question on trim levels....

[JerseyKRS]

First of all, GREAT SITE! I am a former 92 Maxima VE owner, and I was directed here from a user on a 3rd generation maxima forum. I am looking to purchase a 94-95 Q shortly. My question is, I see that the "a" trim level has the active suspension, however, I have decided I want a "t" model. Was the active suspension also available as a seperate option on the "t" models also?? Also, how important is the active suspension? Should I go nuts trying to locate a touring model with the suspension also? Is it as reliable as the rest of the vehicle? How expensive is it to fix? BTW, I live in Florida, so there won't be any hard winters for me to worry about. I'm not a ricehead either, so if it is mainly just a hardcore performance option, let me know. I'm 30 with 2 kids and will be using the Q mainly for a weekend driver, as my occupation provides a vehicle for me to travel to and from work. Thanks in advance, and I'm looking forward to hearing from anyone.

[AZhitman]

Well, unfortunately, the Q isn't like a woman, in that you can't get both "T" and "A" at the same time (haha lame joke).

The "active" suspension was WAY ahead of its time, but very expensive to maintain, and few were made in 94, and were all but non-existent in 95.

The "T", however, was popular, and was a nice package that added, among other things, a 15mm rear sway bar, CD changer, a decklid spoiler and BBS forged aluminum alloys.

NOTE: A base Q can be outfitted with all the "T" goodies relatively cheaply, so don't kill yourself holding out for a specific model.

Find a well-maintained Q of 94-95 vintage with a solid service history and go from there.

Plan on spending between $4-9K for a well-preserved one.

[JerseyKRS]

thanks hitman, i planned on spending about 8K, so that's right in the ballpark. As far as the suspension, I'm seeing it's not that important. I do appreciate the info. on outfitting a base with the "T" extras, I was not aware that I could do that. That makes it alot easier, as I can look for the best vehicle available instead of the best "T" available. By chance, do you or anyone else have a complete list of the differences the "T" came with?

[AZhitman]

That's pretty much all to my knowledge. Spoiler, bar, BBS wheels, CD changer... Can't think of anything else... I'dgo look at my factory brochures but I'm lazy.

I have a "T", but by changing your shocks out for Tokico Blues (cheap, and needs to be done by now anyway), adding a 15mm (from a "T") or 20mm (from an "A") rear sway bar takes care of the handling differences.

Wheels? BBS's are for sale all the time, or upgrade to OEM from a 97+ Q45.

[maxnix]

Think heated seats were included also.

[1992Q45A]

Hicas makes the big Q a little better on the turning radius, no?

[maxnix]

No, it only worked at speed and was only a 1° deflection to help turn-in.

No Q45 after 1994 had HICAS.

[1992Q45A]

Ok. I guess the people who have said it helped out with the turning radius were wrong.

[maxnix]

On other vehicles, like GM pickups, steering rear wheels are designed specifically to do this at low speed.

On the Nissans, HICAS is designed to enhance high speed handling.