Guys I am looking at 2 vehicles one is a 94 LS400 and the other a 94 Q45, I have been reading the message boards and I am wondering about the reliablity of the Q? I have heard different stories about the longevity of the Q. I realize you can't buy a pristine car all the time but from the owners of the Q with between 100k-150k can you all offer me some advice besides the obvious of what to look for and run the vin #?I wam buying next week and would like to have some feed back from the people who actually own them. What are your thoughts of the Q45 versus the LS400 from the 93-94 years of each car?
Thanks
Newbie, thinking about a Q45, Need feedback
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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
Thr 94 LS sells for $3,000 more with equal miles and condition.
The LS design is less stressful on tires and suspension.
On the LS watch out for dash display, power steering, coolant tank problems, plug wires dual rotors/caps and timing belt/water pump. There are some front suspension and rear bushing problems that show on many LS400 later in life.
Always buy blue/black/dark gray interior in either brand......lasts longer and looks less worn at high miles.
The LS 400 transmission is bullet proof but the 94 Q is a good runner up with maintenance. LS is open differential so traction control is a MUST.
If you buy/inspect right both cars should cost the same real dollars over 4-6 years........what you save up front on the Q will be spent on maintenance and repairs.
No to choices are exactly alike.
The LS design is less stressful on tires and suspension.
On the LS watch out for dash display, power steering, coolant tank problems, plug wires dual rotors/caps and timing belt/water pump. There are some front suspension and rear bushing problems that show on many LS400 later in life.
Always buy blue/black/dark gray interior in either brand......lasts longer and looks less worn at high miles.
The LS 400 transmission is bullet proof but the 94 Q is a good runner up with maintenance. LS is open differential so traction control is a MUST.
If you buy/inspect right both cars should cost the same real dollars over 4-6 years........what you save up front on the Q will be spent on maintenance and repairs.
No to choices are exactly alike.
I would look under the hood for anything that might need to be repaired right away; leaking valve cover gaskets, or oil leaking anywhere else (stop buy after they close and inspect under the car looking for any oil leaks). Also tire tread patterns may give you a clue as to how the cars have been driven or hot-rodded (look for feathered patterns on the inner side of the tires). You concerns when looking should be finding anything that may need immediate attention as you should factor that into the cost you are allowing for purchase. You should also be aware that you will need to buy Premium Grade fuel for each car.
Based on what Q45TECH said about the price difference of $3,000 it makes me wonder if the Q is over priced since it is the same year model as the LS. Or the LS is underpriced for reasons known to the dealer. I just assume that the cars are near equal in price since you sound like you are ready to buy either one and price is not an issue that you voiced.
I would also take the VIN numbers to the respective dealerships to see when the last time an authorized mechanic worked on them and what has been done. Also, look if the owners manual and service manual has grease on any of the pages or creases; this is a sure fire way to see if a previous owner has worked on their vehicle and what all they have done. There may also be a service schedule record in both cars, cross check these out if you take the VIN numbers to a dealership. Whatever you decide there is no need rushing on a car purchase, take your time and inspect everything and question anything mechanical that you feel unsure about. Dealers seem to stop the BS once you seem somewhat knowledgeable about a car you want to buy.
I own a 1994 Q45 with 134,000 miles on it, I have put 17,000 miles on it since buying it a year ago. It has absolutely been the best car I have ever owned. I used to only drive 2-door sports cars and this being the first 4-door car I have owned, I feel as if I own a 4-door sports car now and have not missed driving my old cars yet. I LOVE THIS CAR!! Mechanically I will replace my valve cover gaskets and spark plugs DIY in the next few weeks. Also, I will replace shocks in the coming weeks. The only things I have done thus far since buying the car is brakes, new tires, and regular fluid changes. I took the bose system out and made it louder, but no amps (I don't like them). Again, this car has been great and will probrably buy another one if this one goes out.
Lastly, how much are the dealers asking for each car and how many miles on each? What are you driving now?
Based on what Q45TECH said about the price difference of $3,000 it makes me wonder if the Q is over priced since it is the same year model as the LS. Or the LS is underpriced for reasons known to the dealer. I just assume that the cars are near equal in price since you sound like you are ready to buy either one and price is not an issue that you voiced.
I would also take the VIN numbers to the respective dealerships to see when the last time an authorized mechanic worked on them and what has been done. Also, look if the owners manual and service manual has grease on any of the pages or creases; this is a sure fire way to see if a previous owner has worked on their vehicle and what all they have done. There may also be a service schedule record in both cars, cross check these out if you take the VIN numbers to a dealership. Whatever you decide there is no need rushing on a car purchase, take your time and inspect everything and question anything mechanical that you feel unsure about. Dealers seem to stop the BS once you seem somewhat knowledgeable about a car you want to buy.
I own a 1994 Q45 with 134,000 miles on it, I have put 17,000 miles on it since buying it a year ago. It has absolutely been the best car I have ever owned. I used to only drive 2-door sports cars and this being the first 4-door car I have owned, I feel as if I own a 4-door sports car now and have not missed driving my old cars yet. I LOVE THIS CAR!! Mechanically I will replace my valve cover gaskets and spark plugs DIY in the next few weeks. Also, I will replace shocks in the coming weeks. The only things I have done thus far since buying the car is brakes, new tires, and regular fluid changes. I took the bose system out and made it louder, but no amps (I don't like them). Again, this car has been great and will probrably buy another one if this one goes out.
Lastly, how much are the dealers asking for each car and how many miles on each? What are you driving now?
I would look under the hood for anything that might need to be repaired right away; leaking valve cover gaskets, or oil leaking anywhere else (stop buy after they close and inspect under the car looking for any oil leaks). Also tire tread patterns may give you a clue as to how the cars have been driven or hot-rodded (look for feathered patterns on the inner side of the tires). You concerns when looking should be finding anything that may need immediate attention as you should factor that into the cost you are allowing for purchase. You should also be aware that you will need to buy Premium Grade fuel for each car.
Based on what Q45TECH said about the price difference of $3,000 it makes me wonder if the Q is over priced since it is the same year model as the LS. Or the LS is underpriced for reasons known to the dealer. I just assume that the cars are near equal in price since you sound like you are ready to buy either one and price is not an issue that you voiced.
I would also take the VIN numbers to the respective dealerships to see when the last time an authorized mechanic worked on them and what has been done. Also, look if the owners manual and service manual has grease on any of the pages or creases; this is a sure fire way to see if a previous owner has worked on their vehicle and what all they have done. There may also be a service schedule record in both cars, cross check these out if you take the VIN numbers to a dealership. Whatever you decide there is no need rushing on a car purchase, take your time and inspect everything and question anything mechanical that you feel unsure about. Dealers seem to stop the BS once you seem somewhat knowledgeable about a car you want to buy.
I own a 1994 Q45 with 134,000 miles on it, I have put 17,000 miles on it since buying it a year ago. It has absolutely been the best car I have ever owned. I used to only drive 2-door sports cars and this being the first 4-door car I have owned, I feel as if I own a 4-door sports car now and have not missed driving my old cars yet. I LOVE THIS CAR!! Mechanically I will replace my valve cover gaskets and spark plugs DIY in the next few weeks. Also, I will replace shocks in the coming weeks. The only things I have done thus far since buying the car is brakes, new tires, and regular fluid changes. I took the bose system out and made it louder, but no amps (I don't like them). Again, this car has been great and will probrably buy another one if this one goes out.
Lastly, how much are the dealers asking for each car and how many miles on each? What are you driving now?
Based on what Q45TECH said about the price difference of $3,000 it makes me wonder if the Q is over priced since it is the same year model as the LS. Or the LS is underpriced for reasons known to the dealer. I just assume that the cars are near equal in price since you sound like you are ready to buy either one and price is not an issue that you voiced.
I would also take the VIN numbers to the respective dealerships to see when the last time an authorized mechanic worked on them and what has been done. Also, look if the owners manual and service manual has grease on any of the pages or creases; this is a sure fire way to see if a previous owner has worked on their vehicle and what all they have done. There may also be a service schedule record in both cars, cross check these out if you take the VIN numbers to a dealership. Whatever you decide there is no need rushing on a car purchase, take your time and inspect everything and question anything mechanical that you feel unsure about. Dealers seem to stop the BS once you seem somewhat knowledgeable about a car you want to buy.
I own a 1994 Q45 with 134,000 miles on it, I have put 17,000 miles on it since buying it a year ago. It has absolutely been the best car I have ever owned. I used to only drive 2-door sports cars and this being the first 4-door car I have owned, I feel as if I own a 4-door sports car now and have not missed driving my old cars yet. I LOVE THIS CAR!! Mechanically I will replace my valve cover gaskets and spark plugs DIY in the next few weeks. Also, I will replace shocks in the coming weeks. The only things I have done thus far since buying the car is brakes, new tires, and regular fluid changes. I took the bose system out and made it louder, but no amps (I don't like them). Again, this car has been great and will probrably buy another one if this one goes out.
Lastly, how much are the dealers asking for each car and how many miles on each? What are you driving now?
Oops, Sorry
Sorry about that, I refreshed my browser.
I've never driven an LS, so I wouldn't know much about that, but reading what the others said, either car would not be a bad choice. Drive them both and see witch one you like best. Buying and old car, your always taking chances. The good thing with the Q is that you'll have a very good suport system here at NICO that will help you out with a lot of your maintanace issues. I don't know how good Lexus forums are.
Its smaller than NICO, but its quite large and active:http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/
You may want to inquire about year-specific issues and things you need to look for.
-Jesda
You may want to inquire about year-specific issues and things you need to look for.
-Jesda