Compare one 2002 Q45 with another (for purchase)

[2002q45wannabee]

I am a prospective owner of the 2002 Q45 & I found you on Google.I am hoping to ask a basic question about the 2002 Q45.

What would you look for to help compare one 2002 Q45 from another?

To help you help me, I don't care for color. Overall condition (like mileage) is, of course, a basic issue that pertains to any used vehicle. My question is specific to the 2002 Q45. All I really want by way of trim is the Navigation package (which limits available vehicles) and I can (for the right price) be talked into the Sport & Full-size Spare packages - but I probably wouldn't pay extra (unless you convince me otherwise) for the Sunshade, Heated Seats, or all-inclusive Premium package offered for the 2002 model year.

But these items are superficial to the real workings of the vehicle.

I understand (from searching this community) that the earlier models had mainly transmission, fuel pump, shock, instrument, & air conditioning to watch out when comparing two used Qs. I understand (from web reviews) that the air conditioning on the 2002 isn't any better than prior years so I may as well give up comparing that between cars.

But what else specific to the 2002 Q45 could or should I be on the lookout for in comparing the condition of used Q45 vehicles. (I don't mean general stuff like wear and tear items that pertain to every car, I just mean for the 2002 Q45). My price level is about 30K out the door so I don't think I can go to a 2003 and I assumed (but I don't know for sure) that the 2002 is better than the 2001 engine wise.

TIA

[Jesda]

Keep an eye on abnormal oil consumption and tire wear. If throttle response seems funny, there's a software update that takes care of that.

Thats about all that comes to mind for 02-05 Q45s. Its hard to go wrong with them.

[maxnix]

Get the vehicle dealer performed service history, then have any potential purchase inspected by an Infiniti senior technician.

The AC system is not a problem. Neither were the earlier VH4xDE series of engines, except the earliest with the non-reinforced timing chain guides.

The 2003 had a slightly higher numerical ratio for better acceleration. The security system is quite different also. There were a number of TSB for the 2002 F50 concerning the throttle linkage and reprogramming the TCM.

Difficult to mechanically exchange the fluid on these cars, so pay particular attention to the ATF.

Heard of a 2003 Y33 with 30K offered by a dealer at $29K recently.

[driverdriver]

[QUOTE=maxnix]

Difficult to mechanically exchange the fluid on these cars, so pay particular attention to the ATF.

QUOTE]

Did Nissan engineer the car like some recent Mercedes Benz vehicles where the transmission fluid and filter are supposed to last the life of the car?

[maxnix]

That's the theory. Some German ideas are not worth imitating.

[powerglide]

Difficult to mechanically exchange the fluid on these cars, so pay particular attention to the ATF.

QUOTE]

Did Nissan engineer the car like some recent Mercedes Benz vehicles where the transmission fluid and filter are supposed to last the life of the car?

Hello All!

New to the forum, resurrecting an old thread.I am considering adding a 02 or 03 Q45....ideally with the premium package.

Judging from KBB and other sites, it says I can expect to find one for about 24-30K$....sounds like a bargain. (I'm a bit concerned about the oil consumption issue and the clacking/carbon build up issues though)

They are "rare" or hard to find due to low sales....where did you see that one maxnix?

[maxnix]

At a dealer in Phoenix, i believe.

F50 are all over http://www.cars.com aslease returns, but some are private party.