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Comments
Here are the changes for 2004....
Roof Rails are Standard
DVD is stand alone option but requires Tech Pkg.
Chrome Wheels are available (Requires TECH)
FX35
The Premium Package is now the Touring Package and includes:
Leather Seats
Heated Front Seats
Drivers Memory Seat
Power Lumbar Support
Power Tilt/Telescopic Wheel
Heated Outside Mirrors
Sunroof
Bose 300 watt Radio
Homelink
Auto Headlights
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Black Roof Rails
Cargo Net
Colors w/Touring Package:
Laser Red w/Graphite
Golden Sand w/Willow
Black w/Graphite or Willow
Brilliant Silver w/Graphite or Willow
Ivory Pearl w/Willow
Diamond Graphite w/Graphite or Willow
Sport Package includes:
Touring Package
20" wheels
Sport Tuned Suspension
Aluminum Pedals
Brushed Aluminum Roof Rails
TECH Package Includes:
Sport Package
Navigation System
Intelligent Key
Intelligent Cruise
Rearview Monitor
Tire Pressure Monitor
Colors w/ Sport or Tech Packages:
Laser Red w/Graphite
Beryllium w/Graphite or Brick-Black
Golden Sand w/Willow
Black w/Graphite or Willow or Brick-Black
Ivory Pearl w/ Willow
Liquid Copper w/Graphite or Brick-Black
Diamond Graphite w/Graphite or Willow or Brick-Black or Willow-Black
FX45 (Remember the touring package is standard on the FX45)
Premium Package includes:
Sunroof
Bose 300 watt Radio
Homelink
Auto Headlights
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Brushed Aluminum Roof Rails
Cargo Net
TECH Package Includes:
Sport Package
Navigation System
Intelligent Key
Intelligent Cruise
Rearview Monitor
Tire Pressure Monitor
Colors w/ Premium or Tech Packages:
Laser Red w/Graphite
Beryllium w/Graphite or Brick-Black
Golden Sand w/Willow
Black w/Graphite or Willow or Brick-Black
Ivory Pearl w/ Willow
Liquid Copper w/Graphite or Brick-Black
Diamond Graphite w/Graphite or Willow or Brick-Black or Willow-Black
After I got my coffee and headed out the door that same person stopped me . With cell phone in hand , he asked me . " What model was this ?" I told him it was a Infiniti FX45 . He also asked, " What color is that ? " I told him Berilium . Immediately , he told the other person on the cell phone what I said and concluded the phone call with , " This is what I want , either in brown or black ! "
This guy based his decision only on the outside looks . I didn't have time to explain to him about my Tech. package and all the other features. He just had major " WOW " factor !
P.S. : Happy Fourth of July to all those who celebrate it !
It matters little in a lease if it's 03 or 04, but consider this in a purchase.
You can probably get a whale of a deal in your area on an existing 03.
You have to balance that on what you will pay for an 04.
In San Diego, there is no "surplus" of FXes. I gave up with the dealers here.
They did not have the options and colors I wanted, would not do a dealer trade, and wanted over $100 more per month on the lease.
So I drove to Grubbs and got exactly the color and deal I wanted with no games.
So wait if you want, but you can get great deals now.
Here in San Diego, it's hard to find exactly what you want. A 50k car here is chump change for high-tech yuppies.
Can't stay out of the car!
It's DG with Willow/Black, with Tech.
I've never owned an SUV or truck, just cars and station wagons.
My last vehicle was a Manual Lincoln LS. Great handling car but low on power.
The FX is at least a second faster 0-60.
Car and Driver tested the 45 at 6.3 and .87g.
I can believe the 0-60 but I can't tell if I'm cornering as fast as my LS at it's .84g. I can get the tires to complain (all four at once)at the limit, which is quite good for the center of gravity being so high.
Sliding the rear out is, I think, out of the question with VDC,BLSD, and other interfering mechanisms.
So is burning rubber from a stop with AWD, but on surfaces with minimal traction, I can get the tires to slip a small amount (until the ABS detectors find the slip).
I'm sure that the FX series corners better than any so-called SUV.
The recent reviews on the Cayenne contain lots of critical comments, by the way.
Since the 35 is about equal to a Cayenne S in acceleration, and few of these will ever be taken off-road, the 35 has got to be the deal for the money. The Porsche weighs in at over 5000 lbs. It's the H2 of crossover designs. I'd hate to have to drag that weight around everyday.
The Bose system defies the old audiophile adage: "No highs,no lows; that's Bose" in one way: It's got the highs.
Maybe the system is honest about the lows and does not exaggerate the bass, but I would like a little more bottom end. I'm always looking for a loudness compensation switch. My LS had a "comp" button.
I also wish that the 4 power outlets were on 100% of the time.
I'm waiting for someone to put out a module so that I can turn on the reverse camera at any time.
A nationwide company already has the DVD on SAT screen thing figured out. It's at www.nav-tv.com.
I just got an E-mail from them saying it's a done deal but no price was given.
I have the infamous thermal instability with the plastic hoop rear door "spoiler". It happened in Nebraska while on vacation. It was a really hot day, and only the second day with the car. My dealer in San Diego has a new door on order and their body shop has lots of experience taking out the dents.
Don't get paranoid, but if it's real hot and sunny outside, look at the top of your black hoop "spoiler" for obvious thermal distortion. It will "grow" at the very top and get "wavy". If you open the hatch, put pressure on the hoop top or you will crater the roof sheet metal. Nothing the Dent Doctor couldn't iron out. I doubt this would have happened here in Insane Diego because it doesn't get that warm here but watch it this Summer if you leave the car outside.
More "impressions" later. Need to get my FX FIX.
Also, the car has a "rattle" in the driver's side door, which my previous car (an Acura) also had. I read a previous posting on Edmunds from someone who put in carpet pads--the things you put on the bottom of chair legs--whenever he got a new car to prevent this sort of problem. Where do you put them? I got the impression this was to prevent metal or plastic from rubbing against other metal and/or plastic and producing an irritating sound when driving on rough surfaces. Any thoughts on this?
Just curious.
I personally like the high-tech nature of the Infiniti's interior, although I agree the Passat is more luxurious. I also had some electronic problems and other problems with the Passat although they were mostly livable. So far, I've had the G35c since last November, have about 5600 miles, and the only problem I've had was with the CD changer, which had to be replaced.
jb.
The economy sucks in many places, but here in San Diego, the FXes are really moving.
So it depends on what you want or will take.
It's all "remaining inventory", but there is a lot of it.
The dealers are relunctant to do dealer trades because they need to sell what they have, and some dealers don't want to trade valuable colors out but keep and sell them themselves. So sometimes you have to find the car on Infiniti.com and go to the dealer that has it.
$500 over invoice - well it depends if you can get the car you want. I doubt whether the dealer will trade at $500 over invoice.
Of course, the dealers will probably not offer $500 over invoice if you wait for an '04.
In general, the Fx has been a good seller, and since this is the first year, it's a real market test as to color, trim and option popularity. No doubt we will see changes in package mixes as well in '04.
I was back in Nebraska in a real small town, on a dirt road after two days of rain last month.
Being from San Diego almost since birth, I'd never gotten in such an unavoidable situation. If I had been in my Lincoln LS, I'm sure I would have been walking to town to borrow a shovel or a tractor tow.
But I just kept the 45 below 13 mph so the AWD would work, and while I drifted around in the mud from side to side, I never stopped and I made it through to the other (dry) side.
That was the extent of my lifetime off-pavement, and I paid my pennance at the local do-it-yourself car wash blasting off the mud with about $12.00 worth of quarters. Thank goodness the mudflaps were installed at the L.A. port of entry, or that mud would have been ALL over the car.
By the way, there are all kinds of nooks and crannies under the body for mud to settle. A real off-roader would have complete wheel well inner liners.
Doing an H2, over the rock thing, is of course, way out of the question with the FX.
But then the H2 does 0-60 in about 15 seconds, does .70 g in corners, and gets 10 mpg no matter how you drive it. It's as bad on the road as the FX is off-road.
If you really want to go off-road, buy a Jeep Wrangler. It can climb rocks better than a Hummer. It's relatively light and less likely to flip over. It's a lot less than 53k also. My neighbor just picked up a mint used one for 14k from an older lady who simply tired of it.
Upon arrival, in the adjacent small town which is about 200 miles from the nearest Infiniti dealer, the vehicle naturally drew plenty of long stares and many second looks, when cruising down Main Street and when parking it to get a bite to eat. I'm sure that for most everyone there it was the first time ever seeing an FX. This is a town where you see more SUV's and pickup trucks than sedans, and probably 95% of them are your conventional American makes.
Once at the resort, fellow guests - nearly all of whom we know from years' past - had lots of questions throughout the entire week. One guy remarked, "God, those wheels are HUGE, what are they, 17's?" <g>
The only downside of the trip was that one night a real bad storm came through, with tornado warnings lasting for more that two hours. Fortunately we didn't get any tornado's, but very unfortunately we did experience a pretty wicked thunderstorm which included some FREAKIN' HAIL! The adjacent tall trees helped shelter the car some, but I took about three pretty good hits, including one very noticeable dent on the hood, which I'm having looked at early next week. Hopefully the paintless dent expert that I've used before on a previous car for door dings can get it looking like new again. Up until that evening the paint was flawless, as it's always been garaged, except of course when it's been driven! Shoot, even the 8 coats of wax that I had applied in the past three months since taking delivery couldn't protect it completely against those damn hail stones, which I was told reached the size of ping-pong balls. It was a very sick feeling indeed, suddenly hearing those stones crash against the sides and roof of the little cabin we were staying in, and not being able to do anything to save the exterior of my car! :-( But compared to some of the other cars there that were more exposed, we came out relatively well, as some of the others took dozens of indentations. We were actually relieved that we avoided an actual tornado, as it was a very scary sky that evening, with low, rotating cloud masses and what appeared to be funnels off in the distance, which we got a good view of with our lakeside view.
So it was "almost perfect" week, and with the excellent fishing - coupled with the great-handling FX to tool around with on those smooth, blacktop roads winding through the forests - once the boat was unhitched - the fun we had easily overcame the three small dents I drove home with. Once those imperfections are smoothed over, I'll just remember all the fun parts.
I can't seem to find any reliable references for that. If you have one I'd really appreciate your sharing it! Thanks!
tidester, host
Of course, one has to agree on the definition of "off-road" use.
I don't think driving down dirt driveways, puddle-jumping in the winter, and dirt-road duties really qualifies.
Maybe we should include everything from a little desert trail driving to the extreme Rubicon Trail stuff where the Wrangler boys tear front axles out.
Surely, almost all typical SUVes are ill equipped for much more than going over 2" rocks. Their front ends are way too delicate.
You can probably name using one hand the popular models that could really handle true off-road.
That would be the Wrangler, Land Rover, the Land Cruiser derivatives.
I don't know if the H2 is a real SUV since the Sport part is way too deficient. It's really out of it's element on concrete and asphalt. It only does .70g on corners, which makes the C&D worst list (3 positions of ten this year).
Let's also consider the "insurance problem". What is AAA going to do when you call them up on Monday morning to tell them you rolled your 80k
Land Rover or Cayenne.
I think the more adventurous try out their SUV off-road just once. They probably pay for the experience one way or another.
90% of these vehicles don't have real 4 wheel drive systems anyway. Locking front,center and rear differentials separate the serious with money from the amateurs and their ho-daddy affordable SUV's.
Like the seniors with Corvettes that have to get the dealer to clean out the carbon with chemicals, the well to do that buy Cayennes and Land Rovers are usually used to rolling coffins for their other vehicles and never use them to their potential.
Whatever you drive, I think it's important to explore both the vehicle's and your limitations.
There is a lot of wasted vehicular potential out there.
It's like putting Northstars in granny Cadillacs. Why waste those engines in overweight
FWD rolling coffins. A 3800 pushrod Buick V-6 would do the same for those drivers.
My next "car" to replace the Manual Lincoln LS I just turned in may be the CTS V. Should have the Northstar but I'll take the 400hp small block.
At least it will have truth in its purpose.
Not like the makers of SUVs that give the impression that you can actually go "off-road" for $20k.
Will post once I receive it ....
I am not sure anyone has reliable stats on how many SUVers do offroading. Oh, well, I'll keep looking!
tidester, host
I'll dig around also.
I know here in Socal that we have a load of SUVs that could never go on even a dirt road.
You know, the "mobile jewelry" type with chromed 22-24" wheels and ribbon tires. I'd be afraid of a small pothole with these rigs. Most of them are Navigators.
Have you seen the chrome wheels with the "spinning discs" that spin after the SUV stops?
Mobile Jewelry for sure. Who says form follows function. Not here.
National Center for Public Policy Research. Naturally they don't reference the surveys. The Detroit Project agrees with them.
A Big 3 surveys says "only 13 percent of sport utility vehicles are driven off road."
Independent Insurance Agents of NJ (supposedly is quoting an IIHS study).
Steve, Host
Exactly! I've never seen the original source material though it's often alluded to!
Stanny: You know, the "mobile jewelry" type with chromed 22-24" wheels and ribbon tires.
Oh, yes! The kids drag race those things around here - pretty scary - though I haven't seen an Infiniti among them!
tidester, host
It's just not in my culture.
I hope they stay with the Navigators.
They are slow and being slower won't matter.
To spend 6 grand on being slower is beyond me. One of the mags tested an Expedition with chromed 23" wheels. It was actually slower than with the stock wheels.
Instead of looks, wheel buyers should concentrate on offset and weight.
Unfortunately, the wheel dealers don't even publish those #s. Some of the manufacturers do.
HRE Performance Wheels just E-mailed me and wanted my car for fitment measurements for their 640R Series Forged Wheels, offering me a discount for being a guinea pig. These are not chrome wheels but lighter forged units. These are not cheap wheels!
I think that the only reason for new wheels is to reduce unsprung weight. Looks is secondary.
Thank Goodness there are just a couple wheels available in the aftermarket, and those are just 20". Or we might see some real disasters like low-rider editions with 6" offsets and tacky chrome mudflaps, and two-level rear spoilers screwed to the tailgate. I know it's an eventuality but let's hope it's in a few years.
Are you sitting down?
How about $7200? Plus tax I'm sure.
Their not chrome or gold plated but with some good tires, mounting and balancing, you might have ten big ones invested.
Wheel locks would be a joke. They will just steal your FX!
I read the manual but what real advice is there regarding break in procedure? What is the max speed recommended. Are there "shavings" requiring Oil change/trans fluid changes, at what mileage?
What kind of oil is installed from the factory?
Also anyone know where you can get the 3M film near Ontario California, Southern Calif?
Almost all the new wheels you see on SUVs are there for looks.
Some are not really proper for the vehicle (offset, weight, diameter, not hub-centric), but the consumer does not know and buys for looks only.
I do want a different look and I don't want the mobile jewelry mode. Then I'd have to start wearing a baseball cap backward, and driving slow in the right lane. Not my style.
Maybe I'll have the wheels painted or exchange them for the 2004's.
Infiniti does not recommend replacement wheels because you will likely lose the tire pressure monitior function.
Evidently, the sensor/transmitter module cannot be removed and adapted/mounted to just any new wheel.
11 speakers and 300 watts makes me wonder: Where is the 300 watts and what are the 11 speakers supposed to do?
The two speakers in the spare tire "Sub" housing seem to be on vacation. The four small door speakers in my Lincoln LS produced more bass.
The four 2.5" drivers in the dash seem to overpower the door speakers, which are trying to reproduce the mids and low mids. But the dash speakers are way too present.
I've e-mailed Bose and the co-inventor of the proprietary Bose software logarithm.
I know the old saying in the Audiophiile world is "No highs, no lows; that's Bose".
Well, I've got the highs. No problem. Clear and bright. But the low and mids are not to be found.
There is no "comp" or loudness switch. The best I can do is max out the "volume compensation" control that makes up for ambient noise.
I've tried the balance/fader but that just reduces the presence.
The Bose system is supposed to be "non-modifiable". That means you have to junk the entire system, including the wierd 1-2 ohm speakers.
I think I will try a "DashMat" to dampen the dash speakers and then add some acoustic padding underneath the Mat to attenuate the volume even more if necessary.
Do any of my fellow FX owners have this problem?
Usually we are close to or the same as Kelley on invoicing. Discrepancies on any of the books (Galves, NADA, etc. for invoice) probably is explained in the fine print by what's accounted for in the invoice; destination, ad fees, who knows.
Steve, Host
Honestly, I love that car and it wrecks me to sell it. Especially since I'm stepping down to something along the lines of an Accord. Not that an Accord is a bad car (many people would love to have one), but it's just not my FX.
As a real estate broker for 30 years, and #1 in two zip codes for years for $ volume, maybe I can help you out with some quick tips.
Having the FX might help you with your clients.
They may want to go see property in your car versus some other agent.
You may be able to have people identify you and your car.
"Lance-the agent that's different!" Build on it.
At least, the FX might open doors, spike curiousity, get people talking about you and to you, asking questions - an "ice breaker".
In a business where almost all agents charge the same and do the same, at least you won't look or drive the same.
Real estate is full of stories about the different agent that attracted clients looking for something that stands out and is different.
"Lance-the agent with the Ninja Turtle car" or "Lance-the agent with the Godzillamobile".
I'd have pictures made with you and the car.
Some agents buy some old or wierd car for that image.I've known many, with a 58 white Olds to a Rolls-Royce.
You are now in the image game. You have to sell yourself above all.
Answer the question: "Why should I use Lance rather than Joe Blow to list my house?"
Because he drives the coolest car in town!
Be sure to get that magnetic sign with your logo ASAP.
Remember, real estate is not a team sport.
He and I are FX agents in a sea of H2s, Caddys, Bimmers and Mercs.
We are sorely outnumbered, and we need to make the most of it.
The FX has lots of clean real estate on each side for big magnetic signs.
Here are my questions. Considering the oversupply of 2003's (there were over 50 on the lot today), should I buy now or wait? Does anyone know any pricing details for the 2004's? Has anyone seen any without the roof rails? There were none on the lot, but I think in the literature I have it looks way better without the roof rack. What types of deals are people getting? I paid $500 over invoice on my 4Runner when it was extremely popular, and the same for our Sequoia in its second model year, so I'm a decent negotiator. Can I expect to pay invoice since there were so may on the lot? Am I more likely to get better pricing on a 45 or a 35? I'm leaning towards the 45 because of resale value and just because I can afford it. I tend to keep cars for many years. My 4Runner is almost 10 years old.
Finally, are there any other forums to read about the fx? Could you give me the web address?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Bones
The end result is that the payment will probably be about the same, or even more than you are now paying. The end result is that you continue to pay interest on the surplus as well as the new car, and end up paying a LOT more over the time of yoru new purchase. If you have the cash to put enough down to avoid this, then you don't need to sell it.
The time to reduce the payments was before you bought it, not now.
Just some thoughts ! Good Luck.
Please do a net search for other info sources; promoting competing auto forums isn't permitted on Town Hall (our bean counters frown on giving free advertising to the competition). Thanks.
Steve, Host
All that said, if you really want the Tech Pkg, but don't want to pay for the DVD, and especially if there is a color combination that you really like that is only available on the '04, then it wouldn't hurt to wait a while and see what develops. You'll probably pay more, but you would get exactly what you want.
Good luck - it's a fantastic car.
I personally like the look of the FX without the roof rails, which is what I got since I would never use them anyway. But of course this is purely subjective and many people like the look of the rails, even if they never use them to carry anything.