from what I gather, the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) seems to be a major issue.

anything else ?

[Jesda]

Alternator recallQ45t wheel recall (EDIT: Applies to 2000 model year)Rare coil pack failure

Thats it I think? On any 90-01 Q, get an external transmission cooler installed.
Modified by Jesda at 10:17 AM 9/7/2006

[Solini]

Alternator recallQ45t wheel recallRare coil pack failure

Yeap that's all that went wrong with my y33 in the first year, that and the knock sensors. But other than that it's just normal maintainance

[Qfortyfiver]

will the dealer honor any of the recalls if it is still within the given MILEAGE LIMIT ?

[Solini]

What he meant is if you have a 90-01 Q45 you might consider getting an external cooler. I plan on getting one myself after I change my filter and change over to synthetic.

[gr8ful]

What he meant is if you have a 90-01 Q45 you might consider getting an external cooler. I plan on getting one myself after I change my filter and change over to synthetic.

Is the external cooler needed for a daily driver around town, 25-30 miles per day? Or is it really for extended high trips of several hundred miles?

[CrimsonQ]

Is the external cooler needed for a daily driver around town, 25-30 miles per day? Or is it really for extended high trips of several hundred miles?

25-30 city miles is harder than highway, think of all the shifts.Its good measure on any car, especially the Q.

And being in OK city, Im sure you get your share of hot weather.

[maxnix]

Q45t wheel recall

Actually, this was on the 2000 model year.

1997 was most decontented of the FY33. Significant improvements made in 1998 adn continued through 2000. My favorites are 1999+

Look for my post (there are at least two) documenting runnning changes.
Modified by maxnix at 8:35 AM 9/7/2006

[BadQ45t]

They also had much not to go wrong. My opinion of the transmission cooler is I don't need one. I don't want some extra plumbing with aftermarket parts. Not a popular opinion but if you change the transmission over to synthetic oil by finding a placed that can dump the entire 15 quarts and put in 15 quarts of high quality syn fluid (I just did redline at 80k) you will have a very solid car.

True the 97' didn't have alot of goodies, but it has most of the right stuff. The 98' only added back the analog clock (nice to have, wish I had that) and two trip meters. 99-01 got more stuff, but overall I have had zero problems in 6+ years and 45k (it has 85k) of driving.

[bullittandy]

This is not really a problem but the first batch of 97's didn't have side air bags, they were introduced midyear. I'd second the alternator and the knock sensors.I'd also add the driver's armrest.

[Q_SHIP]

Can we just have a sticky stating

"STICKY: Y33'S ARE VERY RELIABLE CARS"

We sure have been seeing a lot of threads concerning the Y33's reliabilty lately.

[Qfortyfiver]

nice to know the Q FORTAY FIVER is a good reliable car.

a nice 280 horses via 8 banger would be sweet.

[maxnix]

True the 97' didn't have alot of goodies, but it has most of the right stuff. The 98' only added back the analog clock (nice to have, wish I had that) and two trip meters. 99-01 got more stuff, but overall I have had zero problems in 6+ years and 45k (it has 85k) of driving.

Besides some convenience, a lot were safety improvements. The attached article shows why 2000 is my favorite year, not being a fan of the yellow genuine maple trim in the 2000 ae and standard on the 2001 models. Yep, I prefer the plastic fake wood.