Future of a '91 Q45?

[Bob Di Giorgio]

I'm a 67-year-old volunteer in a non-profit organization. Someone recently donated a 91 Q45. I love that car, and am considering swapping my 89 Ford van for it, which would be much more useful to the organization. The Q has 128,000 miles on it, but runs perfectly. Everything works, and it's a joy to drive. My concern is that the Q may become an expensive car to maintain, if it becomes troublesome. I'm not much of a mechanic, and would have to pay to have most repairs done. I'm on a limited income. My wife is handicapped and relies on me to drive her around.What's the opinion of those of you who are familiar with these cars? Would this be riskier than lesser autos for someone like me?Thanks.

[DAEDALUS]

It's an excellent car, and IF it has been well maintained, 128,000 miles shouldn't concern you very much, UNLESS it has the original tranmission. Those usually lasted about 120k, and would ballpark at $3000 to fix. Also, you need to be aware of the problem with the chain guides. Please use the search function above for info on it. Enter "chain guide" into the query box. It is a one-time expense of perhaps $12-1500 to ensure that your engine doesn't destroy itself.Other than the transmission and guides, the car will probably break down less often than "lesser autos", but indeed, it will be very expensive to fix when it does need work. At your mileage, a lot of things need fixing, although a good percentage of them may not be noticeable, depending on how seriously you take your driving. I expect to spend $2-300/mo for maintanance on my Q, in addition to gas, insurance, etc. Over the long haul I have paid less than that, but I am not through owning the car yet. One moderate-major mishap could put me over my budget.One good thing going for you is you're near Jerry Tucker's All Import Service, which has an excellent reputation for doing quality work at decent prices on your car. Many of us do our own work simply because we do not trust the local shops. If you decide to keep her then congratulations and welcome.

[greg_atlanta]

I'm trying to think why someone would donate it... it's either because: 1) they're more worried about taxes than "real money" and didn't want to bother selling it, or 2) there are so many things that need fixing it would be hard to sell.

Hopefully it's reason #1.

A Q45 can be very seductive, even if it's in horrible shape -- esp. if you're used to driving a van. Even with $10,000 of needed work it still drives like a dream compared to most cars!! So perspective is important.

I would go to a local dealer and explain your situation and see if they can pull up a service history based on the VIN #. If there's a lot of work documented, that's a good sign. If not, might be a bad sign.

You could also take it to Jerry Tucker for an inspection (maybe 1-2 hours labor) and get an idea of what may need to be fixed.

Even if things look good you've still got the double whammy of a suspect transmission (can fail anytime without notice) and the timing chain guide issue.

[Bob Di Giorgio]

Thanks to both of you for those quick replies. I just pulled up Jerry Tucker's web site. He is quite close. Since he seems to be famous not only in S. Calif but even in Atlanta, that's quite a recommendation. The car was donated for a tax writeoff. It had a problem with the driver's door hinges, and one time it jammed so badly that they took a crowbar to the door and messed up the front quarter-panel, and they decided to donate it rather than spend a lot to fix it up. It also needs a paint job.I'll probably take it to Tucker, and hope he was the mechanic for the previous owner.

[maxnix]

Bob, if you haven't read through all the previiuos posts (highly recommended background information is there), do take the VIN number to a dealer and have him print the service history.

The door hinge problem does not sound pretty, and probably destroyed the galvanizing where the crow bar contacted the body. There will be some expense to repair this also if you want to keep the car. Hope to hear from you again soon.

[natsoundup]

Bob, I love my Q....it breaks down rarely.... I put a few bucks into it.... and maintain it decently

....but if you are not prepared for a possible 2k bill or 3-400 for a rountine maintenance trip.... don't buy it......

Fortunately I have had mine for 9 years and don't have a note... and it's still a good car 90Q 148k miles.... but I know I am one major repair away from getting an Altima or a Jetta.

An ok paint job will set you back 1500 dollars....

Just one man's opinion.

[fxjackso]

Two quick maintenance checks. Does the car have 4 of the same brand name (Michelin, Yokohama, Dunlop, Etc.) HR or better rated radial tires?

Call Infiniti Customer Service 1-800-662-6200, with the VIN, and see if the previous owner had the 120,000 mile service done at at dealer. Its $900-1000.

If no to either, go no further. The car has not been maintained. It needs a lot more $$$$ to get back in shape.

[greg_atlanta]

Whatever you do, don't get rid of the van. With body damage -- even if it's simple -- the cost to repair could exceed the trade-in value of the car, so it's essentially worthless on the used car market.

You can always take the "enjoy it until it falls apart" approach (minimal maintenance). I'm starting to do that with my car.

[Bob Di Giorgio]

Well, the only way I could "buy" the Infiniti would be to trade my van for it, and we'd be in real trouble with a $2-3K repair bill, so -- I guess I'll enjoy the Q45 while I can, keep the Ford as the family car, and my BMW motorcyle as my own fun ride.But I sure can understand why you guys like your Infinitis so much.Thanks for all your helpful replies.Bob