2002 Q45 Question

[PyMets520]

I came across a 2002 Q45 a couple days ago that I am considering purchasing. I noticed, when taking a napkin to the tail pipe there was some soot. I also noticed that he was low on oil when checking the dip stick with only around 2k miles since his last oil change. The car only has 70k miles and seems to be in excellent condition on all other parts. I did not see any blue smoke.

I'm a little worried that the car could be burning oil. Does that year Q45 have issues with burning oil? and are my concerns based on those things I noticed premature?

I appreciate any comments or help.

[maxnix]

If you cannot verify the 3,750 OCI, don't buy the car without the Nissan backed estended warranty, which may not be available to you now.

Do read the sticky above on how to buy a Q45. A lot depends on the dealer performed service history. Review it before ever looking at a car seriously.

[Infinitiguy19]

Yes the 2002-2004* Q45's burned oil. Its just a flaw in the design of the engine which was corrected later on.

*I think 2004

[qship96]

I dont think they ever corrected the oil burning issue on either the 4.5 V8, or the 3.5 V6- some burn oil, some dont- I would comb through entire service record from dealer looking for owner complaints regarding the issue, and pass on any car with documented complaint of the issue.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I've never heard of the VQ having serious oil burning issues...and I know the VQ pretty well.

[qship96]

I've never heard of the VQ having serious oil burning issues...and I know the VQ pretty well.

Get a big cup of coffee and google "Nissan 3.5 v6 burning oil" you will see the 3.5 v6 has the same issues that the 2002+ 4.5 v8 motor does- due to nissan trying to squeeze more power out of the motor.

[NightRiderQ45]

Yes the 2002-2004* Q45's burned oil. Its just a flaw in the design of the engine which was corrected later on.

*I think 2004

Thanks for answering the OP question. Yes they do have oil consumption issues. If i were to purchase a 3rd gen, would have to be an 05-06 model only..

[qship96]

The oil burning issue was never fixed on the 4.5 q45 motor- 2002-2006 all randomly afflicted with the issue, and it lives on in later m45/fx45 models. Hopefully they got it right with the new 5.0 motor, but pushing 390hp, I kinda doubt it.

The days of the overbuilt understressed vh45 are sadly over. At 223,000 miles mine uses less than 1/2 qt in 5000 miles{ and some of that is external weeping from oil pressure sender and just replaced front main seal}

[maxnix]

It will be interesting to see if the new VK50HR has larger crank journals and a tighter oil control ring.

[PyMets520]

So all in all it would be best to stay away from a 3rd gen Q45?I will hopefully be getting a full service record soon of the car, and will look for anything that stands out. It is a private seller, but all his maintanence has been done through infiniti.

And is it best to avoid a car that goes through(burns) oil? or is it considered normal for this kind of car?

[wildacexxx]

as mentioned before these motors burn a little oil. some burn more than others. i just got mine a week ago. it has 76k miles and its a great car. no oil burning yet but i will check it weekly. since there is no warranty though make sure u're able to cover the costs of fixing it.

[maxnix]

REpe

1.) So all in all it would be best to stay away from a 3rd gen Q45?

2.) I will hopefully be getting a full service record soon of the car, and will look for anything that stands out. It is a private seller, but all his maintanence has been done through infiniti.

3.) And is it best to avoid a car that goes through(burns) oil? or is it considered normal for this kind of car?

1.) Not necessarily. Repeat: It is all about conditon and maintenance history. the greater us of elctronics makes it worth obtaining a Nissan backed extended warranty.

2.) Verify OCI and minnimum recommended service at OEM intervals.

3.) More than 1 Qt. in an OCI and I would be upset. VH series don't burn that much until after 250K if not abused.

[Raxephon]

While its somewhat common for VK series motors to burn oil, and this is a little off topic, but has anyone heard of someone putting a VH45DE in a F50?

[qship96]

Illegal to put older motor into newer car, plus I imagine trying to wire up early motor to later electronics would be a nightmare.

Would be easier to just purchase a used LS430, which is a much better car than the F50 anyway.

[Infinitiguy19]

Would be easier to just purchase a used LS430, which is a much better car than the F50 anyway.

The LS430 looks so much like the F50 Q45, I wonder if some one copied some else.

But evertime I see this Kia I think its a mini F50 Q45:

[wildacexxx]

damn the hate is overwhelming

[Raxephon]

......Illegal to put older motor into newer car....

Sounds like an excellent additional reason to do such a swap, seriously.

[PyMets520]

**UPDATE**

Today I got the service record of the 2002 Q45, and found out some of it's history. The car has had two owners. There are no records for the car under the first owner, but as of 40k miles (2nd owner) the car has records. Apparently at around 46k miles the car failed the oil consumption test and had it's engine block replaced. This was done during the 2nd half of 2006. The car has 70k miles on it, therefore that replacement engine only has 24k-25k miles on it.

My question is, if the engine has been replaced, would that fix the oil consumption issue? Or would that new engine burn oil aswell?

[qship96]

The replacement motor may or may not burn oil, just like the original. I personally would pass on any Q45 that has had its engine exchanged at a dealership- too many others to choose from with complete service records and clean bills of health to choose from. When it comes to Q45's, it is always a buyers market.

[elwesso]

personally if its got a fresh block thats a selling point, youre basically getting a car with 30k miles, not bad at all...

Some people may be OCD about a little oil consumption but it doesnt bother me at all. As long as it doesnt consume more than 1 quart per oil change (3-4 months regardless of miles unless excessive), Im happy. In BMW land its normal for the old I6's to consume a quart of oil and that usualyl means its a healthy motor... Kind of anecdotal to compare that but the point still remains.. If it hits hard on all 8 I say go for it, and if its clean I wouldnt worry about...

Finding a VK45 that doesnt consume oil is very hit and miss, if you have records from the last 30k miles thats not bad at all... Clean engines tend not to burn oil, so when you get it go romp on it.. Many motors consume oil worse if theyre driven slow in the city with short trips accumulating carbon on the rings.