Hi,
I am new to the forum. I am on the market for a new SUV, looking for something upscale. We spent the entire day today test-driving (EX, FX, Lexus RX, Acura RDS, Cadillac SRX). I started with my mind set on Lexus RX450H, but after test-driving, the Infinity definitely caught me with a HUGE WOW factor. Inside and outside design and driving experience were phenomenal, with Cadillac close second and Acura RDS third. Lexus was rather disappointing, driving more like a truck and having a fair amount of road noise.
We will also test Aud Q5i, MB and X3, but more for the driving experience. I do not plan to buy them, mostly due to the below-the-average long-term reliability and high cost of maintenance and routine repair.
Infinities had their issues as well. EX has less storage space than our Prius, and FX is not great on MPG.
Here is what would like to find out. Lexus has phenomenal reliability record. I know quite a few people with RX having over 200K with NO major issues, offered 10-11K at the dealerships as a trade-in value.
We keep cars for a long time (10+) years, and I would like a car that will likely run for 150-200K miles without major issues.
I would like your input about the following:
1.Reliability, both short- and long-term (EX or FX). Any recurring issues?
2. Minor repair and maintenance cost. After the warranty, do you take the car to the Nissan dealer for oil changes? Is it cheaper? What about the minor repairs? Are they as prices as German cars?
3. Do I need premium gas for the V6 engine?
4. Around-the-car view feature - is it worth extra 4K, as rearview camera is already std? Helpful or just a gimmick? Works well or fails quickly?
5. Real world mileage for AWD models.
6. Handling in the snow.
Any other ideas/advises/suggestions/experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sincerely,
Sophie
Advise about buying a new EX/FX
Re: Advise about buying a new EX/FX
Welcome to Nico. I am on my 4th Infiniti. My current vehicle is a 2010 FX35. My thoughts on your concerns are as follows:
1) The short term reliability is phenomenal. I only had problems with my 2nd Infiniti (03 G coupe)and they were of the annoying sort (windows, seats, bose head units) rather than issues that affected the driveability of the car. My last two (08 G37 coupe and the FX) have been rock solid. This is extremely important to me since I live 120 miles from the nearest dealer. I have only kept one of my cars past the experation of the warranty but this forum and the G forum is full of people with cars with more than 100k.
2) Repairs are pricy as one would expect from a luxury brand. The more you can do yourself the better. Most dealers are very accomodating with loaner vehicles when repairs are necessary.
3)Yes, especially if you intend to keep the vehicle 10+ years. I have a station nearby that charges only a .10 differential for premium. I have never considered this to be a hardship and the price to be paid for owning the brand.
4)My FX does not have that feature. I do find the backup camera very useful. I believe there was one thread on here about misalignment of the all around view. You could use the search feature to find it.
5) I live in a small urban area. My best mileage figure was 21.8 and my worst was 16.0. Overall I am averaging a low 18 over the 16 months of ownership.
6) I live on a dead end street which never gets plowed. I got tired of waiting for my neighbors to break trail so I could get my coupes out. My FX gives me the confidence I can get where I need to go. That being said remember AWD is more about going than stopping. Stopping is more about tires and the intelligence of the person behind the wheel.
I am very happy with my FX. I chose it over the EX because it felt much more spacious and the forward view was much better. I also considered the other vehicles you mentioned. I seriously considered the Volvo XC 60 and 90 which you haven't tested. Of course it is not perfect. It does not have the power lift gate which I understand is now standard. The center arm rest is way too far back. The driver side mirror and A pillar make for a large blind spot. The Bose stereo is mediocre at best. I plan to keep this Infiniti for years as I am nearing retirement. I think I have a good one. Good Luck!
1) The short term reliability is phenomenal. I only had problems with my 2nd Infiniti (03 G coupe)and they were of the annoying sort (windows, seats, bose head units) rather than issues that affected the driveability of the car. My last two (08 G37 coupe and the FX) have been rock solid. This is extremely important to me since I live 120 miles from the nearest dealer. I have only kept one of my cars past the experation of the warranty but this forum and the G forum is full of people with cars with more than 100k.
2) Repairs are pricy as one would expect from a luxury brand. The more you can do yourself the better. Most dealers are very accomodating with loaner vehicles when repairs are necessary.
3)Yes, especially if you intend to keep the vehicle 10+ years. I have a station nearby that charges only a .10 differential for premium. I have never considered this to be a hardship and the price to be paid for owning the brand.
4)My FX does not have that feature. I do find the backup camera very useful. I believe there was one thread on here about misalignment of the all around view. You could use the search feature to find it.
5) I live in a small urban area. My best mileage figure was 21.8 and my worst was 16.0. Overall I am averaging a low 18 over the 16 months of ownership.
6) I live on a dead end street which never gets plowed. I got tired of waiting for my neighbors to break trail so I could get my coupes out. My FX gives me the confidence I can get where I need to go. That being said remember AWD is more about going than stopping. Stopping is more about tires and the intelligence of the person behind the wheel.
I am very happy with my FX. I chose it over the EX because it felt much more spacious and the forward view was much better. I also considered the other vehicles you mentioned. I seriously considered the Volvo XC 60 and 90 which you haven't tested. Of course it is not perfect. It does not have the power lift gate which I understand is now standard. The center arm rest is way too far back. The driver side mirror and A pillar make for a large blind spot. The Bose stereo is mediocre at best. I plan to keep this Infiniti for years as I am nearing retirement. I think I have a good one. Good Luck!