Can't find anything with "Search"!!!

[bgerner12]

Well, I'm new to the forum. Just bought a 95 Q45a and I was trying tosearch posts by texasoil and can't get the search engine to find one!I hate to be a complainer on the first post but this is the least intuitivesearch engine I've come accross. It could seriously use a rewrite.

I read the post on how to do a search and that didn't help. Thefact that people are suggesting searching the NICO forums by usingGoogle's search page should be a big hint. I'm also on Audi and Jaguarforums and was able to find my way around those without help.

Again, sorry to start off with a complaint!

My Q45a is due to ship from CA tomorrow or Monday and I'm anxious toget it home and check it out. In the mean time, I'll be trying to learn whatI can here and perhaps I'll eventually be able to contribute a bit. I love totinker and have a seriously hacked 98 A4 2.8Q. The A4 may go to mydaughter, depending on how I make out with the Q45a.

Here is what I currently own:

97 Jag VDP98 A4 2.8Q (PES supercharger and other mods)97 A6Q Wagon58 A-H Sprite with RX-7 drivetrain95 Q45a

[paranoidjack]

Welcome to NICO! I'm a fgy33 owner (97-01 Q's), but from what I understand, the g50 "a's" are quite a beast, and often require thousands of dollars to rehab to "as-new" condition.

I'm sure despite your searching woes, you'll find everything you need here in due time.

[Infinitiguy19]

Welcome to NICO.

[maxnix]

Actives are always sold because something is wrong with them.

Search on nothing in the post bodies of recent texasoil posts and you will recieve and 790 posts will be returned.

Be sure to read the sticky above **The Secrets of Effective Searching**

Also there is his site

http://www.q45asuspension.com


Modified by maxnix at 8:10 AM 5/1/2009

[paranoidjack]

http://www.q45asuspensions.com

Corrected url: http://www.q45asuspension.com/

[bgerner12]

Thanks!

What is interesting is that I seem to read at least as much feedback praising thelow maintenance of the Q45 as the opposite. I guess I'll find out pretty soon whichis more accurate for the one I bought. My A4 is by far the highest maintenance carI've owned to-date. I've only kept it because I do everything myself. If the Q45aturns out to be another money and time sink, I won't keep it for long.

[bgerner12]

Hi Paul,

Glad to hear there is someone on the forum nearby! I'll probably have questions for youonce I get my car and have a better feel for its needs. If that turns out to be much beyondregular maintenance (fluids, brakes, tune-up...), I'll get rid of it pretty quick. Then again,I may like it enough to put up with a few quirks.

[bgerner12]

Nice looking Q!

I've actually been looking at these for about 3 years now and came close to buying a modellike yours. I've seen a few in what I would call a "toupe" color that I liked.

I actually chose the Q45a because of the active suspension. I believe 95 was the last yearfor that option. I'm hopeful that mine will be in good shape with recharging of the accumulatorsand a fluid change being the most that it needs.

[Rex]

Well it's a mixed bag.

As a general rule any used Q45 you find for sale is in need of a significant amount of deferred maintenance. The most recent owner most likely bought a car beyond their means, because it was an impressive car and "cheap" by comparison. Later they realized that repairs weren't commensurate with the "used car price", but more along the lines of the cars original purchase price.

Many are shocked the first time they go somewhere for a "quicky" oil change and find them charged for the "additional oil". Then someone suggests replacing the spark plugs to try an improve on the gas mileage they're getting (it is a V8 after all). They've probably never had to buy 8 quality plugs, much less been quoted ~$250 (or more) for labor to change. Soon they realize they don't want to do anything more than put gas in the car and drive.

It's not long before they realize the upkeep costs are more than they have budgeted or want to spend and the first significant repair (knock sensors, MAF, fuel pump, transmission) is their exit cue. They find a way to get the car to "show well" or trade it in at some dealership/used lot.

So, most "finds" are in need of some maintenance "catch-up" which can be pricey. It's not uncommon to see $2-3k needed to get the car running well. Then the next few years are more tolerable, but also more enjoyable. Active suspension models can require even more time/money to get near OEM, but offer a phenomenal driving experience when working correctly.

[maxnix]

What is interesting is that I seem to read at least as much feedback praising the low maintenance of the Q45 as the opposite. I guess I'll find out pretty soon which is more accurate for the one I bought. My A4 is by far the highest maintenance car I've owned to-date. I've only kept it because I do everything myself. If the Q45a turns out to be another money and time sink, I won't keep it for long.

The difference is really between preventative maintenance and catastrophic repair when a system fails because of no maintenance.

If you want low maintenance, a Honda 4 cylinder is much better. For an imported luxury V8, the Q45 is not bad. With the active model, you have stepped up to a more intense replacement schedule on the suspension for a very sophisticated ride. Keith Bowers is your friend.

One must learn very quickly that there is no further discount for labor or parts beyond the discounted price for deferred maintenance one pays for an used car! If you are truly capable, have the tools (a lift is nice!), and are willing to read the posts here and study the FSM, restoration and maintenance is pretty much a breeze.

Hope you physically inspected your car or had a Senior Infiniti Technician perform a prepurchase inspection! A the minimum, you surely reviewed the Infiniti dealer performed service history.
Modified by maxnix at 8:21 AM 5/1/2009