Switching Q's-need advice.

[Q45denver]

After having my engine go south for the second time in three years. I'm faced with the dilemma as to whether to pay $5000+ for another used engine for my old car (1990 Q45 with 156K miles) or switch to a lower mileage 1994-1995. In as much as the latter models are reportedly much more dependable and don't have the fuel injector problems that have plagued me in the past, I have half decided to buy a 1995 with 120K miles for $4000. The interior, exterior and mechanical condition of the 1995 and the 1990 (except for the engine) are in similar condition. I have made some upgrades to the 1990 like the built in radar, front and rear sway bars, slotted disk brakes, Tokicos, wider wheels, CD changer, etc. that I could swap to the 1995 without too much effort. The only fly in the ointment is that the 1995 feels too much like a luxury car in that it is not nearly as tight or quick as the 1990. Part of the this may be because it lacks the improvements that I made to the 1990. The 1995 appears to need a valve cover reseal, new spark plugs and injector cleaning which might bring up the performance a little. Other features that are lacking in the 1990 that the 1995 has include remote control, traction control and heated seats which would be much welcomed here in Denver with winter coming up. My concern is that I have been unable to get any service records prior to the past year for the 1995. Another concern is that the steering wheel is slightly loose when pulling /pushing up and down on it and the air bag appears to be slightly off center. There is no evidence of prior accidents. I optimistically estimate that it would take another $1000 to get the 1995 in similar condition to that of the 1990 before the engine went thereby getting me back to the $5000 it would cost for a new engine. I would benefit however by having a car that it 5 years newer and with a higher resale value and hopefully more dependable. Also I might be able to get a few bucks for the 1990 or turn it into a long term project. What to do? Buy a Toyota?

[natsoundup]

Well, I am faced with that as well since my son wrecked my 94.

I am going to do everything I can to get another 94 or 95. Yes they are not as performance oriented as the first gens.

I am looking at other cars as well. I drove a 97 Mitsubishi Diamante and was soundly disappointed. I couldn't even imagine a Toyota.

I am not a fast driver, but occassionally I like to take the 4.5 out for a workout. Very satisfying.

[pito11213]

First off diamante's suck. Dont bother with them. If you want a toyota better get a 96 Avalon.

Have you considered a 94+ seville (STS/SLS)Nice cars except for the fact they are FWD. Good performance though and good luxury. My friend got a 94 with 102,000 miles for $2800. Good deal IMHO.

Plus it has the V8 northstar in it which is a pretty good motor. Depends on what your are looking for. I say Caddy if not a Q

[natsoundup]

I almost bought an STS many years ago before I bought my 90.

I can't find any with lower mileage. It's funny that you recommnend the STS. I have been working that hard as well.

I want a 94 that's on ebay with 57k. I will bid probably up to 7200.

I don't have much more than that to spend.

[Jesda]

Avoid the Seville before 1998. Head gasket problems are a nightmare -- they make the chain guide issue look like nothing. If you bought a Seville new and flushed the coolant every year and used Bars Leak in addition, there's nothing to worry about. But most Seville owners, unfortunately, never even drain/fill the radiator.

So without documented proof of annual cooling system maintenance, its a big thumbs down. But man are they gorgeous.

Consider a 99-2000 Chrysler 300M (decent quality, cheap parts, low resale), 94 Q45, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, or Lincoln Mark VIII.

The Mark 8 has air suspension issues easily averted with a $400 hydraulic suspension conversion kit. The leather is a little low rent, but everything else is rock solid.

-Jesda

[Q45denver]

I don't think most of the upgrades I put on my '90 Q will transfer over to the Seville Plus I have aquired a certain familiarity and attachment to the 1990-96 Q. Maybe the one I have is just jinxed. I've actually considered replacing the engine myself mainly to save the $3000 to $4000 labor charge but also because the dealer will not guarantee their work. I don't trust anyone else and bearly trust the dealer since they replaced the last engine 3 years ago. My main concern is adequately testing the engine before installing it and the best way to install it. I do not have a lift but I have a cherry picker. I know the common procedure is to install it from below but has any one tried to do it from above. I assume the hood would have to come off and I would install the engine and transmission as a single unit?