'95 Q45 great car and want to keep it that way

[sandydennis2326876]

I have not been on this forum for quite awhile.
I have a 1995 Q45 (not t) 161,000 miles , bought in 1996, I'm second owner and have tried to keep in good mechanical condition. It's a city car (San Francisco) so dents and dings galore as well as front seat wear.
I have a great local independent service company. They have done the total under plenum work that you guys requested a few years ago. Also trans fluid BG flush replace twice. New Steering rack ( 3yrs ago), knock sensors, blue struts shocks, most hoses, transmission mounts, fuel pump( 4 years ago) and all fluids replaced constantly. I put 4,000 miles per year on car.
I know the transmission is on the watch list and does have a shift delay but repair guy does not seem concern. He will replace items with OEM if available but only when it breaks.
My service gentleman is very fair and will advise if parts DO NOT need work, as opposed to the local Infiniti dealer who will replace everything in a second.
I have orders from the husband 'if' something on the Q breaks and cost a few thousands "dump the car"..... SO.. I want to get ahead of the game. I can do everything if done in advance of the breakage. (I know, makes no sense).

My DIY abilities are zilch , but have somewhat of an unlimited budget ,(everyday car is a LS430).... thus time to replace as much as possible within reason (under $8000). I have put 10 grand in already over the 18 years and its been worth it.

Also looking to replace beige seats (driver and passenger) not likely though.
So any suggestions would be helpful.

[AZhitman]

You're in the right place, as you probably knew... the largest assemblage of 45 experts on the web in one place.

Others will chime in, but for now, it sounds like you've got the major issues covered. 4k a year is low mileage, so she should last you a LONG time if you're watching for evidence of component failure. Make sure the fuel pump is quiet, and I'd say it's safe to splurge on re-covering the front seats.

[goody90q45]

.........Also looking to replace beige seats (driver and passenger) not likely though.
So any suggestions would be helpful.

Keep checking Craigslist and you may see a good deal come up on a tired Q with nice leather. You could buy the car, swap out the seats in about an hour (4 bolts, one electrical connector) and then donate the car to charity and have a nice tax deduction. If you can get a hold of a Q45t they have heated seats and the connectors are already in your Q under the center console. Good luck.

[Skibane]

4k a year is low mileage, so she should last you a LONG time if you're watching for evidence of component failure.

Yep - If anything, you might see more problems due to not driving the car often enough:

- Parts with rubber seals in them dry out and crack, due to lack of circulating motor oil, automatic transmission fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, rear axle oil, etc.

- Fuel that sits in the tank a long time tends to accumulate moisture, which can corrode fuel system parts.

- The rubber preservatives in the tires doesn't get any opportunity to work their way to outside tire surfaces, resulting in cracks and dry-rot.

- The battery partially self-discharges, shortening its lifespan - and also places a strain on the alternator as it attempts to recharge a half-dead battery.

Ideally, you should drive your Q a least once a week - and make the trip long enough to get the car thoroughly warmed up.