hate to be a sell out, but I am not really selling out.

[longrunQ]

well, I got this 91 q45 that I told you all about with 163,000 miles on it with hopes of fixing it up and getting a reliable car for about $5000 fix up cost,

but then I saw that I could get a nissan 1997 maxima(really beautiful) on autotrader.com for around $6000 dollars.

I know I love the q45 because it gives me the luxury and feel and space that I long for, but I am wondering if it would be a better investment as far as overall reliability and longevity to get the 97 maxima.

SO I guess what I am doing is asking you guys to sway me one way or the other. I can buyy the maxima and have two cars(one for luxury and one for reliability, but I wont be able to fix the worn motor mounts and chain guides and radio on the q . I know I'll still have to fix the steering wheel and transmission cooler.

On the other hand, I can fix the q for about $4500 as well as I can and have $1500-$2000 in the bank for emergency fixups and I'll have the best of both worlds.

If you want me to fix up the q, Im sorry that you'll have to do a lot of convincing because I am about 85 %on getting the newer car just for the reliability.

Thanks for your time.

[Q451990]

The Maximas are basically bulletproof... if you can get what you have in your Q back out, there's not a particularly good financial reason not to make the switch. Of course, we'd all be better off financially driving Civic's or Sentras - the appeal for the Q is it's sheer luxury and power, in my book it's worth the extra $$.

If I were you, I'd split the difference and buy my Q with 184K for $5K with updated guides, transmission cooler, motor mounts, transmission mounts, shocks, ABS pump, etc...

Heath

[maxnix]

For around town and general commuting, the Q is overkill unless you are hauling 3 other large adults most of the time.

If you do a lot of interurban driving and highway trips, you may prefer the Q.

The Maxima is a good transportation device, with a great engine, and an oxcart rear suspension. It is a Q neither in design nor in execution.

[Mayhem_J30]

i'd go with the maxima! i just bought a 96 I30, basically a maxima and i love it. there's a huge aftermarket on it to if you're into that. it's a real good looking car and as heath said, "they are bulletproof". mine has 120,000 miles and the motor and transmission feel brand new, powerfull with no slip ups anywhere. i would do it just because you don't have to change those chain guides.

[aaacomp]

It's always best to have $$$ in the bank. The Q45 when maintaned run into the 300k area. That's a few more years of driving with more everything. The 1st generation Q's are going away. When maintaned all around they are a beautiful car. Why not ride in style and save some $$$$.........:thumbup

[AZhitman]

Sell the Q for a fair price to someone on the board who can DIY all the necessary repairs, buy the Max, and stash the leftover cash...

(That's what I'd do... That's a lot of miles on the Q, especially if it hasn't been 'well-maintained')

[longrunQ]

thanks for the info guys. You guys just sealed it. I am getting a 97 maxima.

No. I am not going to sell the q45. I am hoping that throughout next year I'll have cash to fix it up and eventually have the ultimate car.

now, if anyone knows a good cheap seller, prefferably in texas that deals in maximas so that I dont have to fly to oregon or north dakota to pick up my maxima

[maxnix]

Look for the car, research it, get to know the seller, and then have it inspected by the dealer.

It is worth the plane (bus, train) fare.

Get to know your seller.

[AZhitman]

Try for a place with very little rain and humidity, no snow. Cars in the temperate areas of AZ, NV, TX, NM, last forever (if garaged).

I've always had good luck with Autotrader.com.

[longrunQ]

AZhitman, thanks for the vote of confidence in autotrader.com

sometimes, their prices are so low I think there must be something wrong with the car. I always check though and the low priced ones are usually rental or fleet that were bought at auction.

I have been researching an auction in Houston, TX, but if that does not pan out, I'll be happy to use autotrader.com

[AZhitman]

Let me know if you find one in AZ - I'll go have a look at it for you.

[theTony]

I am getting a 97 maxima.

Excellent choice!!! :thumbup I would have picked the same.