Buying a 97 Q45

[friedrice2841]

My 92 Q45 has just about had it.

I have my eye on a couple of 97 Q's. I have tried to look for any known issues and can't seem to find any.

What should I look out for? Joe at Scottsdale Infiniti told me that the 97-01 are "bullet proof", but I would like to hear from other owners to know what their experience has been.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[maxnix]

I prefer the 1999-2001 for their safety and convenience upgrades.

Read the how to buy post on top and follow it. You can't go wrong if you do.

It is quite a different car, by the way.

[NightRiderQ45]

97-01 are basically "bullet proof". If you do prior inspection to make sure you are not purchasing a lemon, the car will last forever! I have a 98 and if I knew what I know now, I would have purchased the 99-01 model because they have xenons with the painted body rockers. I actually painted my "ashy" body rockers to mimic the 99-01. My car almost have 187k on it, and it still drives smoothly. Choose a 97-01 and you will be very happy!!

[friedrice2841]

thanks for your input! I think 97 is the way to go, since I can't afford a 99.

I am trying to gain the knowledge of some of the other owners of the 97-01 Q's. When I purchased my 92, I didn't even know about NICO. That 92 served me well, even though I put a lot of $$$ into it. Hoping to avoid buying another problematic car.

I have found that this is the single, most helpful site for Infinitis. The people are generally very knowledgable, polite, and quick to respond to posts for newbies (like me).

Thanks again!

[Window45]

my 94 has 210000 miles on it.. only things done wrong were a waterpump at 177000 and a starter at 167000 ( and a new fan) but that's because the stupid man broke it when he put the waterpump in get a 94 they will live on forever... besides.. they all last forever i was told

[Sanger]

Knock sensors and struts / shocks are the biggest problems.

Believe there was an alternator recall also.

[maxnix]

Believe there was an alternator recall also.

Yes, VIN specific for 1997 model year, maybe some 1998.

I would drive the 1992 until you can afford the 1999-2001 as they are little more. Be sure you have that $3K cash kitty to maintain and restore.

[miata007]

Lots of owners have coil issues that leads to engine hesitation/bumps. To me that is a wear and tear item. If you bring to dealership they like to change them all and is costly. I did them myselves and not too bad ( I am not a experience mechanic).

another thing is valve cover leaks on both side. they gasket needs to be replace. Happens to most cars so not unusual..

007

[RAQ45t]

I've had a '97 Q45t for three years,has 163,000.Just last year replaced original water pump,original alternator,needs P>S> pump(leaking.) That's about it. The car does seem to be as bulletproof as my former E28 5 series BMWs,which run 250K before getting tired. The "t",if you can find one,has a better suspension package.

[oldmako]

I would also seek out a 99 or newer. As previously mentioned the headlights alone are a great reason. As far as other safety improvements, I cannot say as I know nuttin' bout dat. Ignernce can be pure bliss.

Take a good look at the tail light assemblies as well. They are quite a bit different, and to my eye the 99's look a bit better. A little more like a big MB, and less like a Toyota or Lincoln. But, that's just me.

As far as price, keep looking and you'll find one cheap. Watch the Qs on ebay for a few weeks and you'll get an idea of just how cheap. If you can find one with recent repairs (coils and shocks especially as they are $$$$$$) it will be well worth finding a few extra dollars. The dealer wants about 600 a side to do the struts.

While a touring model and anniversary models have a nicer interior, I believe that it will cost quite a bit more to maintain. So, if cash is paramount, you might want to stick to a plain jane model. Hell, even they were 45K just a few years ago and are an amazing deal considering what people are getting for hi-mileage old Accords these days.

I spoke with the retired service manager of a local Infin delership recently. He pulled up next to me in an identical, black 99. He told me that the 99 vintage Q's were the best ones built with regard to reliability. He worked at the dealer for over 25 years, so I figure that was a strong endorsement.

No matter what you get, if you take your time and are careful you'll have a schweeeeeeet ride for 5(ish) grand.

Enjoy

[qship96]

"He worked at the dealer for over 25 years".......considering Infiniti started their USA sales and dealer operations in the fall of 1989 {19 years ago}, thats an interesting statement!!!!!

[Infinitiguy19]

Might have worked at Nissan before going to Infiniti .

[oldmako]

Yeah, what he said.