Beater Archive

Q-Ship: 1990-96 Infiniti Q45

By Andrew ⋅ November 13, 2007 ⋅  Email this Article ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

If you love luxury flagships, the Q45 may be the best beater of the bunch

by Andrew Stoy

1991 Infiniti Q45

The Background

Nissan’s Infiniti division has proven to be fertile ground for beater aficionados, producing Lexus-quality vehicles that contain just enough quirks to keep them from achieving the same reputation–and resale value–as their Toyota-san compatriots. Take the Infiniti Q45 for example: This loaded rear-wheel-drive Japanese luxo-barge was introduced in 1990 to compete with the similarly-equipped Lexus LS400, but sales never lived up to expectations. And if you’re new to this market, here’s a tip: Nice
cars with second-rate images are beater gold.

So what was the problem with the Q45? Mechanically, the specs are gold. With its lusty 4.5L V8 engine producing 276 hp and driving the proper wheels through a 4-speed automatic, the big Infiniti could run away from most vehicles on the road in the early 1990s. But the car itself suffered from a bit of an image problem thanks to odd front-end styling and an ill-conceived marketing plan, coupled with the fact that Nissan’s quality reputation was not as iron-clad in the US as that of Honda and Toyota. As such, the Infiniti luxury brand wasn’t automatically assumed to be bulletproof as it was with Acura and Lexus, respectively.

The introductory marketing campaign for the Infiniti brand, and the Q45 specifically, broke one cardinal rule of automotive advertising: It didn’t show the vehicle. Nor did it provide any specifications or information. This writer remembers the campaign as a high-school student flipping through the pages of Road & Track. It was perplexing, to say the least, and the B&W landscapes (designed to invoke emotions) paled when compared to, say, a Lexus add showing the muscular, classy LS400. Car enthusiasts want to see cars, plain and simple. Of course, with its bizarre pewter-colored bowl-of-spaghetti grille ornament, perhaps Infiniti made the right decision by not showing the Q45 in early ads.

The Opportunity

Differences between Lexus and Infiniti vehicles can be roughly equated to the difference between Mercedes and BMW products. Although the size, specifications, and even appearances may be similar, the former is tuned for a traditional, staid, luxurious feel while the latter is the spunky, sporty, more performance-oriented peer. Such is the case with the Q45, which uses a tightly tuned suspension, wide tires, and even firm seating to impart the feel of a smaller sports sedan despite its relative girth. That girth also means that when plebian shuttling duties require it, you can carry five folks in leather-clad comfort and fit all their luggage in the proper full-size trunk.

As is so often the case, the earliest models were arguably the purest interpretation of Infiniti’s original intentions. The unconventional exterior styling, minimalist interior design, and tight springing result in a uniquely Japanese interpretation of what American luxury-car buyers might like. Whether you agree with their assessment is purely subjective. Regardless, you get the aforementioned 4.5L V8 engine coupled to a Jatco 4-speed autobox powering the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential. Suspension is independent all around, as are disc brakes, and a version of Nissan’s HICAS rear-wheel steering was even available.

If you prefer luxury and can afford the higher end of the price range, choose a 1994-96 Q45. An array of improvements appeared for the ’94 model year, including a more conventional grille, keyless entry, fog lights, and some mechanical upgrades designed to improve longevity. The later comprised such niceties as a separate transmission filter and improved cooler, and sturdier timing chain guides, all well worth having on a high-mileage vehicle or one you intend on keeping until its last gasp.

The Downside

Since you’re reading Beater Review, we’re going to assume that your priorities lean more toward getting the most bang for your buck versus trying to impress the high-rent hotties. So it shouldn’t bother you too much that your whip looks a little odd, and that no one’s going to know what it is. Pro: You probably won’t be a target for theft. Con: You probably won’t find a junked Q45 in your local salvage yard.

That brings us to the engine: While the Infiniti V8 has proven to be a smooth, reliable powerplant, should it require service you’ll quickly discover that it’s also relatively rare. Unlike the V6 engines motivating the J- and I-series Infinitis, the V8 was only used in the Q45 during the time frame covered by this article. Replacement parts can get expensive, and while it’s not particularly unconventional, finding an expert to solve a real problem may involve a trip to the Infiniti dealership, along with the requisite second mortgage.

As the 1994 changes to the transmission cooler and filter might imply, the Jatco RE4R03A transmission used in the Q45 isn’t known for stellar reliability. While not a total boat anchor like the lighter-duty 01A used in the J30, Jatco transmissions are best approached with a healthy dose of skepticism. If the transmission in the Q45 you’re considering has been replaced, try to get documentation on the work performed. The trans cooler has to be replaced at the same time as the trans to prevent trash from finding its way back into the new gearbox. If the trans hasn’t been replaced in a 100k+ mile vehicle, be sure to test it thoroughly in all gears, and while both warm and cold. Finally, pull the dipstick and make sure the ATF doesn’t look like mud.

The Hit

$930-$4,000

In a Nutshell

We like Infiniti cars here at Beater Review. They’re well-built, powerful, distinctively styled, and they’re thousands of dollars cheaper than similar offerings from Lexus, Mercedes and BMW. The Q45 was the ultimate Infiniti during its lifespan, and if you’re seeking a large car with ’90s Japanese quality and reliability, it remains the ultimate to this day. So ask yourself: Can your ego take the “also-ran” image? Take your time. We’ll be scouting Craigslist for a clean, well-maintained Q45 while you think about it.