I'm pissed!

[gthmcty1]

I posted a question about the Q45-LS400 comparisons and in my search on the internet I came across an ad in the local auto trader:

1994 Q4539k original miles, was grandmothers car all original even had the original window sticker and the contract when purchased, one owner car. Asking price was 6200 obo I called the guy up and he said it sold to the first guy that came to look at it. Iwas so pissed that was practically a new car.!!! ughhhhhh

[docsmile71]

wow...sounds like a great deal...but if it makes you feel any better, I bet grandma didn't change the oil every 3 months...instead she did it every 3K miles which for her is probably every 9.2 months. The belts and all rubber parts probably need replacing badly. Cars that sit and are not driven regularly can need more work than a well maintained, regularly driven 180K mile car.

[gthmcty1]

Doc, I have to say you made me feel better than if I had had a drink! I am still in my quest to find a low mileage q45 94+ (don't have to worry about the plastic internals) I am still looking at the LS400 I have good things about those cars and I am still on the fence

[nuQ]

the fence would have broke by now for me..............right into the Q45 backyard!!!!!! no comparison with the performance! that's what matters with me!! the masses will look at the lexus with the "bling-bling" in their eye,,,,,,the ones in the "know" will realize the performance machine of the Q!!!!! your choice!

[Jeff Williams]

I too, had to make the decision on Infiniti, or Lexus.

I had a good background of Nissan products, and have driven my share of Toyotas, and came to the conclusion that Nissan makes a better product, and Infiniti was a lot more customer-friendly.

The Infiniti is a better deal (since it doesn't hold it's value - due to no MTV video advertising).

I drive cars, until they are completely depreciated, then give them to my family, or church.

It also helped, that my Q45 kinda fell into my lap. Sorry, not trying to pour salt in your wounds.

Keep up the search, you will find the right car.

I, myself, am looking for a low-mileage 94-96 Q45, in silver. I really like my own car, at 187,000 miles, and running great!

[elwesso]

Yeah... You need to hang in there, and get lucky... Even though my Q wasnt really taken very good care of, Im convinced they are VERY durable, and can stand a beating.. For a while of course..

My car runs better now at 127k than it did at 100k, im convinced..

WHere are you located.. Maybe we could help you locate one around you... its been a few weeks since there have been any Q45s in BST, but your best bet is to buy one on NICO...

Low milers are sometimes scary... Means lots of sitting..

Especially on a Q, unless I had a FULL FULL service history, id take a 120k driven daily than a 39k driven once a week just to putt around town...

[AZhitman]

Look at the other thread "low-mileage IPQ" somewhere in this forum...

Keep up the search - You'll find one!!!

[Jesda]

Hey, speaking of low miles, wanna buy a 93 Mazda MPV?Only 55k!!!

I acquired it from mom, who in two years --never-- changed the oil, and the transmission still has never been flushed. Before that, it did more sitting for a couple years. But hey, its low miles.

I see now why she buys a new Lexus or Acura every two years.

Another thing to bear in mind, is that the Lexus LS is belt driven, and the timing belt is unusually expensive to replace ($450-$600). Three timing belts in the lifetime of the car add up to $1300 or more.

The chain guides on the 90-93 Q45 are $1200 to upgrade, and after doing it once youre done for good. And of course on the 94+, you never have to do it -- $0 maintenance.

-Jesda

[90Q45blue]

Keep looking. It took me 3 and a half weeks to find my newest Q, but it was well-worth the wait and the search.

Nick

[downtempo]

gthmcty1, don't know if you are nearby, but there is a 70,000 mile '95Q45 black in hamden, CT (outside New Haven), but he's asking $8500, a warranty is being offered, not sure if there is an extra charge for that. It drives nice. Fuel pump buzzes and they said they would take care of it. I'm debating about selling my '91 Q45T (88K) and getting that one (no chain guide worries)

[gthmcty1]

Downtempo, thanks for the lookout but I am located in sunny Southern California. It sounds like a great deal.

I don't want to ruffle any feathers here, but I have been researching the customer satisfaction on both vehicles (LS400-Q45) and it seems that the reliability factor favors the LS400. I am looking to purchase a vehicle that will give me minimal problems I realize if it is going to be the Infinity, I need to purchase 94+ but as far as the LS400 goes ait seems that from the beginning the Lexus has held up very well. Pleas guys give me more reasons to buy the Infiniti!!!! I am not so much concerned about the HP (although you can't beat the Q) I am more concerned about the problem areas that I have read about:

StrutsTie rod endsSuspensionTransmission

Are these high dollar repairs? I am very mechanical, but I don't want to spend the money I save buying a Q to only have to sink it right back into it. How reliable are the motors, transmission in these cars.

I am not looking to ruffle any feathers but I really like the Q and I would like some hardcore Q enthusiast to let me know what I am in for if I buy one.

[maxnix]

JD Powers rated the 1995 Infiniti Q45 as the best in long term reliability of any car sold that year.

Don't consider any car you are not willing to maintain. Luxury cars require more money than economy cars.

If you are fortunate enough to find an example of each that is in as new condition to drive, you can easily determine their respective merits and traits. They are both superior cars, but an LS is not a Q. If you are a driver, chances are you will prefer the Q. If you want status and an extremely compfortable transportation appliance, you may well prefer the LS.

Might check to see how much it costs to replace the LCD displays (including the rear view mirror) on the LS as they go bonkers if exposed to too much heat and sun. It will be more than the chain guides.

[gthmcty1]

What do you think of this one folks

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...st=58

It looks to be in great shape spoke with the guy on the phone and he says it is like it was new he is the 2nd owner

[rsiwicki]

that is a really nice looking Q ...I have a 95 Q45 T model and love it. I wish I had that color....mine is black and hot as hell in the summer in Miami. There was one forsale just like this one , touring model and all, with 95K miles in WestPalm for $7000 that looked really nice as well. It was on ebay. I thought about switching cars...but I know my car inside and out and have had very few problems with it.... As another member said "both are great cars" and I am sure that you will be happy with which ever car you buy.

[AZhitman]

For my money, a 1995 Q45t is the best of ALL worlds...

That's as close to a "can't go wrong" purchase as you can possibly make.

[Rex]

What do you think of this one folks

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...st=58

It looks to be in great shape spoke with the guy on the phone and he says it is like it was new he is the 2nd owner

Not to be the pessimist, but there looks to be a dent/bend on the rear rim at the "3 o'clock" position. AND sheepskins says "hiding worn/cracked leather" to me.

[Q45tech]

Long term reports stop at 100,000 miles. JD Powers, etc.Never seen any kind of report on the various model costs from 100,000 to 200,000 miles as this is beyond the NORMAL life of any vehicle.

But I agree the sweet spot for lux cars was 94-95 [except for BMW V8] even Mercedes had a good run. Just before ODB2 and 5 speed AT..........kind of the peak of the older designs.

[rsiwicki]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...=6264

above is the link to the car I was referring to earlier...it ends Friday at noon. I would love to trade in my car for a white one, but black is my second choice Just difficult to keep clean