My Very First Q45

[Zekdafied]

So, after looking for a couple months I finally decided on a Pearl White on Beige 1998 Q45! So far I'm extremely happy with the car and it's a pleasure to drive!

Car has 110k miles currently. I'm going to be doing some of the basic maintenance in the next few days! Let me know what you all recommend for a first time Y33 owner and for a recently purchased used Q45 as far as fundamentals or repairs! I'll be searching the forum in the mean time! Hopefully these pictures work! Cheers!

[maxnix]

Very nice car!

The Infiniti dealer performed service history you perused before you bought the car along with the pre-purchase inspection preformed by the Ifniniti technician you hired should give you some good clues.

In short, replace all fluids and filters whose provenance, age or condition is unknown. Get your filters from

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

I also prefer their M1 oil filters to the OEM thimbles at their great prices. Dont forget the crush washers. Start accumulating gaskets, and see if the spark plug special is still on. You will need them sooner or later, so you might as well obtain the VC gaskets also.

And be sure to complete your profile!

[NightRiderQ45]

Great car. Welcome! Like maxnix stated, replace/flush all fluids. If I were you, I would start with the transmission first. Also another great oil filter you can purchase for your car (I use this) is the Napa ProSelect filter made by Wix. This is an great filter for the price...especially if your oci are between 3-5k. I've seen many of them cut open so I'm speaking from experience.

[Zekdafied]

I will definitely check out the infinitipartsusa site. Thanks for info guys!

[BadQ45t]

Nice ride! Welcome aboard. The 2nd Gen community here on the NICO board is getting stronger. The other things you need to look at are the tie rods, those are usually toasted by 75k so have your mechanic check those out and see if they are okay.

The struts/shocks are also probably gone now too, I highly recommend the KYB SR Specials which are now available in this country (they are Japan specific for the Cima the Q45 version in Japan) from a site someone pointed out. Search around, they will dramatically change the way the car rides...be warned it will be a little stiffer but body roll is much better and overall ride control is highly improved.

You can also find lower springs if you choose to lower your ride (depends on road conditions you drive in). I have the Teins and the Espeliers are available here too, both about 2" drops, so you will ride alot lower. Springs last alot longer than struts/shocks so you don't have to replace them, but if the previous owner didn't do those for sure they are shot. I have mine lowered and with the SR Specials and the ride is dramatically different, for the better.

Get those fluids dumped first thing....

[bullittandy]

Plan on valve cover gaskets and knock sensors anywhere between now and the next 50K miles.

Other than the parts that are supposed to wear like brake pads, struts etc your car should need next to nothing for a long time-again after fresh fluids.

good luck-I love these cars and presently own 3!!!!

[Zekdafied]

Well thanks again everyone for the information and support. I just went to the dealership and picked up an oil filter, which now that I'm looking at it, seems to be the wrong part no. They gave me the 15208-9E000. It says for VQ30, KA24 but nothing for the VH45. I think they messed up. The box is way too small IMO to be correct.

I'm going to install new Air Filter and change oil ASAP as well as do the transmission, diff, coolant. I'll keep you updated and get some better pics!

Thanks.

[maxnix]

They gave me the 15208-9E000. It says for VQ30, KA24 but nothing for the VH45. I think they messed up. The box is way too small IMO to be correct.

First off, you car has a VH41DE.

Secondly, the OEM thimble filter is precisely why I recommended the M1 from Joe for less money, I bet.

You will go broke buying parts from the dealer.

[Jesda]

These are becoming very affordable as used cars you can buy with spare cash. Too many people shop for the LS400, E-class, or Deville from that era not realizing the Infiniti's low running costs and dependability.

Last year I hosted a local Infiniti-Cadillac meet-and-eat. I met a guy who had nearly 300,000 miles on his Y33 and did nothing outside of regular maintenance.



Ignition coil packs are a known issue. Do a search.

[oldmako]

Shocks and springs, coils and plugs, brakes and rotors, hoses, gaskets, fuel pumps, filters, fluids, TCUs ECUs, BTUs good God man!!! One could go on and on....it makes my temples throb!

You bought a gorgeous, underrated, under-priced, schweeeeet and silky smooth highway and/or ghetto cruiser. I suggest that you start with a case of Heineken at the very least, and perhaps a nice single malt as well. To this I would add a box of fine cigars. Monticristos, Cohibas, Rocky Patel, Hoyos's etc. NO JUNK. You probably saved enough on the car to treat your-own-seff to a box. YOU GOT A NEW BABY!

All of this getting filthy, skinned knuckles and wrenching of the metal bits will come with time. For now, celebrate your good fortune and your nice looking ride. If you need help (or a mentor), give me a call. I'll bring the Black Beeotch over. We can wash em and wax em and laugh about what we paid for 'em.

If you are really bored, take a peek at what I did to mine when I bought it last November. Its in my sig------------------------------------------------------------------------ lPurty car you got there Mister. l l \/
Modified by oldmako at 8:31 PM 11/14/2008