Another Q45 - What's a 96 like?

[OwnerCS]

My 18 yo son found a 96 Q45 up Hwy 67 (on Craig's list) for sale that he wants me to check out.

What are 96 models like? I'm not so sure about the price..

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/1892572698.html

[BCC93QT]

I have heard they are the most complicated to work on due to the OBD upgrade. Only real difference i have heard on that year

[RustyBucket]

They won't have the variable valve timing system in them, so they won't be as quick as the 90-95. Some of the electrical connectors in the engine bay will probably be different as well.

[OwnerCS]

I have heard they are the most complicated to work on due to the OBD upgrade. Only real difference i have heard on that year

Was that the beginning for OBD II ?

[BCC93QT]

As far as i know yes it was the beginning of OBD II. I would steer clear of the 96 but at the right price go for it.

[qship96]

1996 was the 1st year of OBD2 for the q45.......as a long term owner { well over a decade}r who has personally driven my 96Q over 240,000 of its total 260,000 current miles- I can tell you the obd2 system is fantastic- the check engine lamp has only illuminated 4-5 times in all those miles, and each time reading the codes has lead me streight to the problem and repair.......it greatly simplifies diagnosis efforts. As far as being "slower" than a 94-95Q, dont believe what others are only repeating what they have read here, soo few have actually ever driven, much less seen a 1996Q in person as it was the lowest production year of the 90-96 series......the fastest ever totally stock engine 1/4 mile time for a 90-96Q on this board was performed by a 1996 model { search rsiwicki posts for actual times he posted}

[OwnerCS]

For my son's purposes -- if his car doesn't have VVT then he won't be trying to invoke it.. :-)

Is there a way to set the govenor for a top speed of 75 mph? LOL.. :-)

[lino]

What are 96 models like? I'm not so sure about the price..

From http://www.q45.org:

"1996 Infiniti Q45: V8 engines deleted variable valve timing to meet new US emissions standards. Power was still advertised as 278hp, but now reflected actual output. ODB II was introduced, making diagnostics a bit easier. This year some leather interior pieces were replaced with vinyl. Metal handles were replaced with plastic. The headliner material also changed, possibly in late 1995. Due to financial difficulties, Nissan was forced to take these measures on the interior, but the 96 Q45 is among the most reliable and easiest to diagnose of the G50 series, as well as the most environmentally friendly on emissions."

Regarding the price....Every used car requires work, the question is how much. Does it need tires, brakes, suspension work, injectors, MAF, fuel pump, fluids, body work/paintwork, etc... (Check out the driver's side quarter panel)

If you buy a Q45 for $1500 or for $4500 the biggest difference will be how much $$$ you need to put into now. Judging by where the owner lives, I one can make the assumption that the ~$3000/year running/maintenance costs have not been met.

For my son's purposes -- if his car doesn't have VVT then he won't be trying to invoke it.. :-)

Is there a way to set the govenor for a top speed of 75 mph? LOL.. :-)

Nico ECU in Valet mode .

[qship96]

More misinformation..... there is absolutly no difference in headliner between 95-96 models, and no leather pieces were replaced with vinyl from 94-96 models........

[OwnerCS]

Thanks for the info. The valet mode sounds like the perfect solution. I'm starting to love computerized cars.. I aim to go check it out this weekend.

Since that car is located in J-ville, I'm bet its owner is in the Air Force -- either active or retired. It most likely moved here from some other area as the local dealer really didn't get rolling until the junior Infiniti models were introduced.

My 91 was originally sold to an oil executive in Midland/Odessa TX by Bob Moore Infiniti in OKC. Moore partnered with Emerson Fittipaldi on some OKC business ventures -- which I believe explains the Q's Fittipaldi wheels.

[qship96]

The
fitipaldi wheels were marketed to most Infiniti dealers who put them on their cars sitting in the showroom to add a little bling and extra profits to each sale {many thought the early stock wheels were ugly enough to hamper sales} along with the wheel upgrade, most dealers added woodtrim dash kits and other highly profitable add-ons to boost sticker prices- it was not uncommon to go into the Infiniti dealers in 1990-1993 and see over $5000 added to the window sticker for these above "improvements' along with grossly overpriced "paint sealants/protection packages".....best a potential customer could do was to negotiate downward from these overpriced add-ons as dealers were smart enough to add these as soon as cars were unloaded off the trucks......almost a forced extra profit on each and every car.

[Q451990]

One good thing is that although the '96 is OBDII, Nissan kept dual diagnostic connections on the early OBDII models, so your laptop consult will still work.

If it hasn't been wrecked and has been maintained fairly well, I think it might be worth a look. The rocker covers and plenum should polish up just as nicely

Heath

[OwnerCS]

So far the seller has their cell phone turned off or forwards all calls straight to VM. I've been trying to reach them all day with no luck. I have a feeling the car has already been sold. Oh well..

[lino]

This one might be worth a phone call just to see what the story is:

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1895514003.html

[OwnerCS]

My youngest (14 yo) son located a non running green and tan 94 in my area.. I aim to check it out this afternoon.. He wants a VH45DE to take all apart..

[OwnerCS]

I"m beginning to think finding a 96 Q isn't in the cards..

The 96 Q45 reappeared on Craig's list. I went to visit the seller and found quite a troubled car. Several dents on the drivers side -- leather drivers seat -- all but gone -- check engine light on. So noted the light and drive it to advance auto for a quick OBD diagnostic. It needs Knock Sensors, Oxygen Sensors, and an EGR valve -- if anything else goes on this car, it will be going to the scrap yard. Mine running on 6 cylinders ourperformed this car. Based on what I'm seeing club members find around the country, the next stop for this one is to become a parts car.

I may have more luck trying to find a 2nd generation.

[BadQ45t]

Not to knock the 1st Gen Q, cause I'm a fan....but let's face it the 1st Gens are mostly heading for massive service issues, at least the ones that are for sale. There are just fewer things that go wrong on 2nd Gen and for what they are worth (nothing) you can get some really good deals out there. I think the better overall choice is 2nd Gen for the cash at this point.

[OwnerCS]

Good advice I'm sure. There was a black 2nd gen in my neighborhood last year that was beautiful.

I don't think this is the same car, but the only 2nd gen for sale around here. I think it can be purchased for less than asking no doubt.

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/ctd/1996404386.html

[BadQ45t]

Get a good mechanic to look at the power steering issue and ensure it is just the pump. Also consider that you might want to find the best car regardless of where it is located. But one thing they don't tell you the mileage on this, but compared to others listed on Autotrader in the 100-140k range this is a discount (unless it has 200k miles on it) probably reflecting these repairs. I would get a diagnosis of the power steering pump/rack condition and also for this one decide if you want the sun roof or you just want to make sure it is closed completely and really doesn't leak. Since these have steel roofs the anyoying glass will not be there.

You still need to plan to stick 2-3k into one of these if you buy one....plus you will have to refresh the suspension as well. But for less than $7,500 you could have a very nice car.

[OwnerCS]

Get a good mechanic to look at the power steering issue and ensure it is just the pump. Also consider that you might want to find the best car regardless of where it is located. But one thing they don't tell you the mileage on this, but compared to others listed on Autotrader in the 100-140k range this is a discount (unless it has 200k miles on it) probably reflecting these repairs. I would get a diagnosis of the power steering pump/rack condition and also for this one decide if you want the sun roof or you just want to make sure it is closed completely and really doesn't leak. Since these have steel roofs the anyoying glass will not be there.

You still need to plan to stick 2-3k into one of these if you buy one....plus you will have to refresh the suspension as well. But for less than $7,500 you could have a very nice car.

Good advice indeed.. Unlike Q1, Q2 WILL need to be a daily driver..

[JCQ45]

Hey I came upon this thread after purchasing the exact car in the ad! How freakishly weird! Anyway I got the car running good for about 100 bucks. There was a short in the knock sensor harness and the egr code stayed off after clearing it. Oh and the post cat 02 sensor wires were cut. This car burns rubber now and is the best money i have ever spent. You know how crappy it was running well it is 100% night and day different now. He let it go for for $2000 Anyway just thought you should know a real mechanic bought the car and it was properly fixed. I've had it for about 5 days now.

[OwnerCS]

Congratulations!

Glad to see it found a good owner. He wasn't about to budge on price when I talked to him. I think he was asking around $2,500 at that time. No doubt the trip to Advance must have later reset some expectations that worked out to your advantage in the end.

Do you have a shop?

I know of a 90 model around here that will need transmission help sooner than later and eventually timing chain guides.

[JCQ45]

I work for Roberts-McNutt Roofing company as their technician, they allow me to use their shop o

[JCQ45]

I work for Roberts-McNutt Roofing company as their automotive/ general technician, they allow me to use their shop on occasion, but I was able to handle this one in the driveway. One thing I dont do is bodywork Do you know fo a reputable place here in NLR?

[JCQ45]

Sorry for the errant post. I also thought I should note that when I bought the car the check engine light was disconnected lol. I drove the car and knew immediately that it was in limp mode by how it was driving. I noticed the light wouldnt even do a self check at startup. Thats why I got it for a litte bit cheaper. If you would like to go for a ride I would be happy to oblige just so you can see the power that a 96 does have. I have never driven a VTC equipped q but I dont think I'll be missing it.

[Rex]

For my son's purposes -- if his car doesn't have VVT then he won't be trying to invoke it.. :-)

Is there a way to set the govenor for a top speed of 75 mph? LOL.. :-)

Nico ECU in Valet mode .

FYI, I don't think the NICO ECU will work in a 96, might want to check with Wes

[OwnerCS]

Sorry for the errant post. I also thought I should note that when I bought the car the check engine light was disconnected lol. I drove the car and knew immediately that it was in limp mode by how it was driving. I noticed the light wouldnt even do a self check at startup. Thats why I got it for a litte bit cheaper. If you would like to go for a ride I would be happy to oblige just so you can see the power that a 96 does have. I have never driven a VTC equipped q but I dont think I'll be missing it.

Thanks for the offer! I remember I thought it had a good sounding stereo and I liked the A pillar speakers.

Amazing how those check engine light plugs can just jump right out of the socket connection.. LOL

If the part I ordered yesterday arrives by 11/24 then I hope to have mine all back together by Thanksgiving. I need to pick up a soda blaster at Harbor Freight in LR to do some underhood finishing this weekend. I'll soon order some Tokiko shocks as I need to replace the rear ASAP

The pull-a-part in Memphis has a 94 model that arrived mid-October. I scavenged all good items that I could carry away from the other two 94 models on the yard, so I guess they sent those to the crusher. I might get to make a run over there during Thanksgiving week or weekend to see what is still available. You're welcome to join me on the trip as I stay until it closes (was 6:00 PM last time) then drive back to LR from there.

Seems like the body on the 90 model at Pull-a-Part was in good shape as I recall. I guess a timing chain must have killed it. You might be able to get replacement body panels from Pull-A-Part for cheap -- then it would be a matter of just getting it repainted.

There's a 94 active model in southwest LR (off Chicot) road. The guy is trying to sell it as a parts car -- because it doesn't run. He put some new B.F. Goodrich radials on it just before it stopped starting. He's trying to recover some of the tire expense on the part sell.
There might be some parts on it that you could use in the future. I've about got all the 94 upgrades installed or procured for mine.

That 96 model was the first Q that I have driven that takes off in 1st gear. I have a 94 TCU ready to install in mine. I don't think you would want to drive one like mine that takes off in 2nd gear after driving that 96. The first time I drove my 91 model the transmission reminded me of an old Buick transmission named Dynaflow..

[JCQ45]

I am actually from Osceola, which is not too far from Memphis. I recently moved to LR due to my fiance's enrolment at UALR. I left everything I had going for me in NEA to move to Little Rock. It was tough finding a job, but I finaly did and I was driving a 90 model jeep cherokee. After buying this car and getting it lined out I feel truly blessed. These cars are so quiet and powerful, It seems ike it should have cost me way more than two grand. I am in the market for a drivers seat as Im sure you have guessed. Finding one in good shape is going to be tough.

[OwnerCS]

Welcome to NICO and the Rock!

Well I'm glad it worked and want you to know that we're here to help.

I think seats from a 94-96 will work. There was a gold 94 in Memphis with the same interior. As I recall the back seat was in good condition. I think the leather could be harvested from that back seat to repair your driver seat.

I went to Memphis and found that 94 thinking the leather would match my 91. I bought a headrest and brought it home with me to compare to my car. The color is just slightly different. If the color had matched, I would have went back for the back seat.

If you like, I'll give you the headrest from that 94 that should match yours so you will have a matching spare.

[JCQ45]

Thanks for the warm welcome and I am sure glad to know there are people in my area that appreciate these cars. To be honest I didn't know what I was getting into when I bought the car. I just fell in love with it and dove in. It really cleaned up nicely. It seems as if it sat for a very long time before the owner posted the listing. It had bad gas in it and the tires looked really old. Not worn, just old. The interior aside from the seat, is really in flawless condition,these cars are built very well.


I must say I hate the wheels but eh, they kinda add the original, old school look to the car...so I think they will stay. I would like to add some wider tires, but I cant find a definate consensus as to what is the widest tire that can be ran on the stock 15's? Im thinking 245??