Newbie

[mild83]

Hello all! I am looking at purchasing a 97Q45t. Always liked the look and have heard that they are great cars to own. Just wanted to get some opinions on the car that I am looking at. Read through the Sticky. Lots of good info. I am going to likely purchase a 97 Q45t tonight w/ 111xxx miles. It is dirty and has some minor scrapes/dings on the car, interior is filthy, the driver seat and left front leather armrest are a bit rough, ie. the leather is cracked, rubbed off. The owner told me that the car has a rebuilt transmission w/ less than 3xxx miles. The left front strut is knocking/tapping, will need to be replaced. He is at $2500. There is also a bad knock sensor. Good buy or not? It seemed to run pretty good when I test drove it.

[maxnix]

If you truly read the sticky above about how to buy a Q45, then you know it is all about condition, maintenance history, and Infiniti technician inspection report.

Don't see this car as anything but an escapee from Cash for Clunkers.

Do read the sticky about appropriate titles in posts also, please.

Welcome to NICO.
Modified by maxnix at 11:23 AM 8/24/2009

[lino]

I agree with Brian. Maintenance history and condition are crucial. I bought a 1 owner all dealer maintained car with full history and still invested thousands of $$$. The purchase price will be the cheapest part of owning a Q and spending some time to find the right one which may cost a little more makes a lot of sense. I prefer to buy a car from someone who I like to think had enough money to service it and kept it clean, but that's just me.

Do the math and see how much it will cost you to do the repairs the car needs and compare the total cost to other Q45s for sale and see if makes sense.

Good luck!

[mild83]

Thanks, guys. It seemed to run great, with the exception of the strut clicking. Am I mistaken thinking that this is a relatively hassle free luxo-cruiser? From the reviews that I had read online, it seems to be an easy car to own, but obviously, I'd prefer to hear from current/former owners w/ higher mileage examples.

[maxnix]

If bought in great well maintained condition, they are great. The example you are considering is obviously abused.

[troy3399]

go buy it if the engine run smooth and no knocking. Make sure u check blow by.. mean open oil cap while engine running. I bought my 95 Q45 with 122,000 miles only $2100. I change all systhetic fluids, ngk iridiums, k&n air filter, fuel filter etc. total cost around $400 now she run like new. It only cost more than what it's worth only u take to dealer or repair shop

[maxnix]

Notice that advice is from a short term owner.

[troy3399]

what do you know about q45? not much. Just a dude trying get 1 million posts so he can become a mod even 80% of your posts are irrelevant

[miata007]

I suggest not to go for this car due complexity of a flagship, age, and lack of used parts. If budget is a concern, should look at a used Japanese V6s or 4 cyl.

If possible, I would go with later model LS430 or 2002+ Q.

007

[elwesso]

Lino is right, personally this doesnt sound like the car for you.. I hate dirty interiors, mechanically it doesnt sound terrible but having a car that looks like crap on the inside really wears on you.

Personally, if you want to stay in that generation find one thats super clean and well maintained.. one that has say 170k is going to be a better buy than that one with less miles but obviously abused...

In all fairness though, I dont see how going with a 2002+ Q45 or LS430 is going to be any better than a 97ish Q. Just delaying the inevitability of replacing worn out parts.

[maxnix]

what do you know about q45? not much. Just a dude trying get 1 million posts so he can become a mod even 80% of your posts are irrelevant

Thank you for confirming my previous comment.