Hello Everyone,
I've been reading the posts on this forum for some time now and I'm impressed by the knowledge level within the community. I'm happy to have joined and hope you can all help me with a car buying decision...
First things first, I'm Canadian and will be moving to Houston Texas in the very (very) near future. I'm not bringing a car with me, and I've narrowed down the list to the EX35 and 2 other choices (used only; I'm not considering the purchase of a new car). The others are not important as there is no direct comparison. My questions are as follows:
~ Of the Infiniti dealers in the Houston area, which would you recommend? Which would you stay away from?
~ I'm also considering purchase of an EX35 from CarMax. Does anyone on the forum have experience with them? They seem to have a good selection...http://tinyurl.com/yfofeur
~ My first choice is to purchase an 08. Prices seem to be in the 27 - 29k range. Is this correct? Prices are inflated in Canada and dealers don't (as a general rule) 'deal' to the same extent they do in the US.
~ Can anyone recommend a good set of summer tires? I don't think I need the all seasons in Texas and would prefer better ride/handling/performance
~ If I do get sat nav, how can I purchase updates, especially if I buy from CARMAX? I assume I would have to go to the dealer for that, but if I could order online (DVD? CF?) I would prefer to do this myself.
In general, I know the EX35 is not a popular vehicle, but I cycle and would like a hatchback. For me, this would be the best of both worlds; a sports car with utility. The other cars on my list are either one, or the other.
I would appreciate any information you would care to share.
Best regards,
Knowmadd
Modified by knowmadd at 11:07 AM 1/23/2010
EX35 Buying advice - New to the USA: Dealer or CARMAX?
Re: EX35 Buying advice - New to the USA: Dealer or CARMAX? (knowmadd)
Hi and welcome the the forum!
I cannot answer on all of your questions but would like to share some tips that I found working for me...
For the two cars I bought lately I looked almost every day on three sites:- autotrader- craigslist- ebay
thesee are three major resources in the US to find used cars. I found that CARMAX has higher prices...
I also assume you are aware of kbb and edmunds - you can estimate the value of the car by typing mileage, options, condition etc.
if you are looking for a brand new car, find web sites of all the dealers in your area and email them to get the quote. Use the quotes you got to negotiate the price with another dealer and when you get a new one, check with first dealer if they can make it better.
If I were you, I would get a used EX - you can save a lot of money and will get the car you like. Let somebody else eat up the depreciation cost of the first year or two
I cannot answer on all of your questions but would like to share some tips that I found working for me...
For the two cars I bought lately I looked almost every day on three sites:- autotrader- craigslist- ebay
thesee are three major resources in the US to find used cars. I found that CARMAX has higher prices...
I also assume you are aware of kbb and edmunds - you can estimate the value of the car by typing mileage, options, condition etc.
if you are looking for a brand new car, find web sites of all the dealers in your area and email them to get the quote. Use the quotes you got to negotiate the price with another dealer and when you get a new one, check with first dealer if they can make it better.
If I were you, I would get a used EX - you can save a lot of money and will get the car you like. Let somebody else eat up the depreciation cost of the first year or two
Re: EX35 Buying advice - New to the USA: Dealer or CARMAX? (knowmadd)
Welcome to Houston! I have bought 3 Infiniti's (just bought the '10 EX after having 2 FX's) with West Houston Infiniti - the first Infiniti dealership in the U.S. I highly recommend them - they are located out west on I-10 (I live i the Heights and work downtown, so the location isn't the greatest, but for good service I don't mind). Their number is 281-589-8900. Let me know if you have any other questions. Also, I know you don't want to buy new, but the '10 EX seems to be a much better vehicle than the original '08 model. I love my EX and as I said, have had 2 FX's previously and think the EX drives and handles better than the FX!
Re: EX35 Buying advice - New to the USA: Dealer or CARMAX? (knowmadd)
Thank you all for the feedback!
I'm now in Houston and have done more shopping. Here is the next chapter in my continuing adventure...
One of the dealers (no names) I was speaking with did a bit of a bait and switch; I was very specific in what I was looking for and when I returned for a second look, the car (the dealer called me) which was 'new on the lot and exactly what I wanted', was not as stated (substantial difference).
When I pointed out the difference, It was suggested that my 'preference' should be more flexible as the product in this configuration was more than enough to meet my needs. I even had the pleasure of explaining my decision to the 'sales manager'.
If the sales person had e-mail (I kid you not) we could have cleared this up before I came down, but I think that simply 'getting me on the lot' was the goal.
If I hear the terms 'cream puff', 'corporate lease' or 'special infiniti dealer only auction vehicle' again I will burst out laughing.
The trip was a waste of the sales persons time and mine (but still an enjoyable test drive). This has cemented my preference for not working with a dealer to secure specific inventory; if they have it on their lot, and I can 'see' it online, I will visit and discuss. If not, forget it. Also, I strongly feel that I will continue to avoid new cars just to avoid the whole 'new car buying experience'.
I really do like cars, but it's more of a functional decision for me; we all like a sharp handling car and many of us would love to step out of a low slung sports car, wearing a tux, while stroking a Omega... I however need space for a bike or two in a car that would be good for a road trip and easy to park around town. In America that list is very short.
Mileage+Condition+Options+Price= decision. All the sales in the world cannot appreciably influence my decision.
On a more positive note, I spoke with carmax. What they present is inventory (no 'selling', just stock). Prices are higher than private sale, but consistent based on (stated, but yet to be verified) condition (cross referenced with kbb, carfax et al).
I'm going to have one of their EX35's inspected further to see what sort of condition it's in. If it checks out, I may have found a car. Just one other competing test drive prior (when I tell you what I'm cross shopping the EX against, you will laugh, or think I'm crazy. Which I may be)...
As I will be 'inside the loop' (the Houston term for 'inner city') I'm going to pick the closest dealer for service (or approved 3rd party).
No final decisions yet, and there is a (very, very) slim chance I may choose a different car.
For any of you hard working sales persons who participate in (or troll) this forum) I mean no disrespect. I'm sorry to vent, but honesty is the best policy; with the Internet everything is in the open regarding vehicles to a large extent. Be honest and customers will work with you. Yes, honesty may lead to a customer walking away (due to inventory) but an 'ABC' attitude will turn off far more people. Just my personal opinion.
I'm very much looking forward to driving (and cycling) Houston.
Take care,
Knowmadd
I'm now in Houston and have done more shopping. Here is the next chapter in my continuing adventure...
One of the dealers (no names) I was speaking with did a bit of a bait and switch; I was very specific in what I was looking for and when I returned for a second look, the car (the dealer called me) which was 'new on the lot and exactly what I wanted', was not as stated (substantial difference).
When I pointed out the difference, It was suggested that my 'preference' should be more flexible as the product in this configuration was more than enough to meet my needs. I even had the pleasure of explaining my decision to the 'sales manager'.
If the sales person had e-mail (I kid you not) we could have cleared this up before I came down, but I think that simply 'getting me on the lot' was the goal.
If I hear the terms 'cream puff', 'corporate lease' or 'special infiniti dealer only auction vehicle' again I will burst out laughing.
The trip was a waste of the sales persons time and mine (but still an enjoyable test drive). This has cemented my preference for not working with a dealer to secure specific inventory; if they have it on their lot, and I can 'see' it online, I will visit and discuss. If not, forget it. Also, I strongly feel that I will continue to avoid new cars just to avoid the whole 'new car buying experience'.
I really do like cars, but it's more of a functional decision for me; we all like a sharp handling car and many of us would love to step out of a low slung sports car, wearing a tux, while stroking a Omega... I however need space for a bike or two in a car that would be good for a road trip and easy to park around town. In America that list is very short.
Mileage+Condition+Options+Price= decision. All the sales in the world cannot appreciably influence my decision.
On a more positive note, I spoke with carmax. What they present is inventory (no 'selling', just stock). Prices are higher than private sale, but consistent based on (stated, but yet to be verified) condition (cross referenced with kbb, carfax et al).
I'm going to have one of their EX35's inspected further to see what sort of condition it's in. If it checks out, I may have found a car. Just one other competing test drive prior (when I tell you what I'm cross shopping the EX against, you will laugh, or think I'm crazy. Which I may be)...
As I will be 'inside the loop' (the Houston term for 'inner city') I'm going to pick the closest dealer for service (or approved 3rd party).
No final decisions yet, and there is a (very, very) slim chance I may choose a different car.
For any of you hard working sales persons who participate in (or troll) this forum) I mean no disrespect. I'm sorry to vent, but honesty is the best policy; with the Internet everything is in the open regarding vehicles to a large extent. Be honest and customers will work with you. Yes, honesty may lead to a customer walking away (due to inventory) but an 'ABC' attitude will turn off far more people. Just my personal opinion.
I'm very much looking forward to driving (and cycling) Houston.
Take care,
Knowmadd
Re: EX35 Buying advice - New to the USA: Dealer or CARMAX? (knowmadd)
knowmadd..Work directly with the Internet Sales Mgr (Fleet) . This can be done via email. The last 4 cars I have bought have been done this way. Including Infiniti, Toyota and Ford. I had the deal in writing before I even visitied the dealership. You should be able to see the Dealers inventory on their website to ensure they have the exact model you are looking for to alleviate the bait and switch thing. I knew exactly what I was going to pay for my EX and the montly payment before I hit the lot. The paperwork only took less than an hour. No high pressure sales tactics or " Let me talk to my manager" stuff. The only way to fly these days is the internet.Hope this helps....
Modified by JB_G35 at 9:22 AM 2/4/2010
Modified by JB_G35 at 9:22 AM 2/4/2010
Re: EX35 Buying advice - New to the USA: Dealer or CARMAX? (JB_G35)
I realize that location and time has a lot to do with a purchase, but I am not sure timing is that much different. My 08 EX was purchased in July 08-the msrp was 41K and the discount was 11K (30K + tax and license-no other fees). Interesting that 1 1/2 years later its value has held up. Meaning I would be paying nearly the same price for a used car with milage on it. Another option at the time was a 5K discount and 0% financing for 6 years. This was purchased in southern california. On the other hand one of my other cars is an 02 lexus sc 430 (hardtop convert) that I bought at that same time for $27K with 24K miles on it. It still had the $68K sticker in the glove box. So that 24K miles saved me $40K. It all depends on circumstance.