Considering a Q45 - looking for advice

[Q-uick]

New here and considering the purchase of a Q45. Looking for a little advice on what to look for, maybe the best generation of Q for my purpose and your general thoughts about a Q for me vs whatever else pops into your mind.

I would use this car as a daily, fair weather, driver. I have a 130 mile daily RT commute, I live in a mountain area that sees snow 6 or 7 months of the year. I would throw a set of snow tires on the car for the winter months but would drive my current daily driver, a very beat down high mileage AWD Subaru, when snow is in the forecast.

Why do I want a Q? My Subaru wears on me sitting in it 2.5hrs a day, I want a nice, not too expensive car that I will enjoy driving and be comfortable in. Something not boring to look at or drive. It would also make a great family car for me, I have three little one's in car seats. I hate boring cars! I prefer rear wheel drive cars. I'm a car enthusiast. I do not want a Camry, Accord, Taurus or anything of that ilk, nothing against those who drive them, I just don't care to. I have always had interesting cars, a track prepped Miata, Land Cruiser's, Land Rover's, BMW's, Mercedes, you name it. My budget is $10k though less is better. I perform all of my own maintenance and most break down repairs. I am meticulous about taking care of my cars. Whatever I decide to buy will have some miles put down on it as I'm doing about 40k a year. Some of this will be deferred to the Subaru in crappy weather.

My original thought was to buy a 2002-06 Q, Now that I surf around a read a bunch I'm thinking the Y33 might suit me better. I can find them with low miles, less techno stuff to break than the newer Q's but still a sweet ride.

I'm okay spending some money for maintenance but I can't afford a money pit. I have other cars I can drive if the Q needed some maintenance or died, but I do not want to be left on the side of the road once a month or worry about my wife carting the kids around in it - like I do with our Land Rover

Your thoughts or comments on what to look for would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Skibane]

I'm okay spending some money for maintenance but I can't afford a money pit.

At any given time, most of the used Q's for sale are due for some service - which is why many of them are up for sale in the first place.

Many of the wear-prone parts are the same ones that wear out on any vehicle, but they can be pricey for the Q. Shock absorbers are one example - They're an "active" or "semi-active" design on most Q's, and replacements are only available from Nissan.

Working on the engine isn't terribly difficult, but there are some areas that are a PITA. For example, the knock sensors are a common failure item, and usually require removing the intake plenum to access them. Replacing the starter is a b**** on most versions, and the alternator is no picnic on the first-generation version, either. OTOH, unlike the big Lexus, there is no timing belt to replace.

Basically, you can either search for a specimen that's already had most of the wear- and failure-prone items replaced (with documented proof of it), or you can budget some extra bucks and time to replace them yourself.

[Q-uick]

Skibane - thank you for the reply.

Can you please elaborate on the shock situation? I'm looking at a 99' non-T Monday and will keep the shocks in mind when I test drive it. There are not any aftermarket coil overs, etc available?

Regarding the knock sensors, do they set codes when they are bad?

Do you have a favorite internet source for OE parts?

[Skibane]

I'm looking at a 99' non-T Monday and will keep the shocks in mind when I test drive it. There are not any aftermarket coil overs, etc available?

Compared to the 1st-generation G50, the Y33 has a much simpler, less-capable "active suspension" system that uses electrically-adjustable-damping shocks (rather than the powered hydraulic system used on the G50 models).

Due to the complexity and unreliability of the G50 hydraulic system, many owners eventually went with non-hydraulic aftermarket replacement shocks. However, there is no aftermarket replacement shock for the Y33 version, AFAIK.

Regarding the knock sensors, do they set codes when they are bad?

IIRC, they do - but they don't set the dashboard CEL. You have to pull the codes to find them. (If I'm wrong about this, someone please chime in and correct me!)

Do you have a favorite internet source for OE parts?

InfinitiPartsUSA has decent prices, and a top-notch parts department staff.

[mattd1979]

You can actually get the struts from places like Napa and Advance Autoparts for much cheaper than the dealer for non-active Qs. The majority of them here in the states came with standard suspension. Tokico also makes good struts for the car.

[Q-uick]

Thanks for the feedback. From what I see, I'm good replacing struts and other worn suspension components as needed. I will have the car scanned for codes before purchase.

Besides the usual used car stuff, new fluids, filter, belts, etc, are there any other things I should plan on addressing on 100k mile or so Y33?

[thehacker3]

I have a 2005 F50. Got her in 2010 with 93k miles or so for 14.5k - this was a steal at the time. Not sure what was going on with the car before me - carfax was clean, but an auto body professional told me it had tape marks which suggests it was repainted.

ANYWAY, it's the best car I've owned in my entire life. Sure it required some service (the air filter hasn't been changed since the day it was born), but it has proven to be ultimately reliable. The extent of the service went something like this:

New air filter and tires.
New control arm.
New inner tie rod, stabilizer links, and wheel bearing. This was the biggest service and the most expensive (~$500 for parts and labor).
New throttle body (sensor) (~$230 for parts and labor).

Aside from all this, it sometimes acts up electronically, but nothing that sticks for more than a few minutes. I'm talking about the entertainment and Navi system.

Overall hugely reliable car, VERY beautiful in '05 and '06 with the new taillights, incredibly quick (340hp will do that), very DIY fixable, and so smooth on the road. If I could go back in time to the day I was choosing this car, I would make the same decision 100 out of 100 times. Cannot rave enough about it.

[Q-uick]

I have a 2005 F50. Got her in 2010 with 93k miles or so for 14.5k - this was a steal at the time. Not sure what was going on with the car before me - carfax was clean, but an auto body professional told me it had tape marks which suggests it was repainted.

ANYWAY, it's the best car I've owned in my entire life. Sure it required some service (the air filter hasn't been changed since the day it was born), but it has proven to be ultimately reliable. The extent of the service went something like this:

New air filter and tires.
New control arm.
New inner tie rod, stabilizer links, and wheel bearing. This was the biggest service and the most expensive (~$500 for parts and labor).
New throttle body (sensor) (~$230 for parts and labor).

Aside from all this, it sometimes acts up electronically, but nothing that sticks for more than a few minutes. I'm talking about the entertainment and Navi system.

Overall hugely reliable car, VERY beautiful in '05 and '06 with the new taillights, incredibly quick (340hp will do that), very DIY fixable, and so smooth on the road. If I could go back in time to the day I was choosing this car, I would make the same decision 100 out of 100 times. Cannot rave enough about it.

Thank you for your insight. I see that your info says you have both a 97' and the 05' - could you give me a comparison of the two?

[thehacker3]

Had the 1997 until early 2011 when it was nearly dying and we decided to donate it.

The 1997, "Masha," was my first car. It was my brother's purchase, and when I got my hands on it, it was the sweetest thing a teenager could own. Classmates were driving mustangs, but I was having none of that. I took care of Masha like she was my daughter.

Well I'm sure that's not what you're looking for in a review, so let me tell you about how she drove. Not too well, to be quite frank. Potholes became a nightmare very quickly, especially since I live on Staten Island. The suspension was smooth, but only on flats. The transmission starting acting up at some point shifting in and out of 1st gear, and the knock sensors were bad, causing misfire in one of the cylinders. Passengers were often concerned about the safety of the car, since the passenger seat is significantly more cramped than the driver's, for whatever reason.

While I loved that car, I cannot say I would recommend someone buying it in 2013. It's simply too old, and the problems you will be facing won't be worth few dollars you save.

That said, that car has an engine to rave about. It was the first car both my brother and I learned to drift in, and it had the perfect balance of torque and horsepower. Drifting in that car was very safe - you always felt like you were in control.

The car looks pretty fantastic if kept in good condition, as well. Mine was downright beautiful until my dad got into an accident in it (which is what spurred the '05 purchase).

All in all, it's the car that made me love the Q line, and I have to thank her for being there for me during my teenage years. I would brag that I had a pretty strong contender compared to my friends - 2009 Camry LE, 2004 Mitsubishi Galant, 2002 Audi A6. It was fast, it was luxurious, and it was reliable for the most part.

I would definitely go with the F50 though. Really no other car like it in my opinion. And you'll want the extra power. I can't tell you how often I think about turbocharging it and then change my mind because I'm a pansy and can't justify the cost. Drifting in the F50 is a totally different story though. The first time I tried it I swear to you I spun out and nearly crashed. You need to be very very careful on that throttle.

Another thing with the F50 is the body and style. It really is a modern car by all definitions, and I would go as far as comparing it style-wise to the latest generation S class and Lexus. It could easily pass off as a new car if you take good care of it.

The F50 also has a pretty sexy suspension. Bumps and potholes are a thing of the past. 40 MPH with your foot strong on the throttle and a 2" deep/high pothole won't feel like anything at all. It's actually pretty incredible... Anyway, enough.. Let the other F50 owners testify to this car's beauty and poise.

[Q-uick]

thehacker3 - thanks for relaying you Y33 experiences. I will keep you comments in mind as I make my decision. An 03' just popped up for sale, I'm going to check it out. Also found an 03' M45 I may take a look at.

I test drove a 99' today. No Touring package. 88k miles. Very clean car, almost perfect interior and body. A couple very minor paint scuffs I believe would buff out. Everything worked, the car sounded and drove nice. The rear suspension seemed a little sloppy to me. Could need shocks or just the way it is. I'm use to my Miata, everything seems sloppy compared to it. I'm going to drive a couple more Y33's so I can try yo get a feel for how everything should work and feel. And hopefully drive an F50 too.

What should I expect to pay in relationship to NADA book for one these cars?

[thehacker3]

I would say 3k for an excellent condition Y33 and 8k for a good F50 in today's market.

[Infinitiguy19]

To own a Q45 you have to be a little crazy! These cars will always ask for money but won't let you down.

[elwesso]

Even in good shape, the Y33 is a little bouncy/floaty compared to the other gens. Get yourself a set of KYB SR Special shocks and some Espilir springs, and you'll be good.

The Y33 gen is arguably the most reliable of the generations. The F50s, IMO, aren't old enough yet to determine how well the electronics will hold up, but overall they seem to be OK. If the nav unit goes out that can get expensive quick..

Personally I like the lines of the Y33 the best, one of the things I've always wanted to do was to get a Y33 Q and swap in a 4.5L and 5 speed.. The Y33 had a lot of things the G50 lacked, but the G50 wins in terms of power all day long.. I think the older the Q, the better built they are.. The peak was around 1994 IMO. Especially with the Y33's, you're going to need to plan on replacing every bit of rubber in the suspension and driveline..

Overall the F50's seem to be pretty solid, the major complaint is with front end vibrations usually due to tires/wheels/rotors or any combination therein.. The engine and transmission seem to hold up well, obviously maintenance is key there to longevity.. I think if I was going to get an F50, I'd like to get an 05 with the premium package and have the reclining rear seats and all that fun stuff...

Personally, I think I'm going to wait until the M56x comes down a little in price....

[thehacker3]

Overall the F50's seem to be pretty solid, the major complaint is with front end vibrations usually due to tires/wheels/rotors or any combination therein.. The engine and transmission seem to hold up well, obviously maintenance is key there to longevity.. I think if I was going to get an F50, I'd like to get an 05 with the premium package and have the reclining rear seats and all that fun stuff...

Personally, I think I'm going to wait until the M56x comes down a little in price....

Can't agree with you more, brother. I wish I had the premium package. Really a world of difference and takes the car to the next level.

What do you like about the m56? I honestly feel that it's a sub-par car, especially when it comes down to price.

[elwesso]

I think for what you get it's pretty solid... 420HP, and 23-25MPG depending if you get AWD.. not too many other cars right now offer 400+HP, 25MPG, and AWD.. Right now you can get 2011's in the mid 30s, I'm hoping in another 1-2 years just out of warranty they'll be in the 20s, then it will be a really nice bargain.

I think however I'd get just as much enjoyment and spend a LOT less money by having either a G50 or Y33 with 450HP (turbocharged) with a 5-speed MT..

I kind of want my next car to be AWD, for winter driving RWD isn't bad but if I have the choice I think I'd like to have AWD..

[Brew Q]

I concur, Turbo G50 FTW!

That is my project over the next 12-18 months, probably a RMT unless I can get sijoko to fab up manifolds

[thehacker3]

I think for what you get it's pretty solid... 420HP, and 23-25MPG depending if you get AWD.. not too many other cars right now offer 400+HP, 25MPG, and AWD.. Right now you can get 2011's in the mid 30s, I'm hoping in another 1-2 years just out of warranty they'll be in the 20s, then it will be a really nice bargain.

I think however I'd get just as much enjoyment and spend a LOT less money by having either a G50 or Y33 with 450HP (turbocharged) with a 5-speed MT..

I kind of want my next car to be AWD, for winter driving RWD isn't bad but if I have the choice I think I'd like to have AWD..

In terms of raw power, sure, but I don't feel it's anywhere near as luxurious as the S550 or 750Li, and that's what it's positioned as. Could be just me though.

[elwesso]

In terms of raw power, sure, but I don't feel it's anywhere near as luxurious as the S550 or 750Li, and that's what it's positioned as. Could be just me though.

I don't think it's really supposed to compete with the S-class or 7 series. After all, the M56 is about 62k MSRP, where the 7 series is 74k, and the S class is about 90k... The M sedan has always been more of a 5 series/E class competitor and never really an S class/7 series competitor.... in terms of price and luxury.

The 550 is pretty comparable, but has a little bit more HP and has a 8 speed transmission versus a 7 speed and whatnot, but the M is quite a bit cheaper.. Sort of what it's always been, it's never been a class leader in terms of the drivetrain, but it offers more bang for the buck.. Honestly, I trust Nissan's AT over BMW's crazy sorcery transmissions in terms of used car values.. Back before I bought my M coupe, I was looking at M5's and when the SMG on that car breaks, it costs about as much as most of us are paying for any year Q45 to fix just the transmission..