Well Guys, Here It Is ! What I gave up my EX35 for.

[rontek]

2009 FX50SBlue Slate / Graphite InteriorSport PackageTechnology PackageRoof Rail Cross BarsMud GuardsLighted Stainless Kick PlatesCargo Organizer (Not Listed on Sticker)

MSRP $65,930




























Modified by rontek at 12:02 PM 7/1/2009

[UnMaTcHeD]

Wow, nice look.

[specialist23]

very nice. give us some details on your trade in or whatever you did to get rid of your ex already. did you take a big hit? also what are the financing details on the new fx if you don't mind sharing.

[rontek]

very nice. give us some details on your trade in or whatever you did to get rid of your ex already. did you take a big hit? also what are the financing details on the new fx if you don't mind sharing.

Thank You.

I actually got an incredible deal. Sticker was $65,930. I got it for invoice ($60,451) MINUS $5000 Dealer Cash Back, so my price was $55,451. It also had the Cargo organizer in it, that was not listed on the sticker. This is another $275.00 option, that was a freebie" (I didnt ask, they didnt say). I got $29,500 in trade for my EX35. I purchased the EX new last May and it has 11,500 miles on it. I paid around $38,500 for it and its sticker was around $42,500. So I basically took about a $9000.00 hit on the EX, but I also drove it for a year. They also paid the $10,800 I owed on the EX35 and I financed the balance for 72 Months at 5.25%. They are supposedly giving incredible deals on the EX now, so I think all things considered I did well on the trade. They originally offered me $26,000 in trade, and I refused. I think they had a really bad June, and needed to make up some sales by the end of the month. Plus I had some "issues" at the dealership over the year I owned the EX35, so they really went out of thier way to make up for it. I never really intended on buying the car. I happened to see it on the lot when I was in for my annual service, and just threw the offer at them. I really did not expect them to go for it, but they did, and that was it. I also purposly did not drive it until AFTER I completed the deal, because I knew if I had, I would have taken whatever they offered.

I have some 'Goodies" left over from my EX35 that I will be parting with.

1) The wheels and Rims that I purchased about 1 month ago. They have less than 500 miles on the tires, and TPMS included. (See my "Summer Wheels" post. Unfortunatly I do not think shipping will be an option, so they will probably have to go to somone local that can pick them up. I will give a GREAT deal on them.

2) Stillen Long Tube Cold Air Intake. I purchased this about 2 months ago, and was waiting until I had my annual service to install it. Once I started negotiating for the FX50S, I never got around to it. It is brand new, still in the box from Stillen. I did open it, but thats it. If somebody wants to make a REASONABLE offer (Rio?), I will be happy to part with it. (The FX50S doesent NEED it)

3) I also have a set of K&N filters for the EX. I used them for 6 months, then cleaned and re-oiled them and put them back in the box. I do not believe they will fit the FX50, so if anyone is interested, let me know.

4) I also have a set of Black, OEM All Season Mats for the EX. The drivers mat as a "little" wear, but the other three are perfect. If anyone is interested, I can take photos for you and you can decide.

Ron

Modified by rontek at 12:05 PM 7/1/2009
Modified by rontek at 12:06 PM 7/1/2009

[gloa2000]

Fantastic!!!

[atlex35]

Welcome to the club of people who traded their EX for an FX.

Car looks great and awesome deal!

Write a review once you get some driving time.

[SteveTheTech]

Congrats I really love the color combination.

The FX50 is a beast compared to the more tamed EX. The technology that is inside these things is amazing. Good Deal.

[RioD007]

You SOB!

Thats just about the exact car I'm getting after I'm done with my EX.... How is it?

Faster Than the EX?

How's it handle in comparison to the EX?

Congrats on the Beautiful car!

[rontek]

You SOB!

Thats just about the exact car I'm getting after I'm done with my EX.... How is it?

Faster Than the EX?

How's it handle in comparison to the EX?

Congrats on the Beautiful car!

Thanks Rio !

It is an INCREDIBLE vehicle. Not to put down the EX, but its not even CLOSE.The word the couple of people I let drive it both used to describe it was "BEAST" !

The 390HP V8 and 7 speed transmission are perfectly matched. Its too bad they didnt put the 7 speed in the EX, because I think it would have made it a whole different car.

The most impressive thing about it is, even with the extra weight, and size, the continuous damping suspension and rear wheel steering make it hold the road at any speed. (I have been TRYING to be good during the 1200 mile break in, but trust me, its VERY hard).

My advice is, if you can afford it, go for it. If you have any doubts, do NOT drive it, because you will not leave the dealership without it.



BTW.... Are you interested in my Stillen Intake for the EX? I know it was on your "wish list". (Unless you are going for the FX50S )

Let me know

Ron

[RioD007]

Thanks Rio !

It is an INCREDIBLE vehicle. Not to put down the EX, but its not even CLOSE.The word the couple of people I let drive it both used to describe it was "BEAST" !

The 390HP V8 and 7 speed transmission are perfectly matched. Its too bad they didnt put the 7 speed in the EX, because I think it would have made it a whole different car.

The most impressive thing about it is, even with the extra weight, and size, the continuous damping suspension and rear wheel steering make it hold the road at any speed. (I have been TRYING to be good during the 1200 mile break in, but trust me, its VERY hard).

My advice is, if you can afford it, go for it. If you have any doubts, do NOT drive it, because you will not leave the dealership without it.



BTW.... Are you interested in my Stillen Intake for the EX? I know it was on your "wish list". (Unless you are going for the FX50S )

Let me know

Ron

Ya absolutely!

Email me [email protected]

Thanks man!

[rontek]

Ya absolutely!

Email me [email protected]

Thanks man!

Ya absolutely!

Email me [email protected]

Thanks man!

Just sent you an e-mail

[SteveTheTech]

There are a few key differences that make the overall experience different. The 7 speed is a huge one but not as much as the VVEL in the 5.0. If and when there is an exhaust on the market I think that will take the experience to an entire new level. The technology in the FX50s is amazing, especially give the network capabilities and complexity. Plus it has a much larger AV screen and the car feels so much stiffer and bigger.

The company recommends Ester in all VVEL engine (it makes a slight difference noticeable to those who tend to be hypersensitive to engine operation) although M1 and some of the high end synthetics supposedly work. If you buy the oil from the Nissan dealer it tends to run about the same and that is what is factory filled.

I love that vehicle, if that is a sign of what Infiniti is going to become over the next few years I cannot wait to see what is next.mmmm M50s.....

[rontek]

The company recommends Ester in all VVEL engine (it makes a slight difference noticeable to those who tend to be hypersensitive to engine operation) although M1 and some of the high end synthetics supposedly work. If you buy the oil from the Nissan dealer it tends to run about the same and that is what is factory filled.

Steve, can you explain this to me? What is "Ester" ? And why would the dealer not replace what was installed at the factory? I usually have my dealer use M1 for Oil Changes, (I got sales to foot the difference in cost over the standard oil). Should I be asking for something different?

Ron

[SteveTheTech]

Ester is an interesting creature. When the G37coupe came out they were getting noise complaints from the engine under light load. Come to find out the oil they had been using in R&D was the ester. That may be just a very long game of telephone but that is what I heard.

It is claimed to have a molecular adhesion to the VVEL components. Making startup and cold soak open loop operation less stressful on engine components do to a long term bonding capabilities. Whether it works or not that is up for debate, but just from comparing it to other options. Personally rubbing it between my thumb and finger it has a unique feel to it.

I keep a qt in my car, if you were closer by I would show you what I am talking about.

[dividedhighw]

Wow!!!

If you were trying to make us all jealous, you DEFINITELY did it - both on your deal and the car itself!! Awesome, dude!!

I can imagine that the "power on-tap" would be quite intoxicating!! Two cars back, I had my '93 Audi S4 modified to about 350 hp/torque - not bad for a turbo-charged 5 cyl. It put a smile on my face virtually every time I pressed the gas pedal!

Not to dampen your fire, but just a reality check on your choice to stick with Infiniti ... I'm guessing it was mostly based on styling and image??

Once you've driven the FX a while, I'd be interested to know if the build quality and engineering (leaky sunroof, anyone?!) surpasses the EX or whether it's about the same. These are the two main aspects that have disappointed me on the EX, my very first (and possibly last) Infiniti. I know I've posted in other threads that their so-called "Customer Assistance" line is also a joke (and this has been confirmed by other members), but I could easily tolerate that if these 2 aspects were improved.

That said, VERY glad you're enjoying it and do let us all know how you honestly find it in the coming months!

[SteveTheTech]

Once you've driven the FX a while, I'd be interested to know if the build quality and engineering (leaky sunroof, anyone?!) surpasses the EX or whether it's about the same. These are the two main aspects that have disappointed me on the EX, my very first (and possibly last) Infiniti. I know I've posted in other threads that their so-called "Customer Assistance" line is also a joke (and this has been confirmed by other members), but I could easily tolerate that if these 2 aspects were improved.

So how do you really feel about it ?

The EX isn't a bad vehicle but it doesn't compare to an FX50. I have been driving an Orange FX35 and I have fallen hard for it even in the interesting color.

CA is not the greatest but there is only so much the people who answer the phones can do. I really think Infiniti Canada is slightly different but they are changing their internal procedures.

Don't write Infiniti off yet, they make great cars don't slander the brand, despite their lack luster response to CA complaints. There are no major mechanical concerns with this vehicle. Although I don't know what exactly you are talking about with sunroof leak, but if the adjustment of the glass is flush and the gap is within tolerance there isn't a whole lot there. There are four drains attached to the track incase water gets in the track.

[Timmbo]

I am not just saying this, but I honestly think the FX50 is the sweetest all around vehicle on the planet. GTR is the sweetest car, but the FX looks simply amazing!

[rontek]

Although I don't know what exactly you are talking about with sunroof leak, but if the adjustment of the glass is flush and the gap is within tolerance there isn't a whole lot there. There are four drains attached to the track incase water gets in the track.

While I have to agree with Dave about the support offered by Infiniti CA, I do also agree with Steve that mechanically the EX35 was sound. The FX50 is a totally different animal than the EX35, and I dont think it would be fair to compare the two as vehicles, but I will keep everyone posted on reliability and overall mechanical performance.

The sunroof issue Dave is referring to is actually an issue that I first started posting about and still "personally" feel is an Infiniti design flaw. When I took my EX35, (and now the FX50S as well), through a High Pressure Touch Free Car Wash, the overhead jets push the glass down enough to let a slight spray of water into the passenger compartment. Infiniti claims that this is a "safety feature" so that the glass will not break under pressure. All I know is that no other vehicle I have ever taken to one of these washes has ever leaked this way. Honda, BMW, Ford, etc. I had the glass on the EX35 replaced and adjusted, and while it got better, nothing that was ever done could fix the issue completly. I even contacted the manufacturer of the Typhoon car wash machinery themselves, and their response was that the pressure from the wash jets should not push the glass down enough to let any water in. I know others had more severe issues with leaks during rain storms and such, which makes me feel that the sunroof is a weak spot in the vehicles. Again this is my opinion from experience with several other manufacturers vehicles I have personally owned, and from information I have gathered over my own ordeal with my EX35. I am not going to even bother bringing up the issue with the FX50S, as I know there is nothing that can or will be done, from my experience with the EX35. As long as it only leaks slightly in this type of car wash, I can live with it, and would rather not have any more "tinkering" with the car to try to fix an issue that they do not believe exsists.

Ron

[ayap888]

I have to say that I'm not jealous like the others. So others have stated they like the FX50 better, and I want to offer a different opinion and exercise my right to free speech.

Ok, so the FX50 does 0-60 in 5.0 sec (car and driver) and 5.2 sec (Motortrend). compared with my RWD EX35 at 5.5 - 5.8 sec 0-60 MPH. The 0.5 - 0.6 split seconds difference is neglible when compared to the gas money I save on the EX35. I average 24.0- 24.5 MPG on the EX35 and get 440 miles before re-fueling on a full tank. The FX50 is a guzzler at only 14 - 17 MPG with the V8 engine. I won't give up 8-10 MPG on a split second speed difference.

More so, the EX35 is leaner, not as wide, and makes it easier to maneuver in real driving traffic and tight spaces. The FX50 is a bigger fatter vehicle and more difficult to park and maneuver in tight spots. I'd be more careful over-taking cars and zooming in-and-out of traffic with the FX50 on tighter roads because of the width and size of this car.

Lastly, I just do not like the monster-looking grill of the FX50. Sorry - this grill is not aesthetically appealing to me. I still think the EX35 has a better grill, curves, and interior.

That being said - I could understand why some people like the FX50 better than the EX35 and thought that everyone has a different taste. Peace out.

[rontek]

I respect your opinion, and I cant say I did not like my EX35 in the 12 months and 12000 miles I drove it. I just never "Loved" it. Honestly, when I purchased my EX35, I was not crazy about the extra size of the FX and that was one of the major reasons I went with the EX. But after owning the EX for a year, and then seeing the 2nd generation FX and all the additional technology and enhancements that went into it, I had a change of heart. I actually was not even looking to trade up, until I saw the vehicle I ended up buying on the lot.

Anyone can quote manufacturer and reviewers specs, but unless you have actually driven both vehicles for a while, its hard to appreciate how very different they are. As far as gas mileage, I really do not care. If I was concerned about gas costs I would buy a Prius. In my AWD EX35 I was getting average 16 - 17 mpg. I do mostly city driving. In the FX50S I get 15-16 so 1 more MPG is not a lot different. I am fortuante that I dont have to purchase a vehicle based on how much gas it uses, but I do realize, to others, that is a major concern. I am sure you are getting great MPG in your RWD EX, and off this line, I concede it is probably a little bit quicker. But I live in New England, and have to deal with daily commutes in 5 - 7 inches of snow, slush and other crap, for several months out of the year. In those conditions, I will take my lumbering, big, wide , heavy FX50S over any RWD vehicle, any day. Even in my AWD EX35, I never had any issues in the winter, while I regularly passed RWD vehicles struggling to get out of their own way. I also did not buy it because I wanted a drag strip car, 0.5 - 0.6 seconds, whatever. It can hold its own with much smaller and more expensive "sports" cars and it weighs 5700 lbs ! The main reason I bought it, other then the incredible deal I got, was because I was not happy with the ride, (It just never felt "solid" to me), the transmission, (the 5 speed in the EX is terrible), and the overall quality of the vehicle itself (leaking sunroof, steering rack issues, noisy fuel pump) As far as it not handeling as well as the EX35 and being "so much" bigger and wider, and moving in and out of traffic, I think you would be surprised. The suspension with active rear wheel steering, and auto and sport damping control in the FX50S make it a MUCH more stable and responsive drive, than you would expect. The FX50S is actually only 4.9 inches wider than the EX35 and 8.8 inches longer. Ther rear track on both are idenitcal and the front on the FX50 is 1.7 inches wider. The wheel base is only 3.4 inches longer as well. Its really not that much bigger than the EX35. I do agree the looks are not for everybody, and even admit there are things about the exterior I would change, if I was the designer, but I am not. It does grow on you though. I can say for sure though, that the interior of the EX and FX50S are not even close. The most noticable being the quality of the leather, the size of the nav screen, and the comfort and adjustability of the seats.

I have only driven it for a little over a month, and about 1300 miles, and so far have had none of the nusiance issues I had in the EX. Thats not to say none will ever appear, but already I have no regrets about my decision.
Modified by rontek at 11:16 PM 8/2/2009

[cardude2121]

Looks amazing man, congrats! you should throw some HID Kits on that bad boy. Either way congrats on your new car!

2009 FX50SBlue Slate / Graphite InteriorSport PackageTechnology PackageRoof Rail Cross BarsMud GuardsLighted Stainless Kick PlatesCargo Organizer (Not Listed on Sticker)

MSRP $65,930





























Modified by rontek at 12:02 PM 7/1/2009 HID Kits

[rontek]

Thank You. I have considered the HID kit for the fogs. The High and low are bi-xenon, and the fogs do look out of place. The only problem is, to get at "anything" behind the headlights the only way is to take the inner wheel well cover off. There is no access to the lights at all from the top. I have replaced all the smaller bulbs , in and out, with LED's, except the parking lights. So when I do get the ambition to take the wheels off and wheel well covers for those, I may do the fogs at the same time. Then its just a matter of deciding if I keep the factory color, or go with something different for all four.

[Mixelplux]

I personally love the Grill. I think the new FX looks great. Good stuff

[scottt]

Congratulations on the FX, I love the car. I purchased a RWD EX, It was the best car I could buy with a budget of $35,000. I was also concerned with fuel economy, my wifers desire for a smaller vheicle and parking room in my garage. My 2009 EX has been trouble free and I love the car. If money wasnt an issue, I was single and room in my garage was not a problem, I would have bought a FX.

Enjoy that FX50 Beast

Scott