I about to buy my 2nd Q-- a 1993 pearl white/ tan

[jewillmo]

I just moved back to Denver and I'm about to buy my 2nd Q. It's a 93 with 146k miles. My price: $700. Yes it needs work. A good mechanic, (with no Q experience), said it needs a head gasket. Infiniti in littleton said they've never seen a Q need a head gasket... Does any one know where I should take my Q to have it properly and reasonably diagnosed/ repaired? I'm in Denver, CO. I can work on cars but never a Q... I am completely aware that I'm very likely buying a money pit, but I LOVE THE Q. My last one ran to 200k and never gave a problem other than transmission rebuild. It still ran fine when I traded for a Maxima just needed transmission mounts and suspension. This Q runs and sounds like a Q. The Infiniti dealer nearby claims to work on old Qs alot. They charge about 100 bucks to diagnose it. Any suggestions guys? Any and all are appreciated! Thanks-- Jesse

Modified by jewillmo at 1:22 PM 2/21/2008

Modified by jewillmo at 1:24 PM 2/21/2008
Modified by jewillmo at 5:17 PM 2/21/2008

[maxnix]

Look for a 1994-1995 unless you are in love with the buckle.

Head gaskets never need replacing unless the car was overheated.

[jewillmo]

aw man I'll never find one at this price. and my uncle owns it. makes coughing up 700 bucks easier. but seriously i should skip it?

[qship96]

aw man I'll never find one at this price. and my uncle owns it. makes coughing up 700 bucks easier. but seriously i should skip it?

Never confuse PRICE with COST. The price may be only 700,but the true cost to own will be THOUSANDS once you fix the apparent problems and discover the many unknowns...how about the chain guide issue for starters??? 94-96Q skips this issue,is newer,has advanced safety {dual airbags,etc},can find way lower mileage,etc pick your poison carefully!!!

[Q451990]

and my uncle owns it.

That's a good thing! Find out what happened to it to cause a leaking head gasket. Find out all that he's done to maintain it (or not done) and post it here. Then we can try to help you make a more educated decision. What caused them to diagnose a bad head gasket... coolant in the oil (looks like a milkshake) or just coolant in the valley under the plenum? It's very possible that it's just a leaking cooling line under there that's been mis-diagnosed. All bets are off it there was an overheat though...

Heath

[maxnix]

...my uncle owns it. makes coughing up 700 bucks easier.

See if he has done the chain guides. Verify all service and post it here.