Infiniti Q45

I have a 1999 Q45t with around 45k miles and it is fantastic (have had it for 5 years)! I was thinking of selling it and getting a newer Lexus 430 or something, but I like the look of the Q better. I have never had ANY mechanical problems. The car still looks and smells like new. I bought it from my dad in 2002 when it had about 15k miles, and he never had any problems either. The only downside is that you have to use premium fuel and I typically get around 15mpg around town (hardly ever go on the highway here). The paint is very good and durable, and the interior has held up really well. You won't pay any real premium for the t version, and I think it looks much better (sportier). After I bought the 1999 my dad replaced it with a 2002 model Q45, and it was good, very fast, but more difficult to see out of. I prefer the 1997-2001 version bettter than the 2002-2005 version. You will have less depreciation if you can find a good deal on a newer model, but drive both and see what you like.
BT

 

The Q45's second generation went from 1997 to 2001, and its third generation from 2002 to 2006, so you'd be looking at two different vehicles. Stepping inside a 1997-2001 model really seems like stepping into a luxury version of the Toyota Camry, and you realize why the depreciation curve was so steep: it really has nothing special to offer, unlike its main competitors (Lexus LS400, BMW 740i) at the time. However, they're extremely solid, reliable cars - just completely devoid of positive driving dynamics.

The 2002-2006 model is a whole different world, though. Early one are cheap, you're right, but they're really fantastic cars. The interior is well-built, and they're very reliable. Few people bought them, so they're not easy to find, but they really are used car bargains. With that said, the 2002-2006 model is the most powerful Japanese car ever manufactured (it's got a 340-horsepower 4.5-liter V8), so giving one to a teenager might not be the best thing.

Also, check out the 2003-2005 Infiniti M45. These are slightly a smaller, slightly sportier version of the Q45 that sold in even smaller numbers and has depreciated even more. These share the Q45's 340-horsepower V8 and most of its cool gadgets.

 

I just recently got a G35 S. I know it isn't what you are looking for but I love it as a daily driver. Great service, and IMO you can't get a nicer car for less then the 38K it cost. I got the S sport version with the manual. Comfy, and pretty quick for what it is. I took it to the track once while I was there running my Camaro SS for sh*ts and giggles. It ran a 13.5 @ 105 with just a Stillen intake, and that was on 19's with 30 series tires.

 

I looked at them at some point.
After browsing forums for a while, it turned out the most problematic chronic issue is that the navigation bugs when you ask him an east-coast to west-coat route. A poor fellow had to recalculate half-way, although he had over 180k miles on the car.

 

After thinking about it I did have one mechanical issue. The check engine light came on because of the gas cap sensor or something. I called the dealer and after a few questions they told me to ignore it. After a few starts the light went off and hasn't returned.
I would put it a few steps up from a fancy Camry, tha tis more like the Lexus ES300 style car. The Infiniti I35 is a fancy Maxima, the Q is the only V8 car from Nissan (other than the M45) that I know of available here. I definitely can say I prefer driving the car I bought over the later model with the extra HP. It corners much flatter, has better visibility, has a richer interior (in my opinion), and looks better than the suppository shape they adopted with the 2002 model. The only downside is the gas mileage which is about 4-5 mpg WORSE than the more powerful 2002 car. These, of course, are just the opinions of someone who has owned and driven one for 5 years and drove the other for about 3 years one week per month when I was in AZ. Again, I'd recommend the touring version of the 1997-2001 car. The standard one is pretty soft. My kids refer to it as the 'doctor style car'.
BT

 

All newish cars will do this if the cap is defective or not screwed on tightly. It's the OBD system for emmissions.

 

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics, but how can you go wrong with this car for around $12-15k???

BT
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Time to move this thread to Politics and Religion.....



Oh, wait....... nevermind!

 

I'm sorry, but WHY? Weren't you at one time an Accountant? You've already said your son doesn't care about cars, so whose ego are you feeding? Buy him the damn Avalon. They're good cars, and you'll save $7000 to buy gas.

 

Agreed. And they will continue to have better residuals, and likely lower insurance costs as well.

 

I looked at one. Very comfortable car - here's what I didn't like - trunk space. I went from Bloomington, IN to Rocheter, NY countless times and can tell you my '98 loaded avalon never failed. Had it forever, now with the 17 year old brother with >140K.

 

If I was your son, I would be ecstatic about this option!

 

Not a car person huh? That is good in a way...there are a lot better (and cheaper!) hobbies to enjoy that don't break down as often!

 

It will only get worse as the car is now discontinued. As some have stated, its really a good car but the competition is great. Nothing really wrong with this car once you get past looks and the badge. 340hp V-8, 5 speed auto, good space, built very well, rear camera with NAV.

Its really a steal for the prices it asks for.