Looking to purchase Infiniti QX4

[schaffer84]

Hey everyone! Firstly, I would like to say that this is my first post here on nicoclub.com. After reading many of threads on this site I have seen how informative and helpful people can be... I'm glad I found this site!

I am looking into purchasing an Infiniti QX4 (my first ever Infiniti/Nissan vehicle) and am hoping someone can help me out. Here are my options:

1) 2002 QX4 - Exterior/Silver - Interior/Black Leather
199,000 KMS (123,500 miles)
No Accidents
New Tires
New Spark Plugs
All belts changed
Coolant Flush
New Brakes

$9,995.00 CDN


2) 2001 QX4 - Exterior/Silver - Interior/Black Leather
216,000 KMS (134,000 Miles)
No accidents
New Tires + Recent Balancing & Alignement
Touch Screen Navigation
Stereo (Subs and Amp) - This doesn't matter to me
Just spent $2,000.00 on maintenance
Changed Front and Rear Differential
Changed Transmission Fluid
New Brakes last September
New Belts

$9,800.00 CDN


3) 2002 QX4 - Exterior/Dark Beige w/ Light Beige Trim - Interior/Beige
158,000 KMS (98,000 Miles)
No accidents
Nothing mechanically done to it. Needs a new blower??? or something like that. I don't know much about vehicles and my wife actually talked to the seller. I think they said a blower but could definitely be wrong, lol.

$11,500.00 CDN


4) 2001 QX4 - Exterior/White and Beige - Interior/Beige
96,000 KMS (59,500 miles)
New Tires
Nothing mechanically done to it that I'm aware of.
No accidents

$13,000.00 CDN


Any advice, comments, concerns, would be GREATLY appreciated as we are having a tough time deciding if we should spend this kind of money on these vehicles with pretty high mileage (aside from option #4). Is there anything else that I should be asking the sellers in regards to mechanical issues? Does anything else mechanically tend to need to be replaced around these mileages? Thanks in advance!!!

[Ron Burgundy]

First: Welcome to Nico!

Second: For vehicle specific information, consider posting in it's respective forum (in this case the Pathfinder/QX4 Forum). A lot of people who know all about Pathfinders/QX4s may never visit General Chat and may never see this.

Third: I'm not sure if the automobile market is entirely different in Canada, but there is no way I would pay that much for a Q in the U.S.. Granted, the QX4 is extremely reliable and will likely last much further than 200k, I still wouldn't shell out that much cash for one so...used.

Are you set on getting a QX4? Perhaps you could locate a Pathfinder (Nissan equivalent) for much cheaper. Besides the exterior body styling, there are little differences. You could probably even find a Path with equivalent luxury features for the same price if you looked hard enough.

From what I've seen over on the Pathfidner boards, the 01's seem to have a lot of maintenance realted issues. If you find a good deal on one (and have it inspected) I wouldn't pass it up for that reason alone. I'm just saying keep that in mind.

My $0.02: if you can talk 'em down to $8,000-$9,000 (roughly $7600-8600 CAD) out the door (save maybe for that last one) i'd take it. Otherwise, look into a Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner for cheaper.

By the way, if you're not set on a QX4, and are just car shopping, what are you looking for in a vehicle?

[Buzzman]

After a few years on this site, I would have to agree with the above comment re: 2001's.
For whatever reason, it seems the majority of issues posted on here are with the '01's.
That was the first year of the 3.5 engine, so that may have something to do with it.
Personally, I'd look for a 2002 or 2003 model year.
As for the Pathfinder, a fully loaded LE will have pretty much everything a QX4 has. It will probably be cheaper, but I've also noticed that the price gap between the Pathfinder and QX4 is getting smaller as they age.
The mileage on the vehicle is not a huge issue if the truck was looked after.
These things are bullet proof. (I have 230,000 kms on my 2002)
The other thing to watch out for is rust. You don't say where in Canada you reside, but if you're in an environment where they use a lot of salt in the winter, then you have to check carefully. Get under the truck and do a thorough inspection.
Hope this helps a little.

[Innovazn]

ditto on the above posters, stay clear of the 01's and stick to 02's.

[schaffer84]

Thank-you all for your inputs!

Is everybody in agreement that the prices I listed for the models mentioned, are too high? I just don't know if I'll be able to get them to drop their prices that dramatically as it seems that these are the average prices for these vehicles here in Alberta.

@Ron Burgundy:

We're not completely set on a QX4. However, this particular vehicle is for my Wife and she seems to be quite fond of it. We are definitely open to other options. What we are looking for is an SUV with 4x4 or AWD that is big enough (but not too big) to carry a family of 4 + a Dog. We enjoy fishing, camping, traveling and would like something that we can fit these items in, that is not too incredibly bad on gas. Reliability is also a huge feature we are looking for. The fully loaded QX4 is definitely a bonus, but is not a necessity.

[Towncivilian]

What about an 01.5 model that has improved ignition coils? Mine has been free of coil and MAF issues that I've read some 01 owners have.

[donald]

ditto on the above posters, stay clear of the 01's and stick to 02's.

this is not something i want to hear