Couple of Q45 Qestions
Couple of Q45 Qestions
I'm looking to get a 90's Q45 for a daily drriver/family car( having a kid in DEC can't ride in the 240 and the TE Corolla is just as bad)What is the best year to get?All the Q45 came with the 8 cyl right?What is the chassis code they were sold in Japan and was going to get the JDM bumpers and such(Have the hook up at motorsports)It their aftermarket support for the Q ie, Intakes, cat back (duels)Any info of guidance will be appericatedThanks
Re: Couple of Q45 Qestions (KaDrifter)
All Q45s are powered by a V8 engine. The 1990-1995 models (chassis code G50) is powered by the VH45DE 4.5L V8 with VVT. The 1996 model (still G50) uses the same engine but without the VVT. The 1997-2001 (Y33) Q45 is powered by the 4.1L VH41DE. The current (2002+) model Q45 (F50) has the 4.5L VK45DE as its powerplant.
I currently own a 96, 94a and a 92.
The 92 is much more the drivers car and the seats are more supportive. Interior materials are better as well (better leather, vinyl and headliner inside, metal doorhandles outside vs plastic on the later models - Lord only knows what other corners they cut!).
You have to watch out for chain guide failures - because of this, some opt to go with the 94+. In 94 Infiniti was trying to play catch up w/Lexus and tried to make the Q more luxurious but I think they strayed to far from their original vision.
That said, any 90-96Q is one hell of a car for the money. Be sure you are ready to dump some money into it to keep things running right. Price of entry is low but some wear/tear items such as injectors can really set you back.
They are a great family car as our 96 is my wifes/daughter and they both love the car. Leather is easier to clean up as well w/ the little ones. If you are not too tall, rear seat has plenty of room to get your kid into his/her car seat. Later models (94+ I think) have anchor points in the center of the rear pacel shelf for center mounting of car seats.
As far as aftermarket - looks like most stuff is JDM. All mine are stock (save for 2002 factory 18" rims on my 94a).
The 92 is much more the drivers car and the seats are more supportive. Interior materials are better as well (better leather, vinyl and headliner inside, metal doorhandles outside vs plastic on the later models - Lord only knows what other corners they cut!).
You have to watch out for chain guide failures - because of this, some opt to go with the 94+. In 94 Infiniti was trying to play catch up w/Lexus and tried to make the Q more luxurious but I think they strayed to far from their original vision.
That said, any 90-96Q is one hell of a car for the money. Be sure you are ready to dump some money into it to keep things running right. Price of entry is low but some wear/tear items such as injectors can really set you back.
They are a great family car as our 96 is my wifes/daughter and they both love the car. Leather is easier to clean up as well w/ the little ones. If you are not too tall, rear seat has plenty of room to get your kid into his/her car seat. Later models (94+ I think) have anchor points in the center of the rear pacel shelf for center mounting of car seats.
As far as aftermarket - looks like most stuff is JDM. All mine are stock (save for 2002 factory 18" rims on my 94a).
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JedCoop
- Posts: 288
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- Car: 94 Q45t w/TCS, 92 Q45 w/TCS, 91 Q45 touring (RIP)
Re: Couple of Q45 Qestions (KaDrifter)
Depends what you want. I have both a '92 and a '94.Generally think:
90-93: better driving, slightly faster, quicker steering ratio, leather cracks and keys wear more quickly than newer models, less reliable transmission, chain guides must be replaced, AC Display dies, Bose radio has less reception & reliabilty.
94-96 is quieter. remote entry and dual air bags, six speakers. Better back support but less leg/side support in seats. Softer ride than earlier Q's.
90-96 all need wheel upgrades, and benefit from Tokico Blue shocks. JWT ECU and pop charger are typical mods.HICAS (4 wheel steering) on touring models, Traction Control and active suspension are the major factory options.
97-01 - the prices on these has dropped massively too, and are an amzing deal to purchase. I dare say these are more reliable, but I have no first hand experience. The back seat is smaller than on earlier Q's.
I'd just look at them all and when you find any one of them in great shape, buy it - any of these in top condition will be a great car.
90-93: better driving, slightly faster, quicker steering ratio, leather cracks and keys wear more quickly than newer models, less reliable transmission, chain guides must be replaced, AC Display dies, Bose radio has less reception & reliabilty.
94-96 is quieter. remote entry and dual air bags, six speakers. Better back support but less leg/side support in seats. Softer ride than earlier Q's.
90-96 all need wheel upgrades, and benefit from Tokico Blue shocks. JWT ECU and pop charger are typical mods.HICAS (4 wheel steering) on touring models, Traction Control and active suspension are the major factory options.
97-01 - the prices on these has dropped massively too, and are an amzing deal to purchase. I dare say these are more reliable, but I have no first hand experience. The back seat is smaller than on earlier Q's.
I'd just look at them all and when you find any one of them in great shape, buy it - any of these in top condition will be a great car.
Hmm.. children, daily driver.
Depending on what you have to spend, all signs point to a 1994-1996 Q45 without active suspension or HICAS steering.
Also look at the very practical, roomier, and exceptionally reliable 97-98 Q45, as resale values have recently taken a nosedive.
If you didnt have a family (which means you wouldnt have a budget and other practical concerns), I'd say get a 1990 Q45, the quickest Q other than the 2002.
If you do buy a 94 and later Q, dont test drive a 90, as you will find yourself throwing all caution (and money) to the wind by following your heart.
Depending on what you have to spend, all signs point to a 1994-1996 Q45 without active suspension or HICAS steering.
Also look at the very practical, roomier, and exceptionally reliable 97-98 Q45, as resale values have recently taken a nosedive.
If you didnt have a family (which means you wouldnt have a budget and other practical concerns), I'd say get a 1990 Q45, the quickest Q other than the 2002.
If you do buy a 94 and later Q, dont test drive a 90, as you will find yourself throwing all caution (and money) to the wind by following your heart.
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elwesso
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Re: (Jesda)
HICAS is very reliable and Ive not heard of any HICAS related problems on the Q. If something IS wrong, it simply shuts itself off.. its a nice feature to have. for reliability stand point, id rather NOT have TCS and have HICAS.
I think that the 94 will be the best buy. It is extremely hard to find a 9093 that doesnt need a lot of work... There are still nice 94s out there to be had that are in great shape.
It all depends what you want.. Id try and drive the best ones of all generations and then you can make your decision.. Some say 97+ need less maintenance, I dont believe it. However, the Y33 generation does seem to be a bit less fussy than the old ones. That being said, it keeps me busy. I replaced my radiator for no real reason yesterday
I think that the 94 will be the best buy. It is extremely hard to find a 9093 that doesnt need a lot of work... There are still nice 94s out there to be had that are in great shape.
It all depends what you want.. Id try and drive the best ones of all generations and then you can make your decision.. Some say 97+ need less maintenance, I dont believe it. However, the Y33 generation does seem to be a bit less fussy than the old ones. That being said, it keeps me busy. I replaced my radiator for no real reason yesterday
Re: (Jesda)
Great information above..I recently bought a 92Qa from e-bay. My transaction was the smoothest of any car that I have purchased in the past. Fortunately I had referenced this web site before I bought anything so I knew what I was getting into.
That being said, I paid about $2300 for the car. A week later I replaced the chain quides, timing chain and plenium hoses for about $3000. This also included changing all the fluids including the active suspension fluid and adding an external transmission cooler. I also replaced the HU for a 94 model so that I could connect a factory cd changer. Next, I spoke with Texaloil and replaced my 4 accumulators $700. This week I am replacing the tires and 4 wheel alignment $300. Fortunately, my fuel pump is not buzzing so that won't have to be replace yet as I have 125K on the car now. But the advantage of buying a used car in good shape is that I am sure everything that must be replaced is now complete. And I spent much less money than buying a comparible car which is equally reliable.
Lastly, some say that you should avoid active cars. While I agree they require a bit more inspection. but the pleasure I get from my car far outweights the downfalls. As far as kids are concerned I have 3 small ones and we all fit in this car very comfortably including all the crap that must be packed everytime you go anywhere. I'm sure you'll want to buy a monsterous stroller which will only be used about 4 times but thats Okay because that fits in the trunk well too. Afterall, any Q will save you from endless ridicule from coworker and friend who have to drive a minivan.
I hope this helps make your decision....
That being said, I paid about $2300 for the car. A week later I replaced the chain quides, timing chain and plenium hoses for about $3000. This also included changing all the fluids including the active suspension fluid and adding an external transmission cooler. I also replaced the HU for a 94 model so that I could connect a factory cd changer. Next, I spoke with Texaloil and replaced my 4 accumulators $700. This week I am replacing the tires and 4 wheel alignment $300. Fortunately, my fuel pump is not buzzing so that won't have to be replace yet as I have 125K on the car now. But the advantage of buying a used car in good shape is that I am sure everything that must be replaced is now complete. And I spent much less money than buying a comparible car which is equally reliable.
Lastly, some say that you should avoid active cars. While I agree they require a bit more inspection. but the pleasure I get from my car far outweights the downfalls. As far as kids are concerned I have 3 small ones and we all fit in this car very comfortably including all the crap that must be packed everytime you go anywhere. I'm sure you'll want to buy a monsterous stroller which will only be used about 4 times but thats Okay because that fits in the trunk well too. Afterall, any Q will save you from endless ridicule from coworker and friend who have to drive a minivan.
I hope this helps make your decision....
Re: (KaDrifter)
Yes.KaDrifter wrote:The Y33 chassis isn't that a Gloria? Thanks
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
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1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Re: (KaDrifter)
The FY33 is a Cima/Q45.KaDrifter wrote:This helps alot Except for the 90 being the fastet now I want a 90, The Y33 chassis isn't that a Gloria?
Re: (KaDrifter)
I own a 90 Q45 and believe me it is an absolutely amazing car to drive, from a hot rod standpoint, its done just about everything i've wanted including that blast to 160 plus on the expressway a few months back. at the same time it's been a great family car as well, my father bought the car back in 1991 and its been in the family since then and has fit me and my three other brothers on many trips from illinois to other states. its a very comfortable car and in my opinion any Q is a great buy.