finally letting go...... bye-bye to 92 Q

[greg_atlanta]

2 or 3 injectors started to give bad readings in May 2008 (3rd month of ethanol in GA), and along with the broken A/C, being newly debt-free, 2.9% financing, and finding the rare car without a sunroof I pulled the trigger on a 2008 G35 sedan (silver/black). No regrets on the new car..... but what do to with the Q? It sat around with expired plates and no insurance, but I just couldn't let go. Too pretty just sitting there in the parking garage. Drove it around the neighborhood once a week to keep it from rotting, but once the engine got warm I got the typical stumble at idle.

I was considering fixing it this summer even though I have no need for a second car. But I asked Tommy at T-3 Decatur and Byron at T-3 S. Cobb and they both said that replacing a few injectors is just a temporary fix and I'd be back again in a few months for more. Ty from T-3 S. Cobb (service manager) happened to be at both locations when I was there with my sob story.... and Tuesday he asked to buy it sight unseen (but he knew it was "a good one"). I dropped it off yesterday and he didn't get scared when I told him all the little things that were wrong with it (crazy fuel gauge, sporadic power locks, failing ignition cylinder, messed up left rear camber, etc.). Closed the deal today.

It feels good to sell it to someone who knows what he's in for..... and to be honest and tell him everything I know about the car. I'd have a hard time selling it to anyone else who couldn't work on it themselves. For me it was more a liability than an asset (it would take at least $5K to replace all the injectors and the A/C, and then I'd be lucky to sell it for $2K down the road).

After a year and 10K miles I'm happy with the G35. I'm glad I got an '08 since the '09 has a newish engine (which requires $16/qt nissan ester oil) and a new 7-speed trans (we know nissan doesn't have a strong history in that dept). I got an extended warranty to 7 yr/100K miles for $1250. I got the journey model (CD changer, power passenger seat) but no other options. It's a VERY nice $31K car (invoice) but it's not such a nice $40-45K car loaded up with all the options. Again, no regrets.

The only thing that bugs me about the G is that the exhaust has a tinny rattle during high rpm upshifts from 1-2 and 2-3. Barely noticeable unless the windows are open but it still sounds cheap. Dealer says it's from the exhaust resonator and it's considered normal. Also, there is no ECON button the climate control so if you hit the AUTO button, set the thermostat to 80 deg and it's 20 deg outside the AC turns on -- but it's a minor gripe.

G interior room is very similar to the old Q, just a little more narrow and less headroom with the sunroof (but more headroom without the sunroof). The engine/exhaust doesn't have the warm/fuzzy feeling of the Q but it's still breaking in, I think. Handles great even with goodyear RS-A, I can't wait to put summer tires on it.

Thanks to everyone who's helped me over the years and coached me through the few things I could do myself. Good luck in keeping all the old Qs on the road.... my heart still sinks when I see a nice one on the road today. When I played the lottery in high school I told myself "if I win I'll buy a Q45." It was nice to live the dream on my own dime.

[maxnix]

Sad, but after 17 years of service, a good story.

Strange that T-3 hasn't tried the after market made in USA injectors that seem to be working so well for Heath with ethanolized fuels?

[greg_atlanta]

I owned the car since Dec '99 and it was drivable until May '08. I bought it for $9500 at 131K miles and spent about $21,000 in repairs/maintenance and made it to 238K miles -- 90% of that was routine repairs for typical Q problems, no major engine or transmission work (chains guides were replaced by dealer prior to sale, trans may have been fixed by prior owner - or may be original).

So I averaged $2500/yr in repairs over its usable life (8 1/2 yrs), slightly less than Dennis' $3000/yr estimate -- but would have averaged $2700/yr if I had fixed the AC in 2002 (appx $2000). The last two years were light in repairs.

Byron at T-3 says they haven't had any problems with new injectors failing, so if customers replace all the injectors they may be OK for several years. He also says the '96 Q seems to be immune to the injector problem so far. I doubt T-3 would offer an aftermarket option since they would be obligated to warranty the parts/work for 12mo/12K.

Here's the Q at T-3:

[lino]

It's very nice to hear that you sold the car to Ty. He's such a nice guy and will know how to deal with the normal Q issues. When I first bought my car and realized what I was facing, my friend insisted I sell the car on the spot for whatever money and move on. I told him I wouldn't sell this car to anyone because I knew that they would be more screwed than me. I've never cheated anyone my entire life and wasn't about to start. I stuck by this car and it has been a journey. There are so many days I wish I had a new car because of the challenges, so I can understand why you cut your losses. Good luck with the G35 and enjoy the extended warranty .

[lino]

What exhaust tips do you have?

[greg_atlanta]

What exhaust tips do you have?

$10 from Pep Boys -- not like me to spend $$$ on cosmetics. Just wash and wax and a few bungled attempts at touch-up paint.

[Q45tech]

Such a bargain you got the use of a Q45 for 8.5 years for an average of $3588 per year plus gasoline, insurance, annual tax and tag.$300 per month in payments for 8.5 years doesn'y buy much in a modern vehicle.

Heck my son is paying $450 per month [plus M&R] for a plain new Chevy truck. Which might be worth $2200 8.5 years from now.

Of course I suspect when you add in the time lost for services the equation might change a little against the older lux vehicles. Depends on how much free time one has.

[Q451990]

Greg,

I'm glad to see your Q is going to "Q heaven" there at T3. Did they put on a new roof recently? I thought there was a big covered area over that front area...

Heath

[qship96]

I owned the car since Dec '99 and it was drivable until May '08. I bought it for $9500 at 131K miles and spent about $21,000 in repairs/maintenance and made it to 238K miles -- 90% of that was routine repairs for typical Q problems, no major engine or transmission work (chains guides were replaced by dealer prior to sale, trans may have been fixed by prior owner - or may be original).

So I averaged $2500/yr in repairs over its usable life (8 1/2 yrs), slightly less than Dennis' $3000/yr estimate -- but would have averaged $2700/yr if I had fixed the AC in 2002 (appx $2000). The last two years were light in repairs.

Byron at T-3 says they haven't had any problems with new injectors failing, so if customers replace all the injectors they may be OK for several years. He also says the '96 Q seems to be immune to the injector problem so far. I doubt T-3 would offer an aftermarket option since they would be obligated to warranty the parts/work for 12mo/12K.

Here's the Q at T-3:

Interesting comment about the 96Q injectors, as mine have seen only ethanol mixed fuel since about 2004 or so here in Maryland{about the last 100,000 miles on my Q} and all MTBE laced fuel before that- so far at 230,000 miles injectors are still OK. Are the 96Q injectors a different part number than the 94 &95Q?, or the fact that only about 4500 1996Q were made limit how often T3 sees a 1996?????

Shocked you could go with no A/C since 2002 in Atlanta!!!!!!! that is one thing I could not tolerate in any car!!!!!

[greg_atlanta]

I'm glad to see your Q is going to "Q heaven" there at T3. Did they put on a new roof recently? I thought there was a big covered area over that front area...

I asked about the awning/carport and they said a truck ran into it.

[greg_atlanta]

Shocked you could go with no A/C since 2002 in Atlanta!!!!!!! that is one thing I could not tolerate in any car!!!!!

It wasn't that bad. I have covered parking at home and at work (why the paint still looks good) and the tinted windows helped. My commute to work is less than 10 miles and I work off hours and rarely get stuck in stop-and-go traffic. Just have to dress smart in the summer... t-shirts under dress shirts, don't wear white. Set the econ on 65 deg and recirculate the air and it's pleasant for 10-15 mins. No lag on the engine, and no swampy smell from the vents!

But loving the AC in the G35, esp. on those hot nights when you still sweat with the windows open at 2 am!!!

[lino]

$10 from Pep Boys -- not like me to spend $$$ on cosmetics.

Do you happen to remember what brand it is?

[Infinitiguy19]

Here's the Q at T-3:

Wow I was really off about T3, I thought it was a bit nicer than what it is maybe a sign saying "Official Q45 repair shop" or" Q45's enter here".

[Q451990]

Wow I was really off about T3, I thought it was a bit nicer than what it is maybe a sign saying "Official Q45 repair shop" or" Q45's enter here".

Low overhead... it's all about function at T3.

Heath

[maxnix]

Damn, there goes my chance to get your 24mm rear bar!

[TgduMg]

It feels good to sell it to someone who knows what he's in for..... and to be honest and tell him everything I know about the car. I'd have a hard time selling it to anyone else who couldn't work on it themselves.

Here's to Greg-ATL, Ty, Dennis and the T3 crew. With hopes that Ty keeps the Q in good health!

It's always nice to see a surviving 1st gen Q that looks so good. Thankfully a solid Q45 escaped getting "clunked out"

Danisiti 1
Modified by TgduMg at 9:47 AM 7/13/2009

[Infinitiguy19]

Damn, there goes my chance to get your 24mm rear bar!

Probably easier to make one than just waiting for one of the 7 people with that bar to part out there car's....right?

I would perfer the 22MM bar. But yet another NICO Q owner, Hope Ty comes on NICO LOL.

[dusred]

Low overhead... it's all about function at T3.

Heath

Amen Brotha!

Actually looks like a pretty decent little shop. You ever wonder why dealers rape you on repairs? look at their shop/overhead

[Q45tech]

Small warm waiting room with uncomfortable chairs, bathrooms are just adequate for working men, no cable but WiFi from slow dsl no coffee, but 60 cent soft drinks.

I suggested we install pay toilets since employees take turns cleaning them.

Amazing what dealer extras cost.

Magazine furnished by employees and customers so wide in range from Tatooed - Cycle Babes to Electronics - Clinical Oncology Journals.Last time the bays were painted I helped in 2002.

The place is leased but the rent is very very high due to location............one day it will be a QT gas station.............except it has a nat gas and petro pipe line running underneath.

[qship96]

Small warm waiting room with uncomfortable chairs, bathrooms are just adequate for working men, no cable but WiFi from slow dsl no coffee, but 60 cent soft drinks.

I suggested we install pay toilets since employees take turns cleaning them.

Amazing what dealer extras cost.

Magazine furnished by employees and customers so wide in range from Tatooed - Cycle Babes to Electronics - Clinical Oncology Journals.Last time the bays were painted I helped in 2002.

The place is leased but the rent is very very high due to location............one day it will be a QT gas station.............except it has a nat gas and petro pipe line running underneath.

Why not increase hourly rates by $25/Hr and throw in a prostitute with a room at the nearby Microtel motel???? Talk about creating a demand for lube jobs!!!

[Infinitiguy19]

EWWWW, She would get passed around in there more than the tools would.