Talk me out of this 94 Q45a

[EdBwoy]

Am I crazy? Maybe

I have never owned a G50, and the only one I drove back in the day had a trans issue so I couldn't feel the raw power as I jumped out of my 03 M45 to test drive it. I have seen this one lingering on Craigslist and since it's on the path of my normal travels, I want to at least look at it.

I have come to acknowledge that I won't get a clean 1st gen for the monies I try to spend. I either get a very white q45 in good shape, or just jump into this project with plans of bodywork and an Emerald Mist Metallic (Nissan Color Code D10) paintjob.

The rear panel rust is a lot to work with for an anti-bodywork guy like me. I like nuts and bolts better, maybe a little electrical.

What do you guys think? For the price it seems attractive, but should anything else be scary?
https://springfieldil.craigslist.org/ct ... 18277.html




And since postings expire:

[Q451990]

If it were me, I'd look for a non-active version. With the old Qs becoming more rare in junk yards, it might be difficult to source the parts to convert it to a standard suspension setup. Restoring the active system to full functionality could be nearly impossible at this point. No harm in a test drive though... I suspect you'll get a gut feeling on if it's something you really want to take on when you drive it.

[elwesso]

The issue with the PS could be the rack, PS pump failures aren't too common that we've seen here, or could just be air in the system. I believe there's a solenoid on the steering rack that can cause this issue, I remember a post about this a while ago. My guess on the paint is that it could have been partially repainted, there's still Qs out there with really nice original paint. Just odd that the paint on the roof and trunk looks good but the paint on the hood is bad. Realistically it doesn't look

Heath is right about the suspension. Suspension parts are becoming really hard to find, so it could really be a labor of love to even convert the active out, which is not exactly an easy task. When they say the active is "fully functional", there's no mention of the accumulators being replaced which means it will ride like a truck, even to replace the 4 actuator accumulators is like $600. If there's no major leaks from the accumulators you'll probably want to replace the dust boots so it doesn't get worse. If the actuators aren't leaking and there's no other leaks in the system, it might be a really good deal because outside of that it's just bushings.

[EdBwoy]

Thanks for the insight guys. As fate would have it, I have not been up that way since I posted this.

I was actually interested in buying it mainly for the "functional active suspension". Thing is, I have no frame of reference as to how this thing should feel apart from extensive research from a few years back when I got interested in the Qs. From my reading, it should handle and carve corners like a go-kart without the harsh suspension & ride of one. How about the straights, should it float on the road like an old school Buick?

I assume it is supposed to do what the MagneRide does for today's GM vehicles.