Hello, everyone! I'm happy that I found your forum...
I am the naive new owner of a '91 Q45. I bought it last week from a used car dealer, and I know zilch about its history. It's got 138k miles on it. The original keys are on a worn fob from a local dealer. <small>(This was sort of an emergency purchase -- I decided to sell my Nissan Quest to raise some quick cash and get whatever else on the lot seemed temporarily roadworthy.)</small>
I wonder if this vehicle is going to be a blessing or a curse? The dark green paint looks like it has oxidized horribly on the top and trunk, and obviously the hood has been replaced because it's pearly white, not green. I'm not worried about the cosmetics for now (just a bit embarrassed, though). I am worried about some of the rattling under the hood and other things... ask me about the sunroof later!:rolleyes
If any of you can recommend a budget-conscious and trustworthy mechanic in this area, please let me know. Even though I've never had to own or purchase a car this old before, I am surprised to find myself a bit excited about this Q45. I would like to drive it for many miles if I can afford to keep it rolling. Thanks!
- Shelley
Who's the best mechanic around Houston?
Shelley...
You bought one hell of a nice car but its going to cost a lot of money to maintain. Timing chain guides can fail at anytime on an old Q if not updated to metal-backed guides, resulting in a destroyed engine ($5500 to replace parts and labor). The typical guide failure occurs between 100 and 140k, according to the dealer's I've called up nationwide. You can get your guides fixed for $1200 at a shop in Atlanta called T3.
I suggest replacing your fuel pump now, and a new pump wont be cheap, at $330 from the dealer. Everythinginfiniti.com will be a handy resources for discount parts for NICO members.
If you are truly strapped for cash and this is your only vehicle, you may be better off selling it and buying a Maxima or Altima instead.
The Q45 is not exactly the beater with a heater you can sputter around in on a budget, unless you have tools and the ability to do most of it yourself.
Fortunately I've had a lot of expendable income (in the past), while most folks on this forum do their own work.
I spent just under 4 grand last year on my 1992 Q45, which I bought in pretty good condition. I expect to spend another $2000-$3000 over the next 4 years, with costs decreasing every year that follows on catch-up maintenance and little things that can go wrong.
Why spend so much? Because previous owners, despite some very good care, always neglect something else. I have 185,000 miles on my car and it drives like its only a couple years old, and looks even newer. I think I'll get 300k or more out of it, thanks to the well-maintained drivetrain.
-Jesda
You bought one hell of a nice car but its going to cost a lot of money to maintain. Timing chain guides can fail at anytime on an old Q if not updated to metal-backed guides, resulting in a destroyed engine ($5500 to replace parts and labor). The typical guide failure occurs between 100 and 140k, according to the dealer's I've called up nationwide. You can get your guides fixed for $1200 at a shop in Atlanta called T3.
I suggest replacing your fuel pump now, and a new pump wont be cheap, at $330 from the dealer. Everythinginfiniti.com will be a handy resources for discount parts for NICO members.
If you are truly strapped for cash and this is your only vehicle, you may be better off selling it and buying a Maxima or Altima instead.
The Q45 is not exactly the beater with a heater you can sputter around in on a budget, unless you have tools and the ability to do most of it yourself.
Fortunately I've had a lot of expendable income (in the past), while most folks on this forum do their own work.
I spent just under 4 grand last year on my 1992 Q45, which I bought in pretty good condition. I expect to spend another $2000-$3000 over the next 4 years, with costs decreasing every year that follows on catch-up maintenance and little things that can go wrong.
Why spend so much? Because previous owners, despite some very good care, always neglect something else. I have 185,000 miles on my car and it drives like its only a couple years old, and looks even newer. I think I'll get 300k or more out of it, thanks to the well-maintained drivetrain.
-Jesda
-
she11ey
- Posts: 65
- Joined: Sun May 02, 2004 5:34 pm
- Car: 2010 Nissan Cube
- Location: Houston, TX
- Contact:
Jesda, thanks for the brutally truthful voice of experience. I had read through some of the other threads regarding Chain Guards earlier, and I shudder to think of dealing with 'em. Thanks also for the smart suggestion about getting dealer records.
I'm an optimistic entrepreneur, which means that I keep expecting to make real money real soon. If the Universal Karmic Forces can grant this Q with the right temperament for just a short while. . . !
BTW, when I saw your photo plea for funds on another thread, I laughed out loud. You beat me to it.
- Shelley
I'm an optimistic entrepreneur, which means that I keep expecting to make real money real soon. If the Universal Karmic Forces can grant this Q with the right temperament for just a short while. . . !
BTW, when I saw your photo plea for funds on another thread, I laughed out loud. You beat me to it.
- Shelley
-
Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
Unfortunately the 91 Q is 13-14 years old........never in the engineers wildest dreams did they consider the car would still be functioning. As all their experience [and Japanese laws] indicated that 95% are not used beyond 7 years and those that were got the mandantory $10,000 rehabilitation to continue on the road.
What a learning experience it was for Nissan [those at the Infiniti export divison].
We know from personal experience maintaining cars that 250,000-300,000 miles is possible IF things that wear out are replaced and SUPER NORMAL MAINTENANCE is performed since new.
The cheapest technican are those that work from home on the weekends and at a dealership during the week........they have access to some decent used parts, all the custom tools, bring a Consult home on the weekends, and you have access to our sponsors who will sell you everything for 25% off List.
Still paying the techs $40-$50/hour cash and discounted parts can make an composite hour cost $100-$120 vs $150-$200 at a dealer.
It just concerns me that you might have bought a car that needs $5,000-$8,000 of work or at least half that with frugle shopping and lowered expectations.
Not knowing what your business is, hopefully you can find some way to barter.
It has been alleged that some independent shops trade services for legal advice, political influence, grass cutting, computer services, book keeping services, food, marketing consulting, bring your friends in as a quasi-salesperson, etc, etc.
Every referal is worth money to you, if you play your cards right.
All you need to do is bring in a documented $10-50,000 in new business. Specialty shops use of car/brand specific QUALITY [$1.00 each] flyers WORKS...............just lots of miles to find the cars........you get chased out of airports, malls, and parking lots but they never sue for trespass.
"Will work for car repairs"
What a learning experience it was for Nissan [those at the Infiniti export divison].
We know from personal experience maintaining cars that 250,000-300,000 miles is possible IF things that wear out are replaced and SUPER NORMAL MAINTENANCE is performed since new.
The cheapest technican are those that work from home on the weekends and at a dealership during the week........they have access to some decent used parts, all the custom tools, bring a Consult home on the weekends, and you have access to our sponsors who will sell you everything for 25% off List.
Still paying the techs $40-$50/hour cash and discounted parts can make an composite hour cost $100-$120 vs $150-$200 at a dealer.
It just concerns me that you might have bought a car that needs $5,000-$8,000 of work or at least half that with frugle shopping and lowered expectations.
Not knowing what your business is, hopefully you can find some way to barter.
It has been alleged that some independent shops trade services for legal advice, political influence, grass cutting, computer services, book keeping services, food, marketing consulting, bring your friends in as a quasi-salesperson, etc, etc.
Every referal is worth money to you, if you play your cards right.
All you need to do is bring in a documented $10-50,000 in new business. Specialty shops use of car/brand specific QUALITY [$1.00 each] flyers WORKS...............just lots of miles to find the cars........you get chased out of airports, malls, and parking lots but they never sue for trespass.
"Will work for car repairs"