Topic: Infiniti Q45 - To go for or not to?

[MD1987]

I couldn't stop thinking about these cars lately. Been thinking of trading the T&C in for this if a good deal to be had. There's not much data on reliability but whatever information I did find, it pointed towards positivity. But since this car is not made anymore, the dealer told me parts for this car is next to impossible. But that can't be true can it?

One car had a driver's seat motor went on it. Can't find the seat motor online so I called Luciani Infiniti and they told me it's $3500 for a new seat with everything, they don't sell just the motor. And, oh they don't sell it anymore. :rolleyes: What the #$%^? Surely there's a way to move the seat up and just keep it there....

I'd like a V8 for a summer only car, I wouldn't mind. Can any V8 car have their exhaust system modified to sound like a beast? Well, first things first, should I try for one? Would you guys?

[aquadorhj]

me, no.

not enough following, and not even the manufacturer wants to provide necessary parts?   forget it..

if it's just the seats, then i'm sure there are used ones to be found.  (or local electrician may be able to fix the motor)

if you really want it, go for it.  but i would rather have lexus LS...  probably better backed by Toyota, just as luxurious, even better reliability.

[mmret]

MB will have the best long term parts support, but whether you want to deal a mid 90s V8 benz is your call.

Get a GS400, LS430 etc. instead IMO.

[johngenx]

No one has better long term parts support than Mercedes. But as noted he care and feeding of an older car can be intensive. Personally, the only older inexpensive MB I'd buy would be a 1995 E320 or E420. Those cars were the best of their breed and the V-8 car is powerful and quite fun to drive. The cars are simple by modern standards, and lots of indies out there are familiar with them. But they're 20 years old...

The Lexus LS is easily the pick of the litter for older luxury cars to own. They're not only the most reliable of the luxury class machines, they're actually reliable compared to regular cars.

The Q45 was never sold in any quantity and was unloved from day one, and even today by Nissan. I'd take one for free, maybe. Maybe not.

[tpl]

Lexus for sure.

[JohnM]

"$3500 for a new seat"

Tells you everything you need to know.  One major repair bill and you park it.   Check engine rebuilds - I believe there was an issue with timing chains.  If it goes - ~ $10k.

It was beautiful in its day but its pretty old and dated iron now.  I looked at one a few years ago and a friend bought one.  Great deal on it but it was parked permanently after 6 months.

Cheers,
John M.

[johngenx]

There's an old Lexus LS400 for sale for under $3K.  Yup, it's old, but runs/drives very well and everything works.

[MD1987]

The Lexus LS400 is a very hard car to find, the pre-2006 GS cars even more difficult in Quebec.

I just checked Rockauto and they seem to carry aftermarket parts for the Q45, not OEM. So it seems like this car can still be operated. As for the seat, my mechanic can fix electrical motors and told me the dealer was just trying to hose me dry.

I did a bit more research and it seems oil consumption and fuel injectors are a common failure on these. But then again, what Nissan doesn't have oil consumption problems? 

Thanks for the input guys.

--

@johngenx - Where is this Lexus you speak of being sold at?

[2JDM]

Whats your budget?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camions/sherbrooke-qc/1993-lexus-ls-400-berline/1006341331?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[Julie]

MB will have the best long term parts support, but whether you want to deal a mid 90s V8 benz is your call.

Get a GS400, LS430 etc. instead IMO.

This. LS430/LS460....GS is you want some more sport.

+10

[MD1987]

I called more Infiniti dealers and they say they still make MOST parts for it but apparently if your shocks go then this car is useless cause no one sells them anymore. This car might be a pleasure to drive and sounds like a beast and with everyone's input all over, I will no longer consider a Q. Thanks again guys.

But don't you guys think it's funny Infiniti is honoring this car by renaming all their cars with a Q prefix and yet they don't sell parts for it? 

[JohnM]

MD1987

It was over 20 years ago and had very heavy tech content.  How much do you really think a manufacturer can stock and for how long?  Try fixing a 5 year old computer.

Cheers,
John M.

[marcus_go]

I know someone who was looking at a 2004 Q45. While it was a nice car the single reason he chose against it was parts and service availability. The local Infinity dealer said most parts they didn't stock so it would take some time to get them in. Considering how few of them you see on the road I think that would be a big downfall when things go wrong or you need servicing. They are quite laden with electronic gizmos that could fail as they get older. While an older German car may have more issues with upkeep, there are lots more of them on the road so much easier to get parts/service. I can get almost any part for my 25 year old W124 from the dealer if I wanted to.