Gonna buy a Q45

[krazy4]

Hey guys just wanna start by saying hi. Cool site you guys got here, should have found it earlier.

Well im thinking about buying a 94 infiniti Q45. I don't want to buy a 90-93 because of the chain guide issue.I found one that is pretty nice and a good deal, and I just want to know what you guys think of it. Heres a description of the car (the ad):

Black/Tan 4 door, cutom wheels $2,000, Alpine ten pack CD Player new $900.00, Runs strong. 125K miles on second motor. New brakes. Body and interior are in good condition. This is a mans car. Have all maintenance records-$1950

Well what do you guys think?

[superuber]

Welcome!

Dealer maintained? 125 on second motor, how many miles on the car?Many, many other questions with a car with high mileage. Give us some more info. Didn't some of the early 94's get stuck with the junk guides?

[CrimsonQ]

Might explain the 2nd motor more.

Dont pass a 90-93 because of guides. You might find you like it more or less. (not starting debate)

[Q_SHIP]

I firmly believe that the 93 did not have this issue anyway.

[Jesda]

I suspect insufficient OCI killed the first engine.

$2000 is a good price. DO IT.

[96Qowner]

The rule of thumb is that a G50 is a $10,000 car, maybe $8000 now. If you only pay $2000 for it, you're gonna owe it $6000.

So, you need to figure out exactly what's been neglected. Have the valve cover gaskets been replaced? What condition are the engine hoses in? What's the history on the transmission? Were fluids flushed on schedule? Service records are invaluable - study those before you even think about buying it.

The good news is that the price is in line. But there are also quite a few G50s to choose from in that price range.

Remember the $8000 rule. A perfect (or close to perfect) interior is worth paying for. Custom wheels and aftermarket CD players aren't much use in a car with an aging $3500 transmission.

[Jesda]

zerothread/213450

[krazy4]

I didn't expect this many replies but im not complaining lol.

Thanks for all of the help. I really want a Q45.Im going to call the guy and try to go look at it.

If I buy this car I want to get some 350Z rims for it because they seem to bolt up. I also want to get the NICO ecu, but that seems like its going to be hard. Eventually this beast is gonna get some spray.

[lino]

The rule of thumb is that a G50 is a $10,000 car, maybe $8000 now. If you only pay $2000 for it, you're gonna owe it $6000.

So, you need to figure out exactly what's been neglected. Have the valve cover gaskets been replaced? What condition are the engine hoses in? What's the history on the transmission? Were fluids flushed on schedule? Service records are invaluable - study those before you even think about buying it.

The good news is that the price is in line. But there are also quite a few G50s to choose from in that price range.

Remember the $8000 rule. A perfect (or close to perfect) interior is worth paying for. Custom wheels and aftermarket CD players aren't much use in a car with an aging $3500 transmission.

[krazy4]

Alright I asked a few basic questions:1) Has the car been in an accident? -Last year I was hit from behind the only damage was to replace the bumper.

Does the car pass smog?-Yes, already had it smoged for this years registration.

Lastly, when was the last time the spark plugs were changed?-I don’t remember, the dealer has not said anything about replacing the plugs.

She also said this,

Additionally the dealer has said the rack and pinion should be eventually redone/replaced. I do not have any problems with the front end and have not done so.

The past year I had to replace the battery twice, however, the dealer told me last month since it would not start again, that the battery they installed was not the problem but was the connection to the battery cable. They tightened the cable and it starts fine, but they said the strap/cable should be replaced if this occurs again, which according to them would mean a few hundred dollars to replace.

The car seems pretty good to me other than the rack and pinion, but how bad is that, I mean i know it is a major part but it could be BS from the dealer.

It seems like she only goes to the dealer for the maintenance, so that is good.Let me know what you think?

[maxnix]

1) Has the car been in an accident? -Last year I was hit from behind the only damage was to replace the bumper.

Additionally the dealer has said the rack and pinion should be eventually redone/replaced.

The past year I had to replace the battery twice, however, the dealer told me last month since it would not start again, that the battery they installed was not the problem but was the connection to the battery cable.

1.) Rear end collision could have stressed the silicon filled subframes bushings to failure, or even damaged the transmission if it was in gear. Inspect carefully and check alignment with a Hunter machine.

Rack and pinion may need replacement, so check for leaks.

Alternator may be going.

Read the sticky on how to buy a Q. Get the dealer performed service history. Check all fluids. Have the Infiniti dealer senior technician check it out on your dime.

Have a $4K - $6K cash kitty to bring it up to as new specifications before considering anything else.

[krazy4]

When I go to look at it I will check for leaks.Hopefully the alternator is not going, how hard is that to change. On my current car it is extremely easy but on the Q i don't know. Im also looking at other Q45s so if I don't like this one Ill look for others.

[goody90q45]

......I'm also looking at other Q45s so if I don't like this one Ill look for others.

You live in the largest used Q45 market in the country. Just following up on the L.A. and Orange County Craigslist listings would keep you busy every weekend.

Have patience and the right one will come along. Good luck in your search.

[krazy4]

Yeah I seriously have like 3 right in front of me lol

[krazy4]

Heres another one ive found:

Please be serious if you are intending to buy - saves time for all. Again this is a nice car for the money $ 2,300 takes it now. 160K in the odometer Carfax says no accidents. Engine runs very strong and transmission shifts smooth, air conditiong blows cold. All black leather interior in great sahpe (even door linings are of leather!). Details : needs brake pads and AIR BAGis light on due to faulty fuse, and paint has faded on back lid and top of hood, and electric windows in back need to replace the fuse to work again. Other than that the car is in great shape... this car in top notch condition goes for $3 to 3.5 K so this is reasonable priced to move fast. First come first served

[superuber]

Doesn't sound like that one was maintained very well.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Last I checked it took a LOT to get the paint from an early 90's Q to "fade," so that alone throws up a red flag for me.

[krazy4]

Yeah I read that too so maybe the first one is better?

[DrewQ45]

The rule of thumb is that a G50 is a $10,000 car, maybe $8000 now. If you only pay $2000 for it, you're gonna owe it $6000

Or you can plunk down $10K and get a nice car. Consider that you'll never sell it for 10K so use common sense when pulling out your wallet.

Realistically, the only reason I own this car is that...

1. It's been very realiable2. I turn my own wrench unless it's something grossly above my head/patience. 3. I have Nico - which is better than any dealer + Joe's discounts

It's my plaything, and I don't mind being under it tweaking or repairing. Show up at the dealer/shop every time it squeaks and you'll get rid of it fast.

Oh...

4. I have a second car.

**Edit**

5. Last but definately not least. A good supply of used parts.
Modified by DrewQ45 at 1:00 PM 4/13/2007

[superuber]

Or you can plunk down $10K and get a nice car. Consider that you'll never sell it for 10K so use common sense when pulling out your wallet.

Realistically, the only reason I own this car is that...

1. It's been very realiable2. I turn my own wrench unless it's something grossly above my head/patience. 3. I have Nico - which is better than any dealer + Joe's discounts

It's my plaything, and I don't mind being under it tweaking or repairing. Show up at the dealer/shop every time it squeaks and you'll get rid of it fast.

Oh...

4. I have a second car.

Me too! You read my mind!

One thing a second car does, it makes you realize how great these cars are to drive. My car sits way to much!

[96Qowner]

You live in the largest used Q45 market in the country. Just following up on the L.A. and Orange County Craigslist listings would keep you busy every weekend.

Have patience and the right one will come along. Good luck in your search.

Excellent advice. Probably the most important part. Look at a dozen or so, and I guarantee you'll be glad you did. Find that cherry one - the one that the owner always kept in proper condition, and can prove it with records. It's even worth paying a grand or two more for. Some of things that go wrong with a Q are annoyingly expensive to fix.

The alternator is really tight and frustrating, but you can do it after reading some of the past threads on NICO.

[DrewQ45]

Wes once had a quote...something about falling asleep under the car. I think I can relate now. With a nice moving mat on the ground and the safety of jackstands, a late night affair could involve a little slumber.

[StarPD]

Krazy, heed the advice given here.Remember, Carfax will notalways reveal body repair done at an independant body shop.

On your first metioned car, you should figure o replacing the steering rack and probably the tension rods and all bushings. The valve cover gaskets, plugs, filters,and brakes should be replaced, wheel aligment and flushing of all fluids, inclusdng brake fluid and steering oil should be done.

Finally a GOOD paint rejuvenation and waxing, and complete interior detailing.

That's a lot of work and expense, but you'll find that once you've rejuvenated your Q, and everything maintenance-wise is up to snuff, you'll love it. Just be sure to start with one that you've thoroughly checked out and made sure there are no unsuspected expensive mechanical issues waiting to bite you.

[Rex]

Your search is over, it's your lucky dayhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/242868

[96Qowner]

Your search is over, it's your lucky dayhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/242868

Whew, yes! Right in your area, too, krazy4. Go look at it. NICE example of a well-kept G50.

[StarPD]

Your search is over, it's your lucky dayhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/242868

Looks like Rex is right.With some relatively easy repairs,(struts, rack boots, bushngs ad motor/trans mounts), paintless dent repairs and light paint repair it should be a stand up car for you. Later if you like, you could get a trans or have your repaired by one of the trans places mentioned in threads here.

You might want to check it out before someone else grabs it.