Wrecked it!

[AlabamaDan]

Hello everyone,

I haven't written in a while, I've been really busy with work and all. Friday a 1964 Chevy pickup rear ended me and I'm pretty sure my 95 J is going to be totaled.

Sucks too! My J30 only had 101,000 miles on it and was in perfect condition. I just had new tires and T3 performed engine work on it. They just put on a new timing chain, etc.... Said I was good for a nother 100K! Then this tank hits me! D&!@!

So, now I'm looking for a new car and I'm thinking of the Q45s. Can someone educate me on the differences between the years in terms of body styles, performance, realiability, and known problems? Any advice on looking and buying one is appreciated. Especially those of you in Atlanta.

Thanks in advance, I'm sad that I've lost my car, but I'm looking at it as a way to get a Q45. I'm told if I liked the J I'll love the Q!

Another question, in advice on negotiating with the insurance company would be suggested. I expect them to lowball me with an offer based upon year and miles.

Thanks!

[elwesso]

Huge bummer on the J.. Been a while since we've had a member wreck their car....

Optimally you need to search the forums, but I'll give you a run down on everything

G50-90-93: Said to be the best performing. Ive driven <a perfect> one and they definitely are faster. Mainly from a higher 1st and 2nd gear, but they do start in 2nd. Problems are the timing guides and some other minor things, mainly caused by lack of maintenance94-96: Timing guides no longer an issue, and they gained MANY new luxury features. They got a grille in the front too. Much plusher, quieter, but have a lower 1st and 2nd, and makes them slighly slower. I personally like the 94-96 better, as there are SOO many things they changed to make it more reliable. 94/95 models are the ones you want, as 96 has OBDII. Many things like heated seats, traction control and stuff like that.

Overall, the T model is probably the one you want, and if you dont mind dropping cash for the ultimate vehicle, go Q45a. hard to find, but once you rehab the active suspension you will own one of the top 5 most complicated cars ever created. NO DIVE, LEAN, or SQUAT up to .5g.

Y33Total redesign, engine powered down (VH41) to 260/278 (VH45 was 278/296), and definitely not as sporty. More lexus-y, and IMO is a downgrade....

I think the one you should look for is a 94 or 95. If your close to indy, there are 2-3 really nice looking Qs id go look at for/with you.

[maxnix]

FY33 was cited at 266HP by Inifiniti.

Searching the previous posts will yield a plethora of information and answers to all your questions, along with some well considered discussion.

[AZhitman]

I'll let the Q speak for itself - suffice it to say you can't go wrong.

As re: the insurance company, do a search for similarly-miled 1995 J30's for sale nationally (use AutoTrader.com). Print out the asking price for the top 10 cars, and submit it with a packet containing copies of all your maintenance records and upgrades.

The point you want to make is this: This wasn't just ANY 95 J - This one was special. And to replace it, it's gonna cost X amount, which is what you (the insurer) need to give me. Keep sweating them, their number WILL go up. Don't play the "I'm gonna see an attorney" card just yet - save that one for your trump card.

If you haven't already sought legal counsel, given it was a rear-ender, I'd advise it (if you're not opposed to the idea).

[Jesda]

And 96 took away VVT.

[psychic_mechanic]

94 was the last year for HICAS, so if you want rear wheel "steering" and heated seats, get a 94. 94-96 also has fog lights and lots of little stuff.

My reason for getting a 94-96 was so I didn't have to do the chain guides. I also liked the dash in the 94-96 better.

The most important thing will be how it was maintained instead of mileage. Once you get this old, a better bet is a 160k car that has been religiosly maintained rather than an 80k beater.

[AZhitman]

Heated seats were available on the "t" models in 95/96.

[rsiwicki]

Just curious...can anyone with and without experience on the HICAS system comment on how they like it and if they can feel a big difference?

My mom's 93 J30t had the HICAS and it handled very nicely but I had nothing to compare it with to see if the HICAS really made a difference.

I know Infiniti did away with it in 95 but I don't know if it was for costs, maintenance, or no real handling benefit.

Hmmm...I wonder if I could retro fit my 95 with HICAS.

My dream Q is the get the best from each year 90-96 and put it all into one Q.....such as sticking a 90-93 transmission & intake runners into a 95 car and then also loading it up for HICAS if there is a noticeable performance benefit

BTW....day 3 and my car is still at the dealer "waiting" to begin work done to it...including my 4.08. My transmission is suppose to be hear on Wednesday so my car will go straight from the dealer to the transmission shop. Maybe with a little luck on Thursday I will get my car back. I was hoping to do the 4.08 separate from the transmission, but timing did not work out.

[Mr1der]

'95 is the sex. I prefer them to the 90-93 for the grill, it just looks so much better and doesn't look like it needs horns to go with the cowboy belt buckle on the front end:D

[VimyJ]

Sorry to hear about your J. You'll miss it and damn if you weren't good for another 100k miles. That really sucks.

Imagine to odds at getting smacked in your rare J by a 40 year old piece of Detroit iron that was still running!. Buy a lottery ticket now!

[maxnix]

That's the problem with 64 and older Detroit iron, they all had drum brakes.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!

[ardvarkus]

Two things to keep in mind:

AFTER YOU SETTLE ON A PRICE for the value of your J, add TAX.

After all, due to the fault of their client, you will now have to pay tax on the purchase of the replacement. (THis isn't just a thought, it's the law in CA (as well as other states...))

Also, add any and all costs to title and register the new car. Again, this moron caused you to have to re-title and re-register a repalcement.

Good luck

Ard

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks to everyone for their comments and quick reply. I'm glad to hear that the 94-96 is the model to look for, since I like that body style the best. Luckily, here in Atlanta there are a great number of Q45s - my problem will be determining which one will be the best.

Also a big thanks to those of you with advice on negotiating with the insurance company. It was really good advice on my J being special as well as the additional costs such as tax, title, registration, etc...

Keep your comments coming as the insurance adjuster hasn't looked at the car yet and I've gotta find one.

[AlabamaDan]

Hey Snipes,

Nice Ride!

[ardvarkus]

Another thought-

try to put everything in writing- send them detailed packages with info (copies of ads, printed pages of on-line sales, etc)... it is much harder for them to bury issues when they are written.

Also, in every communication, refer to the dollar amount as 'value of your car' or 'what the car is worth'. DO NOT say 'my loss was xxx".... The LOSS is the car value PLUS the tax PLUS the registration. You need to negotiate the value of the car, get them to agree to a value, THEN spring the tax plus registration on them.

Don't be in a hot rush to get it done- the more anxious you are, the more likely they are to lowball. Also, if it is a long, protracted negotiation, with faxes back and forth, when you demand the tax they are likely to say yes just to be done. (Of course they'll say "no, we included the tax" and you'll say "No, none of these classifieds or advertisements included tax and registration."

I had a friend who's 14 year od wrapped his 3yr old XJ8 around a tree.... they agreed on 64k...then he dropped them for anohter 7k in tax and CA registration fees.

Ard

[AlabamaDan]

Yahooo!!!!

I just bought a 1994 Q45! Well, it's sorta bought. My purchase is contingent upon my visit to T3 tomorrow. It's black and black and looks d@mn good! The inside looks brandnew, even the mats. The outside is so so - outstanding for a 10 year old car. The guy said that he just had the "drive belt" changed a couple of years ago. I assume he's talking about the timing belt, but T3 should be able to confirm that tomorrow. It has just under 124k, but seems to run perfectly.

Now I paid $6K for it, but looking in the condition it was, I think it's fair. I didn't get a deal, but I think it's fair. I'm excited about the Q, but please let me know things I should have check on etc... I'll upload some photos this weekend.

I feel more like one of you guys now. I mean I know I had a J30 and still have a QX4, but now I have the Granddaddy! I look forward to hearing all from everyone! I do still have to settle with Progressive on the J.

Is Fred still around?

[rsiwicki]

Welcome to the Q club...

If it has been well maintained, you got a good deal. I have a black 95 T model with a Taupe interior and I would love to have the black interior. Just like roulette "you can always bet on black".

I am sure T3 will tell you everything you need to know about the car.

[redmanfx]

Congrads on the new Q. It must be nice to just "go" to T-3 whenever you want to!!!!!! ARAAAArrrrgghhhhh!!!! That's all I have to say!

red

[maxnix]

T-3 inspecting a potential purchase is a good investment when buying from an owner who thinks he changed a timing belt on a VH45DE. __________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!

[90Q45blue]

Brian's right. T-3 will give it to you straight. Expect to receive an estimate around $2,000-$3,000 for stuff that needs to be done.

BUT...

Don't be scared. They tell you everything that's not working in "as-new" condition. Bring that list back here and we can help you sift through what needs to be done now, what you can do without, and what you need to save your pennies for for future repairs.

Sounds like a great car. Post some pics when you get a chance.

Nick

[C-Kwik]

I'll let the Q speak for itself - suffice it to say you can't go wrong.

As re: the insurance company, do a search for similarly-miled 1995 J30's for sale nationally (use AutoTrader.com). Print out the asking price for the top 10 cars, and submit it with a packet containing copies of all your maintenance records and upgrades.

The point you want to make is this: This wasn't just ANY 95 J - This one was special. And to replace it, it's gonna cost X amount, which is what you (the insurer) need to give me. Keep sweating them, their number WILL go up. Don't play the "I'm gonna see an attorney" card just yet - save that one for your trump card.

If you haven't already sought legal counsel, given it was a rear-ender, I'd advise it (if you're not opposed to the idea).

This is good advice as to how to approach it, but keep in mind that the purpose is to determine market value. Not necessarily that your's is special, but rather what a reasonable person would reasonably pay for it if it were sold in the condition just before it was damaged. Just want to make sure your expectations are realistic. When one or both parties of any negotiation does not see things reasonably, it's really hard to come to any sort of agreement. And usually the one that is unreasonable ends up proven wrong in court, if it goes that far. And do be honest in comparing your car to another, at least to yourself. know the strengths AND weaknesses of your arguments. Helps you to present it much better and know what arguments can be made against you. And be ready to either make counter-arguments or concede depending on what the issue is. And do understand where the power is in a negotiation. Generally the person holding the checkbook typically has the power. Making unreasonable demands or arguments can quickly hinder communication, which is essential to making a good negotiation. I can't speak for all states, but I'd assume in at least most states, an insurance company will be allowed to make a payment for the undisputed amount of the claim without actually reaching a final agreement. It's easy for the insurance company to stand on this and force the ball into your court. Try not to be adversarial. Adjusters are human and can easily become resentful and make any negotiation difficult. It's okay to disagree. But you can be polite about it. It can go a long way. An insurance company gave my mom additional money for a total loss she had. I totally thought their offer was already good, but I only argued that they put something in writing that she would be guaranteed a certain amount of salvage value as this company didn't take salvage. I work as an adjuster so I knew it was reasonable and I could probably get what they said the salvage was worth, but I only wanted to protect her. They threw more money at me to make me go away. Never had to raise my voice the entire time. Just explained my argument.

[C-Kwik]

You need to negotiate the value of the car, get them to agree to a value, THEN spring the tax plus registration on them.

In California, the insurance company is already required to calulate tax based on the determined market value of the vehicle. Secondly, registration is pro-rated based on what portion of it was used. This should automatically be given and added into the settlement as well and not reflected as part of the Market Value.

[C-Kwik]

Also, add any and all costs to title and register the new car. Again, this moron caused you to have to re-title and re-register a repalcement.

That would not be a good argument. The purpose of insurance is to put you back to a preloss state. In the case of property damage, it's done based on the financial loss. To ask for say tax and registration on a Brand New car would not be reasonable. When an insurance company pays the market value of a vehicle, it should reasonably represent a figure where you can buy an identical car with the money you received. So if your car was worth $7,000 then an identical car(condition, mileage, etc) should sell for that much. The tax included in the settlement should cover that, and the registration that is refunded is based on the portion of registration you did not use(what you paid-the number of days since the registration period started/365). So by refunding the amount you did not use, you can apply that towards the new registration. And if you had half a year remaining on the registration, the insurance company only owes you for that. Not a whole year. Keep in mind, in California, the DMV actually reimburses this to the Insurance company as well. The insurance company pays it to you up front so you don't have to wait and so the title transfer and such is not held up.

[AlabamaDan]

It's official! I'm the proud owner of a 1994 Q45! I got the title today. I'm so happy. I'm also glad you guys gave me a heads up that T3 would give me a huge list of things (expensive things) that need attention.

I'm uploading some photos to http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....r=338

For years I've been overlooking all the posts that weren't related to maintaining a Q, now I'm behind. I hope that yall can help bring me up to speed. The young man at T3 was like, "You understand that this is a HIGH maintenance vehicile right?" I'll bet he said that five times.

When I get a chance I'll describe what all the car needs and I hope yall can help me go over it.

Now, just to settle with the ins co. I had a thought today that we could settle on a price and give me back the J30. Then I could part it out. What do yall think about that idea?

[rsiwicki]

Ahh man....that is so sweet black on black. I have black 95 Q with a Taupe (chocolate) colored interior. I would just give about anything to have a black interior.

Congrats and enjoy.

[Q45tech]

Part of our new proactive policy, "are you sure you understand what it takes to keep this car up to new standards. SIR"........we don't want you blaming us 6 months from now.

The usually problems were found for a 1995 120k Q. $3,000 down and $2,500 a year.

[NY94J30]

I'm surprised, in looking at the pictures, that they called your car a total loss - I'm curious - if you dont mind - what you were given as a settlement.

[AlabamaDan]

I'm surprised, in looking at the pictures, that they called your car a total loss - I'm curious - if you dont mind - what you were given as a settlement.

My friend owns the body shop and he said the impact had an effect throught the entire body. The rear drivers door won't open and the trunk is pushed hard into the other quarter panel. As for the settlement..... I haven't yet.

Would the wheels and tires from a 95 J fit a 94 Q? Hmmm.... I need new tires.

By the way, photos are up of both my Q and my J, rest her soul.

[rsiwicki]

I had a similar experience in my Mom's 83 XJ6...a truck rearended me at 20+ mph and there was hardly any noticeable damage while the truck was destroyed. The officer wrote the estimate for only $500...when the car got to the body shop they said that it was totalled as the car had experienced whats called an "entire body flex" where the entire frame of the car flexes from the impact and then when it unflexes as the energies release...the car does not go back to its original shape. All the doors were sprung and you could see where the usual gap around the door had collapsed onto the door during the flex and then sprung back...the paint all along the door seams was scraped badly from this flex. There was absolutely no rear quarter panels crunched and the rear bumper was only pushed in slightly and so we were very surpized but happy that it was totalled...(jag was a piece of $hit mechanically, but the chicks liked it). After my mom got over me taking out her car during 4th July weekend while they were out of town and I did not have permission to drive it....She got a brand new 1993 Crimson/Cream J30t and I remember how awesome the Q45 was then.... This was my familys first introduciton to the Infiniti cars....and therefore the reason I am driving my Q45 today so I guess becuase I took my Mom's car for a drive and got it totalled when I should not have been driving it...is the reason why I am driving a Q45 today. I guess that sometimes disobeying the rules leads to good things later on down the road.

Sorry for the long story and don't mean to hijack...congrats on your Q again.

[Rex]

Black on Black with a grill rules (j/k)