Hi Folks,
I've been reading through the posts and figured this was the perfect place to get some honest feedback on the EX. I'm trading in the Porsche for something that can accommodate a car seat (yep) and my short list includes the EX35. As a side note I noted much discussion about the Audi Q5 (which was on my long list) and for the record I MUCH preferred the EX35.
That said, my one major concern is with the back seat and the storage space. Now, I don't need a Yukon here, but you all use this vehicle in everyday situations so I want to know if it is realistic to believe I can put in a car seat, shove the stroller in the back and still have room for a few bags of groceries. During the test drive it didn't seem that small, but I'm not sure that I am not letting my heart influence my head.
Thanks for your honest feedback, you all drive really nice cars!
JH
Possible New Owner...
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dividedhighw
- Posts: 775
- Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:55 am
- Car: 2008 EX35 AWD (Technology Pkg)
- Location: Ottawa, ON, CA
- Contact:
Re: Possible New Owner... (Onthefence)
Having driven over 18K kms in my EX35 since Apr 2008, here's some honest advice, one Canuck to another:
1. VDC - Help or Hindrance?: Have a look at one of my previous posts (click here) and see if you can live with the results of such a test. Being from Montreal, you should also read in the same thread what others have said about how the VDC impairs performance in snow (I've experienced this even with 4 new Toyo winter tires). The VDC cannot be configured to stay OFF across restarts and its switch isn't too conveniently located.2. Responsiveness & Drivability: Especially since you're coming from a Porsche, you may not enjoy the 5-spd auto box. I don't drive with a heavy foot most of the time, but when I want the car to move, I expect some of its 297 ponies to respond. Apparently, this is a BAD combination for the EX35 because it "learns" my easy does it typical driving and then doesn't easily shift down when I want to squirt into a traffic hole or merge from a highway on-ramp. Since there are no paddle shifters, in this situation, one must slap it over to DS then downshift - I find this neither quick nor convenient in such sub-second scenarios. Without doing this, as you press deeper into the accelerator, the car will eventually downshift, then give a huge roar (but without much effective acceleration), then downshift again which will then rocket you forward ... usually too much, too late for my liking. This is due in part to its modest torque numbers and the high RPM at which it achieves maximum torque, compared with designs from Porsche, Audi, Volvo, etc, which yields max torque at or below 2K RPM. (This, combined with the VDC behaviour, annoys me every day.) P.S. I'm referring to the AWD model, the only one sold in Canada. I'm told the RWD version behaves differently.3. Space, the Final Frontier: Try putting the actual car seat and stroller into the vehicle to see if it fits. There have been varying reports of car seats fitting or not (especially in the desired position), so there's no replacement for trying the real thing. The rear-facing type for the youngest infants will likely be the most "challenging". You really need to try loading it with cargo in order to to appreciate how much the sloping roofline can impact space usability - it's no problem for me, but MANY others have complained ... some enough to take the $$ hit and trade for an FX within a year or less.
For the record, I like many things about this car and feature for feature, it represents tremendous value (especially with the current $4K cash incentive). But, just know you don't get Porsche/Audi engineering for Infiniti prices.
[If you're interested in more info, both plus and minus, just email me.]
It all comes down to whether or not you're comfortable living with its compromises, over the next "n" years you expect to have the car. Basically my advice is, go in with both eyes open, that's all.
Modified by dividedhighw at 2:16 PM 7/29/2009
1. VDC - Help or Hindrance?: Have a look at one of my previous posts (click here) and see if you can live with the results of such a test. Being from Montreal, you should also read in the same thread what others have said about how the VDC impairs performance in snow (I've experienced this even with 4 new Toyo winter tires). The VDC cannot be configured to stay OFF across restarts and its switch isn't too conveniently located.2. Responsiveness & Drivability: Especially since you're coming from a Porsche, you may not enjoy the 5-spd auto box. I don't drive with a heavy foot most of the time, but when I want the car to move, I expect some of its 297 ponies to respond. Apparently, this is a BAD combination for the EX35 because it "learns" my easy does it typical driving and then doesn't easily shift down when I want to squirt into a traffic hole or merge from a highway on-ramp. Since there are no paddle shifters, in this situation, one must slap it over to DS then downshift - I find this neither quick nor convenient in such sub-second scenarios. Without doing this, as you press deeper into the accelerator, the car will eventually downshift, then give a huge roar (but without much effective acceleration), then downshift again which will then rocket you forward ... usually too much, too late for my liking. This is due in part to its modest torque numbers and the high RPM at which it achieves maximum torque, compared with designs from Porsche, Audi, Volvo, etc, which yields max torque at or below 2K RPM. (This, combined with the VDC behaviour, annoys me every day.) P.S. I'm referring to the AWD model, the only one sold in Canada. I'm told the RWD version behaves differently.3. Space, the Final Frontier: Try putting the actual car seat and stroller into the vehicle to see if it fits. There have been varying reports of car seats fitting or not (especially in the desired position), so there's no replacement for trying the real thing. The rear-facing type for the youngest infants will likely be the most "challenging". You really need to try loading it with cargo in order to to appreciate how much the sloping roofline can impact space usability - it's no problem for me, but MANY others have complained ... some enough to take the $$ hit and trade for an FX within a year or less.
For the record, I like many things about this car and feature for feature, it represents tremendous value (especially with the current $4K cash incentive). But, just know you don't get Porsche/Audi engineering for Infiniti prices.
[If you're interested in more info, both plus and minus, just email me.]
It all comes down to whether or not you're comfortable living with its compromises, over the next "n" years you expect to have the car. Basically my advice is, go in with both eyes open, that's all.
Modified by dividedhighw at 2:16 PM 7/29/2009
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Onthefence
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 6:57 am
Re: Possible New Owner... (dividedhighw)
dividedhighw,
Thanks for the excellent reply. The VDC issue definately is a concern and something to think about. Porche driver or not, I'm not too hung up on the "driveability factor". I actually found the EX quite good for what it is based on my (albeit not that long) test drive. I want enough horses to merge safely and pass safely and breaks that will stop me in a relatively straight line and as quickly as possible! Finnally the space factor - probably will be the deciding factor and you are correct that I really have to research that more. At full price some of the drawbacks might be too much, but with the $4000 cash back they are offering AND the "Friends of Nissan" incentive my company has with Infiniti, the price they put on the table is (I think) really good - possibly good enough to live with the drawbacks.
Anyway, thanks for you help and safe motoring.
Thanks for the excellent reply. The VDC issue definately is a concern and something to think about. Porche driver or not, I'm not too hung up on the "driveability factor". I actually found the EX quite good for what it is based on my (albeit not that long) test drive. I want enough horses to merge safely and pass safely and breaks that will stop me in a relatively straight line and as quickly as possible! Finnally the space factor - probably will be the deciding factor and you are correct that I really have to research that more. At full price some of the drawbacks might be too much, but with the $4000 cash back they are offering AND the "Friends of Nissan" incentive my company has with Infiniti, the price they put on the table is (I think) really good - possibly good enough to live with the drawbacks.
Anyway, thanks for you help and safe motoring.
Re: Possible New Owner... (Onthefence)
Your question is really depending on you and your wife`s height.I`m 5`7" 160 Ibs and my wife is 5`3" and about 108-110 Ibs.So with my son (almost 7) sitting on the Recaro Lite booster seat,http://www.recarochildseats.co...imsonthe space is sufficient. This is the only car we have and I drive 98% alone most of the time except weekends. So driving alone is practical with this crossover car. Sizewise and aerodynamicalywise too The Rear hatch (if this is the right term) is a PLUS compare to sedan`s trunk. Since the back opens upward, you basically fit more large stuff.You can put the car seat behind you and drop the remaining backseat for additional luggage space.
Driving the EX35 is smooth but the handling is nowhere near the G35/37. There is so much body roll in turns even going down a spiral parking structure at 9mph. I guess bec. of the 60 series tires (17" rims).I`m not sure if the 55 series tires on 18" rims feels the same way?The civic Si will out handle it in the corner.Power delivery using the D mode is pathetic. There is that sluggishness issue from stop going to 2nd to 3rd and when you gas it more, then it jerks forward like stretching a rubberband...That`s why I find the Manual mode helpful for the transmission`s shortcomings... If you like the feel of torque pushing you back to your seat, then this isn`t the car for you. This car is so smooth and if you slowly rev the engine till 7k rpm on 1st gear you don`t feel it`s pulling...All you`ll hear is the reeving sound with no go...The only plus side on the performance is the topend power. The engine breathes freely and pulls harder (depending on your gears) at 80+ mph.(Thanks to the dual Intake nissan design).Getting rid of the Porsche isn`t that easy and I`m 100% sure you`ll miss it like crazy when you start driving the EX. You can find a better carwith performance and space. I know you have a driving passion running in your blood and I understand your situation.
Have you looked at:
Infinity G37 ?BMW 335`sBMW 135`sAudi`s ?
Passenger space practicality, I drove my moms Subaru Impreza 2009 and the passenger space and legrooms is not even close to my EX35.My wife sat next to me and my son (on his recaro seat behind me) and my 10yr nephew and my mom on the backseat sat comfortably with no complains. The hatch trunk space is also big enough. I couldn`t believe it at first ,since looking at the subaru impreza from the outside is so small.... I think the EX35 seat is too bulky! a lot of space wasted just for the seat itself. It probably weighs 100 Ibs each!
If you ask me, If I have to do it all over again?
I`ll consider getting the 335i or ix or the 135i (even the coupe)- I believe the rear legroom is a lot bigger than the EX35.and you don`t sacrifice the power plus you have enough space for groceries....
Driving the EX35 is smooth but the handling is nowhere near the G35/37. There is so much body roll in turns even going down a spiral parking structure at 9mph. I guess bec. of the 60 series tires (17" rims).I`m not sure if the 55 series tires on 18" rims feels the same way?The civic Si will out handle it in the corner.Power delivery using the D mode is pathetic. There is that sluggishness issue from stop going to 2nd to 3rd and when you gas it more, then it jerks forward like stretching a rubberband...That`s why I find the Manual mode helpful for the transmission`s shortcomings... If you like the feel of torque pushing you back to your seat, then this isn`t the car for you. This car is so smooth and if you slowly rev the engine till 7k rpm on 1st gear you don`t feel it`s pulling...All you`ll hear is the reeving sound with no go...The only plus side on the performance is the topend power. The engine breathes freely and pulls harder (depending on your gears) at 80+ mph.(Thanks to the dual Intake nissan design).Getting rid of the Porsche isn`t that easy and I`m 100% sure you`ll miss it like crazy when you start driving the EX. You can find a better carwith performance and space. I know you have a driving passion running in your blood and I understand your situation.
Have you looked at:
Infinity G37 ?BMW 335`sBMW 135`sAudi`s ?
Passenger space practicality, I drove my moms Subaru Impreza 2009 and the passenger space and legrooms is not even close to my EX35.My wife sat next to me and my son (on his recaro seat behind me) and my 10yr nephew and my mom on the backseat sat comfortably with no complains. The hatch trunk space is also big enough. I couldn`t believe it at first ,since looking at the subaru impreza from the outside is so small.... I think the EX35 seat is too bulky! a lot of space wasted just for the seat itself. It probably weighs 100 Ibs each!
If you ask me, If I have to do it all over again?
I`ll consider getting the 335i or ix or the 135i (even the coupe)- I believe the rear legroom is a lot bigger than the EX35.and you don`t sacrifice the power plus you have enough space for groceries....
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BROUDIE
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 1:55 pm
- Car: 2008 EX35 AWD JOURNEY, 2002 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER
- Contact:
Re: Possible New Owner... (Onthefence)
Not sure if you can fit a rear-facing child seat in the back, but a front-facing seat should fit. Also, your stroller will only fit if you flip one of the rear seats down. Then you have very minimal space left for groceries (maybe 2-3 bags), because you cant flip the other rear seat down because the carseat is already occupying the space. Taking road trips with the wife and kid with luggage is just not possible unless you buy a roof rack.Onthefence wrote:Hi Folks,
I've been reading through the posts and figured this was the perfect place to get some honest feedback on the EX. I'm trading in the Porsche for something that can accommodate a car seat (yep) and my short list includes the EX35. As a side note I noted much discussion about the Audi Q5 (which was on my long list) and for the record I MUCH preferred the EX35.
That said, my one major concern is with the back seat and the storage space. Now, I don't need a Yukon here, but you all use this vehicle in everyday situations so I want to know if it is realistic to believe I can put in a car seat, shove the stroller in the back and still have room for a few bags of groceries. During the test drive it didn't seem that small, but I'm not sure that I am not letting my heart influence my head.
Thanks for your honest feedback, you all drive really nice cars!
JH
Unless you really, really love the EX35, I would discourage you from buying it as your only car given your requirements. The EX35 is a great car to drive, and is quite a looker, but is pretty hard to live with for a person in your situation.
What I do suggest, is that you keep your sports car, and get yourself a good, inexpensive family hauler like a 4-cylinder RAV4, which should only be in the 20K range.
If you MUST have only 1 car with a hatch and space for a car seat, stroller and groceries, a premium brand, and require a modicum of sportiness, I suggest you look at the following:
Q5, A4 Avant, Audi Allroad, the BMW 5 Series GT or wagon, the 3-series wagon, the MB GLK, and the Acura RDX or MDX
I dont have kids, so I keep my roadster for fun, and the EX35 for practicality.
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Obsidian EX
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:42 am
- Car: EX 35 - Black Obsidian with graphite - Journey package
Re: Possible New Owner... (Onthefence)
Hi JH,
We currently have a 20 month old and #2 is due in less than 2 weeks, so I'll give you my impressions of the first 8 months of ownership.
With a forward facing car seat (1 year old and >20 lbs) fit is not an issue. We also have a mini (mall) stroller that we use some of the time and it fits in the back cargo area no problem, with room to spare for groceries, etc. Don't expect to be able to do a Costco run though (at least with a stroller in tow).
As for the infant seat (rear facing), I just installed that the other day and it's a tight fit! I'm 6'1" and in order for me to drive the car the rear facing seat must be on the right side, with the passenger's seat fairly far forward. In this configuration I can just sit in the passenger's seat, but cannot open the glove box due to lack of space. To be honest, as I'm rarely a passenger in the car, this is not that big an issue for me. My wife is shorter, so the passenger's seat that far forward doesn't bother her as much as me. If you are using a stroller that integrates the car seat, then fitting this into the back cargo area might be a bit of a challenge. Try it out and see what you think.
When we purchased the car we fully recognized that #2 was in the very near future, and space might be a bit of an issue. As a result, we purchased the cross bars and a roof box is in the future, but will only be used for road trips.
We recently completed a 3,000 km road trip, and space wasn't an issue: if you pack lightly and efficiently! If you tend to take everything plus the kitchen sink on your trips then this is not the vehicle for you. Coming from a Porsche I suspect that you might tend to be fairly light and efficient in your packing.
The bottom line is that I don't regret the purchase of this car, even with 2 young kids. I absolutely love this car and can see past some of the short comings, as I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. The next year will be a little trying space-wise, but I can live with that, as the other features of the car (style, luxury, power) over ride the tight space for the next year.
I stepped up from a Subaru Impreza TS, so space is about the same (i.e., tight 1st year), but everything else is light years ahead!!!!
Good luck with your choice, and I'd be interested to hear what you decide. Don't hesitate if you have any other questions.
Cheers!
We currently have a 20 month old and #2 is due in less than 2 weeks, so I'll give you my impressions of the first 8 months of ownership.
With a forward facing car seat (1 year old and >20 lbs) fit is not an issue. We also have a mini (mall) stroller that we use some of the time and it fits in the back cargo area no problem, with room to spare for groceries, etc. Don't expect to be able to do a Costco run though (at least with a stroller in tow).
As for the infant seat (rear facing), I just installed that the other day and it's a tight fit! I'm 6'1" and in order for me to drive the car the rear facing seat must be on the right side, with the passenger's seat fairly far forward. In this configuration I can just sit in the passenger's seat, but cannot open the glove box due to lack of space. To be honest, as I'm rarely a passenger in the car, this is not that big an issue for me. My wife is shorter, so the passenger's seat that far forward doesn't bother her as much as me. If you are using a stroller that integrates the car seat, then fitting this into the back cargo area might be a bit of a challenge. Try it out and see what you think.
When we purchased the car we fully recognized that #2 was in the very near future, and space might be a bit of an issue. As a result, we purchased the cross bars and a roof box is in the future, but will only be used for road trips.
We recently completed a 3,000 km road trip, and space wasn't an issue: if you pack lightly and efficiently! If you tend to take everything plus the kitchen sink on your trips then this is not the vehicle for you. Coming from a Porsche I suspect that you might tend to be fairly light and efficient in your packing.
The bottom line is that I don't regret the purchase of this car, even with 2 young kids. I absolutely love this car and can see past some of the short comings, as I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. The next year will be a little trying space-wise, but I can live with that, as the other features of the car (style, luxury, power) over ride the tight space for the next year.
I stepped up from a Subaru Impreza TS, so space is about the same (i.e., tight 1st year), but everything else is light years ahead!!!!
Good luck with your choice, and I'd be interested to hear what you decide. Don't hesitate if you have any other questions.
Cheers!
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Timmbo
- Posts: 2703
- Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:14 am
- Car: 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD
2013 Nissan Maxima Sport Pkg - Location: Green Bay, WI
EX35 is a fantastic blend of sports car combined with utility. One thing I will say, I personally love the VDC that Nissan and Infiniti has to offer. It is a huge safety feature on snow and ice covered roads. If you do get stuck, it is easy to disable the system to recover your vehicle. I have had the VDC on several vehicles:
'03 Murano'05 G35x (same system as EX35)'04 QX56'09 Murano'08 3.5 Altima'08 Armada
I would not buy a Nissan or Infiniti (or any other vehicle) without the VDC feature, that is how much I love it. Please note, I do live is the snow frozen tundra of Green Bay, WI.
Nice ride though, good luck in your potential purchase and welcome to NICOclub! We are glad to have you here in the EX35 Forum!
'03 Murano'05 G35x (same system as EX35)'04 QX56'09 Murano'08 3.5 Altima'08 Armada
I would not buy a Nissan or Infiniti (or any other vehicle) without the VDC feature, that is how much I love it. Please note, I do live is the snow frozen tundra of Green Bay, WI.
Nice ride though, good luck in your potential purchase and welcome to NICOclub! We are glad to have you here in the EX35 Forum!
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dividedhighw
- Posts: 775
- Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:55 am
- Car: 2008 EX35 AWD (Technology Pkg)
- Location: Ottawa, ON, CA
- Contact:
Re: (Timmbo)
I also hail from the land of snow and ice, but winter conditions are not where I'm most critical of Infiniti's VDC ... it's on perfectly dry pavement where it runs amok and scares me the most!!Timmbo wrote:I would not buy a Nissan or Infiniti (or any other vehicle) without the VDC feature, that is how much I love it. Please note, I do live is the snow frozen tundra of Green Bay, WI.
Just to be clear, I'm not saying "stability control" isn't good ... as a technology, it's absolutely FANTASTIC!!
I'm saying that the implementation in the EX35 AWD intrudes too soon and too much, consequently doing more harm than good. This is my considered opinion after a decade of driving extensively with ESP (Enhanced Stability Program) from Audi and DSC (Directional Stability Control) from BMW, and less extensively a handful of others. NONE I've encountered have behaved as poorly as my EX.
I have no experience with how VDC is implemented in any other Nissan/Infiniti model. I do know, however, that when I brought up this issue in the Moderators Forum, a number of NICO moderators admitted that they turn off the VDC every time they start their Nissan/Infiniti vehicle, out of habit - to me, that speaks volumes, suggesting my opinion is NOT an isolated one.
Modified by dividedhighw at 10:52 PM 7/30/2009