let's talk about your Y33

hi guys

I'm now considering a 97+ y33 and wanted to get some intimate feedback from owners.

how do u like it ? how long have u owned it ? any problems? what kinda problems ? 

I have had mine for about 6 or 7 months. I absolutely love it! It's very comfortable, stylish, quet, and has plenty of power. Now on to the problems and downsides:

My o2 sensor went out within a few months...that's it. One thing I hate is the 4 speed tranny. I wish it was a 5 like GS400s. The car is slow at downshifting...you really have to floor it to make it go to a lower geat...but when it does this thing flies. When I accelerate on the freewaym theres so much back pressure in the exhaust that the cats start to burn and smell gets into the car. But a free-flowing system should solve that and free up some extra horses.

I'd say go for it, you won't regret the purchase.

I think they are awsome cars. The only problem I have had so far is the alternator whent bad..it was pricy to fix it but hopefully that is it. THe Q's have a timing chain rather than
a timeing belt so when your car hits 100k + you will have to replace it and from what I hear that is a small fortune. I have 111k miles now and I have yet to do it but I know it should be done..The car is equiped with alot of bells and whistles. I say go for it. 97-01 Q's are the shit. I am really glad I got this car. They are a little old but I think that they look so much better than some of the new cars. Gas mialage for this beast isnt bad at all for the size of the motor. As fas as the smell of gas in the car I havnt ever smelt gas in my car maybe there is a small leak in the exhuast I am not sure..and I think that they are not as poplular as some makes, at least here there is about a handful and oldfolks drive em. Good luck on your purchase and keep us posted. I am sure once you sit in one and test drive it you will make your own mind up on the spot..my .02 cents

I thought you didn't need to replace a timing chain.



[quote=zion_97 ]
I think they are awsome cars. The only problem I have had so far is the alternator whent bad..it was pricy to fix it but hopefully that is it. THe Q's have a timing chain rather than
a timeing belt so when your car hits 100k + you will have to replace it and from what I hear that is a small fortune. I have 111k miles now and I have yet to do it but I know it should be done..The car is equiped with alot of bells and whistles. I say go for it. 97-01 Q's are the s***. I am really glad I got this car. They are a little old but I think that they look so much better than some of the new cars. Gas mialage for this beast isnt bad at all for the size of the motor. As fas as the smell of gas in the car I havnt ever smelt gas in my car maybe there is a small leak in the exhuast I am not sure..and I think that they are not as poplular as some makes, at least here there is about a handful and oldfolks drive em. Good luck on your purchase and keep us posted. I am sure once you sit in one and test drive it you will make your own mind up on the spot..my .02 cents
[/quote]

[quote=CarlssonRL ]
I thought you didn't need to replace a timing chain.



[/quote]
Thats what the dude said from the Lexus dealership when I bought it, but like I said I have yet to do it. They allways say that there are certain tune ups that need to be done, probably to cover ther behinds, I havnt looked into it to much so I might have the wrong info..check it out or I will call up to the Infiniti dealer ship to get accurate info for you.

[quote=zion_97 ]
Thats what the dude said from the Lexus dealership when I bought it, but like I said I have yet to do it. They allways say that there are certain tune ups that need to be done, probably to cover ther behinds, I havnt looked into it to much so I might have the wrong info..check it out or I will call up to the Infiniti dealer ship to get accurate info for you.
[/quote]
It's not the chain, it's the guides.

I have had mine for about 2 years. The problem I got is my rear window shade does not work, broken gears. I had to replace my brakes and I need to replace my struts. Thats just normal wear and tear. It's nice a car and you do not see too many around. Look for a 99+ ,they have HID and glass sunroof.

i've had my y33 cima for about 3 going on 4 months now... i like it, it's got 56xxx original miles and aside from he TEIN control arm (ehehehehehee.... :knuppel2:) replacement, the minor oil leak problem (lucas sealant and tightened down valve cover), it's been trouble-free. i get about 280 on my stock 17s and i get about 245-250 on my 19-inch trafficstars before the LOW FUEL light comes on. as for luxury, my real estate clients ride in comfort, most can cross their legs in the backseat and i usually have bottled water in the rear cupholders. i'm lucky, the guy who owned my car before me was a japanese travel agency CEO... there are no rips, burns, creases or smelly feet smell so my passengers ride in comfort. as for parking, that's kind of a b**** coz backing out and squeezing in tight stalls is a harder than my audi a4 and i've learned to negotiate tight turns better than how when i first got it. as for mods, there's more mods for it than let's say mazda sentias... i'd be happy to e-mail you my bookmarks on Y33s (i've saved quite a few). all in all, the y33 cima is a great car to own, good value (most ae $8000-12000 depending on condition) and i get a lot of looks when it's slammed on air runners in the prkg lot. people come up to me and ask me about the car all the time. imho, get one!!!  ~mikey

[quote=XK-Y33 ]
i've had my y33 cima for about 3 going on 4 months now... i like it, it's got 56xxx original miles and aside from he TEIN control arm (ehehehehehee.... :knuppel2:) replacement, the minor oil leak problem (lucas sealant and tightened down valve cover), it's been trouble-free. i get about 280 on my stock 17s and i get about 245-250 on my 19-inch trafficstars before the LOW FUEL light comes on. as for luxury, my real estate clients ride in comfort, most can cross their legs in the backseat and i usually have bottled water in the rear cupholders. i'm lucky, the guy who owned my car before me was a japanese travel agency CEO... there are no rips, burns, creases or smelly feet smell so my passengers ride in comfort. as for parking, that's kind of a b**** coz backing out and squeezing in tight stalls is a harder than my audi a4 and i've learned to negotiate tight turns better than how when i first got it. as for mods, there's more mods for it than let's say mazda sentias... i'd be happy to e-mail you my bookmarks on Y33s (i've saved quite a few). all in all, the y33 cima is a great car to own, good value (most ae $8000-12000 depending on condition) and i get a lot of looks when it's slammed on air runners in the prkg lot. people come up to me and ask me about the car all the time. imho, get one!!! ~mikey
[/quote]
Why e-mail them? Why not just post them here to help him and other Y33 Q45 owners?? Also, I can bet you $$$ that the valve cover gaskets are what needs replacing. Next time someone's under your hood, might want to replace those...it's fairly cheap and easy.

I would like to see those links.

ditto.

[quote=zion_97 ]
I think they are awsome cars. The only problem I have had so far is the alternator whent bad..it was pricy to fix it but hopefully that is it. THe Q's have a timing chain rather than
a timeing belt so when your car hits 100k + you will have to replace it and from what I hear that is a small fortune. I have 111k miles now and I have yet to do it but I know it should be done..The car is equiped with alot of bells and whistles. I say go for it. 97-01 Q's are the s***. I am really glad I got this car. They are a little old but I think that they look so much better than some of the new cars. Gas mialage for this beast isnt bad at all for the size of the motor. As fas as the smell of gas in the car I havnt ever smelt gas in my car maybe there is a small leak in the exhuast I am not sure..and I think that they are not as poplular as some makes, at least here there is about a handful and oldfolks drive em. Good luck on your purchase and keep us posted. I am sure once you sit in one and test drive it you will make your own mind up on the spot..my .02 cents
[/quote]

Regarding the timing chain, been told by several reputable nissan mechanics that if they arent making noise - dont touch them. Im very familiar to the timing chain noises having come from VW VR6's where I had 1 motor grenade due to failed timing chain tensioners.

Mines been reliable, easy to drive and fun. I too had a O2 sensor go bad about 2 months into ownership, but I bought one from Joe at Scottsdale Infinit and its been rock solid since then.

I've almost had my '97 for a year now come October and it hasn't given me too many problems. The biggest thing was my knock sensors needed to be replaced. I also, had my alternator go out on me and went ahead and changed my valve covers before they really needed it. But other than regualr maintainance I have no issues, as far as performance I love my car, like how Dark Anghell said I wish it had a 5 speed auto, but other than that I :smitten: my car.

The guide problems were only on the 90-93's.


I bought mine with 140,xxx on the clock over a year ago. Dropped with 178k on it now. Only issue I have had was knock sensors. Replaced them myself and the car runs great now. Very reliable car.

I hate the Y33 other than its looks...do yourself and favor and get an LS...The Lexus is just an overall much better built car...you can tell by the little things...the way things are put together and as simple as the sound the door makes when it shuts...there isn't enough room in the backseat and the luxury amenities are blah...i mean my '90 LS had motorized headrests and seat belt adjustment...as far as mechanical problems...nothing yet...mine only has 42K miles on top...

[quote=PMP-LEX ]
I hate the Y33 other than its looks...do yourself and favor and get an LS...The Lexus is just an overall much better built car...you can tell by the little things...the way things are put together and as simple as the sound the door makes when it shuts...there isn't enough room in the backseat and the luxury amenities are blah...i mean my '90 LS had motorized headrests and seat belt adjustment...as far as mechanical problems...nothing yet...mine only has 42K miles on top...
[/quote]

no doubt.  infinitis are great cars, but the quality between comparable infiniti and lexus models (q45 vs ls4xx) is a no brainer.  if you haven't sit yourself in a lexus, do it before buying an infiniti, just for peace of mind.

Not only sit in it...drive it as well...Lexus is a much better experience than the infiniti...

I disagree. Lexus is boring to me.

It might be boring to you but the question was about the build quality...

I agree that the lexus LS -GS is a better car to the Q (but don't say that on the NICO forums) =)

in fact my ka9 RL interior build quality is far better than the Q y33 (but don't say that on the NICO forums)

don't get me wrong, i still like my Q45...but i like it for what it truly is in the VIP community...the only reason why i bought it was because it was something i could pay cash for AND i never really seen a Q that was done up to my liking...sure i've seen nice one's that were slammed and nice wheels...but not one that was fully kitted on some straight stupid wheels...i think the lines of the Q are far better than the LS in it's stock form...

I totally agree.

the Q body lines are nicer and look so stunning when done up VIP. Too bad it's so difficult to get suspension parts for a y33. I thought my ka9 was difficult but it turns out the Y33 is even worse. 

It may be a bit more common there in hawaii but it's almost non -existent here in southern california. 



[quote=PMP-LEX ]
don't get me wrong, i still like my Q45...but i like it for what it truly is in the VIP community...the only reason why i bought it was because it was something i could pay cash for AND i never really seen a Q that was done up to my liking...sure i've seen nice one's that were slammed and nice wheels...but not one that was fully kitted on some straight stupid wheels...i think the lines of the Q are far better than the LS in it's stock form...
[/quote]

Where are you at in SoCal? I'm in San Diego right now...going up to Long Beach in a couple hours...just get airrunners man...you'll be doing yourself a HUGE favor...let me know if i can help you out with anything...

[quote=PMP-LEX ]
I hate the Y33 other than its looks...do yourself and favor and get an LS...The Lexus is just an overall much better built car...you can tell by the little things...the way things are put together and as simple as the sound the door makes when it shuts...there isn't enough room in the backseat and the luxury amenities are blah...i mean my '90 LS had motorized headrests and seat belt adjustment...as far as mechanical problems...nothing yet...mine only has 42K miles on top...
[/quote]
im totally on the same page.

Well I dont agree with some of these statments..Buy a car that is relable, both lexus and infinit are great reliable cars , but it 
allways depends on the previous owners and how they treated the car. I personally think that the interior of the Q 97-01 is nicer than the interior of
ls 98-01 (comprable years) Infiniti has more wood trim and has chrome accents all around form the in dash bezel to the little button to open the cup holder to the 
rear over head lights and handles..My doors close with  a touch of a finger but like I said depends how the car was treated..

Now I perfer my lexus LX470 over the infinit QX56 as the interior is much nicer looking more wood than the infiniti and the over all set up is much nicer.
Not sure if the QX56 as air  but the lX comes stock..and it has alot of torque, but the QX56 has more torque and hp than the LX470 from 98-06. I believe the 07 
will come qquiped with a bigger motor than the previous models.

All in all they both have the pros and cons..it is really up to you and what you like better.

I would take a Q over a lexus anyday from the models of 97-01 but I would much rather have a lexus over a Q in the 02-06 models. the newer Q's are ugly has hell.
havnt seen one yet to change my thoughts..

Good luck with you choice.

[quote=CarlssonRL ]
I totally agree.

the Q body lines are nicer and look so stunning when done up VIP. Too bad it's so difficult to get suspension parts for a y33. I thought my ka9 was difficult but it turns out the Y33 is even worse. 

It may be a bit more common there in hawaii but it's almost non -existent here in southern california. 



[/quote]

Airrunner. That is all you have to know. They have a kit for the KA9 as well. Don't worry about how it will handle. Buy another sports car for that ;D

[quote=zion_97 ]
Well I dont agree with some of these statments..Buy a car that is relable, both lexus and infinit are great reliable cars , but it 
allways depends on the previous owners and how they treated the car. I personally think that the interior of the Q 97-01 is nicer than the interior of
ls 98-01 (comprable years) Infiniti has more wood trim and has chrome accents all around form the in dash bezel to the little button to open the cup holder to the 
rear over head lights and handles..My doors close with  a touch of a finger but like I said depends how the car was treated..

Now I perfer my lexus LX470 over the infinit QX56 as the interior is much nicer looking more wood than the infiniti and the over all set up is much nicer.
Not sure if the QX56 as air  but the lX comes stock..and it has alot of torque, but the QX56 has more torque and hp than the LX470 from 98-06. I believe the 07 
will come qquiped with a bigger motor than the previous models.

All in all they both have the pros and cons..it is really up to you and what you like better.

I would take a Q over a lexus anyday from the models of 97-01 but I would much rather have a lexus over a Q in the 02-06 models. the newer Q's are ugly has hell.
havnt seen one yet to change my thoughts..

Good luck with you choice.

[/quote]

Not to be off topic but the comparison was between a ls4xx and a q45. Your comparison was on two very different platforms. (suv vs. big body sedan)

[quote=NG-UCF20 ]
Not to be off topic but the comparison was between a ls4xx and a q45. Your comparison was on two very different platforms. (suv vs. big body sedan)
[/quote]

The point I was trying to make is that they are both great cars, both have thier pros on cons..and just taking it to the next level with the 
 SUV's. Both cost alot and still both have thier pros and cons.. IT really matters who was the past owner and how they treated 
the car. I chose a lexus over the infiniti on an suv platform and I chose a infinit orver a lexus on the car platform..I was try to show 
that I was not beeing biost to the Q cuase I have one and tried to give the most hoset answer I could..Alot of folks will only reccomend what they
drive.
Zion

[quote=zion_97 ]


I would take a Q over a lexus anyday from the models of 97-01 but I would much rather have a lexus over a Q in the 02-06 models. the newer Q's are ugly has hell.
havnt seen one yet to change my thoughts..

Good luck with you choice.

[/quote]

That is so true.

True...When you buy ANY car used, the previous owner must keep up with all main't...but i'm talking more than just the reliability of the engine and it's mechanical functions...I'm talking the way a door shuts...the way the center console is put together...the quality of parts used to piece the car together overall...

I woas a bit surprsed to find no dual climate controls in my Q. The GS and I think LS cars will have those. It's not that I would use that option, but it's nice to have. I don't like the lines of the LS. Personally if I had a choice I would still have picked a HS over my Q...but when it comes down to the $$...Q is a bang for the buck. People can't belive how much I've paid for that car.

[quote=Dark Anghell ]
I woas a bit surprsed to find no dual climate controls in my Q. The GS and I think LS cars will have those. It's not that I would use that option, but it's nice to have. I don't like the lines of the LS. Personally if I had a choice I would still have picked a HS over my Q...but when it comes down to the $$...Q is a bang for the buck. People can't belive how much I've paid for that car.
[/quote]

what's the big deal with dual climate control, the passenger is a foot away from you! what good will it do ? :)

[quote=CarlssonRL ]
what's the big deal with dual climate control, the passenger is a foot away from you! what good will it do ? :)
[/quote]


Im with you on that one. :2funny:

Like I said "not that I would use that option, but it's nice to have". I just think the car of that class should have dual climate control...especially since every competitor has that. BMW, Lexus, and I'm sure some american cars as well.

What happened to posting up those links for the community????

imho, both the celsiors and cimas are great cars, having owned a Q i can say it's a great car... as for the celsior, ebay's got one in florida, black on black but then no ultra luxury pkg.... :o

My next move will be a 99-01 740IL. Now thats a car the LS,GS,and the Q45 can't even compare to.

[quote=Q_Ship ]
My next move will be a 99-01 740IL. Now thats a car the LS,GS,and the Q45 can't even compare to.
[/quote]


IMO they are both similar in terms of luxury and performance. The difference will be in the maintenance and repair cost, the BMW will deplete your wallet.

[quote=Q_Ship ]
My next move will be a 99-01 740IL. Now thats a car the LS,GS,and the Q45 can't even compare to.
[/quote]

and besides, there is something very elusive about a big, japanese luxury sedan VIP car.

[quote=CarlssonRL ]

IMO they are both similar in terms of luxury and performance. The difference will be in the maintenance and repair cost, the BMW will deplete your wallet.
[/quote]


IMO there is no comparison in terms of luxury or performance. You can tell you are in a Japanese import vs. German when driving a Lexus or infiniti. Huge difference.

[quote=Q_Ship ]

IMO there is no comparison in terms of luxury or performance. You can tell you are in a Japanese import vs. German when driving a Lexus or infiniti. Huge difference.
[/quote]

I would have to agree with you there, I think the Lexus LS400-LS430 is as close as it gets to the "german" feel.

[quote=CarlssonRL ]I would have to agree with you there, I think the Lexus LS400-LS430 is as close as it gets to the "german" feel.[/quote]

hey bro, i was even thinking about vip'ing out an old-skool s-class... i saw a couple but beige and green... you know me: black on black :)

mikey

[quote=XK-Y33 ]
hey bro, i was even thinking about vip'ing out an old-skool s-class... i saw a couple but beige and green... you know me: black on black :)

mikey
[/quote]
We're building one of them as we speak. All Fabulous and it's black too. Should come out nice.

[quote=Q_Ship ]IMO there is no comparison in terms of luxury or performance. You can tell you are in a Japanese import vs. German when driving a Lexus or infiniti. Huge difference.
[/quote]

i can second that, i drove my dad's X5 and compared it to the RX300 and RX330 and i dunno... u can tell the difference... 

[quote=Q_Ship ]
My next move will be a 99-01 740IL. Now thats a car the LS,GS,and the Q45 can't even compare to.
[/quote]

S600 Coupe V12 can...Hell, even the W140's can...should be around the same price range too ;)

[quote=PMP-LEX ]
S600 Coupe V12 can...Hell, even the W140's can...should be around the same price range too  ;)
[/quote]

Oh no dobt that MB builds a great car. The 740Il is just more my speed. It's the most well rounded option IMO. Performance, handling, luxury. God I love those cars. Anybody have good pics of tricked out 740's?

[quote=Q_Ship ]
Oh no dobt that MB builds a great car. The 740Il is just more my speed. It's the most well rounded option IMO. Performance, handling, luxury. God I love those cars. Anybody have good pics of tricked out 740's?
[/quote]

Fabulous is hot...

[img]http://www.fabuloususa.com/images/models/gallery/pics/760li-01.jpg[/img]

[quote=XK-Y33 ]
Fabulous is hot...

[img]http://www.fabuloususa.com/images/models/gallery/pics/760li-01.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

He's not talking about the E66...I think he likes the E38...i think it's more in his price range ;)

Couldn't really find anything...

[img]http://www.digitalww.com/Customerinstalls/TM701V_Nug_BMW/Nug_740_side.jpg[/img]
[img]http://7er.aaronliao.com/pictures/03.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.sironreifen.de/picture_library/KT/KT1/CIMG1415.JPG[/img]
[img]http://www.i-tuning.ru/img/catalog/image1295.jpg[/img]

Yes, the new body does nothing for me. I like the E38

hey guys I just picked up a 97 silver with black for a almost dirt cheap price! I can't believe I got so much car for so little!

I couldn't resist, a bit high on the miles with 125,000 but it was absolutely MINT, carfax was very pretty and it also had a perfect maintenance record when I checked with the infinity dealership.

Let The Modding Begin...congrats...how she drive? Like a butie I could imagine..These Japanses cars are built to last a rong rong time.hahahaha
Congradts..

[quote=zion_97 ]
Let The Modding Begin...congrats...how she drive? Like a butie I could imagine..These Japanses cars are built to last a rong rong time.hahahaha
Congradts..
[/quote]

yeah hopefully, I've had acura-honda all my life and this nissan thing is all kinda new to me. I have butterflies in my stomach. :)

[quote=CarlssonRL ]yeah hopefully, I've had acura-honda all my life and this nissan thing is all kinda new to me. I have butterflies in my stomach. :)[/quote]

congrats bro, let the modding begin and do share pics of your progress... happy modding mang... mikey

Congratulations on the new ride. :coolsmiley:

damn, took you long enough. after all those threads, geez, i thought it would never end :) j/p!

cool! i got the same exact ext. color and interior. also, another friend of mine has the same one we have. silver is getting pretty common for the Q's

congrats on the purchase :)

Congrats again!

welcome to the nissan darkside ;D congrats man. Let the modding begin. 

D. 

hey thanks guys.

yes the moddings will surely begin.

I've been wanting the y33 for a very long time. It was two weeks after I bought my 1999 RL that I found [url]www.vipstylecars.com[/url] forum. Two weeks too late to return my car (I didn't buy the car at Macy's) :)  I am super excited and can't wait for the mods to be complete.

the car is very nice. The size and girth of this thing is amazing. The body styling is superb. I now feel the same way I felt when I first got my 91 legend coupe. This is a straight up, balls out luxury sedan. The power is amazing and super smooth. 

I'm a little more at ease now that my mechanic (L & T automotive in la puente 626-333-1950 ) has examined it gave it the thumbs up. The engine-tranny is bone dry and said it is in really good shape. He said the Q was one of his favorite luxury sedans and that the engine-tranny is bulletproof when well taken care of. He also said something about the Q45 y33 engine beiing very well balanced due to it's 90 degree v8

nice.

you can't go wrong with silver and black.



[quote=antbo ]
damn, took you long enough. after all those threads, geez, i thought it would never end :) j/p!

cool! i got the same exact ext. color and interior. also, another friend of mine has the same one we have. silver is getting pretty common for the Q's
[/quote]

Awesome! Congrats on the purchase...now where are the pics?! :knuppel2: ;D

[quote=Dark Anghell ]
Awesome! Congrats on the purchase...now where are the pics?! :knuppel2: ;D
[/quote]

i'll up some pics tonight

nice!!!  congrats