High mileage '97 Q45.. good buy?

[Wrecker]

Hi.I found a '97 Q45 for sale pretty cheap due to high miles and a few cosmetic blemishes. It's a T model, and it has 152,xxx miles. Carfax says that it's a one owner (leasee?) car that was leased since the time it turned 77 miles. If I end up wanting to buy it, I've decided that I'll pay no more than $7,200.

The car drives beautifully. No power steering whine, the motor makes no funny noises, transmission shifts really smooth, all power options work, etc. The only concern I have with the car is the mileage. It's at a used high-line dealership that has a good reputation. The manager is going to let me take it home for the night for a prolonged test drive. I plan to take it to the Infinity dealership here and get it checked out.. is it possible for them to run the VIN and get a service history? Is there any way of doing that without hunting down the dealership that leased the car?

Do you think I should pass this one up for a lower mileage Q? If I find out that it's had a major motor overhaul or new transmission I'm getting it for sure, but assuming it's been properly maintained do you think it'd still be a good buy?

Thanks for any info.

[elwesso]

I think the price might be a little steep... But from what ive heard, the 97+ have many less problems than do the G50s.....

I think if you get a good inspection and there arent too many things wrong with it, its a good buy..... On these cars especially, mileage is relative to how well they were maintained.... If its got a good maintenance history also, id say it would be good.....

Where are you located.... Maybe there is another NICO memebr that would be able to help you out.... If its within 30mins of indy, I can help you!!!

[Wrecker]

I'm in San Diego. Yeah, if somebody local would like to meet up and check it out, that'd be great!

Yeah, I want a second generation Q because I've read about the first-gen issues (timing chain guides, Hicas woes, electric suspension stuff). Well, that and I like the styling much more in the later models..

Now that I think about it, the fact that the car has about a half dozen little dings and scratches to me is a sign of probable neglect.. hmmm.

[maxnix]

Take it to http://www.jerrytucker.net for an inspection.

May save you heartache later.

[PalmerWMD]

Take it to http://www.jerrytucker.net for an inspection.

May save you heartache later.

Ditto

Fred...

[BadQ45t]

I'd get them to drive the price down, but if Jerry gives it a good bill or health and it looks like a 60k, 90k, 120k and 150k service were done correctly (i.e., transmission fluid flushes, etc) this could be a great car...I'd push it down to the 6k level and I'll bet you get 100k of great service out of the car. I have a 97t with 72k on it and it is bullet proof so far.

[Q45tech]

There is no standardized dealer service for a transmission flush, those dealers that place the customers above profits [because repeat customers are easier to find than new ones] suggest things that help longevity.

Even if you have to spend $12,000-$15,000 [m&r] $2-$2.5k prorated] over the next 6 years to get another 100k............the purchase price plus everything including gas, insurance, etc will be way below the average 57 cents per mile cost of much lesser cars.

[Wrecker]

Thanks for the help, everybody.I love this car. It's incredible how much car you get for the money. It was what, ~$44,000 new and it still feels like it, even with 150k on the odometer!

I called Infiniti, and the service history isn't great. Maybe it was taken to an independent mechanic, but still.. service history would really set my mind at ease. I'm going to take it by Jerry today to see what he says. I know the struts are going out (bouncy on rebound) and there's a squeaking up by the fan.(edit- Infiniti said the last time the dealer saw the car was at around 22k miles)

Thanks again. I may let this one go, but I will buy one some time next year. I'm smitten.

[Jeff Williams]

Quote »Infiniti said the last time the dealer saw the car was at around 22k miles[/quote] Scary, but still is a testament to the strength of the Q.

[BadQ45t]

I think the new car price was closer to 53k for a touring model.

[PalmerWMD]

Great cars,

If It checks out ok, I would jump on it after a little haggling.

Fred..

[Wrecker]

I think the new car price was closer to 53k for a touring model.

Whoa.

I just gave my friend a ride, and he had the same initial reaction as me:"So how much do they want, again? Why do they depreciate so much, so quickly?"

[elwesso]

IMO, they look more flashy and expensive than do the G50s..... But, I like the G50 a little better.... The FY33 doesnt seem to have the attitude of the G50....

[PalmerWMD]

:"So how much do they want, again? Why do they depreciate so much, so quickly?"

Infiniti's marketing campaign never took off as well as Lexus' marketing.

Cars that are in everyone's mind people desire used.

Cars that are a sleeper brand ( or were with Infinti) dont, hence all the great deals on used Infinti's.

I predict depreciation wont be as high on the G35 is everyone wants them.

Among the cognoscenti the 97-01 Q45 are known to be among the most reliable and least $$ to maintain V8 luxury sedans out there.

Any bit as good or better than the same class MB, BMW and Lexus for less money.

Prices are so low on early 90's ones that they get a rep for being expensive to maintain but thats only becasue many of us buying them never played in this class before and the low entry price made it possible.

[Jesda]

Well stated, Palmer. I'm at $4500 this year for maintenance (mostly catchup on what the previous owner neglected) and it still feels like a brand new $40k car.

While maintenance on the minivan is udner $1000/yr, I think tolerances for problems are much higher in a utilitarian vehicle with low expectations, compared to a luxury sedan. I think I -could- spend $4500 fixing up this 93 Mazda MPV, but the payoff (in terms of joy) would be minimal in comparison.

-Jesda