Considering 2002 Q45 - advice?

[GseaQ]

Hi folks,

Yup, I'm still kicking. I am interested in a 2002 Q45. It has 160,000 kms (100,000 miles) and looks to be in excellent condition by the pictures. If there are positive comments from you guys, I'll take the next step and get the Carfax or Carpoof sent to me, then go for a look and drive (not local).

I've read through all I can find here and would like a few updates on mentioned possible issues.

1) At 100,000 miles of good roads, are the shocks/struts likely finished and need replacement?

2) Is Infiniti of Scottsdale the best place to buy or are there aftermarket options?

3) Is the "Sport" mode system a common problem source?

4) Can the transmission fluid be changed?

5) If the accelerator pedal/ECM/TCM TSB wasn't done, does the dealer still do it and at what cost?

6) Are cracked exhaust manifolds a common failing?

7) If it's an oil burner, will the oil consumption likely get worse over the next 50,000 miles or is it sort of a "static" issue?

8) Are the displays a common failure item?

(9) What about the Bose audio - OK or not?

Any and all answers/advice will be appreciated.

Cheers,
Glenn

[Q451990]

Hey Glenn - good to see you again!

With the relatively low sales number on the F50 series, we don't have as much experience to draw on - but we're seeing a decent trickle of posts now.

I'd think needing shock replacement is a real possibility, but it may not be necessary yet... my wife's '04 G35 with 122K still seems pretty good.

There are several online parts places... my latest is http://www.orderinfinitiparts.com - but I'm not totally in love with them either. Their big advantage for me is that they're in Charlotte, NC - so FedEx ground arrives the next day if my order is in stock. The old days of calling up a TJ or Joe and ordering parts on the phone appear to be pretty much over. Apparently the parts business is so cut-throat that live customer service is an expense that can't be covered by the places offering a discount. I've found that going to Infiniti's site and looking up parts is like having a copy of FAST in the old days. It makes ordering a little easier online.

Here's a thread about a problem with the sport suspension that developed shortly after shock replacement. 2003-q45-sport-suspension-not-working-t589460.html

ATF should be replaceable. Check out the FSM at http://www.infinitiservicemanual.com - the FSM for our G actually recommends a flush that involves pouring fluid in through the filler tube, while pumping it out of one of the cooler lines - which was always considered to be a bad idea on the older Q. I'm assuming the fluid is routed differently in the more modern transmissions, and fluid starvation isn't a concern?

I haven't heard of exhaust manifold cracking...

We've seen a couple of display failures... I think there's a fluorescent tube in the dash that fails. There's also an issue with the "joystick" that fails on the dash. If I remember right, there are some aftermarket repair services.

Bose seems to be pretty solid based on not hearing much about issues with it.

I'm not sure if the oil consumption gets worse on the engines that started out with it... you already know this, but I'd certainly have a dealership pull the history by VIN and see what was done on it...

Sadly, the quality of the F50 isn't that of the older Q's... that said, I don't know that you're going to find anything like the G50 in a modern car. I have no idea what I would buy if I had to get something today. The wife's G has been a real disappointment in terms of paint quality - but it's been rock solid mechanically - so I can't complain too much. Other than fluid maintenance and tires - all I've had to do to it is replace the driver's side seat track, one front wheel bearing, and now a leaky radiator that I'll be replacing this weekend.

Heath

[GseaQ]

Hi Heath,

Glad you're still here, too. Thanks for the answers. I asked about the "Sport" mode issue because of that thread you linked for me. There is still no resolution, and the dealer's response is very lame. Wondered if that fellows was the one in a million or if others had similar experiences. Makes changing the shocks sort of concerning.

The ATF question came from a very old post that indicated it could not be changed. In retrospect, that post mentioned the dipstick tube being bolted closed or something. Your link to the FSM shows that the fluid CAN be changed. Still not sure if the dipstick that comes with the car is the actual A/T fluid level gauge: Parts No.31086 AR211 or if it has to be bought from the dealer.

I remembered reading about failed displays in relation to 2003-04 M45's 5 or 6 years ago. Maybe if it is OK today it either is not failure-prone or has been replaced already.

Yes, once I get the VIN I will be checking the service history. Can Nissan dealers access the Infiniti side? I think they lost that a few years ago. I don't have an Infiniti dealer anywhere near me now.

Good to hear we're NOT hearing too much about the Bose system this time around.

Cheers,
Glenn

[GseaQ]

Well, that didn't work out. Very low mileage - 109,000 kms - but very cosmetically challenged. City car, at least 3 accidents, 2 of them estimated at over $2000 damage not fixed (bumper covers, bumper absorber, etc.), lots of scratches. It needed a lot lower price.

So, now over to the Maxima forum - going to look at a 2003 Maxima SE tomorrow, 6 speed manual with 172,000 kms (107,000 miles).

Cheers,
Glenn