End of an era? Beginning of an era.

[natsoundup]

Well after many months of looking, I finally purchased another Q.

My 1990 is still running very strong, but it is plagued by the slippage in 4th gear.

In a week or so I am getting a 94Q with 82k miles (thank goodness for Dealer mileage documentation--one of the few things they are good for)

Anyway, I don't know what I am going to do with the 90. I could sell it, but it isn't worth that much. I could give it to my son and let him use it until the transmission goes, or I could part it out.

The most likely scenario is to let my son have it...and then part it out. I am currently investigating how many signifigant parts I could harvest and keep for the 94. Any thoughts?

1990 Black/grey 159k1994 Pearl white/tan 82k (as of 10/20)

Lee PolowczukGreenville, South Carolina

[90Q45blue]

Congrats on your 94 Q. With 252k on my 90 I'm actually planning the same thing you're doing, but won't be buying a 94 until summer 2005. Honestly, there aren't really that many parts that are interchangeable between the 90 and the 94. Fred got a 94 and ended up parting out his 91 for that reason.

Again congrats and get pics as soon as you get the car!

Nick

[natsoundup]

I'll post pix when I get the car...

I hope to get a 2000 Anniversary Edition in about 4 years!!!!

That's great that you have 252k on yours....I would get another transmission...but i never got the chain guides done....so the money would have added up too quickly...plus I have had this Q for 10 years.

I just needed a change...and am glad it is another Q

[elwesso]

Id stop driving it out and part out....... 1st gen engines are getting hard to find, and dont drive it any more so you can sell the engine......

Interior items are also good, if their in good condition..

[PalmerWMD]

interchjangebale wear parts that come to mind.

Rear diffpropeller shaftsdrive shaft

Fred...

[natsoundup]

Wes-- i would love to sell the engine to someone...oil has never seen 3500 miles in the 10 years I've had it..but remember no chain guide job.

From a parts list...I am figuring these items to hold on to--

ABS module ( not the actuator)Power window reulators and motorsSpeakers and amps (brand new in February from Bose)Antenna assemblyAir flow meter

Those things would take up no space in a garage box

Maybe there wouldn't be much more worth parting out, I don't know...

[Q451990]

If the car is in otherwise good condition, it's a shame to part it out. I'd look for someone to buy it that can do a transmission swap and guides. Is everything except the transmission in good condition? How about the cosmetics?

Given the options you said you're considering, I'd let your son drive it for a while and then go from there...

Heath

[elwesso]

You could probably get more for the individual parts than the car as a whole...... IE the body panels and stuff like that.......

It would be a shame to see it go..... Id love to see it go to a NICO member so they can fix it up to a primo NICO Q......

[natsoundup]

Heath---- just one other typical Q problem... sunroof doesn't open...

I don't think it's worth it for a member or anyone to put 3k for transmission..and another 1400 or so for the guides....

Also...hoses never replaced under plenum, alternator never replaced, water pump never replaced, radiator is original.

The only parts that are newer are the starter, the A/C compressor, drier.... and blue tokico's all the way around...

it's been a good car, I just see lots of other stuff on the horizon.

Just being honest to myself.

[elwesso]

Well at LEAST you are being honest to yourself........ Id say 160k on origional guides is just fine...... They've lived their life......

If the engine hasnt seen more than 3500 for an oil change, id say its still got another 100k on it, with some help......

If you do decide to part it out, we get first dibs!!!!

[natsoundup]

Let the transmission run it's course (maybe not to far in the future with a 16 year old driving it)

Yeh, you could eat off that engine. The oil hardly gets dirty at 3k miles. A member would get that real cheap.

[elwesso]

Especially since 1st gens are really getting hard to find in good condition...... MIles are kind of relative..... And on this engine, Id say its more around 100k........

[Q45tech]

"1st gen engines are getting hard to find, and dont drive it any more so you can sell the engine......"

Ebay had 6 engines and I know of 7 in Atlanta Japanese take out dealer inventory .

I'll bet there are at least 200 viable engines [90-93] in US...Every junked President in Japan has had its engine shipped to the US.......the prices keep droping because few want to buy and replace......considering the $5,000 price tag of a competent job.

[natsoundup]

I figure the engine is worth 3-400 dollars

[PalmerWMD]

I figure the engine is worth 3-400 dollars

If its a good engine it may be more.

In 1998 I paid well ocer $3500 for a early VH45de w/o guides done and dirty.

A ear;y VH45de costs about $2000 and needs R&R.

The 90-93 are more expesnive than the 94-95 cuz the demand is higher for the 90-93 (guides breaking).

I considereing myself very lucky getting my decent 95 VH45de for $1500.

Fred...

[natsoundup]

Well, we will see when the day comes. I would rather help someone out than even think about gouging them. I would be very happy to get 12-15 hundred dollars for a parted out car....