Infiniti Q45

mpyles1 · April 2001

I just test drove a 2002 Q45. The car was superb except that no integrated phone is available. I have a 2000 Jaguar S-Type with voice activation controls for the audio, climate controls, and the phone . . . and it works beautifully. Why, two years later, can Infiniti not integrate a phone into its voice-activated system? Or, even more absurdly, why does Infiniti not provide ANY kind of integrated phone installation?

To drive this "ultra luxury" car and have a phone, it apparently means a cell phone sliding around the seat or something on one of those silly mounting stalks. What a joke.

fenn · April 2001

I was late getting to the California Speedway for the Q test drive..I was in the last group which was scheduled at 4 pm and I got held up in traffic....they would not let me in. What a bummer! Anyway, I would love to hear more comments about the event, the new Q and the comparisons with the other cars.

gralapp1 · April 2001

Went for a test drive of the new Q45. Power and handling were very good but the car rattled! A $55,000 new car that rattles! No thanks.No wonder Lexus out sells them!

tom17 · April 2001

I know the new Q is supposed to have like 60 more HP than the original. I drove the new Q and mine back to back and mine is definately more fun to drive om local roads. Cannot compare highway response since I did not get the new Q out on the highway. Also my old Q (112K miles) is only worth $2500 trade in on the new Q. I am sorry but the new Q is NOT worth 20 of mine. Also my Q will hold whatever gear is manually selected up to the rev limiter no matter what the throttle position. When I manually selected first gear in the new Q, at between 1/2 & 3/4 throttle it upshifted on its own at about 5,000 RPM. Tried it 4 times, did it every time. Even the salesman thought it was weird. If someone traded me even up I would not turn it down, but I will not spend almost $50K plus my Q & taxes for the new one.

cainep · April 2001

I was also in the 4pm group on Saturday. Lines were so long I only got to drive the XJ8 (to get used to the driving course), LS430 and the new Q, as well as the 'hot lap' (reached 130, and experienced some pretty serious G-forces in the turns). Hope to get the chance to try MB and BMW at the Motor Trend Cadillac event in a few weeks. Driving the Q, I noticed more feedback to the driver (which some prefer) than the LS430, but I was able to drive the LS faster (maybe due to the absence of feedback telling me to 'back off') in bends, and it seemed quicker on the straights. Both were a blast to drive, but the trunk size of the Q is too small for my needs, unless they add a passthrough or split/fold rear seat. Didn't mind the look of the exterior, though I prefer the rear to the front, but the ergonomics of the centre console aren't immediately intuitive.

warnerf · April 2001

I was in the Sunday group at 10:00. It was very overcast and misty so we only were able to top out at 120 mph on the Hot Lap. After seeing the course, the only other car I was interested in driving was the 540. For the most part, the LS430 and XJ8 remained parked on the side as most people in my group felt the same way. We did see one LS430 in front of us and it was hilarious watching that car lean back and forth as it knocked over cone after cone after cone in the tight turns. They should have used the GS430 on a course like this as it would have performed much better. Also, I noticed that they rigged the test in some other ways. First of all, all the Qs on the test track had the sport package. The E430 and LS430 did not.

I was very impressed with the Qs ability to handle turns as well as acceleration though it does not charge off the line. And its looks are growing on me. It clearly outperformed the 540 in the noise and power areas and went head to head with it in handling. I'll still wait for the prices to drop.

adob · April 2001

I was in the noon group, what a fun event it was. I loved driving the car's and the new Q was certainly competitive. I thought the handling was much improved over my 1999 q45T (which I love) but the horsepower difference was not overly obvious (340 vs.266) - I'm thinking the new Q packed on some weight... The things I don't like:

Small trunk with no split fold down rear seat;
Pseudo tiptronic (that shifts for you in manual mode);
Cassette tape in the middle of the dash?!?! where's the single CD-I dislike glovebox changers - put the tape deck in the box - sheesh.
Rear and front passenger controls are not separated;
Radar based cruise not yet available;
didn't see passenger seat memory (could have missed this)

I liked everything else, even the guppy front end is starting to grow on me....

jimxo · April 2001

I stopped in to check out this new Q in Lisle, IL today. The salesman told me that Infiniti will be offering an optional 400HP engine.

Can this be true?

Anyway, I did not drive the car today due to poor weather. My first impression was joy, however I was turned off immediately when the salesman told be MSRP was the only way buy one.

So, I told him that I was not in the market for at least six months. Then I sat inside and stared at the center dash for awhile. I did not care for position of Navigational system and radio controls

If the dash was set back a little more than I think I could take it all in a little better. I did like this car more than its predisessors. I loved the soft leather and sport level trim pkg.

The instrumentations was clean and simple. The exterior was very attractive as well. I am considering this car over the Lexus GS430.

I will render my final decision after a spin around town.

mvargo1 · April 2001

Is possible as a limited run model in approx 1 year

mpyles1 · April 2001

Infiniti dealer in Greenwich, CT told me the same thing about more power. Said Infiniti was going to introduce a turbo model in a few months that would have about 400 HP. Probably will produce more of a torque bump than a horsepower bump.

From what little I could tell from a drive around some residential backroads, the handling on this car is pretty crisp. A big concern is the brakes . . . the car mag reviews noted that the Infiniti brake rotors average an inch smaller in diameter than other cars in this size and weight class. Even worse, I noticed the Infiniti front rotors are 11.4 inches while the front rotors of the BMW 330i (a smaller, lighter, and less powerful car) are 12.8 inches. With 17" and 18" wheels on the Infiniti, why are they stinting on brake size??? Sure hope the 400HP version puts more emphasis on braking capacity.

adob · April 2001

How angry would I be to buy one now and have a 400hp version show up within 6-10 months.... That would be hard to get over.

The Q's have always seemed to have had brake envy for some reason. Guess Infiniti feels it's not size that matters..

fenn · April 2001

I have experinced no vibration or tire problems with my '99 Q45t. I have found all four of my Infiniti Q45's to be virtually trouble free, and the service to be impeccable....that is a large part of the basis for my repeat ownership.

tennesseehorn · April 2001

I have spend too much time in here already but I am now hooked. I am looking at a 97 Q45 with 32k miles. It's cream colored and at an Infiniti dealer. The price is $23,900 and own owner. The dealer also offered an extended warranty to 5/72k and drivetrain to 7/100k for $400 more(Infiniti dealer). Sounds almost too good to be true....That's the kicker.....I will be using this car as a company car(car allowance)....I have read horror stories about maintance (albeit mostly on pre-1997 models)...I'm thinking about 20-22k miles per year.

As an aside(not to totally confuse matters) I have also seen/driven 97 Acura RL/LS400. Granted the Lexus(45k miles) is about $5-6k more and the RL(48k miles) is about $21k. I want the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY......

Thanks

mvargo1 · April 2001

Dear lord, it seems as though someone has some issues with the new Q. I think it looks awesome. It is nice to know that their are still a few car companies willing to make a product that stands out.

The same article that commented about the brakes being smaller also said that they work remarkably well. Honestly when we are talking about non racing cars their will be little noticable difference in the braking performance.

zeliforp · April 2001

"There are a whole list of issues that make the 2002 Infiniti Q45 car to pass on.Horrible styling,expensive digital crap, Lousy resale..."

I am wondering how you found out about the resale value of the 2002 Q45, since they won't be driving off of the lots until next month?

Geez, did your dog get run over by a Q once?

jimxo · April 2001

Resale on the Q45 has been poor and thats typical with larger sedans foreign and domestic. Smaller cars sell quicker and have lower prices which is what makes it easy when you shop for a popular used car.

The only way to judge a car on resale is to look at the selling price of that vehical at the original point of sale and deduct the current value. There is your depreciation value. A used Lexus LS400 is a car that can be had for a reasonable price if you considering the amount they get for the 99,00 RX300 and GS models.

Unfortunately the older Q's are the only fair way currently to asses the new Q. If I were a new Q buyer I would hope that this new Q changes all of that. I personally think it will to a degree, however I may be in the market for a used 2002 Q in a couple of years so I hope resale is average.

mpyles1 · April 2001

Don't know why you think the new Q rolls out next month, Zeliforp. I test drove one on April 2 in Greenwich, CT. That dealer had 8 already on his lot ready to go. (By the way, Edmunds, isn't it time to update the Q45 site to reflect the new model?)

I have become sensitive to brake design based on two recent experiences, Mvargo1. I had a 1998 Corvette that had brake warpage problems because of under-engineered brakes. And, as both Edmunds message board complaints and subsequent car mag reviews indicated, my problems were not unique.

I now have a 2000 Jaguar S-Type that had to have the front rotors and pads replaced at 23,000 miles. And, again, the brakes are turning out not to hold up well in real-world usage (again as reflected by numerous comments on the Edmunds Jaguar message boards.)

Both cars tested extremely well on braking distance and fade in their initial auto press reviews, as does the new Q. However, you will eventually encounter problems in long-term use with under-engineered brakes. BMW figured that out long ago. Shouldn't be so hard for other makers.

(By the way, these are the first brake problems I've had in 30 years of driving . . . and my driving style has not changed. I'm getting suspicious that with all the focus on weight reduction -- especially unsprung weight -- the manufacturers are shaving it too close on brake componentry. While I agree that weight is an evil in cars, I'd much rather have a few less rear seat adjustment motors than lighter brake discs.)

fenn · April 2001

I had a chance to read all of the major auto magazine "first drive" reviews of the 2002 Q45, and I was pleasantly surprised by the positive comments from the press. On the counter-point side, I have also been reading Titanfan's negative comments. I also note that he started another negative Edmunds chat topic on the 2002 Q45. He is certainly attempting to appear as an expert, but it looks more like a Infiniti hate/grudge thing for him.

vmaturo · April 2001

He must be one of those guys that has an inferiority complex....You know, drives a Honda. I've seen his posts before. He hates Nissan/Infiniti. He's so transparent.

kappaman1 · April 2001

Recently test drove the new Q. Wow! This car is incredible. The styling is growing on me. I think that Titanfan obviously had a poor experience with infiniti. Saw the first t.v. ad for the new Q , the marketing seems to be just as awesome as the car.

pat · April 2001

From Chris Wardlaw, Edmunds editor in chief:

"Find out what Liz Kim thinks of the new Infiniti Q45, which shows just how serious this luxury division of Nissan is about competing on even footing with Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The new Q shows the direction in which Infiniti is headed, away from rebadged Maximas and Pathfinders and sorry wannabe wheels like the G20, and toward world-class luxury/performance automobiles that look like Hyundais and whose voice-recognition systems can't understand you unless you're from Omaha. Wait. Did I just say that out loud?" Follow the link in the Additional Resources box on the left sidebar for the full story.

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards

mvargo1 · April 2001

Mabye people who are interested in information on the Q45 should read articles by REAL automotive journalists like those who write for REAL automotive publications like Automobile, Road & Track, Car & Driver, and Moter Trend. All of which have been blown away by the new Q45.

Also the voice recognition system can understand almost any American regional accent and just in case can be trained to recognize even the most incoherent mumblings

marsha7 · April 2001

I haven't heard your "voice" in months...good to have you back...

kappaman1 · April 2001

Read your analysis of the new Q. Very impressed with your insight and assessment. Clearly the new Q is a drivers automobile that is ready to rightfully take its place in the luxury car arena. I have always felt that the Q was a great car that was marketed poorly. However, if the recent ad is indicative of things to come then look out! This car will definitely turn heads.

carnaught · April 2001

If there are any new owners of this car, I, for one would be interested in your impression(s)....

adob · April 2001

For those interested, www.kbb.com has pricing info.

kevin6842 · April 2001

Yes,as a matter of fact. I got my new 2002 Q45 just about 2 weeks ago. I was on my way to pick up a new LS430 that I had ordered. I had not seen any of the marketing materials on this car and I noticed, what I thought, was a very cool car at the local dealer. I found out that the dealer just got four in stock. I test drove one and fell in love with it. In my opinion, much better in many respects than the LS430.

Background:

I have owned the following cars in the last several years:

BMW 750iL
BMW M5
Jag XK8
Lincoln Navigator (don't ask where that came from)

After two weeks, I can provide the following observations:

Things I like:

Handling. I have the premium package so I get the sport handling option. While my memory sometimes fades, it handles almost as well as my M5 (in the Q45 sport mode). It doesn't feel as heavy as my 750 (why should it?) but it is close. The steering is also much better, in my opinion, than the LS430. What I mean by this is closer to typical BMW steering (tight, some road feel) rather than like the Mercedes quality of the LS430.

Navigation. DVD-based and up-to-date. One disk for the whole country. My house is one year old on a new street and the navigation system knew right where it was. For me, I like the setup on the Infiniti better than the touch screen setup on the Lexus. I found I had to take my eyes off the road to work the hand/eye coordination on the Lexus setup.

The 18" wheels and tires obviously assist the handling capabilities. They also look cool but I don't like the stock wheels. Trying to find some after market wheels for this car.

Interior appointments. Awesome. It actually smells like leather.

Instrument layout. I like it although I have heard people say it was a little "different."

Quality. Perfect! Fitment and finish are perfect. No gaps, no exposed pieces where there shouldn't be any, etc. Definitely, a quality automobile.

Headlights. A real head-turner. I have more people stop and take a look at the headlights than anything else.

Performance. How could I forget? Definitely faster (acceleration) than my XK8 or 750. Feels close to my M5. Definitely better than the LS430

Voice system. Perfect! It works the first time, every time is is quite cool. You can do almost everything with this if you don't want to play around with he controls (which are pretty easy to navigate, BTW).

Things I am annoyed with:

Door locks. They don't seem to be automatic. Most cars I have had automatically lock the doors when the car is moving. The I doesn't appear to do this. I have to manually lock the doors when I enter. Maybe someone else that has a I can fill me in if I am doing something wrong. I will have to check this out with the dealer and I view this as highly unusual for a high-end automobile not to have this feature. The LS430, of course, can be programmed many different ways to operate the locks.

Don't particularly like the stock wheels. Again, this is a subjective evaluation.

At night, it is very difficult to see the clock. Being over 40, I lost my night vision a long time ago but other people in the car noticed that.

Nothing else really. After having the car for a couple of weeks, I have never experienced buyer's remorse. I like the car and would recommend it highly.

pathdoc · April 2001

Isn't the trunk on the small side? They list it at about 13 ft3 which seems small by comparison to the competition. Is the space laid out well for luggage? While this may seem like a small issue ,for some who need the second vehicle (if the first is a sports car)to be able to carry enough luggage for several on trips it is important.

pat · April 2001

Hi from Edmunds.com's PR Department.

A journalist from one of the country's largest newspapers has asked us for help finding consumers who recently purchased a Lexus L430, Mercedes C class or BMW 3 series after considering a more expensive vehicle, or anyone who recently considered purchasing a luxury vehicle, but decided not to because of the economy.

If you fit this description and care to share your story, please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com and/or rpopely@tribune.com with your e-mail, phone number, city and state of residence, and a brief description of your experience. The journalist promises to keep you identity hidden at your request.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Jeannine Fallon

Director of Public Relations

PLEASE NOTE: Respond by clicking on the email addresses above. Responses posted here will NOT be seen by the folks who want to hear from you. Thanks!

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards

kevin6842 · April 2001

Yup, your are right. I forgot to include this. The trunk is on the small side compared to a LS-430. It is is pretty obvious when you look at the two. For me, I don't particularly have a requirement for a lot of trunk space but others would.

jochi · April 2001

Yes, I was recalled. As with many cars. BMW's, Benz's etc. are not immune to them. Infiniti's have a history of great reliability; that's a FACT. A recall because the fuel tank locks up prematurely making it unable to fully fill up does not mean this car is not on par with the others. BMW, Benz and certainly Jaguar's reputations are not based on their reliability. If this was the case, Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans would be the most prestigious cars.

I do believe this car is on par with it's competition. Subjective areas like prestige are inarguable, but objectively, this car more than holds its own. Although this is a new model, I'm more than confident in Infiniti/Nissan's reliability, since it consistently is among the industry leaders in this regard. You forgot to mention that every report of hood flapping came from PRE-production models and that the engineers were well aware of the problem and that it would be addressed. I've only read one review in which the voice recognition was less than optimal. Everyone else praised it. Personally, I had no problems with it, it only failed to recognise my command once.

I admit, Infiniti has sucked, mostly due to allocation of resources from Nissan during the dark financial years. There is a new committment to Infiniti with the Renault alliance, and the new Q is just the beginning. Nissan has argueably the best (if not among the best) engineering among any carmaker. If management can be as good as engineering, the product will be amazing. Changing perceptions like yours Titanfan1, will admittedly be a little harder.

demigodh · April 2001

Put simply, what are the advantages/disadvantages when comparing the 97 Q45 to the Acura RL without navigation. The V8 on the infiniti is the only difference i could find. (i didn't look very hard). Are there different luxury options? Also, is one more reliable.
Any and All information will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

kevin6842 · April 2001

Well, I can not speak to the recall of the Q45 as I haven't received notice as yet. Probably because I have only had the car a couple of weeks and am not in the "system" yet. My gas tank fills fine so maybe the problem was isolated. However, one can look at the recall history of cars and find there is no manufacturer immune to recall. Rolls-Royce had a recall a couple of years ago and Ferrari and BMW has recalls all the time. Often, you do not hear about them unless you are an owner. Most are very minor and others (notably Ford) are more major in nauture. So, if a manufacturer has a recall, does that mean they make an inferior product? I don't think so. If that were the case, BMW's and Ferrari's would be the worst cars on the planet.

Even after taking my new Q45 (after the 1,000 mi breakin) up to 135 mph on an empty Interstate, I can say I do not experience "hood flap" and the voice recognition system works perfectly at that speed. Furthermore, the car handles and tracks perfectly. I would have expected high-speed wander and it just wasn't there. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I happen to think it is a world-clas car and far superior to it's competition.

arcoates · April 2001

I too see the resemblance to a Peugot 605 or whatever the model name is. And I am quite fond of the Peugot. But, I think it may be a bit too conservative to become the leader of the group. The MB S-Class, which is what everyone compares their cars to, has the brains and the beauty. There is no doubt that the Q has a perfect IQ, it's just that it is too plain jane. But, so is the LS and is has become quite popular.~ A.R.

mvargo1 · April 2001

Yes, I read that article. It said that on a pre-production prototype the hood flapped at speeds over 145MPH. Two things It was a preproduction model and that was 145MPH not ones usual crusing speed.

Recall was on first run vehicles and is completely ordinary. Most cars a recalled at least once esp in the first year of production.

What about tire noise and vibration. That there isn't any. That one review said you would need a decibel meter to tell the difference between the Q and the LS, and another thought the Q might even be quieter.

The voice recognition works a hell of a lot better than any other. Oh, yeah Infiniti is the only one that even offers it as standard equipment.

scottphillip · April 2001

Kevin,

I really appreciate your comments. I too was shopping for a Lexus LS430 when I saw and drove the Q45. The main thing that stopped me was that it is a new model, and some of the features were not yet available-- telephone, laser cruise control.

I was also worried about depreciation since I am fickle and tend to trade often. (Actually, I love em all.) Did you lease?

I ended up trading my 97 BMW 750il on a 2001 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro. The Audi is much smaller and looks sportier, but there are many features of the 7 that I miss. I had previously leased a '94 Q45, and enjoyed the car very much.

Thanks again for your insight!

arcoates · April 2001

The more I see the Q, the more I like it. It is not so bland to my eyes anymore. Looks a hell of a lot better than the LS. It's more understated than bland. I can't wait to see my first one whiz past me on the road, with those 340 horses running wild.~ A.R.

cainep · April 2001

When I recently took a 'hot lap' at the Zero to Infiniti event, the edge of the hood closest to the windshield was definitely moving, enough for me to call it 'flapping', and this was at speeds of 120-130 mph. The g-force generated round the ends of the oval track were certainly memorable though :-)

rapro · April 2001

My reaction to the new Q was very similar to that of arcoates. In pictures the car looked rather ugly. In reality it's really understated rather than ugly and in a way quite elegant. I think the car carries on the tradition, at least visually, of the first generation Q, very understated elegance. The LS looks the opposite to me; not too bad in pictures, rather hideous in reality.

kevin6842 · April 2001

Scottphillip:

Congratulations on your new A6. It is a great car. I understand your concern with the Q45. Yes, some things are not available yet. For me, these were things I could live without so I wasn't to concerned. As to resale, who knows? This is a new model and resale values are speculation at this time. That is why I leased. I go through way too many cars.

I share with you letting go of your 750. I still regret having sold mine. It was truely an awesome car.

Good luck with your new A6.

matt00 · April 2001

I am getting ready to list my 1994 Infiniti Q45 and I am not sure how to price the car. The car is in excellent condition inside and out…..Even the stitching inside the car is still white and not discolored.
The car was mostly driven on weekends because I used my other car during the week

I also added an aftermarket stereo system (Kenwood Excel head unit, Kenwood 6 disc changer, MTX amp and Polk Audio speakers) as well as a viper alarm system…..The car only has 64,000 miles on it and I had the wheels from a 1995 Q45 put on the car.

When I looked up the price on KBB it came to $16,134, but that was without the upgrades I made to the car. How much should I factor the cost of the aftermarket upgrades? I spent over $2000 for everything (Stereo, Alarm, Wheels)

I am thinking that $15,500 would be a fair price?
I know that older Q45's are rare to find.
Please tell me what you think?

Any info would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks,

scottphillip · April 2001

I came across this review today. I believe that it was posted over the weekend. Enjoy!

http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/Jedlicka/Infiniti/Q45/2002.asp

fenn · April 2001

The looks of the new Q have grown on me too, I like the car more every time I see it. For me, the options packages should be re-thought.......I wish that the sport model did not mandate the smoke wood trim. Meanwhile, Titanfan definately has some hostility towards Infiniti. His Edmunds profile says he owns an Infiniti GS and he wants a Mercedes QX4. He is an expert?.........hmm????

mpyles1 · May 2001

Don't let them get under your skin, Titanfan. I've also been searching for a Mercedes-Benz QX4. I thought I found one the other day, but it turned out to be a Pontiac Aztek . . . they do look a lot alike.

fenn · May 2001

Well, I test drove the Q again this weekend. I literally liked it even more this time around. It seemed faster this time too! The dealer invited me to place an order for a Q that fits my color and equipment specs with no obligation, so I did! I will see if I want it when it comes in. Unfortunately, I fear that the gas prices may make me consider something a bit more fuel efficient. At these skyrocketing prices, I am beginning wonder whether I want to feed a 340 hp V8!

carnaught · May 2001

Saw my first new one on the road. I can say that I like the looks better than the LS430. For $10,000 or less than the Lexus, it's going to give it a run for the money. I'm considering one, but am reticent, with the price of gas, to buy now. Also, they'll be dealing better if I wait.

fenn · May 2001

Due to the economy and gas prices I do not think that the launch of the new car has taken off with respect to sales. I get the impression that some dealing can be done on the new Q, which really makes it a huge bargain compared to the Lexus. I think if you shop a bit, a base car can be had for under 50k right now.....That is a lot of car for the money.

alexalee1 · May 2001

One excuse I often heard from Nissan/Infiniti enthusiasts regarding why Lexus sells more cars than Infiniti is that people never heard of Infiniti, and once they test drive one, "they'll understand". So, there needs to be more effort to bring people to the Infiniti Dealership.

But, yet, I, as a prospective customer who visited the dealership around the car launch date, and was promised a call so that I can pick up the brochure when it's available, I have yet to hear anything from the salesman.

I got the brochure by ordering it off the web.

Thanks Pxxxxxxxx Infiniti of Rxxxxxx Cxxx, California. (I think it used to be called Sxxx Infiniti. And I heard from freshalloy.com that they had some problem with the FBI in the past, that's why the name change. I think it might be of using of customer credit info fraud or something like that).

If it were the Lexus dealership next door, the salesman would have written me a letter thanking me for my visit, etc.

rjelkhatib · May 2001

I am looking to buy a used Q this summer (98 Q45T). I don't know anyone who owns one so any comments on this car? (e.g. how you liked the car, its strengths/weaknesses, etc)

Thanks.

tmla · May 2001

I'm looking at a 97 Q45, for sale at area dealer. Mileage is low, 40k. Price is way beyond Edmunds book! $20k vs $28k...Is that normal? Anything to look for before actually negotiating the price? Thanks

Infiniti Q45

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