F50 test drive. First impressions

I was on my way to the mall for some Xmas shopping on Saturday and spotted a silver 02 Q45 at a Hyundai dealership!?  Some of my previous cars include Integra, Talon, 240SX, 92 Mazda 929, 92 lexus SC400 and currently 00 Acura 3.5 RL.

I decided to have a look at it up close and drive it.  It's an 02 Q45 Premium.  Silver on black.  89,000 kms (55,000 miles). $22,000 CDN which is the cheapest F50 in Canada right now.  There is only about 10 for sale in Canada.  Maybe three Y33.  Has an accident on it over 2k and pretty rough around the edges.  Spider web on the rear bumber, rear chrome trunk bar has chrome chipping, scratches on both quarters.  All wheels are curbed up pretty bad.  This car was not loved.  

Despite that I get in and notice that its a firm but comfortable seating position.  It feels high compared to my 00 RL.  The hood is higher and interior room is smaller than the RL.  I like the center consoles in the front and rear and lots of nice luxury features are present.  CD changer in the glove box is a nice touch.  Everything is well laid out but my opinion is that it falls short of Lexus quality.

The car drives nice with very smooth power that is very addicting.  Soaks up the bumps and corners nice as well.  Too bad the low tire pressure sensor lit up after a corner haha

I negotiated for a while with my RL for trade.  The best they would do was my RL plus $7k CDN.  Not too bad but a little much considering the poor condition of the Q and mint condition of my RL.  My RL has no accidents, 110kms, very clean inside and out and needs nothing.  There are a few simliar RL's for sale here for about 22-23k.  They just got the Q in 2 days ago so I don't think they are in a rush to sell.

Summary:  Q45: better styling, V8 has great power/smooth, RWD, true VIP car
3.5 RL: better condition, roomy interior, not a VIPcar

I agree it may not be lexus LS430 quality but it blows it out of the water for price and options. This is comparing the 02 Q and 02 LS430.  I was in the market for both, I did lots of research.  
 
The Q isnt for everyone though.  The exterior styling is love it or hate it as well as the interior.

I  LOVE the way the f50 looks, FIXED UP. Stock? Not so hot. 

LS430...blows it away, in all aspects in my opinion. Even the price. It's WAY higher than the Q lol. 

I say..Q, is not a bad option. Although, we don't have many RL's here either, and they Look really good when done up as well.

[QUOTE=widebody_Q;111861]I agree it may not be lexus LS430 quality but it blows it out of the water for price and options. This is comparing the 02 Q and 02 LS430.  I was in the market for both, I did lots of research.  
 
The Q isnt for everyone though.  The exterior styling is love it or hate it as well as the interior.[/QUOTE]

Agree, I looked at both...Same year and miles the Q is about 30-35% less expensive than a LS430 when I was shopping around.    That's mainly due to Infiniti's crappy resale value.    Toyota/Lexus do seem to have slightly higher build quality.