Hey everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself. I just purchased a 95 Q about a month ago with 99k miles, I will have some pics up pretty soon. The entire car, interior and exterior, is very clean for the most part. The engine feels very strong also, I've been getting 16mpg city driving so far.
The driving experience has been pretty good so far... besides a few minor concerns, like the brakes squeak a little and it needs an alignment. Also I notice that the starter seems a little too loud and it takes too many turns before the engine fires up. Another issue that I noticed is that I feel heat from underneath the car after driving for 10-15 mins. I don't hear any leaks in the exhaust system and the engine doesn't run hot according to the temp gauge. After driving for 20-30 mins I start to even feel the heat on the shifter while I'm driving. At first I was worried about the transmission, but it shifts smooth and without any problems. I'm thinking that this might be the cats running too hot or something but I have no clue actually. Any information or speculation on this issue will be greatly appreciated.
New Owner- 95 Q
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elwesso
- Posts: 30810
- Joined: Sun Feb 23, 2003 4:52 pm
- Car: 94 Infiniti Q45t 5 spd
2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT - Location: Indiana
- Contact:
Re: New Owner- 95 Q (Black95Q)
Welcome!!!
1. Probably need new pads, and should probably have rotors checked while you do it.2. What makes you think this... Does it pull?3,5: I think your speculation could be correct.. Check the heat shields, but its possible the cats are clogged..4. Doubtful, but you do need ot add a transmisson cooler, esp down where you are...Black95Q wrote:The driving experience has been pretty good so far... besides a few minor concerns, 1. like the brakes squeak a little 2. and it needs an alignment. Also I notice that the starter seems a little too loud and it takes too many turns before the engine fires up.3. Another issue that I noticed is that I feel heat from underneath the car after driving for 10-15 mins. I don't hear any leaks in the exhaust system and the engine doesn't run hot according to the temp gauge. After driving for 20-30 mins I start to even feel the heat on the shifter while I'm driving. 4. At first I was worried about the transmission, but it shifts smooth and without any problems. 5. I'm thinking that this might be the cats running too hot or something but I have no clue actually. Any information or speculation on this issue will be greatly appreciated.
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elwesso
- Posts: 30810
- Joined: Sun Feb 23, 2003 4:52 pm
- Car: 94 Infiniti Q45t 5 spd
2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT - Location: Indiana
- Contact:
Re: (gniknave)
Im not concerned, in a few weeks we'll find all kinds of neat posts about fun things he discovers...gniknave wrote:Welcome Welcome! Lets see those pics too when you get some!
Wes, you don't get to make this newbies heart sink to his stomach with the chain guide story j/k
Ive been there, done that, with 2 Q45s...
Re: (gniknave)
[QUOTE=Wes, you don't get to make this newbies heart sink to his stomach with the chain guide story j/k[/QUOTE]
Your not joking.
Your not joking.
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JoshIsSciFi
- Posts: 281
- Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 5:27 pm
- Car: 92 Q45
- Contact:
Re: New Owner- 95 Q (elwesso)
Thanks for the welcome and the info.2.The car definately pulls a bit to the right, if I let go of the wheel I'd be in the next lane in 2 seconds 3.About how long do the stock cats last before they start to clog up?4.So these cars dont have a stock trans cooler, do many people add this?elwesso wrote:Welcome!!!
1. Probably need new pads, and should probably have rotors checked while you do it.2. What makes you think this... Does it pull?3,5: I think your speculation could be correct.. Check the heat shields, but its possible the cats are clogged..4. Doubtful, but you do need ot add a transmisson cooler, esp down where you are...
Thank you, thank you. I should have some pics up this weekend.gniknave wrote:Welcome Welcome! Lets see those pics too when you get some!
Thats strange. I wouldn't mind it if I still lived up in Maryland, but it's hot down here in South Florida, I don't need any more heat lol. I mean its not that bad if I turn on the ac, which I try not to, but I dont like to waste gas.JoshIsSciFi wrote:I just thought I'd add, I don't know that it could be the cats or heat shields... because funny enough, I get just a tiny TINY amount of heat into the cabin with mine, and I don't have any cats OR heat shields now lol
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Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- 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
Re: New Owner- 95 Q (Black95Q)
Every recently purchased 10 year old 100k Q needs at least $3-4,000 [even $5,000] in repairs and maintenance that why it was sold! That's why you pay 10% [plus lot profit] of the $50,000 new MSRP because 90% of the cheap miles are gone.
But for $5,000 cost? + $5,000 repairs plus the next $8-$12,000 for M&R you'll get another 100,000 miles........for 22 cents per mile plus interest, fuel, insurance, tag titleyou'll be driving a fine lux car with more umph than a 95 LS400 or BMW 740.
Find a qualified expert tech, buy parts at a discount 25% online from NICO sponsors, and do much of rehab yourself and you can save...........read this forum for a week [40 hours worth]. Study our history.
Tires, brakes, shocks, fluids, rubber suspension isolators, usual leaks valve cover under plenum hoses...........hope the previous owner spent $6-8,000 plus warranty over previous 100k. O2 sensor, shocks, suspension,belts pullies.
The 94-95 Q is much more reliable than the 90-93 still it cost more to maintain than a 95 LS400 [which cost more to buy] the two equalize!PAY more up front or pay as you go with deflated/inflated dollars.
Owners standards vary widely [what they will put up with because they never drove a brand new one] as do their ability to pay up to standard [nearly as new operation and performance].
Happy driving and ownership.Harsh reality.
Be sure to exercise the air/heater AC position door weekly defrost/heat AC on/off alternate. They stick and break the door mount hinge......[$1000 plus to fix if it sticks in one position]. Immediately flush every fluid in the car don't wait.....diff, transmission, brake, coolant, power steering, tcs/abs........consider a AC flush and compressor oil/dryerfilter replacement.
All this immediate maintenance will defer real repair costs. Don't skimp!
But for $5,000 cost? + $5,000 repairs plus the next $8-$12,000 for M&R you'll get another 100,000 miles........for 22 cents per mile plus interest, fuel, insurance, tag titleyou'll be driving a fine lux car with more umph than a 95 LS400 or BMW 740.
Find a qualified expert tech, buy parts at a discount 25% online from NICO sponsors, and do much of rehab yourself and you can save...........read this forum for a week [40 hours worth]. Study our history.
Tires, brakes, shocks, fluids, rubber suspension isolators, usual leaks valve cover under plenum hoses...........hope the previous owner spent $6-8,000 plus warranty over previous 100k. O2 sensor, shocks, suspension,belts pullies.
The 94-95 Q is much more reliable than the 90-93 still it cost more to maintain than a 95 LS400 [which cost more to buy] the two equalize!PAY more up front or pay as you go with deflated/inflated dollars.
Owners standards vary widely [what they will put up with because they never drove a brand new one] as do their ability to pay up to standard [nearly as new operation and performance].
Happy driving and ownership.Harsh reality.
Be sure to exercise the air/heater AC position door weekly defrost/heat AC on/off alternate. They stick and break the door mount hinge......[$1000 plus to fix if it sticks in one position]. Immediately flush every fluid in the car don't wait.....diff, transmission, brake, coolant, power steering, tcs/abs........consider a AC flush and compressor oil/dryerfilter replacement.
All this immediate maintenance will defer real repair costs. Don't skimp!
Thank you for all of the advice. I can tell that you really know what you are talking about (I guess thats why you are Q45 Tech). I realized when I bought the car with 100k on the clock that I'd have to be making a lot of repairs and doing maintainance. My main hope was that there would not be anything major wrong. I can deal with changing all the fluids and repairing the accesories, as long as I can repair them one at a time so it won't hurt the pockets too much.
Do you have any idea on what might be causing the heat underneath the car that sometimes can be felt in the cabin?
Do you have any idea on what might be causing the heat underneath the car that sometimes can be felt in the cabin?
Re: (Black95Q)
You should read all posts by Q45Tech. (seriously) If you maintain your car exactly as he does you shouldn't have any problems. (seriously) Of course you probably wont have any money left either. (not so serious)
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natsoundup
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2002 4:27 am
Re: (hal90000)
With my 11 years experience in owning the 90(92-93) and my limited experience in owning a 94 (95-96), I would say the big differences in repairs are the known chain guide issues and less reliable transmission in the first gens.
Other things in the cars just tend to get tired.
If you do all of the regulars fluid flushes and rubber changes, you will be in good shape. Little will cause a breakdown on the road. The only time any of my Q's wouldn't go, was when the 90 sat in the garage over a Christmas break and the starter "broke". Oops, I take that back... just a couple of weeks ago the radiator "broke" on the 90 at 167k
All other maintenance and repairs seemed to be based on my own financial and time schedule. That said, I don't beat my cars, and I do put money into preventative things like suspension parts/rubber.
I wouldn't become too overwhelmed by any of this. However, like Tech said you will have to become a slave to this board for a few weeks and be willing to get your hands dirty.
If you aren't willing to get your hands dirty or have deep pockets (for the stealership), then you bought the wrong car.
But then, I can argue that for any 10-12 year old car, save a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
You, sir, just have the privelage to drive one of the coolest machines on the road. Enjoy it.
Other things in the cars just tend to get tired.
If you do all of the regulars fluid flushes and rubber changes, you will be in good shape. Little will cause a breakdown on the road. The only time any of my Q's wouldn't go, was when the 90 sat in the garage over a Christmas break and the starter "broke". Oops, I take that back... just a couple of weeks ago the radiator "broke" on the 90 at 167k
All other maintenance and repairs seemed to be based on my own financial and time schedule. That said, I don't beat my cars, and I do put money into preventative things like suspension parts/rubber.
I wouldn't become too overwhelmed by any of this. However, like Tech said you will have to become a slave to this board for a few weeks and be willing to get your hands dirty.
If you aren't willing to get your hands dirty or have deep pockets (for the stealership), then you bought the wrong car.
But then, I can argue that for any 10-12 year old car, save a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
You, sir, just have the privelage to drive one of the coolest machines on the road. Enjoy it.
Black,Congrats on your new car, IMO one of the BEST used car buys out there!
Everything that was mentioned, applies to all other cars, being hi-end your Q is a just a bit more, but its not all that much more, than maintaining any other car to a high stanbard.
Do the preventative maintenance suggested and <save> real $$'s long -term.
Have thgat heat issue looked into, if your cats are clogging it could start affecting other systems badly.
transmission cooler is not expensive; $45-80 depening on whereand what kind you get.You can DIY this, its not all that hard, or just pay someone 1.5 hours to do it.
It <will> help your transmission last longer.
Also the common spource of possible clogged transmission fluid lines in this car, in the factory heat exchangers, will be eliminated that way potentially saving the transmission in yet another way.
Q's are very reliable cars...its all in preventative maintenance.
Fred..
Everything that was mentioned, applies to all other cars, being hi-end your Q is a just a bit more, but its not all that much more, than maintaining any other car to a high stanbard.
Do the preventative maintenance suggested and <save> real $$'s long -term.
Have thgat heat issue looked into, if your cats are clogging it could start affecting other systems badly.
transmission cooler is not expensive; $45-80 depening on whereand what kind you get.You can DIY this, its not all that hard, or just pay someone 1.5 hours to do it.
It <will> help your transmission last longer.
Also the common spource of possible clogged transmission fluid lines in this car, in the factory heat exchangers, will be eliminated that way potentially saving the transmission in yet another way.
Q's are very reliable cars...its all in preventative maintenance.
Fred..
Re: (PalmerWMD)
Thanks for the heads up Fred. I definately don't want to sleep on any of the minor issues I see with the car so they dont develop into major ones. I'm sure I'll find plenty of useful info on this forum...thanks guys.PalmerWMD wrote:Black,Congrats on your new car, IMO one of the BEST used car buys out there!
Everything that was mentioned, applies to all other cars, being hi-end your Q is a just a bit more, but its not all that much more, than maintaining any other car to a high stanbard.
Do the preventative maintenance suggested and <save> real $$'s long -term.
Have thgat heat issue looked into, if your cats are clogging it could start affecting other systems badly.
transmission cooler is not expensive; $45-80 depening on whereand what kind you get.You can DIY this, its not all that hard, or just pay someone 1.5 hours to do it.
It <will> help your transmission last longer.
Also the common spource of possible clogged transmission fluid lines in this car, in the factory heat exchangers, will be eliminated that way potentially saving the transmission in yet another way.
Q's are very reliable cars...its all in preventative maintenance.
Fred..
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Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- 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
Re: (Black95Q)
The biggest money saver is getting parts at a 25% discount , then finding an expert to put them on at a 20-25% discount from Infiniti dealer labor rates................then you try to find someone who will charge actual hours worked [harder to find].
Remember even a salaried expert makes only $30 per real hour worked so $40-$50/real hour--------- cash on a Sat/Sun night/afternoon is attractive if you find the right person.
Just remember to put the 15 cents per mile driven into the piggy bank each night............no IOU's.
15 maintenance and repairs12 gasoline06 insurance02 tax/tag/inspections02 misc................under 40 cents per mile to own/drive. Just what IRS reimburses for bus. travel.
It when you don't buy for cash and you add interest or don't understand that every used ccar needs $2-$5,000 in rehab work [why a older used car is sold]..........the more expensive the car was new the more expensive the rehab is! LS400/SC are the least expensive of the lux class to rehab on average [there are many ragged out ones , though]. Why they retain their price ----a value stituation.
You pay $3,000-$4,000 more for an equal year but you probably need $1,000-$1500-$2,000 LESS rehab and the per mile M&R could be less.Those Toyota [$1000 + timing belts], plug wire drive belts, power steering alternator, coolabt tank, rads, valve cover leaks care cost centers, --brakes, suspension.
It pretty much washes on 94-95Q/94-95-96 LS400.The smaller 4 liter Lexus and equal gearing gives the LS a 1 mpg [1 cent per mile] edge in equal driving........that can be $150-$200 per year.........almost pays for 2 tires per year or a set every 3 years.
Change your own light bulbs, wiper arms blades, air filters........treat all your rubber weather stripping/leather yourself.
Remember even a salaried expert makes only $30 per real hour worked so $40-$50/real hour--------- cash on a Sat/Sun night/afternoon is attractive if you find the right person.
Just remember to put the 15 cents per mile driven into the piggy bank each night............no IOU's.
15 maintenance and repairs12 gasoline06 insurance02 tax/tag/inspections02 misc................under 40 cents per mile to own/drive. Just what IRS reimburses for bus. travel.
It when you don't buy for cash and you add interest or don't understand that every used ccar needs $2-$5,000 in rehab work [why a older used car is sold]..........the more expensive the car was new the more expensive the rehab is! LS400/SC are the least expensive of the lux class to rehab on average [there are many ragged out ones , though]. Why they retain their price ----a value stituation.
You pay $3,000-$4,000 more for an equal year but you probably need $1,000-$1500-$2,000 LESS rehab and the per mile M&R could be less.Those Toyota [$1000 + timing belts], plug wire drive belts, power steering alternator, coolabt tank, rads, valve cover leaks care cost centers, --brakes, suspension.
It pretty much washes on 94-95Q/94-95-96 LS400.The smaller 4 liter Lexus and equal gearing gives the LS a 1 mpg [1 cent per mile] edge in equal driving........that can be $150-$200 per year.........almost pays for 2 tires per year or a set every 3 years.
Change your own light bulbs, wiper arms blades, air filters........treat all your rubber weather stripping/leather yourself.
Re: (Q45tech)
what should I treat my weather stripping and leather with?