1994 Infiniti Q45 Base with Traction Control 4.5 Liter V8 278hp

Summary:

Own one and you'll understand -- INFINITI

Faults:

- Transmission (I found one at a local junk yard for $450 -- labor was $200...I have a VERY cheap mechanic). The transmission new is between $2500-$3500.

- Front struts; I found 2 front struts for around $400 last year in 2007... and now (2008) I need MORE front struts (luckily, I got this pair for free!)

- The passenger side control arm was replaced, I forgot how much that was.

- Power steering line/cable became loose (car was VERY hard to drive/turn)

- 1 new rotor, and brakes (all four brakes to get replaced at the same time is around $250)

- Tune up (at INFINITI a tune-up was around $800 that's what they told me a year ago 2007. Now 2008 a tune up at the dealership is around $400)

- TCS & slip light blinks constantly! I'm not sure what the problem is, but it seems to not affect anything!

- The exhaust system needs to be replaced, but the car is not loud (a new exhaust system is between $1000-$1800)

- One thing I HATE about this car is: if I turn the AC on, and drive around... my car seems to not perform as quickly as usual. I do not know what the problem is, but I hate it!

- New alternator pulley. $106 from dealership (the part was only as SMALL as the palm and fingers of my hand!)

- My car leaks oil, I need some type of seal around something... sorry I forgot what my mechanic said it is exactly.

- The power steering leaks in most Q45's (my sister drove a Nissan Maxima and had the same problem with the power steering leaks). It must be a NISSAN thing.

- Gas mileage is HORRIBLE (but what do you expect from a V8)?! They tell you it's 15 mpg city - 18 mpg highway... but it's ACTUALLY about 12/13 city - 18/19 Highway.

General Comments:

* It performs best when the temp gauge is around C (cold), but the car IS fast...!!

* The back seat room isn’t all that great, because the front seats are very bulky (personal opinion)

* BOSE sound system is GREAT... very much so when I hook up my iPOD and put the equalizer on BASS BOOSTER!! WOW! (Boom...boom boom boom!!)

* The sunroof is large... unlike Honda/Acura.

* The keyless entry remote will put the two front windows down if you hold the UNLOCK button! I think it's cool that you can also turn the interior lights on or off by the remote!

* The 1994-1996 INFINITI Q45 was/IS the best body style Q45!

* THE SERVICE AT INFINITI IS 100% EXCELLENT!! EXCELLENCE, GOALS, ACHIEVEMENTS!!! (well at least at my local dealership)

* When the car is detailed... it is BEAUTIFUL! (mine is black on tan! aftermarket paint)

** Despite all of the problems I've had with this car, it IS a very good car! I drove it to Myrtle Beach SC with not one problem at all!**

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2008

21st Feb 2011, 11:21

My power steering is horrible on my 94 Q45. I saw that you said the power steering line was loose. How do I go about fixing that? How much will it cost and what should I say to the mechanic?

Robert Lawson.

1994 Infiniti Q45

Summary:

Not that great of a car... just really fast!!

Faults:

I got the car 6 years old from a wealthy older lady who had 4 cars. I paid $10,000 cash and my parents paid $10,000 cash. The car is okay... I drove a 1992 INFINITI G20...a BIG difference in power!!

I now need a transmission...$2500-$3500.

Struts have been replaced TWICE ($840 for 2 front struts, not including labor ($400) ) So That's about $2500 total!!

My driver side door has triggered the alarm several times before.

My trunk release button (located on driver door) doesn't respond anymore... I have to use the key... which is a pain if you're at the golf course!!

The tuneups are like $800 at the dealership (I ONLY get service there). Which is a little more than a Mercedes.

NO CUPHOLDERS!!!

I'm about to sell it for a Mercedes S500.

General Comments:

The car is quick (well before the transmission gave out. However I can still drive the car... but the RPM gauge does not exceed past 3.5).

The handling is over rated... not as good as I'd like it to be...

I'm 6'2...and I've ridden in the backseat... and that's very uncomfortable...

I would own another Q45...just because of the power!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2007

6th Oct 2008, 00:55

Wow... I just bought an Infiniti q45, 1994, cheaply. Everyone that I talk to says that I got a smokin' deal... but, where do you get parts for this car other than the dealership? There are not a lot of these cars in the auto traced, or the wrecker. You sound like you like this type of car, but have had issues. So if you could tell me where to hunt for extras, by all means...

19th Oct 2009, 11:51

I may have a solution to your problem with the trunk having to be opened with the key. There is a switch in the glove compartment that is very easy to accidentally bump, causing the trunk switch to be deactivated. Hopefully this helps.