I just recently picked up a new QX50 and subsequently decided to check out this branch of the forums. I am curious if anyone here had some general advice for a new owner.
Things I have figured out:
*City fuel economy isn't good enough to justify trading in our 01 QX4 - I miss that truck. (*This may be due to driving like I just stole it, but my wife's driving still produces less-than-desirable fuel economy)
Gadgets
Things I would like to know more about:
A trunk net that fits the 2016?
Can the QX50 tow at all, and if so what are the specs?
Any common issues at higher mileage, should I decide to keep at the end of the lease?
Driving experience in the snow? (AWD)
Roof-rack options you like and why?
General advice for a new QX50 owner
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vonscorpio
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Thu Oct 16, 2014 10:16 pm
- Car: Current:
15 Infiniti Q50 S
91 Infiniti M30
Past:
16 Infiniti QX50
11 Infiniti G25x RIP
97 Infiniti I30 RIP
01 Infiniti QX4
11 Infiniti G37 Sedan
07 Nissan Maxima - Location: WA, USA
Re: General advice for a new QX50 owner
I have 130,000 km on my 2011 now with no problems. It is great in snow with winter tires, but scary on summer tires.
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vonscorpio
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Thu Oct 16, 2014 10:16 pm
- Car: Current:
15 Infiniti Q50 S
91 Infiniti M30
Past:
16 Infiniti QX50
11 Infiniti G25x RIP
97 Infiniti I30 RIP
01 Infiniti QX4
11 Infiniti G37 Sedan
07 Nissan Maxima - Location: WA, USA
Re: General advice for a new QX50 owner
Good to know. Here in the pacific NW we get a tiny bit of ice, but rarely serious snow. But I wanted to know if I can go up the mountain and play in the snow. I guess I'll need to decide if it's worth buying a set of snow tires for a leased vehicle just to play in the snow. Thanks for the advice!
Re: General advice for a new QX50 owner
1. I found a post about an aftermarket trunk net here: what-did-you-buy-your-ex-this-week-t541 ... l#p6682295
2. I believe that Infiniti did not recommend to tow with the EX. I don't know if they changed their stance with the QX50 refresh, so you might want to check in the owner's manual. That being said, an aftermarket hitch receiver (Curt) is available for purchase and installation. I think there may be one or two forum members here who have towed light loads with their EX.
3. I don't think there are that many common issues on higher mileage EXs. There was one in regards to a small leak at the timing cover seal, but I believe it was remedied with an updated design on newer models.
4. My wife has done most of the snow driving in our EX, and she never felt nervous about driving in the snow. I'd say she actually felt quite confident; and this is with all season tires.
5. If you have the factory roof rails, most universal fit aftermarket crossbars should be able to mount up there without a problem. Just pick the brand you prefer. Some of the members here did not like the OEM crossbars because they are fixed and their mounting distance was short, severely limiting the number of rooftop box models that could be mounted on them. I do not know if this was changed in the new QX50 with it's added length.
And if you don't have the factory roof rails, see this post: roof-rack-and-cargo-carrier-options-t608785.html
2. I believe that Infiniti did not recommend to tow with the EX. I don't know if they changed their stance with the QX50 refresh, so you might want to check in the owner's manual. That being said, an aftermarket hitch receiver (Curt) is available for purchase and installation. I think there may be one or two forum members here who have towed light loads with their EX.
3. I don't think there are that many common issues on higher mileage EXs. There was one in regards to a small leak at the timing cover seal, but I believe it was remedied with an updated design on newer models.
4. My wife has done most of the snow driving in our EX, and she never felt nervous about driving in the snow. I'd say she actually felt quite confident; and this is with all season tires.
5. If you have the factory roof rails, most universal fit aftermarket crossbars should be able to mount up there without a problem. Just pick the brand you prefer. Some of the members here did not like the OEM crossbars because they are fixed and their mounting distance was short, severely limiting the number of rooftop box models that could be mounted on them. I do not know if this was changed in the new QX50 with it's added length.
And if you don't have the factory roof rails, see this post: roof-rack-and-cargo-carrier-options-t608785.html
Re: General advice for a new QX50 owner
Here is the official Infiniti 2016 Towing Guide: https://owners.infinitiusa.com/content/ ... -guide.pdf
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vonscorpio
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Thu Oct 16, 2014 10:16 pm
- Car: Current:
15 Infiniti Q50 S
91 Infiniti M30
Past:
16 Infiniti QX50
11 Infiniti G25x RIP
97 Infiniti I30 RIP
01 Infiniti QX4
11 Infiniti G37 Sedan
07 Nissan Maxima - Location: WA, USA
Re: General advice for a new QX50 owner
Thank you both for the advice and info. The people at the dealership just said don't tow with it. I'm not looking to haul a boat or move everything I own.
I will measure the factory roof rails, for those who are curious of the size for the 2016.
My goal is to find a way to transport things which can't fit in the cabin, like a 4'x8' sheet of plywood or sheetrock.
I will measure the factory roof rails, for those who are curious of the size for the 2016.
My goal is to find a way to transport things which can't fit in the cabin, like a 4'x8' sheet of plywood or sheetrock.
Re: General advice for a new QX50 owner
I have yet to figure out why towing is not recommended for this vehicle. Supposedly it has the same rear end as the FX (Qx 70?) and it has a lot more power than many of the 4 banger CUV's out there that are merrily hauling away. What is the point of buying an SUV if you can't haul even a light trailer, and if the top crossbars only have 19 inches between them (making it hard to carry anything, and particularly a ski-box, on the roof)? I added a Curt hitch (professionally installed) and the only problem has been around the clearance as part of it sits just above the tail pipes. The installer actually had to bend the hitch slightly so there wouldn't be contact. I mostly use it for a Thule bike rack, but also for a small trailer that carries two kayaks, and occasionally for my two up snowmobile trailer. No problems with either. Living in New England it has seen a fair amount of snow (although not this last winter) and with only all seasons and despite 19 inch low profiles it has been excellent. The few times it started to slide the traction control system straightened it right out.