Advice on 1999 Q45t

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

I just bought a 1999 Q45t with 173000 miles on it for about $8600.

I told the dealer (not infiniti) that when I buy it and I take it to the mechanic, if I hear of any faults with the car, am bringing it back. the dealer said thats ok and that I have a month's warranty on the car.

now, people, is there any advice you can give me regarding this car?

I have read a lot of outside reviews and I have to say 98% of them were more than average, they were excellent. I heard they 99 q45 is very reliable which is the only reason I bought it.

it starts right up, the engine is quiet as usual

now, any advice on best way to maintain this car and by the way, how much would maintenance cost?

Post by **elwesso** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Well, you definitely have a chance to get a hell of a buy....

With such a high mileage car, you HAVE to make sure fluid changes were timely... Oil changes, transmission fluid, etc.... If I didnt have those documented and accounted for 75% of the car, im not sure i would buy it... At 173k, it should already have 57 oil changes @ 3000 mile interval (golden), 34 at 5000 miles (acceptable)..... A little bit more interval is probably ok, since the high mileage at a young age.....

Take it to an INFINITI dealer and theyll run diagnosis.... Very important and worth the money...

At this mileage, many things could be on their last legs.... But with good maintenance history, they could be VERY healthy and many miles left....

I would have the service records looked up... If you dont ahve them, 100% you MUST do the dealer inspection. Ask them to compile a shopping list of things that need to be done....

The Y33 generation (97-01) is very reliable, more so than the G50 (90-96).... Overall, you shouldnt be scared by the miles, as its a solid reliable car...

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Elwesso

Thanks a million for taken the time to answer me.

I have a few more questions. HOw much might the infiniti dealer inspection cost??

Also, after telling the dealer I will bring back the car if my mechanic says there's something wrong with it, he said i should bring it back to them and they will fix it. (thats what they meant by one month warranty)

also, i plan on doing a complete oil change and some flushing. is the flushing a bad idea?

i dont know if it matters but the next due date as per the sticker on the upper left hand side of the windshield said it is due for servicing at 206,000 miles

Post by **elwesso** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Id say a GOOD dealer inspection would cost about $100... I cheaped out on doing it, and I THOROUGHLY regret doing it.... Dont cheap out, these cars CAN be expensive to fix...

If the dealer will fix about anything that the infiniti dealer says is bad, have them compile a liberal list... All things that are iffy...

Doing a transmission flush is a great idea... An engine flush <hopefully> isnt necessary, but is always a good idea...

Are you a DIYer.....? Also, where are you located.... If your within 50miles of indiananpolis, I could drive down there and take a look for you.... After owning and working on a Q, you learn QUICK what to look for......

Post by **elwesso** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Also, youll want to make sure your other fluids are good.. Rear diff fluid probably hasnt been done (Needs to happen ASAP), PS fluid, brake fluid, etc...

Post by **qship96** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

"bought it with 173000 miles on it,sticker in windsheild says next service due at 206,000 miles" considering these stickers repesent oil change intervals,this would make the big red flag go up!33,000 mile oil change frequency,or rolled back odometer,or error on the operator writing the mileage # on sticker?I would do some quick checking for actual miles documentation thru Infiniti records,carfax,or other work order receipts found in glovebox,or tracking down previous owner-something does not smell good here.

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Thanks elwesso and qship96

I dont know of any free sites to check on this car but if you guys can offer any help, the VIN number of the car is:

JNKBY31A2XM600983

and by the way, elwesso, I live in New Jersey

qship96, if it turns out odometer was rolled back, infiniti dealership can detect it right???

Post by **qship96** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

car-fax report can be purchased for very little money,check on the web,or maybe someone here can run your VIN if they have already paid for access.I am not sure if dealer can detect rollback,but if they find repair order work in their database that does not match the odometer numbers they will be able to tell.look for any old repair orders in glove box for date/ mileage indications,and if possible,old owners name,contact them if possible.

Post by **elwesso** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

EDIT: The dealer has access to the carfax system, so you take it there they should be able to pull it up instantly......

Odometer rollback could be possible.... The digital ones are harder, but not impossible to change....

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

did anyone pay for car fax already??

Post by **Q45tech** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Just did an R&R on a 97Q with 260,000 miles [95% interstate]. Guy sells special windows all over the South.New shocks all around [3rd set], all fluids, plugs, hoses belts.As I remember the alternator, and transmission have been changed, master cylinder, water pumps, lots of hoses most idler pulleys, fan blade, ac compressor and evaporator and some suspension pieces. He probably hasn't spent $13,000 in the last 4 years since the extended 100k warranty expired.........that's less than 8 cents per mile

He comes in every 6-7 weeks for an oil change [4-5k]......we now flush the transmission every 7 months [20k].

The constant highway driving and so few starts per mile makes me believe he can see 400,000 miles or another 4 years.

This car is 100% used for business so there is plenty of tax free reimbursement funds for R&R. $10,000 after the gasoline costs.The car doesn't turn a profit but even with depreciation he is breaking even.............you gotta be special to tolerate almost 40k annual driving for 7 years.

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

q45tech

thank you for your effort.

i haven't actually bought the car but i've left a $500 deposit. am set to pick it up in about a week.

any suggestions on what else to make sure before I drive the car out the dealer's hand?

Post by **elwesso** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Look into the oil filler cap... Only a little bit of brown is acceptable, you should be able to look down and see nice clean metal parts.....

Also, does the back end bounce...? Press the rear of it down, get it bouncing and let go... It should stop pretty much immediately....

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

qship96 wrote:"bought it with 173000 miles on it,sticker in windsheild says next service due at 206,000 miles" considering these stickers repesent oil change intervals,this would make the big red flag go up!33,000 mile oil change frequency,or rolled back odometer,or error on the operator writing the mileage # on sticker?I would do some quick checking for actual miles documentation thru Infiniti records,carfax,or other work order receipts found in glovebox,or tracking down previous owner-something does not smell good here.

I just spoke to the dealer who I'm buying the car from and I asked him how come the 33,000 mile gap in the servicing. i said shouldn't the oil change be done every 5000 miles.

he said the oil change is meant to be done about ever 2500 miles and that the reason for the gap was because he did a complete tune up on the car. he began mentioning a list of things he replaced all of which I can't remember.

but just out of curiousity, like most cars if something is wrong, shouldn't one hear wierd noises when listening closely to the engine????

take for instance, I bought a 1998 cadillac catera a while ago which I had to return because my mechanic said the engine was making some serious noises indicating there are potential problems which could cost over $1000 to fix.

i suppose the 99 q45 isnt like that???

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

The 99Q is a very reliable car.

Wirh that much milage, you are certain to be looking at highway miles, as Q's are rarely used as taxis or Police cars.

Barring some unforseen abuse, the car is likey a good buy.A good inspection wont hurt.

Digital Odometers are beyond the scope of most places to turn.

An Infinti dealer could do it, but wouldnt, as they have way to much money invested to lose their franchise.

Also most folks doing lotsa milage tend to be good at maintaining.Dealers records and/or carfax could be helpful.You could always insist on a free carfax from dealer, as , if the car doesnt sell he can always use it afterwards as an incentive.

Fred...

PS: Cateras sadly have had some issues.

Post by **maxnix** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Anyone mention doing a VIN check throught the dealer or Infiniti Customer service?

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Yes, several posters mentioned checking the dealers records, the method this is done by, is via VIN.

F

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

just outta curiosity, why is this car so rarely seen in public. matter of fact, I have never and I mean never seen this 99 q45 anywhere in jersey. i like that. kinda ironic

Post by **elwesso** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

I guess people would rather buy more expensive, less reliable cars like BMW and MB... You have seen the light brother!!!

Ive said many times that I drive an INFINITI, and people are like "whats that"... They're not too popular, but fortunately the G35 is changing that for the brand!!!

Post by **VA99Q45** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

If you live in Hampton, VA then you would see my 99 Q driving all over town

I saw a couple of 98Qs, but I have yet seen a 99Q in my area.

Here are what I have done so far to the Q:

1. Brought the car to the dealer and let them checked everything. The cost is $180. Also told them to print out all the maintainance record. My car was from a lease return, and the owner has done all the recomemded maintainance. 2. Changed spark plugs3. Flushed transmission, dropped the pan and replaced the filter4. Cleaned the throttle body

I am getting ready to flush the coolant.

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

VA99Q45 wrote:If you live in Hampton, VA then you would see my 99 Q driving all over town

I saw a couple of 98Qs, but I have yet seen a 99Q in my area.

Here are what I have done so far to the Q:

1. Brought the car to the dealer and let them checked everything. The cost is $180. Also told them to print out all the maintainance record. My car was from a lease return, and the owner has done all the recomemded maintainance. 2. Changed spark plugs3. Flushed transmission, dropped the pan and replaced the filter4. Cleaned the throttle body

I am getting ready to flush the coolant.

i goto admit, it does feel good driving in a car almost no one else has. just being different.

anyway, how many miles do you have on your car??

Post by **VA99Q45** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

When I brought the car, it had 62K. Currently it has 64K.

Post by **nuQ** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

truest, are you getting any kind of extended warrenty????? where about in jersey are you from???? there is an excellent independant infiniti master tech in mantua. he could definitly give you an honest evaluation of the Q if you needed it. i could give you any details if needed, and welcome to NICO!!!jeff

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

nuQ wrote:truest, are you getting any kind of extended warrenty????? where about in jersey are you from???? there is an excellent independant infiniti master tech in mantua. he could definitly give you an honest evaluation of the Q if you needed it. i could give you any details if needed, and welcome to NICO!!!jeff

i dont know yet. i'm hearing no company will warranty a car with that many miles on it.

anyway, what I plan on doing is since I have a month's warranty on the car, I plan on taking it to the infiti dealership at least 2 times to so they can point out what may need to be replaced in the near future

Post by **BadQ45t** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

You cannot an extended warranty on a car with that much mileage, no way in hell.

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

nuQ wrote:truest, are you getting any kind of extended warrenty????? where about in jersey are you from???? there is an excellent independant infiniti master tech in mantua. he could definitly give you an honest evaluation of the Q if you needed it. i could give you any details if needed, and welcome to NICO!!!jeff

Please provide me with as much info as you can about this tech from mantua

his phone number if possible and exact shop address.

thank you. how much will he charge for the checkup????

Post by **nuQ** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

truest, his name is keith vanmeter of vanmeter auto in mantua, nj. he is an infiniti master tech who "cut his teeth" on the first gen Q. i believe he was at maple shade infiniti for years but now owns his own shop. he did the chain guides, oil pump, plugs, etc. and did a first class job. he is extremely knowledgable on the Q and would be my first choice to do a "once over" on a potential Q purchase. he is also very reasonable with his pricing. i would let him know that you are a NICO member and heard about him through this site. remind him about jeff's 90Q that got the guides done by him. i'm sure he'll take care of you!!!! if you have any questions, call me at 610-570-8613. glad to help. good luck! jeff

Post by **nuQ** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

sorry!!! his number is 856-415-2022

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

Thanks a gizillion

I will be picking the car up very soon.

thank you

Post by **TRUEST** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:01 am

nuQ wrote:sorry!!! his number is 856-415-2022

I spoke to the guy yesterday and he seems honest enough.

although i love this car enough to know I'm not selling it in the near future, i was starting to feel quite stupid for buying one with this much mileage on it.

when i spoke to this keith guy, he said he wouldn't necessarily worry about mileage on the car if there wasn't any signs of an accident.

i know i still have to have infiniti check it out but what he said made me feel a bit better about the purchase

Advice on 1999 Q45t

Advice on 1999 Q45t

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