Nissan QX (1995 - 2003)
MODELS COVERED: 1995-2000: (4 dr saloon 2.0, 3.0 V6 petrol [S, SE, SEL] ) 2000-2003: (4 dr saloon 2.0, 3.0 V6 petrol [SE,SE+] )
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
UK buyers have taken a long time to see the merits of the
Nissan QX. Perhaps it was tarred by the same brush as its unremarkable predecessor, the Maxima, sales volumes of which were distinctly Minima. The QX has never troubled the likes of the
Vauxhall Omega in terms of UK new sales, but as a used buy it represents an awful lot of high-quality metal for the money. Like the
Toyota Camry it has largely been ignored by UK buyers whilst selling in shiploads to American customers.
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It would appear that the British public consider no Japanese firm other than
Lexus capable of building a big saloon. It has been Nissans task to convince us otherwise, and with the QX it wouldnt be unfair to say they have singularly failed. This, it turns out, is more to do with our penchant for a sexy badge than any inherent deficiencies of the QX. Times are changing, though.
Flagship models like the Skyline GT-R make the prospect of handing over big money for a
Nissan a reasonable proposition. Perhaps Nissans time will come in the big saloon market. In the meantime there are some great used buys to be had.
The QX is a big, soft, vaguely loveable barge with all of the equipment youd expect in this price bracket and more thrown in for good measure. If youre going to buy a QX, its advisable to go the whole hog and have the flagship QX SEL 3.0 V6 available at almost unbelievably low prices. Despite that, you won't go short of gadgets; leather, cruise control, a 10 CD auto-changer and heated electric seats are all standard fare. The same equipments in the 2.0-litre SEL model, but the price differential is so small between the two models its worth having the larger-engined car. Most would expect the QX to be unadventurous and bland inside.
And theyd be right. The interior quality is exceptional, but the design work lacks the flair and imagination of European rivals. Still, these in turn would be embarrassed by the Nissans even paint finish and narrow panel gaps. It all adds up to a very restrained design, if not an arresting one.
Under the skin however, things are more revolutionary. The rear suspension, for example, has a complex arrangement of locating links. You won't need to know how it works, but you will be interested to learn that it endows the QX with a ride quality that embarrasses any other Japanese saloon short of a Lexus. There arent many surprises with the big Nissan. It does a competent and reliable job, with the only eyebrow-raising detail being the used price.
Try not to feel a pang of sympathy for the Nissan QX owner who, having paid £30,200 for a 2001 SEL 3.0 V6 is told that the retail value of his car is £10,200. Alls fair in love, war and on the forecourt! Whisper it, but the Nissan QX could just be the biggest executive saloon bargain around. Take a look at values for the basic QX S model.
Prices start from £2,500 for a 1995 M-registered car. Perhaps basic is a bit of a misnomer for this model, but should you require more luxury, the SE manual starts at £2,300 for a similar vintage car. Expect to pay £200 more for the automatic, but in truth the manuals the better option. The 2.
0 SEL starts at £3,700 for a 1997 P-plated car, rising to £5,500 for a 1999 V-plate example. The three-litre cars are better value still, with prices that traced a path like a plummeting piano. Expect to pay just over £3,000 for a 1995 M-registered QX SE 3.0 V6, with a 1997 P-plated car only requiring £3,900 to see your name on the registration document.
The range-topping 3.0 SEL version needs every one of its191bhp to lug the weight of all that equipment, but endless button-pressing fun can be yours from £3,300 for a 1995 M-plate car, rising through £4,200 for a 1997 P-reg car up to that £8,100 sum for a 2001 Y-plate model. Thats less than the price of a new Almera for enough bells and whistles to send a Swiss sheepdog scatty. Insurance is reasonable too; the 2.
0 S falling into Group 12, the other 2.0-litre cars in Group 13 and the 3.0-litre cars residing smugly in a relatively lowly Group 15.
Nissan and reliability go hand in hand. The dealer network is also very good, and if you can, go after a QX with some of its three year/60,000 mile warranty still in effect. Even if the warranty period has expired, most QXs will have been driven sedately and will have a full service record. Check up on this and otherwise buy with confidence.
(Estimated prices, based on a QX 2.0 SE) Spares for the QX are quite pricey; possibly Nissan letting you know about a having cake/eating scenario. A full clutch assembly retails for around £185 whilst those who have bought a bargain QX with a shot exhaust would be advised to sit down before finding out a new one costs in the region of £750. Front brake pads are around £60 a pair while a couple of rear pads are about £55.
A new radiator costs in the region of £285 and a new radiator £250.
Again, no surprises. Think refined, soft and cosseting. Both engines are usefully brisk. Though the 3.
0-litre 190bhp flagship versions make sixty in 9.6 seconds on the way to 130mph, their 2.0-litre counterparts aren't much less refined. On the contrary, if anything, road test impressions suggested the smaller-engined cars to be smoother and quieter.It all adds up to a driving experience that reminds you of something far more expensive. Wind noise, for example, is virtually absent.
The steering meanwhile, is pleasingly precise and there's plenty of front-end grip and general stability. The slick-shifting manual version is preferable as the auto cruises smoothly but is a little sudden on kickdown. Not that those attracted to the QX will be looking for a sports saloon. For them, the attraction of a large, comfortable car with a syrupy ride will be enough.
As long as youre not expecting
BMW-like driving dynamics or
Alfa Romeo styling, then its difficult to see how a used Nissan QX can disappoint. Its a reliable, comfortable and well-built car that boasts a huge amount of standard equipment at bargain prices. It may not set the pulses racing, but if you can net a good one, itll provide cheap luxury motoring. Youll have to put up with looks of horror on friends faces when they hear what youve bought, but rest assured.
Youre bound to have made the better deal.
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