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Infiniti QX4

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Comments

  • sweetpea7sweetpea7 Member Posts: 5
    I'm a pretty conservative driver. I've had 2 SUVs prior to this with no problems in handling in wet weather so should be okay on that aspect. I do intend to pull a small trailer once in a while so hope it has enough muscle to do that without problems. Do you think I can rely on the towing capacity stated? Thanks for your help as this is a big decision.
  • mthomas3mthomas3 Member Posts: 33
    Another drawback to AUTO mode is that it creates heat and causes wear in the transfer case. This heats up the transfer case fluid. that is why there is a warning light on the dash for transfer case overheat. If you are driving on dirt or gravel, use the 4wd-lock position.

    If you do use the auto mode, replace the fluid once a year to reduce wear. I recommend a synthetic Dexron III ATF such as Mobil 1. refill is about 3 quarts.

    By the way, the clunk is aggravated by an accumulation of driveline stresses that you get when the front axle has a small amount of mismatch of actual revolutions with the back end. This is caused by turning and wheel slippage. When driven on dirt, the driveline can self adjust. But driven on pavement, the driveline winds up a bit and cannot adjust until the transfer case disengages when the engine is turned off.
  • reinvareinva Member Posts: 3
    320Cobra-

    I also have the EXACT same problem that you describe on my 2001 Pathfinder. With about 4,000 miles on it now, the problem is still there. Were you able to find out the problem or get it fixed?
  • infinitisellerinfinitiseller Member Posts: 23
    It's easy. Any questions?
  • major7major7 Member Posts: 31
    Does anyone know where this is located in my 2001 QX4? Is it easy to remove? I would buy the filter from my dealer over the phone but wanted to save time putting it in if it's not much trouble. I owuld appreciate anyone who has done this before. Thanks, BOB
  • 320cobra320cobra Member Posts: 17
    Reinva,

    No I haven't resolved the problem and haven't brought it into the dealer yet. A few posts earlier, someone responded about checking the trans fluid and making sure it is full and possibly draining it and refilling with fresh fluid or a synthetic blend. I did check the fluid both hot and cold and the levels were fine. On my next oil change, I'll have Infiniti take a look at it. Hopefully, I'll get an answer other than, "it's normal". Maybe it is normal, it just doesn't feel like a normal shift to me. I don't remember if the QX4 I test drove exhibited the same symptoms or not - I didn't pay particular attention to it. Most of the time it shifts just fine, it's just in very specific situations where I feel the vib and a late shift. It's almost like the trans is hunting, trying to determine what I want?????

    320cobra
  • 320cobra320cobra Member Posts: 17
    If you could take your vehicles to an indoor heated do-it-yourself carwash, where they provide the place, heat and fresh hot water to hose your car off and you provide your labor, bucket, soap, wash mit and shammy, all for a cost of $10.00, would you use it? The $10.00 basically gives you 1/2 hour to wash and 1/2 hour to dry the car. If you didn't want to get your hands dirty, the place would hand wash the car for you at a cost of $20.00. Given all the cons about commercial car washes, would you use a place like this?

    320cobra
  • lalakrsfanlalakrsfan Member Posts: 44
    I spent a considerable amount of time at the LA Auto Show this weekend comparing several different SUV's and non-SUV's. The QX4 is my top SUV choice, but a couple of concerns. There seems to be limited leg room for the driver, even with the seat all the way back. I am 6'1". There seems to be much written about and some complaints about ease of access to the back seats due to the door opening and wheel well location.

    Would appreciate comments/experiences!

    Thanks!
  • ericgrericgr Member Posts: 8
    I have a 2001 QX4, have had it for a year. I'm 6-1, medium build. I am the kind of person who likes loads of leg room, I always move seats back. With that in mind, I've absolutely never understood the argument that the QX4 has limited legroom in the front. I'm always 110% comfortable and that's not typical for me in cars. As for the back seats, they are rarely used on my car so I can't comment as well. I just put things back there. By the way, another nice thing about the QX4 is that when you fold-down the back seats (it's very easy) to move things, they fold-down flat, not at an angle. They designed the cushions for that. The BMW, which I have a love/hate thing for (I like many things about it but...), has a full range of inconveniences in that regard, including seats that don't folf flat-down, a back rear cargo cover that has an awkward track making it hard to remove, and a tail gate that serves no purpose other than to put something in your way (something you have to move) whenever you want to put anything in the back seat.
  • lalakrsfanlalakrsfan Member Posts: 44
    Eric,

    Thanks for the comments. My experience with the leg room is from a test drive nearly a year ago and my experience at the auto show this weekend. Even with the seat all the way back, it felt a little cramped. Currently I drive a '98 Accord 4-door, and it seems like I have more leg room than in the Q. I am going to go test drive the Q this week, so I should be able to compare a little more.
    I am also considering a 3-series BMW in place of the QX4 (I don't really need an SUV or 4x4, just like the versatility) and they have an amazing amount of leg room. I put the seat all the way back, and it was too much.

    Again, thanks for the input!
  • serpico1serpico1 Member Posts: 30
    hello all..almost exact same body, almost exact same engine..5 grand more..any insights please..more info to educate me would be great..i am buying one of the 2 soon...eric
  • avalanche325avalanche325 Member Posts: 116
    I am also 6'1" 200lbs mediun large build. I keep the seat all the way back (as I do with almost everything - 3 series manual excepted). I have found the QX4 to be very comfortable. I took a 7 hour trip and when I was done I felt like I had been driving for an hour or two. Great front seats. As far as the back seats, they are not overly roomy. I can't reach the steering wheel very well from there so I don't use them much.

    serpico1 - you are totally wrong!!!!

    It is a Pathfinder with a leather jacket - fur is out;-) Yes it is based on the same running gear/body. The QX4 has the All-mode 4WD (now available in the PF), the suspension is set up for a nicer ride (different springs), and the interior is nicer, premium dealerships, blah blah blah. Maybe some brand image thing going on there too. (c'mon, I'll admit it.)

    Infiniti is Nissan's high end stuff, just like Lexus is Toyota's high end.

    Good luck with your decision.
  • ericgrericgr Member Posts: 8
    On leg room, certainly I'm sure this can vary by individual. Next time you drive the QX4, be sure to leverage ALL adjustments ** including ** the height adjustment (height adjustment is in the QX4, optional on some other luxury SUV's). It may require you doing more than just moving the seat all the way back. Height and movement of the seatback may matter. Take your time with the seat adjustments and see if any of them matter more to you. On the QX4 verses the Pathfinder and fur, another thing to note is that the warranty on the Infiniti is better (longer, see other details), you get a loaner car for standard service, etc. Aside from that, the luxury elements in the QX4 really do add-up to quite a bit, but the cost of a fully-loaded PathFinder is close enough to the QX4 that the QX4 becomes a real value, in my opinion, not a frivilous expense. You are getting more when you get to the Infiniti, you need to take time to lookover the whole package (warranty, details in the car, etc). By the way, I believe the salesperson mentioned to me that elements like the variable steering (where the steering varies with speed I believe, I haven't looked in the service manuals yet on this to see the design) is something the QX4 might have but the Pathfinder doesn't (?). It's just a side point/question, not a determining factor in buying one or the other.
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    I am looking at both the QX4 and the 4Runner in consider of purchase. Has anyone done a thorough comparison? It appears that I could probably get the Toyota dealer to come more off of the price than the Infiniti dealer. Infiniti does offer a longer warranty. Consumer Reports or Edmunds has not done a complete review of the QX4 but both give the 4Runner excellent marks. I have seen on one board that someone had a problem with the paint on the QX4 that the dealer was not able to diagnose. Does the QX4 resale value hold up as well as the 4Runner does? Please give me some input.
  • 320cobra320cobra Member Posts: 17
    Since your asking a bunch of QX4 owners to give their opinion, you might get a some biased responses. I'll try my best not to be biased. I did test drive a 2001 4Runner limited before deciding on the QX4. Toyota has a reputation of outstanding reliability and quality build which is why I wanted to look at the 4Runner. After my test drive, I was not please with the ride of the vehicle. Too much like a pick-up truck. Stiff and a lot of front to back rocking. Also, Toyota makes every little thing, like heated seats as an example, an option. The one thing I did like on the 4Runner was the rear window went up and down. Engine performance was also not there for me. The 4Runner I looked at stickered for almost as much as the Infiniti and for a limited version, it didn't have nearly the luxury of the QX4. Just my two cents....

    320cobra
  • cayetanocayetano Member Posts: 7
    Hello all,
    Just bought a '98 QX4, great shape and runs great, and was wondering, is there an In Cabin Microfilter installed in this model?
    Haven't removed the glove box yet to check, thought I'd try here first before messing with the dash.
    Thanks
  • heatmiser1heatmiser1 Member Posts: 122
    BIGORANGE - Take a test drive in both the 4 Runner and QX4. You will definitely appreciate the interior, ride and performance of the QX4 over the 4 Runner. Both are extremely reliable vehicles and believe Consumer Reports stated that the QX4 has proven to be more reliable than the 4 Runner.

    If you can wait for another year (or maybe two), the new 4 Runner will be coming out. I owned a 95 4 Runner and now own a 99 QX4. I am really looking forward to finding out what the new 4 Runner will have to offer.

    At this point in the game there is no comparison regarding luxury, ride and performance in my opinion. Go with the QX4!!!

    I should point out one major downfall about the QX4 (and Infiniti). They have terrible resale values. Expect the depreciation on the QX4 to be significantly more than a 4 Runner...
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Looks like a great deal to me. I have a 2001 Pathfinder LE 4 x 4 on a 3yr 36k mile lease. My payments are 460.00/mo. This was with no money down. The QX with the equipment you listed should have been approximately 4K more up front. I love the PF and would have loved the Q if the initial cost were closer. I haven't had a single problem out of My PF and only have 1 year left on the lease. I think the only recall I can remember was something to do with the steering wheel lock or ignition switch and something about the brackets that support the shocks for the rear hatch needing fortifying. Sounds like a winner deal.
  • dgambledgamble Member Posts: 4
    I have a '97. The airbag light started flashing; took it into the dealership and they say the "control unit" is shot. This truck has been fully serviced, never in an accident and has 75K miles.

    Has anyone else had this problem and what were the outcomes??? Help is greatly appreciated

    drgamble@hotmail.com
  • dgambledgamble Member Posts: 4
    And the estimated cost for the fix - $670.... Hence my need for advice from others.
  • ace10ace10 Member Posts: 137
    if this is not a common problem (i have a '98 and haven't heard of it before)....

    you have three. maybe more, options.

    one. have the dealership determine if the airbag still functions, if so, live with the flashing light.
    two. if it is not a common problem, locate a replacement in the auto salvage yard.
    three. try bringing your vehicle to a niaan dealership and see what their estimate is.

    ace
  • cayetanocayetano Member Posts: 7
    Recommended? Any downsides? Does is really work? Are there any fitting issues? Thanks.
  • cayetanocayetano Member Posts: 7
    Called Infiniti and a repair/service manual for a '98 QX4 cost $181.00. Any place to get a manual cheaper? Is there a Pathfinder equivalent?
  • lalakrsfanlalakrsfan Member Posts: 44
    Does the 2001 or 2002 Qx4 have a trip computer that measures actual miles-per-gallon, miles till empty, etc?
  • mthomas3mthomas3 Member Posts: 33
    I put one in my 2001 QX4 a month ago. I got the replacement for the stock paper filter.

    I do offroading on dirt and that can pack a paper filter quickly A K & N will last 5 to 10 trips between cleanings. A paper one needs to be replaced after every outing.

    I would not use one for more power or better milage. If they help, it is hard to tell.
  • lvnlvn Member Posts: 3
    Is there an option to search for keyword or keywords within this message board. I want to see how many people complaining abound the wind noise coming from the roof rack (QX4 model 2001).
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    lvn,

    Edmund's will be upgrading the search capabilities for the boards. Meanwhile, you can enter words in the "Search Boards" box above and see what that produces.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • lalakrsfanlalakrsfan Member Posts: 44
    After much consideration, I have decided to park a new QX4 in my garage within the next 60 days. I went to carsdirect.com and priced it out with the options i want, and the carsdirect.com price is only $200 over invoice. All of the options I choose were priced at cost! This seems like a great deal, however I wonder if I might be able to take that price to a dealer and save even more. Has anyone been able, or heard of someone getting a deal below invoice?
  • mthomas3mthomas3 Member Posts: 33
    Definitely take it to a dealer. Most any dealer should be willing to beat it. Every dealer I talked to said that they would beat any internet deal I could find. Even if they sell at dealer invoice they still make a lot of money.
  • lofquistlofquist Member Posts: 281
    I've been getting some emails asking if you can still go up to Canada to get your QX4. The answer is YES, nothing has changed (a rumor got started you could not). And with the exchange rate at a new all-time high, prices are even lower. A QX4 with AWD, prem pkg, heated seats, and sunroof is now selling for about $29,300. That's over $5500 under US dealer invoice! Toronto and Vancouver seem to still have the best pricing, but you could go most anywhere.

    There are lots of posts above from me and other people who've done this. As usual I'm willing to share all the info on how I did it. Actually very easy. Just drop me an email.

    -Jon
  • flinflin Member Posts: 29
    in case anyone is interested, there is a replacement map pocket/speaker cover panel for 01 qx4's listed over at ebay.
  • lalakrsfanlalakrsfan Member Posts: 44
    Leasing a 2002 QX4 in a few weeks..can't wait!!!!

    Wondering how many of you have the rear wind deflector. Is there any noticeable function here, or are we talking cosmetic treatment only?
  • johnskevjohnskev Member Posts: 98
    lalakrsfan:

    The wind deflector does a great job of keeping the rear window clean. It obviously works much better at highway speeds but still does a great job just driving around town.
  • cayetanocayetano Member Posts: 7
    When starting, for a quick second, there's a knocking/pitter-patter that can be heard just as the engine begins to rev up. After that it's gone, even when turning the car off and turning it back on. No sure if this is normal or not. Has happened a few times when the mornings are really cold. AND it's not every time.

    '98 Qx4 @ 52K miles

    Any know what this could be?

    Thanks.
  • avalanche325avalanche325 Member Posts: 116
    It could be your oil filter. There is a valve in there that is supposed to keep the filter full when you shut the engine off. A lot of filters, YES big name ones, have a really cheap valve (ie, rubber or plastic flap) that lets the oil drain back into the pan. When you start up, the oil filter has to fill up before any oil gets pumped to the top of the engine. Therefore it knocks for a few seconds.

    I found that on my QX4 the regular Fram filter was terrible. I have the better Fram on there now (parts stores in CA have a poor selection) and it stopped the knocking. It is either the Duraguard or Ultraguard, can't remember, NOT the teflon one.

    Somewhere on this site, a guy had guite a bit of info on filters (home test - opened them up and had a look), most filters are really made by three or four different manufacturers with different paint jobs.
  • cayetanocayetano Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the info.
    I'm using a Mobil 1 with Mobil 1 syn oil. I guess I may need to look at another brand. Do you think the Infiniti/Nissan filter will be better? Sounds like the better Fram also is a good alternative as well.

    In any case, I'll try another filter the next time I change oil, actually just changed it a couple weeks ago.

    I'll searh the site and see if I can find the filter info. I'd be interested to know more about it.
  • mthomas3mthomas3 Member Posts: 33
    I had same problem on another car. I thought it was the Mobil 1 oil also, as I switched oil brands and it went away. However, the real problem was that I was using the standard quality Fram filter. At that oil change, I had also switched to an upgraded Fram filter that cost me an additional $2. The upgraded fram filter had a completely different construction and valve, and the problem went away. Now I even the upgraded Fram filters.

    From looking at the "oil filter's, who is the best?" board on Edmunds, Fram also builds filters under other brand names that can be a problem. The universal recommendation is "Anything but Fram", and caution people to compare other filters to a standard fram, and avoid the filter if it looks the same. People on the board suggest many good brands, such as Wix, Napa, K&N or the Mobil 1 filter.
  • danb187danb187 Member Posts: 1
    I'm thinking of buying either the PF LE or the QX4 but I find that the headroom in both models that have a sunroof is a little tight for me( I'm 6'2'').I do want the leather interior and I was told that the PF LE only comes with a sunroof. The QX4 dealer told me there are not many QX4's in the northeast that don't come without a sunroof? Does that mean they don't make them without a sunroof or are they just hard to find. I've read the posts regarding legroom and its true. My present Grand Marquis has much more legroom than any SUV I've looked at. But I can deal with an inch or two of legroom if my hair wasn't touching the roof! Should I wait until I go bald before I buy one?
  • mthomas3mthomas3 Member Posts: 33
    The sunroof is truly optional. My 2001 QX4 4wd does not have one. I described what I wanted, and found it on the dealer's lot. Only about 5% on any dealers lot come without the sunroof. I did not want one because in Phoenix they let in too much heat, even with the inside cover does not help much. I also noticed that the roof was weaker on those with sunroof.
  • hintzhintz Member Posts: 71
    I really like the QX4, however heard that this is the last year for the qx4. I emailed someone at infiniti headquarters however no response. Talked to the dealer and said they are redesigning the qx4 next year- much bigger and 260hp? Anyone have info?
  • tragically_hiptragically_hip Member Posts: 5
    Not sure if this is a known problem or not, but our 98 QX4 always seems to emit this foul odor after driving a while. This is only noticeable when we're getting out of the car - the car only has 19000 miles and we got it a couple months back as a lease return - runs great. Wondering if (a) anyone else has this problem and (b) do I need to worry about it?
  • couimetcouimet Member Posts: 130
    I have emailed Infiniti 3-4 times in the last 2 years (I'm stubborn I suppose) and have never received a response.
  • pf01pf01 Member Posts: 35
    Since the sales of the new Q45 is less than spectacular(see autosite.com), maybe it is time for Infiniti to put all the goodies of Q45 into FX45 and make this SUV their flagship when it rolls out in early 2003. According to "Nissan presentation in North America Auto Show - Jan. 8"(nissannews.com), the FX45 will share its platform with G35. This will be good news to me if FX45 is also only 69 inch wide, because I can barely squeeze my 2001 pathfinder into my garage. This might be a little premature and personal, but the lower rear roof line of FX45(infinitihelp.com) gives it a "naturally rear-sacking" profile. Personally, I prefer the rear end a little higher, like Chrysler Pacifica.

    Regarding engine-knock, I remember in the owner's manual of my previous car, an Altima, it was mentioned that occasional engine knock is normal, and it indicates that the car gets optimal fuel efficiency. To this day I still do not know what is engine-knock, let alone the relationship between engine-knock and fuel efficiency.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    couimet,

    I don't know who the right person is to e-mail at Infiniti but sending it to the "wrong person" will typically elicit no response. You might consider directing your queries a little higher up on the food chain.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • falcon74falcon74 Member Posts: 67
    I found these on the G35 board this evening. Good luck!

    Product & Consumer Public Relations
    Kurt von Zumwalt phone: 310/771-5238
    Director, Product & Consumer PR
    e-mail: kurt.vonzumwalt@nissan-usa.com

    Bill Garlin phone: 310/771-5351
    Corporate Manager, New Model, Design & Auto Show PR
    e-mail: bill.garlin@nissan-usa.com

    Fred Standish phone: 248/488-4227
    Corporate Manager, R&D, Manufacturing & Environmental PR
    e-mail: fred.standish@nissan-usa.com

    Nissan Division
    Tim Gallagher phone: 310/771-5606
    Corporate Manager, Nissan Division Product PR
    e-mail: tim.gallagher@nissan-usa.com

    Dean Case phone: 310/771-5264
    Manager, Nissan Division Product PR
    e-mail: dean.case@nissan-usa.com


    Infiniti Division
    John Schilling phone: 310/771-6057
    Manager, Infiniti Division Product PR
    e-mail: john.schilling@nissan-usa.com

    Eric Booth phone: 310/771-3014
    Specialist, Infiniti Division Product PR
    e-mail: eric.booth@nissan-usa.com
  • cayetanocayetano Member Posts: 7
    All,

    Just tried to program my remote following the steps below, but nothing happens after step #2...the hazard's don't flash.
    I tried removing and inserting the key multiple times and still nothing.

    1) close doors and lock all doors
    2) insert and remove key from the ignition more than 6 times within 10 seconds (hazard will flash)
    3) insert key in ignition and turn to "AAC"
    4) push any button on remote (hazard will flash)
    5) ...more remotes
    6) remove key from ignition
    7) unlock driver side door, open door, close door.

    I've got a 1998 QX4. Am I doing something wrong?

    Thanks
  • lvnlvn Member Posts: 3
    Do you have problem with the wind noise? Have you tried to contact Infiniti? I was told by Sales and Service it's a "known bug" and Infiniti has been working on the problem (for at least a year), but there is no ETA for the fix.
  • zlindsey21zlindsey21 Member Posts: 3
    I installed one last year and thought I saw benefit, I dont know. I definately see a difference in gas mileage between the winter and summer (live in Chicago). The way I look at it is I purchased the filter, plus the cleaning kit for $35-$40. Now I dont have to buy another filter for the rest of the car's life.
  • ericgrericgr Member Posts: 8
    The QX4 has several adjustments that make the whole headroom argument moot for me at least. I've never understood the issue since I'm 6-2, I have a neighbor who is bigger than me with a QX4, and neither of us have ever thought there was anything but more than enough room in the car. And I usually complain about headroom. The QX4 includes a seat HEIGHT adjustment (how far off the floor of the car). You move the adjustor up/down for that. Also, obviously, moving the seat back, then adjusting the recline of the seat a bit all work to make it very comfortable for me.
  • zlindsey21zlindsey21 Member Posts: 3
    I own a '98 QX4 that I truely enjoy.


    Unfortunately I have had several problems with it (antifreeze leaking from head gaskets, leak on exhaust intake, vacuum hose disconnection, midpipe on exhaust system damaged). Most were covered by warranty but I am hoping as I continue to put the miles on this SUV it still stays reliable (currently 62k miles, I am expecting to get 150k ++).


    Anyway, the best QX4 accessory website I have found is http://www.infinitiparts.net/. I just ordered some accessories today and I will let you know my satisfaction when they arrive.


    For the in-cabin filter, check out this website


    http://www.grubbsauto.com/nis/microfilter.html


    I just ordered a new ICMF for my '98 QX4 (which did not come with one) from the accessory web site stated above, supposedly it comes with directions for installation.


    I would like to take my QX4 off road but I'm not sure (close by) where it is legal to do so! (I live in Chicago). Any suggestions in IL, WI or MI?


    Thanks.

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