Looked at a 99 QX4, Need help and opinions please

[DK SPL Audio]

Hi, I totalled my 97 Lexus ES300 a few weeks ago. I loved the car to death and thought it was great. It was very quite, ok acceleration, reliable, and looked great.

I went to the guy that I got the Lex from and looked at a 99 QX4. here are the specs...3.3Lnew tiresBose systemnew batterypearl white outleathermoonroofNo heated seats 4WD80,000 milesGreat condition in and out

I thought it was great and I like Nissan/Infinity. I also knew that the QX4 was made really good and is very reliable (I know it is pretty much a expensize Pathfinder)

I have some concerns though...-It seemed like it shifted hard out of first. My family and I have gone to the guy we buy cars from for a while and know that he gets good stuff but I am still concerned.-The engine seemed really loud when accelerating-It seems like the engine is very weak and the acceleration was horrible

I want a realiable, nice vehicle that is fun to drive.

What are your thoughts? He wanted $12,900 for it. Thank you

[neagan]

I have a 2001 QX4; my buddy has the same model you're looking at. We both bought ours off of Ebay and saved THOUSANDS! There is a 70 horsepower difference between the 3.3 and 3.5. Both are regarded as one of the best engine platforms on the market. Expect 15-16mpg average on either. The 99 definitely has to work hard to achieve basic performance and I think both shift pretty hard out of first. Great vehicles though. Consumer Guides gives them top ratings. Does that help? oh, can you identify if it's had the exhaust replaced? That's a common thing to do to eek out a bit more performance, as the stock system is usually really quiet. You'll probably need new struts/shocks and end-links at that mileage. Nitro

[DK SPL Audio]

Yup, I always look at Cosumer Guides, that is why I got excited when I saw the QX4 on the lot. Ebay is very risky IMO. I know this guy and he is a very good honest person. I would love to get that extra 70 horse but am afraid I cannot aford it. Would you recommend that I get it? I am only 20 and only am getting back 6K for my ES300 (I still owed money on it + $1000 deductable) I will be broke if I get it but I need a good vehicle. Just wish she had more power, that is really affecting my decision.

[SayNoToPistons]

i got my 2001 QX4 74k miles for $15000. for about 3 thousand more you can get a better 2001 qx4 or for about the same amount of money you might be able to find a 2001+ pathfinder. look harder, you'll find it,ebay is good too. my friend brought a 2004 4runner limited from ebay and saved thousands!

[DK SPL Audio]

Thanks for the replies. I am stressing over this. Is there a common cheap mod that I could do to make not so gutless? I think the car is great as far as looks and mechanical reliability go. Is insurance high on these? I am talking with the guy on Monday again so anything more replies would be great. The price he wants is the absolute maximum that I can do, I need to save for my wedding next year, even this will set me back. Thanks

[HondaFan]

Quick cheap power=nitrous.

Really not much that can be done to a 3.3, even a S/C may only give it equal power to the 3.5. BUT, a 4Runner of similar year is just as slow.

For your money, you really should look at getting another sedan if performance is a requirement for you. You are already unhappy before you even buy that SUV, so why not consider a Maxima or Accord V6??

[DK SPL Audio]

I did consider the maxima, 97-98 SE. I love the looks of the QX4 and love the features, I also wanted a SUV. My fiance also loved the QX4, she thinks I should get it. I have always been into quick vehicles. She said I could have a extremely quick car and it wouldn't impress her anymore than having the pickup of the QX4. I was thinking I could get an intake and exhaust. I would get a little better gas mileage and maybe 10-15HP more.

[driverdriver]

Yup, I always look at Cosumer Guides, that is why I got excited when I saw the QX4 on the lot. Ebay is very risky IMO. I know this guy and he is a very good honest person. I would love to get that extra 70 horse but am afraid I cannot aford it. Would you recommend that I get it? I am only 20 and only am getting back 6K for my ES300 (I still owed money on it + $1000 deductable) I will be broke if I get it but I need a good vehicle. Just wish she had more power, that is really affecting my decision.

my two cents......I take the opinions written in publications like Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide with a grain of salt. These publications are not as unbiased as they say. I've seen a lot of contradiction in these publications. For instance, Consumer Reports wholly recommends the RX300 suv from Lexus as a good bet(along with the Sienna/Previa), although it concedes the vehicle has a serious issue with engine sludge build up which leads to catastrophic engine failure which is a common occurrence (go to any Lexus forum). Their recommendation doesn't make sense like some others. I know there are lemons amongst QX4's. Best bet is to get the vehicle inspected by a dealer or infiniti/nissan tech and too only buy vehicles that have a service history.