Want to buy a Q and need some advice

[richcta]

I'm seriously thinking about buying a Q and am a noob. Saw a nice Q45 (2003) for sale for 22k. What should I be concerned about in buying a Q? I am also consideing buying a used Lexus 430. I'm not rich but would like to have some luxury and reliability. Comments?

[elwesso]

Welcome to NICO!!!

If you end up looking at a Q near fort wayne, or indianapolis, i will be happy to lookat it with you. I think i could do as good of an inspection as a dealer could...

Anyway, read the sticky at the top.. It will have a FAQ about the F50 Q (02+).. really the onyl thing to consider is excessive oil consumption and front end vibrations.. Most of what is "bad" (which isnt really anything serious) in 02 was fixed in 03. There arent realy any issues per se with the 03s...

[richcta]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't notice the sticky until now. Oops. Sorry.

[maxnix]

As always, get the Infiniti Dealer performed service history by submitting the VIN to you local friendly Infiniti service writer. Beware of extended OCI.

Having a Senior Infiniti Technician inspect it also is recommended.

If you are buying from an Infiniti Dealer, see it you can get an extended warranty from Infiniti.

[Jesda]

The LS430 has potential transmission issues, related to poor software that has yet to be fixed, probably because its likely a hardware problem.

The Q has potential engine issues. Oil changes done on schedule keep the VK45 V8 from developing oil consumption problems.

[Q45tech]

reliability ?????????????????????????

The more gagets a car has the more likehood of a failure. power windows vs crank up, power anything is much less reliable than manual connections.

Across all brands [Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, & MB] the finest examples of reliability occurred just before 1996 and use of OBD2 controls.

Every vehicle has its compromised and designed in weak points.........each subsystem has a cost control limit.

The sales of the 2002-2006 Q45 were so very low, it is hard to develop a statistical picture.

[qship96]

Totally disagree about reliability falling with the advent of obd2 and 1996+ cars-in the 184,371 miles I have driven my 96q-- I have had ONE check engine lamp incident{throttle position sensor} and NO other electrical gremlins whatsoever- biggest issue has been 2 drivers side window regulators to date. original injectors,all sensors,alternator,starter,all ecm and black boxes,exhaust,steering rack,transmission,etc,etc.....

[richcta]

I see we have consensus amoung the members Even though the chances of a dodad breaking are greater the more you have of them I get the impression reliability is good based on checking out the posts on what problems members are having, and, that things break based on age and wear.

[BadQ45t]

Drive that Q and the LS back to back...the 03' Q was not a popular car but it has the stuff. The styling has been its biggest problem. I bet you get a much better deal on the Q and you cannot really go wrong. You'll have some warranty left on it but get an extended, you cannot go wrong with that 03' and that sounds like a great price. But get it check out and get its history for sure.