Choosing a used Infiniti to buy

[noelsaw]

This is a topic spun off from the M30 info topic. Community forum member Boater asked...

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>
As times change and my assets grow, I find it is time to change my transportation. I am looking at a 97 or 98 Q45 (shame no more pearl white, just ivory) and am also considering a low mileage J30. Can anyone pass me recommendations please. I have always loved the size of the J but I do also love the engineering marvels of the Q.
My purchase is not going to be made on a monetary judgement. Thanks so much for the board and the wealth of valuable info. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I say go with the 1994-1996 Q45. Even though I loved the J30 and had one for a year. I think the J30 interior is nicer than the Q but it's cramped in the rear compared to the Q. Also the J30 eats a lot of gas probably as much as V-8. Also the J30 I believe uses a timing belt versus a timing chain on the Q. The earlier Qs had problems with the timing chain guide I believe.

I think a 45k mile Q is a bargain at $20k. All alloy DOHC 32 valve V-8 with 278 bhp, rwd, leather, memory seats, telescoping steering wheel, ABS, etc.

[GTR]

it's a shame that japanese leather doesnt last though. and youre right, for 20-25k on a used car, you cant get more bang for ur buck than a 1st gen q45.

[noelsaw]

I think it depends on the quality of the leather. The 95 J30 leather was very good overall. There were some spots where it was showing signs of wear but I was surprised.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GTR:
it's a shame that japanese leather doesnt last though. and youre right, for 20-25k on a used car, you cant get more bang for ur buck than a 1st gen q45.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Thanks for the wealth of info and also many thanks to the Admin for moving my message and creating this new topic. I have found a 97 Q-45T in the Pearl Ivory that is simply breathtaking with 32K miles and quite a "steal" at $26K. I have been searching for about 2 months and cannot find a 1st generation Q with the miles that I wish and also in very good shape with a good maintenance history. I am quite the "perfectionist" and am very particular as to door dings or any leather discoloration. I know what my heart says (GO!) but does anyone think I should keep searching for a 1st gen Q ? Also, just moved to the North Arlington, VA area (consultant in DC) and am curious which dealer is the best. I've heard bad things about Rosenthal in Tysons Corner. HELP !

[noelsaw]

Too bad you can't get the 1st gen Q45. I think it's car with more soul and personality not that the 2nd gen Q45s aren't good cars but lack the elegance of the early to mid 90s Q45.

For used cars, try Imotors.com. They seem to have a nice easy to use site, inspect their cars and a short warranty.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by boater:
Thanks for the wealth of info and also many thanks to the Admin for moving my message and creating this new topic. I have found a 97 Q-45T in the Pearl Ivory that is simply breathtaking with 32K miles and quite a "steal" at $26K. I have been searching for about 2 months and cannot find a 1st generation Q with the miles that I wish and also in very good shape with a good maintenance history. I am quite the "perfectionist" and am very particular as to door dings or any leather discoloration. I know what my heart says (GO!) but does anyone think I should keep searching for a 1st gen Q ? Also, just moved to the North Arlington, VA area (consultant in DC) and am curious which dealer is the best. I've heard bad things about Rosenthal in Tysons Corner. HELP !<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 07-21-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The 1st gen Q will always be my favorite Infin, but you need to realize that 1st gen cars are now between 5-11 years old. Most of the 90-92's have changed hands quite a few times and mileages are going to be high because of the age. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but things are going to start breaking(big $$$). My advice would be to spend a little more and get the newer car.
-J

[DrewSRX]

I own a Pearl White 1991 Infiniti Q45a with Full-Active Suspension. My recommendation would be to find a 1994 Infiniti Q45a or Q45t. The 1990-1994 Q45t had SUPER-HICAS 4-wheel steering, and in my opinion was a real "T", unlike the "T's" that they have now with no 4-wheel steering. The 90'-94' cars also have the real 4.5 liter 278hp engine, which is extremely fast as opposed to the 4.1 liter engine now. Here is my car:

http://www.tbns.net/drewsrx/infina.jpg

-Drew SRX
91' Infiniti Q45a
95' Volvo 960

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Most people would recommend staying away from the "a" model. It was a great car, but the active suspension is big, big, big $$$ when it fails. There are a bunch of "a" owners who have converted their suspensions to that of the standard Q because it cost so much to fix.
-John