Potential Owner looking for advice.

[XAC750]

Hello All,

I am looking at getting my wife a new car. We currently have a couple of dogs and one Kid (baby) and will probably add in a year or so.

I have an 06 Pathfinder, so we have a vehicle with more space when needed. I am looking for something with a bit more size than my wife's Honda Civic, and definitely something nicer and more fun to drive.

I am currently between the BMW 328i wagon and the Infiniti EX35 (both RWD). I love the wagon but they are dificult to find and come with a hefty price tag. My local infiniti (Harper in Knoxville) is offering a fully loaded EX Journey RWD, for $44.4K, which I think is a very fair price. To even come close to that price I have to get an 08 BMW with some decent options but not many and about 8K miles on the ODO.

I have had BMW's in the past and know the quality, and I owned an 05 350Z and currently my Pathfinder and am very pleased with Nissan's quality.

All that being said the dollar for dollar the Infiniti is a great deal (Better engine, better interior and better "Tech").

Is there any reason I should pass and stick with the Bimmer? The infiniti almost seems to good to be true (which makes me nervous). Is it really a great car at a great price (which is almost unheard of these days.)

All advice welcome. Thanks and take care.

PS: 1 thing I am worried about is: A BMW is a cool car even when it is 10 years old, will the Infiniti be the same way, or is this a "Fad" car.

[JCL622]

Hello All,

I am looking at getting my wife a new car. We currently have a couple of dogs and one Kid (baby) and will probably add in a year or so.

I have an 06 Pathfinder, so we have a vehicle with more space when needed. I am looking for something with a bit more size than my wife's Honda Civic, and definitely something nicer and more fun to drive.

I am currently between the BMW 328i wagon and the Infiniti EX35 (both RWD). I love the wagon but they are dificult to find and come with a hefty price tag. My local infiniti (Harper in Knoxville) is offering a fully loaded EX Journey RWD, for $44.4K, which I think is a very fair price. To even come close to that price I have to get an 08 BMW with some decent options but not many and about 8K miles on the ODO.

I have had BMW's in the past and know the quality, and I owned an 05 350Z and currently my Pathfinder and am very pleased with Nissan's quality.

All that being said the dollar for dollar the Infiniti is a great deal (Better engine, better interior and better "Tech").

Is there any reason I should pass and stick with the Bimmer? The infiniti almost seems to good to be true (which makes me nervous). Is it really a great car at a great price (which is almost unheard of these days.)

All advice welcome. Thanks and take care.

PS: 1 thing I am worried about is: A BMW is a cool car even when it is 10 years old, will the Infiniti be the same way, or is this a "Fad" car.

how big are your dogs? in terms of family size, currently i think the EX is a great buy then. In terms of quality, well, to be fair i've had a horrible experience with my E92, so I personally feel that so far I enjoy the build and fit of the infiniti moreso than the bimmer.

in terms of fad, well any car in 10 years will look out of date. I think what it should really boil down to is how comfortable you feel. a friend that had bought the 3 series wagon loved it (she does archi work so it was perfect for her, but then she drove in my EX and realized that although there is not a significant difference, being higher up was nicer.

[XAC750]

how big are your dogs? in terms of family size, currently i think the EX is a great buy then. In terms of quality, well, to be fair i've had a horrible experience with my E92, so I personally feel that so far I enjoy the build and fit of the infiniti moreso than the bimmer.

in terms of fad, well any car in 10 years will look out of date. I think what it should really boil down to is how comfortable you feel. a friend that had bought the 3 series wagon loved it (she does archi work so it was perfect for her, but then she drove in my EX and realized that although there is not a significant difference, being higher up was nicer.

Thanks,

I have a large Golden and a little Westie. I am pretty sure they won't be getting to a hitch a ride in the new car (at least for a while) but it's the potential that I like, just in case.

E92, is that the most recent 3 series coupe? What trouble have you had?

I don't know why I am even worried about the longevity of styling. I have never owned a car longer than 4 years. It is just something that I have notice while looking at BMWs. I have also been looking for an E36 M3, because in 97-98 they made a Sedan, which was unique up until the most recent M3 series. Anyhow, I have just noticed that the basic lines and styling really haven't changed that much. And I kind of liked the fact that if we keep the Bimmer for awhile and take proper care of it, it will still be a nice ("cool") car. Thanks again.

PS: My wife liked the height as well, not as drastic as the Pathfinder but much better view than a typical sedan.

[AWGD8]

Have you test drove the EX35?

The engine is a smooth as a silk. It accelerate effortlessly and quietly.The car has a unique appeal and you seldom see one on the road. My only concern with the current EX35 is the interior space. That 2 front seats are so big and bulky (feels like 2 lazyboy inside). The rear legroom is pathetic.The rear hatch- whatever you call it is a plus! 3.5 vq engine and a 5 speed automatic are outdated.

Have you considered the G37S SEDAN ? SAME PRICE better legroom, powerfull engine and 7 speed auto... that is my advice.....

If you feel like Jeff Gordon on the weekend, try finding one last Pontiac G8 GXP sedan... it`s a bargain with detuned Corvette engine.I don`t know if there are still left though... but it`s a collectors car afterwards.
Modified by AWGD8 at 11:05 PM 9/28/2009

[XAC750]

Have you test drove the EX35?

The engine is a smooth as a silk. It accelerate effortlessly and quietly.The car has a unique appeal and you seldom see one on the road. My only concern with the current EX35 is the interior space. That 2 front seats are so big and bulky (feels like 2 lazyboy inside). The rear legroom is pathetic.The rear hatch- whatever you call it is a plus! 3.5 vq engine and a 5 speed automatic are outdated.

Have you considered the G37S SEDAN ? SAME PRICE better legroom, powerfull engine and 7 speed auto... that is my advice.....

If you feel like Jeff Gordon on the weekend, try finding one last Pontiac G8 GXP sedan... it`s a bargain with detuned Corvette engine.I don`t know if there are still left though... but it`s a collectors car afterwards.

Modified by AWGD8 at 11:05 PM 9/28/2009

I actually have not driven yet. To be quite honest I feel weird about the whole test drive thing. You're in a strange car with a strange person: it just kind of weirds me out. I am heading up tomorrow to go over both the EX and BMW wagon 1 more time.

I do agree with the snug fit but we have just started our family so there won't be anyone over 20lbs. in the back for awhile. Besides I am only 5-10 and my wife is 5 even, so with the front seat pulled up that should provide some extra rear space. If we go out with friends we cab it, so that is not an issue.

I would personally go for the G37 Sedan Sport with Man Tran, but this for my wife and she can't drive a stick and is into the unique syling.

As far as the Pontiac you mentioned, it will be awhile before I own an "American" car, I'll stick to my Nissan made in TN. Thanks

[EibachMBZ]

Maybe there is a reason you switch cars every 4 year?Most bimmer owners I know change their car within 4 years... They have complained so much about the problems they had but strangely went back for a new bimmer. (I think is because the finance deal bimmer had to offer)

EX is a great car, I love it.The only complain I have is light steering which is perfect for female drivers.

And the only drawback I can think of will probably be the leather interior... The interior is so nice put together that my little westie no longer allowed to ride in my EX

[JCL622]

Thanks,

I have a large Golden and a little Westie. I am pretty sure they won't be getting to a hitch a ride in the new car (at least for a while) but it's the potential that I like, just in case.

E92, is that the most recent 3 series coupe? What trouble have you had?

I don't know why I am even worried about the longevity of styling. I have never owned a car longer than 4 years. It is just something that I have notice while looking at BMWs. I have also been looking for an E36 M3, because in 97-98 they made a Sedan, which was unique up until the most recent M3 series. Anyhow, I have just noticed that the basic lines and styling really haven't changed that much. And I kind of liked the fact that if we keep the Bimmer for awhile and take proper care of it, it will still be a nice ("cool") car. Thanks again.

PS: My wife liked the height as well, not as drastic as the Pathfinder but much better view than a typical sedan.

yea the E92 is the recent 3 series coupe, I had endless problems with it. The road noise from the 19" factory option tires...electronics not working properly, my seat warmer stayed on....my garage opener kept on resetting, and there was always the issue that something was off with the upgraded speaker option (dealer could never fix it and claimed nothing was wrong)..but i would get this...tinny, outter body experience with the sound, and i swore it was because the angle of the speakers were not done right...and made me feel like i was in the next car over listening IN instead of actually being in the car. - and then to top it all off, the service center just blew chunksafter a year i couldn't take it anymore, ditched it and got a great deal on a 2009 SLK350 paying 520/mo fully loaded;

If you're so uncomfortable with the Salesman being in the car, tell him and ask to drive it alone up and down the road/course. - All the dealerships in my area allow that.

and +1 on the Pontiac GXP, if you can find one, get it! lol; in all seriousness u need to make sure u test drive the EX it's not so simple as just eyeballing it and taking it. same with the 3 wagon

[movadopika]

My two cents on the situation. This is my third Nissan product in over a year and I have loved all of them. A 2009 Murano to a 2009 Maxima and now a 2009 EX35. I would not even consider a different vehicle at this point. The EX at its price point is the best choice. Nothing else could even compare to the performance and tech goodies. The around view monitor and the tech package are something that I could not do without at this point. I would recommend that you get them if you purchase an EX. I would purchase the EX again in a heart beat and recommend it to anyone that wants a great vehicle at a great price. 3 months and 5000 miles in and not a single issue. I hope that you decide to get one because you will not want to ever get out of it

[XAC750]

yea the E92 is the recent 3 series coupe, I had endless problems with it. The road noise from the 19" factory option tires...electronics not working properly, my seat warmer stayed on....my garage opener kept on resetting, and there was always the issue that something was off with the upgraded speaker option (dealer could never fix it and claimed nothing was wrong)..but i would get this...tinny, outter body experience with the sound, and i swore it was because the angle of the speakers were not done right...and made me feel like i was in the next car over listening IN instead of actually being in the car. - and then to top it all off, the service center just blew chunksafter a year i couldn't take it anymore, ditched it and got a great deal on a 2009 SLK350 paying 520/mo fully loaded;

If you're so uncomfortable with the Salesman being in the car, tell him and ask to drive it alone up and down the road/course. - All the dealerships in my area allow that.

and +1 on the Pontiac GXP, if you can find one, get it! lol; in all seriousness u need to make sure u test drive the EX it's not so simple as just eyeballing it and taking it. same with the 3 wagon

Good deal,

They offered to let me take it out around town for a bit, but I declined. I ride motorcycles and it's the same deal when a buddy gets a new bike and says "hey take around for a bit". I just don't don't feel comfortable until I own it. It's for my for my wife and based on all I have read and the fact that we are happy with the looks, interior, outfitting, and price. I think she'll be happy (anything will be better than her Honda Civic. My heart still lies with the BMW Wagon, but my god they won't cut a deal to save they're lives. I don't know if they are doing so well that they don't need to deal or if they don't realize the wealth of pricing info out there (like Consumer Reports Bottom Line) or what, but they might as well have spit in my face and set me on fire after I approached them with my offer (which was more than fair based on my research). Anyhow I have loved the Infinti line-up for quite some time now and this is my chance to put an Infiniti in the garage and make my wife happy

[XAC750]

My two cents on the situation. This is my third Nissan product in over a year and I have loved all of them. A 2009 Murano to a 2009 Maxima and now a 2009 EX35. I would not even consider a different vehicle at this point. The EX at its price point is the best choice. Nothing else could even compare to the performance and tech goodies. The around view monitor and the tech package are something that I could not do without at this point. I would recommend that you get them if you purchase an EX. I would purchase the EX again in a heart beat and recommend it to anyone that wants a great vehicle at a great price. 3 months and 5000 miles in and not a single issue. I hope that you decide to get one because you will not want to ever get out of it

This will be my 3rd. I loved my 350Z and will own one again someday, I just wanted a Golden Retreiver and Family a bit more than it. My current 06 Pathfinder is incredible. It offers more than enough room and power to suit my basic weekend warrior needs or trips to Lowes. I bought it brand new and put a ton of miles on it with nothing more than a synthetic oil change every 5K and a new set of tires. I will keep it until the wheels fall off. I hope we will feel the same way about the EX

[movadopika]

If you do decide to go with the EX keep us updated and share some pics

[XAC750]

Well so far I love the new EX, and more importantly my wife loves the new EX, and since it is her's that's what counts.

I almost feel like I am driving my old 350Z, but with a backseat and a better view. My biggest problem may be arguing with my wife over who gets to drive it.

The car is way to new to provide a proper impression but based on what I do know:

-The car was priced great (34.4K + tax, nothing else)-The dealership and sales rep were incredible to deal with-The dealearship gave us a great trade-in value on my Wife's old civic-The car drives great, both accelaration and handling (have not realy tested on some of the great twisty roads in TN)-The technology in the car is failry simple to use and really cool-The car has enough space to meet its desired uses, but is a little on the snug side, which might complicate things if I didn't have the Pathfinder at home

Overall, I think we made the right choice

[driveforfun]

Love my EX and can't recommend it highly enough. A suggestion on the test drive dilemma, see if the dealer will let you keep the vehicle overnight for an extended test drive on your own. Gives you and the family a chance to test the vehicle in real world situations and may answer your questions. The Infiniti dealer where I bought mine, in Raleigh, NC, encouraged me to keep the car overnight. And I did the same with a G37. It helped me in making the final decision. Just a suggestion and it may be very helpful to you. Would never buy a car without really putting it to the test.

[matt2112]

hey driveforfun, you went to the infinity dealership on capital yeah? thats where were looking at buying/leasing an ex35. salesman their, gary, is really, really nice and helpfull. we've test drove the ex and i liked it so does my wife. what spec did you get if you don't mind me asking? and what did you pay for it? just interested as i'm going to be dealing with the same guys at the same dealer.

[driveforfun]

Sorry for the late reply, just got back in from the U2 show! I bought a 2008 Journey model (RWD), black with wheat interior. At the time of my purchase, which was in March, Infiniti was offering an $8,000 incentive on the vehicle. So the purchase price was roughly $41,500 and I paid $33,500 for the vehicle. Great deal on a really fine vehicle. I dealt with Bob, but everyone there really is friendly and it is a very good dealership. They treat you well both during and after the sale. I am very pleased.

Just let me know if you have any more questions and good luck!

[XAC750]

Wow, 8K off, I wish I could have caugh that deal.

[RCHarris]

If you think that as part of your ownership experience you will be needing room for dogs and kids, you may want to shop elsewhere. The EX is a lot of things but one thing it is not is roomy. With the back seats flat, the car can carry a reasonable amount of stuff. But where do the kids and dogs go? With the seats up, it's downright stingy. A kid and two dogs with two adults in the front will be totally unacceptable to you, I guarantee that. Add another kid, along with all the junk you carry to maintain said kid, and you have a disaster. The EX is a perfect empty nester's car but totally inappropriate for young families. That's IMHO of courseRH

[XAC750]

We have the pathfinder for Big Family events. I haul the dogs around in it and we use it for travel, but it is nice to know that if absolutely necessary on we can make it work in the EX.

I have already figured out that with a rear facing car seat the passenger side front has to be pulled up quite a bit. When we switch to a front facing it will free up some leg room.

With this being my wife's car it will see mostly driving to work miles and "dress-up" family outings", and weekend trips sans dogs. For that purpose it will be great.