The quality of interior finishing in the Q was of the highest European standards for the era. I have examined many over the years, and even poorly cared for examples exhibit very little wear and tear inside, including seats. On the negative side of the scale is a susceptibility to minor pre-mature rusting in and around the fenders. Such a condition plagued a 1991 Q45 that I owned.
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| One negative point is the Q45's susceptibility to minor rusting in and around the fenders. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Since then I have owned the 1993 Q45 pictured. This car has just over 100,000 km (60,000 miles) on the odometer and nary a sign of rust to be found. In fact the original paint gleams, I am sure, as it did the day the Q was taken home from the dealer for the first time. Of the two Qs I have owned, neither incurred any significant mechanical breakdown. They have always started, performed admirably and been a joy to drive.
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| The Q45 can be hard on the wallet, requiring premium gas and getting 13.8 liters per 100 km in the city. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Okay, so I have lauded the virtues of the big Q-ship, but there must be balance in journalism and here it is. For the size of the Q45, interior room is somewhat cramped for those in the rear seats. Also, trunk space is unexpectedly small due to the Bose sound system's rear speaker boxes, the in-trunk CD stacker and a lack of fold down rear seats. It is the lack of folding rear seats that most compromises trunk space and frustrates me. Don't take the Q45 on a 'Costco' run unless you are sticking to foodstuffs as large boxes and irregular shapes are often rejected.
Furthermore, weight is added to the negative side of the balance beam due to the Q's heavy demand for premium juice. At 13.8 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway (17/22 mpg), if you do a lot of driving the Q could become a significant drain on your wallet.