Is the 02 Q selling??

[BIONICQ45]

How are the 02 Q sales going? I think I've seen one where I live. Whenever I travel I keep my eyes peeled for all things Q and I'm not seeing the 02. The local lot has tons of G35s and I30s but few I35s and very few Qs. I drove by the lot a few weeks ago and there were Lexuses out front and a few BMWs. There isn't even a Q in the showroom!! You have to drive around the back to see the two Qs they have in stock and one has had that white plastic on it for months. The salesmen don't even have their pitch down yet:(

I hope the experience is different in other cities. It seems that the people around here that have $60,000 want Lexus, MB and then Escalades and Navigators to show status. The Q isn't much of a status symbol for those who don't even know what it is. I guess they figure "How can I look prosperous if the neighbor or the girl at the stop light doesn't know what a Q represents, is capable of or what is costs?"

I dunno. I sure would buy one if I could.

[911/Q45]

I had a terrible time trying to buy one when they first came out. I contacted 4 dealers and told them the best deal got the buyer. None bothered to call me back. I called corporate and they got a sales manager to contact me. We were able to come to terms and I gave them a deposit to order one to my spec. When the car magazines started testing the Q it was a lot slower 0-60 than Infiniti was quoting in their marketing. I questioned the dealer on this and they asked how fast I needed to go, I questioned corporate and they said the magazine testers didn't know how to drive. At this point it became an integrity issue and I cancelled my order. This might explain the relative dearth of Q45s on the road.

[OLU40]

Sad, it's a hot car. Don't forget most manufacturers boost up stats or have track results inserted in place of real world driving. It's normal. If I had the money I would get it and it'll probably be sooner than I think. The new 745 already has recalls! All that engineering and the Germans still have issues. Especially electrical issues. I like Jason B's joint. Ho to death. Like that color, black, plum, and I haven't seen the rest.

[BadQ45t]

The new Q is not selling well, compared to the number of Lexus LS 430 there is no comparo. I'm not sure if the strategy was to sell alot of them.

I wonder if there is a website you can go to and find out what number of cars are sold, anybody know where to find those types of stats?

But no way is the new Q selling well, I think the problem is the outside looks of the car. It just doesn't look that "majestic" or stately. I think the interior is just beautiful but the outside is too understated.

[maxnix]

Yep, that was the buzz on the 90-96 ones too. Just too plain.

Oh well.

There is some hope for 2003 that the performance gains will be realized by the new rear end ratio.

2003 Q45 Specifications

The third generation might hold their value because so few of them have been sold. Slim pickings for members of this board when the Gen 1 start to really finally wear out. I'm with Dennis, bring back the President, especially when it is redesigned.

[Jason B]

I thought I would add my story here on what I ended up getting.

I almost bought a new 2002 S class.

I came from a '95 S class. Luckily, I bought an extended warranty on the carthat saved me from shelling out over $9k in repairs over 5 years.

Cars I looked at before making my decision:

2002 Mercedes S430: I was very disappointed. The interior felt cheapcompared to my last gen. S class. They rally cheapened it. There was toomuch plastic, less wood, cheap looking cupholders, cheap feeling storagebins below the front seats that stick out and hit your legs, etc. The cardrove nice, but there no excitement. It starts at $73k, doesn't have Hid's,doesn't have a CD changer, and honestly was bare boned. Everything isoptional, of course. If you do get the optional CD changer, it goes in theTRUNK! Overall, the quality definitely is lacking on the new one.

When they came out with the new body style in 2000, (we've owned S classesfor MANY years) it just could not compare to the previous S classes. We havewatched the quality and reliability fade over the years. So, unless you'veowned them, it's hard for anyone to understand where I'm coming from. Thenew S was truly a dissapointment. The S class is NOT what it used to be. Ialmost bought another new S... At the LAST minute, a friend told me aboutthis new Q45. The closest infiniti dealer is 70 miles away, and I went downthere and was totally SHOCKED. It really blew me away. The deal was baciallywritten up at the Mercedes dealer and I pulled out. After seeing/driving theS, and then seeing/driving the Q, it made the decision clear.

You may also find this interesting on the new S class:MB quality gone downhill - http://mbspy.bacosys.be/mbquality.htm

Another thing that made my decision even clearer was this site:http://www.mercedesproblems.com - If you go there and select S430, you can readcustomer complaints on the car. The same ones keep coming up - Navigationsystem turning off, on-screen display not working, electronics turning off,groan from wheels when turning, just to name a few. Then if you select S500,(same car, just different engine basically) you keep hearing the sameproblems repeated. It's just not a reliable car.

2002 LS430: Used to have a 94 LS400. Great car, no problems. I wantedsomething unique this time around and it surely is.

Audi A8 - Nice car, but a little too conservative/outdated for me. I hearthe new one will be soon.

2002 Jaguar S type: Nice, but too small. I'm still a little weary of theirreliability, even though they have improved. It looked like they shoved aFord radio in the dash.

BMW 7 - Nice car, but some of the materials inside are questionable. The new7's interior is really nice and I liked it much better than the S, but a fewthings bothered me. For example, the car I took out had the non clear-coatedwood. It was already scratched up and had small dents in it. This wasn'tvery re-assuring. The plastic on the doorsills was already chipped and hadanother color under it that was showing though. Things like that shouldn'thappen when a car has only 500 miles on it. It's too bad they just recalledthem all. I think it has potential though.

All in all, I think the new Q45 is one of the best kept secrets for the time being - also with giving you the most for the money.

[greg_atlanta]

Discounts should help sales... I noticed one local dealer advertised $6000 off MSRP on 2002 Q45s in the newspaper. Guess they're getting ready for the 2003 models.

I have a feeling leasing is popular with the LS430 and the terms may be more favorable from day one.

So don't get upset thinking Lexus is SELLING a lot more cars when they're actually LEASING a lot of cars.

[Mayhem_J30]

what happened to the marketing? a few months ago, right when nissan/infiniti was revamping everything and the G35 just came out there was commercials, but not very frequently. But now there's nothing unless you're reading Motor Trend or one of the lesser equivalents, then they're on every page. But TV is where it's at. Lexus and BMW doesn't have to because the name is out there, unfortunately and excluding present company, the nissan name is not out. When people go looking for cars nissan/infiniti doesn't cross their mind. That needs to change.

[Jason B]

I completely agree with you. They need to be playing commercials. Until then, the Q is the best kept secrets out there.

Here are the new Q45 commercials with that "luxurious" lady's voice. These are some of the coolest commercials I have ever seen. They really need to start playing these:

"Power of speech" 2.5mbhttp://www.burtmanindustries.com/q45/power_of_speech.mov

"Rear View" 2.5mbhttp://www.burtmanindustries.com/q45/rear_view_2mb.mov

"Speed Effect" 2.5mbhttp://www.burtmanindustries.com/q45/speed_effect.mov

If you saw the Infiniti Q45 CD, (they have them at the dealer, two different versions) they have Eddie Cheever presenting the car, going on and on about the awesome feel/features, and show him driving it on the test track in Japan. If you saw these interactive cd's you would say, what the heck happened to their marketing? If they took everything from the cd's and put it on TV... Look out!

Here is a short intro sample from one of the interactive CD's.

http://www.toyotaoffroad.net/jnburtman/intro_q45_cd.mov - About 4.8 mb

[greg_atlanta]

I like the commercials, but I think they're a little too stylish for the average consumer. (Much like the early 90s commericials, which I adored.... rocks, trees, babbling brooks.)

I bet they'd sell faster if Sean "Puffy" Combs or J-Lo was the new spokesperson.

[BadQ45t]

If you look at the majority of people that are driving 60-80k cars off the lot, the are leasing them, just too expensive to buy a car like that. This is how Lexus, BMW and MB get most of the big ships off the lot. If infiniti is not successful in getting people to lease them, they are not going to be successful in the big battleship class.

My dad tells me that you'll probably see some at very deep discounts (he's a car broker part time)...in the high 40's in you know the right people later in the year.

[boMex]

Sad, it's a hot car. Don't forget most manufacturers boost up stats or have track results inserted in place of real world driving. It's normal. If I had the money I would get it and it'll probably be sooner than I think. The new 745 already has recalls! All that engineering and the Germans still have issues. Especially electrical issues. I like Jason B's joint. Ho to death. Like that color, black, plum, and I haven't seen the rest.

All Quality Auto Magazines test their cars in a "Track" situation and take multiple passes to achieve optimum results using precision instruments. The car companies are just prone to telling little white "estimated performance" lies. Remember how the SE-R was supposed to have 180hp? Now they say it has 175hp...what bullsh!t. The car rolls a dynojet at 140-145 hp which means one of two things. One, the car has one of the most ineficient drivetrains on the road or Two, the car really puts out 160 hp and Nissan "Fudged" its numbers. HP doesn't mean **** unless you see it on a dyno plot. :sleep

[Mayhem_J30]

I like the commercials, but I think they're a little too stylish for the average consumer. (Much like the early 90s commericials, which I adored.... rocks, trees, babbling brooks.)

I bet they'd sell faster if Sean "Puffy" Combs or J-Lo was the new spokesperson.

too stylish for the average...maybe, but the average are not driving$60,000+ cars. the manufacturer normally would just advertise their flagship or the Q/Maxima(Altima for some reason right now) and everything below them would sell as well. Like setting the standard.Gees, I hope the Infiniti name nevers goes bling blinging with the cadilac escalade just because it appears in some cheap a** video that's done to the tune of sampled and remixed song sung by a horrible singer with his pants around his knees.

[Jason B]

It's really a shame about the new 7.

The 7 series has had 8 recalls since it came out:

2 for the navigation system.1 for the cooling system.1 for the tires.1 for the brake lights.2 for the ECM.1 for the ignition system.

Plus the numerous customer complaints about the Idrive. Source: NTSHA auto recall database

I hope the 7 series doesn't turn into a distaster under the sheetmetal.

[Mayhem_J30]

It's really a shame about the new 7.

The 7 series has had 8 recalls since it came out:

2 for the navigation system.1 for the cooling system.1 for the tires.1 for the brake lights.2 for the ECM.1 for the ignition system.

Plus the numerous customer complaints about the Idrive. Source: NTSHA auto recall database

I hope the 7 series doesn't turn into a distaster under the sheetmetal.

BMW must be having a hard time. I heard they were recalling the 3 series for airbags. Can't find anything to back that up though.

[911/Q45]

What a shame that Infiniti couldn't combine their reliability with the way the new 745 BMW drives. I agree completely with Jason's assessment of the interior wear on the BMW, what a disappointment in a car that has Porsche like steering and handling. Also a shame that the 2002 Q45 has Buick like steering and handling, I much prefer my 90 Q's qualities in that area. Is there anything out there new that does it all?

[BIONICQ45]

Also a shame that the 2002 Q45 has Buick like steering and handling, I much prefer my 90 Q's qualities in that area. Is there anything out there new that does it all?

What??? The 02 Q drives like a RoadMaster/Park Avenue/ Skylark/Century/Riviera? The only Buick I ever drove for a long period of time was a 89 Buick Reatta and it was brand new. It drove like a dream and it's still in the family with 170K on the odo.I have never heard of anyone complain about the steering and handling of the 02Q. And to think I had just withdrawn 60K to go buy one!!

[Jason B]

Those comments about the Buick remind me exactly how I felt about the LS430. The Q is defintely not like that and the car feels like it gets smaller through each curve.

I agree with this quote, "Steering has perfect feel and the suspension hangs on like an out-of-work brother-in-law using your spare bedroom."

I always have sport mode on, which tighens up the shocks and gives the most tautness.

Here is a great review where they took the Q45 on the track and described the handling through each turn, going faster and faster. This is a great read and makes you think you are really there!

http://www.mtdemocrat.com/disp...A.txt

Here are some recent homemade videos:

0-70mph

Casual 40-60 acceleration

[jmatas]

I wonder if there is a website you can go to and find out what number of cars are sold, anybody know where to find those types of stats?

Try http://www.infinitinews.com - they usually post a monthly press release...

Q Sales are at 2,296 for YTD 2002, vs. 3,699 for YTD July 2001 - good for a 37.9% drop.

Lexus posts similar releases on their site. For comparison purposes, Lexus sells about that many LS430s (2500 or so) per month. Not looking good for the ol' Q.

[BIONICQ45]

Here are the figures from the site mentioned by jmatas.

[Mayhem_J30]

Wow, 20 laps of 11 turns and no signs of brake fade!

[DAEDALUS]

Thanks guys! I'm looking forward to 2010, when I'll begin looking for a dirt-cheap, well-kept 2002 model. By then I just might be ready to retire my '90, having replaced most things mechanical at least once.

[maxnix]

Daedalus,

Maybe not. The first genration Qs generally sold around 50K annually.

Looks like they will be lucky to get 6K out the door for 2002.

The pickings will be very slim, with the 2002 maybe the least desirable due to their highway gearing. Maybe the tables will turn and gas will be >$5.00/gal making the 2002 more desirable?

I think 36 volt systems will oboslete everything made to date. It will allow OEM to use electronic brakes, power steering, AC, and devices we have yet to see. These will alll be lighter and not sap engine power. The BMW 7 i-mode might seem particularly quaint to the kids of today.

[greg_atlanta]

Gees, I hope the Infiniti name nevers goes bling blinging with the cadilac escalade just because it appears in some cheap a** video that's done to the tune of sampled and remixed song sung by a horrible singer with his pants around his knees.

I think the FX45 will fill those shoes. 21" rims from the factory.

Escalades will be old news very soon.

[BadQ45t]

What does that say that the 2001 sold better than the 2002???? This has to be bad news for Inifiniti. I think the car is just a good face lift away from challenging the LS430 in a more meaningful way, but let's face it, it's very hard to catch a moving train, but you at least want to challenge.

[AZQ45]

Infiniti must be trying to spark sales as I have seen 2002 Qs advertised locally here in AZ for $599/48 months/costs down.

This is the same cost as my wife's Eddie Bauer Expedition lease. Granted lease money factors low, but there must be some fudging of the residual or a significant Infinit finance subsidy.

With this in mind, the low numbers I saw on the sales chart and the fact I never see any around (a function of the former), the car must not be selling well.

[PalmerWMD]

I like the commercials, but I think they're a little too stylish for the average consumer. (Much like the early 90s commericials, which I adored.... rocks, trees, babbling brooks.)

I bet they'd sell faster if Sean "Puffy" Combs or J-Lo was the new spokesperson.

I LOVED the original 90's commercials!They made me race to the newsstand when the first MT Q45 test came out (a rave).

If I had money for one then, I might have bought two.

Fred...

[BadQ45t]

I think you were in the minority as far as those commercials went. I thought they were interesting, but look what happened with the LS400 vs. the Q45. Of course the car itself had something to do with it, they were selling a 40k car that only guys like my dad's age (say he was 55 at the time) could afford....but back the first subject, it is really amazing that they sold more 2001 than 2002? I have had several people say to me that they like the exterior look of my 97' than the new one. I know the 97-2001 in the bastard step-child on this board but I think that the new one has no statelyness to it, the 97-01 has more IMHO.

That said if anyone wanted to trade straight up I'd do it in a NY minute!

[911/Q45]

The 2001 Q was very deeply discounted, as everyone knew the big change was coming. I've heard of deals at 15K off sticker to unload them.

[Jason B]

Speaking of commercials:

These are my favorites. The new Q45 commercials with that "luxurious" lady's voice:

"Power of speech" 2.5mbhttp://www.burtmanindustries.com/q45/power_of_speech.mov

"Rear View" 2.5mbhttp://www.burtmanindustries.com/q45/rear_view_2mb.mov

"Speed Effect" 2.5mbhttp://www.burtmanindustries.com/q45/speed_effect.mov

If you saw the Infiniti Q45 CD, (they have them at the dealer, two diffreent versions) they have Eddie Cheever presenting the car, going on and on about the awesome feel/features, and show him driving it on the test track in Japan. If you saw these interactive cd's you would say, what the heck happened to their marketing? If they took everything from the cd's and put it on TV... Look out!

Here is a short intro sample from one of the interactive CD's.

http://www.toyotaoffroad.net/jnburtman/intro_q45_cd.mov - About 4.8 mb