Dumped my EX35, reliability gas mileage

[ANBYOND]

As much as I liked my EX35, the gas mileage is awful for what it is. Only 16 to 18 miles per gallon on premium gas in my commuting. On a long highway trip the best I could get was 23 to 24 mpg. My modified 6.0L 400horse V8 powered GTO (fun good weather car) gets same gas mileage. The Infiniti V6 drinks gas like a V8. Also a few issues with the EX35, it wasn't the most reliable vehicle I've had, worse than my american brand cars. Many warranty repairs. Also as of late, not starting, it just cranks and cranks before finally starting. This is rare but when it happens it takes 5 min to start it. The dealer could never duplicate it. It would eat back brakes compared to previous cars I had, not my driving style (something with the design the dealers told me). Always the annoying high idle when first started for the day cold (for a modern car) before putting it in Drive. Anyways... it had great resale value, got it for $30k in March 2010 and they gave me $26k as a trade in, not bad for 2 yrs driving. This time I went with a 2012 Lexus CT200H. Now I'm averaging 45 miles per gallon on regular 87 octane gas. The CT handles better, only negative is the acceleration is a lot slower.. but getting 45mpg negates that. Too bad Infiniti doesn't have an affordable hybrid. i don't count the M Hybrid that starts at $54k as affordable and it's gas mileage isn't that great for a hybrid.

[atlanta11]

Although you no longer own an EX and probably won't be on the site much, its sad you replaced it with a hybrid. The great gas mileage of a hybrid is needed if you can't afford the cost of gas so I can understand that. Its also unfortunate that you had so many issues with the car. Hope the Lexus works well.

[XIS]

I hope you like your lexus. It really is an upscale Prius.

I am averaging 20 in the city and expect 25ish on a trip to cal. I think the mileage is great and when you only put 10K or so a year on a car, no need to spend the extra for the hybrid (just me)... If I drove 20K miles + in the city per year, I would consider a hybrid.... but it would probably be a CRZ... or a new hyundai or kia (non-hybrid) that gets 30 city 40+ hwy like the Veloster for a lot less (and better looking too)...
Mine idles high for a second too. Never bugged me. Your other starting problem would. Wonder what that was? Fuel filter? bad gas?
Hard to believe it handles better. Isn't it a FWD?
Either way, if that is what you really want, you should like it better.

I am loving my EX

[zarar]

I feel your pain, good luck with your new Lexus. As of right now, I've been averaging 13.4-15.1 mpg mostly city/highway combined commute. I've owned larger cars that have been using the same amount of gas, or actually less then my EX35. Still love it though, couldn't let it go.

[sirnice]

I too thought about trading/selling my EX35 for a sedan or something smaller and better fuel economy. I actually went out and test drove BMW 3-series, MB C series, Acura TSX and none of them ride as nice as the EX (also not as practical if you need the cargo space like I do). If I were to go with one of those sedans, they actually will cost a lot more for the same features and only get a few more miles/gallon. My conclusion: It's not worth it. The EX35 is a fantastic vehicle and it's been very reliable mechanically.

[jmess]

Interesting, Motor Trends tests show the EX handles as well if not better than the CT.

I agree with sirnice, the CT MPG numbers don't come close to covering the hit you take on trade.

http://www.trucktrend.com/oftheyear/suv ... _ex35.html

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alt ... ewall.html

[ANBYOND]

Interesting, Motor Trends tests show the EX handles as well if not better than the CT.

I agree with sirnice, the CT MPG numbers don't come close to covering the hit you take on trade.

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After driving both vehicles extensively the CT200H handles turns better than the EX35 and feels more sporty (handling), lower center of gravity, less lean, etc. The EX has much more acceleration, no doubts there.
Based on my driving and at current gas prices I will be saving at least $2k a year in gas vs driving the EX35. My EX was paid in full, no loans. So is the new Lexus.

[ANBYOND]

I too thought about trading/selling my EX35 for a sedan or something smaller and better fuel economy. I actually went out and test drove BMW 3-series, MB C series, Acura TSX and none of them ride as nice as the EX (also not as practical if you need the cargo space like I do). If I were to go with one of those sedans, they actually will cost a lot more for the same features and only get a few more miles/gallon. My conclusion: It's not worth it. The EX35 is a fantastic vehicle and it's been very reliable mechanically.

You can't compare to the EX to a sedan if you need cargo space, compare it to the TSX wagon, 3 series wagon etc. Remember the EX isn't known for it's generous cargo room either. I loved mine.. couldn't stand the premium gas and V8 like fuel economy anymore, my V8 powered cars get same or better gas mileage.

[ANBYOND]

I hope you like your lexus. It really is an upscale Prius.

I am averaging 20 in the city and expect 25ish on a trip to cal. I think the mileage is great and when you only put 10K or so a year on a car, no need to spend the extra for the hybrid (just me)... If I drove 20K miles + in the city per year, I would consider a hybrid.... but it would probably be a CRZ... or a new hyundai or kia (non-hybrid) that gets 30 city 40+ hwy like the Veloster for a lot less (and better looking too)...
Mine idles high for a second too. Never bugged me. Your other starting problem would. Wonder what that was? Fuel filter? bad gas?
Hard to believe it handles better. Isn't it a FWD?
Either way, if that is what you really want, you should like it better.

I am loving my EX

Yes, I'm fully aware the CT200h shares the Prius/Corolla, etc platform. The CT200h is more upscale, rides better, quieter and handles better than those cars. I do more than 10k miles per year, up to 20k and mostly in town. I got my CT200H Premium for $28k out the door, which was only $2k more than the equiv Prius.

The dealer could never duplicate my starting problems.. which would come and go.. could be great for 10 days in a row, then one day, crank and crank before starting... The high idle, which is a common issue, reminds me of old cars (days of 2bbl and 4bbl carbs) where you had to kick them down to drop the idle.

Yes, the CT200h is FWD and as posted before, handles in my opinion, better than my EX35. It's 700 lbs lighter and tire wise CT200H uses P215 45 17 vs the EX P225 60 17?

That said, I will miss my EX35 for it's all wheel drive, it was a nice vehicle...

[ANBYOND]

I feel your pain, good luck with your new Lexus. As of right now, I've been averaging 13.4-15.1 mpg mostly city/highway combined commute. I've owned larger cars that have been using the same amount of gas, or actually less then my EX35. Still love it though, couldn't let it go.

I just don't get how the 3.5L V6 sucks so much gas... it sucks more than my 6.0L Corvette V8... The GTO is close to the EX weight.. and is only a 4 spd auto... 3750 vs 3950..

[ANBYOND]

Although you no longer own an EX and probably won't be on the site much, its sad you replaced it with a hybrid. The great gas mileage of a hybrid is needed if you can't afford the cost of gas so I can understand that. Its also unfortunate that you had so many issues with the car. Hope the Lexus works well.

First of all I can afford the gas in the EX, I'd rather not anymore...I'd rather take the $2k to $3k per year in gas savings and put them towards something else. In this day and age a 3.5L V6 should be able to get better gas mileage than a 6.0L V8 and sadly it doesn't. My new Oddyssey touring minivan turns in 30mpg on highway trips.. thats 5 better than the 25 of my EX35. The Oddy weighs nearly 500 lbs heavier...

[ANBYOND]

I would consider a hybrid.... but it would probably be a CRZ... or a new hyundai or kia (non-hybrid) that gets 30 city 40+ hwy like the Veloster for a lot less (and better looking too)...

Veloster? There is a reason why it costs less than the Lexus. Sit in both and drive both. I test drove the Veloster. It should cost less. It's not as nice as the Lexus or as refined and the Lexus gets 10mpg+ EPA combined better. Not sure whats up with 1 door on side and 2 on the other? Lets not forget the dealer experience.. far nicer at the Lexus dealer than Hyundai. We won't even mention future resale, which Lexus has over the Veloster. I personally find the Veloster to be ugly and cheap interior (styling is subjective). CRZ? only seats 2... and is crude in comparison to the CT200h.
Too bad infiniti doesn't have a competitor to the CT200h yet..

[XIS]

I do agree that Lexus dealerships seem to be better at customer service... better than Infiniti and Acura. I have only had one bad Lexus experience with my wifes RX. (I used to have an IS)
I think that Veloster turbo looks pretty interesting and very nice. still gets close to 40 hwy too. (I wouldn't be interested in a 130HP version either)

Why are/were you and zarar getting such bad mpg? My RDX only got me an average of almost 17mpg and my EX is getting me an average of 20 in the city. Maybe you two just have heavy foot syndrome due to the enjoyment of the EX's smooth and abundant power? (not a bad thing)

My foot is in mine all the time (but I have a RWD) and put in the K&N filters (that helped 1mpg too)

Either way, enjoy your new ride. New cars are alway fun. My pops wants one of those CT's too .

[giguy]

I am averaging 19 mpg and drive both city and highway. Unless you have a hybrid, I think 19mpg average for an SUV/wagon close to 4000lbs and 300hp is quite reasonable. Are the other vehicles you are comparing with also 300hp and 4000lbs? I don't know how to explain the comparison with your GTO. I wonder if mileage is better on the 7 spd transmission, which I have, compared to the older 5 spd.
I guess happiness with gas mileage is relative. I was happy to get 19 mpg compared to my bigger SUV which averages 11mpg.

[giguy]

FYI.
Manufacturer's specs list EX35 mpg 17/24 and Pontiac GTO 6.0L V8 400hp as 14/19.

[sirnice]

I'm OK with the gas econ of the EX35, it's on par with the Audi Q5 (not the 4cyc 2.0), RDX, Lesus RX and has best performance and handling of the bunch. I'm actually averaging around 23mpg mix driving (around 19 city and 26 hwy) which is not bad.

I feel your pain, good luck with your new Lexus. As of right now, I've been averaging 13.4-15.1 mpg mostly city/highway combined commute. I've owned larger cars that have been using the same amount of gas, or actually less then my EX35. Still love it though, couldn't let it go.

I just don't get how the 3.5L V6 sucks so much gas... it sucks more than my 6.0L Corvette V8... The GTO is close to the EX weight.. and is only a 4 spd auto... 3750 vs 3950..

[sirnice]

I have to say $27k on a CT200h is a good price. did you get it new?

Interesting, Motor Trends tests show the EX handles as well if not better than the CT.

I agree with sirnice, the CT MPG numbers don't come close to covering the hit you take on trade.

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After driving both vehicles extensively the CT200H handles turns better than the EX35 and feels more sporty (handling), lower center of gravity, less lean, etc. The EX has much more acceleration, no doubts there.
Based on my driving and at current gas prices I will be saving at least $2k a year in gas vs driving the EX35. My EX was paid in full, no loans. So is the new Lexus.

[bulls4ever]

Saving on gasoline can be overrated.
My wife commutes a lot but still has "only" drove 130k miles in 10 years she owned her Toyota Highlander (that is not economical)
Considering today's price and the number of miles she would not have paid more than 20k in gasoline in the 10 years.

so my point is: In 10 years of usage having a hybrid would only be worth IF the car cost no more than 10k more. We all know hybrid cars cost more than "normal" cars.

the only advantage of hybrid is the car pool usage.

if one really want to save money than better by a small 4 cylinder 1.6 liter car like the fiat 500 of Ford Fiesta. Car cost way more and much better mpg than a premium/luxury car.

Fiesta does almost 40mpg and a "high end" SES cost 18k base.

My point is: If I really want car pool lane usage then Id get an electrical car. Hybrid like Prius wont do it anymore.
If I want to really save money, Id get the most comfortable and better a 1.6 liter i can find. Can only think on fiesta right now.
If I want Luxury and confort ..... Well, that is why i bought the EX35. it is not as tall as normal SUV, not too big but sits tall and has great performance and tons of high end gadgets.

[sirnice]

I agree, also I would rather drive something I enjoy driving for 10 years than something boring/uncomfortable/etc..just to save 1-2k$ in gas (EX35 or not). Also consider health and safety issues. If in the event of an accident I rather be in something larger/safer than those gas saving smaller vehicles.

Saving on gasoline can be overrated.
My wife commutes a lot but still has "only" drove 130k miles in 10 years she owned her Toyota Highlander (that is not economical)
Considering today's price and the number of miles she would not have paid more than 20k in gasoline in the 10 years.

so my point is: In 10 years of usage having a hybrid would only be worth IF the car cost no more than 10k more. We all know hybrid cars cost more than "normal" cars.

the only advantage of hybrid is the car pool usage.

if one really want to save money than better by a small 4 cylinder 1.6 liter car like the fiat 500 of Ford Fiesta. Car cost way more and much better mpg than a premium/luxury car.

Fiesta does almost 40mpg and a "high end" SES cost 18k base.

My point is: If I really want car pool lane usage then Id get an electrical car. Hybrid like Prius wont do it anymore.
If I want to really save money, Id get the most comfortable and better a 1.6 liter i can find. Can only think on fiesta right now.
If I want Luxury and confort ..... Well, that is why i bought the EX35. it is not as tall as normal SUV, not too big but sits tall and has great performance and tons of high end gadgets.

[minimo3]

Fuel efficiency has never been the Nissan VQ's strong suit. That said its mostly on par with its competitors. The Acura 3.5 V6 gets a little worse fuel economy and the Toyota 3.5 V6 is probably a teensy bit better. The only 6 cylinder that seems to offer pretty decent fuel economy is BMW's M5x, and N5x engines. Granted they are inline-6's so its a totally different architecture that takes up more space under the hood.

A friend of mine leased a 2012 CT200h and I got to try it out. The interior is very nice. It seemed more sporty/planted than a Prius. Power seemed adequate for around town and suburban driving.

[NJ_EX35]

I recently dumped my EX35 as well. Fuel economy was the overall reason for the EX35. I commute 90 miles round trip and I was getting about 21.5mpg. I decided to roll the dice (reliability) and picked up an Audi A3 TDI (diesel). The EX was my favorite car until I got the A3, I now get 39 mpg on my commute and since the price of diesel vs premium is about the same for me its a huge savings. The A3 is really fun to drive, IMO more comfortable than the EX, and has a navigation system with Xenon lights (never understood that about infiniti in the EX lets offer a NAV/HD but no Xenon?). I did take a look at the CT and drove it but the A3 was just too much fun to pass up. The torque off the line is awesome... however passing power at highway speeds is not that great. I found the A3 a great compromise, performance & fuel economy. Its all personal opinion for me it works great, good luck the the CT!

FYI - I have 2 weathertech mats (black) from the EX that I will no longer use, if anyone is interested send me a PM. I live in northern NJ.

[bulls4ever]

I like Audi a lot. I had a VW GTi and traded it for the EX35 because i was tried of get in and out of it. Other than that it was a very fun car to drive. It sits too low for me. I am 6-2 tall.

One thing i can say i miss on the GTi is the DSG trasmission. Even if not used on manual mode, the changes are much more smooth and similar than manual clutch. Correct if i am wrong, but the A3 has it too.

I dont like really too tall cars. EX35 is the right formula for me: sits taller but the car is not too tall, not too big, good engine, awesome gadgets and very pretty inside. If there were a diesel option it would be a non brainer.

if i were to consider an economical car and were on a 90 miles commute everyday. the Audi TDI would be a much better choice, IMO, than a prius. I'd buy it fully loaded, though. Still it is like 20k savings in 10 years considering you commute that far for those 10 years.

It is sure a lot of money. But think about it: you spend 90 miles per day inside your car. god knows how many hours it means per day. I think all things must be placed inconsideration not just the fuel savings when one decide to dump a car.

E.G: tried the Toyota RAV4. I felt very uncomfortable in the driving seat. If that car made 45 mpg it would not matter much too me.

I tested the ex35 in the highway driving at 60mpg and it was doing more than 30mpg

[jmann]

The perception that the EX35 doesn't handle as well as it does is because of the high center of gravity and excessive body roll. It does grip the road well for what it is but not as flatly as a shorter vehicle would.

[bulls4ever]

Went further on this subject. An average driver will drive 12k-15k a year. Based on that i mentioned the savings would not be that much to justify "dumping" the EX35. Moreover, although the mpg of the EX35 is not great (24 highway) it is not too far behind the top average in the class (28mpg).

NOW, with my research i totally understand why someone would want a 45mpg car and dump the EX35 (or any other gasoline based car for that matter).

on a 90 miles per day commute I assume 80% or so are highway and 20% city. fueleconomy.gov has a nice site to compare fuel economy cars.
a 90 miles commute would result in a 24k miles per year usage.

in a year:
Audi A3 TDI: $2,550
Lexus CT 200h: $2,400
Infinity EX35: $4,700

That is a save of 21k in 10 years from EX35 to A3

An average person driving 15k a year would spend
Audi A3 TDI: $1,700
Lexus CT 200h: $1,500
Infinity EX35: $3,050

That is a save of 14k in 10 years from EX35 to A3

I dont drive much. I average 8k a year

Audi A3 TDI: $900
Lexus CT 200h: $800
Infinity EX35: $1,650

That is a save of 8k in 10 years from EX35 to A3

In short, an average person would save from 8k to 14k in TEN years. when one spend 40k to purchase a new loaded EX35 it is not that bad

a person doing a high commute and purchasing a non loaded A3 (reason to save money) would be able to buy another A3 (no loaded) in 10 years. That sounds like a nice trade off.

That said: If i had to commute 90k per day and i knew it would be like that for several years then I would dump it for the nissan Leaf. not only Id save a lot of money but would have carpool lane access. Would save 37k in ten years commuting 90 miles day to work AND would get to work faster as id have pool lane access.

If not, I think id still choose confort/technology instead of savings as i know if i was commuting 90 miles per day id be looking already for a new job closer to home.

[XIS]

i know if i was commuting 90 miles per day id be looking already for a new job closer to home.

Amen.

[jmann]

My wife and I are fortunate, we work in the same complex, about 6 miles from home. The commute is not bad and we ride together daily so we really only have to fill up less than once per week, and then usually only one car. I drove my altima coupe less than 3000 miles in the past 12 months. It's pretty much a weekend car now.

[ANBYOND]

I do agree that Lexus dealerships seem to be better at customer service... better than Infiniti and Acura. I have only had one bad Lexus experience with my wifes RX. (I used to have an IS)
I think that Veloster turbo looks pretty interesting and very nice. still gets close to 40 hwy too. (I wouldn't be interested in a 130HP version either)

Why are/were you and zarar getting such bad mpg? My RDX only got me an average of almost 17mpg and my EX is getting me an average of 20 in the city. Maybe you two just have heavy foot syndrome due to the enjoyment of the EX's smooth and abundant power? (not a bad thing)


.

I averaged anywhere from 16mpg to 18mpg on my EX35 in 60% city and 40% highway mixed commute. A slightly heavy foot, but not too bad. The 297 horse was nice! I could get the EPA rated 23mpg in straight highway trips, sometimes 24mpg.

[ANBYOND]

The perception that the EX35 doesn't handle as well as it does is because of the high center of gravity and excessive body roll. It does grip the road well for what it is but not as flatly as a shorter vehicle would.

Agreed, the EX35 handles well for what it is. I wasn't expecting the CT200h to handle as well as it does compared to my old EX35.

[ANBYOND]

Fuel efficiency has never been the Nissan VQ's strong suit. That said its mostly on par with its competitors. The Acura 3.5 V6 gets a little worse fuel economy and the Toyota 3.5 V6 is probably a teensy bit better. The only 6 cylinder that seems to offer pretty decent fuel economy is BMW's M5x, and N5x engines.

The Honda 3.5L V6 on the Odyssey is very impressive.. we routinely turn in 30 miles per gallon (EPA highway is 28) on long highway trips. 30mpg in a 4,500 lb van is pretty impressive. It's as good as midsize V6 powered cars or better

[ANBYOND]

I tested the ex35 in the highway driving at 60mpg and it was doing more than 30mpg

Not to sure about that... That was probably the instant gas mileage on a flat stretch. At a steady 65mph in my EX35 all wheel drive with the cruise control on a lot I couldn't get much better than 24mpg on a semi long highway trip