considering getting another QX4

[zmancb7]

Hi everyone, kinda new here, kinda not.

I bought a 1998 QX4 a few years ago but unfortunately had to part ways with it. I'm looking to get a new car within the next couple of months and am highly considering another QX4 since I loved my last one.

I am also considering an FX35 since they seem to be only a few thousand more but something keeps me stuck on the QX.

So because I have a bit more budget to work with, I would love a 2003 (last year made) or as new a QX4 as I can. I read up on the new features added and newer engine. I know some of the differences but was wondering if there was a major difference between the 98-00 and 01+ QX4s. Or from the early 2nd gen QXs to the 02-03s. I know newer isn't always better but I like the added luxury.

If anyone could also shed some pros/cons for a QX4 vs. FX35, I would also appreciate that. I found a really clean looking 03 QX4 with decent and know it would be easier on my wallet going down that route. I've been looking on a few forums about the FX and think it's a great car, just want to know if anyone has had experience with both maintenance, mod, and price wise.

Thanks a lot, looking forward to joining the community again soon.

[TheReplay]

Theres too many differences to list, and I wouldnt know where to start except to say the following....

I beleive the 03 qx4 went to a drive by wire system vs a throttle cable in the 01,02 -- for that reason I wouldnt want an 03.

Also, I wouldnt be considering any 13-15 yr old car unless it spent its life in a region without winter... These trucks do not like road salt.

[zmancb7]

Thanks for the input and advice.

Unfortunately beggars can't be choosers and I am expecting rust to be present but it doesn't worry me as long as it's contained.

I asked this question because I'm pretty torn between these 1 cars:

03 QX4:
http://www.carfax.com/vehicles/JNRDR09Y ... tner=CTO_1

no navigation, much cleaner, slightly lower mileage, closer to me

vs

02 QX4:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/deta ... teolf91814

has navigation, a little more scuffs and scratches, Florida car (less rust hopefully), little farther drive

color is good, black interior is good, just wondering on major differences between them

thanks again for the comments

[atraudes]

Between those two the 03 seems like the better buy. The price is really good considering the mileage (maybe too good?). The fact the other has navigation may be a huge downside since you're probably going to want to rip it out after living with it for a few weeks. The interface is old and clunky, the maps are outdated, you can't control the climate until it boots, and oh yeah, the buttons fall off with age (it's probably already missing at least one, or will soon) and there's no really good (reasonably priced) fix for that. If you're up for the challenge you can swap the other style of controls in. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's pretty well documented here.

The biggest difference the 01s and on saw was the engine. Many more ponies, and things like ignition coils meant you don't need to fiddle with the timing. Everything else like the suspension is pretty much the same.

As far as differences between the QX4 and FX35, I think the most striking is that the FX is a road vehicle in that you'd be ill-advised to take it offroad at all. Personally if you're planning on staying on the pavement I'd go with the FX35 since I think they're pretty sharp-looking cars, pretty reliable, and probably much more nimble. If their offroading prowess isn't a concern for you, then go with whichever catches your eye. The only other point I can think of is the FX looks to get better mileage. 2003 was also its first year, so you'd probably be better off with any other year (first-gen, first-year models tend to have the most problems).

Regardless, do your due diligence on whatever you're looking at. Have a mechanic inspect it, look for accidents, rust, etc.

[MisterH]

The biggest difference between your 98 and the models 01 and later is the engine. The newer engine boosted the horsepower from 168 to 240 but it also requires 91 octane fuel. Fuel economy is unchanged. The newer engine also uses a timing chain versus the timing belt and modernized the ignition with coil packs instead of a single distributor.

Those two cars you linked to seemed nice but if it were my money I'd never buy a car that old from a dealer as for starters, you'll pay anywhere from 30-5% more for it. Go private party and pay the $100 to have a Infiniti/Nissan dealer do an inspection on the one you are interested in.
Good luck

[zmancb7]

Thanks so much for the replies guys.

I saw the 02 today and you were right, buttons were missing, plus it had a rust hole in the roof and just was not as clean as those pictures. Plus the salesman lied about how long it's been on the lot (he said a week, I started looking at that car over a month ago).

I will be seeing the other one this week and will see what's what. I have searched my local craigslist and various other websites and it seems like no private parties are selling their FXs right now. I've seen a few QX4 but their 98-00 and in way worse condition with higher mileage.

I personally fancy myself the FX. I'm in a position where I should be able to finance if I have to, just need to work on getting the overall price down from the dealer. I will be financing it myself, not through the dealer.

I have about a month to keep looking and have alerts for craigslist set up just in case some more come on the market.

Off roading is not a concern of mine at all, I just like the option of 4wd and thought my old QX4 ate up the snow beautifully. Really missing that car. I think I could afford a $10k FX right now, just trying to find the right one and right year!

There is a seemingly perfect 08 FX35 with 113k miles but the dealer gave the CARFAX and it was in an accident. Damage was done to the right fender but was deemed drive-able (possible fender bender?)

http://www.5townsdrive.net/2008-Infinit ... tails.aspx

Any advice for cars with reported accidents under their belt? Obviously my first instinct is NO, but this car is in good shape otherwise despite a gaudy front bumper guard. I'm just not sure if I could overlook the damage because who knows what kind of work was done. I plan on seeing all the cars mentioned to judge them myself but any advice before making the drive out would be appreciated.

Thanks again!

[atraudes]

As far as accidents go, it depends. If it was a fender bender, nothing mechanical was damaged, and the repairs were done right, you won't even know it happened. If there was significant damage (engine, suspension, drivetrain, frame) and/or the repairs weren't up to snuff, then you have good reason for concern. Have a shop you trust check it out and see how they feel about it. If they don't like what they see, walk away. Otherwise good repairs to trivial damage can be a great way to knock the price down.

That FX looks really nice other than the cow catcher (what were they thinking??). The good news is you could tear that thing off really easily; you'd only be seen with it on the drive home

[zmancb7]

Yea reading the carfax it says that it was minor front passenger side damage but vehicle was still drive-able. I'm just afraid of why the price is still so low then? Plus the dealer reviews for that particular dealer are pretty iffy.

They have two 2010s and an 09 FX there I really want and could probably negotiate a lower price which would put them in my budget but I'm afraid because of the reviews they got.

I'll check them out in person soon though and see for myself.

[EdBwoy]

I'll speak to the qx4 vs. fx part, although this might just be me thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. I've owned 2 02 qx4s, one RWD the other 4x4. Amazing vehicles both of them are, and even the rwd one does very well in St. Louis winters wit srnsible tires. The 4x4 is simply unstoppable in any conditiins in throw at it.. Both can tow very well too. The major downside is the gas mileage.

I'd still be interested in an FX. They have good features, handle very well and both iterations of the FX got better mpg than any r50. They had the 4.5 liter, which was pretty fast off the line. These came as all AWDs, while some 3.5 liters came with AWD too. Nissan's AWD system is very good for most driving situations. I have also seen pictures of some of these set up to tow decent loads. Just comparing them to the g35 I sat in, I believe their interiors are set up way better to be more spacious. The r50s feel cramped and I bonk my head on the headliner once in a while.
Some of the FXs had issues with the dash bubbling, and you better hope yours was handled by the warranty. I don't know how customizable the audio system is, as my most modern infiniti (an m45) is not the easiest to mess with due to the integrated HVAC controls.

[zmancb7]

thanks for the reply!

I've done some thinking and budgeting and decided to go with a G37x so still a good buy I think, maybe an FX will come down the road.

Thanks for the help and responses!