I've never seen one of these before! First time a 99 Infiniti Q45t enters the Car Wizard's shop

See how excited the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ is to have this 1999 Infiniti Q45t in his shop.
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[@barrygoldwasser5449]

I owned a 2,000 Q45 for 17 years. Excellent machine. Reliable. Beautiful. Never even changed a bulb.

[@sethsantiago304]

My uncle did too

[@sagemodemason972]

Wow man that is nice, I'm looking to buy 1 soon I like this car but I also like the 03-05 m45 they're beautiful Japanese/American luxury vehicles and I would like to find 1 or the other some time this year.

[@closer71]

I had a 1996 Q45 and drove it for 4 years. Loved. Hell, everyone loved it. Fast! And rode like an S-class with BMW 7-Series handling. What a car. Never had a problem. Only work it ever needed was a new battery, fuel pump and fuel pump solenoid. Sold it in 2012 at 165,700 miles and the buyer is still driving it!

[@Ctrl-XYZ]

I have a 2001 Q45 ... nothing on it has ever broken or stopped working in the 16 years that I've owned it.

[@jeff59rt]

You know a good car, when the mechanics have never seen one.

[@nononsenseBennett]

Yup. A good sign when looking for a car is that it's hard to find. People hold on to good, reliable cars.

[@MrFuchew]

your both wrong they just didn't make many of them

[@postersm7141]

jeff59rt You know I never really thought of it that way but that’s a damn good point!

[@GrzegorzDurda]

The same truth applied for the worst cars also

[@PhuckHue2]

Unless the car is a dud like the Dodge Intrepid. When those cars break down the next stop is the car recycler

[@2steaksandwiches665]

This and the older generation were pretty cool cars. Classy still to this day. Design aged well just like the Acura Legend.

[@closer71]

2 Steak Sandwiches I had a 1996 and my friend had a 97 (the newer body style like in this video) and my car only had ONE problem in 200,000 miles: had to replace the fuel pump and pump solenoid at about 127,000 miles. THATS IT!!! The car was literally indestructible; it was incredibly fast and handled like an S-class....great suspension and V8 power. At 200k we decided to sell it. Starter was going bad. But it still started every time!

[@kevinruger8819]

The Acura legend is one Modern Classic I feel is worth restoring. People restore Intergra Type R vehicle all the time. I think the mid 90’s Legends are worth restoring as well

[@2steaksandwiches665]

@@kevinruger8819 100% agree. I’d like to find a good coupe with good bones and restore one.

[@petrosaguilar8916]

@@kevinruger8819 - I have not seen a Legend on the road in many years.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

@@petrosaguilar8916 There is a guy in my neighborhood that drives a vigor and every time I see it I get excited LOL. I love early Acuras

[@aky19832001]

You've never seen one before because they don't break down and are typically single owners cars. That are typically serviced at dealers. If im not mistaken these cars are made in Japan. With the Japanese pathologic attention to detail and quality control and quality parts.

[@ViolentMLG]

I had owned one of these, a 98 Q45T. I got it with 160K miles at an auction for $400. It was donated by kars for kids and the car was terribly maintained by the previous owner. I literally think that the owner did 0 maint in the entire 2-3 years of ownership. Then he let it sit for 2-3 years. It needed ALLOT, to get the car in 'fair' shape, it was easily over $1000 in parts alone. To get the car in pristine it was easily $2000. At the time I was broke, so I couldn't get it square right away, but let me tell you, this car was my savior and a super trooper. This car, with rear and front warped rotors, a caliper not working, no power steering, no A/C, and many MANY other issues, that car was a fucking tank and endured MONTHS of abuse and barely any maint on-top of what the previous owner had put it through, and never ONCE broke down on me. It was hanging on my what last bit it had, its engine and trans, and it wasn't going to let go. One of the most reliable bulletproof cars you can ever own. This is basically a sportier LS IMO. The LS has some better tech like dual-zone, but this car id say feels sportier. Both bulletproof, but you don't pay the Lexus tax on one of these. Also let me add; Noise? It doesn't make much noise, primarily the front fan. Its quiet. The noise it does make it unique due to the fan. Ride quality? Pretty solid for an old car. I must say that this thing will ride better than most mid-sized cars of today, and don't even start on econ cars. Seats? These are comfortable, I got back issues and I would gangsterlean that seat and it was great. the sound system? Pretty great. Speed? 266HP in a 4000pound car, 7S 0-60, not quick by any means but it will stomp out your local ricers. I easily got this thing up to 135MPH on a long road trip and it felt so stable the entire time. It didn't feel scary at all. This is the type of car you can do 90 in and not even notice. Also, bonus, its RWD, so that smooth RWD power deliver is so nice. Speeds up decently too because its a 5speed. I had the T model which has specific struts that are 'more sporty'. Obviously its a BIG car, but for what it was, I could easily corner 70+mph on some old backroads. It handled better than a civic I owned. This car was what really got me into luxury cars. I love old Nissans. I also owned a 97 Maxima and that car was extremely reliable too. I had a knock issue with that car where it would randomly knock on one cylinder under power (like going up hill) and it endured for a VERY long time until I was finally able to trace down why and fix it. These cars take tons of abuse, you can't get anything better for the money IMO. You can find Q45's (if you can find one) and they're typically like $1500. I got my Maxima for $1500 back-then too. Can't beat it.

[@aky19832001]

@@ViolentMLG Awesome story! I can see the car left quite an impression on you brother. What I think many overlook is that the MSRP on these back in 98 was 50k. In todays times, according to inflation calculator that translates to 80k. Frankly I don't think you can get the same reliability out of an 80k car currently. The exception would go to Toyota vehicles, Lexus or Landcruiser, or if you left America and purchased the Japanese made and imported Nissans, Mazda's and Toyota. I Think the message here is that Vechiles built in Japan are not the same as vehicles made in America. No matter what manufacturers may claim. This holds true even currently. I own two 4urnners and I choice them for a reason, they're japanese made and the quality is just second to nothing compared to Jeeps, and other SUV. Some how people forgoet or overlook that small but curical detail. Made in Japanese still stands for realiable and quality. Even with Lexus vehicles, you can see the difference. Lexus made in Japan, is on another level of quality and luxary than Lexus made in America.

[@AI-qd4vb]

Complete nonsense... They barely sold any. Thats the reason. If that Japanese attention to detail was actually real, they wouldnt put truck engines or economy car bits and pieces into these cars... The Europeans always had them beaten with dedicated engineering of their flagships and true top notch technologies and attention to detail put into them. A VW Phaeton, for example, was basically hand built in a purposefully built factory just for its manufacturing. They even pioneered laser welding technology for their chassis just so they can make car look cleaner and were galvanizing every bits of metal to avoid rust. The engine on that thing was a frikin purposefully built W12, whose power and smoothness was unparalleled by any JDM turd out there. That is attention to detail! That is dedication to a car and a true flagship. Not taking some truck engine and underpowering it so you can sell low maintenance costs and "reliability" like an LS or a Legend. There's a reason the Europeans outsells the Japanese even in their own homeland. Merc's been the best selling premium brand in Japan for a while already.

[@negativeindustrial]

@@AI-qd4vb Apples to oranges. The V12 Toyota Century would be a much more accurate comparison.

[@rationalsanelogical8910]

Yea, ok bud! And, how many Phantons do you think they sold?! The only reason that car was even built was because it was the head of VW’s pulled outta his ass imagination of a car and wanted it built and to spare no expense. Is it a cool, well built car with an incredibly unreliable engine that barely anyone knows how to work on? Yes, it is. Was it a terrible sales flop? Yes, it was. You saying Japanese build quality is lesser than that of the German is incredibly naive of you. Would you rather a 10yr old German luxury car or a Japanese one of the same age? I have a feeling I know you’re answer, and with it, I hope you have another back up car to drive while you’re wrenching on that German POS. I’ll be cruising along in my JDM worrying about nothing but when my next oil change is due.

[@foxyloon]

Wow, this one's really clean for its age! I'm used to seeing these cars on FB with trashed interiors, paint, and 300K+ miles.

[@Derek8487]

Being sold by the "no low ballers I know what I have" crowd.

[@CarringtonHollister]

Derek C damn best automotive comment of the month right here

[@MCAutographs]

Found & bought one of these myself recently 2000 Q45t, my first Non-Honda & loving it!

[@phuot1]

When Nissan was building good cars, over 20 years ago.

[@oliverdelgado6952]

Amen to that

[@brianm.595]

Pre-ghosn... might start something with that comment but low nissan quality and models updated once a decade showed up around the same time as him

[@michaelporter3555]

Exactly but even then you were better off with something from Toyota. Some of Nissan's models back then were excellent but not all. Their newer vehicles are garbage.

[@97I30T]

Brian Myers That’s right and now Ghosn is in hiding because he’s a wanted fugitive for embezzling money. Go figure. No wonder Nissan is in such bad shape.

[@davidjameswales]

All of Nissans performance cars are still fantastic.

[@alexsperring7545]

I had a couple of these. They are so smooth and well built they are almost like budget Bentleys

[@thumperjdm]

When Infiniti and Lexus started to get their foothold on the large luxury market, the LS400 sold very well. But, it was always the lesser-seen Q45 that caught MY eye.

[@andysp8845]

thumperjdm it always looked sportier than the Lexus

[@theflipphonechannel8198]

The LS is nice and all but I feel like the Q45 was a more interesting car. The LS just looks like a Mercedes but the Q45 was unique, especially the pre face-lift first gens

[@DBitowf]

I have a 2005 Q45 I love it, I'm going to drive that thing till it falls apart of it ever does it's only been in the shop once for a $10 sensor... And $300 labor of course🤦‍♂️🤣

[@jeffhartwig5283]

My Pap rip bought a 1998 Q45t when he retired. It Is still in the family with 295k miles. Hardly had any issues. Smooth and quiet ride. Miss you Pap..

[@JaPaNeSe_MxD_707]

Did you ever have any power steering issues?

[@kevinmcadams805]

The Q45 is yet another example of how automotive journalists can ruin a car. This car was very similar and certainly competitive with the third generation LS400 of the same vintage, yet this car and the entire Q 45 legacy faded into obscurity. It was criticized for being too “Buick like” at the time and not high performance enough. This is yet another great example of why we need to demand that the auto manufacturers bring back big, comfortable, rear wheel drive cars.

[@MrCarGuy]

Journos simply ruin everything. It's a wonder anyone ever listened to mouthpieces who only cared about numbers cars to sell more magazines from more "thrilling" performance tests.

[@fredwilliams7893]

The new rendition that came out in 03 and 04 was a sales flop but my car when it was released in 06 as a total redesign it knocked bmw Mercedes and Lexus out of the ball game accordimg to Motor trend and car and driver. It was extremely a head as far as tech and features. To this day my 08 M45 Sport runs amazing with over 100,000 miles on it.

[@TWX1138]

Modern *cars* beat up the occupants. My '95 Impala is comfortable, one sinks down into the seats. Amusingly GM advertised the seats as bolstered compared to the Caprice and Roadmaster.

[@Topher7527]

I think people give the auto journos too much credit here. People didn't stop buying luxury sedans because the journos told them to. They stopped buying them because they started buying SUVs instead. Auto manufacturers listen to sales above all else and the sales (the people) have spoken. Not that the journos did the sedan any favors. As long as the majority of the new car buying public keeps buying CUVs and SUVs we won't be seeing a resurgence of nice sedans.

[@thedomitabletraveler7198]

I remember when it first came out in 1990, it was criticized for its styling and being too 'brutish' to drive. Then in 94, they slapped a grill in the front and softened the ride. The car got softer and softer with each new generation / refresh. The other thing was it didn't have the reliability and resale of the Lexus and Acura and thus couldn't keep up with sales and demand. Lexus still makes the LS and neither Infiniti or even Acura have a proper flagship All that said, I have a J30 and it's amazing. I love the early 90s Japanese cars best. Overbuilt and over engineered machines. Too bad Renault took over Nissan

[@Over9000scouters]

I really love the old "t" model Infinitis, they add so much beauty to the exterior and on some models added more sporty components making them very fun to drive

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Those Q45 are awesome vehicles. Great for driving on the highway. Straight forward easy to repair for a mechanic like you. Those car should go way over 500,000 miles with regular maintenance.

[@mrchavis6118]

Def not easy to repair but they are reliable

[@rodneycoleman2919]

I doubt if you can get 150 000 miles before it becomes an endless money pit. None of the Q45 from all years and models held up and thats why you don't see hardly any on the road today. There are more 90's ls 400 on the road than all q45 combined. Infiniti doesn't make the q 70 anymore because of the bad reliability of their flagship cars in the past. Hyundai Genesis have surpassed Infiniti in overall quality and number of cars that they make. I currently have a 2002 infiniti q45 and am fixing it every other week. It burns oil, burns gas and have replaced the transmission computer twice along with a list of other problems. These cars are engineering disasters and the sad part of it is that nissan has been making cars too long not to be able to compete with Toyota and honda.

[@mrchavis6118]

@@rodneycoleman2919 shout out to Q45s all day over Ls 400🤮 we are on a 1997 that’s just about to hit 200 K probably runs better than any Lexus you’ve ever 😎seen

[@liblib89]

Indeed, and the LS series had timing belts, these are chain driver. WAY less maintenance

[@Ctrl-XYZ]

@@rodneycoleman2919 I've owned two Q45s. Both extremely reliable and trouble free.

[@jaycobeh7900]

As a g37s owner I’m happy you’ve FINALLY got an Infiniti in a video!

[@acutl05]

My grandfather bought one of these in 2000 and I have never had such a flood of nostalgia hit me.

[@robvargas1554]

Same here. My grandfather sold his 1999 about five years ago for a Lincoln

[@Teriaki123]

Beautiful honda prelude in the back 8:20

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

One of my favorite cars of all time. I've been trying to turn people on to those cars for years. If it has the true dual exhaust, it's not a 99, It's a 99 and a half. The 99's have a merge point after the exhaust flanges, and only a single muffler. Little known facts about Nissan, because of interdepartmental changes in the company, they actually put out a bunch of 99 1/2 models. For example, the 99 Nissan Pathfinder looks like a Nissan Pathfinder, however the 99 and a half has a body kit on it that makes it look very similar to a QX4. Then the QX4 itself has a very narrow cross segment on the front fascia with a small infini emblem, while the 99 and a half QX4 has a wider crossbar on the front fascia, with a barge Infinity emblem. Subtle differences between the 99, and the 99 and a halves. The 99 1/2 Maxima is amazing. Then 99 and a half QX4 is amazing. The 99 and a half Pathfinders amazing. The Body Lines on that car, are so subtle, but they're incredibly beautiful. Hey wizard oh, you really need to see that car in green. Of all of them that I've ever seen, and I was an auto detailer for 16 years, they look amazing in this green with a very subtle metallic flake to it, that they had. I don't remember what the name of the paint color was, but those 99 and a half Q45 t's look stunning in it..

[@cybercj99]

I think it was called Hunter Green Pearl. One of my favorite things about Infiniti was their obscure but all too accurate paint names. Like when they introduced burnt copper with the FX

[@BamaE92]

My family had a 99 1/2 Pathfinder when I was in high school - you’re right it really was a cool departure from the 99’s!

[@fredwilliams7893]

Never gonna sell my 08 M45 Sport which replaced this. But looking to purchase one of these aswell

[@constructionbootgazer]

This Q45t and the first modern M45 are still some of my favourite looking sedans ever. So clean, yet imposing and timeless. They got really popular along with the LS400 when the VIP tuning scene got popular in the late 2000s. Never see them around anymore, so I figured the electronics got the best of them.

[@MugatuJag]

The refresh QX fours with those bad ass H ID headlights and the two-tone are so fresh I love them

[@renelopez8227]

"If I ruled the world and everything in it/ Sky's the limit/ Push the 4-5 Infinit.." -NAS "If I ruled the world" 1996

[@glennmcgee1729]

Wow Wizard, I owned a '99 silver Q45t from 2004 to 2015 and after spending only $17k for it (originally $60k), money I spent for repairs was for basic stuff like brakes, belts, etc. Never did struts but parts were not a problem to get nor very expensive online. Had to finally say good-bye after road salt ate through the rear frame. One of my best cars. Too nice a car for Hoovie but let him sit in it, very comfortable ride. Thanks for giving this car it's props!

[@ohbromo]

Car Wizard is is like the Hank Hill of the car world. Passionate as hell about his work.

[@Earthghost70]

Have a 98 Q45, hell of a car. If they made a new one tomorrow, I would buy it. 194K miles and it runs excellently.

[@papilgee4evaeva]

I'd love it if they did. But Nissan seems content to let Infiniti wither...

[@thedomitabletraveler7198]

I wanted a Q but now have a J30 with 52,000 miles. Amazing machine. Love the old Infinities

[@dylanloppie354]

Meanwhile a 2008 Nissan Maxima is burning down from a power steering leak.

[@fredwilliams7893]

Proud owner a 2008 Infiniti m45 sport.

[@ViolentMLG]

Aye I owned the same model year. Although I think if Nissan dropped any car today id be hesitant sadly. Just don't build them the same anymore.

[@Bananahammock88]

My uncle still has this vehicle. He bought it new and still owns it. I remember seeing the clock when he bought it and thinking it was the most luxurious car I’ve ever seen.

[@skippythetubrat]

Back in the 1990s I sold cars for a while. When I was selling Chryslers they introduced the LH series. I went to a ride and drive event and they were comparing the Dodge Intrepid to several cars, among them the Infinity Q45. That Q45 was badass.

[@joe6096]

Kind of suicidal for Chrysler to voluntarily let people compare the LH cars to an Infiniti Q45.

[@bigmedge]

Joe but those Chryslers were ~ 1/2 the price of a Q45. So they probably used the Q45 as a way of saying something along the lines of “2/3 of the Q45’s luxury for 1/2 the price”

[@skippythetubrat]

@@joe6096 We were all salesmen who worked at Chrysler dealerships. The idea is that we could drive the new models and compare to the competition. There was an LHS there as well. Closer, but still.... It was laughable that they thought they had anything in the same league as the Q45.

[@joe6096]

bigmedge Still not a very smart approach. That’s “old school” sales tactics. 1. The customer forgets the price when they get behind the wheel. 2. People shopping in the price class of a Chrysler are not cross shopping an Infiniti. 3. People who CAN afford an Infiniti and are shopping for one don’t even have a Chrysler on their list. Rear wheel drive V8 vs front wheel drive V6. Those customers don’t cross shop.

[@luemn7691]

Those intrepids held up. Except for the freeze plugs. Had one and drove the hdck out of it.

[@mofakah5906]

I was in Texas a week ago, around the same time you posted this video, and I remember seeing a late 90s early 2000s infiniti q sedan rolling by us on the freeway. It caught my eye right away. Second I've ever seen on the road

[@ckm-mkc]

It's a crazy idea and I've never done it, but shocks are nothing more than hydraulic cylinders and those are rebuilt all the time. Maybe a local, friendly hydraulic cylinder shop could fix them? Also Bilstein can custom make shocks - I designed a set for a 1973 Jensen Interceptor which is now in the Bilstein catalog.....

[@chriscrystalhood6260]

These are electronic controlled is the problem, just like on the Cadillac Seville STS

[@zburnham]

heh, you want to feel old, I was born that year and I just turned 50. Cool that you got something out there though.

[@KidJaeProductions]

All Q45 generations were ahead of its time. The f50 Q45 (2002-2006) came with a backup camera! In 2002! Very well ahead of its time.

[@jesserdo9963]

Have a 03 very good car

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

I was about to question my sanity at seeing a Nissan without a power steering leak... Ahh, there it is! Sanity restored!

[@christopherhamilton5557]

I can confirm that PS leaks are a thing with Nissan! 😂 Mine was a $200 fix, no biggie.

[@anasnasir9424]

I remember the 2002 sentra I learned driving on, my dad kept that car in really immaculate shape. Except before selling it in 2013 it always had a bottle of stp power steering fluid in the trunk. 😂😂

[@_zigzak]

Can also confirm, my 2012 leaks 😂

[@ericbeal6358]

@@anasnasir9424 then he didn't keep it in as great of shape as you think. If you know of a problem and refuse to fix it, you aren't taking good care of the car.

[@fredwilliams7893]

@@ericbeal6358 well said! People always blame the car brand before taking ownership of proper maintenance.

[@sanjeever82]

Thank you Wizard. This is a great video to help me chill out on a bad day after work. You are the best. Your videos rule.

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

Car Wizard: "I've never seen one of these." Diagnoses issues in minutes.

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

all ICE cars are more or less the same

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

@@CarsMeetsBikes rotaries and radials beg to differ.

[@pengu4932]

He is magic after all :)

[@billynguyen4912]

@@michaelkrenzer3296 They all still need fuel, air, compression, and spark to work

[@ReachToVictory]

@@michaelkrenzer3296 they still use basic suspension, breaks, transmissions, differentials, and electronics too

[@christianorban6926]

I remember one of my college professors had one of these cars and I always admired it. Also one of the old car books I have has an article on this Q45 when it first came out in the early 90s and how technologically advanced is suspension was. Me and my wife have a 2008 m 35x which is all wheel drive and we really enjoyed the car. It has about a hundred and seventy seven thousand miles on it now and still runs and drives great. Heated and air conditioned seats electronic tilt and telescoping steering wheel among many other options. Way ahead of its time and has plenty of room in the backseat. It is amazing how most people just don't understand how long these Japanese cars last. I tell people all the time when they're at my shop but just like the wizard says they go buy a GMC Terrain and think they got a great deal only to junk the car within a few years because the engine blew up. You can lead a horse to water but ...

[@jeremyaustin9103]

Car Wizard. Top Hydraulics Oregon. They repair all sorts of convertible rams. I would give them a bell. In the UK we send our Mercedes rams stateside. Better than original

[@chipfukmaster5928]

You do understand a convertible lift strut is a hydraulic ram like on a lift, floor jack, caterpillar, forklift etc and a gas filled hydropneumatic strut is something completely different.

[@jeremyaustin9103]

@@chipfukmaster5928 I do. These are not standard gas/oil filled struts. They are air/oil but not at any pressure. The machinary top hydraulics have means they can refurb these. A company that just gets things done. The work these guys do is world class

[@baconmcbacon62]

Hell, it’s always worth asking. The worst they can say is no.

[@AMWHits]

I used to see them alot at my local pick n pull when my 97 Nissan Maxima needed new Bose speakers and the 1997-2000 Q45 would be my go too lol.

[@mattmayo3539]

I bought my 98 Q45 from a little old lady with 80k miles. Best car I ever owned.

[@2H80vids]

How do you know there was 80k miles on the old lady?

[@learndesignwithdev]

@@2H80vids :)

[@flyingfishflftyfifty]

I actually own this exact model Q45t in just about as good of shape as this one. Mine has the pewter pearl body paint . I will never get rid of it. Also, heard they’re worth a lot more in California.

[@miguelvega7769]

My dad had one and now I have one it’s one of the greatest cars in my book. Smooth Quite V8 and I have the 2000 45 Anniversary Edition

[@machtschnell7452]

That is the best model of FGY33. Maintain it forever.

[@liblib89]

Smoothest V8 i've experienced, has that really smooth whine noise to it

[@liblib89]

one of the smoothest engines ive ever driven

[@LornaCrabb]

I have a 1999 Q45. I love this car. It is the smoothest riding and quietest car I have ever owned. I think this model has classic lines and will never go out of style.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Duuuuude. These are rare these days. NEver sold real well back when new. But Do you find a well-maintained one they are quite a gem. Especially in T format

[@fredwilliams7893]

They have a huge following in Japan.

[@fredwilliams7893]

VIP cars. 👍

[@BigBrutalBunny]

Stay away from the T. Replacement suspension parts are non-existent.

[@nomebear]

A friend owned one which I enjoyed riding in. Why he traded it for a Cadillac, which was a lessor car to me, I will never understand. He got only $6,600 as a trade, had I only known that he was going to trade it...

[@fredwilliams7893]

@@nomebear Yea I always loved this body style. I have a 2008 M45 Sport which kinda replaced this in a since. And I tell myself I will never part with it

[@dawnpoint]

Three reasons this is better than a Lexus: Starter isn't buried under the intake, power steering isn't above the alternator so the alt gets wrecked when that leaks, and the charcoal canister isn't stuffed up behind the subframe and differential where it's impossible to reach.

[@mccannmike]

I had a 2003 Q45 that I bought used and kept for 10 years. It was a great car to own and operate. I do miss that Q-Ship.

[@goldengod5915]

Man is it hard to find parts though. I have an 05 and no one knows what the hell the car is.

[@MugatuJag]

I had a 2003 M45, it was a great car and I loved the styling at the time so classic, the Q 45s were super nice, the Gatlin gun projector headlights were so unique, and the voice control by Visteon was really good actually, you don’t see many of them on the road unfortunately

[@darrenlee1256]

Recently bought a 2006 M45 because of that parts sourcing issue. I told myself even though the old ones are rare and classic, at least with the 2006 I get modern amenities and shared parts with G35s and M35s, so I'm not completely screwed

[@MugatuJag]

@@darrenlee1256 smart, I bought my 2003 M45 in 2007, and I lusted after the 2006 M's, as much as I loved the 2003-2004 I wanted adaptive HIDs, push button start, and speakers in the seats lol

[@darrenlee1256]

@@MugatuJag the sad part about the one I just bought is that the entertainment system isn't working properly. Currently diagnosing it because no matter how fun and smooth the motor is, I also want to hear the 5 channel surround sound system at work haha. Can't wait till it's fixed to blast some tunes or watch some movies

[@TheNamelessfaces18]

I own and daily drive a 2000 q45 absolutely love it

[@jesserdo9963]

How’s that going lol I’m daily driving my 97 q45 220k miles

[@danyoungsma1735]

Spray some of Hoovie’s flex seal on the struts

[@houseofno]

Wont work. Its a moving part under intermittent pressure. Look up how shocks work.

[@Digital-Dan]

@@houseofno You missed the funny part, Leo.

[@kimosabbe50]

Flex Seal is oil based ... per Hoovie ; )

[@kimosabbe50]

@@McBeakerson 😮 😲

[@NakedPigeon]

@@houseofno 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jamesonlynch8266]

I recently picked up a 1992 Q45 (Y31) with 71k miles on it and I absolutely LOVE it! I've never experienced something so smooth and collected at high speeds and that powerband is so linear it's stunning. I was fortunate enough to purchase a 1992 because it was the only year you could interchange the ECU, it also came with that honking VH45DE making a "gentleman's agreement" 278 hp so more like 300, with RWD and a viscous LSD from factory! Absolutely crazy the features it came with too! I could go on all day about this car I'm hooked on this car!

[@Elementaliti]

As many others already have said.. Back when Nissan/Infiniti was in the top 3 best brands. It's so sad what they've become all these years later.

[@MugatuJag]

Elementality Seriously I had A 2003 M45, and then a 2007 G35S and they were both great cars, I’d beat the hell out of them and they ran strong, The new QX 50 is good looking, and the Q 60 is stunning but I wouldn’t buy one, I had a rental 2018 Q50 3.0t and it was seriously fast, but no match for a 335I which it competes with, now the red sports are bad ass but I haven’t driven one

[@CrazyCat229]

I was a mechanic for Infiniti starting in around 2010. The exterior and body got better but the engines got worse. VQ and I think VZ engines have major problems at low mileage. Thanks to pen pushers at the top trying to cheap out on engine internals and people being cheap owners and running regular non-synthetic oil in them which would cause problems at 10k miles piston rings started blowing by oil like a car with 300k miles.

[@Elementaliti]

@@CrazyCat229 Dude you ain't lying.. The VQ35DE I had was garbage, and that transmission was even worse.. I can't see myself ever buying another Nissan product. My cousins Titan burned to the ground this year and my idiot stepdad bought an Altima and has had two transmissions before 60k miles.. I told him he should have listened and bought a Toyota and he's on his own, good luck...

[@Elementaliti]

@@MugatuJag They have gorgeous body styles on some of their sedans and SUVs but fuck having something that falls apart after 60k miles. I'd rather buy another BMW for that kind of waste of money... Lexus for life for me.

[@MugatuJag]

Jordan Kinberg Even the VQ engines in the 2003 through 2007 G35 coupe and G35 sedan? I know they had crankshaft position sensor’s and sometimes oil consumption’s but they were pretty bulletproof and tunable right? I had a 2007G 35S with a higher VQ and it was bulletproof I sold it at 175,000 no issues

[@GFretlessFour]

I've owned a 1998 Q45t since 2005, now has 260,000+ miles on it. Still cool!

[@gryfandjane]

What a remarkable survivor!

[@dennisbitowf7080]

I have a 2005 Q45 Its never had a major repair bill, It's got nearly 150,000 miles on it not bad for 16yrs old and the biggest repair bill has been tires! Actual shop visit highest repair was $300 mostly for labor for a $10 part...Literally a $10 sensor but it was in/near the bottom of the engine in an awkward spot. I plan to keep it until it gives up! Some minor at home repairs a radiator and brakes but that's it.

[@jesserdo9963]

I got a 2003 just add oil that’s about it. And a leak in the AC system just refill it when I need too blows cold af

[@danielsilverthorne3174]

My friend had an M45...it was beautiful with an excellent sound system with 14 speakers. It was like being in a concert hall. I remember how impressed I was with the car. Now I haven't seen one in the longest time.

[@6lemans10]

@Dialect No oil consumption in the 04 G35?

[@codystrom8708]

6lemans10 vq35de is still reliable when using oil just make sure to check your fluids..have owned a 03 g35 sold it with 235k on it drove the car for 3 years with nothing but a control arm and add oil 😂

[@6lemans10]

@Dialect im trying to save up money for a 2007-2008 350z with the VQ35HR engine. Those cars are so expensive.

[@ericbeal6358]

@@6lemans10 LMAO, what? They're under 10 grand.

[@MugatuJag]

Really I see a ton of the 05 and up and M45 and 35’s they were really great cars

[@805NAVE]

I see these fairly often around Southern California!! They are SO GORGEOUS I love these soo much!

[@kevinmcadams805]

I’m in SoCal too, I see them from time to time, generally they are trashed when is see them. A lot of LS 400’s too.

[@lisandro12349]

Very very nice car, there’s actually one for sale here in Vancouver 🇨🇦, cheap for one owner and low millage. Gotta love 90’s Japanese quality, solid machines.

[@andysp8845]

Lisandro Landoni how much?

[@georgeprotopapadakis4752]

I LOVE these. Definitely ahead of its time, like the previous Q45s, too.

[@KidJaeProductions]

And 2002 to 2006 models. They came equipped with backup cameras

[@ajw828]

Bob is indeed incredible at finding these things! Wow! Great find...

[@travis9662]

And the Wizard will fix and sale it for him at the same time.. I think Bob is on to something. Hoovie needs some lessons from Bob.

[@Drewbmw07]

You can use non touring struts. You also use coilovers as well. Bc racing sells the coilovers with the knuckle already welded on for a direct bolt on.

[@americanbadass011]

i bought the non touring struts to put on my 99t and they will not fit- bad info you are dispensing here

[@jesserdo9963]

@@americanbadass011 they do fit. But they just make a terrible noise.

[@americanbadass011]

show a pic of them on the car then

[@jesserdo9963]

@@americanbadass011 wym I have a 97 q45T with the air suspension

[@jesserdo9963]

@@americanbadass011 my back ones are still original but my front ones were about to go out. So I had to go to the junk yard and their was only a base 98q45 with 90k miles on it so I took the struts from it.

[@michaelmay9728]

Never owned one but always loved them!

[@Flies2FLL]

I had an '82 Nissan Maxima as an airport car in Indianapolis, "Betty the Brown Beater", it had bathroom caulk to keep the sunroof from leaking. And I used a shovel of Orlando dirt in the rear corner just ahead of the bumper inside the trunk to keep out the sound of the blown exhaust~!! Damn thing was loud but it actually sounded good due to the 139 hp 2.4 liter inline six L24 engine. That thing started without a single problem after sitting at the Indy airport for over 2 months, while covered with a foot of snow! Nissan builds GOOD cars. Or, at least they did; Avoid the 2.5 liter and 5.6 liter engines. I sold that car to a group of ATA pilots in 1998; I heard that as of 2008 it was still running. It's probably still driving around that city to this day.

[@greco37]

When you find ANY vehicle where the drivers seat and center armrest looks like new you can buy with confidence.

[@garycurry4600]

I had a boss in the mid 90’s that had a 93 Q45. Beautiful car, and he’s let me drive it sometimes. I had forgotten about these beautiful luxury cars. Thanks for sharing and jogging my memory!

[@jooseppiluna5717]

I love these cars, and you never see nice ones anymore! So excited to see this video

[@peterpzigly2730]

They also had the J30 back in the day, nice interior, real wood grain, and the 300zx engine without the turbo. It had the sloping trunk in the 90's like the Mercedes CLS before Benz made it a look. The 2002 Q45 got a redesign. It had the most powerful headlight in the world at the time. Looked like a mini gun. It had 7 projector lenses in each housing for the low beam.

[@jacobglassmeyer5961]

Excited to see the wizard with one of these! I saw one on autotempest a couple weeks ago, a 2000 anniversary edition with 65,000 miles!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Three words. Line of credit.

[@jacobglassmeyer5961]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH Right? I seriously considered that. I just hate paying interest on loans!

[@sylentxtinction2097]

First car I ever bought from a dealership. Absolutely amazing value. Beautiful style that has aged very well. The Bose sound system still performs well after nearly 25 years. Engine has never had an issue. Transmission works as it should. Only mechanical issue was a wheel bearing. They had a recall for a vibrating shifter that replaced the rear trans mount bushing. Thankfully, mine was not the Touring 't' variant, so struts haven't been an issue. On the flip side, the wheel bearings are ungodly expensive for the base model. They're only $80 for the touring model... but we'll over $300 for non-touring base models.

[@nitestrike1000]

I had a 99 Q45 I bought used but when the suspension went bad, I was shocked at the cost of replacement ( $550 each for the fronts and $370 each for the rears) so I sold it. I still miss that car and kinda regretted selling it 😢

[@memesyandhorrorshorts]

I think I bought it lol 😂

[@memesyandhorrorshorts]

U in Texas?

[@nitestrike1000]

@@memesyandhorrorshorts lol 😂

[@nitestrike1000]

@@memesyandhorrorshorts No, in the Caribbean

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

My neighbor bought one of these back in 2000 in San Jose CA. He commented to me many times that he liked the smooth road cruising feeling and the feel of the buttons on the dash.

[@The513Warning]

I see these around Cincinnati a couple times a month. I almost always end up mistaking them for the second generation Legend from behind.

[@hxcbmxallday]

One of my first cars, definitely was my favorite. I miss it so muchz

[@OG_DSM]

Next on Hoovies garage; "I buy a 1999 Asian Land yacht... And it has issues..."

[@liblib89]

not these, they're bulletproof

[@thedant21]

Looks like a Diamante in the front. My dad had a 99 for a while. I liked to drive it, but it wasn’t anything special. I did love the fact you could manually control your headlight beams u/d from the switch.

[@cudan2941]

Had one of these, it was awesome! Under appreciated for sure! It was getting old, so I got rid of it. Still half regret selling it to this day. Always has been a "handsome" car. Aged, but still classy styling.

[@kernoleary1394]

i have a 2007 m45s and while not the same car obviously, its the spiritual successor, and love it. rwd with a vk45 is awesome i just wish it had a better transmission. The dvd player and center console in the back seat are pretty sweet too

[@poovaneswaransupramaniam19]

Cool video...on the shock, suggest you can go with coil over conversions replacing the leaking shocks

[@rpsmith2990]

My first experience with Infiniti was in the fall of 1990. A friend of mine went with me on a trip to the Infiniti dealer in the Washington, D.C. area. At the time, that was the nearest one to southeast Virginia. I took a M30 coupe, black with gray interior, out for a spin. At the time, I was pretty impressed with it, and I wasn't going to pretend I was a customer for the Q45, which I'd have loved to lay my hands on. I had to watch this video to find what you saw so exotic about this generation of Q45. I was impressed by the one I saw at the local auto show at the time, and my main impression was on how shiny the wood trim was. I could have imagined what it'd be like to drive through the city at night with street lights reflecting off of it. This generation of Q45 is seen frequently where I live, and they're usually at least a bit ragged, and seen on what we'll politely call the wrong side of town, like most older luxury cars. It's a sad thing to say, but these, older Lexus LS series cars, as well as the German luxury sedans aren't exactly revered after they go off lease. Infiniti has certainly chased BMW, to their detriment. The latest one I've driven was a Q60. I've wanted to try it again, because when I drove one in Virginia Beach, I absolutely could not believe how brittle the ride was. It made my Chevrolet SS feel like I suppose a Rolls Royce Phantom would feel.

[@IVIVenom]

I actually own a 02 Infiniti q45. I just did my first mod which is taking off the back muffler and straight piped back. It sounds really good cause it’s a 4.5L V8. Great video!

[@josewaldron6792]

It's a q45t it's way different than the q45 setup

[@paranoidhumanoid]

The JDM vehicles are becoming more popular with increases in car prices and interest rates. JapaneseClassics and Driver Motorsports in VA has excellent (often times pristine condition) inventory.

[@vinniecorleone62]

They are well crafted cars & a handsome body & interior, later on in the 2000's they had an even sharper looking front end & overall styling, highly under-rated models.

[@goldengod5915]

I have an 05 Q45, and it really is something. I actually like the more classic design of the model shown in this video, but I still love my car for sure. Like no one knows what I have either, it's funny. They upped the hp number to 340 in 02.

[@fredwilliams7893]

@@goldengod5915 That's cool. I love my 08 Infiniti M45 Sport. Like you it's just something about it. Hope you keep it. 👍

[@Brentastrophe]

First car I ever owned was an Infiniti i30 1999 limited. I know i30s are still around, but holy crap I loved that car to death and I still kick myself that I got rid of it at 189k miles, was purchased at 74k miles for $5,000. I didn't even maintain it very well since I was a teenager and we nicknamed it "the mystery machine" as to why it still kept running so freaking well. That's one of my top regrets of all time, getting rid of that car.

[@noladol]

I've always wanted one of these cars. The anniversary one especially. Beautiful car.

[@MrSequa]

A good year with the badges and wood steering wheel

[@TruckingStories]

I have one for sell

[@Man-im4jv]

I own a 2016 QX50 and would keep as long as I could. It’s refreshing to see especially Car wizard whom I enjoy watching with Tyler appreciate the brand unlike most reviews Ive’d seen although moving to CVT on their newer models isn’t something I’m happy.But still my Infiniti have been very reliable and for under $40k with 325 hp, it’s a bang for the buck.

[@demri123]

Vq37?

[@Mrjunior1267]

Not sure of the company name but Wheeler Dealers had some air struts re-built on their show.

[@Uzeless]

Stick out yer hand!

[@thethomasj1795]

There aren't too many companies that do that. The ones that to are Arnott, and Strut Masters.

[@moeramz]

I had a 1997 model over 14 years ago. One of the best infinti ever built! Way ahead of its time. You niailed it rhe best way i can describe it is luxury.

[@emiliosman820]

The original Infiniti was exceptional, the leather quality they used was top notch. Wish they made them like that. Those are real Nissans...

[@moondog-HMB]

Leather from Kobe beef...

[@liblib89]

QX80 still has this level of quality

[@Jack_S_]

Wizard! Apparently you can Frankenstein the non-touring struts with the touring struts. You have to get the cartridge from the non-touring strut to swap onto the old struts currently installed. I know it's often not fun taking those kinds of things apart, the tension on those springs can make things a bit explodey, but it's a lot cheaper than the touring struts, even if you find them, and most people can live without the adjustability of them considering the cost.

[@niccocowboymetoyer2972]

Euro Asian Bob outa give you a sales commission lol. Whenever you work on one of his vehicles, you do an excellent job of highlighting them.

[@tu6198]

I've always been a huge fan of older luxury vehicles just because of the amount of comfort offered back in those days. Great video.

[@joe6096]

Back before Renault bought Nissan and destroyed the company. Now everything Nissan/Infinity is boring and junk. Back in the 90s Infinities were on the level of Lexus in every way. Style, performance, reliability..... Nissan was right with Honda and Toyota then. Great find, a reminder of what Nissan/Infinity was at one time.

[@neilmurphy845]

Yeah a blast from the past Nissan really wore brilliant company

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

Infiniti has a q50 red sport model with 400hp not bad

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

I would say it started falling off after 2010. They were still doing well then, but they started resting on their laurels and stopped keeping up

[@herrbela84]

@@CarsMeetsBikes Resting on their Laurels :)

[@Arayig1982]

One Renault did not buy nissan but took over operations and prior to it, nissans were unreliable garbage. Renault gave nissan the ability to become nissan again.

[@tuowl0564]

Really nice car! I love the rearend with the fairly pronounced spoiler! This is when Infiniti, Lexus and Acura made rock solid cars that appealed to a wide range of buyers!

[@JustAYouTuber1991]

LOVE THIS CAR! Definitely don’t see these anymore especially in this condition.

[@nicksteele8511]

I own a 2001 q45 t with 180,000 miles and it has so much zip and handles great. All the amenities are nearly the same as this model and the interior was well maintained by the two previous owners. I'm blessed lol

[@tingokuman]

Those old Q45s lasted forever. That particular model didn't sell very well so it makes sense the Wizard never worked on one.

[@user-mm9hv2oj8d]

Those were pretty common around here. The fan used to pop off the pulley and go through the hood/radiator. Throttle bodies were big money and had idle issues

[@biggiefitz6275]

These things are nice. My dad had one when l was in highschool in '98.

[@drivingimmersion6473]

We had the "Q45A" and the Q45T" . My stepfather at the time beat the hell out of each of them. The active suspension in the "A" finally went bad and could not be sourced either. They were both big , zippy, quiet, and comfortable cars. He moved to an LS430 which is still running today and has out-lived him, driving back and forth to Michigan State University with my niece at the wheel. Everything still works.

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

Now that's a nice car!.... Back when Nissan still made good cars.

[@machtschnell7452]

Last one before the Nissan engineers lost control of the company to Renault.

[@gaveintothedarkness]

Was going to say the exact same. Nissan before Renault ruined their quality.

[@davidjameswales]

All of their performance cars are still fantastic.

[@davidpistek6241]

They make excellent sports cars for 2007 and a bunch of rental cars, the g37 370z and gtr are all awesome, outdated but awesome

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

@@_luis5586 Its not propaganda and yes I had an 88 300ZX back when they we're good. Most of the Nissans today are garbage, sorry if you're butthurt by the truth...

[@ScottGSouth]

My previous car was a '97 Q45, apparently with the same engine, because it also had 266 hp. Now I own an '03 Q45, a 4.5 l. V-8 with 340 hp. Mine is the premium trim (there are two trims, the base ("Luxury") and the Premium. it has more features, like heated and cooled front seats, backup camera with other controls on it, reclining rear seats for the CEO who sits in the back, power trunk lid and more. Mine has 103,300 mi. on it (got it in 2015 with 65,000 mi). The local Infiniti dealer guys are always astonished at how new it looks (like maybe a well cared-for 3-year-old car). Well, I got it that way, so I kept it that way. Not quite as bulletproof as the corresponding Lexus LS430--I've had to replace the radiator, tensioning belt and starter, and a couple of cheap hoses and belts. Also had to replace the front suspension ($2 grand) but I think that's because I abused the car in a particularly bad winter.) Note: It has a timing chain, and it's not even mentioned in the owner's manual--it's pretty much expected to never need replacement.

[@marcelluscunningham8272]

03-04 models were m45.

[@poetlorryit]

Acura Legend also getting rare, please review!

[@ricky-sanchez]

@@xabhax That engine is now going to outlast it's owner. You have done the lords work.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Loved my 2000 Nissan Maxima, had for years, and I thought of this as being the full stretched and v8-ed version of it. Tempting.

[@e90baby]

Lol no way. Maxima is fwd and V6, this is a proper v8 with rwd, a true luxury sports sedan.

[@sidewaystheseven]

One of my absolute favorite cars. I had the succeeding model, the Y34 chassis M45

[@Daavi85]

Ahhhh, same here, that was the true successor to this car, the best looking car Infiniti made and my favorite car I ever owned, the real M45 only made 03-04, I had a pearl white 03 M45 and that car still looks amazing today and nobody knew what it was, ya just didn't see them, 345 HP RWD V8, it was a luxury muscle car, such sharp clean lines, I miss that car.

[@alandisellis8969]

Coilovers is the best options for replacement, the factory struts are on available from dealer they are 1500 for the set ...the conversion for the suspension is the S13-S14 conversion

[@Ainawi]

We had one, it is known as the nissan gloria in the united arab emirates :) It had the VQ30DET engine, 300 HP goodness :D

[@fportobr]

Yes... and in Japan, this was called Cima. Really nice cars.

[@Ainawi]

@@fportobr also Cedric, Gran Tourismo 😀😀

[@Random-nf7qb]

This is a Cima, Gloria is a bit different

[@machtschnell7452]

Only the US got the FGY33 with the VH41DE.

[@Ainawi]

@@Random-nf7qb Gloria still looks badass man, a poor man's Bentley 🤣👌

[@mikepayne5277]

I did a delete on one of these and it was still a big job. Got all used parts from a wrecking yard. There is a ton of fancy hydraulic stuff on this car along with a lot of metal lines. Car ran great after the conversion, parts were $200 at the yard.

[@korndogz69]

"The interior on this car is pretty much flawless" - Wizard presses oil and grime covered hands onto the porous, light beige leather seat. Not so flawless now! Take that! LoL

[@hobmoor2042]

I've never seen him put seat protection covers on the seats before getting in a car !!

[@dodgeguyz]

Hob Moor I've said it before, a good tech doesn't need interior or fender protectors. Those are relegated to hacks and alley mechanics!

[@skipbreakfast]

What I noticed is that it's a smoker's car. You can see the smoke damage on the headliner and console.

[@MrMCDiggles]

I thought he might leave a hand print. Those seats looked brand new.

[@giofromtexas2679]

These were beyond nice!! A friend of mine his grandparents owned a 1997 brand new just like this same color exterior and interior but it wasn't the "T" model just Q45. I would say these were on par if not exceeded that of the Lexus LS400 at that time. They're pretty much the same car basically haha