q45 questions

[uncle oscar]

looking to buy a 1995 q45t w/ 136k. waiting for more information from seller but one thing i'm curious about in general:timing chain or belt and when is it supposed to be changed?any other typical issues that owners like to cover up when trying to sell?thanks!

[maxnix]

Camshaft timing chain should not need servicing before 250K miles, typically. Other belts should be subject of the inspection by senior Infiniti technician. Check all fluids.

There is an article on buying a Q45 in the Article Forum to get you started, but further reading of posts is a must.

You will save a bundle if you search the forum and read the previous posts. All posts by Q45tech are mandatory.

Welcome to NICO.

[natsoundup]

You are approaching transmission and front end rubber issues.

If you are one of the few lucky ones where the car has been dealer maintained....they have complete records.... but few go to the dealer much past warranty.

It's still imperative to do an Infiniti dealer records check.

[uncle oscar]

I am currently a member of Mercedesshop.com and I'm familiar with searching. I did indeed read the article on "what to look for" when buying.

It'll be interesting to get more information. The guy states that it's a Southern Car (a definite plus for where we're located) and he has it listed for $5300 or best offer.

So if I call an Infiniti dealer with the VIN will they cull all records together for the car? Is there usually a cost associated with this?

In general, is this a high-maintenance vehicle and are repairs expensive? I realize that this very subjective but take a stab at it anyway. Anybody out there replace a transmission or have brakes done all the way around? How much? How about Power Steering Pumps and the like?thanks much!

[maxnix]

So if I call an Infiniti dealer with the VIN will they cull all records together for the car? Is there usually a cost associated with this?

No. But it is helpful to cultivate a relationship with the best service writer at a dealer because someday you will have to use the dealer.

In general, is this a high-maintenance vehicle and are repairs expensive?

Not necessarily, but it can become so if if it has been abused. Fresh fluids and frequent filter changes do a world of wonders for longevity.

I realize that this very subjective but take a stab at it anyway. Anybody out there replace a transmission or have brakes done all the way around? How much? How about Power Steering Pumps and the like?

Power steering pumps and steering racks should not be an issue if fluid is maintained and boots replaced when torn. Brakes are easy, and depends on component costs. They are lightweight for the car, so frequent turning of the stock rotors is required to reduce vibration. Other options, including upgrades, do exist. OEM rebuilt transmission from http://www.everythinginfiniti.com (look on left column) is about $1700 plus transmission core exchange and shipping. Joe at Infiniti of Scottsdale is our savior for parts maintenance.

[louiegz]

I just had my pads changed for the 3rd time and changed the rotors for the first time. I have 71000 miles on my Q. Big, heavy, V8 sedans, like the Q eat breaks up. I do a lot of city driving and I get about 20000 miles out of my pads, like clockwork. I'll let the experts ring in on the other stuff.

[AZhitman]

Good price - offer $4750 (a steal) and work up from there. $5300 is fair if it's in great shape.

Calling the dealer with the VIN (better yet, stopping by) will yield a ton of info, but I'll bet it stops around 60-75K miles (when the owner quit taking it in under warranty).

Repairs on ANY modern vehicle are pricey, the Q is no different. Cheaper to maintain than a Benz of like vintage. WAY cheaper.

Brakes for the Q are not expensive at all (it's simply a big Nissan), and a transmission is $1800 new from one of our sponsors... Most of whom give us parts at 10% over wholesale.

Being a NICO member has its perks.

Welcome, and enjoy!

[natsoundup]

I wouldn't pay more than $4500 unless there are great service records...

At one point I posted the 800 number where you can get all infiniti service records.... don't know it off the top of my head....

It would be interesting to see if they had th 60 or 120k service done at the dealer.... that would be a decent indicator of service work.

Some were able to get things like tension rods and upper links done before the car went out of warranty.... at least you would know that that type of stuff was done at least once....

Take off the plastic engine protection cover.... you can get a good indication of rack condition based on ps fluid leakage..

Those are the things I would look for....If I bought it....I would have almost every fluid changed immediately....