Test drove 2 2002 Q45's

[ianh]

Both drove OK, feels strange to me how they accelerate, but both the same.Both had rear sun shade stuck, Electric motor tries but cant raise. Is this just an adjustment.one had severe inside tire wear on passenger side, tire was maybe half worn in center but cut down to steel cord on inside edge ( this was on the better of the two cars, hence my interest)Any suggestions, help ?

[Q45tech]

Every used car needs at least $3,000 in rehabilitation to return them near or close to near new performance and ride! Some used cars need up to $10,000 in repairs with perfect paint, glass, and interiors.

7 year old cars SEVEN YEAR OLD CARS are are near the 10 year design life limit, why they only wholesale for 20% or less of new MSRP. 10 year old cars sell for 10% primarily for their junkyard and used parts value.

Only an expert who works on these cars daily has a decent chance of identifying the bulk of the defects and creating a cost analysis of what each vehicle will actually cost to restore to 100% functionality.

Then assume even the PAID EXPERTS missed a few things so add another 20% to estimates.

[ianh]

Thanks you for your reply.Well yes I agree with you, but would expect these to at least be as good as my Nissan's.Do you know if the rear shade is just an adjustment?As far as I can tell both these Cars drove well, and everything I tested seems to work.I preferred the black interior and NAV car, which had the tire wear problem.Is there a common part that fails, like the XJ8 ball joints ?Thanks Ian.

[seldomseen]

How did they accelerate? Was there a hesitation? The '02 Q45 had a TSB to replace the the gas pedal to a design that was supposed to reduce/stop hesitation. The $3,000 used car rule also isn't an absolute either. My '03 Q45 didn't require any major engine/mechanical monies to get it operating 100% and mine wasn't a CPO either. I've now owned my Q45 close to 2 years. I can however see spending $3,000+ on this car engine/mechanical issues over the next 3-4 years though.

[ianh]

I would say they didn't hesitate, but more spooled up then went !!I guess they are heavy. Handled and rode nicely though.turned on sport setting.have you had problems with the rear shade ?what about the front end, joints alignment etc.Since the cars, although at the same dealer, came from different sources, I wouldn't expect both of them to be missing the pedal update.

[mcrews]

The arm on the rear shade need a 'little' lubricant at the pivot point. The dry kind like for locks....grafite. you should be able to pull up on the corner that is stuck, then push the button and it will go up all the way.

[maxnix]

Any suggestions, help ?

ALWAYS review the Infiniti Dealer performed service history before viewing any car. If this is news to you, read the sticky above on how to buy a Q45.

The examples you drove are obviously abused. Keep looking and concentrate on 2003 and later examples.

One always needs to verify the 3,750 OCI and on the 2002 that the throttle/TCU update was performed.

[marksport]

Rear sunshade also has plastic pivots that break and get jammed up. May need to pull out the shade and get those little pivots replaced.

[elwesso]

The weird accerlation is probably because of the TSB that hasnt been performed.. I would try and find an 03, there were a handful of improvements and other options you could get, unless you can find an 02 that you know has had the TSB done..

Sounds like it just needs an alignment otherwise, or some minor suspension work. Overall, I would take it to a shop and have them give it a "once over"..

Welcome to NICO!!!

[maxnix]

I would try and find an 03, there were a handful of improvements and other options you could get, unless you can find an 02 that you know has had the TSB done..

Actually, there were many changes in the electronics and even the differential ratio that make the 2003 a different car. The later models are refinements of the 2003 model.

[unknown007]

I think once you take the car out the lot and do the first oil change the car performance will not be OEM.There is no such thing, to me atleast, that any car will handle as it left the factory.I rather just buy a Brand new car every 3months if I want it 100% to original specs. As long as it drives I'm set.I think I'll go test a 2002 Q45 soon maybe see how it feels.