Sigh, test drove the EX...

[hoozswup]

So I test drove the EX35 and I gotta say I didn't click too much with the car. I'm single male, wonder that's why. Granted it has loads of features, most are not too important to me (emphasis, just me though I know it make sense for others).

For instance, iPod connection, DVD (useless feature since it can be used only if the car is idle, well useless if passanger and the back seat cannot use it, I understand it's safer so the driver doesn't get distracted, weird design just so it can claim it *has* that useless capability, no one would sit in an idle car to watch dvd), and XM radio.

Important and useful features, compass, safety features, 3 drive modes, good performance. Lumbar support sounds interesting but not quite sure yet.

Weird thing is I fell in love with the vehicle the first time I saw one. I thought it was the FX35, and found out it's the new EX35. But that excitement disappeared pretty quickly. I test drove it yesterday, didn't feel a thing when I sat in it. Perhaps the ride is too smooth, or maybe because I drive a manual and bored driving an automatic EX. So maybe it has nothing to do w/ the EX.

Well the test drive went well, then the manager slipped and said he didn't think I should be driving this station wagon when he tried to pitch me the sedan instead, oh no, he said the station wagon. I knew that is what he really thinks, though he would love to sell me the EX. That kinda killed it for me. Now I continue to question what kind of message this car sends out. I asked myself what went through my mind when I saw the first EX? Young middle age married couple w/ or w/o kids who are doing pretty well. That's what the manager truly wanted to say, the car just is not me.

On the contrary, when I start the engine of a Mazda RX8, I have that excitement that you all feel here. I was given a really great quote on the EX (better than expected), I am very happy with the quote, but something is missing.. hm.... bummer. Should I take advantage of getting a luxury car on big discount? May not see such good deal again.. Sigh, back to square one.
Modified by hoozswup at 3:02 PM 12/14/2008

[Mark Booth]

My EX35 is the best everyday-use car I've ever owned. But it could never satisfy my lust for a sleek, sexy, twsities-hugging sports car. That's why I own both!

Mark

[AWGD8]

I traded in my 2008 5 month old TOYOTA RAV4 V6 sports 4wd for a new

EX35 AWD JOURNEY base. It`s weird that we do have the same

impression test driving the EX35. Yes, it is way too smooth to feel the

power. My butt felt, like my RAV4 V6 has a better low end torque, compare

to the EX35. When I put a down payment on the EX35, I was only $95%

satisfied. I compare the numbers with my payment on the RAV4 V6 vs.

EX35 and it`s only $70 more it`s no brainer if If I pass on a $8000+

discount for the EX35 (includes 0% financing). So I went ahead and pulled

the trigger. I love the highend power of the EX35 and the awd capability

in the snow...I just wish, it has more torque like the G35X loaner that I

drove. I`m married w/ one 6 yr old son, so I have to compromise...

If I`m single, I would definitely get :

1st ----2009 SUBARU STI2nd ----2009 BMW 335i (I prefer 335iX here in WI)3rd -----2009 G37 COUPE OR THE Nissan Z

I heard more discount for 2009 STI in Ca.

[KJ911TT]

My EX35 is the best everyday-use car I've ever owned. But it could never satisfy my lust for a sleek, sexy, twsities-hugging sports car. That's why I own both!

Mark

Me too! *high five* LOL

[jmess]

I think the final drive ratio of the EX is a littler higher than the G35 in an attempt to improve MPG. The 2wd EX is the drivers' car; faster, and handles better. I have a loaded 2wd and have no regrets.

[GoodyEX35]

hoozswup,

I couldn't have said it better myself. The 2 year lease on my Mazdaspeed 6 was up so I needed to replace the car. We had a G35 and a QX56 in the past we were happy with so I wanted to look at another Infinit. I love Mazdas and the RX8 (had one before) but couldn't pass up the great deal on the EX35. I am also a techy so all the gadgets like around view video, auto cruise control, lane departure, got me. I like my EX but don't love it yet - time will tell.

Goody

[specialist23]

being a single male, i could not see you in an ex. only people that i could imagine in one are females and perhaps males with a family. other than that, it's definitely NOT the vehicle for you. there are a lot of other things i mentioned that i don't like about the ex, but are some good things as well. like the awd system is finally decent compared to previous infiniti/nissan awd systems when the acceleration was limited.

btw, if you still like the fx, definitely go test drive one. coming from an fx, it's not even close to being the same vehicle.

[gloa2000]

no one would sit in an idle car to watch dvd),

I would and you dont have to worry about the speed sensor function after an hour of fun mod time.

[hoozswup]

First of all, after a lot of soul searching.. (ha-ha), I found out that I like the EX a lot more with the interior and exterior color that I like. I was offered a deal too hard to pass, plus I found the exact color and configuration I wanted. So I took the plunge, signed the paper few hours ago and I am an EX35 owner. =)

The vehicle was manufactured on 05/08. Btw, read that sales figure on the EX in North America is a disappointment with only 10,300 unit which is way under 15,000 that Nissan projected for the first year ended Sep 08.

Now I will check this forum often to find interesting facts of things to pay attention like whether the telescoping wheel will crap out at 3k miles etc (hope not).

One thing I realized is that this forum does not have enough pictures of EXs. It should have tons of pics of EXs in different color, interior and exterior. I know I was searching up and down for more pics but had difficulty finding it. Sorry for rambling, you know, I gotta help beef up the stats of single male owner of EX35.

[hoozswup]

Oh I forgot, that's the first thing that came to my mind. I would love to mod it so it can play DVD when the vehicle is moving as long as that does not void any warranty. Of course it's not for me to watch, I would not do that. If I have a passenger on a longer road trip, otherwise the nice big LCD is simply a big waste. If you or anyone can provide any info, I will appreciate that. Thanks.

[garbagejunk]

Oh I forgot, that's the first thing that came to my mind. I would love to mod it so it can play DVD when the vehicle is moving as long as that does not void any warranty. Of course it's not for me to watch, I would not do that. If I have a passenger on a longer road trip, otherwise the nice big LCD is simply a big waste. If you or anyone can provide any info, I will appreciate that. Thanks.

look at the sticky. All the info you need is there.

[CaribMon71]

Welcome to the club! I'm a single, male owner of a fully loaded EX35. I absolutely love it. I got tired of hauling around empty space behind me. As far as SUV's, I've had a Honda Passport, Mitsubishi Montero, Dodge Durango, BMW X5, and a VW Touareg.

When gas started to climb I finally decided I was done with these utes. I got me a Lexus 250 IS. Problem was, all of a sudden I found myself needing to move around stuff that just wouldn't fit into a regular car. The EX35 was exactly what I needed. Coming from an IS 250, you can bet I felt an enormous gain in power.

I got mine greatly discounted as well. Just couldn't pass up the good deal. Wonderful car for me. Strange thing, though... I live in Arlington, VA and work in MD and frequent DC. In just over 4 months, I don't think I've seen 5 more of these vehicles out on the street. I like that even better. Feel kind'a unique.

Enjoy your vehicle.

One small observation.... all the gadgets in my car cause me to need the Lane Departure Warning and prevention. I'm constantly looking at the dash and all the cool stuff on it.... and the pretty colors. Every time I do.... bee bee beep - I'm drifting.