2002 Q worst year yet

[BadQ45t]

But it gets back to the original reason for the post, why is the 2002 the worst seller. I think that the lack or back seat legroom, trunk space, and a grossly understated exterior looks are a big part of why it isn't selling. Sit in the back of a LS 430 or big Bimmer and you can feel the exra room in the back.

[Jason B]

It wouldn't matter what the Q looked like at this point. Most people just don't want to spend 60,000 for an Infiniti. It's the sad truth and that's the main reason for the sales. That will change in the future. I, however, have seen everything else out there, and made my decision coming from a previous S class.

[K1XV]

[I guess any tank can get damaged if the car is hit hard enough, but I like my gas tank where it is!! ('92 Q)

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Several years ago, my long term GF was hit from behind at a stop light by a pickup truck. She was driving a 92Q. The car folded up all the way to the rear axle, but she was not hurt and the gas tank was totally undamaged.

I agree, if there is a need to improve leg room, extend the wheelbase.

[BadQ45t]

I don't necessarily agree with you. I think the exterior looks and lack of a big trunk and bigger back seat is a serious handicap for the car. If you compare the latest numbers in Road & Track the Q outperforms the LS430 in every category, but you look at an LS and the back seat is MUCH bigger. This is a big part of why someone buys one of these cars brand new.

I think a much more destinctive exterior and a good sized trunk and a huge decadant back seat would help sell alot more cars. The only way I can see to do that is to send the design to Nissan San Diego and move the gas tank to where every other car in the world puts it.

[PalmerWMD]

I also like teh gas tank where it is a good way to be able to make it large and still safe.

One thing In like about Infinti's is that they have generous gas tanks compared to otehr vehicles in their class.

Fred..

[BadQ45t]

I see your points on the placement of the tanks, but if the question does infiniti want to seel Q45's the people that can afford to buy these cars new. I'm a 41 year old guy with a 150k+ job and I cannot afford to go out and buy a new one (I chose the 500k mortgage for a nice house in the Bay Area, the most expesnive place to live in the US) so the majority of the NEW buyers are people that lease them for businesses or 60+ guys that have already made it. Not as many 25-45 year olds buying them knew.

so what does my that buyer want? A big back seat, a big trunk and a car that says "look at me world, I've made it." The big Lexus has that, the big Bimmer has that, the Q falls short due to ho hum exterior syling and the trunk and back seat room being lost to the gas tank.

[greg_atlanta]

I think the new Q says "I've made it and I don't care what everyone else thinks."

Sometimes that's better!!

[getatu]

Sounds like the 2002+ cars will have the same dismal residual value the earlier cars have had. Good for people like me who like to buy 3 year old cars in good shape at a 50% discount from new, bad for the original buyers. If that few are being sold, it sounds like finding the right combination of color/options on the local used market may be a challenge though. I'd love to pick up a 2003+ eventually.

thats my train of thought i can wait until 2003/4 to get a new Q PICKED UP MY 97Q45T IN 99 OFF LEASE FOR A GREAT PRICE

[DAEDALUS]

Yeah, and I'll be getting one in 2011. Got my '90 in '99, so why spoil the trend? By then I should have about 300k on it, barring excessive misfortune.

[BadQ45t]

I guess Greg's idea of "I made it" is ok, but that doesn't make it a competitive car to the LS430 or the BMW/MB competition. BTW, as far as I remember my bro's 96' LS gas a 20 gallon tank too, only 1.5 smaller than mine and he gets alittle better mileage probably due to his 5 speed automatic.