Debating a purchase

[TmaCular]

I recently found a 91 q45 for sale pending i approve of it when i look at it. the car has i believe she said 130-140k on it and the local auto center that "diagnosed" the problem told her that the coils were rusted...?? i have no idea about the coils on this car and if they can rust or not. all i know is the car turns over and doesnt start. with that in mind are they any significant details to what have caused the coils to rust (sat for a while etc etc.) im getting the car for under 500 and the car is beautiful outside with minor normal wear inside. i am speaking with the mechanic of the shop who diagnosed it to see what tests were ran on the car during his possession.. so just curious is this a good buy..worst case scenario could i part it out for enough to be worth it or fix for cheap and sell..thanks

[Q451990]

Depends on how much time you have. I'd check on it's salvage value first to know your "worst case exit strategy" before you get in too far.

If they're talking about the coil packs, I have no idea what they mean. They're pretty much bulletproof on the early Q45.

Heath

[TmaCular]

thats what my concern was..i didnt think those coils would rust..ill be checking it out tomorrow and ill find out some more detail on what went wrong..i figured the maf and ecm and all engine components i might be able to sell to fellow members..ill post when i know more tomorrow thanks heath

[lino]

Try to take some pics and post them here.

[TmaCular]

ok heres the scoop of what i got..car has just under 200k she was wrong..i pulled the injector harness because the coils all looked wonderful and when i ohmed the injectors numbers 7 6 4 3 and 5 all had no readings..7 read 198...i would imagine the car would never start with 5 injectors bad..also the knock sensor readings were both at 280 so both those are bad as well.. as far as the cosmetic..outside not to bad a few rust bubbles starting to show on real fenders same spots i just did on my Q...now i dont really know much else and she is not the brightest tool in the shed so heres my thoughts..i happen to have 6 injectors and 2 working knock sensors and the harness's for this car...i told her 400 bucks for it is all ill pay..she sais ok and is waiting for my response...where should i go from here given i dont know much about the history

[Q451990]

What are you hoping to do with the car? I assume you have phase 1 injectors? The ones that fit your '94 are different than the '90-93 style.

Heath

[TmaCular]

yes i have 6 phase 1's off a 92...honestly im looking to make a buck..im not a fan of the 1st gen Q's and i love my 94 so if i could fix this and it run with the parts i have im looking to sell and make myself some money..help pay some college loans off

[Q451990]

Do some checking on how much you can realistically get for a 200K mile Q before you spend too much time with it... sounds like a money pit to me... $400 in maybe $1000-$1200 out... not sure where you are on parts cost.

Heath

[qship96]

I agree.....its a dog....with fleas.......old 200K Q are worthless in todays marketplace, even trying to make a buck by parting one out has become a unprofitable activity once you consider your time, effort, and storage into the equation.

Easier to just go mow some of your neighbors lawns or shovel their driveways in winter if you really need some extra jingle in your pockets.

[BadQ45t]

Walk away if your goal is to make money. With 200k on the odo even if this was a pristine 91' Q with timing belt issues resolved, fluid flushes every 30k for its entire life combine with OCI of 3,000, you would have a hard time getting more then $1200 for it. There just isn't a demand and with that much mileage the transmission is a ticking time bomb as are all the other gremlins that lurch in those early year cars.

Run away, put your labor into a late 90's LS Lexus, those people still pay money for, the Q's not so much. If your goals is to sell the car buy a car that people really want to buy on the used market. Or better yet go and work on peoples cars for 30% less then the local mechanical shops do.....but walk away, you will lose money on this car.

[qship96]

1998+ Ls400 is a wonderful place to put your coin....so good, you may just keep it instead of trying to resell for a profit !!!! Funny how all the second gen {95-2000} LS still look brand new, and command a top dollar, while like year Q look old and abused and are worthless in the market

[TmaCular]

yea thats what im at now...i mean my 94 with 150k bluebooks only at 1800 in good condition i thought it wouldnt be bad because given it was the 5 injectors and ks that were bad i have all the parts in my garage all working up to standards so parts would of cost me nothing..of course thats given that this is the only issue. i guess ill just stay away maybe ill offer her 100 lmao

[OwnerCS]

Figure in the cost of getting it towed to a salvage yard at the end. I don't see how parting out one can be profitable nowdays.

I found a 94 drive shaft for under $10 at self pull salvage yard.

I picked up an extra fuel tank for $10.

[BCC93QT]

If you were closer to MA i would let you store it in my bud's junkyard. I have begun my hording of beat up Q's. Have a total of 3 right now. Theres a sick triple black 91 Q45a with only 63k on the odo that had a front on collision. Also there will be an 03 black Q45 with whitish leather coming in a few weeks. Got sideswiped on the driverside front. almost took the whole front end off.