When was the last time you saw an early Infiniti Q45? It’s not like the boldly styled luxury cruiser blends into the background. After all, take a look at its nose wearing a logo badge the size of a belt buckle instead of a grille.
Despite heaps of praise from contemporary road tests, the big Infiniti never sold well. Three decades on, it’s mostly an afterthought among muscle sedans. However, perhaps that obscurity will keep prices reasonable for great examples like this 1992 Infiniti Q45 - opens in new window or tab., which carries a Buy-It-Now price of $18,500.
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The Feel of a Bimmer
As astute used car buyers know, you’re buying the previous owner as much as the car. In this case, the previous owner was meticulous about maintaining this vehicle. With less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, there are a few signs of wear. But the seller still has all the materials from the original vehicle delivery. The case that holds the spare keys is a cool detail.
The Q45's nifty spare key holder
Reviews from the time often equated the Q45 to a BMW, while the Lexus LS400 (which also appeared for the 1990 model year) had a personality more like a Mercedes-Benz.
The comparisons are apt. The Lexus is more reserved and traditional in luxury features, while the Infiniti eschews wood trim and pillow-soft seats for a more involved driving experience.
The model available on eBay is the Touring model, which boasts four-wheel steering and a sport-tuned suspension meant to amp up the sporty quotient. The 4.5-liter four-cam V-8 powering the rear wheels is undoubtedly potent. While rated at 278 horsepower to skirt the fabled “gentlemen’s agreement” among Japanese manufacturers to keep horsepower low, the VH45 engine in this Q45 is rumored to produce closer to 310 hp—possibly more.
Growing Appreciation for Q45
That V-8, when opened up with an aftermarket exhaust system, as you can find at eBay Motors - opens in new window or tab., can sound incredibly mean. This preserved Q45 probably should remain as close to stock as possible. But once you make the purchase, it’s yours to do with as you choose.
One significant thing to look at with the early Q45 is the condition of the plastic timing chain guides - opens in new window or tab.. Failure of these will lead to significant internal engine damage. Later cars (beginning in 1994) had redesigned metal chain guides. We recommend a proactive retrofit of the guides so the car can be enjoyed for many years to come.
The only other thing this needs is a repair to the Bose head unit - opens in new window or tab. that has a failed FM tuner.
While few of these cars are around, there are signs of growing appreciation for the Q45. We’ve seen recent sales of similar 1992 models for about $27,000. That makes the Q-ship extraordinaire for sale on eBay - opens in new window or tab. a bargain worth considering— before others realize what’s hiding behind that belt-buckle badge.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.