Looking back at the year 2007

[qship96]

I was going thru my log and thought I would share the maintenance items done in 2007,maybe it will help a newbee someday see how the old Q`s require a steady cash infusion! Keep in mind,all the items were performed as preventative maintenance-the car never broke down or any component failed throughout 2007

4 Redline oil changes/60u00 filterstransmission fluid exchanged with 14 qt redline d4Rear diff 2qt redline gear oil replacedPower steering fluid exchanged 2Qt Redline d4Brake & traction fluid exchangedRadiator fluid exchanged=Prestone long lifeNew radiator and hosesNew a/c compressor and dryer {brand new from Joe}and vac/rechargereline front brakes/factory pads/turn rotors3 wheel balances/rotationsnew exhaust mountsnew upper linksnew remote key fobnew seat side trimnew center pillar covers for outside b pillarscomplete plenum job all hoses/knocks and harnessvalve cover reseal/plugsnew belts,pullies,waterpump,thermostatnew oxygen sensorsfuel/air/pcv filtersreplaced both fog lamp side trim pieces

I think that is it as far as I can see from receipts...total costs for above items in 2007 was $5720.....an expensive year at $476/month average.

[Haitian_King]

Really puts things into perspective. My dad is trying to talk me out of spending that much on the car. he just doesn't understand what it takes to keep the car right.

He keeps telling me that it's just a $3500 car. I have to tell him that this car was built to compete with the 7-Series BMW and S-Class Mercedes-Benz. It's not a beater that you can just drive till the wheels fall off and buy a new one.

Plus, I have so much of myself invested in this car.

I'm glad to see that you're so dedicated to the car.

[maxnix]

A lot of that will be prorated over 10K - 30K- 100K miles.

But meanwhile your car is in top shape. Nothing like a G50 in great shape blowing off cars costing 6 or 7 times as much even after rehabilitation.

[AlabamaDan]

Did you do the labor yourself or is that cost with labor? I've probably spent $1K on mine this year.

[qship96]

Most done at shops,almost all parts purchased at I.O.S. at our discount,some a little lower based on their monthly specials and some negotiating.T3 did labor for plenum/valve covers/pump,pullies,thermo,belts,o2 sensors-local shops did bulk of remainder.

[Jesda]

Whats comforting though is that these parts are mostly wear and tear, not unexpected failures.

[qship96]

I was going thru my log and thought I would share the maintenance items done in 2007,maybe it will help a newbee someday see how the old Q`s require a steady cash infusion! Keep in mind,all the items were performed as preventative maintenance-the car never broke down or any component failed throughout 2007

4 Redline oil changes/60u00 filterstransmission fluid exchanged with 14 qt redline d4Rear diff 2qt redline gear oil replacedPower steering fluid exchanged 2Qt Redline d4Brake & traction fluid exchangedRadiator fluid exchanged=Prestone long lifeNew radiator and hosesNew a/c compressor and dryer {brand new from Joe}and vac/rechargereline front brakes/factory pads/turn rotors3 wheel balances/rotationsnew exhaust mountsnew upper linksnew remote key fobnew seat side trimnew center pillar covers for outside b pillarscomplete plenum job all hoses/knocks and harnessvalve cover reseal/plugsnew belts,pullies,waterpump,thermostatnew oxygen sensorsfuel/air/pcv filtersreplaced both fog lamp side trim pieces

I think that is it as far as I can see from receipts...total costs for above items in 2007 was $5720.....an expensive year at $476/month average.

Thought I would add 2008 expenses to this list to give a 2 year snapshot in one place . The Q performed extremely well this year, and again never broke down or failed to get me where I needed to go....got close with the MAF failure, but quick diagnosis and Joe overnighting the part prevented a breakdown.

New MAF to replace factory original part $485 overnighted from joenew battery $180New starter relay $33Valeo Ultimate wiper blades $20used door mirrior mount $35cleaned a/c evaporator with expanding foam cleaner {$14 Kit}4 new michelin Pilot Exaltos $437 installed!Cleaned and lubed rear brakes free Upgraded headlamp/tail/brake/signal bulbs $145 Performed 2 oil analysis $653 Redline oil/filter changes $240Trans fluid exchange- 18 qt redline D4 ATF- $148 {myself}Power Steering flush 2 qt Redline d4 atf- $16 {myself}Brake fluid flush- Sears $35Flush trac control system $5 {myself}Bought Digital multimeter $30

Grand total $1888 for the year......much better than 2007! Total miles on Q at year end around 222,000. Only put 15,500 miles on car in 2008, a record low compared to my typical 22-24K.
Modified by qship96 at 6:12 PM 1/11/2009

[Infinitiguy19]

You saved big on the tires, But the bulbs really seems like a lot at $145.

But on the transmission flush was that drain and refills or did you suck the fluid from the dip stick hole?

And for a bit more you could have taken it to the dealer or have a shop do it using the BG fluid.

But not bad at all over all seeing as how you saved at less than $1500.

[qship96]

transmission was drain/fill thru via drainplug multiple times to reach 88.00% new fluid. Not interested in BG machine flush, or other machine based fluid exchanges at all....even for free.

Bulbs were an esoteric experiment- specialty bulbs are not cheap for a dozen {4 headlamp/2 stop/2 signal/2 reverse/2 spare low beam}
Modified by qship96 at 6:49 PM 1/11/2009

[maxnix]

transmission was drain/fill thru via drainplug multiple times to reach 88.00% new fluid. Not interested in BG machine flush, or other machine based fluid exchanges at all....even for free

Yeah, that retained 12% of old, worn out contaminated fluid, detritus and varnish really hops your transmission!

IF 12% contaminated fluid is better than 100% new fluid, then why aren't transmissions dleivered with old fluid and why even bother in the first place? Surely 100% old coantmainated fluid is better!

What can anyone with an above outdoor temperature IQ say in response to such an ignorant statement?

"Member's standards vary." - Q45tech

[qship96]

UGHHHHH Brian, that HUGE 12% leftover fluid wasnt old, dirty or varnished........it only had 25,000 miles on it from the prior flush......proof is in the pudding as my factory original transmission operates like new at 222,500 miles

You seem more fixated on the machine PROCESS than the END RESULT, which for me is a correctly operating transmission

Do you flush your gas tank before refilling also???? Just think of those few old gallons left in the tank CONTAMINATING your new fuel.....see how stupid youre being?

[alexander]

qship96,This just shows you need to perform most of the work yourself to get that low of a yearly cost.I had some of your work done on my 96Q by the stealerships and have come close to 7 grand just this year. And it still does not perform right.To do the knock sensors 9code popped up) is another 2k and stealership says thats not my accelleration problem, contrary to the views of another dealership who popped the codes.Today, once again, was told by stealership, not to put another dime in this car.This Q will be do for new brakes and upper links soon as well. And a bunch more later on, all by informed people.

So have decided that this Q will be just for short city use until it dies. San francisco is easy to get by mass trans.Now looking at another possible fun car to drive on freeways and found a great looking 2001 745iL with only 58k. for 12 thousand dollars.Of course it will need 4 thousand to get it up to snuff (if service records are correct).

Anyone out there got the goods on the 2001 7 series. Won't consider it if told to 'stay away'.There are just no great looking fun cars anymore.

[Infinitiguy19]

Wow no offense but you got raped by the stealership, I am surprised they told you not to put any more money in it after they stole 7K.

I would dump the 96 and find another G50 that was well maintained because its hard to find another car that performs like the G50 for the price of maintenance (your case is and exception though).

Good Luck.

[alexander]

Not well maintained???I have owned this Q for 9 years and have done everything to keep it up.With the price of used cars dropping like a rock, why put another 12 grand into the Q when I can buy a 2006 S600 for 31 thousand with a 100k warranty and then dump that in 4 years?2005 Q's are going for 14k here in Ca. By the way it's 72 degrees @7pm here. Wonder why the stealerships get 150/hr for their work.

[Infinitiguy19]

I didn't mean that you didn't Maintain yours but find your self one that has most if not all the hard work done to it and buy that Q45, Because you have over maintained it and still to have a nice ride.

But $150/HR thats highway robbery, How are they still in business.

[alexander]

It's Marin California, the people that stole your 401k's

[qship96]

Alexander, considering all the $ you have invested in your Q, and having owned it since it was a baby....why not ship it to T3 in Atlanta to get fixed correctly then fly out for one awesome drive home? I am confident it is just a malfunctioning sensor or combination ofsensors causing your issues.

I drove from maryland to Atlanta to have T3 perform preventative maintenance late in 2007......the Q is most enjoyable on high speed highway jaunts like this!

[goody90q45]

Whats comforting though is that these parts are mostly wear and tear, not unexpected failures.

I spent about $600 maintaining the 94Q this year. Brakes and fluid changes were all she needed. The first 2 1/2 years were brutal though ($8000+).

Alexander, considering all the $ you have invested in your Q, and having owned it since it was a baby....why not ship it to T3 in Atlanta to get fixed correctly then fly out for one awesome drive home? I am confident it is just a malfunctioning sensor or combination ofsensors causing your issues.

Agreed. Or Jerry Tucker in San Diego. It's sunny and warm there this time of year. With all the work you've done your Q should run like new.

[elwesso]

UGHHHHH Brian, that HUGE 12% leftover fluid wasnt old, dirty or varnished........it only had 25,000 miles on it from the prior flush......proof is in the pudding as my factory original transmission operates like new at 222,500 miles

You seem more fixated on the machine PROCESS than the END RESULT, which for me is a correctly operating transmission

Do you flush your gas tank before refilling also???? Just think of those few old gallons left in the tank CONTAMINATING your new fuel.....see how stupid youre being?

I agree with you 110%!! You should never let your fluid get so bad that its ever "varnished" or "contaminated". My guess is the redline that you took out of the trans probably was about 80-90% as good as it was right out of the bottle!!

Anyway, just shows that even the basics add up, but even at 2007 475/month is a bargain for what you get IMO. You cant even lease a maxima for that these days, and insurance is way cheaper.

Its more out of pocket and painful expenses but if you think about it its a lot cheaper.

[qship96]

Yes, the Redline D4 ATF comes out looking new at 25,000 miles........almost seems criminal to throw it out, and most people would run it for 60,000+ miles and get excellent results.......one of the advantages of a Polyolester group 5 based fluid is the resistance to thermal breakdown and creation of varnish, and a very low Noack to resist boil-off/evaporation. Having a FRESH external ATF filter also helps keep it clear of wear debris.

[Victor]

You just replaced your air conditioner compressor for the hell of it? Sounds like it was a repair to me, together with a lot of other stuff. If you knew in advance how much you were going to spend would you still have done it? Might have been better to put the money into a newer car that didn't need so much maintenance. How many miles did you put on the car in 2007?

[qship96]

You just replaced your air conditioner compressor for the hell of it? Sounds like it was a repair to me, together with a lot of other stuff. If you knew in advance how much you were going to spend would you still have done it? Might have been better to put the money into a newer car that didn't need so much maintenance. How many miles did you put on the car in 2007?

REREAD my comments, I said the car never had a breakdown....not that parts dont wear as they age AND ARE REPLACED BEFORE THEY FAIL....A/C compressor was still functioning at time of replacement, it was just not efficient at low RPMS{idle} worked fine at highway speed.....worn.

Average was $317.00 per month over the 2 years posted{5720+1888/24 months}for 39,000 miles worh of use {19.5 cents per mile}......not alot of money in my book for maintaining a luxury car using premium fluids and premium parts only.If you carefully review the list, you will notice much of the expense is for routine items{tires/battery/brakes/fluid services.,etc}that must be spent regardless of age of a vehicle.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat......the only other car I would rather own than my Q is a 06-08 Audi A8L....cant do that for even TWICE the $317 per month I am spending.....more like three times the price for more headaches due to lower reliability.

Other than replacing the MAF, I knew in advance what I was going to spend, and what projects I wanted completed for each year and planned it to avoid duplication of labor.Thats how preventative maintenance is done....

Modified by qship96 at 3:35 PM 1/13/2009
Modified by qship96 at 3:59 PM 1/13/2009

[Rex]

And for a bit more you could have taken it to the dealer or have a shop do it using the BG fluid.

Maybe, but not using the ATF he wanted to use.

[lino]

I was going thru my log and thought I would share the maintenance items done in 2007,maybe it will help a newbee someday see how the old Q`s require a steady cash infusion! Keep in mind,all the items were performed as preventative maintenance-the car never broke down or any component failed throughout 2007

4 Redline oil changes/60u00 filters
transmission fluid exchanged with 14 qt redline d4
Rear diff 2qt redline gear oil replaced
Power steering fluid exchanged 2Qt Redline d4
Brake & traction fluid exchanged
Radiator fluid exchanged=Prestone long life
New radiator and hoses
New a/c compressor and dryer {brand new from Joe}and vac/recharge
reline front brakes/factory pads/turn rotors
3 wheel balances/rotations
new exhaust mounts
new upper links
new remote key fob
new seat side trim
new center pillar covers for outside b pillars
complete plenum job all hoses/knocks and harness
valve cover reseal/plugs
new belts,pullies,waterpump,thermostat
new oxygen sensors
fuel/air/pcv filters
replaced both fog lamp side trim pieces

I think that is it as far as I can see from receipts...total costs for above items in 2007 was $5720.....an expensive year at $476/month average.

Did you replace the "new center pillar covers for outside b pillars" because of discoloration?

[qship96]

Yes, it almost looked like the clearcoat was failing on the pillar covers- made a huge difference!

[OwnerCS]

Thanks for sharing. Have you ever had to replace the alternator?

[qship96]

Not yet!

[lino]

Yes, it almost looked like the clearcoat was failing on the pillar covers- made a huge difference!

Did they turn grayish too? Mine are not dark black and I'm wondering if they ever were when they were new. What are the chances you took some pics of your old vs new?

[qship96]

original brand new they were a greyish color, not black!!!!!

[BadQ45t]

Hey, Alexander, you have to bail out of working with those darn stealerships. These are repairs that can be done by good compentent mechanics.

I see your in Marin, holy lord that is the most expensive place to live. I have a good guy down here by SFO, Richard's Auto. He can do 99% of what the dealership does for $85 an hour and you can buy parts from IOS. I have had him work on my 97' Q, 84' Z and my wifes 99' Sentra all with great success. It would be totally worth it to drop it off at nearly 1/2 the labor rate.

Now before you guys say $85 is too much, that is CHEAP, the Nissan stealership charges $125 and the Infiniti guy is $150 these days in SF Bay Area. CA is just alot more money and the SF Bay Area is the MOST money. I can take my cars to LA and drop the price to $65 for a good mechanic, or I can go to Michigan and save god knows how much....

Alexander, my advise you need to find a good mechanic that is not the dealership. There is just now way to own a 10+ year old car.......give Richard a call, he can do the repairs you have built up very well and much cheaper.