So What do you think about it?

I finally got around to go test drive the FX35 today. I couldnt see spending an extra 5-10,000 hard earned bones for an additional 35 horse power. The 3 and a half liter will probably be the way to go for most people. I actually thought it was a nice ride. I don't like the rear end so much as it looks a litle bulbous. Of course I have seen the Porche Cayene and it looks almost identical in the rear. The thing that kind of sucks is that it doesnt qualify for the farm vehicle tax credit like a BMW X5, but it is a little cheaper. I like it, but Volkswagon has the new Taureg coming out and it offers that adjustable suspension which should make it very off road worthy as well as a good freeway cruiser. I never thought I might find myself actually thinking of a Volkswagon. I would love to hear some other peoples first impressions of this unnusual new breed of cars/trucks or whatever the call themselves.

I just bought the FX35 and I love it, I think the looks are definately unique. It drives great and over all a great car. I agree with you that the extra money for the V8 wasn't worth it, I think the V6 is just great, plus better fuel economy. I also wanted to wait for the VW, but I decided that I liked the the Infiniti instead.

Just bought the FX45 today! Diamond Graphite w/beige interior w/tech package! What an awesome car! Everywhere I go, people stop in their tracks to stare at it (not to mention other SUV drivers). Power is unbelievable....with the V8 this car easily rivals the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S which sells for almost twice as much! The V6 is definately no slouch but after I test drove the V8, the additional punch was just too good to pass up (...also nice to burn by those pesky BMW X5 owners, hehe). The addtional 5K difference for the V8 was not that big of a deal for me. Anyways, this car has the LOOKS, POWER, and the TOYS (definately get the Tech package and 20" wheels) to put it in the TOP among all the boring and me-to SUV's out there!

Originally posted by mwilken
it doesnt qualify for the farm vehicle tax credit like a BMW X5
Farm or Fam vehicle:confused:

Do the dealers have these in stock & allow test-drives? I went to look at the new coupe... was told that I had to wait & couldn't drive one until I order one:rolleyes:

By Farm I mean that vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of over 6,000 pounds qualify for up to a $24,000 depreciation in the first year as I understand it. That is huge if you drive your truck for business purposes as I plan to. As for me, still no decision, partly because I hate the idea of another car payment. I too want to get a G35 coupe to replace the 2000 Mustang GT that has been nothing but trouble from day one. Oh well, that is what this forum is all about, dreams. Except for the few lucky souls out there that have already made the purchase. Congrats on the V8 with the tech package. I really like the idea of making your key obsolete. I hope you continue to enjoy it. I have had Infiniti products now for the last 10 years almost and have never had any mechanical failures. Just great overall cars.

Originally posted by mwilken
qualify for up to a $24,000 depreciation in the first year as I understand it
Wow... too bad I chose a lightweight Suburban instead of the huge 2500 8.1L - that is some tax savings:D
Originally posted by mwilken I have had Infiniti products now for the last 10 years almost and have never had any mechanical failures[/B]
Wish I could say the same about Chevy... nothing but problems:(

Originally posted by PSB
Just bought the FX45 today! (definately get the Tech package and 20" wheels) to put it in the TOP among all the boring and me-to SUV's out there!

How is the ride with those 20 inchers?? Is it harsh? I would think it would be, there's hardly any sidewall...

To me the ride is just fine w/the 20's. I had a BMW X5 before w/18" wheels and the ride, in my opinion, was worse than the FX45. I think the performance benefit (not to mention the kick-ass handling) is worth it. ...and those 20's look damn sexy!

Originally posted by PSB
To me the ride is just fine w/the 20's. I had a BMW X5 before w/18" wheels and the ride, in my opinion, was worse than the FX45. I think the performance benefit (not to mention the kick-ass handling) is worth it. ...and those 20's look damn sexy!

Thanks for the reply!
Yeah, they do look cool!
I'm wondering what the 18" wheels look like...

What tire is on the 20's? Can you give me the name & model & size?
Thanks.

Which dealer would be the best to buy from in So. Cal.? Also, are any incentives/discounts offered? It would be a bummer to pay full sticker:bloated:

The 18" wheels look almost identical to the 20's except it has a couple less spokes. The tires on the 20's are Goodyear Eagle RS-A's. The size of the tires are: 265/50R20

Wow, those are wide tires! :eek: Nice. :cool:

Thanks for the reply.

I love the wheels. Of course, I am only 28 years old so I am in the younger generation. I have never owned a car with hubcaps thank God. Those big alloys look amazing especially on the Black version. Keep us all up to date on how your new car is wearing on you. Any complaints/suggestions/praises to share with us?

I had the car for about a couple weeks now. So far, no complaints! This car continues to amaze me everytime I drive it! The performance is just awesome w/the V-8. From a standing start, it takes off like a jet! (I get a lot of suprised looks from Mustang GT owners!) Exhaust noise is sweet...everytime you press on the gas, it reminds you there's a V8 in there! Steering response is unbelivably quick in this car...changing lanes takes just a "flick of a wrist." (I've read somewhere that the FX's chassis is based on the 350Z and G35 and I believe 'em!). I love the small, thick steering wheel..similar to what you see in a BMW M3 or M5. Interior is very nice indeed....the leather seating is very smooth and of very high quality...the front seats are perhaps the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in!.....very comfortable and at the same time, very sporty w/the thick side bolsters. Some cool features: laser cruise control, rear view camera, DVD-navigation system, rear DVD entertainment system, and intelligent key system (you don't need to use the keys to open the door or start the car!). If there's anything that people could complain abut the car (I don't!) is that the ride is too harsh and the luggage space is small. Yes, the ride is a little firm (esp. w/the 20's) but it's very well controlled......for those who are used to the sports car ride or have ever been in a BMW X5 (which I previously owned), the FX's ride quality is very acceptable. But make no mistake, this is a "sporty SUV" and NOT a Lexus. Cargo space is also acceptable (about the same as a X5)....but heck, this is not a Suburban! For $50K, there's really no other car out there that can match the looks, power, and features of the FX45. Everywhere I go, I get tons of looks, stares, and compliments. Infiniti is on a roll!

4 Weeks later
I love it. gets up and goes
FX35, tech package, 20" wheels
I get looks from everyone, young and old.
(-) Exterior mirrors are too large, cant see around them without moving, no rear window sprayer, steering wheel and seat move everytime I start engine( I drive 1,000 miles a week and have about 60 appointments Friday to sunday) this feature gets old. Rear monitor should be moved up just a little. Cheap wiper blades, cheap windshield(both repalaced first 3,000 miles.

Originally wanted the Cayenne, but hey 1/2 the price and available, why wait?

Great Car..

:sun:

Well I've had the car for a month also, and mine has a back window wash, also you can adjust the seat and wheel so they don't move every time in the settings in the Nav screen. And my wiper blades work great, had alot of snow and rain in the last month and they work better than most previous cars I've had.

Ok I give
how do you work the rear window washer?

TIA

Now not totally in my memory but you push the window wiper column toward you or away from you, I would have to go check.

I bought the fx45 about 3-4 months ago and love it. I've put about 8000 miles on it now and have just a few problems. The windshield wiper (passenger side to be specific) streaks even after replacing them. In hot weather, the rear hatch top molding has bubbled up (come loose). It actually prevents you from opening the hatch. The last two problems I have are with the gear shifter. When you put it in "manual shift" mode, the response is way too slow. When I upshift during hard acceleration, the transmission doesn't shift immediately (or down shift). It seems to take nearly a second in order for the shift to be completed. The second thing on the shifter is that it moves too easily from "manual mode" to "automatic mode". When I'm making a hard turn to the right (with my hand resting on the shifter), the momentum of my body weight will pull the shifter out of "manual mode" and into "automatic mode".

Other than the above things, I'm extremely happy with my fx45. Good power, nice throttle response, sporty handling, etc...

Drove off the lot, turned right and went 500Kms up a mountain highway in the worst rainstorm in 30 years. (4 people killed in bridge washouts that night).

The FX35 AWD plowed through some serious hydroplaning without a slip, slide or hesitatancy. INCREDIBLE feeling of control & comfort. I've had Porsche Turbos, BMW's, the lot, this is the best car I've ever driven in.

Had a load of friends on board (the FX handled no differently) and had a giggle when I put her in reverse, set the parking brake, got out, stood by the back license plate and mooned everyone on board in the rear view camera that's activated in Reverse !!! Funny!

Seriously, there's NOTHING else out there like it. The VW Toureg is too expensive for a VW with less refined interior and less HP. Everything else out there just looks like ...well....everything else.

Highly recommend the FX so far!!

Patrick

1st time test run it, I know this's exactly the one I want.
a Performance sedan ? Almost, higher a bit, a SUV.
I drive it to work everyday and love it more & more after a few mods.
I'm looking forward to those mature engine tuning work on 350Z, and copy them to my FX..... :naughty:

Yes the handiling of the FX45, i used to own an Mercedes ML55 AMG SUV, and i loved that car, but the FX45 is cheaper, and i think it handles better then the Mercedes, i pulled up next to a man in an X5 and he looked at me like he wanted to drag, the FX smoked him, the performance is unbetable, in my opinion, thats my opinion, i went to the Hyuday forum, and all these people are dreaming about this tint black Sante Fe, well your dream can come true with an FX45, (and you wont need to buy a cheap piece of junk like a Sante Fe) anyways i support Infinitie in everyway! in 1998 i flew to Asia on a buisiness trip, i was driving in my rentle Infinitie G20 and i pulled into the Infinitie Manufacturing Plant and i took the quick 30 minute tour, i saw there designing room threw a window and guess what i saw on the wall? the drawings of the new Infinitie FX45! the original drawings looked a little different, but it was still the begining of a new Infinitie and beyond.............

now i love the car! and im planning on keeping it for years to come (im thinking about getting my wife a Porche Cyanne Turbo) lol i like Porches too but i`m gonna head over to the Porche Forum right now and talk about the Cyanne and see if i can find an Owner of one...

If you have a FX45 and are happy with the ride you must ride on only smooth roads. I am happy with everything except for the terrible ride. I also have a sports car 3000GT VR4, and had a BMW X5 with sports suspension, and drove the Cayenne Turbo, and all of them ride better than this vehicle. I am told that when you order the technology package you get the sport package included, which has the sport suspension. It is so bad of a ride that my wife will not drive with me in the car and I do not see us using this car to go to dinner or social engagements with other couples. I have contacted the dealler and Infiniti and no one is stepping up to the plate to solve the problem. With the roads here in Illinois I expect to be at the dealer constantly to fix rattles etc for the vehicle is shaking itself apart. I have a friend who purchase one in Florida and he said it is fine until he has to drive out of state where the roads are not as smooth. I have never been so disapointed with my selection of a vehicle because of one issue like this. Any ideas on what I can do to solve this problem would be appreciated.
Thank you.

4 Weeks later
I love it. gets up and goes
FX35, tech package, 20" wheels
I get looks from everyone, young and old.
(-) Exterior mirrors are too large, cant see around them without moving, no rear window sprayer, steering wheel and seat move everytime I start engine( I drive 1,000 miles a week and have about 60 appointments Friday to sunday) this feature gets old. Rear monitor should be moved up just a little. Cheap wiper blades, cheap windshield(both repalaced first 3,000 miles.

Originally wanted the Cayenne, but hey 1/2 the price and available, why wait?

Great Car..

:sun:
i totally agree with you. the porche might be the fastest suv in the market but it is really expensive. those 20'' shoould be damn good. i really love the look of the fx because it's unique and not boxy.

I am told that when you order the technology package you get the sport package included, which has the sport suspension.

I don't think that's true, Wayne. I'm getting a tech/touring combo on the FX35.

Granted, they're not the easiest car to find on the lot, but it is available.


Devon