EX35 is "slow Selling"?

[CDNicecube]

Hi all

I just got my copy of MT and in it, they call the EX "slow selling". I just don't get why that is. It is a great luxury sporty car with lots going for it. I recall in 2007 reading posts predicting that the EX35 would be extremely popular as a nimble luxurious AWD "sport wagon" - a logical upgrade to those who purchased the WRX or STI and want more luxury. Come to think of it, MT might be right. I may see one or two EX35s per day around here.

Why did the EX not lived to the (sale) expectations we had in 2007? Lack of marketing, small backseats, competition from the FX or the G or, gulp, the Juke? No manual transmissions (I think this would have been great!) Why do you think? I think the EX is the best keep secret there is. Better than the MB and BMW (and more reliable). I don't mind having a car that is not "dimes a dozen", that's for sure.

MT also said that "a replacement to expected in one or two years".

[audtatious]

There are tons of crossovers in the same market including multiples from Nissan. Lots of competition.

[XIS]

Marketing... It is last on their list of what Infiniti advertises for sure. Huge marketing fail.

I agree that they are missing the boat here. I think the EX is at least as wonderful as the G and it should sell near those numbers.
It could, if they tried...

[audtatious]

Nissan is doing the same thing with the Z. Great value for the money and a great car overall but you never see anything on it other than GT Academy stuff

[danncas]

It boils down to marketing. The Jx is the flavor of the month and the Fx is larger.
GM killed SAAB , but stole all their technology for Caddy and Chevy. That why I will never own a Goverment Motors product ever.
Marketing you can sell dog poop if you market right.

[parkstr8r]

MT and those other don't really report accurately.

If by "slow selling" - they mean everyone that comes in sells...but there are just not that many produced, then they would be correct. And they don't stay on the used lots very long either after lease returns - snapped up quickly.

You will have a hard time finding the same type of selection with the EX that you do with the G sedan or coupe. When I decided to trade my 2011 G37S coupe after and accident...only 8 EX's to choose from in all SoCal - and only 1 with the Deluxe Touring. I didn't want black again - but ended up with it.

We should skew the perspective like they do: "We drive limited number EX35 Sportwagons. They only make 5,000 a year." OR something like that.

Just saying.

[CDNicecube]

(snip)
We should skew the perspective like they do: "We drive limited number EX35 Sportwagons. They only make 5,000 a year." OR something like that.

Just saying.

That is exactly why I purchase it, in addition to its driving dynamics: it is a rather unique car. There are tons of BMW, MB, RDX, MDX, etc around here. This morning, there were 4 BMW series 3 one after the other on the highway. I said to myself, well at least one of them is not grey

[XIS]

Amen. I love that it is unique too. Definately something that attracted me was not seeing them like A$$holes (everyone has one)

[danncas]

yes there are alot of BMW and MB here too. I have had MB and several BMW but not crossovers or SUV. I to this day will still say BMW is the ultimate driving machine,car that is. I drove the X3 as loner and I liked it. BMW does everything well.
But you will pay for it. I love the EX35 shape over all the others. I like the price the power,the ride, and the shape. Over ll it was the best choice in CUV's. Plus my friend is the GM of the dealership. Oh BTW its grey metalic nad nice. I haen't had a non European car for years. This one is going to be in my Garage for years.

[EXceptional]

I hate to say it, but perhaps the Car design is getting stale... and a lot of new buyers are holding out because of it.

[DDS]

For me it was marketing and nothing else. I went to the dealership with cash in my pocket and told my wife to watch for me coming home in one of the most beautiful cars made. I found that the dealership had little choice of color combinations and the one I most preferred was not in my district meaning I had to order it. Then i discovered I could not get a loaded car without also taking those (ugly IMO) 19 wheels. In the end I even compromised my wants and told the salesman I would take a loaded car he had on the lot if he would simply change out the 19" wheels for some 18" wheels (knowing it would cost me an additional $3.000) and the salesman told me they would not do that - dealership policy. He suggested I take it to a wheel store. He was a nice person, but the entire system was set up for no flexibility from factory to dealership and he had no solutions for me. He apologized. I walked away with $50,000 in my pocket laughing to my self about the surreal experience I had just encountered. No wonder they don't move the things, I wound up with a Lexus I wish I didn't have. However Lexus people gave it to me the way I wanted. My colors, my options, my way. They will do anything possible if you have the money.

[ex4jj]

I bought my wife's EX 3 months after introduction. I was actually in the market for the lexus RX 350 and decided to compare it to the FX. I had never heard of the EX. The salesman showed me the EX and said sales were off and because of that, they were offering $11K off MSRP. A $41K car for $30K. While we both liked the Lexus better, that made a $14K difference, hence we have now had her EX for over 4 years now. She loves it-but I consider it a 2-seater unless you have kids or short people. I consider that their are only two disadvantages with it-Gas milage and back seat room. Well worth the $30K we paid for it. It is pretty well loaded with NAV and the stereo with the music box. I've also added stock chrome wheels, oem trunk organizer, Black floor mats (instead of the gray that are hard to keep clean), Mud flaps, invisible bra, and rear bumper stainless steel protection. It is also low-milage, having put on only 22K miles.

[audtatious]

Maybe the 3.7 will help it sell more. +28hp and all that.

[meanie]

Major issues with this car are marketing and positioning. Has anyone actually seen an add on TV or in a magazine for an EX? It seems to be one of Infiniti's best kept secrets, which is not a good way to sell a car. Outside of internet searches in the lux CUV category you pretty much have to go to an Infiniti lot or experience a street sighting to realize they exist. Once you get on that lot you find that is has a higher MSRP than a comparable G but much of the time you can buy it for considerably lower than that G. That is particularly true when they are trying to clear the leftovers at year end and 3k factory incentives are not uncommon. While I appreciate the deal I got, I am not sure that fire sale prices help maintain the value of the car. While almost all the critics from the beginning have hailed the appearance, luxury features and quality, and the power and handling of the EX, most comment (in the words of motor trend) on the "conspicous" absence of the utility part of the equation. It is hard to argue with that given the lack of legroom in the rear seat, small amount of storage in the hatch area, optional FIXED crossbars with only a 19" spread, and lack of a factory towing package. A saleman told me that it was designed this way so it wouldn't bleed sales from the FX. (BTW MT described the FX 50 as the best argument for buying an EX). I would submit that the competition isn't the FX, it is the X3, RDX, Q5 and GLK, all of which have a bit more of that utility quotient. Beyond adding the 7 AT in 2011 and the (long overdue) 3.7 for 2013, Infiniti has changed virtually nothing. Why would they invest in a "slow seller"? Yet these other vehicles have undergone improvements and overall changes making them faster, roomier, more lux, and more fuel efficient. Meanwhile the non-lux brands are adding more and more content. A Kia Sportage SX has most of the lux features of an EX as well as some we don't have like cooled seats and glovebox; the new Escape opens the hatch when you wave your foot under the bumper. Small lux CUVs were not a big market presence in 2008, but the economic downturn and gas increases have made people think about economy of scale and the sector has been taking off. Unfortunately the poor positioning and some design decisions have left the EX at the starting line when it should be leading the charge. Sorry for the rant.

[danncas]

Nothing wrong about having passion for your car. I would say thats why most of us are here.

[TomT]

When I went into the Infinity showroom 2 years ago, I had never heard of the EX. I went in to test drive the FX and after driving it I noticed the smaller EX and just for grins, I told the salesman I wanted to drive it also. I was immediately sold. It drove more like a sports car and less like a SUV compared to the FX. That might be one reason it's slow selling. To me it's not a family vehicle. I look at it as a sports car with extra space rather then just a small SUV. Had my kids not have been all grown up and doing their own thing, I probably would have gone with the FX or another similar sized vehicle.

[bpippin]

I was also looking for an FX or a Lexus 350. The dealer showed me the EX as well and after driving it, I knew this was the car for me. I had never even heard of it before. I rarely ever see it on the streets here in Dallas. I'm a single person with no children so it's perfect for me.

[Jason Tucker]

My dealer was sold out of 2012's by July...they had to wait 30 days to get the 2013 in. They said they sold every EX they had this year.

[parkstr8r]

When i got mine in May - there were only 2 in the state of CA with both Deluxe and Grand Touring Packages - both black. Guess what color I got? My dealer - who I know have purchased 4 infinitis from said the same thing. They sell EVERY EX they get. And the used ones go as fast as the new ones.

My dealer was sold out of 2012's by July...they had to wait 30 days to get the 2013 in. They said they sold every EX they had this year.

[Wally26]

Nissan, I'm sure designed this car to be very much, a niche car. It was never meant to be a practical family car, a hauling car, or a gas sipper. It was designed as a steroidal, super fun to drive, hatchback, which is exactly what I, and I'm sure everyone here was looking for. I admire a manufacturer that is willing to take chances, and push the boundaries, as Nissan does SO well. It's no shocker to me that it's slow to sell, especially now that the new models are coming out, and other manufacturers are finally catching on. I'm sure Nissan will blow us, and the competition away with the next generation..or the substitute

[DDS]

Could be this new offering in 08 was produced in a facility that never had the potential to increase production substantially. An older facility perhaps with retooled machinery and systems, and higher than normal off line finish and assembly stations? Such a scenario would not be out of the norm for a new unproven model. Now after five years of proven sales why advertise the car when you can't even meet current demand? And, speculating further, perhaps the next EX will stay close to current design (evolution, not revolution) and production potential improved substantially. Ya think? I have suggested this before. A 2014 EX with exactly the same proportions, except about 3% larger to allow more leg room. A lighter car with an Atkinson cycle engine fitted to an over sized hybrid system to allow great acceleration and improved mileage. But now I am dreaming.

[meanie]

Nissan, I'm sure designed this car to be very much, a niche car. It was never meant to be a practical family car, a hauling car, or a gas sipper. It was designed as a steroidal, super fun to drive, hatchback, which is exactly what I, and I'm sure everyone here was looking for. I admire a manufacturer that is willing to take chances, and push the boundaries, as Nissan does SO well. It's no shocker to me that it's slow to sell, especially now that the new models are coming out, and other manufacturers are finally catching on. I'm sure Nissan will blow us, and the competition away with the next generation..or the substitute

To some extent that is probably true. If you look at the market environment in 2007/08 when first displayed and sold there was the BMW X3, which in comparison was boxy, not too much roomier, and rode like it had studded tires on, and there was the Acura RDX which was underpowered, singularly unattractive, got crappy mileage despite a turbo 4, and also had a lousy ride. Both, like the EX, were described by the press as being "sport hatchbacks" more than small SUVs, and said to emphasize the "S" at the expense of the "U". The EX was probably the sportiest of that group, had oodles of power, the most attractive exterior and interior and the best ride and handling, but the least amount of rear seat and hatch space. People didn't view these small lux CUVs as serious multi-use vehicles, if you wanted something like that you bought a midsized X5, GL, RX, MDX, Q7 or even an FX. But then except for a brief spike in 2008 gas was under $3 up through most of 2010 and while the recession started in 2007 and proceeded to really get bad in fall 2008, these cars had long since been designed. In short, it was a niche market and the EX was a compelling entry considering the competition. If it wasn't selling big, whyy worry, none of the small lux CUVs were and in fact except for Hyundai, everyone's sales soon started to retreat as GM and Chysler hovered on the edge of bankruptcy and along with Ford started trying to dump underperforming companies like Saab, Saturn and Jaguar at firesale prices. But then things changed. The Audi Q5 came out and dazzled with a sporty and attractive package that included more utility, and then M-D popped out the baby Benz GLK that featured big lux cred in a small darty little cute ute. Meanwhile, as the economy channeled the Titanic, Obama negotitated high CAFE standards such that newer vehicles start putting an emphasis on gas saving tech (direct injection, automatic engine shutoff, turbos, etc) which in combination with reduced income, unstable and generally increasing gas prices, started to make people wonder if they really NEEDED that larger SUV, and maybe that small, cute Benz or Audi, that made a statement of greater environmental consciousness and fiscal restaint, was a better choice in upper middle class suburbia. But, they needed to offer a bit more space and "U" so one didn't sacrifice too much in downsizing. Suddenly the lux CUV niche market had gone mainstream. The Q5 and GLK were already there and BMW and Acura redesigned the RDX and X3 to make them more lux, attractive, fuel efficient and spacious (although BMW went back to the niche with the X1). Infiniti, meanwhile, still had a niche vehicle in what was now a decidely hot, non niche market, but did nothing substantial to change it. And that my friends is the saga of how the EX got side-lined, or at least my version of it.

[XIS]

I agree with most of the above, except about the RDX. With the very affordable Hondata reflash, the thing scooted pretty dang well. I miss the paddle shifters and the handling through corners and around turns was by far the best of any car I have ever driven (SHAWD). The ride did suck, as did the MPG and the boring interior. The 2012 version scrapped the SHAWD, the sporty exterior, the 4cyl 2.3 turbo and any uniqueness that it once had.

I LOVE my EX quite a bit more than I did my RDX, but that thing was pretty fun to drive (and its ELS stereo blows our Bose away)

[box_of_lego]

Quick question..
does infiniti "move" its annual production run of EX35's
i don't seee a lot of EX's being "cleared out" to make room for the new years model.

small numbers.. all sold .. keeps the used market prices "up" as we all have seen .

[EX-KAT-35]

I think u answered your own question.
Happy Friday though...

[meanie]

I bought my 2011 last January. I went to two local (greater Boston) dealerships and each had 2 leftover 2011 AWD Journeys, 2 with preimum pkg and two with premium and touring pkgs. At the time Infiniti was offering a substantial discount (I think it was $2000 or $2500) off, they also were offering very good lease deals. It took me several weeks to decide as I cross shopped other cars and over that time only one of the 4 leftovers was sold. The previous year when the 2011's came out Infiniti offered $3000 off on leftover 2010's. When you add in the extras I had them install (cross bars, tonneau cover, wheel locks) my MSRP was about 46k, I bought it for 37k even. The salesman claimed (and subsequent actions by the dealership confirmed) that they were losing money on this sale, by his account $2500. He claimed it was because they had to move the car, but in reality they were trying to make it up on the financing, which I successfully kept low, much to their dismay. He also claimed that while leasing is a big part of the business, especially on G's, not many people lease EX's for some reason. This results in fewer being "sold" and reduces the amount of cars on the used market since not many are turned into the dealerships after 3 years when the leases expire. BTW both had quite a few 2012 models at that time. According to Edmunds there is currently a $1,000 dealer incentive (without dealer financing, and lower incentives with financing), and the "True Market" price you should pay for a $46.5k car is less than $100 over dealer invoice. I hope they keep their value on the used market because they sell for a lot less than you would expect when new.

Quick question..
does infiniti "move" its annual production run of EX35's
i don't seee a lot of EX's being "cleared out" to make room for the new years model.

small numbers.. all sold .. keeps the used market prices "up" as we all have seen .

[box_of_lego]

Interesting , My Local Infiniti dealer (which is now a 5 dealer network) rarely has used ones , and the incentives offered are for "all" infinitis .
That being said , this is from "me" watching the websites ... I don't recall seeing Infiniti ads on TV , much less EX35 ones .

Anyway , the last used EX35 I saw , was the same year as mine , had higher milage and was same trim , and was listed for substantially more than I paid for my used one

In your case , you could make out like a bandit if used prices hold!


regards

[meanie]

The cars I am talking about were not used. They were brand new 2011s after the 2012s came out, except one had been a demo. They must have dealt more on the demo because it was the one (other than my own) that was sold. If the saleman was right about leasing being less of the market on EX's that might result in increased used car values since you won't have returned lease cars flooding the market. I can't say I have seen many used EXs on the lots in greater Boston, but I haven't really looked. Edmunds will give a readout on dealer incentives, and for Infiniti they are often vehicle specific. For example, when I checked last week the QX had higher incentives than the EX. I just checked now and starting yestereday the EX (the QX, and probably the others, has different incentives) has absolutely KILLER incentives. 3k off the top, can be combined with 1k and possibly another $750, and $500. There are different conditions including going with Infiniti financing (or not) buying versus leasing, and having owned an Infiniti, but it looks like if you could meet all those conditions the possible incentive to the dealer is $5250. Since you can usually knock a few grand off just on regular dealing, if you can find a 2012 left over you like you should be able to negotiate an incredible deal. Check it out at: http://www.edmunds.com/infiniti/ex/2012 ... upport_irr

Interesting , My Local Infiniti dealer (which is now a 5 dealer network) rarely has used ones , and the incentives offered are for "all" infinitis .
That being said , this is from "me" watching the websites ... I don't recall seeing Infiniti ads on TV , much less EX35 ones .

Anyway , the last used EX35 I saw , was the same year as mine , had higher milage and was same trim , and was listed for substantially more than I paid for my used one

In your case , you could make out like a bandit if used prices hold!


regards