Any thoughts on this QX4?

[ILuvNkdChx]

Hey guys, I'm a member here but usually post on the Q45 side. Recently my girlfriend started looking at SUV's and I pointed her in the direction of the QX. I found this one on e-bay and didn't know what all your thoughts were on it. I already let the dealership know I will not pay $7,900.00 and will be driving out to NJ from MA this weekend to look it over. Now I realize there is only so much you can see from pictures, and the car is 10 years old, but, my questions to you folks are, what do you think is a reasonable price? What specific things should I be looking for when I go? I know this was the second production year, so what bugs did it have? How much should my "girlfriend" (actually me) expect to spend on maintenance right away, and then per year? Any help would be appreciated I'm just trying to get real world figures to steer her away from getting an Explorer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...=1#lg

[KoukiS14]

looks good, but 8k is def too much. I paid just under 10 for my 99.5 on oct 31 2006, and it had 53k miles.

I'm not exactly sure regarding this, but I believe rear bushings may be a problem in 98? Anyone know when that was fixed? I should know. Timing belt is scheduled for replacement at 105k as well, and that usually seems to run anywhere from 600 - 1100 depending on where you go.

[03Chillinkoot]

Wow that QX looks to be in really good shape, but ya I would try and talk them down in price for sure. Like KoukiS14 said I think the rear control arm links are an issue for this year, I know my bros 97 pathfinder has this issue and I don't think it was fixed till like 99, not 100% sure though. Maintenance wise I would ask the dealer if they have any service records for the truck, if they don't it would be a good idea to replace the diff and t-case fluid, swap the transmission fluid, fuel filter, and maybe a coolant flush. Also look carefully for rust, they tend to rust quite a bit especially in the rear window mouldings. Anyway have fun!

[fueler]

Damn thats low mileage. That thing is going to be dependable. I've got 140k on mine, not a single engine problem to date!

[Chris92SE]

My personal opinion is, if you are going to buy a QX4, get a 2001 or newer. The value on all QX4s are falling like crazy and you can get a 2001 for under $10k with a little searching.

I owned a 2000 QX4 and it was just too underpowered for my taste. I traded it in on a 2001. They get about the same mpg, but the 2001 has an engine (VQ35) that is way smoother and way more powerful. Plus, it has a timing chain instead of a belt.

There are other features in the 2001+ that are worth getting. HIDs, backlit gauges, nicer interior, etc. Depending on the package, the memory seat and audio controls on the steering wheel are great, too.