Dad totaled his Q45, should he buy it back?

[GnatGoSplat]

My dad totaled his '92 Infiniti Q45. It still runs and drives fine, but needs a new hood, RH fender, and probably bumper cover. I don't know about underlying frame damage, there may be some, but the car doesn't seem significantly shorter on the damaged side.

The insurance will give him $2750 for the car, or $2250 if he wants to keep the car ($500 to buy it back). This is after his $250 deductible.

He is seriously considering putting in $4100 to fix it, that's what a body shop wants to fix it with salvage yard parts. Obviously, the car itself is only worth $3000. I know I can replace a hood, fender, and bumper cover for way less than that, but I don't have time to mess with it. I didn't think it's worth putting in $4100 to fix a $3000 car.

I told him he might just go ahead and buy it back, at least that way he won't be strapped for time when it comes to buying a new car (they will want him to surrender it immediately after his decision is made next week). He can then drive the Q45 as-is for awhile, then buy a new car when he's ready, then hopefully someone will buy his Q45 for at least $500.

Think a wrecked Q45 needing hood, fender, and bumper cover is worth $500 to anybody? Or is it smarter just take $2750 and let insurance have the car? The interior is near mint as the car was always garaged, even when he was at work. No cracks or even creases in the leather whatsoever.

I don't have any interest or room for the car myself, but will have to find a buyer for it if he decides to keep it.I'll post a crappy iPhone pic of the damage later.

[96Qowner]

I'd think about deferred maintenance. Did he ever replace the timing chain guides, for instance? How 'bout the suspension and things like engine hoses and valve cover gaskets - what kind of shape are they in?

It's hard to beat $500 for a car that you know the history of. But you could easily get a different one for less than $4000. You just wouldn't know its maintenance history. But, hmm, it's actually $4100-2250 = $1850. hard to beat that.

It's still low mileage? It was under 100K last time you posted about it.

[GnatGoSplat]

I don't think he's replaced the timing chain guides, but he just spent $3500 to have something repaired dealing with an oil leak, so I'm going to guess he did have the valve cover gaskets replaced. I'd have to see his actual bill to see what was done. Suspension has never been touched to my knowledge.

That's true, he'd only have to kick in $1850 to fix it, maybe that's the most economical way to go? I told him I didn't think putting more money into something than it's worth is ever a good idea, but maybe that's not good advice.

It has about 120k on it now. It does have an intermittent ABS and TCS light coming on and intermittently complains that it has a brake lamp out. The Infiniti dealer replaced the bulb warning module, but that didn't fix it.

He's one of those people that's allergic to buying anything used, so if he replaces it, it'll be with a brand new car, probably over $40k, but he's not excited about being forced to buy a new car because his "stocks are all down".

[96Qowner]

Heheh, I'm probably a bad guy to talk about it, 'cause the wife had a front-end accident this winter with our old beater Accord with 395K, and I put $900 into it to put it back together with used ratty ol' parts. It ain' worth warm spit.

The ABS and TCS and brake light sound like it could be the alternator going bad - kind of a typical symptom - the diodes start failing one by one.

If it's economical he's thinking about, a typical G50 costs about 20 cents per mile to maintain - NO depreciation. The depreciation on a new car would be a lot higher.

Like I said, I'm into maintaining an old car I know all about, so I'd fix it back up and keep driving it. But he HAS to fix those guides, or she goes kaboom one day soon and he has nothing. So figure that into costs, too. That and possible alternator will be $2000 or so.

Is there a decent G50 tech around Springfield?

Also keep in mind that you can probably score some nice cheap body parts off our Infiniti Parts Forum.

[qship96]

I am amazed your Accord hasnt been destroyed by structural{shock towers or frame rail} rust, as even in MD thats what finally takes them.

[Q451990]

My dad totaled his '92 Infiniti Q45. It still runs and drives fine, but needs Think a wrecked Q45 needing hood, fender, and bumper cover is worth $500 to anybody? Or is it smarter just take $2750 and let insurance have the car? The interior is near mint as the car was always garaged, even when he was at work. No cracks or even creases in the leather whatsoever.

Sounds very familiar. zer...age=2

I sold mine for about $700 I think... seems like they sold mine back to me for about $400?

If the damage is just bolt-on stuff, it would be pretty easy to fix - but I suspect there is frame damage.

Heaht

[GnatGoSplat]

Here's the crappy iPhone pic.

I think the ABS+TCS light is one of the ABS relays. He used to be able to hit the relay cover with an empty oil bottle and the lights would shut off. I replaced the smaller of the two with a generic Bosch style relay which worked fine for several months, but every couple months or so the problem reoccurs so I think it was probably the larger of the two relays, I think they're about $60?

I remember now what he had fixed for $3500... the car wouldn't start so they replaced some fuel module and possibly an injector. The shop was less than competent, it would require fairly long cold-start cranking after they fixed it. If there's a better G50 tech around here, I'm not aware of it!

Timing chain guides have not been fixed. I remember telling him about them 3-years ago, but year after year passed and nothing happened, I think he thought I was bluffing!

The more I think about it, the more I think he might just be better off fixing it. Even if it only lasts a couple more years before the timing chain guides grenade the engine, a brand new car will depreciate a lot more than $1850 as soon as he drives it off the lot.

[gammer_ghn]

your better off taking the cash and finding your self a lower millage one with the options you like maybe a T model. The 97-01 models are way cheaper now and actually use less gas as i presume. So maybe an upgrade is better than having the old goat fixed to have it hunt you with problems which might occur because of age.

[Q451990]

There are no guarantees on the guides...

The damage looks very familiar... Just on the other side. You may be a little better off since the intake parts aren't on that side.

The hard starts after the big repair sounds like flooding due to a leaking lower o-ring on the injectors, but that's just a wild guess.

Heath

[Infinitiguy19]

Wow thats not bad at all I was expecting worse I doubt (99% sure) there is any frame damage. definatly fix it heck You headlight and blinker are intact which is a good sign.

[GnatGoSplat]

I'm definitely a proponent of used cars, all the ones I personally own were used with over 90k when purchased and for a fraction of the price.

My dad, however, absolutely refuses to buy used (this car was purchased new as well). If he doesn't fix this car, he's reluctantly buying something brand new for probably around $45k... he's leaning towards an '09 Lexus RX-350 SUV right now since he's kind of wanted an SUV for the past couple of years.He's not remotely a car guy and would much rather save the the money, however.

Someone I know brought up the possibility that his car will end up with a salvage title and be a hassle to get re-licensed. I'm not sure how that works because my dad has both the car and the title, I thought insurance would just cut him a check for the lesser amount of $2250 if he chose to keep the car and that would be end of story. I'll have to tell him to check with insurance on that. I don't think he'd want to go through hassles of a salvage title.

[maxnix]

Short answer, no unless you part it.

Have him look at a Certified pre owned or at least use our buying guide stickied above.

Be sure he drives one of those tippy SUV first before he buys. $45K might get him into a nice new G37 sedan with the 7 speed auto soon to hit the showroom floors. Or even a nice IS 350.

If he isn't hauling all the time, SUV is a waste.

[GnatGoSplat]

My dad is a strange guy, he will NOT buy anything used, so certified pre-owned is out of the question. That's just him, I don't understand it myself.

A little over two years ago, he went to work in Grand Forks ND and they let him drive a Mercury Mariner as a loaner. He really liked that SUV which is why he's sort of been on an SUV kick. I don't think an RX-350 will be any worse than a Mariner. He won't be hauling anything at all so I agree it will probably be a waste.

We did briefly look at one of the current Infiniti G-series and Lexus IS, I don't think he is interested in the smaller cars. We also test drove an ES350 and a Toyota Avalon. The Avalon is the only car that feels about the size of his Q45, but he keeps mentioning the RX-350 so I think that's what he'd really prefer.

Also a correction, the estimate for repairs of his car is $4500, not $4100 as I originally stated. He also mentioned that after the wreck, the button on the shifter no longer pops up when he puts it in park unless he gives the shifter a push while already in park. Perhaps the frame is just slightly tweaked? I reminded him about the timing chain guides again, he said he's not worried about it, he said he told the Infiniti Service Manager what I'd told him about the timing chain guides and the Service Manager said that hardly ever causes a problem.

He still wants me to go looking at Acuras, Hondas, and Nissans with him tomorrow (already looked at Infiniti, Lexus, and Toyota). That'll probably be the extent of our shopping because my dad doesn't trust any other brands.

[96Qowner]

I reminded him about the timing chain guides again, he said he's not worried about it, he said he told the Infiniti Service Manager what I'd told him about the timing chain guides and the Service Manager said that hardly ever causes a problem.

Yeah, sure. Like you said, those techs don' know squat about the G50.

Nope, if he isn't going to fix the guides, he needs to give up on the Q45. No sense in putting it back together. Time for him to get a new car.

[maxnix]

Well, in ND, I would be for a G35x as it won't roll over like many SUV.

If you can't get him into a FX35 AWD, then look at MDX. The RX is basically a jacked up Camry with better trim. Regardless, have him purchase the factory backed extended warranty.

[gammer_ghn]

I'm definitely a proponent of used cars, all the ones I personally own were used with over 90k when purchased and for a fraction of the price.

My dad, however, absolutely refuses to buy used (this car was purchased new as well). If he doesn't fix this car, he's reluctantly buying something brand new for probably around $45k... he's leaning towards an '09 Lexus RX-350 SUV right now since he's kind of wanted an SUV for the past couple of years.He's not remotely a car guy and would much rather save the the money, however.

Someone I know brought up the possibility that his car will end up with a salvage title and be a hassle to get re-licensed. I'm not sure how that works because my dad has both the car and the title, I thought insurance would just cut him a check for the lesser amount of $2250 if he chose to keep the car and that would be end of story. I'll have to tell him to check with insurance on that. I don't think he'd want to go through hassles of a salvage title.

Ummm... My friend got 5k for his 91 Acura integra... how is your dad going to be getting just $2.5k... fight for more.

New suv ide go with a Ex35 and if he thinks it looks like too much of a Biatch car he can go with a very nice FX... Im looking into an fx right now since it has grown on me for no reason... See what he likes with 45k as Brian said you can get any car in the Infiniti lineup including a M....

[GnatGoSplat]

I think he's going to mull it over a bit, but he still wants to keep looking. I told him his timing chain guides could destroy his engine at any time, but he said, "no no, I don't think I need to fix that. If it was really a problem, Infiniti would issue a recall." Then I had to explain to him recalls are usually only for safety issues. Anyway, there's no convincing him.

He actually lives in Springfield MO, my dad just had a locum tenens job in Grand Forks ND 2-yrs ago. AWD isn't really that necessary, I think FWD would be fine for him. He definitely doesn't want RWD in his next car, that's the only thing he's disliked about his Q45... obviously not an auto enthusiast!

My dad didn't seem particularly interested in the FX or EX. I think it was probably since they cost more than the Lexus RX and my dad read someplace that Lexus reliability is the most highly rated. He places a lot of faith in those Consumer Reports ratings... supposedly CR rated the M35 #1 best which is the primary reason we went to the Infiniti dealer, but at $45k for an '08 M35x, I think he prefers the Lexus RX. He says he can't decide between SUV or car, but he seems to think SUVs should be worth more money and he always likes to mention the RX, so I think that's probably where his heart is. The interior sure looks cheap compared to an Infiniti though. Those modern Infiniti interiors in black leather are gorgeous. The light silver metallic plastic and black text in the RX made me think of an inexpensive Wal-Mart bookshelf stereo.

Yeah, we'll definitely check out the Acura MDX. I'm guessing he'll find that much more impressive than the sedans.

It's actually $2750 that insurance will give him, after the $250 deductible so total value they gave to his Q45 is $3000. Edmunds says it's worth $28xx, kbb.com says $39xx. I've told him he should negotiate, not sure if he'll do it.
Modified by GnatGoSplat at 11:03 AM 9/27/2008

[BadQ45t]

The RX is a TOTAL chick car, I swear look 90% of them are woman. They are NOT an SUV it is just a jack-up Camry as previously stated. Look at the Acura MDX or EX Infiniti, or a new Maxima. The RX is a modern day station wagon....boorrrrrinnnggg

[GnatGoSplat]

LOL, my dad doesn't know the difference between a man's car and a chick's car.If it's designed for women, it might be better for him, he's only like 5'2". When he sat in the M35x, he could barely see above the steering wheel even after adjusting the seat. The good thing about it being based on the Camry is its fuel economy is a bit better than other SUVs we've looked at.

I think we're going to go look at the MDX and Maxima today. We already looked at the EX, I don't think he was very impressed for the price.

[maxnix]

At 5'2", he might love the RDX.

[GnatGoSplat]

Took a few more pics over the weekend of it. Nobody thinks this car is worth $500 in its present condition?

Body in good shape overall.

No reason for this pic, it made me chuckle to myself because my dad struggled a long time trying to get the dipstick back in. I had to go help him after taking the pic. I heard some lifter tick so I told him to check the oil. The oil was 4 quarts low?!?! Yes, FOUR! No idea how that happened.

What the damage looks like under the hood.

Hood won't shut all the way.

Hood is a bit crooked.

I think my dad is strongly leaning towards letting insurance have the car and just buying a new '08 Acura MDX on a clearance discount. We went to look at Acuras, Hondas, and Nissans last Saturday and he really liked the MDX.I told him we need to see if they'll take his car in trade for $500 or more. They might not take damaged cars, but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask.The Infiniti dealer will give him $4000 for it as-is under their Customer Loyalty program if he buys an '09 FX35, but the FX35 even after the discount is still a lot more expensive than an '08 Acura MDX so he's not really considering it.

[gammer_ghn]

The FX is better that's why! MDX is made for Honda moms! You have seen infiniti quality so stick with it! Didn't he like the EX???Check this out! http://www.fleetrates.com/infi...hcp=1

[GnatGoSplat]

Some might think the FX looks better than the MDX, but I'm not sure that my dad thinks so. I think Honda and Toyota are quality brands too, so looks aside, I'm not sure what real benefit there would be to getting an FX over the MDX. Granted, the Technology package is really cool, but that adds $3k to the price which is already a lot higher than the MDX. Features-wise, an MDX is comparable to an FX sans Technology package. Performance-wise, the MDX has a little more torque and reviews I've read say it's a little quicker. Handling... FX has the advantage, but my dad is a little old man, he doesn't drive aggressively at all for handling to matter.

Nah, the EX didn't really interest him. Just knowing the FX exists made him think he'd rather have that than the EX. They did have one brand new '08 FX left, but the '09 has a new body style so the '08 didn't interest him in the least.

Well, I did try to convince him he needs to at least drive the FX, but from talking with him last night, I think his mind is already made up.

[gammer_ghn]

Hope he enjoys it!!! I dont know where your getting your prices but here you go a little side by side comparison. Plus a 4k trade in discount factor.The mdx is 500 pounds heavier with 15more torque and the Fx gets better fuel economy and has 7 gears and better warranty and and and.... Look at it your self maybe share it with your dad.

Over viewhttp://autos.msn.com/research/...13186

exterior specshttp://autos.msn.com/research/...07666

Performancehttp://autos.msn.com/research/...07666

[GnatGoSplat]

Well, the big price difference is because he's comparing an '08 Acura MDX to an '09 Infiniti FX35. The asking price for the '08 MDX is $38,000 - it has a $7000 clearance discount. There is only one '08 FX35 left at the Infiniti dealer, and my dad wouldn't want it anyway because the '09s are a new body style and he insists on the newest body style of whatever he gets. The only reason my dad will consider an '08 MDX is because the '09 is exactly the same. He had me research this online because he wants to be SURE nothing is different in the '08 and '09 MDX. Had we been comparing '09 vs '09, then after $4k trade the ending price would have been the same. Even then, he might have still preferred the MDX, he seemed to like the MDX interior better.

[99q45t_vl]

American made vs Japanese made.

[GnatGoSplat]

Which one is American made vs Japanese made?

[Sanger]

As far as I could remember the MDX is assembled up north in Canada.FX35 is assembled in Nippon.

I would go with the MDX based on price. You might want to google it but I think the MDX has better reliability rating as well.

Three years ago, I looked at the '05 MDX but got a better deal on the '05 Volvo XC90. Wife likes the XC90 design better.

[GnatGoSplat]

Just a quick update - the Q45 is gone!

I took him to the Infiniti dealer Saturday before last to test drive the FX35. Unfortunately, he did not like it at all. However, they offered him what I thought was a really good price on an '09... $42k before trade-in, and they would give him $750-$1000 for his Q45, but would need to see it first. I REALLY liked the all-around cameras and parking assist on the LCD. Very, very cool. But he thought the Acura's interior was nicer and felt the FX35 was too crampy for him (even though he's only 5'2").

After that, we went to the Acura dealer where my dad tried to negotiate on an MDX. After a few hours and we were sure the dealer wouldn't budget, I mentioned my dad's Q45 and asked if they'd take it in trade. I said it has "some body damage, needs a fender, hood, possibly bumper cover if it can't be popped out". The sales mgr said if it runs and drives, he would offer $2000 for it sight unseen, and put it in writing (my dad insisted I drive so he didn't have his car with him). We decided nobody else would give him $2k for his car in present condition, so my dad bought a pearl white MDX w/tan interior for $35,500. I don't know if that's a good deal or not, but I'm just glad I don't have to drive my dad around to various dealers every weekend anymore. They didn't have that color in stock, so he had to go pick it up the following Tuesday.