Buying 2005-2006 QX56: Advice Needed

[lenturner76]

Hello to all,
I've just joined this forum today and I really like all the help that it gives. You guys are very responsive and helpful. So i'm hoping that you can help me out. I'm seriously considering the purchase of a 2005-2006 QX56 with 70k-85k miles on it. I've been reading a lot of the posts and some of them are frightening me from making the purchase. I say that because it seems like they will have a lot of expensive issues that are constantly happening (i.e. brakes, abs, rotors, ipdm, electrical failures and etc.). If someone could inform me of the costs and types of repairs I would be in for when purchasing a QX56 with the above mileage and age, I would definitely appreciate it.

Thanks in advance...

[Timmbo]

Well, by all means I can tell you it is an awesome vehicle. I owned an '04 QX56 and I also owned a '08 Armada, and now a 2010 Armada.

Brakes were really the big deal, but that was mainly on the '04 & '05 models. '06 is pretty much sold, but in '08 they made some amazing changes to the interior. My best suggestion is if there is any way you can stretch your budget, I would tell you to try and get an '08 Armada instead of the QX56. Interior on Armada and QX56 from '08-2010 is exactly the same.

You would be just fine with an '06 though, I will say that, '05 should be fine especially if it is a late build.

[lenturner76]

Timmbo, I appreciate your response. You kind of eased my fears. So late model '05 and '06 is the way to go. Are there things that I should look for when test driving???

[Timmbo]

Brakes shaking during braking!

[lenturner76]

Thanks again sir.

If others have any info please feel free to chime in. I'm taking it all in.

[Socaldiablo]

I've got an 04' QX56 and I love it. I have had some problems with it like the IPDM failure, the rear glass window relay switch failure, and some annoying issues like sunglass holder spring too weak, running board covers pulling away from the running boards, dashboard lights failing, etc, etc. Many of the issues I've had were build quality problems and not design or engine/mechanical issues. I attribute the less than stellar build quality to a Mississippi based union plant as opposed to these being built in Japan where they should be built. I've never had the infamous brake issues with mine but it might have something to do with the new rotors Infiniti released to replace the originals. When I got my QX used, the rotors may have already been replaced under warranty. I just put new OEM rotors and pads on and the thing stops like a dream (truck has 68K on it). I also put on some Nitto Terra Graplers on it and the truck rides smoother. It has a bit of a jarring ride at times when you hit a large bump but most SUVs this size I've been in ride the same way after some miles on them. A lot of the quality problems I've had with mine were covered under warranty by an amazing dealer service shop I use to take it to. Since the warranty expired, I've been buying the OEM parts through an online Infiniti parts supplier and fixing the problems myself like the IPDM, rear glass relay issue, etc. The truck is fairly easy to work on. I will say that these trucks on are on the higher maintenance side but I do all routine stuff proactively. I've replaced every fluid in mine except power steering, including the transfer case/diffs/trans fluids (I have the 4x4 version). It's been a great vehicle and we plan to keep it for a long time (unless I get the itch to upgrade to the 2011 new body style, which is quickly growing on me).

Good luck with your purchase!
Steve

[lenturner76]

Steve,
Thanks for your reply. I am pretty handy so if they are easy to work on (and with the help of the forum) I may be in good shape. I'm not a big fan of paying dealrship repair rates. How did you fix the running board situation?

Regarding the jarring when hitting large bumps, my previous denali used to do the same thing. It's funny how a vehicle so heavy can feel so light when it hits large bumps.

[Timmbo]

I will also say that the issues with the early build 2004 models were mostly eliminated for the later build '04 models. Nissan brought engineers in from Japan to figure out what the problems were. You have to remember, the '04 QX56 was a brand new vehicle, in BRAND NEW PLANT! There were plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong, but they worked on things. The only issues I had with my '04 were the brakes and one rattle in the drivers door which was taken care of very easily.

[Socaldiablo]

Yeah, mine was a later 04' build, though. I think the build date was a month in Q3 2004 (I want to say like September) but I undoubtedly agree with you, Timmbo. I had serious 2nd thoughts about the tought of buying a first year new model vehicle built in a new plant, and again by "union" workers. Sorry to the pro-union people on here but the unions have driven the quality right out of anything they build. The unions were a good idea back in the early 1900s when employers treated their employees like slaves but that is far gone now and the unions only protect the lazy worker. Lazy workers = crappy products that fall apart. I attribute my quality issues to mostly that and partially from the fact that it was a new plant and a new model truck. You see the same problems with American built vehicles that aren't new models ...I will never buy another American car until the unions are flushed out and I can tell you this QX is my last union built vehicle. Aren't the 2010s or 2011s built in Japan now? I thought I heard they were moving production back to Japan b/c all of the issues in Mississippi. My FX45 has been awesome with almost zero problems and that is also an 04', but that car was built in Japan.

[Socaldiablo]

Steve,
Thanks for your reply. I am pretty handy so if they are easy to work on (and with the help of the forum) I may be in good shape. I'm not a big fan of paying dealrship repair rates. How did you fix the running board situation?

Regarding the jarring when hitting large bumps, my previous denali used to do the same thing. It's funny how a vehicle so heavy can feel so light when it hits large bumps.

The running board issue was fixed by the dealer under warranty. When I bought the truck, I had like 5 months left on the warranty so I went through the truck with a fine tooth comb and had them fix everything that was wrong. They replaced the dash (lights on the gauges were failing), navigation screen, running board covers, repaired the rear defrost wires where they attach to the window, shaking rear DVD screen, the list goes on. They did quite a bit under warranty. But yeah, if you can fix things yourself or find an independent Infiniti mechanic to take care of the stuff you don't want to mess with, you're better off. Some dealerships charge $120/hour service rate. Also, if you need parts, check out: www.infinitipartsusa.com

You will really like this truck aside from the issues and like Timmbo said, my model year probably has the most issues so if you get an 05' or 06', you should be way better off. These things are like tanks ...I feel really safe in it and mechanically, the truck is totally sound.

Take care,
Steve

[QXforsale]

I have a 2007 QX56 with 100,000 miles that runs like it's brand new...I've been a stickler for regular maintenance, etc. That said, I am looking to sell my QX if you are interested...I've hit a bit of turbulence in my finances. I live in the Pasadena, CA area.

[lenturner76]

I live in Brooklyn, NY. So a cross country would not work for me. Also I am looking for something under 70k miles. Thanks anyway.

[QXforsale]

No problem...I'm sure you'll love your QX...great car .

[lenturner76]

Hello guys. Just to let you know I picked up a 2006 Charcoal Grey QX56 last week with 87k miles with all the options. I love it so far. I love it's size, comfort and features.

My only issue so far is that it seems to ride unusually hard over bumps. I can feel everything. Is it suppose to ride like that or do you think the front shocks needs to be replaced? On smooth roads it's phenomenal but bumps are a little chaotic. Any advice would be great.

[Socaldiablo]

Yeah, like I mentioned in a previous response, these trucks are jarring over bumps. I don't think new shocks will help. The suspension is just designed that way ...it needs some help for sure. Are you running the OEM tires? I went with a slightly larger AT tire last fall (275/65 18s, Nitto Terra Graplers) and the ride is noticeably better but the truck still rides rough over rough pavement. Enjoy your new purchase! If you take care of your QX, it will be bullet proof for you.

[lenturner76]

Thanks for the reply Socaldiablo. The truck has Goodyear Wranglers on them (factory tire size). I guess it's something that I will have to get use to.

[WaynesNside]

I have had my QX since 24k it now has 47k on it and runs excellent. Yeah there have been little things here and there but nothing that has kept me out of it no longer than a day at the dealer.

I personally like the QX over the Armada as far as style, but I like more classy vehicles trimmed out with some chrome pieces.

Good luck with your choice.