Should I Buy a '02 Q45 with 89K miles?

[sfores]

I'm new to Infinitis. Have driven BMW 325s due to the high reliability and low maintenance/repair costs, even up to 200,000+ miles.

Just saw the '02 Q45 - Like showroom brand new... Clean Carfax and AutoCheck reports. Lovely car indeed. $14,500, 89K miles, with sport package.

I like the car, but don't want to get caught in costly maintenance. My question is what are the maintenance and repair COSTS like as one goes from 89K to 200++K. One story is that the '02 Q54s are so trouble free that it will not be costly ther than regular service. The OTHER story is that it is a luxury car and, and Japanese or not, will be expensive to maintain and that it will start needing substantial repairs well before 200K miles.

Please help me know what to expect... Thankfully, Sfores.

[Q451990]

I would get a copy of the factory service records (available by VIN from any Infiniti dealer) for a better picture of what maintenence has been done. There have been some oil consumption issues on the 02+ Q. You will also want to see if the updated accelerator pedal and updated software for the ECU and TCU have been done. These updates were performed on many cars under warranty, but are apparently a customer-pay item for cars out of warranty. The improvment in responsiveness is said to be very significant.

The good news is that we haven't heard of any major commom failures on well maintained F50 series Q45's, so if your target car has been well maintained with regular oil and fluid changes, you should be in as good of shape as you can get in that price range.

Heath

[Jesda]

That VK45 V8 can be a real piece of crap. Very careful break-in is the key to long life with that engine, which makes it a tough sell in a used car.

[ahmed_wasim]

I purchased a 2002 with 96k. Its a great car.

In one month I had two problems

1) Xenon headlamp blew (if that happens turn the lights off from auto otherwise it will burn the ballast and thats about 600-700$ repair.)

2. Airbag warning light. Dealer checked it, a seat belt tensioner issue, will replace under warranty.

I would expect to spend $2000 - $3000 a year on maintenance and repairs considering that you want to keep the car in good condition.

[xerexabante]

i have no troubles with mine, since i had it a year ago, just minor usual problems. i just do the regular service. If I were you I would change all the fluids to start from fresh. I have 65k on it now. Still runs like a champ. Love the car.

[sfores]

Thank you for your answer! You mentioned that the seat belt repair was done under warranty. What determines whether the '02 with 89K I'm looking at would have any warranty covrage?

Do you really see the $2-$3K / Yr as realistic - possibly high or low?

Thank you for youe help and answers. This is an important decision for me.

Scott

[sfores]

Heath - First, thank you for your answers! I will check with a dealer tomorow.

You mentioned that sometimes the ECU and TCU upgrade was done under warranty. What determines whether the '02 with 89K I'm looking at would have any warranty covrage? Are any Infiniti dealers be willing to this even if it's "technically" out of warranty?

A comment came from ahmed_wasim. Do you see the $2-$3K / Yr as realistic - possibly high or low?

Thank you for youe help and answers. This is an important decision for me.

Scott

P.S. There appaently was a recall (don't know date) due to: "the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process. This could cause the (service engine soon) warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash. Dealers will replace the crank position sensors.

Would this be done by a dealer if not already performed on the car??

Thanks again! Scott

[Q451990]

I think the recall would be done regardless of mileage. As far as the upgrade to the ECU/TCU and revised accelerator pedal - those are part of a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that aren't really supposed to be done outside of the warranty period - not saying you won't find a dealership that might do it, but they don't have to.

The warranty will depend on the mileage and if any extended warranty was purchased. Unfortunately I don't know what the standard warranty was. The $2+$3K sounds about right to keep in as-new condition assuming everything is up to date for the most part. My guess is that nothing much has been done so far - so the best you can hope for is the TSB updates, and good fluid maintence.

Oh, and you might check http://www.infinitihelp.com for some of the TSBs and recalls that apply.

I think we'll know a lot more after you get a copy of the service records.

Heath