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Comments
And how would you compare the "sport" and normal designations of the 530 to the M35?
Also, I normally put about 75,000 miles on a three year lease. Does anyone know Infiniti's reputation for endurance and high mileage? My 528 and 530 both had major repairs, $5,000 to $8,000 after warranty expiration.
My salesperson did not know if there was any way to display 'instant fuel economy' as a number, instead of the bar graph on the right of that screen. I see no way, looking over the manual.
Anyone played with this display?
Or another?
Thanks,
- Ray
Resisting, so far . .
The sport model had the Journey and the Tech package.
There are three disc players in the car.
1. in-dash 6 disc player
2. in glove compartment - bluetooth / navigation dvd
3. in center armrest console - dvd player for surround sound / dvd video - movie
OK.
I think I understand numbers 1 and 2.
Number 1 is the regular cd player...but does this also play dvd audio discs?
Number 2 in the glove compartment is for the nav system (this only plays the nav dvd...right???)
Number 3...???...the salesman said this one would play dvd movies on the nav screen when the car is in park. He also said this is the same player as used for the dvd entertainment center from the premium package (only you do not get the roof/ceiling mounted screen). The salesman did not really sound very confident about the players (especially the one in the center console). Also this player takes away alot of the space in the center console.
The center console player had a music disc from Infiniti in it.
So...what is the purpose of the center console dvd player? Is it only for movies...or...is it the only way to get the surround sound from the dvds (this is what the salesman said)
Anyway...any help / info will be appreciated.
Thanks.
P.S. Infiniti - give us the rear power sunshade as standard equipment, or as a minimum a separate stand alone option.
I agree with you on the power window sunshade.
Does the in-dash system play dvd-audio discs at all? Is this without the surround sound?
We should "bombard" Infiniti with requests for the rear power sunshade...probably would not do any good...but it would not hurt either...
Whoops.....I don't know.
With the right tire pressure in my Sport it isnt as quiet as my 2002 Q45 but is fine noise wise. I love the way it runs and handles and looks. The sport wheels and aluminum dash look nice to me. Mine is a black exterior with stone interior.
I have been very happy with Infiniti in all respects after switching to them after Lexus became a little arrogant and all too commonly seen on the street for my taste. A great car but just not my thing.
Wish you well with your decision.
The centre-console player is for DVD's only. It will play DVD-video and DVD-audio (as well as DTS), but NOT MP3 CD's and NOT SACDs.
In terms of MPG, I am averaging over 17 mgp with a combination of city and highway driving. Just no issues at all so far, I am one happy owner.
The Infiniti controller looks more like a gimmick then a useful option. Is it really necessary to be able to change the radio station or volume four different ways? The controller dial, controller button, steering wheel and radio itself?
Infiniti like most makes is trying unsuccessfully to have blend both wood trim and aluminum in the cabin, real of fake (most makes are adopting fake materials and doing a poor job, not only Infiniti. Infiniti, has removed the plastic covering from it's wood trim thus removing the luster or shine and having it look more like kitchen cabinets, very dull looking.
The seat piping which as stated before by another owner is a Vinyl inlay, the Q also has this interior treatment. If you want the piped look just do it, why the knock off?
My overall feelings, were that granted the car may drive like a dream, I have yet to drive one, will it's dynamics wow you and make you forget everything else you personally do not like about the car? You still have to look at the interior everyday. While the exterior is clean, crisp and looks like the G in many ways, very good looking and aggressive from all angles. Infiniti hasn't raised it's level of materials inside, (Even though they state in their advertisements "Advanced materials") to that of Lexus, Audi, Benz or BMW.
For any of you owners that have actually cross shopped the M with the Lexus GS, and the German makes, why did you ultimately choose or settle for the Infiniti??? Infiniti is still is trying to imitate rather then lead!
http://www.palmone.com/us/support/downloads/treo650carkitupdate/
Good luck, and enjoy your new car.
While the interiors are awesome, what I want from a car if reliablity and performance with good looks inside and out as well. The differential between the interior and exterior looks for Infiniti and the others is not material in my eyes. But relability for Infiniti clearly exceeds all you mentioned but Lexus. Also the price for performance delivered for Infiniti is tops of the ones you noted. My view on reliability and price to performance is supported by JD Powers and the car magazine reviews, less subjective than looks. The difference in interior and exterior looks is subjective. Also some like to own a brand that has a long heritage of being high end and performance, so that is why all these cars are selling.
Thank you
The two Q45's I kept to long mileage had no maintenance issues up to 100k miles. After 100k miles I did replace some parts which were worn out. But I consider that normal wear and tear on a car that is 7 to 10 years old. The part replacement was done at the dealership and wasn't inexpensive.
The bottom line is, other than a dead battery or an occasional flat, all 7 Q's and my G35 have all been ready to run when I get in and turn the key. My maintenance experience has been great and matches what either JD Powers or Consumers Report shows for Infiniti.
The Infiniti controller is a must if you have the Nav and the DVD systems, and is particularly useful for navigating menus, etc. I don't see how having redundant controls that can be accessed via the controller OR by a dedicated knob (like the volume) OR by a steering wheel control OR by voice command could possibly be a disadvantage! Use the one you like. What IS a problem is having no redundant controls and having to wade through menus to change a radio station or cabin temperature (iDrive anyone?!)
I cross-shopped 5-series, A6 and GS and think the M's interior holds up well. It beats the 5-series interior hands down, and is at least as nice as that of the GS and A6.
IMO, the M offers stellar performance, a great interior, loads of gadgetry, a great driving experience, and nice exterior for thousands less than comparably equipped competitors. If that's settling, then sign me up.
However, I have a black M with the bourbon interior. I do not notice the color differences except when I concentrate on them. While driving, I see only light shades (as in the oustide world and the headliner). When operating controls, I see the dark shades. At night, the headliner looks dark, of course.
I am very pleased with the stone Interior on my black car.
I am really bummed to discover that according to consumer affairs at Infiniti, there are no plans to offer Bluetooth support for the Treo 650. This is one of the most popular smartphones on the market. Is this possible? I can't imagine Infiniti's marketing overlooked the fact that a good chunk of potential customers for the new M will be Treo owners.
=============
According to many posts on other forums, the treo works as well with the M as any other phone. You just have to get the Treo's software "bluetooth upgrade kit" at the PalmOne site.
Many Treo users have reported being very happy with it. I really do like my Treo.
Pete
This car is very luxurious feeling when driving it tame but when you push it hard, it blows your socks off. Great acceleration and handling as well as body rigidity. The interior size and V8 sound are great. I park the car in the garage next to my 2002 Q45
=================
I love my 2003 Q45 as well. If you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to hear a detailed Q45 vs M45 comparison from you, given your two week driving experience.
Pete
Well said. I agree with you completely.
why did you ultimately choose or settle for the Infiniti??? Infiniti is still is trying to imitate rather then lead!
========
I have owned 4 LS400's, an LS430, and now have a 2003 Q45. Before I bought my Q45, I rented an S500 for a week to see which I liked better.
The Q was vastly better in so many, many ways. If I had kept the LS430, or gotten the S500, I would have been settling. I decided NOT to settle and got the only large luxury sedan that i really loved, the Q.
As far as who's leading and who's following:
When I bought my Q, it had the following features which we're NOT available on the Lexus at that time, you may have noticed that lexus has followed infiniti in employing each of these technologies:
1)Voice control (and it worked simply and naturally
2)Rear view Monitor
3)Adaptive Cruise control
4)Satellite radio
My Q handled better, and had much more comfortable steering, and the Lexus didn't have any features that the Q didn't have.
Now look at the M45 and the GS.
1) The M is faster
2) The M handles better
3) The M has much more passenger room
4) The M has much more trunk space
5) The M has a DVD system
6) The M has an AUX input to play iPods.
7) The M plays MP3/WMA CD's
8) The M has Lane Departure Warning
9) The M has head lights that look around corners
10) The M has Nav which will let you supply voice destinations while driving.
11) The M's rear view monitor has curved lines predictively showing your car's turning path in reverse.
12) The M plays DVD audio with 5.1 surround sound that's killer.
13) The M will let you turn OFF your vehicle stability control system.
and On, and ON.
I'm sure future Lexus models will be following in infiniti's footsteps as they have before, in employing most of these technologies.
For the record, I greatly prefer the M's interior to Lexus, BMW or Mercedes.
As for mercedes and BMW, their tech goodies and NAV are a very serious embarrassment compared to the Infiniti.
Pete
Also how does the Aux inputs in the backseat work with an ipod?
Thanks
Can someone give me the 0-60, 1/4 mile times, and slalom for the:
M35
M35x
M45
Thanks,
Aceman
Thanks
Pete, please do not state inaccuracies. Lexus models in general have offered many of the tech features you describe above, before model year 2005-06. As far as following, my comments were more in line with design, although, technology innovations is a fair argument as well. Has Infiniti developed hybrid technology yet???
0-60
C&D M45 Sport 5.6 (Feb 05) M45 Sport 5.5 (May 05)
R&T M45 Sport 5.3 (Feb 05)
MT M35 Non-sport 6.3 (Mar 05)
1/4 mile
C&D M45 Sport 14.2@101 (Feb 05) M45 Sport 14.2@100 (May 05)
R&T M45 Sport 13.8@101.6 (Feb 05)
MT M35 Non-sport 14.7@92.8 (Mar 05)
Slalom
R&T M45 Sport 65.4 (Feb 05)
MT M35 Non-sport 64.4 (Mar 05)
I'm sure we'll see a load more road tests of these in coming issues.
Pete, please do not state inaccuracies. Lexus models in general have offered many of the tech features you describe above, before model year 2005-06. As far as following, my comments were more in line with design, although, technology innovations is a fair argument as well. Has Infiniti developed hybrid technology yet???
========
In response to your claim that "infiniti just imitates", my post indicated features that were in a Q45 before they were in a Lexus, (not about a 2005-2006 Q)
It also indicated features that are in the 2006 M before being in any lexus.
Since you're being very specific with hybrid as though it's a rebuttal, but with NONE of my "inaccuracies" I'll it take you don't actually have any to point out?
Pete
"It also indicated features that are in the 2006 M before being in any lexus."
Did I miss something here, Petey??? Have you actually looked at what Lexus, BMW, etc have to offer in terms of technology or no one has these features until Infiniti does?
What about VVTi years back???
Tech features for example, such as DVD entertainment have been in the LS and RX for years, they also place it nicely off to the side in the LS so the driver can still use the rear view mirror.
The swiveling headlamps are also in the RX, they run commercials day and night about this feature.
Using faster or HP, is grossly overrated by manufacturers, a dyno is needed to compare differences.
Rear view cameras are available in the RX, not actually sure who was "first", although for a $300 aftermarket add-on, does it really matter. The RX offers push button automatic rear hatch.....you see how we can keep going back and forth, not very productive.
Also points such as trunk space is a little harder to evaluate since shape of the trunk is actually more of a defining factor as opposed to the cubic feet you reference. Space cut into by the wheel wells from example should be considered.
Again, my opinions are just that, I'm not looking to bash the M, I think it's a quality vehicle. I was looking for subjective reviews, as opposed to defenses. I look at the old Q as you reference and as many agree, C&D, it's a quality vehicle that tried more to imitate. I like the M, and when I look at build quality, maybe I see things others do not care about or do not notice. The finish on the wood people refer to as matte, I find it dull, the plastics look of a cheaper grade, other's state they are advanced.
I'm not remotely trying to "one up you" as you see it Pete, but my lack of a response, was more due to your stating who was there first, without really knowing who was.