5k: All Aboard The Q-Ship: 2002 Infiniti Q45

Ever since the release of the first generation in 1990, Infiniti’s Q-ship has been a sleeper hit.  The Q45 competed with the Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series, but sales have always been skimpy versus the competition.  The low sales had nothing to do with the quality or performance of the Q and in hindsight can be blamed on poor advertising and a lack of buyers identifying Infiniti as a luxury brand when shopping.  Even the Gatling gun inspired HID headlights couldn’t save the Q45 from being canceled in the US market in 2005.  Find this 2002 Infiniti Q45 currently bidding for $6,100 with 4 days to go and located in Phoenix, AZ via ebay.

This Infiniti Q45 is about the nicest example you can find on the market today and only has 27k miles on the odometer.  Even if the 2200 miles per year were driven by a lunatic the car should have plenty of miles left on it before you need to do anything to it.

The VK45DE is an all-alloy DOHC V8 with forged internals and a list of stock parts that reads like a hot rodders build.  The big lump spins to 6600 rpm and produces 340 horsepower and 333 ft-lbs of torque which is shoved to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission. The engine and trans is shared with the Y34 generation M45 and 0 to 60mph in 6.0 seconds is nothing to be ashamed of and the mid-range punch should be very stout. 

The Q45 had an interior as nice as anything from BMW but not quite as nice as something from Lexus or Audi who seemed to lead the way in material technology back in the day.  Regardless this Q interior looks factory fresh and it looks like a great place for a daily commute or long distance drive with screaming kids in the back.

 See a better car that needs to have its wheels un-chromed for less? tips@dailyturismo.com