Shopping for a Q45 in the Phoenix Area - Wisdom Please

[my12by60]

This looks like a great forum and it is helping me get down the learning curve on the Q45. I live in Phoenix area (Fountain Hills) and am looking at Q45s, like this one, for example.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/5316275532.html

And this one,

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/5328181586.html

Both of these are right around the 100K mileage zone. The owner of the 96 purchased the car at auction in New Mexico one year ago and does not know the car's maintenance history. The owner of the 2000 e-mailed service receipts spanning the period May 2012 to today. In that span, the following was completed:

front and rear brake pads (no new rotors)
new radiator, thermostat and radiator hoses
front struts
O2 sensors
recharge AC system
power steering hoses
ignition coil

P0325 code for knock sensors has not been addressed nor has an inoperative heater been addressed. The owner also states that she has been running regular instead of premium for the past 5 or 6 years with the blessing of her mechanic. I read a few threads here about the octane issue and opinions seem to be split as to whether regular does long-term engine damage. Any idea of cost to repair a non-working heater? I imagine it is big $ if the dash has to come out to get at the heater components. A heater is not a huge deal here in the Arizona desert, but it is nice to have all systems working in a vehicle.

Does anyone know of any non-dealer mechanics in the Valley that are expert in the Q45 and that have a reputation for fair pricing?

I am trying to arrive at a conservative budget for bringing one of these cars up to fully maintained/repaired status so that I can expect to drive from 100K to 200K with hopefully only routine upkeep maintenance and the occasional repair as one-off parts fail.

Between the two cars linked above, I am leaning toward the 2000 since it has a verified maintenance history and since some significant mechanical components have been repaired within the past few years. Also, I prefer that body style vs. that of the 1996. I know the 96 is the higher performance power train (from reading here), but that is not a big focus point for me. I am primarily trying to avoid a vehicle that turns into too much of a money pit, although I know some $ will need to be spent to keep a 15 or 19 year old vehicle road worthy.

Thanks for any feedback.

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard!

You're in the right place. I'm local to you, so I'll chime in.

Steer clear of the 96. If it was unwanted enough to wind up at auction, it's likely got issues. Of the G50 chassis (90-96), the 96 was the "unloved" one in the bunch.

A 2000 Q is a solid, reliable car if well-maintained. I have a great non-dealer mechanic who is an expert in the Q45 (Infiniti master tech)... he's on the west side, but worth the drive and a great guy (he cared for my Q for many years).

[my12by60]

Thanks for the thoughts on the 96 vs. 2000. I am interested in your mechanic's contact information. If I get serious on a Q45 I might run it over to him for an inspection.

[3Q Jay]

Hitman has ya covered with his knowledge and vast resources.
Since I've owned both platforms, I heartily recommend the FGY33 over the G50 unless you are a hardcore G50 aficionado. For one ting sourcing parts is less of an issue.
for another it is a nicer city car.
But the G50 can be a beast on the open highway.....

[my12by60]

Hitman,

Looks like my truck is sold with money changing hands this weekend. I need to start looking for a replacement vehicle and a used Q is at the top of my list. Can you post the name and contact info for the Q mechanic you mentioned in Surprise so that I can get a hold of him for a consultation on one or more Qs that are on my radar? Thanks.

[AZhitman]

Absolutely.

Ken Waun - 602 - nine O nine - one five 7 five.

Tell him I sent you.

[my12by60]

Thanks. I will mention your name if and when I talk to Ken. I might try to look at the 2000 Q tomorrow.