Looking at the EX35. Opinions

[Ziggypup]

Hi. I am looking at a new 2011 Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey and was wondering if everyone is happy with their EX35? I'm sure that not everyone is happy, but trying to get an overall opinion. The one I am looking at is equipped with the Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package and the Tech Package. MSRP is $47395.

So any opinions & comments would be greatly appreciated. I am also looking at the Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro.

Thanks in advance.

[jamesstock]

Been driving the MY10 for 20k+ miles, no problems at all. Great power, solid chassis, A/C is really 'cold' during hot days. The Audi is nice for the first 4yr or so, afterwards you'll experience many issues (leaks, electrical etc). So unless you plan on keeping the vehicle only for short period of time, you may be better off staying away from Audi (they are getting better, just not there yet).

[TimGinCentralNJ]

To add to Jamesstock's comments, I've always loved Audis--but will never own one. Their reliability is amongst the worst out there--and definitely the worst of the German luxo category. You will be lucky if you don't experience any major issue DURING the first 3 years.

I just bought my 2008 EX last week, so I can't comment personally--other than saying I love to drive it, and it's had nothing major go wrong on it to date (I'm friends with the orig owner and have all maintenance records). It's really a great car and certainly much lower risk than owning even a brand new Audi. No brainer in my opinion!

Tim

[Ziggypup]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Regarding the Audi's, I've heard that they have not been that reliable. But if I ask my uncle that question he would beg to differ. He has a 5 year old A4 and a 6 year old TT and has never had any major issues. I start selling my cars 6 months before the factory warranty expires anyway. The dealers are going nuts with the phone calls........"Today is the last day regarding the promotions, come on down tonight so we can hook you up"............blah blah blah. I just respond with "Their always be another deal or promotion tomorrow. As the end of the year gets closer, it only gets better for the consumer.

[aft981]

I just posted another reply to a different topic regarding changes for the 2012 model year for the ex....which basically equates to 'no changes for 2012'. I'm shopping for a new something soon, and I have loved my EX over the 3 1/2 yrs and 86k miles I've put on it, but I think I want a change. As I previously said, the 2011/2012 ex isn't thattttt much different to the 08, and so surely it must be due for a refresh next year, in which case your 2011 might not hold its value quite as well? Anyway, I'm seriously considering a Range Rover Evoque, the new baby RR, which seems to be in same class as the EX. Take a look at it, if you can wait till November (when it's launched here) it might be worth consideration.

[Ziggypup]

I just posted another reply to a different topic regarding changes for the 2012 model year for the ex....which basically equates to 'no changes for 2012'. I'm shopping for a new something soon, and I have loved my EX over the 3 1/2 yrs and 86k miles I've put on it, but I think I want a change. As I previously said, the 2011/2012 ex isn't thattttt much different to the 08, and so surely it must be due for a refresh next year, in which case your 2011 might not hold its value quite as well? Anyway, I'm seriously considering a Range Rover Evoque, the new baby RR, which seems to be in same class as the EX. Take a look at it, if you can wait till November (when it's launched here) it might be worth consideration.

The Range Rover looks nice. But depending on which model you decide to go with, it is going to be expensive. Tack on a few options and you will be well over 50K. Plus, they usually don't discount new stuff that much and will probably be asking close to or at MSRP. And once I start getting into the 50's I start thinking X5. I'm sorry I sold my 2007 X5. That was the worst mistake I made in the last few years

[minimo3]

I have an 11 EX Journey. Been happy with everything so far except for fuel economy and somewhat small trunk (but I knew that coming in). I looked at X3, 3-series, IS250, Q5 and all of them cost significantly more. The EX is a fantastic value for the price. I got it for $2k under invoice.

[Ziggypup]

I have an 11 EX Journey. Been happy with everything so far except for fuel economy and somewhat small trunk (but I knew that coming in). I looked at X3, 3-series, IS250, Q5 and all of them cost significantly more. The EX is a fantastic value for the price. I got it for $2k under invoice.

What kind of gas mileage have you been getting?

[minimo3]

18.2mpg calculated manually (on-board computer shows 19mpg) with a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving. I would say I have a moderate driving style, I don't drag race from light to light, but I'm not a hypermiler either.

[Ziggypup]

18.2mpg calculated manually (on-board computer shows 19mpg) with a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving. I would say I have a moderate driving style, I don't drag race from light to light, but I'm not a hypermiler either.

To someone who has been driving a Nissan Armada for the last year, well that just sounds great to me

[minimo3]

To someone who has been driving a Nissan Armada for the last year, well that just sounds great to me

Ha ha well then its all relative then!

[Tasman]

I have only owned my EX for six months but have loved every day of owning it. There has been no need to take it back into the dealership for any workmanship issue. I do like the Infiniti brand as my prior G35 was a pure pleasure to own for the eight years I had it. It was the first year of the model (when problems are more likely to arise) but the only issue I had was one TSB for the driver's seat and that year was notorious for having soft, dirty breaks. I considered the Q5 but the people that I knew that owned Audi's always lamented about the reliability and cost of repairs. They loved their Audi's but not so much so when they were in the shop with problems.

You will get slightly more space in the Audi for rear leg room and cargo area as I am sure you have seen. The Audi is considerably more expensive for comparably equipped vehicles. I did buy my EX fully loaded and the one feature that has been more handy that I thought so far is the 360 camera. It is worth it's weight in gold when parallel parking (I can get within an inch of the curb and no wheel rash} and pulling into tight spaces.

[Ziggypup]

You will get slightly more space in the Audi for rear leg room and cargo area as I am sure you have seen.

I went and took another look today. The cargo area isn't real big. I'm 5'9 and was able to fit in the back seat. Can't say I would want to sit back there for long rides. But I'm the driver.............

[Tasman]

The specs can be misleading. I'm 5'11" and sat behind my wife (5'1"') when she was test driving and I had plenty of room. I was actually a bit surprised. Increased cargo area may be due to the more square design of the Audi hatch.

The Audi is classified as a light truck for insurance purposes and the EX is a "station wagon". I was pleased to see how low my insurance rates were.

No power lift tailgate for the EX as you get with the Audi but I do really like the power-up rear seat backs from the cargo area. Nice to be able to flip the seat backs down to haul things and lift them back up without having to get into the passenger area.

[Jeff Lampert]

I don't own either an Infiniti EX or Audi Q5 (at least not yet). I test drove them both over the exact same road within 15 minutes of each other since the dealers were one block a part. They are very different cars. What I will say I wouldn't say on an Audi board because they'd bite my head off.

Compared to the Q5 3.2L V6, the EX engine felt more potent.

The EX has a noticeably better ride. Bumps from the Q5 registered like big thumps and kicks. In the EX they were duller and considerably less harsh. My wife noticed it too. I drive a lot in NYC and the Q5 ride would be very bothersome over typically bad roads. Even with the better ride, the EX felt very connected to the road.

The steering on the Audi is very light and felt disconnected. The Infiniti felt spot on to me.

The EX feels agile and maneuverable in close quarters. The Q5 a bit ponderous.

There is a price to pay for this. The Infiniti cabin is cozy if you like it; cramped if you don't. My knee touched the center console, though it wasn't uncomfortable. The Q5 seats are bigger, softer and felt more comfortable. The EX are smaller and firmer.

The Audi has considerably greater cargo utility.

Rear visibility is somewhat compromised on the EX by a very wide pillar in the back and a small useless side window that takes up space and provides no view to the outside.

I drove along residential roads so I couldn't test the handling prowess of either car.

Both interiors are beautiful. That's a matter of taste.

My own set of needs would take me to the EX. There is enough cargo space for me. The EX just drives so well, is so maneuverable, and has some utility.