Just bought another qx4....

[ugharin]

I finally went ahead and bought the 2002 QX4.

I flew to Houston, TX and drove it back to AL (14hrs). It drove great.

It had 79.5k miles (now 80.5) and I paid 10.7k for it. It looks and runs great and am happy with it. The dealer has removed the pics and listing so it will be a while but I will update with pics of this one and also the 200 that I recently bought. This 02 is super sharp though and am loving it. Drove back perfectly from texas.

An observation:

The 2000 Qs engine is a lot smoother and quiter than the 02's VQ. The maximas 3L from which the 01-03s' were made, is also smoother and quiter than than the 3.5. And I know this is perfectly NORMAL.

Question:

1) However, the engine feels quite sluggish, slow and rough during acceleration. Its very smooth and quiet during idling and during higher speeds. But its rough during acceleration and the pickup is nothing better than the 2000 Q. I was expecting a better performance with the 3.5 VQ with 240hp. I did test drive 3 other VQ3.5s and they, although similarly rough sounding, had quick acceleration.Is it something I could look up and fix or is it normal?

I just had the oil, filter changed and the performance did not change.

I am thinking of changing the following right now.

1) Rotate, balance and align wheels. 2) Replace o2 sensors3) Replace oil sending unit?(apparently, the express lube guy found a small seepage during oil change and stated its not a big deal and could be ignored)4) MAF sensor?5) Clean throttle body6) PCV valve?7) Spark plugs? (not recommended till 105k miles)

Anything at all? I cant really think of anything.

Everything else really just looks good. Had it checked out by an infiniti dealership and everything checked out great. They only recommended the transmission and diff fluid and cabin air filter changes as part of maintenance. The transmission fluid looks clean and red.

Anything to do with the fan? Thers no squeaking noises. I can DIY the above things although I never have before. My theoretical mech engg BS degree is certainly not helping me with cars except that I know how the major components work and that I am quick to understand all the advice.

Thanks for the help. Also, thanks for the help with advice and links with buying these two Qs. Am glad I found these forums.

[KyooX4]

Congrats on the purchase!

If you remove the air intake resonator you'll notice improved pick-up, as the resonator is rather restricting of airflow. It only takes about 10 mins.

[ugharin]

Hi and thanks for the reply. I am suddenly all worried right now as since the last half hour, ive come across and have been reading something about the 01 and later VQ engines' problems apropos power valve screws, burning excess oil etc...and then on the other hand, these VQs are being acknowledged as the best engines since the last 10 years or so.

Hope its only what you mentioned. Im gonna check that out first thing in the morning. Im free this week and am planning on doing some maintenance on both the Qs.

[Buzzman]

Question:

1) However, the engine feels quite sluggish, slow and rough during acceleration. Its very smooth and quiet during idling and during higher speeds. But its rough during acceleration and the pickup is nothing better than the 2000 Q. I was expecting a better performance with the 3.5 VQ with 240hp. I did test drive 3 other VQ3.5s and they, although similarly rough sounding, had quick acceleration.

Something is not right. The 3.5 should be a lot faster, and it should not be rough under acceleration. Mine has over 210,000 Kms on it, and it pulls strong and smooth. It also doesn't burn any oil yet. Better have yours checked. BTW, did you get any kind of warranty with it?

[ugharin]

Something is not right. The 3.5 should be a lot faster, and it should not be rough under acceleration. Mine has over 210,000 Kms on it, and it pulls strong and smooth. It also doesn't burn any oil yet. Better have yours checked. BTW, did you get any kind of warranty with it?

Hmm...I dont have a warranty. They did offer a one month 500 mile thing but that ran out as I drove almost 900 miles from Texas to Al after I bought the car.

I am actually shopping for an Auto Warranty right now and found one - Warranty Direct. But seems like their total claims' limit would be 6000 bucks only.

Any suggestions on warranties?

Also, I am wondering about a couple of issues.1) Power valve screws. Is that a very common problem? Why are these VQ engiens rated so high if they are bound to get fried cause of these screws falling in.

2) Why do these engines burn oil? I noticed I was a quart low after my drive back. I immediately had the oil and filter changed and plan to do so every 2500 miles or so and will stick with conventional oil as I came across a post that stated that the manual recommends against using SYN.

Is it something to with the PCV valve, this oil burn? Is there a fix for this?

Ive read the threads about using loktite for the power valve screws and am thinking its a DIY for novices and will read up some more and make some notes before I start on it.

Are there any other known and common problems with these engines that one could fix as a precaution?

Thanks for the help.

[fueler]

congratultions

i think the engine r fine, a lot of stuff online about spark coils going bad and power valve screws causing catastrophic engine damage, BUT - ask ANY vq35 owner (in rel life) if theyve ever had any problems, the answer is always NOPE!!

[ugharin]

Hi and thanks!

Im glad I got this one even if it was almost 1000 miles away. Its pretty sharp and new(er) looking and runs very good. Im trying to do some basic maintenance and precautions....intend to keep this one forever...

I am already scared...so I think I might as well do the loctite fix thing for a peace of mind....Hope the screws are all in there too right now!!