What 3 Things Do You Like The Least About Your Q?

[goody90q45]

I'm in a pissy mood tonight since I just ended a bad week at work. We dropped and destroyed a million dollar part on Monday and I'm leading the investigative team and have had to listen to a bunch of excuses all week.

So to continue my sour mood just through tonight (I've got the next 3 days off) lets hear the 3 things you like the least, or in my case annoy you the most, about your Q. I'll start:

Honorable mention: The size of the glove compartment. Was there that little space available that it couldn't have been a little bigger?

#3. Glare from the dashboard on a sunny day. It's never been this bad on any car I've owned. Makes me sweat just thinking about it.

#2. Lack of useable cup holders. What the heck were they thinking? Were there no Starbucks in Japan in 1994?

#1. Water coming in the open driver's window from the roof. At the first stop sign on the downhill 1/4 mile from my home, I slow to a stop and on a wet morning the water comes pouring in. Never heard it mentioned, am I alone on this one?

Come on guys, let's hear your complaints. Make my day.

[maxnix]

I'm in a pissy mood tonight

Must be.

#3 Never has happened to me. Tan interiors on the G50, and black on the FGY33.

#2 Cupholders are for poseurs and soccer moms, not real drivers!

#1 Gee, I always drive with my windows up and my sunroof closed in the rain. Love the climate control. Call me weird, iguess.

[lino]

Sorry to hear what happened Mike.

I have way more than 3

#3 I can't get my car to run right no matter what I do .

#2 My car never came with a complimentary CONSULT along with the service manual .

#1 I can't get rid of this car out of guilt, because of all the great guys here that have helped me out so much.

Q45

[oldmako]

I've only owned the car for two months (and two oil changes) so my exposure to the infiniti way is limited but here goes:

1) The doors don't like to stay open. This is probably adjustable in some way but I have yet to dig into that.

2) Neither of my two front cigar lighters work. There is current at the one in the dash, but devices won't receive current without holding them in place. The one in the console appears DOA.

3) The automatic rear view mirror. Just give me the el cheapo lever version and let me flip it when I want. This one doesn't dim quite enough.

Beyond that, I like the car!

ps. My 99 has a cup holder, and I consider it essential equipment. I do a lot of backside of the clock driving and I need my caffeine close!

[elwesso]

Hmmm.. 3 things I hate about Q's, its so hard to narrow it down...

3. No manual transmission2. The 94 seats suck.. The overall driving position, IMO could be better. Its like sitting on a folding chair.. 90-93 seats are better, but not THAT much better. In comparison, the seats in my E28 are a bit nicer.. I plan on redoing my drivers seat this summer to remedy the situation.1. The fact that everything takes twice as long as you plan. My biggest problem is I take what I think the job should take, double it, and it then doubles from there, especially when im working on someone elses car or a job I havent done before.. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the latter is dwindling.

[Q45man1]

Hey Mike,

Drive down to LA since you got the next 3 days off. I'll buy you lunch to make your day!

# 1 cupholder# 2 mini size glove compartment# 3 sunroof. At least it's working but squek and need to lubricate.

[qship96]

My pet peeves

1. lack of water management from roof roll-off. When you open door to get in, water rolls off freshly waxed roof and dumps on door panel and seat, and your lap-especially if car is parked slightly tilted towards drivers side-the damn water beads roll off edge of roof into your open door----the G20 had better water management

2. The dual trip odometers should go to 9999 not 999 , would be helpful to be able to use one of them to monitor miles for oil changes or long trips,etc

3.More legroom in rear seat-I drive with seat all the way back, and there is little room for anyone to sit behind me...car is a 3 seater when I am behind the wheel! An awefully big car for a 3 seater!!!

[Denver90Q]

Legroom is bad. Had more in my Honda Civic.

Front seat doesn't fold flat for napping.

No adjustments for climate control for rear seat passengers.

No rear seat passthru.

Guess that's four.

[Skibane]

Well, you guys have already covered my top 3:

1. Pretend glove box,2. Door holders that don't hold the doors open, and3. No rear seat pass-through - let alone a seat that folds completely down (like even the cheapest Nissan models have as standard equipment!)

If you were to add a fourth item to the list, my contribution would be the over-lawyerization of the driver's controls (i.e., no ability to use the power windows, sun roof, audio system, cigar lighters, etc. without the ignition key). On a REALLY great car, the engineers would figure out a way to keep these items functional full-time, without compromising safety...

[Kiven422]

I have never gotten glare from the dashboard in the Q. I think you may be using the wrong cleaning tools/ingredients. I use windex wipes to clean the dash/panels and cloth to clean the windows as the windex wipes (specially made for windows) leave dust all over the place.

#3 transmission causes too much disfomcort between 2nd - 3rd gear shifts... unoticable for passengers but so annoying for the driver

#2 Center Armrest not as comfortable ... I would really like an adjustable one like the 90-93 with a super awesome fold away compartment that fits perfectly underneath

#1 No car as fun and comfortable to drive as the Q.... I have nothing but bad things to say about the 2006 BMW 530i, why build credit with that piece of crap?!? I also would like to save $$$ by doing double the mileage in my good ol Honda Accord. They are... last resort sacrifices.

[MinisterofDOOM]

1. lack of water management from roof roll-off. When you open door to get in, water rolls off freshly waxed roof and dumps on door panel and seat, and your lap-especially if car is parked slightly tilted towards drivers side-the damn water beads roll off edge of roof into your open door----the G20 had better water management

I don't think I've ever been in a Nissan that didn't have this problem...and I've been in a lot of Nissans (never a G20 though). They drench you with water when you open the door and if you want to drive with the windows down while it's raining you'd better cover the inside of the door with a tarp.

[RAP]

THAT HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS OVERDONE on my 2000. That thing bugs me.

The doors could have some help staying open and yet to investigate, but will, soon. They do close easily though, and that cause fusses with passengers when they are reprimanded about NOT slamming the doors. I can't understand why folks just don't see how easy and smoooooth the doors close. Man that bugs me also.

(The cup holder holds a 16 ouncer well, un-opened of course. I think maybe also a 24 ouncer but haven't needed to transport that one, yet, also un-opened. But 12 ounce bottles tend to be too loose though, and Caronas are a bit tall, and top heavy with the cap still on of course ).

The throttle foot position is a bit awkward but there is nothing that can be done about that that I can see.

Jack

A bit more about cup holders. Toyoto did a market survey with a focus on the young and THE cup holder was a very important consideration for young folks along with easier payments . Toyoto is about to run GM out of business hmmmmm...

[CINNALOCKS]

The three things I hate most about my Q

1.) The cost of new parts....... thank God old parts are available and dependable2.) The Drivers seat....long rides on a 6' 2" frame can be grueling3.) No cup holders..................coffee, water and juice on a long ride are imperative

[bullittandy]

97 Q45-2-3 shift lag-lack of pretty clock-DOORS THAT WON'T STAY OPEN!!!!!

I never really thought about this until I read from all the other Y33 guys. I always thought I greased 'em up once too much.

[goody90q45]

I'm in a pissy mood tonight since I just ended a bad week at work.

Thanks for sounding off. I feel better now knowing that I'm not alone.

I forgot to add that my week started off with my home being burglarized Monday morning and losing my laptop (no NissanDataScan for a while), camera, Ipod, some of the wife's jewelry, $100 cash, my 30 year service pin with 3 miniscule diamond chips (why?) and my computer mouse (why?).

I can't post pics in the forums without a camera so I'm buying a replacement today. I do miss NDS though. It'll be a while before I can get another laptop.

[maxnix]

Damn, sounds like you need some help from Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson.

Hope you find the punks, or maybe even the police do.

[ILuvNkdChx]

#3 - Lack of cost efficient upgrades.#2 - No manual shift.#1 - How a project car, never seems to be "done".

[silver2k2]

1) no manual transmission

Sorry to hear that Mike, you can come over and use my datascan if needed.

Thieves are the lowest life form

[AlabamaDan]

I used the hate the lack of cup holders, but I switched to bottled drinks that I can just cap up.

There are a number of things they had in JDM that didn't make it over here, such as folding mirrors when you park, back seat controls for HVAC and Audio and who knows what else. It irks me these were deleted for the US.

I'd like to have auto lights. Even the Ford Crown Vic in 1994 had that. The JDM might have.

I'm not sure if things were available back then, but one of those computers that gives instant MPG, Miles to Empty and stuff would've been cool.

Other than that, I don't have any complaints. For it's time 1994 it was ahead of its time in most things. I have noticed the lack of "rain gutters" on the side, but I keep windows up unless it's a really pretty day anyway. I think "rain gutters" might mess up the look anyway and it's something I'll live with.

[AlabamaDan]

...The doors could have some help staying open and yet to investigate, but will, soon. They do close easily though, and that cause fusses with passengers when they are reprimanded about NOT slamming the doors. I can't understand why folks just don't see how easy and smoooooth the doors close. Man that bugs me also.

Seems like I'm always yelling at my kids and passengers. My wife gets it though. I've never had to say a word to her. Kids get confused when we ride in the Jeep which requires an "almost slam."

Mike - Sorry to hear about everything.

[mtcookson]

3. Being told to always go OEM 2. Leather1. Tied for first... the lack of cup holders and it being an absolute pain to work on.

Last I checked... all humans drink, even drivers, so to say cup holders shouldn't be in a "driver's car (equipped solely with OEM equipment and no mods to make it even more of a driver's car)"... just doesn't seem right.

Being so used to working on Nissan's more simple V6, the VG30E(T)... the VH45 is almost a night mare to work on... but I'm managing for the most part.

[DoinkMobb]

1. Doors won't stay open (stop closing on my damn leg!)2. Door locks that will sometimes lock/unlock several times for no apparent reason when I'm trying to let people in my car. 3. Stupid analog clock. Di-gi-tal please.

Honorable mention: cup holders inside the center armrest cubby. I have to drive around with the armrest up when I get a drink from somewhere? And then I make a hard stop and the lid closes on said drink. Excellent.

Cupholders are for soccer moms eh? I suppose unsupportive slippery leather seats and a 4-speed auto transmission are the eptiome of a driver's car?

[Warspite]

1) Ditto on the water through the door - No one created an aftermarket Ventshade for the Q. Are they trying to make me give up cigarettes?

2) Glare was a huge problem, until I bought an aftermarket black dashmat, which cut out about 75% of the problem.

3) The Q is overwhelming to the uninitiated. To work on, that is. Some call the vehicle "Quirk 45." Your average shadetree mechanic, or even traditional service center, have little proficiency in properly repairing a Q. Fortunately, there's T-3 in Atlanta, and this forum, that fills these gaps. But that also explains why many Qs with much lower mileage than mine wind up in junkyards (or bought outright as parts cars due to the non-existant aftermarket for these models). A screwdriver and brute force Engineering don't cut it with a Q.

Glad to see I'm not the only one afflicted with items 1 and 2.

[Desmoquattro]

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption

And, um, fuel consumption. Seriously I find it amazing that a sedan can shame a Suburban around town even with light throttle use. Then again the luxo barges of this era were never efficient - Mercedes-Benz 420 SE (quad cam) was rated around 13 mpg city. Oh well, I never expected it to be good.

Aside from that: The second gear starts are stupid and inefficient. The pedals are too close together for an automatic car. Fine for a manual, but not in this car.The steering is ridiculously light and numb.Where are the heated seats? Audi put them front AND rear in 1991, why nothing at all from Nissan?The traction control conspires to stop you dead in winter driving, you can only drive in the snow with it turned off.

[lino]

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption

And, um, fuel consumption. Seriously I find it amazing that a sedan can shame a Suburban around town even with light throttle use. Then again the luxo barges of this era were never efficient - Mercedes-Benz 420 SE (quad cam) was rated around 13 mpg city. Oh well, I never expected it to be good.

This car was a gas guzzler when it was new, imagine after all the mileage it has on it now, cold winter driving, and car not serviced and tuned 100%.

Aside from that: The second gear starts are stupid and inefficient.

You need to get a 93+ TCU so that the cars starts out of 1st gear.

Where are the heated seats? Audi put them front AND rear in 1991, why nothing at all from Nissan?

"Two unique Saab innovations are presented on the 1972 models: an electrically heated driving seat and self-repairing (up to 8 Km/h, 5 mph) bumpers."

No heated seats is very surprising on a car like this considering that the Sunvisor has an Airbag warning label in English and French for US-spec cars.

The traction control conspires to stop you dead in winter driving, you can only drive in the snow with it turned off.

Driving in Montreal in a RWD car.....you're asking for it. Especially a car as powerful as the Q. Nokian Hakka tires at the very least to get you rolling. My friends are driving AWD car with studs (even downtown.)

[mxr662]

1. The headlights do not turn off and on automatically.2. The amount of work it requires for maintenance and repair3. The cost of parts.

Sorry to hear about you situation Mike. You can take my laptop and datascan any time you need it. At least the thieves did not find your gold mine of Q parts.

Andy

[tkd_q45]

1. All those hard to reach components under the plenum - who's bright idea was that?2. Cheap leather - my 92 W124 400e had SUPERIOR leather - many MB's of that era show little or no wear past 200K.3. Cheaper materials used in the later G50s

[Desmoquattro]

I wasn't really asking for advice, I was being sarcastic. Having searched the site I know about all the "fixes". And yes, winter driving kills fuel economy, nothing surprising there.

The car is fine and dandy in snow as long as the TCS is turned off. That's with relatively cheap Nordic tires. I never get stuck, but if I leave the TCS on I can't even get up hills. It just keeps cutting power until it stops moving. It's not just the Q, a lot of traction control systems do the same thing, you need to learn to drive without them. The LSD helps a lot, try driving a rwd car with an open diff in snow and it's a real pain.

AWD with studs and still having problems? That guy is pulling your leg, it's not that hard to drive in snow. How else do we get from igloo to igloo to pick up our stubby beer? We don't all drive locking 4x4s. I learned to drive in winter, and have driven just about any type of vehicle in the worse conditions. I have a good friend who drives his M coupe in the winter with a set of (non-studded) Pirelli winter tires. And that's about the worse winter car I can think of.

[RAP]

TCS What is it good for? I really can't see the need for such a feature, particularly in snow and ice. IMO folks that live and drive in snow and ice should learn how to, or, not to do. I have lived and driven in such conditions in the past and there were times when rear wheel drive cars, (front engine) couldn't go, no matter what the driver did. Trucks are worse. Makes for plenty work for tow trucks. The best solution, for me, was to move to an area (home) that is free of such problems although living in cooler, hilly country has it's appeals.

Jack

[lino]

AWD with studs and still having problems?

No problems whatsoever. It's just for safety, peace of of mind, and hassle-free commutes. He has to drive an hour each day from up North to downtown. He sees people in the ditch all the time.

I have a good friend who drives his M coupe in the winter with a set of (non-studded) Pirelli winter tires. And that's about the worse winter car I can think of.

E36 or E86? I love both. There's a super clean E36 that hangs around de Maisonneuve and Crescent all summer long.