I’m selling my Q this year.

[louiegz]

I think that it has come time to part ways with my Q. I really don't want to spend another dime on such an old car that doesn't fit my needs any more. I need more of a city car. Small, AWD, hatch or wagon, cheap. The only thing that won't be city about it is that I'm getting it stick. I don't have much traffic on my daily drive and if I'm getting a small car, you need stick for a 4 cylinder engine. I miss driving stick. I mention this here because before I decide to just trade the Q in, I'd see if anyone in the forum is interested in it. I'd rather sell it to someone that would appreciate it instead of just trading it in. My Q is a 1995 in Cabernet Pearl and it has about 90k miles. I don’t know exactly because the odometer isn't working right. I've been keeping track as best as I can with the trip odo. My father was the original owner from Dec. of 1994 and I took ownership of the car in 1998 when he passed away. Since I've been on the forum, about 3 ½ years now, I've done a lot of work. Plugs, Blues, Bushings, Rear A Bar, Strut Bar, Fuel Pump, Driver’s Window Regulator, transmission Fluid Change, Brake Pads and Rotors, Belts and Pulley, Optima Battery, and I'm sure other things I cant think of. I've added 16in chrome rims from the Y33 with Falcon 255 tires. I still have the turbines with Blizack snow tires on them. I also added the I-pod adapter that was being sold on the forum. Known problems, the valve head covers gaskets are due to be changed. The bone head at the dealer should have done it the last time he changed the plugs. I think the upper links are due. They squeak when it's cold out. Lastly, the passenger fog light is broken. I ordered the parts, so it might be fixed before the sale. I've never done the plenum work and I don't think my knock sensors have been changed either. Body wise, it has the nicks and scratches that a 12 year old car has but the paint is in good shape. The Q runs well enough. It hasn't left me stranded. The transmission is original, but it has gotten regular fluid changes and shifts fine. Wes and Jesda drove my Q about 2 years ago so maybe they'll chime in on how much they liked it. I'll take some new pictures soon but if you want to take a look at some older pics, click my gallery link below. I don't know the price yet, but I'm thinking about $3500.00. Make an offer and I'll see if it’s worth my while. It will be a few months before I sell. I’m going to the NYIAS next month to see what I like. Most likely before the summer.

[StarPD]

Louie, let me make a prediction.When you first get your new smaller stick shift car, you'll find all sorts of things to like about it. After a while though, you'll miss the comfort and performance of the Q. Since you drive mainly in an urban environment, you'll soon tire of rowing your underpowered little car through traffic too, and the difference in ride will grate on you. Eventually, you'll hate it if it's the only car you have.

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

But you'll have to learn for yourself.I suspect that you'll be back, probably in a year or less.

There is no other luxury performance car that you can buy as a recent used one for such a low price, and actually most of the competition can't equal the Q, or possibly an M. Unless you have big bucks and can afford a BMW 545, or a Merc 420, the Q or M is the way to go. Used Audi V-8s are also excellent for both handling, ride and performance and a good price, but they have a lot of niggling little things that go wrong with them, and dealer repairs are pricey as well as inconvenient for the many trips back there. No other car in the business can give the combination of ride, handling, performance and luxury for a low price than a recent used Infiniti Q or M.

After you tire of your small car, you may want to consider getting a newer Q, like a 2002 up, or a 2003 up M45.

See ya around.

[Q45tech]

A nice older G20, SC300 with sticks?

[Jesda]

A Honda Fit would be perfect.

[StarPD]

A Honda Fit would be perfect.

How about a "Smart"?

[louiegz]

Yea, you see, I find the Q slow and lumbering in the city. Not nimble at all. Always in the wrong gear. As far as performance, I have my wife's 330i which has al the attributes that you mention about the Q. Not as comfortable because it's smaller, but it kicks arse in all the other things that that will fill any of my performance needs that I have. In fact, I prefer to drive the 330i over the Q any day. It’s a much better drive, highway or city. If I had the money, I’d a new 330ix with the manual transmission. I'd also like a car that can carry stuff. I can't even buy a resin chair and take it home in any of my cars. My wife thinks that I should forget about carrying things and get a sports car to do my mid life crisis thing a little early, but I also want a car you can drive in the snow. I hate doing the tire swap every winter and it still doesn't perform well in the snow. I haven’t gone to my weekend house in the Poconos all winter in fear of getting stuck in the snow, which I almost did last year.

I just wish they had the right car out there. I cant seem to find it. The easy choice would be a Subaru Impresa. AWD wagon with 224hp. I don’t like it. Kind of ugly. I was thinking an Audi A3, but it’s about $33k and no manual transmission with the AWD. Honda Fit is cute but way under powered and no AWD. One car that fits the bill is the Suzuki SX4. AWD, stick, a hatch and about $17K but it’s a Suzuki. I don’t know how good these cars are. One car that’s cool is the Mazda 3. They have the one with the turbo which is fast, but they dropped the ball and just made it FWD. How stupid, 263hp and FWD. What are they thinking? I’ll be checking all these cars out at the NYIAS and get some ideas. Test drives will follow afterwards.

[Jesda]

263hp and FWD isn't so bad, since HondAcura and Cadillac and send 300hp to the front without too much trouble.

Hey, there's an idea: How about a RSX, TSX, or TL?

[louiegz]

Me no likey FWD. AWD That's what I want. My friend has a TL. Great car.

[StarPD]

Yea, you see, I find the Q slow and lumbering in the city. Not nimble at all. Always in the wrong gear. As far as performance, I have my wife's 330i which has al the attributes that you mention about the Q. Not as comfortable because it's smaller, but it kicks arse in all the other things that that will fill any of my performance needs that I have. In fact, I prefer to drive the 330i over the Q any day. It’s a much better drive, highway or city. If I had the money, I’d a new 330ix with the manual transmission. I'd also like a car that can carry stuff. I can't even buy a resin chair and take it home in any of my cars. My wife thinks that I should forget about carrying things and get a sports car to do my mid life crisis thing a little early, but I also want a car you can drive in the snow. I hate doing the tire swap every winter and it still doesn't perform well in the snow. I haven’t gone to my weekend house in the Poconos all winter in fear of getting stuck in the snow, which I almost did last year.

I just wish they had the right car out there. I cant seem to find it. The easy choice would be a Subaru Impresa. AWD wagon with 224hp. I don’t like it. Kind of ugly. I was thinking an Audi A3, but it’s about $33k and no manual transmission with the AWD. Honda Fit is cute but way under powered and no AWD. One car that fits the bill is the Suzuki SX4. AWD, stick, a hatch and about $17K but it’s a Suzuki. I don’t know how good these cars are. One car that’s cool is the Mazda 3. They have the one with the turbo which is fast, but they dropped the ball and just made it FWD. How stupid, 263hp and FWD. What are they thinking? I’ll be checking all these cars out at the NYIAS and get some ideas. Test drives will follow afterwards.

Geez, you sound almost as bad as me. I want a 3400 lb 400 HP 7 speed automatic AWD low cg compact station wagon that handles like an M3, is as reliable as a Honda or Toyota, gives 30 mpg city and 40 highway, and costs around $20,000. Oh yeah, it has to have chrome 18 x 8" wheels with 245/45ZR 18 100W PS2s, 500 watt premium sound system with 10 disc in dash CD changer/MP3/Satellite radio, leather interior with 10 way power seats all around, moon roof, semi-active suspension and active steering, LSDs F&R and in between, air bags throughout, HID high and low beam lights, and tilt/telescopic steering wheel with 4 memory seat/wheel/mirror sytem, HUD, IR night vision and a 10 year 150,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.

Make mine white pearl, please, and can I have delivery in 4 weeks with 72 month zero interest financing?. I'd like a rebate too.

Salesmen please call me on my cell phone to make an appointment to sign the papers.

[louiegz]

That's exactly what I want. What car is that?

[Rex]

Well, I'd try to talk you out of selling the Q, but you're not asking for that ...

Now for the car options, here's a few (Images are clickable and should take you to the page for each.)

Mazda CX-7, all you want, but the stick, it is a 6 Speed Sport AT. ~$25k

Suzuki SX-4, all you want, but under powered - 143 hp (bleh) ~$19k

Audi A3 3.2 Quattro, all you want, but the stick and a bit pricey ~$33k

Audi A4 2.0T Quattro, all you want, but a bit heavy and pricey ~$31k

BMW 328xi Sports Wagon, all you want, but a bit pricey ~$36

I think it's time to go drive a Mazda CX-7 and see how the Sport AT shifts.

[Jesda]

Mazda 6 Wagon is a damn fine looking car.

Also, check out the Ford Freestyle and Ford Edge. I've never driven the Fords, but the Mazda is a hoot around town.

[louiegz]

Ok Rex, let get rid of the Germans because too much money. The A3 is very nice but the 2.0 doesn't come in Quattro. That Mazda is nice but it should have a 6 speed manual like the Mazdaspeed6. They have the high powered AWD technology, they just refuse to use it because it wont sell. The SX4 would be perfect. I dont know how much of a problem the power would be. I use to have a 94 Accord EX 4 door with the 5 speed & 145 hp Vtech. It was a little slow but zippy enough and weighed about 3300lbs. The SX4 is 143 hp and 2800lbs. It should be faster. I read a review and they said the transmission was a little mushy. They got a 0-60 of 9.1sec. SLOW. They need a turbo model. I'm also afaid that it will feel a little toy like driving it compared to what I'm use to. I'll see, maybe something is coming out for 08 that I'll like.

[FarFetched]

Too bad we don't have JDM available market on request! Too much crap to deal with to bring on over! http://www.batfa.com/new-toyota.htmlWhen you get bored, check JDM Toyota line-up - it will put a smile on your face!Cheers! P.S pretty much all cars are available in AWD config!
Modified by FarFetched at 12:50 AM 3/20/2007

[maxnix]

Hate to say it, I would look at a RAV4 with the 3.5L V6 (there goes the mileage) or the RDX (once again, turbo means no mileage unless you stay way out of it).

When is the Infiniti CX due?

[Nick240sx]

why not get a mazdaspeed 6?

270hp turbo i4 AWD. comes with a 6 speed.

[Rex]

I'd glad to add the Mazda6 to my "cute little posting" , but I was under the impresion he wanted wagon like space, and AWD, the Mazda 6 currently doesn't offer that, but I haven't read up on the 08 offerings lately.

Also, I think he wanted to stay in the lower half of th $20's if not even below that.

[maxnix]

Also, I think he wanted to stay in the lower half of th $20's if not even below that.

That price point is screaming Civic, or maybe a used Excursion.

[Nick240sx]

That price point is screaming Civic, or maybe a used Excursion.

theres two different planets of cars.

[Nick240sx]

I'd glad to add the Mazda6 to my "cute little posting" , but I was under the impresion he wanted wagon like space, and AWD, the Mazda 6 currently doesn't offer that, but I haven't read up on the 08 offerings lately.

Also, I think he wanted to stay in the lower half of th $20's if not even below that.

i didnt pick up on the wagon impression. dealers are trying to push out their mazdaspeed6s. ive seen new ones marked down to the 24k mark, and used ones go for even less. he can get a deal on any car hes just gotta shop around.

[MinisterofDOOM]

When is the Infiniti CX due?

The way things are looking now...maybe never.There hasn't been any new information on the CX in quite some time. The Rogue (on which the CX would probably have been based) goes on sale in september, though.

BMW 328xi Sports Wagon, all you want, but a bit pricey ~$36

It's really too bad we don't get the amazing 330d Touring here. I'd love one.

[louiegz]

why not get a mazdaspeed 6?

270hp turbo i4 AWD. comes with a 6 speed.

I'd be an idiot if I don't at least check it out. We already have a sedan but I guess it would help if it had a fold down rear seat. Mazda 6 has a 5 door model that would solve the wagon issue, but not as a Mazdaspeed and no AWD. Looks a little nice for my needs. I'll be pissed when someone dents it up at work. You should see all the scratches the Q has from coming here for 12 years. When the Q was new, my dad slammed the door open into a fire hydrant. The dent is still there.

[pito11213]

Wow, I see the for sale sign going up on my LS 400.

Are you serious about this? I like the color and would like a second gen G50. Yours looks pretty good and I know you have taken good care of it. I always wanted another Q but didnt want one with high miles or with no history, yours seems to be the one. I would appreciate some pics.

By the way that Mazda 6 looks good.

[maxnix]

It's really too bad we don't get the amazing 330d Touring here. I'd love one.

In many ways, the most interesting 3 series made.

We'll never see the diesel V8 either.

[louiegz]

Wow, I see the for sale sign going up on my LS 400.

Are you serious about this? I like the color and would like a second gen G50. Yours looks pretty good and I know you have taken good care of it. I always wanted another Q but didnt want one with high miles or with no history, yours seems to be the one. I would appreciate some pics.

By the way that Mazda 6 looks good.

Well Pito, your in Brooklyn and I'm in NJ right over the GW. You should take a ride over and check it out in person. When it comes closer to the time that I want to sell, you should check it out. I'll send some new pics when I get it washed and it's nice out.

[burijon]

The RAV4 with 3.5 does get a pretty good highway mileage especially next to a Q!

http://www.motortrend.com/road...rison/

[Nick240sx]

I'd be an idiot if I don't at least check it out. We already have a sedan but I guess it would help if it had a fold down rear seat. Mazda 6 has a 5 door model that would solve the wagon issue, but not as a Mazdaspeed and no AWD. Looks a little nice for my needs. I'll be pissed when someone dents it up at work. You should see all the scratches the Q has from coming here for 12 years. When the Q was new, my dad slammed the door open into a fire hydrant. The dent is still there.

check it out, i was interested in buying one, still am actually, went and looked at them, the car is a great buy for the money. I was comfortable in the seats, they are a little more performance oriented but still with that cruiser comfort. and i like the interior with the brushed aluminum accents. Theres also a navigation system that flips out of the top of the dash, lexus style.the car is a sleeper, it only has 16 less horsepower than an evo 9 and also has awd. It has a more aggressive look to it without attracting too much attention.

definately check it out.

[Q45denver]

The RAV would be the one to get. More HP and better MPG than the turbo cars and uses regular gas.

[louiegz]

check it out, i was interested in buying one, still am actually, went and looked at them, the car is a great buy for the money. I was comfortable in the seats, they are a little more performance oriented but still with that cruiser comfort. and i like the interior with the brushed aluminum accents. Theres also a navigation system that flips out of the top of the dash, lexus style.

the car is a sleeper, it only has 16 less horsepower than an evo 9 and also has awd. It has a more aggressive look to it without attracting too much attention.

definately check it out.

You’re convincing me Nick. I will test drive it. I can afford it. I just don’t know if I wanted something that nice.

[StarPD]

You’re convincing me Nick. I will test drive it. I can afford it. I just don’t know if I wanted something that nice.

The RAV4 gets some pretty good reviews. Not sure about their SUVs and crossovers, but in general, Toyota gets good marks for reliability and fit/finish. Of course you'll have to drive one to see if it has and does what you want, and if you like the way it drives and handles.

Subaru is supposed to have some pretty good vehicles too, and they spend a lot of effort in off-road and rally work, so handling should be pretty good.Not sure about power,economy or reliability, but a little research and a test drive should answer those questions.

It sounds like you may have three good choices; RAV4, Mazda, and Subaru.

Or if you want to realize that you only get one trip through this life, and treat yourself, you may want to check out the BMW X3. They have a new "CC" (for "Cross Country") model that may not be on sale but sounds interesting. My brother has a BMW and gets their magazine. It had a writeup on the X3CC. It sounds like it's exactly what you want. More expensive, but you will not get any younger, and doing without just to be "economical" can be counterproductive, not to mention a lot less satisfying. After all, you probably work hard for your money. You might as well get something you can enjoy for it.

As I've mentioned several times in this forum, every time I try to save money, I end up screwing myself, one way or another. Life's too short to do without when you don't really have to, especially just to appear "practical"..

I still think you'll be back in a newer Infiniti Q or M :-)