What should I do with my Q?

[korbinperry]

Hey guys. I registered here because I have a 91 Q that I sadly cannot afford to fix or maintain any longer and I am looking for some insight from people who know about this kind of thing. I bought her two years ago for 3 grand with about 170k. Lasted me two years before I started to have issues. Recently I've done brakes, new tires.
The engine is still holding up, I've had to replace a few tension pulley's because they seized, and replaced belts also. Right now I have a bad battery and possibly alternator, but I am not 100% sure yet. The battery cables need replacing as well, theyre weak and corroded. Aside from that, there is some normal wear in the engine, it's old and dirty...but the transmission still never knocks, and she starts beautifully. It was a well maintained car for a long time, one owner before me and be babied it pretty well. Cosmetically there are a few dings and scratches but not a single major dent, and the only rust is on the rear quarter panel under the gas tank. The suspension probably needs replacing as well as exhaust. That's just what I know.

I bought a new car because I can't afford to have these problems and can't afford the fixes needed, so right now, she's parked and I don't know what to do. KBB would say in current condition with the repairs needed, maybe a grand. If I could get a grand out of it I think I would be okay with it but I've been offered as low as 500. Quite frankly, the Konig rims and scrap metal alone would be worth more than 5/600 so I can't justify that. I am considering parting it out but honestly I don't know where I would do it.

I guess I'm just looking for some advice, insight, anything you can spare. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to vehicles but I want to get as much out of her as I can, and I would absolutely hate to scrap it. What would you do if this were your Q, fellow infiniti owners?

[Brew Q]

Where are you located? You might get a taker on the motor, but other than that get what you can for it and move on. With that rust spot and the repairs needed you'd be lucky to get a grand. Really nice 1st gens (if you can find one) only sell for 2k or so...some times more.

Sounds like it isn't running right now? Also there are the typical question marks that a 90-92 has: have the chain guides and injectors been updated? Has the FPCU ever been repaired, fuel pump original or does it hum?

Sell the rims for $100 (or whatever you can get) and the car for $500 and move on with life.

Good luck, sorry it didn't work out

[korbinperry]

I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Currently the car is running but battery is not holding a charge. Alt is still putting out 13 volts so I don't think it's bad but I haven't ruled it out. Fuel pump is original and no humming. Those things you mentioned frankly I have no idea lol. But I will look into them.

That is exactly the sort of input I am looking for, thank you for your honest and intelligent opinion.

I feel like parting it out I could make some money but I don't know how long I'll have to sit on the parts.

[Infinitiguy19]

Is this your only car?

I bought a second Q to fiddle around with on free time.... I would do the same if you had the time and money. These cars might be worth something someday?

[korbinperry]

Is this your only car?

I bought a second Q to fiddle around with on free time.... I would do the same if you had the time and money. These cars might be worth something someday?

Haha well, I just bought a car to replace this one really. If I did have the time and money I definitely would because I absolutely loved the Q but, sadly I spent the little I have in savings on a down payment and now I just really need some money.

[Skibane]

It doesn't really sound like your Q needs much money or effort to fix - at least for the short term.

Any Auto Zone can check your alternator for free. Even if it turns out to be bad, you won't be out huge bucks to replace it.

And, since you've got another reliable car, you aren't under any pressure to get your Q fixed immediately. You can do it gradually, as your budget and time allow.

[Q451990]

The interior looks really good for it's age and mileage. I hope you figure out something good to do with it...

Heath

[elwesso]

Other than the rust on the quarter panel, that car looks to be in real nice shape!

Personally I'd at least try and get it to the point where it's a functioning car.. If you put in $250 into a new alternator and battery, you might be able to get $1500 out of the car, where now it's probably worth $750 as a mechanics special.

Battery cables are usually pretty straight forward to replace, especially if it's just terminals that need done.

[elwesso]

The problem with parting out an old Q like this is not that the parts aren't valuable, but they'll take FOREVER to sell. I recently just had a parts car that was in much worse shape than that (engine had much less miles though), and I scrapped it almost completely intact less some suspension parts and the engine.

[Brew Q]

I have to second Wes's comments and retract my original post!

Also agree 100% on the parts not selling. My local pick n pull had 3 Q45's a month ago (a 91, 94 and 95). I pulled injectors and the rail from the '95 and now all that shows up on their search is a '96! The '95 had almost all its parts still on it including window regulators I was going to pull. Hope they didn't scrap all 3 I suppose I'll have to go out there and check it out, get some parts off the '96 while I can.

I suppose if we were "normal" people we wouldn't own these cars Sucks with normal!