HVAC/Heating Vent issue

[encantotom]

hi, i am looking at buying a beautiful 91 q45 for my son to drive around. it appears to have a problem where the front vents that blow AC or heat will sporatically blow air. the fan is running and it will push air through the defrost and the floor when selected but no air through the vents that blow on the driver and passenger. i see there are blower door issues on the mixer door, but this is not about heat or cool, but actual airflow. i looked at the way to do a self diagnostic of it using the onboard computer, but it is from a 94. does it work the same way for a 91? (from the downloads on this site the lowest year they go is a 94)

any advice here on this before i go to buy it?

also, even though it is the second owner i am dealing with there is no knowledge of the chain gudes being replaced. is this something that would cause me to stay away from this car? i will not want to put 2-3k into the car fixing those.

thanks

tom

[96Qowner]

also, even though it is the second owner i am dealing with there is no knowledge of the chain gudes being replaced. is this something that would cause me to stay away from this car? i will not want to put 2-3k into the car fixing those.

thanks

tom

This is a key statement. If you're not willing, then look for a 94-95. And we who have Q45s and love them, often warn prospective buyers that this car will require another $3000 in deferred maintenance to make it enjoyable and reliable, whether it's a 90-93 or a 95-96.

And yes, the diagnostics should work the same on the 91.

[encantotom]

thanks for the fast response. the car has 99k miles. you are saying it could just let go at any time or last another 5 years, just that it is a crap shoot either way? about the chainguides i mean....

thanks

tom

[oldmako]

As a recent convert to the Q, I would suggest that you seek alternative transportation for your son. If you don't want to part with 2-3K in maintenance on an almost 20 year old, highly advanced auto then this is probably not the car for you. They don't appear to be the kind of car one can just flog day in and out without care. If junior loves to tool with his ride (under the hood, not just a massive stereo) then maybe.

Parts prices tend to be high (although some stuff is available at autozone) and or course so is labor. I consider myself an above amateur wrencher and there are jobs on this car which are well out of my league. So, I'll have to bite the bullet on certain jobs. Just spend an hour or so going through this forum and you'll see what I mean.

How old is your son? My 99 is the red headed, hair lipped, slow poke, bastard child of the Q family, and it's about as fast as my Olds 442 was in high school. Too much power / speed for most kids if you ask me. The faster I go, the faster I want to drive it. They are delightful cars when they are happy and well stroked. But the stroking can get pricey.

Caveat: I am a new owner with plenty to learn so take my advice with a grain of BS.

[encantotom]

thanks for the comments. my son is 25 and i do all my own mechanic work. but i understand the car nurturing comment

tom

[maxnix]

Do read the Q45 buying guide sticky here, be aware of the timing chain guide problem, the need for an auxiliary ATF cooler especially on the early models, and read the articles forum.

I think you can arrive at an informed decision, even for purchasing a different car wisely if that is your conclusion.
Modified by maxnix at 12:40 PM 2/1/2008

[96Qowner]

thanks for the comments. my son is 25 and i do all my own mechanic work. but i understand the car nurturing comment

tom

One of our moderators (elwesso) is about your son's age and, after a few years of owning a Q45, is now one of the most proficient and knowledgeable owners in the country. If you're willing to learn all about the car and do most of the work yourself, it can be a very rewarding experience in more than one way. The NICO Q45 Forum has everything you need to know, both in the expertise of the community and in over 5 years of old threads.

A 91 with under 100K miles is something interesting! Might be worth it if you feel like pulling the front cover and replacing the guides - we can help.

[AlabamaDan]

For your 25 year old son... if he likes to work on cars and have a fantastic car to drive buy it. But, honestly it will probably need $2k-$3k in parts to be perfect again. I've spent about $1 on mine in the last six months.. BUT, the hours I've spent working on it are all worth it.

If he just wants to get in and drive, a 97+ model might be better.

[Haitian_King]

thanks for the fast response. the car has 99k miles. you are saying it could just let go at any time or last another 5 years, just that it is a crap shoot either way? about the chainguides i mean....

thanks

tom

a 91 with 99k? Shoot. I'd buy it and keep it for myself if I was in your position.

I bought my 92 with 83k and thought I was quite the savvy consumer. While I got a good deal, I did not know how much care and maintenance this car needs. If you put the 2-3k into it now, the Q may last you or your son a very long time.

Since you're hdany with a wrench, you won't need much but the FSM for your model year and this site (q45.org too). The guys here are very helpful and know everything there is to know about the Q.