Infiniti FX45 Infiniti FX35

frndthdevl

For me, choosing the color(diamond graphite) only happened after we decided to go brick and black for the interior. Almost went with another color, but the quality of the brick leather was something I like much better than the other leather colors with their tiny holes. YMMV This is my first car with leather,and I wanted something leather like. The brick does that for me.
peace
jeff

blueyfish

I used to get over 16mpg on my FX35. Since taking it to the dealer because of a "check engine" light, the mileage has dropped to between 12.5 and 13.1 mpg. Took it back today and was told there was "no trouble found". Anyone with any ideas. With gas prices the way they are, I would like to squeeeeeze as much as I can.

kcrudup

I used to get over 16mpg on my FX35. Since taking it to the dealer because of a "check engine" light, the mileage has dropped to between 12.5 and 13.1 mpg.

They probably just pulled the ECM fuse or disconnected the battery cable to reset a transient code, and now your engine and tranny CPUs are relearning.

blueyfish

Thanks kcrudup, for your reply. I told the advisor that I would log the mileage each time I fill up. Unfortunately, I don't have the same features in the FX that I have in my M45 which logs the mileage.

d_in_nj

17.2 on average for gas milege on my '04 FX35 Touring. It seems to be slowly creeping up by tenths. I do mostly in town driving, though I try to go fast in those situations "for the gas milege!" Gosh, gas is expensive, though.

otis123

And you have "cheap" gas in Jersey! Premium is over $2.35 this week in Westchester Co. - may be higher since I didn't buy any yet this week...

There's no doubt these prices are here to stay...and may look cheap in a few months...unless China suddenly vaporizes into thin air...

petew4

17.2 on average for gas milege on my '04 FX35 Touring

d- I would hope it will get better. I've got 28.5K on my 45 and average 16.4- 18.2 depending on the mix of highway to town. The 35 advertises much better than that (what is it?....21 highway?).

btw.... you were correct in your assessment of FX'ers participating on the Subie comparison thread....not worth arguing with them (see my post there)....lol.

clpurnell

yeah I gave up on that about 600 posts ago. they just don't get it.

petewat3

Popular Mechanics made it's 3rd installment in it's long term test of the FX45 at 16.6+ K miles and while it's a little short of detail, it's obvious they like the vehicle.

http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars_trucks/2004/4/lon- - g_term_test_cars_0404/index7.phtml
 

d_in_nj

hope that the gas mileage gets a bit better! Eek! & I LOVE NJ gas (as long as I monitor where the gas attendants put the gas cap! grrrr.) I have about 1700 miles on her, so time will tell. At least it's soooo fun, it doesn't sting as much that way.

What inferiority complexes on that Suburu thread. What a bizarre world they live in. lol!Thanks for the support, guys!

duffer7

I don't understand what you guys are doing to get such low gas mileage! Do you ever shift out of low gear?? I get an honest 21.8 on my 35 without ever sparing the horses ! What is going on here? I never TRY for mileage, always keep ahead of everybody away from the stoplights,-- BUT again, I don't do much city driving. Are all you guys putting around in the city at 2 mph ? I live in the country - 40 miles from the nearest city, so a lot of my driving is on GREAT curvy country roads !How many MPG's do you think you get setting at a traffic light ?

d_in_nj

I'm not sure, either, but it did go up another tenth when I checked yesterday (averages 17.3 now). I was also looking at my trip odometer & it said my average MPH was 32!! I'm guessing all the stop & go, around town, limited highway driving I do does that. *sigh*

drcsf

I was wondering if it is harmful to our Xenon bulbs to have the lights turn on for just a short time without fully warming up. I ask because I own a home with a garage and have my lights set on "auto". When I first pull into the garage, the automatic sensor turns on the headights, which begin to warm up. But 15 or 20 seconds later, I'm out of the car and in the house and the lights are off because I have them set to turn off without a delay. Is this bad for the bulbs? Should I not use the auto setting, or perhaps increase the time the lights stay on after I leave the car? Any thoughts would be appreciated - I've heard this repeated cycle will shorten the bulb life.

Craig

duffer7

I'm afraid that the high cost of gas is going to frighten someone away from buying a really great vehicle--the FX. If you are concerned about the overall COST of driving, I suggest that you might want to buy a used YUGO. BUT,if you don't creep around the city at 2 mph, and spend 90 % of your time stopped at traffic lights, the FX does get excellent milage ! I know -- I own one! What's the milage of a Honda Accord sitting at a traffic light ?

tidester

What's the milage of a Honda Accord sitting at a traffic light ?

That depends on how fast you inch up on the car in front of you or into the crosswalk! ;-)

tidester, host

jpiatchek

What's the mileage of a HOnda Accord waiting in line at the drive thru to buy KK's? But if I'm buying, who cares? LOL

tidester

That doesn't count because you're hauling but you should be using an SUV for that! ;-)

tidester, host

duffer7

Yeah, I get it. My Fx inches up to the car in front of me at .005 mph. Boy, do I get terroble milage! Get real guys, your mileage depends on how you DRIVE !! Again, I get an honest 21.8. Drive like me and you'll find the FX gets very good mileage.

mb280

I was debating between and FX35 and a RX330 last year. Infiniti told me that they were not changing their marketing for 2004 and that one would need to get the sport package (too hard a ride for my wife) to get the technology package. I guess they did not know what they were talking about. Ended up with the RX.

There is no question that the RX is a beautiful car to sit in and the attention to detail is great. Unfortunately one has to drive it and then one realizes it is an attractive piece of junk. It consistently drifts all over the road and Lexus is still looking for a "fix". I guess the only good things are the gas mileage and the first class treatment at the dealer.

austin6498

you stated in your message that avelectronics.com had a unit call Nav-tv
I ck this site for product and could not get any information regarding Nav-tv.
could you ck if this is the site

Thanks

austin6498

Does anybody know if the Nav-system Player located under the front Passanger seat can be revise to watch DVD movies.

petewat3

yes austin.... the site in your last post is still active & details the unit. There used to be a link there specifically for the FX but it's no longer active. They do still say that it works for all Infiniti and Nissan Nav systems though.

texasfx35

Don't know what state you live in (Austin, TX??), but as of last September, in Texas, it is illegal to have a DVD screen viewable from the front seat of a vehicle. You might want to check your state's regs.

petew4

it is illegal to have a DVD screen viewable from the front seat of a vehicle

not to mention kinda dumb...but that's just my opinion....;-)

grommet

Yes, it is illegal to have a DVD screen viewable from the front seat while driving. (Which makes sense.) The Lexus RX330 can, for example, play the DVD through the front screen only while parked. The Infiniti system does not offer this. (Infiniti, you listening? 2005 or 2006 upgrade please. Along with Bluetooth phone integration.) This is why people install "Nav-TV" -- but I doubt it checks to see if you're moving.

stever

Apparently, only thirty-eight US states have laws saying that a TV cannot be visible to the driver (AIADA).

Some kid was charged with murder for a wreck where he supposedly was watching a movie in his dash; never did hear how that one came out. (Anchorage Press)

Steve, Host

mjfloyd1

Every picture I have seen of the FX shows it with no door guards. Is there any decent door guard to try and prevent parking lot kisses?

Mark

texasfx35

For a source of door guards, check at this site (Grubbs Infiniti). Prices seem reasonable compared to Houston dealers.

http://www.infinitiwholesaleparts.com/en_US/

grommet

I know Grubbs Infiniti sells custom made body side mouldings for the FX ($150): http://www.infinitiwholesaleparts.com/en_US/f_MiscPage_10.chtml

hhunter

As a potential FXer, I am taking a close look at Infiniti's nav. My point of reference is the Garmin 2610.
One major difference seems to be that this FX nav offers turn-by-turn directions to a limited part of the USA. I drive in about 15 states (primarily Southeast) and live in OK which is one of the states with the least amount of coverage.
I am just wondering if users have found the coverage is better than advertised.

jpiatchek

Have found the coverage in the Infinti nav be be far more extensive than the nav in my BMW 540, which had very little coverage in my town and you needed about 8 discs for coverage of the whole US at about $100-150 a pop. I think only Honda has one that's a little better.

mjfloyd1

Thanks for the links to grubbs infiniti

Mark

stever

Let's avoid the gratuitous profanity please, masked or otherwise. Edmunds is a family friendly site (see the Rules of the Road link above).

Steve, Host

mwitt3

I have a new 35 and I have been getting around 18 in the city and 22-23 on the road. Recently on a level stretch on long island at 55 mph it went up to 25.8 mpg. I have been using the on-board fuel econ. computer. Hope it is accurate. I could cross check I suppose with the odometer and tank refills. BTW love the car 800 miles on it. The only thing I don't get is the manual shift mode there appears to be a lag between shifts so I'm not using it.

petewat3

I cross-checked my computer with odometer/hand calculation and found it to be accurate to a couple of tenths.

petewat3

ok Steve.........;-(

Here's what I posted re: maintenance costs that was removed for an apparently offending subject line.....

Heads Up......... if you're using Edmunds maintenance guide to estimate your maintenance costs, be advised that it may not even be in the ballpark. I know some dealers do more than the Infiniti recommendation but I wasn't prepared for what happened today. My FX45 is in for it's 30K and to have the CD changer replaced (warranty). Edmunds says that the 30K should run you around $155 - not bad huh? BUT even after taking 10% off, it's costing about $670 (JBA in B'more). I'll let you know what they did when I pick it up this afternoon......whew!!!

2nd post: lol.....yeh, to the tune of a $270 reduction in cost to $390 after I complained for a while. They do a lot of things that aren't listed by Edmunds as included in the 30K but it's still ridiculous. This dealer has been great in every way so far & I hate to go elsewhere but you can bet I'll shop around next time it needs a major maintenance (60K). So what did they do different from the recommended? Most of it is inspections which can't be verified but they did: a complete lube job, replaced wiper blades, top off all fluids, inspect all vapor lines (replaced one), replaced the anti-freeze, performed a full computer 'control' test, lubed all hinges & hatches, replaced brake fluid, and balanced the tires (that may be part of rotation in the recommended service - dunno). Those things plus all of the recommended list. It's a better service BUT still expensive.....grrrrrr....I will shop around next time. Has anyone else had the 30K service???

YO InfinitiMaven - are you still around? whassup with the variation in costs and services included in 'routine' maintenance visits???

otis123

Where on the island did you buy your fx? Which options and what price did you get? Thanks.

wibble

My reply got cut too! Anyway, this dealer seems to be charging well over the odds for the service. My local dealer (Riverside Infiniti) charges $169.95 for this service.

stever

Sorry, Wibble, forgot to email you. Your's got cut because the message header got copied when you replied.

For those wondering, here's the Edmunds Maintenance Guide that tells you what we think your scheduled maintenance should cost.

Steve, Host

petew4

thanks wibble...is that Riverside, CA? I'm waiting for the service visit survey to quote several dealers that provide the 30K for far less as well as the Edmunds quote. I think I got a much better service than what is called for but if they are going to upgrade the standard to add profit for themselves, they should be up front with that & offer levels of service that just meet the recommended level as well.

stever

"The dealer recommended maintenance schedule is more comprehensive, and more expensive, than the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule."

Dealer vs. Manufacturer Maintenance Schedules

This is a given - you should find out what the dealer intends to do and what the price is going to be before dropping your car off for scheduled maintenance. Otherwise some service departments will assume they have carte blanche and will shoot the moon.

Steve, Host

mwitt3

I paid $37,496 for an 04/35 with touring and sports package. Also included were cargo mat. I wanted the brick black interior which I find the best (also feel this leather may be better quality)so I had to get sports or tech to get that interior color. Purchased form Competition Infiniti in Smithtown ~ exit 58-59 off LIE. They were very easy to work with. I asked for invoice and they went with that. But I also had a trade which I need to tell you about. Nissan Xterra 2001 4WD SE (32k Mi) plus my subjective assessment that the condition was outstanding. Edmunds tells me trade should be around $14,7 for "outstanding" condition (had a blemish on the hood and spot on the seat however). Asked for $15k they said no can do and offered 13k to which I said the same. They came back with 14k for the trade and ~invoice for the FX. At this point we made the deal. I'm very happy but they may have offset invoice with a decreased trade-in allowance. I'll never know. Didn't need to but went with 1.9% financing form Infiniti ( figure Greenspan about to raise rates anyway) which was very smooth. Anyway that was my experience. Hope it is helpful.

mwitt3

Any advice on leather upkeep out there. FX guide book recommends " saddle soap", figure I need to get that from a shoe store.
Appreciate any advice on this. Have Brick colored leather. Petewat thanks for the info on odometers.

wibble

No problem. I just hit reply and didn't really notice the title. I've always found the Edmunds maintenance guides pretty close to the mark on all my cars. It got my 72000 miles service on my Honda Passport to within $15! All my servicing on my Infiniti has been free so far!

rollbar

FX 35 2004

Has anyone been able to do this? I am weary of waiting for the I agree screen so I can reach over and push the button for the 4000th time.

Also, unrelated, had to have the front rotors turned at 9000 miles; I was starting to get a pulsating pedal under light breaking.

petew4

rollbar- was the rotor turn under warranty? That sounds like a defect to have to have it done that soon. I have 30K & no indication of needing it done.

I would love to turn that screen off too. Haven't seen any posts re: anyone doing it though.

stanny1

The "map pouch" or whatever it's called broke it's retaining pins on each side and six bottles of water dropped out and onto the floor of the garage this morning. I carry six bottles on each side and maybe that's too much of a load compared to just maps.
Looks like the door panel has to come off to get to the pins and the spring tension mechanism that retracts the pouch.
Has anyone ever heard of this happening?
I have an 03 45. Thanks

tidester

I carry six bottles on each side and maybe that's too much of a load compared to just maps.

Offhand, I would agree with that! :-)

tidester, host

rollbar

Yes, the dealer handled the work under warranty. My concern was that for the rotors to show warping at such low mileage may be an indication of future problems with the brake system.

The next question may be how hard I am on brakes. I do drive somewhat fast and am not afraid to use the brakes but I don't consider myself to be rough on the equipment...or certainly not consistantly rough on the machine. I have occasionally had to stop fast but imagine everyone does occasionally.

Regarding driving..... I have noticed a certain sloppyness to the shift pattern under changing conditions. Accelerating hard and then letting up on the pedal produces a kind of overrevving/upshift/less-than-crisp kind of gear change. Anyone else? Same experience?

Conversly, under ordinary acceleration the shift pattern is quick, crisp and timely; no conplaints from me under those driving conditions. It's only when I try to push it a little, (something I believed the car was designed for).

Roll

petew4

My concern was that for the rotors to show warping at such low mileage may be an indication of future problems with the brake system.

Good to hear they covered it & didn't try to say it's maintenance. I haven't seen any indication that the brakes are a problem on any of the boards but there was a recall on 2003 models to tighten the caliper bolts & that would produce a problem if it went unchecked. Did you have that taken of? (don't know if it applied to 2004 models or not)

btw- haven't noticed any issues with the tranny as you describe.