Debating purchasing 02 Q45

[Foxsly]

So my current car (1990 Accord) is on its way out, and it doesn't make sense to keep pouring money into it. I've got an opportunity to buy a 2002 Q45, for $7000. The only problem is that it has 156k miles on it. I'm going to take it to a mechanic tomorrow and have them take a look at it, and I was also planning on calling/going to a local dealership with the VIN number and see if they can check the services records for me. Is there anything in particular to look out for? Is this a good deal or not? I know this is a lot of miles on this car but if it's been maintained well it should be in pretty good shape still. I can also probably haggle my way down a bit from $7000 too.

[paranoidjack]

$7000 for an 02 with 153 on it?

Short answer - nope. Walk away...buy an fgy33 with same miles for $2500-$3000, spend 1-2 on it and make it nice, or spend more and buy a lower mileage, at least 03.

Those engines are known to drink oil (which is OK if oil levels are kept adequate), but most owners if experiencing the issue probably did not maintain it and much as it needed to be at 153k. Too many miles for $7000 - for a few grand more, get something like this:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... dard=false

Gold though, meh

FGY33, a little less cash and MUCH younger car (it's only 2 years old, but a lifetime in mileage):
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... dard=false

[BCC93QT]

Take the more classy approach and get a G50 1st generation FTW!

[maxnix]

2003 and on had many upgrades to the electronics and some to the running gear, so look at those if you like the F50 style.

F50 is the only Q45 without LSD, but does have a 5 speed AT.

[BadQ45t]

I agree that this is way to much for the car. Not that 7k is so much for a car, nor would 6k if you could talk them down in price I think that this is just way to many miles for this type of car. I don't know if you'd really be able to figure out whether or not it has the oil burning issue and also there are some pretty expensive electronics that could go wrong for you. Don't even consider the comment about the 1st Gen, they were nice in their day but if your looking at 02's and above your looking in the right place. There are so few 1st gens in any kind of shape worth looking at at this point, I personally would keep looking at 03 and 04, find one with a fewer miles, like not more then 75k if possible. Getting the interior upgrades they made, the more powerful engine and that extra gear are well worth it.

I just wouldn't want to buy a car that is as expensive as this car can be to upkeep and repair with that many miles....but run the VIN, see what they dealers knows, and then offer 4k firm and that might be worth it.

[Skibane]

Is there anything in particular to look out for?

2002 was the first year for this redesigned model, and there were PLENTY of problems with it. As previously mentioned, the engine tended to be an oil-burner. If you can possibly swing it, a 2003 or later would a lot less risky. Infiniti got the problems ironed out pretty quick in the later years, and by 2004 or so, they were superb cars - That's probably what you want to shoot for.

[djwarner]

I don't know that I would say "plenty" of problems with the 2002.

Most of the glitches were fixed via recall or incorporated during the production year.

Oil-ring blowby was the one problem not easily recalled, though (if encountered during the warranty period) Infiniti often replaced engines as a corrective action. Considering that not every engine experienced the problem and the considerable expense, Inifiniti chose to replace engines only after the problem occurred. The real question is considering the design, would the problem recur with the new engine. I don't know how many '02s out there still suffer from excess consumption. Mine eats a quart about every 3500 miles which is not abnormal for this class of engine.

About the only other problem concerned a redesign of the gas pedal because some drivers felt initial acceleration with a spring loaded pedal assembly was sluggish.

And oh, lets see, they never implemented the integrated cellphone and the adaptive cruise control introduction was delayed until late in the model year.

Did I miss any?

[andrewcconti]

I bought my 02 Q45 in October of 2008 with 65,000 miles on it from a local Acura dealer. The car now has 79,000 miles. I have had zero problems with the car. I am the second owner and the car was always serviced at Infiniti and has had all recalls performed under warrantee. CSP, pedal/ECU update,etc... I burn about 1 quart of oil every 3500 which is VERY normal for a high performance V8. The BMW X5 I6 5 speed I sold to buy the Infiniti burned 1 quart ever 800-1100 miles and the BMW dealer told me that was NORMAL(?). My previous Porsche 911 burned a 1 quart ever 1000 miles.

I can not recommend the F50 q45 highly enough. Great smooth power, quiet, perfect highway car. If you can find all of the services and updates were performed I think you should be 100% a-ok buying a 02 Q45. As a matter of fact Consumer Reports has the 02 Q45 listed as one of the "recommended buys for a luxury car under 10k"

Best of luck! I love my Q

[maxnix]

I don't know that I would say "plenty" of problems with the 2002.

Most of the glitches were fixed via recall or incorporated during the production year.

Did I miss any?

Compared to later G50 and FGY33, I would!

Some of the glitches were addressed in later MY production, not all were addressed until 2003 MY production. Satellite radio was addressed during later MY 2002 production.

[qship96]

Sadly, the big one {oil consumption} was never "fixed" and plagues many later year f50 models right on thru the final 2006 Q { and lives on in even much newer m45/fx45 models !!!!! Lets hope the new 5.6 V8 in the M56 put an end to this issue as it is about the only Infiniti that captures my attention when it is time to retire my old Q !!!!

[BadQ45t]

I have to say, I have never owned a car that "burned" oil. My 84' Z loses 0, my 97' Q burns 0 and my 05' XTerra burns zero. the wifes sentra goes 1/2 quart low at 3k, if they don't fix that I don't see buying a car where I put in a $10 quart of Amsoil in extra between oil changes....the LS460 burns none.