Rover.... I sent you that same article he^^^ is talking about....
Im working on sound deadening now also... So we'll see how it goes!!
LS 400 - v - Q45
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AZhitman
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Good thread, guys!
I know this: When comparing the Q to the LS, it's best to stick to a year-by-year comparison. I've driven a 95 LS in pristine condition, and I prefer my Q.
However, I prefer the LS 430 to the new Q (in some aspects, especially the exterior styling). The interior on the new Q is spectacular.
BTW - Check "Infiniti Speeding Stories" for the results of 95 Q45 vs 02 LS 430 in high-speed combat...
I know this: When comparing the Q to the LS, it's best to stick to a year-by-year comparison. I've driven a 95 LS in pristine condition, and I prefer my Q.
However, I prefer the LS 430 to the new Q (in some aspects, especially the exterior styling). The interior on the new Q is spectacular.
BTW - Check "Infiniti Speeding Stories" for the results of 95 Q45 vs 02 LS 430 in high-speed combat...
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elwesso
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Ill always sacrifice some luxury for the sake of performance..... I mean come on, how many more features do you need with what the 03 Q premium comes with......
For everyday driving, the Q is best... But for those long road trips the lexus may be better..... But if we're gonna talk about road trip cars, then its gonna be a 1995 cadillac fleetwood brougham..... hands down, no competition!!!!
For everyday driving, the Q is best... But for those long road trips the lexus may be better..... But if we're gonna talk about road trip cars, then its gonna be a 1995 cadillac fleetwood brougham..... hands down, no competition!!!!
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
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1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
What? For finding the nearest GM service facility when the bottom drops out after 5 minutes at 100 mph? Pulllease. If you believe that, you own the wrong car.elwesso wrote: But if we're gonna talk about road trip cars, then its gonna be a 1995 cadillac fleetwood brougham..... hands down, no competition!!!!
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elwesso
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Contrare..... Theres a member on cadillacforums that has a 94 FWB and it has 280k..... No major repairs except for water pump, and a transmission rebuild!! Just maintenance other than that!!!
You are too negative against any other brand other than Infiniti.... You think the Japs are the only people that can make cars!!! Why dont you start basing what you say on FACTS!!!!! And have proof to back it up!!!!
You are too negative against any other brand other than Infiniti.... You think the Japs are the only people that can make cars!!! Why dont you start basing what you say on FACTS!!!!! And have proof to back it up!!!!
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AZhitman
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Ease up, there, you two.
What we've got here is two extremes of info... While the Cadiddlyac ain't the most reliable of rides, I can recall many a trip cross-country in Dad's Caddy (not THAT long ago) at a buck-ten for hours on end...
Likewise, there a Q45's out there (poorly maintained) that I wouldn't trust over parking-lot speeds (trust me, I see some heinous examples roll into the dealership). Makes me wanna cry.
What we've got here is two extremes of info... While the Cadiddlyac ain't the most reliable of rides, I can recall many a trip cross-country in Dad's Caddy (not THAT long ago) at a buck-ten for hours on end...
Likewise, there a Q45's out there (poorly maintained) that I wouldn't trust over parking-lot speeds (trust me, I see some heinous examples roll into the dealership). Makes me wanna cry.
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elwesso
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Personally, I think the world is a bit too hard on cadillac..... People tend to think that they arent reliable..... For the most part, they are correct, however most dont maintain them like we maintain our Q....
I would dare say that a northstar would be close to as reliable as the 90-93 Q (both have a major problem, head gaskets and guides, respectively, both cost similar amounts to fix)..... The northstar does have a little more problems, but Id say theyd be close, if they were maintained BOTH to Dennis's standards.......
Most of this is based on what you HEAR.... If people HEAR that a cadillac isnt reliable, then surely it CANT be relaible, and I had better not waste any money a NON RELIABLE car!! On the flip side, I HEAR that LEXUS or INFINITI is really reliable, so they HAVE TO be reliable.... And, most of the time, people will tend to exaggerate what they hear...... Online reviews dont really do any justice to anything...... They may give an overall idea, but there is so much depending on maintenance and other things.....
A Lexus owner (who "knows" Lexus is reliable) could have over 3000 in repairs over a certain time, and say the car was bullet proof and didnt give him any problems EXCEPT for normal things.... On the other side, a cadillac owner (who thinks cadillac isnt reliable) could have much less in repairs, but still think the car isnt reliable because thats what they think!!!!!
However, I will say that OVERALL, that infiniti is more reliable than cadillac (except LT1 powered ones, those are close to equal)..... Thats a fair statement I can come up with BECAUSE I have equal knowledge with BOTH cars!!!!
I would dare say that a northstar would be close to as reliable as the 90-93 Q (both have a major problem, head gaskets and guides, respectively, both cost similar amounts to fix)..... The northstar does have a little more problems, but Id say theyd be close, if they were maintained BOTH to Dennis's standards.......
Most of this is based on what you HEAR.... If people HEAR that a cadillac isnt reliable, then surely it CANT be relaible, and I had better not waste any money a NON RELIABLE car!! On the flip side, I HEAR that LEXUS or INFINITI is really reliable, so they HAVE TO be reliable.... And, most of the time, people will tend to exaggerate what they hear...... Online reviews dont really do any justice to anything...... They may give an overall idea, but there is so much depending on maintenance and other things.....
A Lexus owner (who "knows" Lexus is reliable) could have over 3000 in repairs over a certain time, and say the car was bullet proof and didnt give him any problems EXCEPT for normal things.... On the other side, a cadillac owner (who thinks cadillac isnt reliable) could have much less in repairs, but still think the car isnt reliable because thats what they think!!!!!
However, I will say that OVERALL, that infiniti is more reliable than cadillac (except LT1 powered ones, those are close to equal)..... Thats a fair statement I can come up with BECAUSE I have equal knowledge with BOTH cars!!!!
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elwesso
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I want to add one more thing:
To add to the madness, cadillac dealers overall SUCK compared to infiniti dealers..... They are LAZY and incompitent.... There are good ones here and there (near my house there is one and they are very nice), but overall most charge for things that arent needed.... Hence the higher repair costs.... But, if they were done equally, I cant say there would be a HUGE difference (miniscule) in their relibility..... My grandparents have owned cadillacs since the 1970s, and havent had any major problems.....
Also, if they were that bad, WHY would people CONTINUE to go back to the brand over and over again????
To add to the madness, cadillac dealers overall SUCK compared to infiniti dealers..... They are LAZY and incompitent.... There are good ones here and there (near my house there is one and they are very nice), but overall most charge for things that arent needed.... Hence the higher repair costs.... But, if they were done equally, I cant say there would be a HUGE difference (miniscule) in their relibility..... My grandparents have owned cadillacs since the 1970s, and havent had any major problems.....
Also, if they were that bad, WHY would people CONTINUE to go back to the brand over and over again????
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Q45tech
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- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
" would dare say that a northstar would be close to as reliable as the 90-93 Q (both have a major problem, head gaskets and guides, respectively, both cost similar amounts to fix)..... "
Not true timewise or otherwise:We have never changed a head gasket on a 90-93Q and checking with other techs [at dealerships] they have never done one unless the heads were removed due to bent valves.
Very very few Q guide failures before 100k/7 years 01/97] and many lasted 150-200k.........though smart money changed them at 100k.Almost all of the junker Q we buy have 160-180-200k when they failed.
Not true timewise or otherwise:We have never changed a head gasket on a 90-93Q and checking with other techs [at dealerships] they have never done one unless the heads were removed due to bent valves.
Very very few Q guide failures before 100k/7 years 01/97] and many lasted 150-200k.........though smart money changed them at 100k.Almost all of the junker Q we buy have 160-180-200k when they failed.
Well, statistically, Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac brands are ahead of Toyota. Toyota's total numbers are only ahead when combined with the Lexus brand. So the ridiculous bashing of American cars is pretty baseless now in 2003.
I'll take an 87 Maxima over an 87 Buick Century, but things change. The 80s left along with the popularity of Boy George.
-Jesda
I'll take an 87 Maxima over an 87 Buick Century, but things change. The 80s left along with the popularity of Boy George.
-Jesda
As much as I really do not like domestic cars (I got burned from the repair bills of a wonderfully reliable Ford Taurus (can you feel the sarcasm through the monitor)... It seems domestic is getting a little better, atleast there are some that show up on the reports as being reliable.
-Robert Cole Birmingham, AL
2003 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS): Awardees
Award Recipient Most Dependable Compact Car Toyota Corolla Most Dependable Compact Pickup Toyota Tacoma Most Dependable Compact Van Mercury Villager Most Dependable Entry Luxury Car Lexus ES 300 Most Dependable Entry Midsize Car Chevrolet Malibu Most Dependable Entry SUV Toyota RAV4 Most Dependable Full-Size Car Mercury Grand Marquis Most Dependable Full-Size Pickup Ford F-Series LD Most Dependable Full-Size SUV GMC Yukon (GMT 400) Most Dependable Full-size Van GMC Savana Most Dependable Luxury SUV Lexus RX 300 Most Dependable Midsize Lux Car Acura RL Most Dependable Midsize SUV Toyota 4Runner Most Dependable Premium Lux Car Lexus LS 400 Most Dependable Premium Mid Car Toyota Avalon Most Dependable Premium Sports Porsche 911 Most Dependable Sporty Car Toyota MR2 Spyder
This was taken from JD Power & Associates.http://www.jdpa.com/awards/ind...tID=1
-Robert Cole Birmingham, AL
2003 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS): Awardees
Award Recipient Most Dependable Compact Car Toyota Corolla Most Dependable Compact Pickup Toyota Tacoma Most Dependable Compact Van Mercury Villager Most Dependable Entry Luxury Car Lexus ES 300 Most Dependable Entry Midsize Car Chevrolet Malibu Most Dependable Entry SUV Toyota RAV4 Most Dependable Full-Size Car Mercury Grand Marquis Most Dependable Full-Size Pickup Ford F-Series LD Most Dependable Full-Size SUV GMC Yukon (GMT 400) Most Dependable Full-size Van GMC Savana Most Dependable Luxury SUV Lexus RX 300 Most Dependable Midsize Lux Car Acura RL Most Dependable Midsize SUV Toyota 4Runner Most Dependable Premium Lux Car Lexus LS 400 Most Dependable Premium Mid Car Toyota Avalon Most Dependable Premium Sports Porsche 911 Most Dependable Sporty Car Toyota MR2 Spyder
This was taken from JD Power & Associates.http://www.jdpa.com/awards/ind...tID=1
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Q45tech
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- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
But they never survey what happens from warranty to 100k or 150K.
Without a doubt the LS400 [90-97] drive train is the most reliable of all cars [if the belts, plug wires, dists and caps, and fluids are changed regularly]. We have never replaced an engine [or injectors] and only 2 transmissions, no driveshafts and 1 differential in 7 years of working on them..............now starters are another thing and they are top mounted under the plenum so it takes a day and $1500 to swap one.
Without a doubt the LS400 [90-97] drive train is the most reliable of all cars [if the belts, plug wires, dists and caps, and fluids are changed regularly]. We have never replaced an engine [or injectors] and only 2 transmissions, no driveshafts and 1 differential in 7 years of working on them..............now starters are another thing and they are top mounted under the plenum so it takes a day and $1500 to swap one.
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HeavyDuty
- Posts: 1281
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95 Nissan 240SX S14
96 Nissan D21
06 Nissan 350Z Z33
Not to be cliche, but it's all good. It is personal preference, IMHO. I have owned (do own) several Nissan/Infiniti products in my 20 short years of ownership.
B210280ZX91 SE-R (252whp/272tq w/ JWT 100 shot)91 Q4597 240SX SE97 Pathfinder98 Maxima
I stayed somewhat loyal to the brand because they were really good cars, but undervalued and some, bland from a styling standpoint, but that's it. Despite a being a little homely, good deals were abound & they were better built, IMHO, than some of the more popular marques.
But,
I've also owned a number of Ford products, namely a Lightning & an 88 5.0 LX retired FlaHwyPatrol car that's currently undergoing major chassis work required to allow it to run in the mid-upper single digit 1/4 mile times, which is where it will be by 2nd qtr 04. No better choice for a purpose built street/strip car, IMHO.
For me, the Q has much less stigma attached to it than does the Lex. Most people don't know what it is until it whoops their arse.
For on-topic content, a judicious amount of Dynamat Xtreme can make anything vault-like from a sound standpoint.
B210280ZX91 SE-R (252whp/272tq w/ JWT 100 shot)91 Q4597 240SX SE97 Pathfinder98 Maxima
I stayed somewhat loyal to the brand because they were really good cars, but undervalued and some, bland from a styling standpoint, but that's it. Despite a being a little homely, good deals were abound & they were better built, IMHO, than some of the more popular marques.
But,
I've also owned a number of Ford products, namely a Lightning & an 88 5.0 LX retired FlaHwyPatrol car that's currently undergoing major chassis work required to allow it to run in the mid-upper single digit 1/4 mile times, which is where it will be by 2nd qtr 04. No better choice for a purpose built street/strip car, IMHO.
For me, the Q has much less stigma attached to it than does the Lex. Most people don't know what it is until it whoops their arse.
For on-topic content, a judicious amount of Dynamat Xtreme can make anything vault-like from a sound standpoint.
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BadQ45t
- Posts: 3255
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'05 Nissan X-Terra S 4x4
'97 Infiniti Q45t SOLD! Miss the old girl
'84 Nissan 300ZX (Original Owner)
'16 Mercedes Benz S550e V8 Power & 35 MPG - Location: Half Moon Bay, CA
I rode in a 2004 LS400 this week, the interior is very nice, but no nicer than the Q45. It seems Lexus took every idea that Infiniti came up with and added it to the LS430. One thing for sure, it rode VERY nice and was very well appointed. Not sure it would be worth the extra 10-15k over a Q but it was sweet car.
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HeavyDuty
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95 Nissan 240SX S14
96 Nissan D21
06 Nissan 350Z Z33
Hey Rover31,
I responded to one of your posts about sound deadening, and my take on exterior sound deadening is this;
One probably wouldn't endeavor to isolate the exterior of your house to control noise inside.
I have performed two extensive Dynamat installations. One covering every square centimeter of the passenger compartment by removing the interior (seats, carpet, panel trim, dashboard, all wiring, all trunk trim, etc) in it's entirety & applying a layer of Dynamat Xtreme followed by a layer of Tac Mat in a 2000 GM F-Body convertible. I have pics but they would need to be scanned. The car is indescribable from a sound standpoint, even for a vert.
I also covered the entire cabin of a late model F150 with Dynamat Xtreme & could not believe the transformation. It turned a modest sound system into an incredible sounding truck, yes, truck. You can see pics at fordtruckworld.com members gallery area under the name of 1998STX
Even in a driving rainstorm, the only pitter of rain you hear is what transmits through the windshield.
I responded to one of your posts about sound deadening, and my take on exterior sound deadening is this;
One probably wouldn't endeavor to isolate the exterior of your house to control noise inside.
I have performed two extensive Dynamat installations. One covering every square centimeter of the passenger compartment by removing the interior (seats, carpet, panel trim, dashboard, all wiring, all trunk trim, etc) in it's entirety & applying a layer of Dynamat Xtreme followed by a layer of Tac Mat in a 2000 GM F-Body convertible. I have pics but they would need to be scanned. The car is indescribable from a sound standpoint, even for a vert.
I also covered the entire cabin of a late model F150 with Dynamat Xtreme & could not believe the transformation. It turned a modest sound system into an incredible sounding truck, yes, truck. You can see pics at fordtruckworld.com members gallery area under the name of 1998STX
Even in a driving rainstorm, the only pitter of rain you hear is what transmits through the windshield.
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HeavyDuty
- Posts: 1281
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- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
95 Nissan 240SX S14
96 Nissan D21
06 Nissan 350Z Z33
I don't know how much it would take for one of these behemoths, Wes. Frankly I'm trying not to think about it because I don't want to get started doing it on this car, it is addictive.
A bulk pack is 9 sheets 18" x 32", it runs about $200. I used two bulk packs plus four 18x32 sheets on a 98 F150 *regular cab*. Roof, a-pillars, firewall, floor, back of cab, outer door skins, inner door skins, in the vacant areas behind the interior trim, etc, etc.
You don't have to have 100% coverage to yield big improvements, you can cut it in strips and leave spaces between them & still achieve superior sound deadening improvement. All you're doing is preventing the offending frequency from reverberating through the metal.
It's not only a sound barrier, it's also a heat barrier. Say for instance it's winter & you drive to work & the car is nice & warm inside. That evening, if you don't open & close the doors a lot, it will still be warm inside when you go to leave. Also, you won't have to use your a/c on such a high setting to maintain the desired temp.
Go to Dynamat.com they have a lot of good info there.
A bulk pack is 9 sheets 18" x 32", it runs about $200. I used two bulk packs plus four 18x32 sheets on a 98 F150 *regular cab*. Roof, a-pillars, firewall, floor, back of cab, outer door skins, inner door skins, in the vacant areas behind the interior trim, etc, etc.
You don't have to have 100% coverage to yield big improvements, you can cut it in strips and leave spaces between them & still achieve superior sound deadening improvement. All you're doing is preventing the offending frequency from reverberating through the metal.
It's not only a sound barrier, it's also a heat barrier. Say for instance it's winter & you drive to work & the car is nice & warm inside. That evening, if you don't open & close the doors a lot, it will still be warm inside when you go to leave. Also, you won't have to use your a/c on such a high setting to maintain the desired temp.
Go to Dynamat.com they have a lot of good info there.
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OLU40
- Posts: 285
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- Car: Infiniti's Martial Arts, Science, Reading, Sports, Computers, Electronics WOMEN!
Also I would like to see Infiniti get their hybrid game up. It would be an alternative to consider to increase gas mileage. Toyota/Lexus already has them coming out with a RX 330 with no loss of power from standard combustion. Lexus copies alot of things from Infiniti such as the rear camera or tire-pressure monitors. Q's dont get the credit though. Blame advertising.