Might have found a Q!

[MinisterofDOOM]

There are several small used car lots I drive past on my way to and from work every day. A few weeks ago, I noticed a white belt buckle Q sitting on one of the lots. I called on it yesterday, found out it was a 90 with 140k miles. Called the local Infiniti dealership to check on timing chain updates: negative...haven't been done.

So here's the deal:1990 Q45 (non-touring, non-active) white exterior on (I guess) cream interior (paint color would be one of my top three, aside black and emerald). Leather looks great, center console around shifter/armrest is a *little* worse for wear, but nothing at all worth worrying about. Paint looks great, body in good shape. Has some ugly Buick wheels missing most of their center caps (no problem since I just bought a set of Q BBSs from Rex).

Chain guides NOT DONE according to service history lookup by local dealer. According to them, it was first serviced with them two years ago, and prior to that was serviced at a dealership in California. Cali cars are good, right?

I have not had a chance to test drive it yet since I'm nocturnal--I plan to screw up my sleep for that tomorrow.

Asking price: $1300. Not sure if I can talk them down or not. Looks to me like the car isn't going anywhere any time soon...it started out on the front of the lot and has moved further back every few days.

Think it's worth it? Or should I just wait until I find a '94+ and save myself some headaches? (I love the belt buckle!)

My younger sister gets her driver's license later this year (gets her permit next week) so I'm going to try to sell the Maxima to my parents for her to use to help me afford the Q (I know it's dirt cheap, but I'm dirt poor. ). If they don't go for that...I guess I'll find some other way...

EDIT:Oh, yeah: if anyone has Carfax and would like to run the VIN for me, I'd appreciate it.

[hannibal]

As far as the chain guides, if it hasnt lost the chain yet, it should be 'good as new' right? You willing to change the guides?

If everything else in the service history looks good, I'd say go for it. That seems like a great price.

[maxnix]

Well, see if friendly dealer service writer will get the archived records.

If you are dirt poor, I wouldn't recommend it as a 1990-1993 Q45 can eat up a $6K cash reserve pretty fast. I bet this one will nedd a new transmission soon.

Good luck.

[Rex]

I'd say you'd be better off waiting for goody94q45 to sell ardvarkus' Q he picked up to rehab and re-sell to NICO.

zerothread/189194

[goody90q45]

It will be for sale in the next few days, as soon as I can get some pics posted. In the meantime ponder this:* Factory reman transmission 30,000 mile old (shifts perfectly)* Chain guides replaced (I have the old guides), 30,000 mile old* All under plenum hoses, fuel hoses, water hoses air and vac hoses replaced 30,000 miles ago.* Interior is chocolate brown and FLAWLESS* Exterior is sand beige and FLAWLESS except for normal wear.* Previous owner spent over $5000 in a 3 month period doing the above work and much more. Car has been meticuliously maintained since day one with all reciepts to back up the claims.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Sounds like a much better, much less ambiguous proposition. I'll keep my eyes on the classifieds forum.

[vicQ45]

buy goody's q buy goody's q buy goody's q

[elwesso]

Yeah goody's Q has 2times as many miles, but its probably more trouble free! id go with that, and drive it until it craps.

As far as belt buckle Qs go, the one that goody is gonna sell is about as good as you can ask for.

[Jesda]

90-93 Qs are to be avoided unless theyre insanely cheap or insanely well maintained, or you risk becoming insanely poor.

[Rex]

90-93 Qs are to be avoided unless theyre insanely cheap or insanely well maintained, or you risk becoming insanely poor.

Agreed, but you have to admit Ardvarkus' Q that goody will be re-selling is a bettr starting point ... if you can live with the belt buckle .

[hannibal]

I dont get. I thought the biggest issue with the 90-93 models was the guides.

[Jesda]

I dont get. I thought the biggest issue with the 90-93 models was the guides.

In terms of reliability, 94-96 have:-Updated guides-Updated injectors-Updated transmission cooling-Updated transmission computers

Plus, a lot of 90-93s are exceeding 160k+ mileage, so after a series of used owners the cars probably endured some expensive neglect. I lucked out with mine, being owned by one person (dealer maintained) from 1992-2006.

On the plus side, the performance advantages are fantastic. Labor of love.

[elwesso]

I dont get. I thought the biggest issue with the 90-93 models was the guides.

Yes.. That is overall true.. IT doesnt take much to get a 90-93 as reliable as a 94.. With freshened injectors from detche and a trans cooler, i bet itd be closer...

[ardvarkus]

Agreed, but you have to admit Ardvarkus' Q that goody will be re-selling is a bettr starting point ... if you can live with the belt buckle

Thanks Rex. Even though Goody owns her, I still feel attached...

damn, that is so wierd- isn't it?

[elwesso]

after 16 years of ownership, not at all!!

Own and love anything for 16 years and youll be attached to it!