T For Tempting: 1994 Infiniti Q45T

The first generation Infiniti Q45 packed a surprising amount of performance & technology when it was released into the wild way back in 1990. Competition from ze Germans (BMW/Mercedes, etc) included a lineup on inline-6 engines in cars like the 5/7-series and Mercedes W124 E-Class --but in comparison the Q was indeed Quick. Parent company Nissan was pushing the performance mantra on all ends of the automotive spectrum and the "sporty" image survives to this day. Find this 1994 Infiniti Q45T offered for $3,000 in Decatur, GA via craigslist.

Axis Combo: 1987 BMW 325i, Nissan VH45DE V8

The BMW E30 3-series is a popular car for modification -- it was produced in great numbers, has a huge fan-base, and handles like a modern car.  This means that all kinds of engines get shoved in the front, mostly larger/better/later BMW inline-6s, a few BMW V8s, LSX V8s (of course), but this one is certainly an interesting choice.  Find this 1987 BMW 325i with Nissan VH45DE V8 power offered for $6,200 in Tustin, CA via craigslist.

Thursday Twister: Best $500 Racer

Welcome to another edition of DT's Thursday Twister, the game where the rules aren't the only thing that change each week.  This week, lets talk $500 race cars...which are in no way actually $500 race cars, that is only a fraction of the cost to build one...but the rulesets of 24HrsofLeMons, Chumpcar, AER, etc all say you need to start with a $500 car before spending money on safety/brakes/tires/wheels.  For today's Twister, we are going to list our favorite $500 crapcan racers.

5k: Silver Lining: 1999 Infiniti Q45 Y33

The Y33 generation Q45 (1997-2001) was a slower and steadier luxury cruising version of the venerable Q-car to come out of parent company Nissan for their Infiniti brand.  It was slower and less apt to turn than the previous G50 generation, but it did add some road hugging isolating mass that helped it drive more like the Lexus LS that was eating its lunch in sales figures.  Regardless, a lightly used Q45 makes a great luxury family sedan for the budget shopper.  Find this 1999 Infiniti Q45 Y33 here on eBay currently bidding for $3,950 reserve-not-met with 1 day to go, located in West Palm Beach, FL.

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.

2k: Warp Speed: 1994 Infiniti Q45

The first generation Infiniti Q45 packed a surprising amount of performance when it debuted in 1990.  Competition from companies like BMW included a lineup on inline-6 engines in cars like the 5/7-series and in comparison the Q was indeed Quick.  Parent company Nissan was pushing the performance mantra on all ends of the automotive spectrum and the "sporty" image survives to this day.  Find this 1994 Infiniti Q45 sedan for sale in St Louis, MO for $1,800 via craigslist.  Tip from Scot.

5k: Nota540i: 1996 Infiniti Q45t

Imagine that you are interested in replacing your BMW 540i wtih something not quite as common as a 5-series and your 'car expert' friends will tell you a good alternative is an E-Class, Audi A6 or Lexus LS...but they are idiots as the thinking man's choice is clearly the Infiniti Q45. Get new friends and checkout the original G50 generation Q, as it came with a viscous limited slip diff, multi-link suspension and all-alloy DOHC V8 powering the rear wheels.  Find this 1996 Infiniti Q45 for sale in Canton, GA for $4990 via craigslist.