Are we insane, or smarter than everyone?

[elwesso]

After reading clyons thread about the G35, it always brings into my head what brings people to buying a Q45, and actually keeping it and restoring it.

If you are one of the many people that bought a G50 because it was cheap, and barely maintain it, this does NOT pertain to you. If all your rubber components (engine and suspension), fluids, brakes, etc are not brand new or recently replaced............... basically, if you dont know WHEN it was done, this does not apply to you.

I hate to sound like this, but this almost doesnt apply to any other Q45 chassis other than the G50. Y33's were a lot simpler, and are newer therefore requiring less maintenance now, but theyre catching up. F50s are still babies, so they still got a good 4-5 years before they start needing a major overhaul.

This applies to the ELITE CLASS of Q45 owners, who bought them, cheap or not, and have sunk endless time and money into them to make them some of the best performing cars on the road in its class...

The point of this thread is to raise the question: Is owing a Q45 with the purpose to restore it an effort in futility, or is it actually a smart move in acquiring autmotive excellence?

It seems that I've had a better experience with my Q than most others have.. Ive had no failures (other than the engine in my 1st Q, that doesnt count). Never had an injector go bad (knock on wood).. Just modifications, and maintenance.

ANYWAYMy justification for this is as follows. Lets say i have $15,000 to spend on a car.... What can I get for that price range, in a sporty but luxury sedan with roughly 300 HP?

Cadillac STSInfiniti Q45BMW 5 Series, maybe an older M5Mercedes E ClassAudi A6Jaguar XJ8 or XJR*let me know if Im missing anything*

If you look at intial cost, the Q45 and the STS are probably the lowest on there, mainly because they are the oldest out fo the bunch.

If you care about driving, who really wants FWD? That takes out the STS, not to mention the headache that is the northstar. the 4.0 Jag isnt a bad choice, but will cost 2x as much as a G50. The BMW is also a good choice, and the available manual trans is tempting! The mercedes and audi are probably too troublesome to own, meaning that you can have ridiculous problems even after you replace things. mainly im talking about electrical issues. Q45s have very few electrical issues that are seemingly "unsolvable".

Basically, there arent very many cars out there that will love you back if you love them. The G50 is an ultra reliable car, once you have new components and keep them nice by maintaining them, things DONT BREAK. Not to mention, it probably has some of the cheapest parts out fo that list, outside of the STS.

I can watch ebay for a week, pick out a clean cosmetic Q for under 5 grand ALL DAY... Lets assume the car is a great looking parts car, so what would it cost to bring it back to OEM (since we're assuming we have to replace everything).

This is just parts.$1500 for a new JDM motor$2000 for a new trans from Joe$300 for new brakes$800 for new wheels and tires (since you cant get good tires in 15 anymore)$2000 to rehab the suspension and other rubber components (add 1500 if its an active)$3000 for other misc stuff you didnt see coming.$500 for basic essential mods like ECU, FSTB, active rear bar, etc

so around 10 grand in parts, maybe most of that $3000 is in labor, who knows. I dont know if you can get just a TRANSMISSION for any of those other cars under 4 grand, brand new from the factory...

Obviously, this is buying brand new parts off the shelf and going crazy, you can clearly do a lot better. Most decently maintained VH45s and RE4R03A's will not need replaced, just some TLC assuming they work from the get go. its amazing how well these transmissions last with just fluid changes. Ive heard numerous cases of transmissions slipping and being on their death bed and end up being rock solid after a double trans flush. A friend of mine from atlanta has 280k on his original 1994 transmission with NO EXTERNAL cooler. Sure its a little sluggish, but it works still, and as far as i know worked nearly as new until 250k miles.

SO, what do you end up with? In my opinion, you end up with a car that will require not much more maintenance over the next 100k miles than a honda civic or toyota camry, will hang with nearly any car on the highway (wont necessarily beat everything, but wont be embarrassed), and a car that you can drive until and not feel like stopping until it runs out of gas. All of this for under $15 grand.

Its a shame that the initial cost puts these cars in that hands of people that either cant handle them or cant afford them. Now if we start talking about ACTIVE Q45's, then we're in a whole different ballpark and that car is probably unbeatable.

Sorry for the long post, but I like to hear these peoples comments. The ONLY OTHER car I woudl get rid of my Q for is a BMW M5, regardless of year. I cant think of any other car I'd rather have to replace my Q.

[Haitian_King]

Half Cuckoo, Half Crazy.

That describes Q owners I guess. I wouldn't trade my Q for anything. And if I did, I'd sell the new car and pick up 2 more Q's.

I'm waiting until mine turns 20 and then have it branded as an antique. Hopefully, my Q will one day fetch a nice sum from Barret-Jackson. Who knows.

Until then, I LOVE MY ****ING CAR!!!!

[cccpman]

I think I have been one of the less fortunate owners here, time and time again a part that was just replaced decides its time to go the way of its predecessor and die. Now I either have a dead starter/relay, or a starter/relay/seized engine, or even a starter/relay/flooded engine. Most people would saw screw it once again and throw the car out, I plan on spending the next year if I have to getting it on the road. From being abused for years by a previous owner, let sit for over a year, having parts fail left and right, now this... I think I might qualify as crazy at this point when but when push comes to shove and its all said and done I will end up with something that rivals some of the best cars out there today. Kind of get a bond with the car like you do a person, and this 'car' saved my life

Hell if anything this is like going to automotive school, I cant wait for school to get out and be able to enjoy the fruits

Your not crazy Wes, you need to get on the highway right now and open that throttle up, listen to the roar, look at the Audi or BMW owner and smile as they return the look with disbelief and fear - they are usually more upset because they have a brand new car daddy bought them and your car (As old as they are) just passed them at 130 mph with ease

It is one of the last cars in existence that is there to enjoy, not just get you from point A to B, or pick up the ladies

[Q45tech]

I've spent about $45,000 since 1990 maintaining and repairing my Q.That's about 14 cents per mile since mile one.Up to 100k it was only $8,000 then 19 cents per mile thereafter.

I cannot find a 300HP V8 RWD car to drive that cost less than $3,000 per year to own plus taxes, insurance, and gasoline say another $3,000 or $6,000 per year total.

My son drives an every option 2008 Black Crown Vic my 17 year old Q gets better MPG and is way way faster and stops and handles better............his has GA Offical Plates and hidden strobe lights and siren.

The CV is total shot and replaced every 100k/3 years even with the best prisoner mechanic mainteance.

[Jesda]

When I bought it back in 2003, the Q was the best car I had ever owned. The second one I didnt care much for despite being in excellent condition. My automotive tastes expanded by 2006 and I started to lose interest, despite trying my best to love it.

It still is one of the most enjoyable cars on the road and one of the best luxury-performance values ever, but its good to move on.

I also got sick of driving a to-do list with worries of being left on the side of the road. My non-Northstar Cadillac will outdo the Q for reliability, and the 5-series will outclass and outhandle it. BMW parts are cheaper too. Cadillac parts are quite expensive due to a lack of sharing with other GM products.

Also note that my FWD STS is hundreds of pounds lighter and more balanced and secure in routine and emergency handling than the G50. See the active suspension VHS video released by Infiniti in 1994 for evidence. The Q needed an expensive, heavy, and complicated active system to beat the STS.

Its a shame the very quick Northstar STS was such an unreliable pain. Only now, in RWD form, after being 80% redesigned, is the Northstar a dependable engine.

Hmm... maybe in retrospect I didn't really love my Qs. Of the past cars I've owned, only the BMW 5-series is one I'd seek out and buy again.

I would not buy another G50.

[louiegz]

To get off the subject, Jes, your Range Rover is nice. I'm not into trucks but if I was, I'd drive that.

Your also right about the 5-series. That whould be the car I'd want.

[Q45man1]

Yeah I've already spent closed to $10K in less than 1 year and I'm not even finish with others stuff.New paint, winshieldReupholstered front seatsNICO ECU, stage 2, upgraded TCU, new batteryFSTB, active sway barnew injectors, plugsnew FP, FPCU, fuel tankNew Tokico blues, upper links, and misc. small stuffnext... 18" rims

Despite the expenses, I'll love my Q and wouldn't trade for anything else. The BMW M5 is my target next time and I'll keep my Q for sure.

[jmorasch]

GREAT TOPIC!!!! Ive always been into performance... I was into chevy until a trip to a wholesaler and bought a Q45 for the misses.I use to work for NISSAN service of olathe.the service manager traded in his trans am for a Q45 that somebody had traded in for a new car.He had a bad ta too. there was just something about the car when I got the chance to drive it. that was back in 1996.when we went to the wholesaler she decided she wanted the Q. I wasnt to happy about it but bought it with 135k.I drove the car from time to time,and the more I drove the car the more the Visons of vetts vanished.then I was truly blessed to find the Q45t with a body kit and good body,frame,etc. this car hadnt been run into the dirt.the cam chains were suppose to be broke.they werent. Ive spent alot of time and money on it so far,and plan on doing alot more to it as my budget allows.Ive got a kawasaki zx11 that sits on a 75degree morning because I choose to drive the Q.this is a man that rode his motorcycle in dec. sometimes because he loves to ride. THERES SOMETHINGABOUT THE Q45. yeah theres a few cars Id drive for a turn or two,but I dont think that Id choose another car to own.you take care of your Q,it takes care of you.granted Im not very wise to the mechanics of the car...but since Ive become a member of NICO Im comfortable with doing things myself on the engine. QUALITY and CLASS are the concepts of the Q. inside and out. the Q45 is like a good woman. each one is diffrent,its got its own Quirks and your bound to deal with them from time to time but you learn to accept them because of what you know you have...Im seriously considering buying another 91Q that has a brand new engine and alot of tlc.but Id be dealing with the same issue the guy that selling it is now.his wife is sick of his car sitting in the garage only to be driven on a nice sunday afternoon.but a car like that for 2k is very hard to pass up knowing what I know about the Q now. the g50 is an awesome car!!!!

[cccpman]

I suddenly got depressed when I saw two owner I really respect sell their cars and out of the blue denounce the Q, and then claim they are sick of G50's and would never consider buying another one. Really... to claim you didn't love a car you put so much work into, maybe its the fact they have a new toy, when the toy hits 15 im sure thoughts will be different. Some people pass good things up because they no longer want to put the work into it, Q owners are a different breed (those that this topic pertains to) and thats something to be proud of. It requires dedication and a strong will, and an intelligent owner, the kind of people you get to know in life and love

The G50 will never be the fastest car on the road again, it will never have the most advanced suspension, engine, or body, but what it does have is an awesome excellence that comes with great everything. I never before have driven a car I could hold at redline for minutes on end, or take a 5 day road trip without fearing how I would be able to walk when the trips over. Maybe it is one of those 'First true love' things

Oh well others short sightedness or disillusion will not harm my enjoyment of this awesome machine(no stabs at anybody in particular)

[3Q Jay]

a little of both, i expect.this thread applies to me as much as if not more so than other G50 owners.i don't say that to get into a pissing match with anyone, but i KNOW that i've earned my G50.i posted a few weeks back on silver. my investment to date is under $14k including the 18's, which with many hours of self labor has yielded a $60k msrp car of 13 years ago with an effective age now in my estimation of 3 to 4 years old.i live in an area surrounded by new BMW, MB, RangRov, Lexus, Porsche, and my 14 yo factory paint looks as good as any of em.

i think it was Dennis that said the G50 was just average by today's standards. that's true. it's taken the rest of the pack that long to catch up. that's not to say there are not other nice cars of this vintage around, and i've seriously considered owning a 95ish 7-series before buying the 2nd active. considering the sales volume and number of iterations that BMW, Jag, Caddy flagships have had, the G50 is further remarkable in how *right* the nissan engineers got it on their first try.

oh, one other thing: what did i drive before the silver G50? a day one 2003 V35 (G35 sedan). don't miss that car at all.

[Q45denver]

Q45's

I've spent about $45,000 since 1990 maintaining and repairing my Q.That's about 14 cents per mile since mile one.Up to 100k it was only $8,000 then 19 cents per mile thereafter.

I cannot find a 300HP V8 RWD car to drive that cost less than $3,000 per year to own plus taxes, insurance, and gasoline say another $3,000 or $6,000 per year total.

My son drives an every option 2008 Black Crown Vic my 17 year old Q gets better MPG and is way way faster and stops and handles better............his has GA Offical Plates and hidden strobe lights and siren.

The CV is total shot and replaced every 100k/3 years even with the best prisoner mechanic mainteance.

Doesn't say much for American car quality!! My luck with German cars has not been much better and I won't say anything about the British.

I bet if you factor out the catastrophic failures like chain guides and fuel injectors, the Q45 is not that much more to keep up than a Honda Civic if you maintain it yourself considering that the Honda will be long rusted and dented to hell before the Q or you might wish it was.

[Jesda]

Cars aside, I can certainly say that the best bunch of people I've met are Q owners.

Without this forum and all the experts and aspiring experts, I don't think people would be as into these old cars as they are. When you have a large support network like this, you become more willing to try new things, tackle repairs on your own, and become intimately involved with the vehicle.

60s Mustangs, by most measures, were never great cars, but because of their popularity and vast availability of clubs and information, people get deeply involved, sinking in thousands of dollars and countless hours.

[Jesda]

i live in an area surrounded by new BMW, MB, RangRov, Lexus, Porsche, and my 14 yo factory paint looks as good as any of em.

Nothing is painted as well as an old G50. My RR has a door thats slightly darker than the rest of the body. It has never been in an accident, which means that the painters in Solihull, England made an error.

[Peterofdevon]

Nothing is painted as well as an old G50.

Well as to this thread, Wes, Q45tech and all of us who love these cars. They are a passion that pays huge rewards when they are brought to better then OEM.

My daily driver GreenQ, Jesda, had a slight fender bender in a parking lot---the guy came in the office and asked who owned a green Q...my heart sunk. But it was only a minor front fender. Thanks gosh for him being a good guy...

Anyway, as it was in the body shop getting the fender fixed and a front bumper spray I decided to put on a new rear bumper(from one of my boo boos)and have the car buffed out...OMG it came up so beautiful...like its been garaged for 12 years!!!

I can't stop looking at it.

Yes these cars are true passion. They bring me much joy. As you all must know by now...I've had five G50s and currently own two better than OEM. I've been driving a G50 since 1992. I love them.

Peter

[Haitian_King]

That's what I love to hear Peter. That post made me smile with my heart.

How close are you to Philly? I live in Philly for school. More like outside the city. Closer to Springfield and Whitemarsh/Plymouth Meeting. I'd love to meet up and talk Q.

[elwesso]

Jesda with all due respect, you cant very well say that the Q handles better than a 5 series because both of your Qs had extremely worn out suspensions. On the way home with evan, i took a corner at about 1/4 the speed I would in my Q and nearly needed a new change of pants. its also somewhat unfair because the BMWs had a rear sway bar, so its almost more fair to compare with a rear sway bar. Also, I highly doubt that parts for the 530 or 540 are cheaper than the Qs, and comparing it to the I6 525 or 535 isnt fair.

I really think the only thing that keeps the G50 lacking in terms of todays competition is its lack of technological gadgets and its 4 speed auto. if it had a 5 speed auto, itd scare about anything on the road. What im saying is, if they redid the G50 with a few minor modernized touches, it could still be as good as itw as in the day, however itd cost a LOT of money.. I'd sell a kidney to buy one though. a G50 under warranty would be a dream come true.

Quote »it will never have the most advanced suspension, engine, or body[/quote]The active suspension is still one of the worlds most advanced suspensions ever put on a car. compare this to ANYTHING out there, i dont care what it is. NOT TO MENTION, you can fix it for under $2000 assuming its not 100% trashed. To fix any of these other ones, you'd have take out a loan just to get started! The standard suspension was still fairly sophisticated for its day, but in nissan land nothing special since its roughly the same as 300ZX and skyline.

Oh, and body? Let me know if theres a luxury car on the market that has the STIFFEST CHASSIS of a production car. The G50 was in its day.

Dont even get me started on the VH45. Not much compares to that motor outside, and you can pick them up for $1500 in near new condition.

Jay I definitely think you are the most deserving out of all of us here. The fact that we can compare a 14 year old car to anything of value today is pretty impressive.

[sijoko]

Jesda with all due respect, you cant very well say that the Q handles better than a 5 series because both of your Qs had extremely worn out suspensions. On the way home with evan, i took a corner at about 1/4 the speed I would in my Q and nearly needed a new change of pants. its also somewhat unfair because the BMWs had a rear sway bar, so its almost more fair to compare with a rear sway bar. Also, I highly doubt that parts for the 530 or 540 are cheaper than the Qs, and comparing it to the I6 525 or 535 isnt fair.

I really think the only thing that keeps the G50 lacking in terms of todays competition is its lack of technological gadgets and its 4 speed auto. if it had a 5 speed auto, itd scare about anything on the road. What im saying is, if they redid the G50 with a few minor modernized touches, it could still be as good as itw as in the day, however itd cost a LOT of money.. I'd sell a kidney to buy one though. a G50 under warranty would be a dream come true.

The active suspension is still one of the worlds most advanced suspensions ever put on a car. compare this to ANYTHING out there, i dont care what it is. NOT TO MENTION, you can fix it for under $2000 assuming its not 100% trashed. To fix any of these other ones, you'd have take out a loan just to get started! The standard suspension was still fairly sophisticated for its day, but in nissan land nothing special since its roughly the same as 300ZX and skyline.

Oh, and body? Let me know if theres a luxury car on the market that has the STIFFEST CHASSIS of a production car. The G50 was in its day.

Dont even get me started on the VH45. Not much compares to that motor outside, and you can pick them up for $1500 in near new condition.

Jay I definitely think you are the most deserving out of all of us here. The fact that we can compare a 14 year old car to anything of value today is pretty impressive.

Exactly. The Q shares it's suspension design with Nissan sports cars of that time so why can't it be made to handle? The factory stuff is geared for comfort but some tweaks here and there will do wonders.

[CrimsonQ]

<-----Crazy Q owner...

[96Qowner]

Actually, if you're smarter than everyone else, you are, somewhat by definition, "insane", ie, you're operating on principles that differ from the norm - you don't know it's "wrong".

As is probably obvious from my signature, I'm a fan of fully-depreciated cars. My Accord doesn't run much different than it did when I bought it almost 18 years ago with 46 miles on the odometer. It costs me 10 cents a mile to maintain = $700/year. The Q costs me 20 cents/mile = $3000/yr. That's just over $300/mo for two cars and 22,000 miles/yr. Yeah, I'm certifiably insane, I know. It's just so Wrong.

I won't try to boast about the Accord (after all, I'm insane) - I just like driving it around town - all quick and zippy and FWD. I consider the Q to be a $55,000 car that I paid $15,000 for (and got 45,000 miles out of, so far. At 20 cents/mile = $9000 worth.). New doesn't thrill me the tiniest bit. Better, yes ... new, no. I'd trade it in an instant for a '06 CLS55 AMG, but last time I checked, the CLS is a lot more expensive. It's been said before that the G50 is a rather unique exception - it was built to establish a brand - overengineered and underpriced (much like the Japanese-built 4th gen Accords). I love owning and driving the best of the era, and the G50 is definitely that. I'd trade my 96 for a 95 Q45a tomorrow, but I'd be hard-pressed to find another model to replace it, perhaps a 7-series BMW.

I use mine for a freeway cruiser, so I'm a little different than most posters. I wouldn't own it for a town car, but I've never driven a car that feels so eager, lithe, and comfortable at speeds over 80 mph. We know that it's virtually unbeatable at those speeds. Cars like my nephew's C5 are the only kind that can outperform it, but after 14 hours on the freeway I'm gonna be a lot happier than he is. And I still get to dust any car I'm tired of lookin' at.

[sdkhalsa]

I am probably putting in about $2500 per year into my 94Q(115K), doing most of my own work. I would have to justify about $1000 per year under the category of hobby expense. The vehicle reminds me of some of the old Jaguar XKE's our family had in the 60's. I am rather disappointed in the high disregard given to serviceability by the engineers who designed it. Simple repairs take rediculous amounts of time, ie oxygen sensor,oil sensor, rear fuel lines, valve cover gasket, knock sensors.. The fuel injector situation is probably the worst single item. I do enjoy the car, but when I hit 60 next year, combined with the expected price of fuel, it will be time to liquidate my career as part-time auto mechanic. Meanwhile, thank you all for your ideas and support. Without your assistance, I think that it would have been futile trying to keep this machine humming.

[Q451990]

I'm going to say both. I'm smarter than everyone else by being able to drive a world-class luxury sedan for far less than I would have paid for a new Civic. The only time I'm insane is if there's a wreck. Then I'm stupid for having spend that much $$$ maintaining a car that has a book value that's probably less than what I paid for parts in the last three years.

That said - if I bought a new Q/M/LS/7series - I would be eating tons of depreciation. I guess the trick is to make sure someone else is at fault if there's an accident - and then beat their insurance for weeks and weeks until they pay a portion of your investment...

Heath

[Haitian_King]

I heart my Q!

Can the 4 speed auto be replaced with a 5 speed? What would it take? Is it expensive? I assume I'd need a new TCU.

[96Qowner]

People have wondered what 5 or 6AT might fit the VH45DE, and more importantly the available space in the chassis. No one has followed up on it, though. The TCU could be easily replaced with a fully programmable aftermarket. It only tells the ECU when the shifts are coming, so it can back off the throttle for a sec.

I'd be a customer for when my 4AT finally fails (fingers crossed - 201,000 miles and still shifting smoothly). :nodnod

[cccpman]

jesus for a 5AT I would be tempted to sell my first born child

Really though, something that was 5 speed geared for lets say 0-140 would be a ream dream with this engine. Sure seeing a Q go 184 is great but seeing a Q smoke just about everything at more practical speeds and snap your neck back when you went WOT would be great!

It is a long and wide body, it has room for a more modern transmission (almost said better), like 96Qowner said, TCU is no problem to get around. I really hope my knowledge expands to the point one day I would be able to attempt such a switch

The four speed we have right now is my real gripe with the car, they built the car for luxury, long stretched gears, great for a top speed but thats not what most people are in to (nor can most people get over 150 without a ticket). Oh well the transmission was pretty well built, I made the mistake of flushing mine after something like 150k miles of neglect, fluid was dark and burned, I decided it was time to gamble it all - two places refused to do it! the third finally did after I signed a paper saying I knew it wouldn't work after, and sure enough its shifting almost like new again feels like maybe a 30-40k mile transmission (now if I can only get this starter issue solved so I can drive her again!)

on the transmission note, I wasn't talking about actives, 1/2 G of body roll compensation (right?) is pretty well above and beyond what you find

I hope this community keeps coming together, there are basically no after market parts, let alone transmission swaps, but we have the combined knowledge to plow right through that ourselves. As for a price, im not sure, I really dont know **** about transmissions but im guessing ~5k-7K if you wanted a new or newer transmission put in. Time, thats what it would cost the most of

[DrewQ45]

My G50 is the only Q I’ve ever owned. Production date = Jan, 1990. I guess I’m a bit discerning because I wouldn’t want anything other than a 90’. Subsequently, if I totaled this car, it would be the end of Q’s for me because I know I wouldn’t be able to find one this reliable and in this cond anymore. There are just certain things I like about it that can’t be found on any other year, such as the Benz style power seat controls and the brute power I haven’t felt in any later Q that I’ve driven.

Nissan put just about everything they had in this car to go up against Toyota/Lexus… They were so cocky about it that they wouldn’t even show it in the commercials…LOL. Yeah it bit them in the ***, but can you imagine the confidence they must have felt? It was for a reason. The car was great! Bad advertising and misjudgment of the American market took its toll though. They lost that confidence and year after year it dwindled along with the sales and engineering of the car. That’s when decontenting became their mo. I guess I’ve been pretty lucky. The only major failure I’ve ever experienced was my transmission @ 195K and I wasn’t even maintaining it (the transmission). Currently it has 219K on the clock with a JDM transmission. Mods? …Jeez, too many to list here. Let’s just say I dipped in a bit of everything. At one point, I’d agonize before reading Wes’ posts because I knew he was coming with something el$e to tempt me. I’ve really enjoyed this car. It’s my daily driver and can be trusted to drive ANYWHERE. I just put 2K on it vacationing in Florida and it didn’t burn a bit of the Mobil 1 which I changed just prior to leaving. There are things that need to be done, such as all the plenum hoses, sun-roof etc. but nothing leaks. One of the things that keeps me going with this card is a good supply of parts… many of you have purchased from me or have probably seen me hawking my wares here and there. Well, lemme tell you it helps to have stuff around and the ability to do your own work!

My best advice to a prospective Q buyer is… don’t buy a poorly maintained Q… It’ll be like falling in love with a high priced hooker! The sex will be great but you’ll be broke and up all night crying. I know exactly how you obsessive maniacs feel because I am one… I share your joy and pain. You’re a bunch of snobbish bastards, many of you, but I wallow in the middle of it all nevertheless. We deserve it… we drive one of the best automobiles Nissan or anyone for that matter ever engineered. Guess I couldn’t end this without a few bad pics of her sitting the garage.

…Drew….

[maxnix]

I cannot find a 300HP V8 RWD car to drive that cost less than $3,000 per year to own plus taxes, insurance, and gasoline say another $3,000 or $6,000 per year total.

My son drives an every option 2008 Black Crown Vic my 17 year old Q gets better MPG and is way way faster and stops and handles better............his has GA Offical Plates and hidden strobe lights and siren.

Hmmmmm......no mention of the C43?

All I have to say is the newer cars have some do-dads, many of which can be added to the G50 if you need them. I realize it would take me $65K to get me out of the G50, then the depreciation would hit. It just feels right when I enter and drive it and performs very well when maintained to as new OEM standards. Nothing else makes much sense right now.
Modified by maxnix at 8:36 PM 10/1/2007

[Peterofdevon]

Wes...thanks again for this thread. I wish all of us HAPPY Q'ing.

Peter

[Haitian_King]

My G50 is the only Q I’ve ever owned. Production date = Jan, 1990. I guess I’m a bit discerning because I wouldn’t want anything other than a 90’. Subsequently, if I totaled this car, it would be the end of Q’s for me because I know I wouldn’t be able to find one this reliable and in this cond anymore. There are just certain things I like about it that can’t be found on any other year, such as the Benz style power seat controls and the brute power I haven’t felt in any later Q that I’ve driven.

Nissan put just about everything they had in this car to go up against Toyota/Lexus… They were so cocky about it that they wouldn’t even show it in the commercials…LOL. Yeah it bit them in the ***, but can you imagine the confidence they must have felt? It was for a reason. The car was great! Bad advertising and misjudgment of the American market took its toll though. They lost that confidence and year after year it dwindled along with the sales and engineering of the car. That’s when decontenting became their mo. I guess I’ve been pretty lucky. The only major failure I’ve ever experienced was my transmission @ 195K and I wasn’t even maintaining it (the transmission). Currently it has 219K on the clock with a JDM transmission. Mods? …Jeez, too many to list here. Let’s just say I dipped in a bit of everything. At one point, I’d agonize before reading Wes’ posts because I knew he was coming with something el$e to tempt me. I’ve really enjoyed this car. It’s my daily driver and can be trusted to drive ANYWHERE. I just put 2K on it vacationing in Florida and it didn’t burn a bit of the Mobil 1 which I changed just prior to leaving. There are things that need to be done, such as all the plenum hoses, sun-roof etc. but nothing leaks. One of the things that keeps me going with this card is a good supply of parts… many of you have purchased from me or have probably seen me hawking my wares here and there. Well, lemme tell you it helps to have stuff around and the ability to do your own work!

My best advice to a prospective Q buyer is… don’t buy a poorly maintained Q… It’ll be like falling in love with a high priced hooker! The sex will be great but you’ll be broke and up all night crying. I know exactly how you obsessive maniacs feel because I am one… I share your joy and pain. You’re a bunch of snobbish bastards, many of you, but I wallow in the middle of it all nevertheless. We deserve it… we drive one of the best automobiles Nissan or anyone for that matter ever engineered. Guess I couldn’t end this without a few bad pics of her sitting the garage.

…Drew….

LMAO at the "high-priced hooker" comment. Classic.

I love my Q. Can't wait til it hits 20 and becomes an antique. My dream is to have a Q from each generation.

[cccpman]

Yea good thread with some great input

Seems that a turbo/super charger or a 5-8 speed AT would be great project for the Q (I know, but I can dream lol. Huge smirk on my face). Car is almost unstoppable at highway but in the city there are some lightweight rice trash that can get the best if your not near a higher RPM when things get rolling

I think tomorrow im pulling my plugs, looking for flooding, trying to crank the engine by hand again (couldn't earlier, very bad sign am I right? maybe I need a breaker bar?), then installing a new starter relay and starter. This thread gave me a little motivation to get started on her sooner rather then later

[AlabamaDan]

When my friends and I start talking about cars and the talk turns to me and "What's your dream car?" I always answer a 1st gen Infiniti Q45. Now's it's just a matter of what year....

I parked mine for 10 months until I could fix stuff, I knew if I kept driving it something would break. Now that it's back on the road, I'm in love with it all over again and can't imagine what I was thinking about.

Insane.