Infiniti FX45 Infiniti FX35

slummyj

One time we went to a restaurant. They had valet parking. I had been driving with the remote tech key. When we got to the restaurant, I shut off the car and put the valet key in the ignition. I don't know if that caused the problem or the valet parkers were fooling around, but the ignition locked up and would not turn. I called Infiniti and they had the car towed in. It was Sat. night so the dealer wasn't open. The tow truck driver called us from the dealer's and said he started it by locking and unlocking the driver's door 3 times and did something else that I don't remember. Since then it has worked fine. I called the dealer Mon. morning and they had no idea what I was talking about. I e-mailed Infiniti and never got an answer from them.

jpiatchek

Thanks for the reply. In our case, the key would turn and crank, but not start. Guess it's just a case of fried computer brains. Hasn't happened since.

sbindley

I was just told by an Infiniti salesman that the 2003 models built after May 1st already have the updated suspension that Infiniti announced for the 2004 model FX45's. Has anyone else heard this? He claimed there was a "marked difference" between the pre and post-May models...

crikey

Infiniti made no announcements regarding the revised suspension affecting the 2003 FX models. The salesman might just be tricking you into a 2003 model.

AFAIK, the revised suspension only affects 2004 models. For 2003 models, the compliant suspension is on the FX35 with no Sport or Technology Packages, i.e. Base FX35 or FX35 with Premium Package.

ahdanna

The debate begins...

2003 FX45 AWD, Premium package
vs.
2004 FX35 AWD, Premium package, no sport

Lease is "comparable" for both.

What do you guys think? I live in NJ if that makes any difference.

Thanks,
ahdanna

2963

Aside from the obvious differences between the 35 vs. the 45 (two extra cylinders and the extra HP / torque / performance characteristics), you may want to consider an '04 FX (35 or 45) for the added benefit of the new "snow mode" offered with the tranny in the '04 models. This may come in handy, as you mentioned you live in New Jersey...

Here's a blurb from www.nissannews.com regarding this new feature (as well as others added for '04):

"Enhancements for the 2004 FX include a refined suspension for improved ride comfort, a new 8-way power passenger seat that replaces the previous 4-way design, available aluminum roof rails and 20-inch chrome-plated wheels, new dark silver metallic finish added to 20-inch wheels (for non-chrome wheels), standard HVAC air filter added on all models, and the addition of a Snow-Mode function (shifts throttle input algorithm in low-speed slippery road conditions once activated by the driver for enhanced traction)."

Food for thought...

JBaumgart

First I would drive both and see if you notice a difference in the ride quality. If you like the firmer suspension feel of the '03 FX45, I would go for its extra HP (performance). Since it's a lease and depreciation is not an issue, this would seem to be the better deal if the terms are comparable as you say. The '04's do not have any major styling changes, so most casual observers would not notice that you have an '03. This assumes that you would consider the other changes as noted by 2963 to be relatively minor and not paying extra for. I have not driven the '04 so I cannot comment on the difference in ride quality, but I can say that I am very satisfied with my '03 FX45 - it's firm but I like it that way. Actually I LOVE the way it performs and handles "as is" but I realize that others would prefer a softer ride (like my wife - she has an RX330).

As for the snow mode, I suppose that would be nice, but I have a set of winter wheels & tires on order, so I do not expect to have any trouble in the snow this winter here in Minnesota.

2963

Does anyone know when the '04's will be arriving in dealer showrooms? My local Infiniti dealer here in Southern California told me (a few weeks ago) that they won't be in until November.

Ahdanna, as you've already gotten a lease quote for an '04, are they in stock back east?

Just curious...

tmjdds

Got a call today from MotorWerks and my 2004 is scheduled to arrive on November 11th. Chrome wheels, premium pkg w/aluminim roof rails and it should have the toned down suspension. Berryllium16 w/Brick int. I placed my order just one week ago on 10/6.

ck37

Residuals are out for the 04's are out but the money factor hasn't been released yet. Supposably, The 04's will be released back east first. (this coming from a so cal dealer) however Fresh alloy dealers are saying the week of the 23rd of October is when they are expecting them.
Also if you are planning to lease a car, going with a newer model can be more beneficial in terms of residuals and a possibly better money factor.

crikey

I agree with JBaumgart. If you can tolerate the stiffer suspension, the 03 FX45 looks to be a better deal over the 04 FX35 with Premium, IMO.

sbindley

I actually called Infiniti North America and they said the 04's are out now, that some dealers already have them. They also said there only the 04's have the revised suspension. I'll drive both and 03 ans 04 Tech FX45 and see what I like better. The 03's are plentiful and I could save thousands, but I don't want a buckboard ride that is non adjustable. If Car and Driver calls it far too harsh, that's a red flag for me.

t0677g

Does the FX35 with sport package has the same stiff suspension as FX45? I test drove FX35 with sport package today and the ride was OK to me. If they use the same suspension, I might go for FX45. Only concern is how the 20" wheels perform on snow/ice road.

JBaumgart

Yes the FX35 sport suspension is the same as what comes standard on the FX45. As far as driving on show and ice with the 20 inch wheels, it's not the diameter of the wheel that will adversely affect traction, it's the wide (265) width of the tire and its all season tread. You should be OK for most conditions you will encounter, unless you live in an area that consistently experiences really harsh weather.

If you are really concerned about it you could buy dedicated winter tires. I have a set on order and they should arrive in about a week. Will wait until the weather turns before I have them mounted.

arhfx45

I've found the ride of my '03 FX45 to be excellent, I also consider the ride of my Boxster & my Z06 excellent as well. It all depends upon your expectations I suppose. One caution in test driving, many of the '03 FX's have been found to have 40 lbs or more air pressure in the tires upon delivery. Take a gauge with you, or have the pressures checked before taking a test drive. My FX45 was delivered with 42 lbs all around, the drop to 32 lbs makes a huge difference in a low profile tire where air volume is already limited. Good luck.

2963

For those who are interested, Infiniti.com has updated their website to include specs. on the '04 FX series. Personally, I was hoping they would add another exterior color or two to their palette of choices (such as twilight blue), but no such luck!

Looks like Diamond Graphite it is...

I'm still not sold on the brick/black interior combination, however. My I30t and my wife's G35 both have the willow leather, so I think I'm ready for an interior color change when my lease is up. But, every time I've seen the brick leather in person (on showroom vehicles with minimal wear), it appears the texture of the brick leather makes it look dirty/soiled.

I remember reading a recent FX review that actually went so far as to describe the brick leather's texture as "elephant hide-like", if that makes sense. It also stated that the brick leather color seemed to take on a "well-worn" look in a relatively short period of time.

For those that currently enjoy the brick/black combo., how has it been holding up?

I know I could always take the classic route by getting an all black leather interior, but I'm drawn to the unique brick/black contrast.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

slummyj

I have the brick/black interior. I have had it since June. It is holding up well and hasn't shown dirt. Everyone who sees it goes "wow" I have never seen such a beautiful interior. The color was one of the reasons I bought the FX. I have had black, grey and beige. This time I wanted a "color".

clpurnell

I have 10k+ miles on my fx and The brick leather is outstanding very little creasing and no showing of dirt whatsoever. I have no idea where you get that it looks "soiled" It is a rich color with more texture than either the willow or the black and frankly it seems of higher quality. Like slummy says above most people go absolutely gaga ove the interior and says the leather reminds them of those in italian vehicles (ferrari, lambo). There is no other leather color I would get. I just conditioned it for the first time about a week ago and it looks like new.

JBaumgart

Agree with you 100% on the quality of the brick leather. I also thought it would hold up better than the black and willow, which seemed thinner and more prone to creasing. Yet the brick is still soft and very comfortable - I think it's the best feature of the car's interior. Some of the other materials used do not measure up to the quality of the leather, and I hope Infiniti can upgrade some of the interior plastic pieces in future model years. I think I got a little spoiled coming from an Audi allroad, in which all of the interior materials used is of very high quality. Its leather, however, although very durable was not as soft or luxurious-feeling as the brick in the FX. I wonder why Infiniti does not use the same texture in the other leather colors. My guess is that with the car's introduction the brick was their "signature color" and they spent a little extra on it to really make a statement. Audi with its "baseball" leather in its TT sports car I think did the same.

micked

I test drove an fx35 and thought the engine was a bit loud. For those of you that have this car, what are your thoughts/comments after driving it for a while?

Thanks,

Eddie G

dklanecky

It sounds better every day you drive it! If it bothers you in the least, then don't buy the FX. It's not designed for you. Maybe the Murano would be better?

clpurnell

This ain't no lexus isolation chamber. Instead of isolating you from the vehicle and the road the FX is more about connecting you to it. So yes the ride is stiff and the engine and exhuast have sweet notes. It is all exactly as it should be

micked

I wasn't asking if it SHOULD be noisy.

I know all about the fx being more of a sports sedan with a backpack, and that gives it the ride it does along with the "sweet notes". I guess my question should be this: Does the engine noise get annoying or do you get used to it (you and anyone else who wants to respond :-))

Thanks!!

micked

Sorry if my first comment came off a little gruff...didn't mean it to.

;-)

clpurnell

Nah I love the sounds wouldn't have it any other way

slummyj

I usually don't notice the engine noise. Today I took in my car for it's 3700 mile service. They gave me an I35 to use. When I first got back into my car tonite, I did notice the difference in sound. After about 30 seconds I didn't pay any more attention to it.

JBaumgart

One of the reasons I bought the FX45 instead of the 35 was the engine noise - I just liked the deeper sound better. I don't think the FX45 is any quieter, but it's less "raspy." Nothing wrong with the 35's sound, but I just like the 45's sound more. It came down the FX35 w/Tech, or the FX45 w/Premium only - for about the same money - and I went for the extra power and exhaust note rather than the extra toys. I'm happy with my decision, although the rear back up camera would be nice to have. On the few occasions that I've driven my wife's RX330, I found this to be a very worthwhile feature - both of these vehicles have poor rearward visability for low objects.

petewat3

"but I don't want a buckboard ride that is non adjustable. If Car and Driver calls it far too harsh, that's a red flag for me."

Don't believe everything you read. Drive it first !!! Got 11000 on my 45tech and IMO the suspension is perfectly matched to the torgue/power/handling characteristics - I wouldn't change it AT ALL. It's not a Lexus (& that's a good thing).

ezaircon4jc

I FINALLY figured out what the FX looks like. To me, it looks like a '58 Chevy Nomad on steroids.

93fsu1

http://www.superrod.com/News.asp?ArticleID=50

For those who want to see what the '58 Chevy Impala Nomad looks like.

carnaught

..."what the FX looks like"...."a '58 Chevy Nomad on steroids"

ooooh-kaayyy...?

crikey

I think that you might be hearing the Sport-tuned exhaust system of the FX:

One of the joys of driving a performance car is hearing it at work. So the FX's exhaust system was engineered for more than just high flow for better performance. The subtle growl emanating from the dual tips provides a constant reminder of the potential stirring under the hood.

The exhaust note sounds pretty similar to a 350Z and G35 Coupe (not sure if the G35 Sport Sedan has the same exhaust note). And, I too, love the exhaust note!

crikey

See FX: What do owners have to say? Mr. Purnell, I see that they used one of your quotes. Outstanding!

Owners, you can send in your stories/photos, etc. on the Infiniti site.

clpurnell

Can't believe they included the pic I sent to. I feel like a very minor celebrity

Crikey thanks for the heads up!

jpiatchek

Thanks for the link! Great stuff!

jpiatchek

Have 7500 miles on my fx35 with tech and I love the sound. It fact, it could be a little louder yet for my tastes. My wife is not a car person, but I notice her 'goosing it' all the time because she loves the sound.On the hiway it is barely noticeable.

jpiatchek

My brick interior is holding up well at 7500 miles. The brick floor mats do tend to soil easily. Will probably put some rubber mats in for the winter.

wibble

"The exhaust note sounds pretty similar to a 350Z and G35 Coupe"

That would be because the FX35 is a G35 Coupe under the skin right down to the engine, exhaust, chassis and transmission

clpurnell

Our vehicle is being denounced on the comparison thread. Please come over and help me educate the masses.

clpurnell "Infiniti FX35/45 vs VW Touareg vs Porsche Cayenne vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX" Oct 21, 2003 5:16pm!make=Infiniti&model=FX35&ed_makeindex=.ef17b19

sklnrzs

Just got the update (version 6.2) to the FX navigation system. If you have not gotten it, you may want to go to:
www.zenrin.com

clpurnell

Have you found it worth the $180. My street isn't listed on the current nav dvd but everywhere else I have needed to go pretty much has. Is the coverage a lot better?

kevinaetna

Hey, guys!
Need a piece of advice here. I am dreaming about FX and a dealer in NY has 2003 FX45 Premium for $40,600, The car is brand new, 0 miles, not a demo or something.
He got me approved for 1.9 APR with no down. Says I will pay $748.84/mo for 60 months (incl. tax). I am in Massachussets.
He also says that I can lease it for 36 months for $562/mo with 10K mi/yr allowance (I will barely drive 5-7K mi a year).
My assumption was: If I buy it and sell in 5 years, say for $20,000 it kind of makes my monthly payments lower by 20K/60=$335 so in fact the actual cost is about $415. If I lease it, dealer says, buyout is going to be 52% of $47,590 (it`s MSRP), hence $24,400 so if I buy out and sell it, say for $28,000, I`ll lower the average monthly lease payment for $100, hence true cost is $562-100=462.
What would you, guys recommend - lease or buy?

stanny1

Leases are best for the self-employed. You can write off 80% of the lease payment as a business expense.
Since you put so few miles on a car, I would buy the car and it will serve you for many years.
Leasing lets you have an affair with a car for a short time.
Buying lets you have a long term relationship, and in 60 months or so, you will own it and it will still have really low mileage.
Leasing is just renting.
And you can't modify the car. Make sure it's garaged if leased. You pay for excess "wear and tear".
I lease because I'm self-employed. But if I had your circumstances, I would buy.

cmdpm01

kevinaetna,

i was just considering the exact same deal on the purchase of an '03 FX45 w/premium pkg, roof rails, crossbars, mudflaps and cargo cover.

however, i decided to lease it instead for 39 mo, 15k, 1850 out of pocket, 519+tax. compared to any car out there this is an awesome lease...i couldnt get this good a lease on a car costing more than $35,000. as the FX45 reatails for $48,000 infiniti is subsidizing this lease BIG time....and im greatful!

good luck,
chris

choppe01

Ok so what I'm looking at is a 2003 FX45 with Tech and XM. Edmunds is about $50,000 even TMV. IS that a resonable price that people are getting in L.A.? I'm looking to lease only and with $3000.00 down with a 39 month lease for 12k a year, the payments have to be around 740+tax. Is that a correct asumption. kevinaetna what was the out the door price for your FX. $2000.00 down with 15k per year for $519+tax is truly a great deal. Assuming that your figuers are right and the sale price was $48,000.00.

93fsu1

The Tech packages are selling better than others, so, while you should be able to do better than TMV, you will still be just above invoice. Make an offer for invoice and walk out at $400 over. See if they chase you or not. You can always go back another day.

bigsweaty

Anybody have an opinion on the dealer installed accessories? Are the cargo protector tray or splash guards worth the money? Are the splash guards weird looking?

Thanks.

clpurnell

most FX's come with both. My car has both and I have found the splash guards help keep the car clean and do not stand out. The cargo tray keeps the rear cargo area looking new and saved me when I had something spill back there.

bigsweaty

thanks for the info.

JBaumgart

My '03 FX45 did not come with splash guards, but I added them before taking delivery. They are very well integrated and do help protect the side of the vehicle, which with the large tires is especially vunerable to gravel and other road debris being thrown up against the sides. Depending on what you are carrying in back, the cargo tray may be worth it, but I did not buy that option as it isn't really needed in our case.