Thinking about buying a 97 Q45

[LoveJoy7]

I found this silver on black Q45 for sale here in NYC for 1700. The guy selling says the transmission doesn't have reverse, but it was rebuilt and when you hit the gas there's a "ticking noise" .

All I wanna know is, is this a good deal or stay as far away from it as possible...

[elwesso]

Well fixing reverse is going to require a new trans if theres a ticking noise when you're on the gas that could be anything from low oil pressure to an exhaust leak..

A $1700 97 Q45 is going to probably need at least $4000 in parts (with the trans being over 2 grand itself)

[trajanH]

Silver and black is a cool color to have! Dont know about NYC prices but here in So Cal you can get a good trans in a 97 Q for about 1000 bucks. If the car is in good shape you can also probably fix the other problems for about 1000 if you do the work yourself. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy another car just for the parts. The ticking noise could be the valve cover gaskets need to be replaced.

[LoveJoy7]

Honestly I dont wanna be stuck with something I cant drive or has to sit. Ive been down that road and trust its no fun. I can go to my mechanic and see what the possible problem is but almost 4k for a transmission is ridiculous. As far as the ticking noise ive heard about 8 possible problems, sticky lifters, valve gaskets, knock sensors, exhaust leaks. It sounds like way to much trouble for the deal thats there.

[mtzgr777]

"Falling in love with a poorly maintained Q is like sleeping with a high-priced hooker. The sex will be great, but you'll wind up broke." -Someone's Sig (Can't remember who)

It's your choice, I personally would stay away.

[maxnix]

1.) Dont know about NYC prices but here in So Cal you can get a good trans in a 97 Q for about 1000 bucks.

2.) The ticking noise could be the valve cover gaskets need to be replaced.

1.) I think this statement demands a detailed and quantifiable definition of "good."

2.) Reeaaallly? I don't think so! Ticking sounds and VC gasket conditions are not related!

[elwesso]

It sounds like way to much trouble for the deal thats there.

I agree TOTALLY..

[trajanH]

1.) I think this statement demands a detailed and quantifiable definition of "good."

2.) Reeaaallly? I don't think so! Ticking sounds and VC gasket conditions are not related!

Just reporting my own experience here. Before I replaced my valve cover gaskets on my Q I was hearing a ticking sound coming from the engine.

A good transmission is good enough. Most of the cars that we are driving now have good transmissions in them. Meaning you can take my old transmission from my car and put it in yours and drive many years on it if you know how to maintain it.

[bullittandy]

transmission's are available for $300-$600 all day long, gauge install cost and you're looking at about $3000 total price for car, used transmission and install. You can find all kinds of 97's for that price with no surprises. I would take the gamble if the car were $800 or less ($1700 is too much) and I'm an expert on making money on junked cars.

-A

[callmeweezy724]

went and looked at that car todayy. I jus got backk actually, the ticking sound is definetly a rod knockk. so try a motor and trannyy..because it doesnt go in reverse. And when we were goin around the block the kid drivin hit a pot hole and blew the front left tire lmao. Idk if its a good idea either but it def is temptingg. I didnt come home with it tho they were tryin to sell it to me so badd..oh u get a music system thiss look howw clean it is. All i kept sayin was yea i kno im not worried about that...Im only worried about that "ticking" sound..which sounded like rod knock to mee. Sad to hear on such a clean Y33..