What year Q45 would be the best tradeoff between repair costs and purchase price

[Victor]

I have read most of the posts on this board for the past few months. From what I read you can generally get an early first generation Q45 for around $2000 or less, but then have to spend anywhere from a couple of thousand up to $10,000 in the fist year or two of ownership on repairs and maintenance. On the other hand you could try to find a very late model low mileage third generation that would still have a little warranty left on it or had just come off warranty that would have relatively low repair costs at least initially but would cost you anywhere from say $12,000 to over $20,000 to buy it. But would the best compromise be a low mileage second generation for around $9000. I read the second generation is the most reliable of the three generations, although it is the slowest of the bunch if speed is important to you.Comments, especially from anyone who has had experience with all three generations?

[qship96]

Stick with your J30. 6 cylinders is more than you need, especially since your post history reflects a lack of willingness or resources to reinvest in the automobile to maintain it to correct operating condition.

[Q45tech]

The problem is the things that wear and tear are never covered by warranty or at best they are covered 4 years or 60k so you kave only gone thru the 60% depreciation point say when a $50k car is down to $20,000.

Unfortunately used cars are profit centers and a car that wholesales for $20k can easily be sold for $25k

My guess is the point or limit where you can still buy the FULL extented 100k manufacturers warranty......= say 40-59k and 3.5 years. BUT what the previous owner spent on preventative mainteance is critical in what happens after 120k.

A single missed or extended oil change can create wear than can never be repaired or resolved. Same with not servicing transmission AND DIFF at 2 years or 30k.

Failure to way over maintain in excess of owners manual minimums will cost the 2nd and 3rd owner.

[Q45tech]

Another thought is when the vehicle depreciates $3,000 per year.

On a $50k car the brand new depreciation is $10k when you drive it off the lot and 3 years usually represents 50% or the car is down to $25,000.Study the 3 year and mileage RESIDUAL in LEASES which may be inflated 5%-10% vs wholesale to move leases and cars.Remember a used car lot must make $2,000 over costs to stay in business [they may settle for less if they get kick backs on auto loan financing].

When I broke my own rules we bought a [7 year old] 1999 MB AMG C43 for $17k in 2005 with 80k by 103k in 2007 it needed a new $6,500 transmission. Luckily I was able to acquire one wholesale and do the work so the net was $4,000 and 3 days work. By the way the special front rotors cost $386 EACH WHOLESALE and the engine has 2 spark plugs per cylinder whith 2 very expensive wires to the dual coil and the evaporator failed at 95k.

The point is being expert in Nissan or Q can leave you almost as clueless on a MB or BMW or Audi.

Generally [except for transmissions] the big 3 Japanese are similar in faults and many designs, the parts don't swap but the theories and mental processes of the designers are similar.

[maxnix]

You are not buying one year's output, but a particular car. Thus its condition and maintenance history is paramount, not its MY, color, nor trim level.

In general, all Q45 since the 1990-1993 are as reliable or more so long term than their contemporary Japanese models, and much more so than their Euorpean ones.

[Jesda]

The answer would be 1997-2001. They were the simplest of the Q cars, most dependable, and cheapest to maintain.

[oldmako]

I'll second that. Look for a lightly used, well maintained 99-01 and you'll get the xenon headlights and a more modern looking rear end. They aren't so old that they're falling apart and they are CHEAP. There are plenty of folks who cranked out the big bucks to buy one new and then kept it in their garage and had it serviced by the dealer. Their cars are now a bit long in the tooth and nearly worthless. They yearn for something new, you score.

They are so cheap that even if you do have to toss a big wad of cash at it, you're coming out ahead. Stay away from the AE and t models and your suspension rehab gets cheaper too. The way I look at it, it's a 4000 pound highway cruiser. If I wanted a crisp handling "sporty car" I'd find something lighter. Although I gotta say, the interiors on the AEs are schweeeeeeeet.

They're not as fast as the earlier ones, but what are we talking...a half a second or so 0-80? Not that important to me and from what I have read here, the 4.1 engine is easier and cheaper to maintain. Of course that may change as they age.

My 99 non 't' had 120K when I bought it for a little over 4 grand. It needed tires, front brakes, belts, plugs and shocks. I have done a bit more and it pleases the hell out of me every time I shift into reverse to back out the driveway. SMOOOOOOOTH as silk and I don't have 7K into it. The 7k includes every penny I have spent on parts, tools, shop and cleaning supplies, gas to retrieve it from chicago, auto zone goodies that I cannot live without, a new cooler for the shop, coronas and cohibas, etc. In short, I have kept my expenses high to reflect the actual amount of cash I pulled from my pocket because I bought this car. I've put 17K on it since January.

[goody90q45]

I'll second that. Look for a lightly used, well maintained 99-01 and you'll get the xenon headlights and a more modern looking rear end....... Stay away from the AE and t models and your suspension rehab gets cheaper too.......

I agree on the AE. It's the nicest model but I've seen more than a few owners join the forum and find out there are no aftermarket shocks for the air suspension. At about $1000 a wheel that's a pretty big shock. Take your time buying and look for a Q with full service records.

Oldmako's advice is on the money but lacks the usual quips and wit that I've come to expect from his posts. What's wrong Steve, haven't had your morning cup of coffee yet?

[maxnix]

I've seen more than a few owners join the forum and find out there are no aftermarket shocks for the air suspension. At about $1000 a wheel that's a pretty big shock.

No air, just electronic valve switching. About $K for all four. Navigation is CD based, only updated once, so should not be pursued.

Personally, although it is real maple, it's a little yellow and somewhat garish in come combinations for me. And all 2001 were trimmed with it.

[oldmako]

No coffee, and no Mimosas or Bloody Marys either. Probably should have just stayed in bed but the sun was shining and the Fossil Fuel Devastator was tied up in the slip calling me. Two nice fat flounder, and several BottleBass. As a result there will be ceviche tomorrow!

[oldmako]

it's a little yellow and somewhat garish in come combinations for me

What are you doing in that car?

[maxnix]

What are you doing in that car?

Drinking the marine gas again?

[JOHNQ]

get a 2001 and be happy that you got the last year of the most elegant looking Q ever made thus far

[NightRiderQ45]

Stick with your J30. 6 cylinders is more than you need, especially since your post history reflects a lack of willingness or resources to reinvest in the automobile to maintain it to correct operating condition.

LMAO!!

[AZhitman]

I'll reiterate the 97-01 recommendation.

[BadQ45t]

I will tri-iterate it. The prices have tumbled on these, and you can find one that was taken care of if you look. As Q45 tech said, most don't OVER do it from recommendations, but they are out there. My 97' has only had syn oil since I got it, only syn transmission flush and refill with Redline, done at 10k intervals with lack of driving over 2 years...plus all other filters. And this car is worth like nothing.

I would look 2000-2001 for sure, get a AE with some nice things my 97' didn't get (but is not life-shaking that I didn't get it).