Current Honda / Toyota Owner Considering Going to the Dark Side

[BROUDIE]

So, I'm the current owner of a 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder and a 2000 Honda Accord coupe. Now because of my current needs, I am considering trading the Accord in for an EX. I'm at the point in my life where I can appreciate a little bit of luxury sport in my daily drive, as well as the functionality that the rear hatch provides.

I've set my sights on a silver RWD Journey with the Luxe and Premium packages and may pull the trigger in the next couple of weeks. I need advice, probably most useful will be from current or former Honda and Toyota owners, but everyone is welcome to comment.

My question is - as a current Honda / Toyota owner, I take for granted that I have a bulletproof ride. No problems - ever. I've read a couple of horror stories in this forum about problems with the steering column, leaks in the moonroof, fuel pump, etc.

Now, I'm smart enough to figure out that there will be the occasional lemon with any vehicle, but how prevalent are these issues? This car will be my daily driver and will be used in my small business. I can't afford to waste time at the dealership having this-and-that fixed.

[driveforfun]

Relax my friend, you'll be buying a great ride. And you are right no vehicle is perfect. I have owned four Acura's and have a bias towards Honda products, as you seem to yourself. Even with Acura there would be the occasional glitch. My 2004 TSX had a problem with the radio in the first few months and it had to be replaced. It was a problem that occurred with a number of the new model TSX's that year and it is not unusual for a new model to run into a few problems. Check Consumer Reports for past write ups on new model problems in the auto industry.

The EX is a new model and there have been a few problems with some vehicles. I've had mine for several months and haven't had the first problem. My experience from purchasing to driving has been every bit as good as with Acura. If I do run into a problem with the EX I have confidence that the Infiniti dealer will get it squared away, no different than Acura dealers have for me in the past. Infiniti is a premimum vehicle and you will receive first class treatment from the typical dealer and you will get great performance from the car. And frankly, I think you will enjoy not having a FWD vehicle and appreciate the enhanced performance of RWD or AWD.

From my perspective as a long time Acura owner you will not be disappointed in the EX35 and the Infiniti ownership experience. So don't be scared away by some of the comments you read here. Buy the EX and enjoy!

[basementman]

Broudie,

I have owned Honda (Accord), Acura (Integra/TL/CL), Toyota (Corolla/Celica) and Lexus (RX). This is my first Nissan/Infiniti product and it is every bit as impressive in quality and reliability as those brands. The luxury touches in the EX are also very impressive, in some ways better than in the entry-level Acura and Lexus lines.

The only advice I can give you is you have to be absolutely COMMITTED to having a more sportier handling vehicle than your current Accord. The handling of the EX will keep you grinning around every corner as you go deeper with the throttle (you will become a hazard in your neighborhood), but the ride will be firmer. Can you live with that firmer ride everyday? (It is firm, yes, but compliant, too.)

I came from a 2005 Lexus RX 330, and was tired of "hanging on" to the steering wheel in every curve as the car rolled to the outside, although it rode like butter in a straight line. Now in the EX, I actually look forward to every curve. Driving is fun again. Hopefully that is what you bought your MR2 for, and if you are of that ilk, you will feel right at home in the EX.

I will say the Honda products had sharper handling than the Toyota products, as is generally thought, but both are FWD designs. Honda wrings the best handling out of a FWD platform, IMO. My seat-of-the-pants impression is that Honda handling is about halfway between Toyota and Infiniti. Part of that is due to RWD vs FWD, part due to suspension set up.

Good luck to you on whatever decision you make.

PS - The bluetooth phone interface in the EX is very slick. If you are on your phone a lot in the car (business use), that may become one of your favorite features.

[Mixelplux]

Well I personally had a Acura TSX before and everything feels mostly to upgraded from it. The only thing that wasn't as good was the lack of rear leg room, LED mirror turn signals, and awesome cutoff + brighter + whiter HID on the TSX.

[dividedhighw]

Welcome to NICO, BROUDIE!!

Glad to see you're getting some substantial feedback from other members who've owned brands you've driven before!

Cheers,David

[cjre1]

So, I'm the current owner of a 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder and a 2000 Honda Accord coupe. Now because of my current needs, I am considering trading the Accord in for an EX. I'm at the point in my life where I can appreciate a little bit of luxury sport in my daily drive, as well as the functionality that the rear hatch provides.

I've set my sights on a silver RWD Journey with the Luxe and Premium packages and may pull the trigger in the next couple of weeks. I need advice, probably most useful will be from current or former Honda and Toyota owners, but everyone is welcome to comment.

My question is - as a current Honda / Toyota owner, I take for granted that I have a bulletproof ride. No problems - ever. I've read a couple of horror stories in this forum about problems with the steering column, leaks in the moonroof, fuel pump, etc.

Now, I'm smart enough to figure out that there will be the occasional lemon with any vehicle, but how prevalent are these issues? This car will be my daily driver and will be used in my small business. I can't afford to waste time at the dealership having this-and-that fixed.

Broudie,

You are in good hands with an infiniti EX35. Trust me I know. I have done months of research (25Hours+ a week) for what Car/SUV is best. Guess what the Infiniti came out to be number one. Not only for me, but for Motor trend December 2007. Check the issue out.

I know about lemons, I recently had two. Mazda and Ford. The names speak for themselves. My lawyer won both cases. I got all my money back within 40 days and off to the dealer for the Infiniti EX35 RWD fully loaded. I pick up the car this week. It is on the ship now being delivered.

Enjoy!!!

[BROUDIE]

Thanks for the info guys. I am just about to pull the trigger.. on a white AWD Journey Luxe / Premium / Wood

[EX-lover]

Hi Broudie,

I had a Acura RSX & Honda Civic, and I have no regret owning my precious EX. No problem so far.

[cjre1]

EX is the way to go. I own many cars. I still love Honda and Toyota. EX has been added to my collection.

[BROUDIE]

OK I have officially fallen into the dark side: Silver AWD Journey! Great deal too, $10K under MSRP

[driveforfun]

Congratulations! I don't think that you will be at all disappointed. Enjoy!

[BROUDIE]

Took delivery today! Whoa, oodles of power! And amazing handling!

[driveforfun]

Congratulations! Enjoy your new ride!!