'96 Q Reliability

[SFBayQ45]

Based on previous posts, the overall opinion is that the 1996 Q is the slowest G50, VVT removed, OBDII added. Does this equate to a smoother or softer ride (even more so than the '94-'95)? Does these modifications result in better "reliability"? How does the "T" model compared to the "standard" or "a" in terms of reliability? Is it safe to assume that the T would not hold up as well to other models of the same year since it's packed for performance, and more likely to be pulled and pushed harder than others. I know it's all based on an individual case basis and whether the previous owner took care/pamper their car, but general speaking what does it all equate to?

[qship96]

I have driven my 96q over 120,000 miles,and can tell you it is a very reliable,enjoyable vehicle.the lack of VVT may make it a bit slower than the 94-95 q,but unless you are racing it,you wont feel much difference in day to day real life situations-the weak spot performance wise is not the lack of VVT or a few horsepower at the top end of the RPM`s-it is the same weak low end caused by the 4 speed transmission gearing,that sometimes leaves you in the hole at lower speeds when you wish it would kick down into first gear,say flooring it above 25-30mph,and second gear is all you get-same with all 90-96q.the addition of OBD2 is an advantage as the car ages,as almost any problem triggers the MIL,and requires less guessing to performance issues the non obd requires-this advantage becomes more and more important as time passes,and the technitions who were trained on the q way back in 1988-89 retire,and the newer crop of techs that work on our cars have less guessing to do to repair them.the A model was not offered in 96,and the T model was very,very similar to the standard model,the only performance additions were forged wheels and a rear stabilizer bar.the springs,shocks,tires,etc were identical to the standard model q.

[Q45tech]

We just spent 2 days chasing an obscure 96 Q 113k problem: no codes but a funky idle sometimes no acceleration problems: new MAF, new IAC, new plugs, injector and induction flush and fuel pressure, injector, ks measurements, new O2 sensor [4].............it was ecu itself..........again no codes.

Wouldn't do a power balance without stalling.

So much for OBD2: it only checks the sensors not necessarily itself.

We are seeing many more 96 Q [the elephant graveyard seems to have moved to ATL].......the lots are sending them from all over US to ATL cause they still sell here.

They pay $5000 at auction and resell for $12,000 -----easy weekly terms $ 3000 down and $75 a week forever!

[SFBayQ45]

I appreciate the feedback QShip96.

And oh yeah, I overlooked the discontinued "active" model when I originally posted the question. Good reminder...

Year-to-Year Changes

1991 Infiniti Q45: Two new options joined for 1991: a traction-control system, and the world's first production "Full-Active Suspension (FAS)" In that latter setup, computer-controlled hydraulic actuators at each wheel generate forces in response to signals from 10 sensors to counteract body lean, nose lift and nose dive, and fore/aft pitch on wavy surfaces.1992 Infiniti Q45: Cars with the Full-Active Suspension were now named "Q45A."

1993 Infiniti Q45: Monotone interiors replaced the former 2 tones, and steering wheels and other items adopted color-keying.

1994 Infiniti Q45: The '94 Q45 arrived in spring 1993, adding a passenger-side airbag. The restyled front end featured a chrome grille and fog lamps. All Q45s now had front seatbelt pretensioners, softer leather seats, and wood inlays. Suspension bushings were softened for an easier ride.

1995 Infiniti Q45: Except for new alloy wheels, the Infiniti flagship carried on without significant change.

1996 Infiniti Q45: The high-cost Q45a dropped out, and V8 engines deleted variable valve timing. Q45 would be redesigned for 1997.Year-to-Year Changes

[SFBayQ45]

We are seeing many more 96 Q [the elephant graveyard seems to have moved to ATL].......the lots are sending them from all over US to ATL cause they still sell here.

Q45tech - When you make reference to the '96 and elephant graveyard, are you insinuating that the '96 is the most unreliable G50?

[Q45tech]

No I use the phrase to explain why their are so many Q in ATL per capita...........elephants are very reliable and they never forget.

Just don't count on early OBD2 to be salvation, true you can at least buy a cheap scanner to read codes but esoteric problems still require brain power.

Off topic but the other day we received a brand new KS Harness that was wired wrong.......the single wire that connects to the KS was reversed [on both connrectors] shorting the harness to ground.........great to find out after you install, then you get to do the whole job over again.

Some body had a bad day [or two in Japan? China?]

[elwesso]

... Or mexico!!

I dont really see the 96 as much better or worse..... IMHO its a wash, you have OBDII but no VVT......

Id stick with more performance, I dont mind checking my ECU codes myself and using the FSM...

90-94 Q45t's had HICAS, 95 and 96 just had the flimsy rear sway bar... I dont see any reason why the 95 and 96 wouldnt be any different... I dont think HICAS is that big of a deal either way.....

Generally speaking, I dont think that the way you drive the Q equates into better reliability... IN FACT, I think its better to drive it hard... Ive been working with 2 Q right now that are alleged to have clogged injectors and valves, and the easiest way to keep them clean is to drive the car hard... Get the fuel pressure up to max and beat the tar out of the thing......

Dennis I know drives very aggressiively and I dont think that many if any of the problems would be different had he driven mostly conservatively..... After working and dealing with Q, I see that everything is built to last, and is pretty heavy duty......

[Fastlane]

I have a stock 96 Q45 with 143k miles (90% highway). I have put on 103k of those miles. The only things that I have done are scheduled maintainance and regular fluid changes with all Mobil 1 products. I put on a mimimum of 85 miles a day Mon-Fri. and usually around 95- 100.

The oil gets changed about every six weeks and the transmission & Torque converter are flushed every 20,000K. The differential is done about every 30-40,000k.

I think the performance is better than people give it credit for.

I took it to Moroso Motor Speedway and ran 15.8 @ 90mph in the 1/4. That was with 1/2 full gas tank and a driver that weighs 250 lbs. I'm pretty sure I can knock a couple of .10's off those times with track experience. Not too far off from the 94 & 95's.

I'd really be interested to see some comparative times for stock high mileage Q45's.

[tkd_q45]

Having moved from a 92 to a 96 I don't seem to see power as much of a problem. I don't "performance drive" but I do take note when driving and will drive briskly. I have yet to take our 96 into the twisties but off the line, it feels quite responsive due to the 1st gear start. In casual everyday driving, I don't miss the power difference.

I am surprised however by the cost cutting measure when comparing the 92 to the 96 (I don't when they started this) but:

1. Exterior door handles are now plastic - MAJOR letdown

2. Sunroof is no longer one touch open

3. Door panels look to be vinyl instead of leather

4. Headliner is now obviously a cheaper grade - another major letdown

5. Interior door handles, though now chromed, are plastic

6. I suspect that throughout the car's interior, many of the parts that were leather are now plastic.

This is not to say that a 96 is not a good car. It's just that the cost cutting measures are just, how can I say...LAME in such a high end car.

Now with all that said, you might be asking youself "why the Hell did this guy buy a 96?" - Well I don't have the luxury of time to really shop as our 92 unexpectedly had a castastrophic breakdown and we were/are in the middle of a home purchase, being involved in a relatives wedding, having relatives from out of town visit on top of having to work long hours. When I looked at the 96 it had full service records and though was not perfect was in really clean shape. I did know that the later years had some cost cutting measures implemented but I didn't realize how extensive they were. Fortuanately, it's my wife's car and she's happy and in the end, that's all that really matters, right?

[DAEDALUS]

Tom! Glad you're at least sticking with the brand. How's the new home? Moved in yet?

[tkd_q45]

Robert - Have a Trader Joes gift certificate I still need to send your way! Been REALLY busy with the move & legal and financial issues on top of family and work. I AM TIRED!

I now have a garage!!!!!!!!!!!! The Q we got is in nice shape, not perfect but really clean and well mantianed. I'm just appauled at the ways Infiniti cut corners on the 96! I was too tired/distracted w/life to notice these things when we originally looked at the car. And the seller really bent over backwards to accomodate (is a BMW salesman) and cosmetically fixed the few scratches there were. I don't know why I care that the car is clean because as you know my wife and daughter will DESTROY this car! But it is nice to have a newer, cleaner car and this time I WILL replace the under plenum hoses in a timely manner.

[SFBayQ45]

...time I WILL replace the under plenum hoses in a timely manner.

What's the significance of that reference to the plenum hose replacement? That doesn't have anything to do with the "92['s] unexpectedly...castastrophic breakdown", does it? Or was that breakdown a result of the documented chain guide issue instead?

[tkd_q45]

There are a mulititude of hoses under the plenum. Apparently at least one of them has coolant running through it as I have coolant leaking under my plenum. I've never had the hoses replaced and this one is failing badly (you can hear the hiss/smell the coolant). Mybad for not doing some preventive maintainance. On my 92 the chain guides did fail (that was before I discovered this forum) but fortuanately I had an extended warentee that covered the damage. The Infiniti dealer installed an new short block. That being the case, it's a shame that I've ended up in this predicatment. If you are curious as to what happened w/the overheat see this old link:

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....eated

[Q45tech]

Interesting 94Q [pretty pristine with 90k] purchased from ebay.......the buyer sold it to another guy [after a week of ownership] for $6,000 plus paying his $1800 [T3 bill] and we listed the usally other $1200 that was not repaired. [needs new shocks and better tires, transmission mount, some othe minor rack bushings other rubber replacement].

He thought he got ripped off because a 90k [nice paint, nice interior] ........10 year old car needed $3,000 in work.

Even if fixed up to perfection $9,000 for a 90k 94Q in that condition is a good buy.........considering that he saw our customers 323,000 mile 94 come in for service.

[Jesda]

Dennis, can you briefly cover just the major services done to that 94 Q with 323k?

Thanks,-Jesda