Sad day in my Q world

[nuQ]

Well, the day I never thought I would see is happening this Sunday. I have a buyer for my Q45 and did all the necessary paperwork today. He will be coming to pick her up this Sunday. As most know, I posted it here the past couple years with no takers, and finally put it on Craigslist and was contacted this past week. He seems somewhat knowledgeable with the first gen Q, which is good, since I really wanted it to go to an enthusiast like me. Just too many cars on the homestead right now (6 including the Q, and just me and my wife), and couldn't devote the time or money needed to properly keep the Q in top form. It has been sitting on the front lawn with a for sale sign since the summer, and got it off when the snow melted this week (NE PA). Started right up, and after a wash and quick clean inside, it is still unbelievable. I still think this may be in the top three of all 1990 Q's in the country right now. I agreed to a $2000 dollar selling price (while it was still encased in snow!), but it is worth more.......the buyer is getting an amazing deal. I took pics this past Tuesday....message me and I can forward to show.

But, I am very happy with my 2003 M45, as the performance really blows away the Q. It really feels like such a smaller car than the Q, and dares you to drive much more aggressively. The handling is much better. But, I will say, the interior feel, and finish, is still much better in the Q as compared to the 2003 M45! The M is the black interior with wood accents, and the Q is the two tone black and grey. The driver seat in the Q is SO much more comfortable than the M...still! I also did a full machine compound of the paint on the Q over the summer, and it still looks amazing...almost like the paint is still wet...and I have not garaged the Q since I purchased it in 2003!

But, all good things must come to an end, and I now will do all my lurking over on the M45 board. I've had a blast with my Q, and had such a great time being part of this board, and meeting all the other Q45 nuts, like me! I told the buyer about NICO, and I will encourage him to join.

Thanks again guys.... Jeff

[Q45Owner]

Well, the day I never thought I would see is happening this Sunday. I have a buyer for my Q45 and did all the necessary paperwork today. He will be coming to pick her up this Sunday. As most know, I posted it here the past couple years with no takers, and finally put it on Craigslist and was contacted this past week. He seems somewhat knowledgeable with the first gen Q, which is good, since I really wanted it to go to an enthusiast like me. Just too many cars on the homestead right now (6 including the Q, and just me and my wife), and couldn't devote the time or money needed to properly keep the Q in top form. It has been sitting on the front lawn with a for sale sign since the summer, and got it off when the snow melted this week (NE PA). Started right up, and after a wash and quick clean inside, it is still unbelievable. I still think this may be in the top three of all 1990 Q's in the country right now. I agreed to a $2000 dollar selling price (while it was still encased in snow!), but it is worth more.......the buyer is getting an amazing deal. I took pics this past Tuesday....message me and I can forward to show.

But, I am very happy with my 2003 M45, as the performance really blows away the Q. It really feels like such a smaller car than the Q, and dares you to drive much more aggressively. The handling is much better. But, I will say, the interior feel, and finish, is still much better in the Q as compared to the 2003 M45! The M is the black interior with wood accents, and the Q is the two tone black and grey. The driver seat in the Q is SO much more comfortable than the M...still! I also did a full machine compound of the paint on the Q over the summer, and it still looks amazing...almost like the paint is still wet...and I have not garaged the Q since I purchased it in 2003!

But, all good things must come to an end, and I now will do all my lurking over on the M45 board. I've had a blast with my Q, and had such a great time being part of this board, and meeting all the other Q45 nuts, like me! I told the buyer about NICO, and I will encourage him to join.

Thanks again guys.... Jeff

Sorry to hear you sold your Q, but 6 cars is definitely a lot between just you and your wife, so it's understandable you would have to let one go. Just out of curiosity, how many miles are on your Q? I'm surprised to hear you say that your Q seat is more comfortable than the M, cuz of all the things I love about my Q, the seat is slightly uncomfortable for me (but I do have slight back problems, so that could be why). I always wondered how I would like the 90-93 Q seat though, since I know it was a different design and slightly more firm. Might work better for me. But anyway, glad to hear your Q is going to another enthusiast and not just someone looking for any affordable daily driver. I'm sure he'll take good care of it. Personally I dont think I'll ever sell my Q to be honest. Of all the cars I've ever owned (and I've owned alot - mostly Lexus), the Q has the most soul and coziest interior space of any of them. Not to mention the resale value just isn't there, but I do understand your decision and you have owned the vehicle for a long time, so maybe it's just time to let it go. Good luck with your M45. I would love to get myself into one of those one day as well..

[nuQ]

I bought my Q in 2003 from a fellow NICO member, who purchased a Vette and decided to give up the Q. It had 96K miles at purchase and I immediately drove it to my mechanic to have the chain guides done. Ironically, they guides were already gone and parts were in the oil pan...luckily none of the pieces got jammed anywhere. Soon after I got it home, I noticed the odometer would stop working, and at this point barely ever turns. It currently shows 106K, but realistically, it's somewhere between 115-120K. My Q was always a weekend driver at best, and in the last 4 or 5 years, I've not really driven it at all. About a year ago, I did a full rehab of all fluids and new brakes and it's really back to running fantastic. I'm hoping the new owner will join up here, and maintain the great condition of the Q.

As for the M45, it is much more fun to drive than the Q,,,,for different reasons. I always loved the Q when it was on the highway, and it could be opened up. I did get it up to 140mph once, and it seemed it had a lot more to give. I slowed down out of fear! lol The M feels like such a smaller car than the Q, and something you want to throw around more through the twisties (not an all-out handling car, but much better than the Q...although both having all new suspension parts might be a slightly different story..). As for the interior, I just love the Q's quality interior surfaces as opposed to the 'harder' feeling M. More plastic it seems in the M. As most know, the engineers were given a blank check to design the Q, so almost every component was top tier. One of the big improvements with the M, is the transmission. Although not a top level trans, it is worlds better than the Q's. It seems the M's transmission will keep you within the engines power band much better than the Q. As most of us know, if you are in that area where you stomp the pedal and are between gears and nothing...no downshift.

All in all, they are both great vehicles. I bought the Q for $4500 in 2003, and selling for $2000, so not a horrible deal. And as you said, there is NO book value on a first gen Q45 anymore. I knew I would have to wait until I found an enthusiast to buy. It's just that, Q lover or not, this will be one of the best deals he will ever get on a $2K used vehicle. I am prepping him for the cost of ownership though, and told him, he is not buying a Civic!

[Q45Owner]

I bought my Q in 2003 from a fellow NICO member, who purchased a Vette and decided to give up the Q. It had 96K miles at purchase and I immediately drove it to my mechanic to have the chain guides done. Ironically, they guides were already gone and parts were in the oil pan...luckily none of the pieces got jammed anywhere. Soon after I got it home, I noticed the odometer would stop working, and at this point barely ever turns. It currently shows 106K, but realistically, it's somewhere between 115-120K. My Q was always a weekend driver at best, and in the last 4 or 5 years, I've not really driven it at all. About a year ago, I did a full rehab of all fluids and new brakes and it's really back to running fantastic. I'm hoping the new owner will join up here, and maintain the great condition of the Q.

As for the M45, it is much more fun to drive than the Q,,,,for different reasons. I always loved the Q when it was on the highway, and it could be opened up. I did get it up to 140mph once, and it seemed it had a lot more to give. I slowed down out of fear! lol The M feels like such a smaller car than the Q, and something you want to throw around more through the twisties (not an all-out handling car, but much better than the Q...although both having all new suspension parts might be a slightly different story..). As for the interior, I just love the Q's quality interior surfaces as opposed to the 'harder' feeling M. More plastic it seems in the M. As most know, the engineers were given a blank check to design the Q, so almost every component was top tier. One of the big improvements with the M, is the transmission. Although not a top level trans, it is worlds better than the Q's. It seems the M's transmission will keep you within the engines power band much better than the Q. As most of us know, if you are in that area where you stomp the pedal and are between gears and nothing...no downshift.

All in all, they are both great vehicles. I bought the Q for $4500 in 2003, and selling for $2000, so not a horrible deal. And as you said, there is NO book value on a first gen Q45 anymore. I knew I would have to wait until I found an enthusiast to buy. It's just that, Q lover or not, this will be one of the best deals he will ever get on a $2K used vehicle. I am prepping him for the cost of ownership though, and told him, he is not buying a Civic!

Too bad about the odometer, but 120k is still very low mileage for an almost 25 year old car. And yea, to take a $2500 loss after 10 years of ownership isn't too bad at all (what's that equal, about $20/month?). Just out of curiosity, have you put a lot of money into the Q to keep it going all these years? I always hear from people on here how you have to have somewhat deep pockets to be able to maintain them, but after almost a year of ownership, besides basic maintenance, I've only had to change a tie rod. Just wondering how many trouble free months/years I can expect from this beast. I come from owning several Lexus vehicles (4 of them being the LS), so I'm used to a pretty trouble-free ownership experience from my vehicles. Those LS's are built like tanks, but so far the Q seems to be just as solid.

I always had a thing for the 1st generation M45s as well though and came close to buying one a couple years ago. But I'm picky on colors, and I wasn't finding the color combination I wanted. Then I found a super clean LS and I went with that instead. Those M45s are super rare though. I hardly ever see one on the road anymore.

[nuQ]

As far as repairs on my Q since 2003....absolutely nothing major, but then again, it was never an everyday driver for me. At times, it sat, unmoved, for months at a time, but it always started back up and ran without incident. I'm even shocked at just how amazing it runs and drives now....basically the same as when I bought it. I gave her a final wash today in preparation for the new buyer tomorrow...I'm really not looking forward to seeing the Q drive away tomorrow. I almost feel like I'm being robbed by the new owner! It will be the best 2k dollar used car he will EVER buy! It does have a bad #8 injector that will need to be replaced (I do have the replacement I'm including in the sale), but really does not affect the drivability all that much. To really bring the Q back to a good place would require rehabbing the suspension parts, as most are still original. But that will be up to him. So for me, I have to say, my Q has been incredibly reliable with no major issues or repairs. If you PM me, I can send you some pics so you can see the incredible condition I'm selling it in. I think most here will be pretty amazed...

I did take my M45 for a quick trip to the store and gas station tonight, and I was reminded on how much more fun the M is overall. It is so very fast.....pretty quick off the line, but a monster when you nail it above 25 mph. MUCH faster than the Q, and a more 'compact' feel when driving. If money was no object, I would definitely keep both! But the Q will make the new guy very happy. Just hope he treats with the same passion...

[Q45Owner]

As far as repairs on my Q since 2003....absolutely nothing major, but then again, it was never an everyday driver for me. At times, it sat, unmoved, for months at a time, but it always started back up and ran without incident. I'm even shocked at just how amazing it runs and drives now....basically the same as when I bought it. I gave her a final wash today in preparation for the new buyer tomorrow...I'm really not looking forward to seeing the Q drive away tomorrow. I almost feel like I'm being robbed by the new owner! It will be the best 2k dollar used car he will EVER buy! It does have a bad #8 injector that will need to be replaced (I do have the replacement I'm including in the sale), but really does not affect the drivability all that much. To really bring the Q back to a good place would require rehabbing the suspension parts, as most are still original. But that will be up to him. So for me, I have to say, my Q has been incredibly reliable with no major issues or repairs. If you PM me, I can send you some pics so you can see the incredible condition I'm selling it in. I think most here will be pretty amazed...

I did take my M45 for a quick trip to the store and gas station tonight, and I was reminded on how much more fun the M is overall. It is so very fast.....pretty quick off the line, but a monster when you nail it above 25 mph. MUCH faster than the Q, and a more 'compact' feel when driving. If money was no object, I would definitely keep both! But the Q will make the new guy very happy. Just hope he treats with the same passion...

So did the guy ever show up to pick up your Q?

[nuQ]

Unfortunately, Yes..... I know at the end of the day, it's only a piece of metal, but I really did love the Q. His name is Nick, and I heavily suggested that he join NICO, so hopefully we'll see him around here soon. He didn't get here until after dark last night, and he brought a buddy that I think is a member of NICO, and was very familiar with all things Q45. As I had written, this will likely be the best $2000 used car he will ever purchase, and by their reaction when they first saw it, I'm sure it will be. They must have said "wow", and "OMG" a hundred times as they were looking over the car. He even gave me a little over our agreed upon $2000 because he was so thrilled. I, of course, was extremely sad to see someone else driving my Q up the road and away for good. He even sent me a "thank you so much" text on his way home with a pic of the dash all lit up. Other than the A/C needing a recharge, and the Bose radio not working, literally, everything else is fully functional on that 25 year old car! Just hoping he will appreciate it like I always did....

ps---at least this will allow me to focus all my energy (and funds) on keeping the M45 running like new...

[Q45Owner]

Unfortunately, Yes..... I know at the end of the day, it's only a piece of metal, but I really did love the Q. His name is Nick, and I heavily suggested that he join NICO, so hopefully we'll see him around here soon. He didn't get here until after dark last night, and he brought a buddy that I think is a member of NICO, and was very familiar with all things Q45. As I had written, this will likely be the best $2000 used car he will ever purchase, and by their reaction when they first saw it, I'm sure it will be. They must have said "wow", and "OMG" a hundred times as they were looking over the car. He even gave me a little over our agreed upon $2000 because he was so thrilled. I, of course, was extremely sad to see someone else driving my Q up the road and away for good. He even sent me a "thank you so much" text on his way home with a pic of the dash all lit up. Other than the A/C needing a recharge, and the Bose radio not working, literally, everything else is fully functional on that 25 year old car! Just hoping he will appreciate it like I always did....

ps---at least this will allow me to focus all my energy (and funds) on keeping the M45 running like new...

Honestly, by the way you describe it, it sounds like he really is happy with his purchase and really likes the car. If he's sending you a thank you text, he obviously appreciates the Q for what it is and is not looking at it as some basic transportation beater that he can take from point A to point B. That's a good thing. Hopefully he will join here and can keep up with maintenance the way you obviously have over the years. Though I can't see how anyone can own this car and not be signed up here. I would be lost without all the information I've found searching these forums. Hell, I was lurking on here for months before I even purchased my Q ha. Anyway, I used to have three cars I was having to maintain and when I gave one of them to a family member, I felt an instant sigh of relief knowing I didn't have to worry about maintaining that 3rd one anymore. So yea at least now you can focus all your energies on the M

[nuQ]

I did the same thing as you....I joined NICO before ever purchasing the Q. I was contacted by an old member here and told me how he would sell me his Q (which became my Q). Picked it up from his house and immediately drove it to have the chain guides done....I was obsessive from the start! And you are absolutely correct that NICO is worth it's weight in gold when it comes to assisting in keeping our Q's running like new. The info found here you will not find anywhere else. I can honestly say this site has saved me thousands in avoiding trips to the dealer, or other unnecessary repairs.

ps---just got back from my storage garage and found the passenger side sun visor I was looking for on Sunday to include with the Q. Mine had the all too familiar broken passenger side visor that I always meant to fix...I'll see if he wants to tackle that job...which is extensive from what I understand.... If he doesn't want them (I have both the driver and passenger side visor,,black and in great condition), let me know and I can work something out with someone here...

[BadQ45t]

I had use of my dad's 92' Q45 for 6 months before he sold it...I was thinking about keeping it for my wife but having 2 aging V8's in the family wasn't a good use of Super Unleaded gas and the 92' had the ticking time bomb of the chain guides. But if you only had parking space for more cars, thanks for making me feel good about only 4 cars for the wife and myself

[nuQ]

Jeff---as I previously wrote, when my tech took apart the front of the engine to change my guides (in 03), he saw that they were completely gone and the pieces were in the oil pan! He then had to drop the pan and remove all debris, but luckily (a big miracle!) none of the pieces got jammed anywhere to destroy the engine!

But you are correct about having more than one old 32 valve V8 that drinks premium fuel and rarely, if ever, will do better than 20 miles per gallon....I don't think mine EVER did better than 20 mpg! When I was keeping track, it was always between 15-17 mpg. Of course, it's extremely hard to NOT drive the Q like it was meant to be driven!

Well, we are left with, currently, my wife's 2008 Mazda 3, 1999 Honda CRV and 2005 F-150 4x4 (where we live, a 4WD is necessary in the winter), 2003 M45 and a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited that is currently for sale, as well. If anyone is interested in the Sonata, let me know! Fully loaded (non turbo) and 29.5K miles. Fully transferable 100K mile warranty. Will sell for what we owe.

[BadQ45t]

I agree I never get better than 20mpg...but my wife with her Leaf makes up for it

I am waiting for the Q70 Hybrid 2016-17 for Q replacement

[maxnix]

I would get an M56 in verifiably great condition.

[elwesso]

Glad to see the Q is going to a good home (so it seems)..

I recently got a G35 to replace my Q in daily driver duty, I still have the Q though...