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All who say the FX is selling poorly for infiniti are wrong flat out. Compare FX sells with previous year QX4 sells. It is almost 2-1 that is a major win for infiniti. Does it sell as many as the rx330 or mdx? No because it is not a mass market car. It would be like trying to compare civic sales versus wrx sales two totally different animals. The thing for inifiniti is the avg selling price is way more than what it was for the QX4 and they are selling more of them therefore it is a success. This is a no compromise vehicle and I like that fact. As Stanny1 said it is a standout vehicle and sets you apart from the crowd. Plus it's cool that my "lowly" v6 will show it's tail lights to a porsche cayenne s costing 20k more
The FX is actually not selling as well as Infiniti had hoped. The vehicle went on sale January 24. If you take away the 326 sales in January, the FX has been on sale for five full months (Feb - June). In that time it has sold 10,278 units, an average of 2,056 per month. At that rate, Infiniti would sell 24,672 per year - about 18% below their goal of 30,000.
No matter how good the FX is, it is not meeting Infiniti's stated sales goal so far (although it is helping the brand tremendously).
I have very little debt against the FX, so I actually would get a large check back from the dealer.
Regarding the marketing strategy, that is an extremely interesting thought. I'll have to figure out if I can pull if off.
Otherwise, if anyone would like to buy it from me for $37.5M please let me know. FX35 2wd Tech Pkg (white with tan).
There have been some substantial defects with the FX expecially warping of the rear spoiler which makes the hatch impossible to open unless you damage the metal roof. Infiniti has been replacing the hatch so far.
Uhhmmm... the hatch can still be opened if you press on the rear spoiler. So I wouldn't say that it's impossible to open. However, if you are not aware that the rear hatch has warped, there is a good chance that the roof can be dented should the rear hatch be opened.
And yes, Infiniti replaces the full hatch prepainted. However, there aren't really a lot of cases known. But, it is an issue.
Many FXs have been recalled to fix a rear axle problem, etc.
No recalls on a rear axle. The recall was for 164 vehicles due to BOLTS WHICH ATTACH THE PROPELLER SHAFT(S) TO THE TRANSAXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL(S) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PROPELLER SHAFT BOLTS AND TIGHTEN THE BOLTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. 164 vehicles is hardly MANY IMO.
If you can wait for the 2004 model, please do so. But if you can't wait, you would probably get a 2003 for a good deal. Just my 2 cents.
Lance, list your FX on eBay via Pepboys.com and maybe you'll win something (please no buying & selling here).
Steve, Host
Just recently, I have heard radio ads here in San Diego for the 45.
They are locally produced and have a coach and player talking about their 45s like they are at a party.
They talk about blowing people away when stepping on the gas on the freeway and the looks they get.
Probably going after the same people who bought or wish they could buy an H2 to get noticed.
It sure is a different kind of ad. Sort of like "Buy an FX and be like a pro-sports player".
Fine with me.
I'm not the type that likes to look like everybody else.
The typical box SUV is a big yawn for me.Too industrial looking.
Life is too short to drive an appliance!
In fact, if the 0-60 numbers weren't there, I wouldn't have got the 45.
Now when the jacked-up, chrome-laden Suburbans come up next to me at the stoplight, I just leave them behind driving their overweight tanks.
To me, they are just carrying around a ball and chain.
San Diego is full of these off-road phonies who would break their front-ends if they did bother to drive 100 miles and go "off-road".
But it looks good spending thousands on all the Dick Cepek and Off-road Warehouse stuff.
I especially like the 3 shocks at each wheel with the bright-red accordian vinyl dust covers.
At least it looks more functional than a Navigator with 24" spinning discus chrome wheels that can't go over a drainage swale in the middle of the road without bending a wheel.
Besides, the sooner I find some, the sooner I have to detail my dash. And you can't rush work, you know.
hmmm, maybe if I just mix some cough syrup and Diet Coke and spritz it on, it'll work just as good? link
Steve, Host
Has anyone had any quality problems beside the warped hatch roof and the axle problem?
How is the leather holding up?
Thankyou in advance
You can reproduce it by pushing up on the glass.
I am looking to buy (or lease) FX35 and want 2 know:
1. Does sport suspension make any difference in terms of 0-60 and hwy acceleration? I don't really care about '20 tires therefore thinking of getting premium package instead of sport.
2. Does anybody here lease it and for what monthly payments/downpayment?
4 of the 6 got back to me the same day and the 5th got back to me the next morning (with a "bad computer" explanation).
Here are the results of my approx. $52,000 List Car.
Dealer 1 - $2,200 off list
Dealer 2 - $2,900 off list
Dealer 3 - $4,400 off list
Dealer 4 - $4,900 off list (THIS IS AT INVOICE)
Dealer 5 - $4,900 off list (THIS IS AT INVOICE)
Each Dealer had the exact car I wanted (White and Loaded) and all were easy and pleasant to work with.
Both "At Invoice" salesmen were happy to make a customer even if they didn't make much/any commission
I went with the "earlier to reply to my request" and after just a two minute telephone conversation, I went to the dealership to buy the car.
Everything went as smooth as silk and in the time it took to fill out the paper work, they had the car cleaned up, preped and ready to go. I was out of there in about 45 minutes and spent the rest of the day seeing how lost I could get.
Damn navigation system got me back in time for work the next morning but my girl friend was not very happy--she now is demanding that I get a phone in the car.
I have been a Chevy Suburban/GMC Denali/Escalade guy for the last 15 or so years--this is the first car sized vehicle that I may just like as much (however, in no uncertain terms do my 120+ pound dogs).
Excellent strategy. My question is this. What added fees did they tack on? Our local dealership wants to tack on the $399 document fee. I've also heard about ad fees. According to the consumer reports report that I paid $12 for, there is a $1242 holdback on this car. This means that at the end of the year the dealership gets that money back on each vehicle. There are also other bonus monies that are presumably being given to move this 2003 model. Our local dealer has over 50 on the lot. Funny thing is, my salesman has promised me $300 over invoice on a 2004 if I order one. Doesn't even have to be right now. So I think these will still be agressively priced when the 2004 models come out.
Anyone have any idea of the 2004 pricing?
Bones
It seems that most dealers have adequate inventory.
I always lease in mid-summer. I really don't care about the 2004 models (unless they have 50 more HP).
A lease protects me on the turn-in value. I only care about cash down and the monthly rent.
This is the time to "make a deal".
PS - Thanks for the help on the Toureg Board
1) Sunroof Creak (and sunroof leaks in the car wash): Miller Infiniti lubricated the seal; however, the creak and leak persist.
2) Seat Squeak: Miller Infiniti performed the lubrication repair as mentioned the the Infiniti Bulletin. The squeaking stopped for about 3 weeks, but has returned.
3) Seat "rocks" foward when braking: My rep at Miller Infinti explained that this was normal, and Infiniti seats are designed to have a little "play" in them.
Needles to say, I grown frustrated with Infiniti service.
But I tell you the handling and acceleration leave a lot to be desired compared to my FX45 - no comparison there. The FX around corners and coming out of corners is a real blast to drive, whereas the RX does not have that "connected" feeling (although it's much much better than the previous generation RX). The RX on the other hand is definitely a more comfortable long distance cruiser, especially over poor stretches of concrete freeways that can make the ride in the FX feel jittery at times (it does not have this problem with asphalt). And I would have to say that the interior build quality is superior on the RX, although I think the leather on my FX(brick color) will prove to be more durable over the long run - time will tell.
So in summary I would say that we own a real nice combination, that suits our tastes perfectly. I've always preferred more performance-oriented vehicles, and the FX sure delivers on that score. (my wife drives it occasionally, and has remarked several times how fast it is - it's surprised her how quickly the car takes off from a standing start). But based on her reaction, the RX is a better choice for her. It's fast enough, and she really appreciates the smoothness and luxury it offers. If her reaction is any guide, I think there is something to the "chic car" reputation that the RX has garnered, although the new styling and performance package make it more acceptable as a driver's car as well. As I get more time behind the wheel I'll post additional thoughts now and then.
My gas cap cover panel won't release. I have locked and unlocked the doors several times using both the key-fob and the door switch. The cap cover still will not release. I am at a rural station and I don't have enough gas to get me to the next town -- to say nothing about the 85 miles to the nearest Infiniti dealer.
I have a career defining presentation I must give to a large group in two hours.
My previous vehicles had a manual emergency release for the gas filler cover that was accessed from the trunk -- the FX doesn't.
I would like to hear any constructive solutions to this situation --- before it really happens !
It seems that the huge 20" tires help the FX in the braking and handling department. See C&D Infiniti FX35 RWD Review and C&D Infiniti FX45 Review.
Quotes from the review:
With 265/50 Goodyear Eagle RS-A gumballs mounted on standard 20-inch wheels, it's not surprising that the FX45 generates serious cornering grip. We measured 0.87 g on the skidpad. And when you stomp on the ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, this massive helping of rubber brings the FX to a halt from 70 mph in just 160 feet.
...the 265/60VR-18 Bridgestone Potenza RE92s (on the FX35) provide sufficient grip for the FX to corner at 0.80 g and stop from 70 mph in 181 feet.
Please note that the FX45 is AWD while the FX35 was RWD so this may have also affected the outcome of the numbers.
BTW, I have the Premium Package with the 18" wheels. The 20" wheels were deemed to produce too jarring a ride for my toddlers. It is, after all, the babymobile.
From the axle recall, the warping hatch problem, the rattles and squeaks, leaking and noisy sunroofs, front seats with to much play and so on and so forth. Maybe Nissan is having trouble maintaining quality with the higher volume they are now producing with Infiniti.
I do not see all these problems with the new Lexus RX330 on the boards.
Maybe the fun of the vehicle will outway the problems?
Anyway problems are not widespread I bought my vehicle in april and have had the total of 1 problem. which was the moving/squeaking seat which has been fixed.
The warp hatch is a recall and there is a preventive measure fix out now. I don't think lexus issued a recall for all the es300 transmissions that have failed also the rx330 has only been out 3 months compared with 6 for the fx.
If you read the toyota sienna board (same powertrain as rx330) they have also had serious transmission problems.
Here on this board is the first I have heard of the sunroof leaking. I have taken my car through high pressure car washes and torrential rains and have 0 leaks.
The axle recall affeted a whole 164 vehicles and I have heard of no one that has experienced the problem cited in that recall.
This has been the most problem free car in the first 7000 miles than any of my past cars so I personally think the quality is outstanding.
Make: INFINITI
Model: FX?5
Year: 2003
Recall Number: 03V164000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BOLTS WHICH ATTACH THE PROPELLER SHAFT(S) TO THE TRANSAXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL(S) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.
Consequence:
IF THE BOLTS COME LOOSE, THE PROPELLER SHAFT MAY COME OFF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PROPELLER SHAFT BOLTS AND TIGHTEN THE BOLTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Notes:
NISSAN RECALL NO. ITB03-032. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
And the warped hatch issue is not yet a recall, AFAIK. I don't even see a Technical Service Bulletin for it. While it is an issue, it is not as widespread as people make it out to be.
Our FX35 does not exhibit any of these issues after almost 4000 miles. Not yet, anyway. I have no seat squeaks or sunroof leaks. This is, so far, one of the most problem-free vehicles that we have owned. The other one was the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder.
But please, get the facts straight.
The RX330 is a nice vehicle but I would never consider buying one.
My worry is that without a manual over-ride from inside the car, a malfunction of the release solenoid could strand us anytime, anywhere. Kind of "a loss of a kingdom for want of a horseshoe nail " thing. Being a retired engineer, I'm a firm believer in Murphy's Law !
I did have the gas cover lid refuse to release on a previous vehicle -- due to frozen ice, snow and slush which we have for months at a time around here.
Fortunately, I was able to manually release the lid from inside the trunk.
I understand that it might not be advisable to discuss breaking into to the filler cap on a message board -- but I'd rather lose a tank of gas to a thief every now and then rather than get stranded.
I plan to bring up this subject with the dealer at the next service interval -- but I'm sure all I will hear is that the Infiniti is sooo perfect this could never happen !!
Thanks for your reply, Duffer
I live in NJ and I would like to hear from people who have traded in their cars for a new Infiniti in NJ. Do they offer NADA gide values? One general trend that I noticed with infiniti dealers' web sites is that they all link to NADAguides for trade-in appraisal, while all lexus dealer sites link to KBB invariably, unless I am mistaken.
For instance, One of the infiniti dealers based in central NJ has links to NADA guides for trade-in appraisal. The same company also has a Lexus dealership in South Jersey. Their lexus site links to KBB?!?
Would be great if someone can provide feedback...
I am vacillating between an RX 330 and an FX35; this would really help me make a decision. I guess there's only one way to find out, but I thought I would run this by the forum and see what people have to say.
Thank You!
Best bet dollar wise, as a general rule, is to sell it yourself, Njexpress. But it can be a hassle.
Steve, Host
b)Brand Cachet
c) space
d) My wife loves the RX while I flipped while, I totally flipped when I saw photos of FX for the first time in Mar'02.
I really wanted to buy a sports car to replace my current wheels but couldn't do so due to unavoidable reasons. I am sure that either of us will compromise readily for the other.So, it really boils down to who likes what the most, between me and my wife. I guess only a test drive of both vehicles will deciede that, so
I will be test driving both of them a few weeks from now. Don't wanna do it yet since I don't want to make a purchase until the '04s have rolled in. Besides, I heard the Murano is coming up with manumatics on SEs and I definitely want to see how it drives...
Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback and I will keep you all updated..
Not that car theft is a problem in NJ... <g>. Unless that "NJ" in your name means something else?
Steve, Host
1) Is the FX as reliable as the Lexus?
2) Is it also as much of a status symbol as having an RX parked in the driveway? I am sure these 2 questions can be argued on endlessly...
Thanks for the feedback once again!
i was looking into trading in my '03 MDX for an FX.i went to my local infiniti dealer (willow grove in PA, jeff rosen) and holman in nj and made calls to a few dealers in pa and nj.
my local dealer gave me a great deal...so much so that another dealership told me that i should take it.
the bottom line is that the dealerships can tell you what they want-trade in values based on kbb, galves, nada, etc.- but there is alot that can be done if the dealership wants your business.
shop around and get what you really want.
the fx is an awesome performance oriented machine, which i would choose over the rx anyday.
good luck
I totally understand what you are saying.. It really is at the discretion of the dealer(ship)s when it comes to how they want to deal.
Please tell us more about your deal! I am eager to find out more. I am not sure how the interstate purchases work - I need to research more on those lines also!
Take Care and Have a Great day if we don't communicate again today!
Has anyone explored putting spacers under the passenger seat to raise it up ?
I don't like the idea of asking her to sit on a thick pillow --- either from a safety point of view, or the resulting asthetics in a $50,000 vehicle.
This must be a common complaint of the FX.
Any ideas out there?
And yes, it's a common complaint.