Looking to buy Qx4 4X4 - any better years? What to look for.

[fortworthmatt]

I am in the market for a QX4 4X4. I have had several Infinitis and have had very good luck with them and they have been very reliable but I am not very familiar with the QX4. I am trying to find a good low mileage 2003 as I would guess getting the newest model with the lowest mileage would be the one ot get, and ofcourse from and individual with all the service records. Anything specific to look for? Are these pretty reliable vehicles? Thanks for any info.

[atraudes]

First and foremost, check to see if it's had the strut corrosion recall performed. If it has (or needs it), forget you ever laid eyes on it, regardless of how nice everything is. The problem is the strut housings can sometimes rust through which becomes a tremendous safety problem. Look at the strut towers yourself and see if there's any sign of bubbling, rust, or patching. I've heard the dealership repairs are frequently ineffective and end up not making a difference in the end. There are plenty out there that are straight and clean. Do not waste your time with anything fishy.

Personally I'd go for an 02 or 03 if you can. The first half of 01 had coil problems (pre-09/01/2000 production dates), and the steering wheel is downright fugly (though it's possible to swap a newer one in). The latter two years also had adaptive cruise control as an option, and 03 had curtain airbags available. You will have a harder time finding them as it seems they just sold less. Comparatively, the 01s are fairly plentiful.

That all being said, I have an 01 and love it Even if you end up with a 2001.0, you can preemptively buy a brand new set of coils for about $300.

Try to avoid getting one with navigation if you can as the buttons have grown fragile with time and break off easily. When that happens, there's no way of fixing them outside of buying a new unit, which can run several hundred at minimum. If you end up with nav, though, you can swap out the climate controls for the other style. Even if the buttons stay on, it's an almost-15 year old navigation system that hasn't seen a map update in almost as long.

The CD changer (in the trunk or dash) may be worth a look if you plan on using it.

Unless the work has been done already, you'll probably end up replacing the rear control arm bushings and apply threadlocker to the power valve screws. If you end up buying from a dealership, see if you can get them to do the threadlocker fix before you buy it You can test the control arms by twisting the lower control arm. If they have any give, the bushings are shot. Not something you have to do immediately (or at all, really), but the worn bushings make for a nasty-feeling sway around corners or at highway speeds.

A check engine light isn't usually a good sign, but if it's the deciding factor, pull the codes and check back here with them. They may be quick and cheap fixes, and the light could be a great bargaining chip

Beyond that, it's all typical used car things to look for. See if you can test drive the vehicle when it's cold or has been sitting overnight, as a warmed up car can hide transmission problems.

Don't let all the things I listed scare you off; like any good vehicle, if you take care of it, it'll take care of you. There's plenty of people on this forum that are crazy about their rides, myself included. Post back with any other questions and let us know how it goes!

[JPK Omaha]

I agree look for a rust free 02 or 03, with all maintenance records. I have had no major issues with mine (03) which runs great with 145k

[ILLuSioNzX]

Same advice here, try to find the latest model possible. I have an 03 one owner and it's taken all my abuse so far!