I'm Looking at a 1998

[slybydesignq45t]

Stock, no upgrades, 100,000+ miles. $3,895. I haven't seen it yet, but will look at it in a week. What do y'all think of the 97's-2001's. Should I wait for something different?

[bullittandy]

If it were 2800 then I'd get it. If it were 4500 then I'd laugh. Take a look and if its SPOTLESS then probably a good deal.

[oldmako]

I agree with Andy's opinion.

Solid cars but you know the drill. Although I prefer the 99s on up of this generation.

If it's pristine and well maintained than it's worth haggling. If it's rough or neglected (maint standpoint) then it's a bust. Of course, Andy tends to get his cars for free after he works his magic..........

[slybydesignq45t]

Thanks guys. The search continues. I will be honest, its taken this long because I am trying to find the "sweet spot purchase" and they are out there. One just has to be extremely patient. I haven't seen any 97's to 01's for 2,800. I on the other hand have seen many sitting at the $4,500 range. I don't see me paying anything close to $4,000 and up for a 97 to 98. Now a 99 to 01 for about $5,000 max is more in line with what I hope to pay, but its hard because the price drop on compared models is to temping. I don't want to leave the Q45 option out all together, but there are so many other cars in that price range. I have been eying the DTS, DHS, and STS. I just gotta hold my wallet and see what happens in a month or two. Thanks again fella's

[maxnix]

Hold out for a 1999-2001.

[timderiksen]

dont be dissin 98 q's

[BadQ45t]

I have a 97' since 2000 and never looked back. But I would spend another 2k and get a later 1999-2001 model, that is like nothing. The key is someone that took care of the car, if you found one with a good history than that is worth alot more than one without. I have a 97' with receipts from 2000 to now with 3 transmission fluid dumps, tons of oil changes with Syn fluids and refreshed KYB SR Specials over lower springs etc. It isn't worth crap on the open market, but you wouldnt't end up with alot of head-aches in 2 years from my car, but would some 2001 that someone didn't do anything to cause you problems, very possible.

Look at miles and history of service as much as year....but you will not go wrong with this gen Q. An amazing bargain at that price for a very cool ride.

[Jesda]

I agree with your approach. Patience pays off when it comes to buying a Q.

The brand has a wider mix of buyers than Lexus, so some are abused and some are well cared for.

[slybydesignq45t]

I'm excited. I have been constantly running numbers, and averages in my head. My experience with my now gone, 1994 Q45T has done a lot for my knowledge base. I see several 97's and 98's in my area I could grab next week if I really wanted, but since this is not just about me buying another car, I have to think with the utmost bias. Since becoming a forum member, I have learned so much, and it would be increasingly stupid of me to come out of pocket for a bucket, just because the paint looks good. I have compared models and I have to be honest, when it comes to the entire package, the Q45 holds the torch real well. Chrysler 300's look good, but are sadly bland on the inside and I know in my heart, I would get board the first 6 months of ownership. S-Classes look great and drive great but are no way as close to being reliable like a Q. The only other options I have is a nice DTS that I have not excluded. Primarily and 1999 to 01 Q45 all white or all black would be more inlined with who I am. If I happen to stumble on an 02, I may lean on that, because the interior is so advance it competes with everything on the market today. The exterior though is sadly plane Jane with nothing to offer the eye. The best looking Q hands down is the G50, but sadly age has gotten to every one of these things selling, and after my experience with my first one, I'd like to avoid it for now. A G50 is not totally excluded, but me waiting till June may end up yielding me that one trade in, or private sale I can't pass up. I'm telling you fella's playing it smart is the hardest thing to do when you don't have a car. It could be real easy to say screw it, I'll buy it, then two weeks later your dream car makes it self known. I will not give up on the Q45 at this point and look forward to seeing where June takes me.

[BadQ45t]

The 2002 is tempting with the interior and extra power, but I agree with you on the exterior looks. Also keep in mind that people are having problems with those like burning oil and stuff...do a search, seems like more issues than the 2nd gen.

[Q45tech]

Normally people have a SPECIFIC preference of RWD or FWD or AWD and don't accept substitutes? Same with V12, V10, V8 vs V6, I6 and AT vs MT.

[maxnix]

DTS are nice buses.

[slybydesignq45t]

DTS are nice buses.

It would be a nice upgrade from the bus I take now......

[Jesda]

A late-model 2006+ DTS Performance (has more power than standard DTS) will be quicker and smoother than a 97-01 Q, but parts and service will cost more. Its FWD and heavy but attractive and comfortable -- I took one to a NICO meet a couple years ago and loved it.

If you're talking about the Deville DTS from 2000-2005, its a nice car but not as dependable as a late 90s Q.

Usually, folks who shop for a Cadillac want only a Cadillac, likewise for MB. The best "value luxury" out there is the Y33.

I was impressed with how the Chrysler 300 drove, disliked the interior as well.

My advice: Seriously consider an E46 BMW 3-series. I'm buying another one this summer.

[qship96]

How can one even mention a BMW 3 series in the same sentence as a full size cadillac or Infiniti? The 3 series is a little compact, cramped, entry level secretaries car.

[BadQ45t]

Not to mention a 10 year old one! My co-worker has a 528i and as he rolled over 90k miles his alternator, starter and several other parts bit the dust.

I like the 5 series but the older 3's are way too small.

[slybydesignq45t]

Thank you Jesda. If I did anything BMW it would be a 2002 and up 745 IL. I am a size guy. The 3's do look nice as well as the 5's but they are not my type of car. I am excited. I have seen some sweet spot deals, as in a 2001 going for 6,500 and a 1999 going for 4,500 and they all have under 100K miles on them. Its really now about color. I would prefer strictly all white or all black. All the other colors look good, but I don't think they do the design of the 1997-01 Q45's justice. My second color option will be Burgundy. The thing is, even if I find a 99-01 Q45 in any other color for the right price, I may hop on it, but lord knows I would be looking at it every day saying I wish it was all black or all white, so to avoid this, I am just going to wait till the right one pops up. Its looking better and better every day. There are only 4 cars I think have the right size, and amenities I am looking for. 1998-99 S-420 - 2001 and up Cadillac DTS or DHS - 2002 BMW 7-Series and a 97-01 Q45. The 2002 and up Q45's are extremely temping, but the body style has never screamed at me. Small cars are totally out the question for me. Seeing that I have survived two car accidents where as both cars received sever damage and I walked from both unscathed, I credit this to the size of the car with out question. I know I will have that gem soon, I just gotta wait till June and see what my money says. I figure the longer I wait, the more I save the better my chance at a all white 1999 and up.

[Jesda]

How can one even mention a BMW 3 series in the same sentence as a full size cadillac or Infiniti? The 3 series is a little compact, cramped, entry level secretaries car.

Because the 3-series is more enjoyable to drive and easier to maintain than any Q45. It is the perfect general-purpose sedan/coupe/convertible.

Lately, I've leaned more toward sport and less toward luxury. G37 would also be up there with the 3-series.

The Q offers more steering feel, however, and both have excellent brakes.
Modified by Jesda at 6:58 PM 3/31/2009

[Jesda]

2002 BMW 7-Series

On a BMW E38, be prepared for G50 levels of maintenance. You'll get G50-like performance, at least. They're picky about what fluids you use and how often you change them. Like the G50, pre-emptive care will prevent mechanical failure.

E39s are electrical pains in the rear and are barely larger inside than the E46.

E46 would be the most dependable, but won't ride like a full size sedan.

[Peterofdevon]

I don't think anybody on this board knows the difference between a E39, 40, 41 42...

I sold my 5401 six speed last year and for gods sakes I don't even remember which "E" it was.

This is G50 country!!! (but only us nerds know it).

I think the code number speak is for insiders only

Peter5g50s380000miles and counting

[NightRiderQ45]

On a BMW E38, be prepared for G50 levels of maintenance. You'll get G50-like performance, at least. They're picky about what fluids you use and how often you change them. Like the G50, pre-emptive care will prevent mechanical failure.

E39s are electrical pains in the rear and are barely larger inside than the E46.

E46 would be the most dependable, but won't ride like a full size sedan.

I'm sorry, but I've never owned a BMW so could you please state what year/series bmw you are speaking of?

[Jesda]

Sorry about that!

E38 is 95-01 7-seriesE39 is 97?-03? 5-seriesE46 is 99-05 3-series

I think the years are different for Europe.-----------------As entry-luxury cars like the 3-series, CTS, and G35/7 get newer, they approach or exceed the competency of older top-level cars like the Q45. But I have a feeling the Y33 is going to give you more of the value and comfort that you want.