Keep it or sell it?

[DJMabf]

Hi, I have a QX4 with about 65,000 mi on it. It's never been an accident and except for a couple car door dings, the body is in perfect shape. If you sat inside you would swear the interior was less than a year old. It's still a beautiful automobile and I love it.

I'm not sure if all models had this, but this one has a knob where you can switch between 2WD and 4WD. That has been broken for a long time and since we moved to Florida we saw no reason to have it fixed.

I can't tell you exactly what's wrong with the anti-lock brakes but they cannot be fixed according to infiniti. Some part they need is no longer manufactured. I still have brakes, just not anti-lock brakes.

The AC quit working this season. It's possible it's a tiny leak or it's possible I need a new compressor. I don't know yet.

Occasionally it will completely lose power when it goes above 2500 RPMs. This has already been discussed elsewhere on here but there seems to be no clear cut reason as to why this happens. It hasn't shown up in quite a while but I know it will again as it did it quite regularly a few months back.

Here's where I need your help. Can a car this old be fixed with reconditioned parts? Are these parts reliable, if available? I assume Infinii will not do this so that means I have to find a reliable repair shop that does, correct?

It's very possible I will need to invest more than it's is worth to get it up to snuff, although I would not fix the four-wheel drive issue. If I spend 3 to 6,000 on it and get 3 or 4 years out of it I would be happy. I pulled that number out of my ear. It's not based on an estimate.

I was going to buy a new car and I wanted a Tesla. I took the model 3 and model y for a test drive. The model 3 is a very rough ride and I can't see spending $60,000 to have my fillings rattled out of my teeth even if I am saving the planet. The Model Y is 1,200 pounds heavier and therefore a much nicer ride but somehow it feels like a minivan to me. I imagine the S is a lovely car but out of my league.

Furthermore, as fast as technology is moving, I would prefer to wait three or four years before buying into the Tesla technology, if at all. That's why I want to stick with my QX4 for now.

I know there are no guarantees. After spending a few thousand dollars on it, something major could go wrong. That's a risk I take.

Anyway, you get the gist. Keep in mind that I do not work on cars nor do I have enough time or knowledge to do so. I would think for someone who does, this SUV would be a dream, and if I sell it I hope I will find that person. But for now, I would really like to keep it for a while longer. But I'm wondering if I'm just throwing good money after bad.

Your insights and experience are much appreciated.

[QX4ME]

With so low mileage it will be a very good project car for someone for sure.
Many major parts are re-manufactured such as alternator, transmission.
I rode in someone else's Model 3; I feel the ride is smooth.
Technology is advancing fast. No matter when you decide to buy, you always have bought it "too early".

Sorry I don't have much else to say.

[sroberts]

Part it out - I'll buy the seats. Just how do you plan to tow a boat with the Tesla? Maybe you do not need a utility vehicle, if not sell it to a good home. Some of the repairs you mentioned could be minor although having a dealer/mechanic do a bunch of work could cost more than the truck is worth. ABS aside, there are plenty of aftermarket parts with as good as and sometimes better than original quality.

[DJMabf]

QX4ME I have the same thought about technology but I'm wanting them to get a little closer to the full self-driving which has a lot to do with my desire to buy a Tesla. It seems they are a long way away and musk insists that it will never require lidar. I just added stop lights and stop signs but that isn't beta stage and who knows how long it will be.

The QX4 was my late husband's and until recently, I mostly drove a 2001 Lexus GS300. Once you get used to that, which feels like a magic carpet ride, the Model 3 feels like an entry level vehicle. Which it is for Tesla, of course. Lol.

But I do appreciate the thought about the technology. It is so true and that's partly why I'm on here. It's useful to hear other people's opinions which causes you to either make a strong argument for why their opinion is misguided or it further confirms your own thoughts on the matter when your thoughts are aligned with theirs. Either way, things become clearer.

[DJMabf]

sroberts I had wondered if the car was worth quite a bit for parts. But it certainly not something I'm going to do. I'll happily sell you the seats for four grand. Lol.

I don't tow a boat anymore although the Tesla Model Y will tow 3,400 pounds. As for the Model 3, I think the boat pulls the car. Would you say that there are aftermarket parts for anything I would ever need for the next 3 to 5 years for that truck. While it could cost more to fix it then it's worth, I have to ask myself how much 60 grand sitt ing in the stock market for three more years might earn. That is a crap shoot just as fixing up the car is. But it certainly not a black and white situation. If I know it can be fixed with good parts then that helps me a lot. any more you could add about that would be useful. Thanks for responding.

[QX4ME]

When I was in my friend's Model 3, he briefly showed me Autopilot (is that the name?). Very nice. However, if I am buying a car with an option of full self-driving, I will not even buy that option. No matter how well it is developed, one bug will cause problems up to a life loss.

[MisterH]

For what it's worth, I've come around to believe that most people buy new vehicles way before they need to and spend far too much of their disposable income on them when it could be put to better use (like funding retirement, as you point out). Nevertheless, when the question comes around to "should I sell it or fix it" one key phrase you wrote seemed to stand out: " It's still a beautiful automobile and I love it." Sure, you could easily spend $3-4K getting all the current issues fixed and yes, the average value of the car is not much more than that. Nevertheless, it's a drop in the bucket compared to buying anything new. Having only 65K miles on your QX4 is extremely low and with regular maintenance, you can easily add at least 100K to it without concern. If you still love the car, then I'd get several rock-solid estimates for getting all the current issues fixed. That way you'll have a solid understanding of the price to keep it and have it running reliably so you can still love it. BTW, there's no component on that vehicle that can't be fixed or replaced. despite what the dealer told you about your ABS issue. They may be unable to get a new replacement ABS pump and control module, if that's the failed component, but a completely reliable used replacement can be had for less than $200. Many dealers for legal/liability reasons make it a policy never to use rebuilt or used parts in their repairs. I worked at a BMW dealer that routinely sourced used parts in order to complete repairs when factory replacements were not available. This was most common for specialty control modules and the Nissan ABS module fits into that category. I wouldn't be concerned about getting used.

[sroberts]

I agree with MisterH with one caveat - if a breakdown might put your personal safety at risk it is not worth driving an older car. I would not trust a 19 year old car for my wife, especially if I was not around to react. My 20 year old Pathfinder is great but we do not take it on trips or drive in unsafe areas. Since we left Atlanta this is fortunately less of a problem.

[DJMabf]

MisterH You laid things out clearly and succinctly which I very much appreciate. Very helpful! I also like your declarative statement that there isn't anything on that car that can't be fixed or replaced. That's the reassurance I was looking for.

I'm going to get an estimate for the whole shooting match and see where I land.

Sroberts You make a good point about reliability. No matter how well maintained, a decades-old car is statistically more likely to break down. In my situation, however, I think the risk is minimal as I do not travel far from home unless I'm flying. And considering the money I'd save, I could always rent a car for long trips.

EVs are growing exponentially and other manufacturers beyond Tesla are entering the market, some aggressively. They have a ways to go to catch up with Tesla's technology but they likely will and this gives one more choices. One of the main drawbacks with other manufacturers is the lack of charging stations. Waiting a few years allows time to see if the network of non-tesla charging stations grows sufficiently.

Stay tuned and thanks again for your help.

If others have more to add, I am all ears.

[DJMabf]

I found the multi inspection report that I had done about a year ago. Since that time the AC is barely working and the radiator went dry. Since refilling the radiator I have not had a problem, but I will have it pressure tested, flushed and refilled if I do the other work.

I'm led to believe that with a car this old I should not spend the money to replace the O2 sensors. Agree?

Any comments on what I might ignore and what is critical are appreciated.

Page one of two, multi inspection report

Page two of two, multi inspection report

[QX4ME]

If O2 sensor is bad, the car will not pass smog test I believe. The sensor itself is not expensive the labor is. I replaced couple of times the O2 sensors one on QX4 and one on my other car where access is very easy.

[DJMabf]

I live in Florida. We have no car inspection. I don't think it will make enough difference considering how little I drive and the fact that the car is in good mechanical shape. Nonetheless, I went online to see about DIY and changing the sensors in a QX4 actually sounds difficult. (Evidently it's very hard to get to.)

[MisterH]

That was good you got a full inspection. Based on that write-up, I would get quotes on doing the following:

High Priority services:
-New brake pads, purge and replace all brake fluid.
- Replace ABS control module ( this will be a used part)
- Double check rear upper and lower control arms for ANY play and replace if needed.
- Change out all belts and hoses
- Replace radiator and thermostat. I see that it passed inspection but If your radiator is original, then after 20 years it becomes highly susceptible to forming structural cracks because it has plastic tanks (I just replaced my original radiator last week). Radiators are not expensive unless you're going to a dealer to get the work done. This is one of those items where age is the issue, and not mileage.
- Drain and refill rear diff.
- Double check the condition of all rubber vacuum lines and replace everything hardened or cracked.

-Optional:
- Completely evacuate and refill auto trans fluid
- Drain and refill front transfer case.
- Replace valve cover gaskets (since I don't know the extent of the leak, it's difficult to gauge whether it's necessary, but a significant oil leak can mean oil running down onto your alternator and starter.) If you decide to get the leak taken care of then you'll also want to change out the infamous coolant bypass hose that resides underneath the intake manifold which has to be removed in order to do both VC gaskets. This will probably be the most expensive repair on your list.
- Replace both post-CAT (rear) O2 sensors. ( Having these fail will not affect your performance, but replacing them will shut off the CEL.)

[DJMabf]

Wow MisterH. Thank you so much for such a thorough and logical plan. I feel really confident going to a couple shops and getting estimates now. Your generosity is much appreciated, sir.

[MisterH]

Happy to oblige. I certainly hope you can get all those service items taken care of for a price that's agreeable. Then you can enjoy many more miles of trouble-free driving!

[Chris92SE]

Even though it has very low miles, it seems like your QX4 has a long list of needed repairs, adding up to a couple thousand bucks. Even fixed up right, it's maybe worth $5k or less. It's probably better to just let it go and start over. It sounds like you want something newer.

My 2003 pathfinder LE is mint, was garaged it's entire life, one owner, has all service records and everything works perfectly. I bought it for $3500. My goal is to get 2-3 good years out of it and buy something newer. No car payment for a few years would be great. I am thinking about getting a new Bronco and the timeline will probably work out.

[Serdriver]

What’s the update? I would have kept it for sure!! Only 65k!! These can easily go to 200k with proper maintenance.

[rgk]

Occasionally it will completely lose power when it goes above 2500 RPMs. This has already been discussed elsewhere on here but there seems to be no clear cut reason as to why this happens. It hasn't shown up in quite a while but I know it will again as it did it quite regularly a few months back.

FYI, this is likely a MAF sensor going bad.