What to do with my "Q"?

[EnQusiast]

Hey all,

First timer here, but, long time “Q” fan. Six years ago I bought a “91” with 60K, it now has 120K, and I have to say I can’t imagine a driving a finer (handling, faster, luxury) vehicle. I can drive this car, just to drive it!

Here’s the problem. I’ve sunk a ton of money into the car; and to get it to where I would like it to be, I’m facing a ton more. To complicate things, my dad has offered to sell me his 2000 Lincoln Navigator (mint, with < 30K) for $7,500.00 under KBB value.

What do I do with the “Q”? I love this car like a dog. In order to keep it, I’ve come to the conclusion I have to do the work myself; it no longer makes sense to pay the dealership. I thought I ask the advice of the forum. What would you do? I’m a competent weekend warrior and very comfortable with tools. Time is my biggest problem. Following is a list of what I would like to do with the car. I’d really appreciate the advice of you who love this car as much as I do and understand what it takes to complete this work.

1.) Chain guides –don’t appear to have been done - according to the Infiniti service history report.2.) 2,3,4 fuel injectors - out of spec.3.) Front speakers crack & pop – definitely need replacing.4.) Cassette deck has never worked – possibly replace?5.) LED display on the HVAC control no longer works and the fan constantly runs.6.) Drivers side rear view mirror need replacing.

So, am I kidding myself? I know I’ll still have a hefty investment in parts, etc; it’s the time and competency in getting the job/s done that I’m concerned about. What do you think? I’m looking forward to your feedback.

Regards.EnQusiastWheaton, Illinois

[Q45CALIBER]

I say keep the q and get the Nav. if your really want it. Find a mechanic that you can trust and that has experience working on nissans and infinitys.

Me I hooked up with someone that had the same car as me and he put me on to who he knew. Sometimes to save money I will go out side my main mechanic but I usally get burned. So I learned to deal with his shop only.

Some thing you can do your self take it from me a guy who never worked on cars before. From the forums and articles posted on this site and q45.org I have installed: Water pump, thermostat, knock sensors...

Use the search on Nico like its the bible. Good luck and Welcome!!!!

[elwesso]

Really I dont think your that far off... Doesnt look terrible to me... Remember that the Q is still a car, so you dont have to be a tech to make things work...

looks like you just to replace your guides and pull the plenum to do the injectors..... Not terrible..

3. Id go with an aftermarket setup, personally... bose is nice, but I think its a waste of money to restore...4. Any nissan bose HU is plug and play..... Search for posts on this..5. Common; blower resistor is toast...

Just remember, getting this Q back where it should be will take significantly less than it would be to buy a new car..... especially if your willing to DIY.

[Jesda]

Take the Navigator. You -will- miss the Q, I absolutely guarantee it, but the economic argument is tremendous. The Navigator has one of the best interiors I've ever seen.

[maxnix]

Take the Navigator. You -will- miss the Q, I absolutely guarantee it, but the economic argument is tremendous.

For precisely those reasons I would repair the Q.

The Navigator is an albatross. Even, worse, it's a truck.

[Jesda]

1.) Chain guides –don’t appear to have been done - according to the Infiniti service history report.

$1200-$2000 depending on who works on it.

2.) 2,3,4 fuel injectors - out of spec.

$140 a piece plus a few hours of whatever your time is worth.

3.) Front speakers crack & pop – definitely need replacing.

$70x2 for working Bose amps.

4.) Cassette deck has never worked – possibly replace?

$60-$120 for used Bose head unit.

5.) LED display on the HVAC control no longer works and the fan constantly runs.

$75 darlington resister.$100 rebuild display through Jerry Tucker + shipping.

6.) Drivers side rear view mirror need replacing.

$60 junkyard.

Add to that depreciation, motor mounts, trans mount, fuel pump, belt, hoses, trans flush, trans filter, and other normal things, and you're looking at $3500-$5000, depending on how much is DIY and whether you can (or should) get used parts. I assume your AC works, for now. You have 50-80k before you have to think about under-plenum hoses.

Buy an extended warranty for the Navigator if you get it. Remember that if some jerkoff swipes or hits you, insurance doesn't care if you fixed the chain guides or used synthetic oil. At the end of the day, the market (and we still live in a capitalist society last I checked) says its worth $2500.

[EnQusiast]

Guy's, thanks for the feedback. It looks like I'm joining the ranks of the two vehicle owners soon. I think I'd have to anyway, I'm not sure how I'm going to adjust to driving a freaking tank around after six years of high performance. Though Jesda's right, the Nav's a nice ride.

Q45Caliber - Your modesty regarding doing the work is what's giving me the confidence to try this as well. Thanks!

Wes - Your right, to get the same kind of perfomance in a new car I'd be facing $800.00 a month payments for the next five years, and that's with putting 10G's down!!!

So, my plan is to tackle the biggest job's first. I'm thinking the chain guides followed by the injectors. I'll start reasearching old post's tonight. If anyone has any advice, I'd love to hear it.

I'll keep a record of everything so to post afterwards.

[CrimsonQ]

Im in a similar boat, though my Q is rather well taken care of, Id like to get a second car so the Q doesnt have to be the daily driver.

Id say get the secondc ar if you can afford insurance on both. Second cars are always handy :P

[EnQusiast]

Yeah, Im kinds looking at like this: some guys have a car and a motorcyle. I'm going to have a car and a "Q".

[CrimsonQ]

and after the navigators all paid and done, get a bike and make them all jealous

[Rex]

Leave the gun, take the cannolis .

If you can swing both the Q and the Nav, then do it. Havin the Q as a non-daily driver is the best thing ... keeps you from having to make repairs quickly, which can help lessen the costs.

BTW, I have a Q and a motorcycle ... got rid of the Honda beater back in May ... gonna need something for the winter soon.

[BlackBirdVQ]

Lemme know if you wanna sell your Q I am doing much more to my 94 than you have listed.

Head gaskets.Chain guides.Heads rebuilt.Trans Rebuild.Water Pump.O2 Sensors.New -manifold back exhaust with new cats.New Knock sensors.New MAF.New Radiator.New Hoses for under plenum.New injectors.New radius rods.New upper controll arms front.New Shocks.New springs.New wheels and tires.Repleace burned out HVAC bulbs.Rebuild my rear speakers.

Pretty much all the parts are new from Infiniti, you add up how much I am sinking into my Q45 Since I'm a mechanic, all the labor is free. If I took it over to Infiniti, I could probably buy a brand new G20 (if they sold them still) for the price of this "OverHauln".

[EnQusiast]

Thanks for the offer Blackbird; but, I'm looking forward to the project now. And like Rex say's, I can take my time and knock'em down one at a time and have some fun with it. Good luck with your "94"!

[nuQ]

agree with rex,,,,if you can do both,,,,keep them!!! my Q is not a daily driver so i can take my time to do the repairs when i can. seems the only fix that might be over your head is the chain guides, and even that i'm sure the guys here could walk you through. i could NEVER imagine giving up my Q for a truck!!!! i'd be bored to tears in 2 min.!!!!!!

[Q45CALIBER]

ooh forgot I did the upper and lower control arm in the front, and swaped a injector. I have redefined myself as a weekend mechanic. lol.

Guy's, thanks for the feedback. It looks like I'm joining the ranks of the two vehicle owners soon. I think I'd have to anyway, I'm not sure how I'm going to adjust to driving a freaking tank around after six years of high performance. Though Jesda's right, the Nav's a nice ride.

Q45Caliber - Your modesty regarding doing the work is what's giving me the confidence to try this as well. Thanks!

Wes - Your right, to get the same kind of perfomance in a new car I'd be facing $800.00 a month payments for the next five years, and that's with putting 10G's down!!!

So, my plan is to tackle the biggest job's first. I'm thinking the chain guides followed by the injectors. I'll start reasearching old post's tonight. If anyone has any advice, I'd love to hear it.

I'll keep a record of everything so to post afterwards.

Keep that Q. That has actual held off my Benz ich. Just wish there was more leg room.

[njcomputerman]

I am looking for a good mechaninc in north NJ or NY. ANy suggestions ?

1991 basic but loaded.

I enjoy very much. Mods will coming soon.

[Q451990]

From Q45.org:Vanmeter Auto Service - Located in Mantua NJ is a reputable shop for folks in the northeast. Keith Vanmeter, a former Infiniti technician now working independently, can be reached at 856-415-2022.

Looks like about a 95 mile drive from Basking Ridge...

Heath

[Q451990]

EnQusiast - first of all Welcome to NICO! Nice to see a long time owner come to the best first gen Q board!

I would highly recommend replacing your guides before you drive your Q much more. That may not be a problem with your Navigator... My guide failure happened at 120K - and that seems to be a common time. Some sooner, some later - but I'd say you're riding the top of the bell curve right now...

Best of luck - and if you're a DIY kind of guy you can fix most of this yourself. Just take your time and we'll help as much as possible!

Heath

[tkd_q45]

You could always part it out! Post pics.

[nuQ]

From Q45.org:Vanmeter Auto Service - Located in Mantua NJ is a reputable shop for folks in the northeast. Keith Vanmeter, a former Infiniti technician now working independently, can be reached at 856-415-2022.

Looks like about a 95 mile drive from Basking Ridge...

Heath

keith did a bunch of work on my 90Q when i bought it (chain guides included),,,,,,,highly recommended and very reasonable. tell him you're from NICO!