most of you know i bought a 1999 q45t for $8,000 plus my old daewoo which amounted to $10,000 (i traded the daewoo in). now, ever since i bought the car, i've always loved it. I really love it. i mean, really. i find reasons to drive around in it.
now, when i bought it, i had to fork over $2300 for some maintenance that needed to be done. after that, i now have to fork over another $1600 for mount struts which was the cause of the noises i hear when i turn the wheels.
anyway, when added together up to this point, the Q has cost me $14,000 grand. I mean, when I bought it, it had about 173,000 miles on it. now it has almost 178,000. i'm beginning to feel kinda dumb but hey, you cant blame me too much for falling in love with it. i just had to get it.
my question is, is $14,000 senseless for a 1999 Q45t??
please be honest. dont try to make me feel better.
IS THIS Q45 A WASTE OF MONEY?
Gosh, I hope it's not a waste of money! I'd be wasting mine!
Look at it this way. How much $$$ was the car new? Factor in depreciation with the milage compounded by the low rate of inflation with the ever steady rise of gas prices. Based on the a 3:1/12:7 model without any cumulative cost to bias ratios not to mention inherent plausibility to maintainance compansation and it's obviously well worth the money..>>
I'll probably wind up spending $14,000 for my 92 when it's all said and done.... But I'll be riding one of the most awesome cars in the world!!!
redmanfx
Look at it this way. How much $$$ was the car new? Factor in depreciation with the milage compounded by the low rate of inflation with the ever steady rise of gas prices. Based on the a 3:1/12:7 model without any cumulative cost to bias ratios not to mention inherent plausibility to maintainance compansation and it's obviously well worth the money..>>
I'll probably wind up spending $14,000 for my 92 when it's all said and done.... But I'll be riding one of the most awesome cars in the world!!!
redmanfx
redmanfx wrote:Gosh, I hope it's not a waste of money! I'd be wasting mine!
Look at it this way. How much $$$ was the car new? Factor in depreciation with the milage compounded by the low rate of inflation with the ever steady rise of gas prices. Based on the a 3:1/12:7 model without any cumulative cost to bias ratios not to mention inherent plausibility to maintainance compansation and it's obviously well worth the money..>>
I'll probably wind up spending $14,000 for my 92 when it's all said and done.... But I'll be riding one of the most awesome cars in the world!!!
redmanfx
see, i really love this car. a friend of mine adviced me trade it in for a new toyota but i told him, i'd rather drive a car i love than buy a car i feel miserable in.
i mean, i feel like all these maintenace i'm doing now is as a result of the fact that the car has 173,000 miles on it when i bought it so somethings are bound to be on the verge of wearing out. i checked the history of the car at the dealership and it appears the previous owner took excessive care of it up until 157,000 miles.
anyway, after the mount struts, i hope no other major things come up because i'm just too in love with this car. its a very very very rare reliable luxury car which is exactly what i love about it
I feel you Truest! Just remember, that in all the world, your car is one of the most remarkable cars ever made. Period. Your love for the car in itself tells you were your heart is. The Q is a little maintainance heavy as it gets older and you will have those fun things to fix, but who's to say that your efforts now won't pay off with a long, long life for your car. The luxury, the drive, the power and feel of the car is quite unique as you well know, so ultimatley can you honestly trade your love for a Toyota? Some things are indeed worth the effort and character is built with style!
redmanfx
redmanfx
I think you overpaid.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=274
Thats a 1999 Q45 with 58,000 miles for $17k. Just an extra $3k over what youre paying for purchase + repairs gives you a full DECADE of service.
And this 99 Q45 has 86k, for $14990:http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=762
Yes, I think you paid too much.
-Jesda
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=274
Thats a 1999 Q45 with 58,000 miles for $17k. Just an extra $3k over what youre paying for purchase + repairs gives you a full DECADE of service.
And this 99 Q45 has 86k, for $14990:http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=762
Yes, I think you paid too much.
-Jesda
Jesda wrote:I think you overpaid.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=274
Thats a 1999 Q45 with 58,000 miles for $17k. Just an extra $3k over what youre paying for purchase + repairs gives you a full DECADE of service.
And this 99 Q45 has 86k, for $14990:http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=762
Yes, I think you paid too much.
-Jesda
keep in mind, none of these cars where in jersey. the only available infiniti q45t at the time i was searching was located in New York. so thats where i got it from. NC is kinda far from here
Jesda wrote:I think you overpaid.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=274
Thats a 1999 Q45 with 58,000 miles for $17k. Just an extra $3k over what youre paying for purchase + repairs gives you a full DECADE of service.
And this 99 Q45 has 86k, for $14990:http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...t=762
Yes, I think you paid too much.
-Jesda
you know, come to think of it, its not even safe buying those cars you listed. i mean, what if i buy an 86k mile q45t and the previous owner never took it to the dealership?? about that?? what if I pay 17k for those cars u listed and later find out i have to fork over additional 3k for some repairs??? makes no sense.
looking at the infiniti records of my infiniti, i'm quite impressed with how well this car was taken care of. it seems as though the previous owner paniced and ran straight to the dealership anytime he sense something funny
I agree with Heath. But also, dealers are asking $23k for nearly mint dealer-maintained 2000 Anniversary Edition Q45s with 50k. Take off one model year and double the mileage to say, 100k, and thats still hovering around 15-16k. At 15,000 miles driven each year, means 6.6 more years of service over your car.
-Jesda
-Jesda
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Q45tech
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- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
You can never win, you can only attempt to minimize costs.
Think about why leases charge 15 cents per mile over the agreed mileage.......50,000 miles is $7500. So a 5 year old car should have 75,000 miles the extra 100,000 miles [declined to 10 cents per]should knock $10,000 plus normal annual depreciation [66% in 5 years]. [45k x 0.33=15-16 minus the $10k= $5-6,000].
Or using the converse a car with 250k ultimate life has 75,000 miles of life left if maintained then scrapped [$1,000]= $8,500......expect to spend another $10-12,500 to maintain it for the 5 years left.............say $21,000 plus excess principal, interest, tax, title insurance, and gas...........should cost less than $9,000 prorated per year to drive over next 5 years.
Don't feel bad we had a customer who paid $11,000 [with excessive interest] for a 93Q with 130k and a bad motor which didn't show up for 5 months.
Think about why leases charge 15 cents per mile over the agreed mileage.......50,000 miles is $7500. So a 5 year old car should have 75,000 miles the extra 100,000 miles [declined to 10 cents per]should knock $10,000 plus normal annual depreciation [66% in 5 years]. [45k x 0.33=15-16 minus the $10k= $5-6,000].
Or using the converse a car with 250k ultimate life has 75,000 miles of life left if maintained then scrapped [$1,000]= $8,500......expect to spend another $10-12,500 to maintain it for the 5 years left.............say $21,000 plus excess principal, interest, tax, title insurance, and gas...........should cost less than $9,000 prorated per year to drive over next 5 years.
Don't feel bad we had a customer who paid $11,000 [with excessive interest] for a 93Q with 130k and a bad motor which didn't show up for 5 months.
I think I'm starting to understand why people buy new cars. I probably would too if my insurance wouldnt double with full coverage. Usually, full coverage insurance for me is equal to or slightly more than a car payment.
At this point I'm pondering whether to keep my Q or sell it (getting $2900 offers) and buy Heath's 1990 with guides done, a 1990 Q for $2k that needs guides done, a J30 with a new transmission for $2500 (need to check timing belt), a 1990 LS400 with 190k for $3700 (need to check timing belt), or a Lincoln Mark 8 with 100k for $3400.
The cost for me to go to T3 is $200 for round trip gas, $150 for lodging, $1149 for guides, $135 for AC belt and pulley, $135 for rack bushings, and $500 more if I need an oil pan drop. Thats potentially $2260. Toss in $40 for rear pads. Ugh. Ive already spent three grand in a year. I think its time to bail.
If not for those damn chain guides (curse the bean counters and curse the engineers) it would only be $300 to keep my Q running like new for another year.
Damn Dennis for being right.
-Jesda
At this point I'm pondering whether to keep my Q or sell it (getting $2900 offers) and buy Heath's 1990 with guides done, a 1990 Q for $2k that needs guides done, a J30 with a new transmission for $2500 (need to check timing belt), a 1990 LS400 with 190k for $3700 (need to check timing belt), or a Lincoln Mark 8 with 100k for $3400.
The cost for me to go to T3 is $200 for round trip gas, $150 for lodging, $1149 for guides, $135 for AC belt and pulley, $135 for rack bushings, and $500 more if I need an oil pan drop. Thats potentially $2260. Toss in $40 for rear pads. Ugh. Ive already spent three grand in a year. I think its time to bail.
If not for those damn chain guides (curse the bean counters and curse the engineers) it would only be $300 to keep my Q running like new for another year.
Damn Dennis for being right.
-Jesda
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
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- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Q45tech: "If you want to play, you have to pay."
So far, I think it is money very well spent for value recieved. A Q45 that is up to as new OEM specifications is a thing of beauty and of higher functionality than almost any other four door sedan out there.
It is quite inexpensive compared to the European competition. The Lexus LS400/430 is the only vehicle to come close, and it's a whiff for me.
So far, I think it is money very well spent for value recieved. A Q45 that is up to as new OEM specifications is a thing of beauty and of higher functionality than almost any other four door sedan out there.
It is quite inexpensive compared to the European competition. The Lexus LS400/430 is the only vehicle to come close, and it's a whiff for me.
Very good point. I think in the end, I need to be able to look back and not regret it, and it boils down now to keeping my Q, getting Heath's Q, or getting the LS400. As we all know, his is nearly flawless, other than minor oil consumption and paint spots. But then there's the cost of traveling, lodging, the price difference, and taxes which add up to $1500. On mine, the drivetrain is perfect (other than guides) thanks to very good maintenance habits.
The LS400 is a marvel of precision engineering like the Q, but I'm concerned about what might be a lifeless driving experience.
The LS400 is a marvel of precision engineering like the Q, but I'm concerned about what might be a lifeless driving experience.
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elwesso
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2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT - Location: Indiana
- Contact:
This is a heck of a thread.
In my year of ownership, I would consider myself a winner. DIY labor definitely is the key there...
I agree with what nick said earlier, life is too short to drive something your not happy in!
Jesda- When we were talking on the internet yesterday, you mentioned that the MarkVIII is cheaper to own, and I will argue that to death! I doint think that you will maintain it to the highest standards as the Q, but you shouldnt because its obviously a lesser car. If you maintained it to the same specs as the Q, you would definitely be equal (the only difference being the cost of parts being MUCH lower)..
I think that this is a hard dilemma, and I would definitely look into another Q, or better yet a J30. They get better <lots> gas mileage than the Q, and if you dont tote people around (like I do), then it would be an obvious choice. Plus, getting a new VG30 is easy, dime a dozen!
In my year of ownership, I would consider myself a winner. DIY labor definitely is the key there...
I agree with what nick said earlier, life is too short to drive something your not happy in!
Jesda- When we were talking on the internet yesterday, you mentioned that the MarkVIII is cheaper to own, and I will argue that to death! I doint think that you will maintain it to the highest standards as the Q, but you shouldnt because its obviously a lesser car. If you maintained it to the same specs as the Q, you would definitely be equal (the only difference being the cost of parts being MUCH lower)..
I think that this is a hard dilemma, and I would definitely look into another Q, or better yet a J30. They get better <lots> gas mileage than the Q, and if you dont tote people around (like I do), then it would be an obvious choice. Plus, getting a new VG30 is easy, dime a dozen!
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nuQ
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- Car: 2003 Infiniti M45
2009 Dodge Caliber SXT - Location: Bethlehem PA
most people don't believe me when i say, "there are VERY few NEW cars i'd rather own than my 90Q". but it is very true. i'm really starting to bore my friends/family/co-workers with all my Q talk!!!!! i paid $4500 for my Q last year that was in very good condition w/ all service records and around 110k miles. i instantly got the guides done, plugs, water pump, oil pump, then later rims, tires, transmission flush & pan drop, and rail flush. all told another 3k+. all well worth it. not one problem in over a year. i'll soon be doing the plenum, KS and O2, shocks and suspension rubber. some feel this is too much for a 90, but i LOVE the Q and every penny is worth it!!!! have to look at it this way, after my new upgrades, maybe won't have to spend any more on problem issues with the car for a long time. conversely, if a bought a new car with an average new car monthly payment of $300 a month....i'd be shelling out $3600 a year for a car that probably couldn't hold a candle to my 90Q!!!!!! for me (and most people) buying and maintaining a good used car makes the best $ense!
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Q45tech
- Moderator
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- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
I spent $15,000 for the 100,000 miles from 100k-200k, then only $9,000 for the next 60,000 miles.......this May will be 7 years since 100,000 miles ---- probably will hit 265,000 miles since June 1990. [14 years].
I've spent $3572 per year on maintenance and repairs, probably way over spent by $1,000 per year to keep it mechanically as close to new as possible.The last 12 month have been cheaper only $2000 and I am out of things to fix except for a tiny rock star or two on the windshield
$200 plus only $42 month for liability and $3 per month for tax/tag and ad valorem......and $125 in gas plus $10 to wash it.......just under $400 month to drive.
I've spent $3572 per year on maintenance and repairs, probably way over spent by $1,000 per year to keep it mechanically as close to new as possible.The last 12 month have been cheaper only $2000 and I am out of things to fix except for a tiny rock star or two on the windshield
$200 plus only $42 month for liability and $3 per month for tax/tag and ad valorem......and $125 in gas plus $10 to wash it.......just under $400 month to drive.
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nuQ
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2009 Dodge Caliber SXT - Location: Bethlehem PA
in comparing dennis to my situation,,,he puts many, many more miles a year on his Q than mine. i've put around 4k miles on this year (my company vehicle takes the wear and tear!). also, i'm sure we'd all agree that dennis maintains his Q to MUCH higher standards than most of us here do. STILL,,,,,,,400 a month for a $60,000 car ain't too bad!!!!!!
I think one big problem here is the tendency to always look back at any money put into a vehicle and compare it to something that could have been or something very intangible at that moment. I spent $2200 for a very high mileage Q knowing full well what I was in for. I will not second guess myself for a decision I made with every intention of putting some duckies into the car. Even if that includes another engine down the road. I love my car and face the fact everyday that it's mine and needs to be treated like a 12 year old car.
I'll spend $3,000 to $5,000 easily this year on the Q to get it where I want it. And more next year. I'm not going out and buying something new and owe $55,000 when I can spend $8,000 and have everything I want and the pink slip. Stop second guessing yourselves or just dump the car. If your asking yourself if you should keep it now you'll be asking yourself in 4 months and then in 8 months.
Just part it out to us and make us happy at least!
LOL!!redmanfx
I'll spend $3,000 to $5,000 easily this year on the Q to get it where I want it. And more next year. I'm not going out and buying something new and owe $55,000 when I can spend $8,000 and have everything I want and the pink slip. Stop second guessing yourselves or just dump the car. If your asking yourself if you should keep it now you'll be asking yourself in 4 months and then in 8 months.
Just part it out to us and make us happy at least!
LOL!!redmanfx
nuQ wrote:in comparing dennis to my situation,,,he puts many, many more miles a year on his Q than mine. i've put around 4k miles on this year (my company vehicle takes the wear and tear!). also, i'm sure we'd all agree that dennis maintains his Q to MUCH higher standards than most of us here do. STILL,,,,,,,400 a month for a $60,000 car ain't too bad!!!!!!
i must be over using my Q if your talking about putting on 4k miles in your in a whole year. lol. i put very close to 5k mile in mine in just over 2 months period. jeez, i'm really raping my Q
nuQ wrote:in comparing dennis to my situation,,,he puts many, many more miles a year on his Q than mine. i've put around 4k miles on this year (my company vehicle takes the wear and tear!). also, i'm sure we'd all agree that dennis maintains his Q to MUCH higher standards than most of us here do. STILL,,,,,,,400 a month for a $60,000 car ain't too bad!!!!!!
Dennis could be driving an M45 for a hair more.
-Jesda
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nuQ
- Posts: 1659
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2009 Dodge Caliber SXT - Location: Bethlehem PA
"i must be over using my Q if your talking about putting on 4k miles in your in a whole year. lol. i put very close to 5k mile in mine in just over 2 months period. jeez, i'm really raping my Q"
TRUEST--LOL yeah, i'm lucky,,,use my Q for pure driving pleasure only. sometimes i feel guilty about not driving it,,,,then take her out at night for a few WOT runs on the highway!!!! no sh*t!!!!!
"Stop second guessing yourselves or just dump the car. If your asking yourself if you should keep it now you'll be asking yourself in 4 months and then in 8 months"
very true redmanfx! TRUEST, if you're feeling that now, you might never be happy. just resign yourself to the fact that you are driving an expensive luxury/performance sedan that is not cheap to own. you WILL have future repairs to make, and maintenance items to keep the Q running like new, all costing more than would a civic!!!! i had people look at me crosseyed when i explained how i was taking my newly purchased Q to have $2000 of repairs done (chain guides, etc). all i could say, and HATE to be cliched,,,, ITS A Q THING, U WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND. do U understand TRUEST!!??? LOL LOL i'm sure you dojeff
TRUEST--LOL yeah, i'm lucky,,,use my Q for pure driving pleasure only. sometimes i feel guilty about not driving it,,,,then take her out at night for a few WOT runs on the highway!!!! no sh*t!!!!!
"Stop second guessing yourselves or just dump the car. If your asking yourself if you should keep it now you'll be asking yourself in 4 months and then in 8 months"
very true redmanfx! TRUEST, if you're feeling that now, you might never be happy. just resign yourself to the fact that you are driving an expensive luxury/performance sedan that is not cheap to own. you WILL have future repairs to make, and maintenance items to keep the Q running like new, all costing more than would a civic!!!! i had people look at me crosseyed when i explained how i was taking my newly purchased Q to have $2000 of repairs done (chain guides, etc). all i could say, and HATE to be cliched,,,, ITS A Q THING, U WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND. do U understand TRUEST!!??? LOL LOL i'm sure you dojeff
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nuQ
- Posts: 1659
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- Car: 2003 Infiniti M45
2009 Dodge Caliber SXT - Location: Bethlehem PA
"Dennis could be driving an M45 for a hair more"
on a lease!!!! and remember monthly outlays no matter what, i can go months without a penny (other than gas and insurance) spent on my Q. don't get me wrong jesda, i LOVE the M45, i'll just wait till the suckers, i mean leasers turn theirs' in, then take advantage of the lesson they learned in depreciation!!!!!! ps---same with the g35 coupe,,,although, will be harder than the M45----many more sold!!!
on a lease!!!! and remember monthly outlays no matter what, i can go months without a penny (other than gas and insurance) spent on my Q. don't get me wrong jesda, i LOVE the M45, i'll just wait till the suckers, i mean leasers turn theirs' in, then take advantage of the lesson they learned in depreciation!!!!!! ps---same with the g35 coupe,,,although, will be harder than the M45----many more sold!!!
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AlabamaDan
- Posts: 1750
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- Car: 2015 Infiniti Q70
1998 Infiniti QX4
Jesda wrote:Dennis could be driving an M45 for a hair more.
-Jesda
Jesda you're comparing apples to oranges :nono
His $400 a month includes everything but the water for washing it.
Show me the numbers on driving a M45 (inlcuding gas, oil, maint, tires, annualized tags/taxes, everything) for pennies over $400 a month.