Since then I've been enjoying and restoring a classic Saab 900 turbo convertible that has more heart and soul than an Al Green record. After three years and 30,000 miles I've decided that I'm never, ever letting it go (short of a major breakdown or collision), but I do need a practical second car that's comfortable for people to travel long distances in with a beagle.
I just sold my Dodge Ram so I'm sniffing around at what to buy next. A BMW E34 with a manual sounds very appealing, cheap to maintain, and pleasingly comfy. Another Seville would be great, and I definitely could go for a BMW E46 coupe or sedan. But tonight, for whatever reason, I typed "Infiniti Q45" into Youtube and came across this:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0BzetXCFTM[/youtube]
The only other car in this class that approaches the Q's level of vault-like build quality and sumptuousness is the 95-00 Lexus LS400, but the Lexus has the disadvantage of being a bit plain. The Mercedes W124 is just as close in terms of fit and finish and paint quality but its chassis isn't quite as rigid. The E34 5-series is cheap and cheerful and very easy to DIY on (assuming manual I-6) and cheap to maintain, but as a luxury car it isn't on the same level.
I have auction access as a car dealer, both improving and complicating my options, making me prone to buying whatever's a good deal rather than finding a keeper to love and maintain.
I went over my maintenance logs for my 1992 Q45 which I bought in early 2003 for $3600 with 168,000 miles. I sold it 30,000 miles and two years later with new chain guides, fuel pump, tires, radiator, injectors, AC compressor and a mess of other AC stuff, spark plugs, MAF, belts, filters, fluids, pulleys, and more. In all, it came to $6000 in parts and labor for 30,000 miles. Not bad considering the high mileage of the car.
My 2001 Seville STS, sold last year, was bought with 110k for $3800 and sold with about 150k for a cost of $5700. That also includes $500+ for minor body work, $100+ for a bent wheel, expensive wheel bearings (a common problem on late-model GM full size cars) and a bunch of tires I went through until I finally found a set that was vibration-free. The Cadillac was also better on gas, good for 16-26 mpg, while the Q got 15-21. Miraculously, GM's electronic road-sensing suspension never gave me any trouble (could be $500-$2000 depending on chosen solution) and I never had any head gasket issues (anywhere from $2000-$3500).
I went everywhere in this car, roaming the country from coast to coast, driving up and down Gulf coast beaches, wandering through the desert, and zipping through Napa Valley.
http://jesda.com/2012/01/06/part-1-2011 ... s-30-days/
http://jesda.com/2011/05/24/part-1-2011 ... s-32-days/
I remember the Q's 4-speed auto being a bit reluctant during low speed rolling downshifts (say, accelerating from 10-20mph) while the 4T80E Hydramatic in the Cadillac is sublime and solidly dependable. I also remember the Q's seats being a bit firm and nowhere near as plush and comfortable for cross-country traveling as the Seville. Both cars have fairly limited rear leg room. I'd call them about even on styling, and the Q has the obvious handling advantage of rear wheel drive though it lacks a traction and stability system as sophisticated as GM's Stabilitrak, something you don't appreciate until you're in BFE with ice under your tires.
All of these old luxury cars cost plenty of money to keep on the road. The difference is that 10 years later I'm older, making more money, and able to soak up the costs without choosing between food and car parts (I should probably eat less anyway
).Character means a lot to me when it comes to automobiles because I've owned so many and look for uniqueness and a story to set them apart. Last month Car and Driver said of the original Q45, "The Q45's reputation is sterling. In that car was proof that Infiniti could compete with BMW's finest sport sedans."
So, should I go out and buy a nice 94-95 Q45 and relive some of my youth? Will I love it as much as I did a few years ago or am I just being nostalgic?
).
And when on the Vegas strip, the ice-cold G50 air conditioning system blasts icy air in the middle of the desert. My Q blows colder air than my 2009 Murano, and the Q's AC system has never been serviced. The Murano once.
