Infiniti EX35 small SUV

jaxs1

A USB port isn't going to allow you to control the music on your cell phone or PDA anyway. The USB port on the Ford SYNC only allows you to control Zunes, USB thumb drives and iPods anyway, not cell phones and PDAs.

Isn't there an AUX headphone jack input in the EX to let you plug in your cell phone and PDA?

pharmboy3

That sucks. I haven't located a regular jack yet.

My cell phone has a 2 GB micro SD card that plays MP3 and allows me to use it as a USB thumb drive/memory stick in computers (great for presentations) and also USB containing stereo systems through a USB adaptor.

My PDA is a pocket PC (with MS software) and has a USB adaptor that is supposed to be compatible with SYNC, if they ever get the bugs out of the syncing process.

I asked the Infiniti and they had no other adaptors. I'll see if I can hook it through the A/V connedtion.

boldchrome

Don't believe the hype.

I purchased a new loaded EX35 with technology package, and premium leather three weeks ago and its a lemon. First the center LCD screen was replaced, then couldn't get it out of park, now its a failed back up camera. Apparantley the control module that administers all systems in the car including cruise control failed. Its a 2-3 week wait for the parts.

No loaner offered by my dealer, just shuttle back and forth the 30 miles from my home during business hours when the parts come in. This after paying for my own maintainance.

Like everyone on this board I was impressed by the design and features of the Infiniti EX35, and was willing to overlook the cheap interior fittings, and no frills service. Wrong. Infiniti is nothing but a third rate auto manufacturer parading as the "Infiniti Experience". It really is Nissan, which in my experience has been poor at best. Shoddy quality, cost cutting manufacturing methods, and sub par service.

Unacceptable for a 50k (!) CDN car. I currently own a BMW 330CI, a 05 911, and an old Chevy. None of which have been so problematic. I thought Infiniti offered quality products that were value priced. Instead, they sell good drive trains with underdeveloped technology, with poor support service. The BMW has been in the shop more times than I care to remember, but the dealers go every inch to make sure its painfree. By that I mean valet pick up and drop off, shuttle, loaners, comprehensive maintainance. Infiniti take note!

Inifniti has a long way to go, and if its last quarter numbers are anything to go by, Lexus and BMW know much more about service and quality.

This is my first and last Infiniti, I've notified the dealer that they can keep this piece of junk, and I'll walk away albiet with a huge hole in my wallet.

waltaz

Well, that just sucks. I've had mine for two weeks and it's been great - everything I hoped for. After perusing this and other EX35 forums for a while, that's the first comprehensively negative report I've seen, so I tend to view it as an aberration. I also think the level of service is very dealer-specific, and don't see that from my dealer - they provide free G35 loaners for everything.

ursamajor

Two questions:

Doesn't any part of Canada have a "Lemon Law?" California does, but then this state has always been consumer-biased.

Many drivers like myself deign to purchase/lease the first new design of any manufacturer for the obvious reason that it takes a full product year to eliminate most bugs. I speak from experience and cancelled my EX order after driving a BMW 335 with fold-down rear seats, which satisfied my modest but expanded cargo-space needs, and it's twice the car in handling and performance (also only about $ 50/mo. greater lease payment, and I have ample experience in this area).

Sorry about that, but I would hope that you have the capacity to write Nissan top management, barring any laws in your favor, and have them refund your money or replace the vehicle completely, because the lemon is not likely to become a plum.

jmess

You should call Infiniti's customer service and complain about your dealer's lack of service. Don't they have to offer you a loaner car?

healeysandjags

How disappointing to hear of your problems so early on in your ownership. This happened to me with a top of the line Volvo sedan and I lived with the inconvenience and out of pocket costs for way too many years. I now hate Volvos and would never own or recommend one again. In my case I always felt like the Volvo service people were ripping me at every opportunity.

Understandably, you are clearly soured on Infinity and that's a shame. Your dealer is not typical of Infinity. Our dealership experience is the best I've ever had and I too have owned several luxury cars. My new EX has been a joy to own. In the 30 days I've had the car absolutely nothing has gone wrong. In fact, I keep waiting for an idiot light to come on - habit I guess.
Randy

pharmboy3

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Guess we all take chances on a new design model in the first year. I have to say, I thought Infiniti mandates loaners to new car customers as a customer appreciation service. Maybe that's a dealership thing. My dealership offers loaners, rides to the airport, and washes the car (interior too) when I drop it off.

I am always a little weary about problems encountered in first year models on new designs too.

rangerwalker

Infiniti Canada does offer loaner cars for warranty service - what was the reason given in this case for not providing a loaner? (Which Infiniti dealer/location is this?)
You report that you were "willing to overlook the cheap interior fittings, and no frills service." I have test driven the EX and the interior was anything but "cheap" - in fact, it probably ranks up there with Lexus and Audi for interior design and quality.

Why did the LCD screen have to be replaced? That sounds very unusual.

An update on this situation would be helpful, as the description of Infiniti service and vehicle quality seems at odds with the vast majority of reports here.

boldchrome

Thank you for your positive messages and support. The dealer was Oakville Infiniti in Ontario, and the reason for no loaner was they didn't have any available.. despite me scheduling in advance for an appt. My wife and I drove two cars down to drop the EX off.

The LCD screen was replaced before I picked up the car, so as some of you suggest this will be a continuing electrical problem. As for interior fittings they are good with the exception of the switch gear, like power windows locks, seats adj etc..all of which are sub par in comparison to other manuf. Check the latest CAR magazine article on the the new G37 for reference. The interior over-all is of course very nice.

I will be escalating to Infiniti Canada as my dealer hasn't gotten back to me yet. I don't want to waste my time chasing down servie reps and fighting it out, I've done it before and it just leads to heartache. They can either address the issue prompty, or I'll be happy to send my comments to the local newspaper, and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. No one likes a lemon.

The 335 with fold down seats sounds like a good idea at this point.

boldchrome

Just got off the phone with Oakville Infiniti, the parts are not available for 4 - 6 weeks. Service will not provide a loaner as Infiniti Canada believes the car is driveable.

Sales rep has been kind throughout as has been the serivce manager. But in reality.. this is a Nissan operation. Cheap and ugly.

Low ball payout offer...I'm heading back to BMW

Good Luck!

vbbuilt

Nice review!

I like the CUV concept. I saw the early brochures for the EX35, so I went to the dealer. It's a beautiful vehicle, but I went away very disappointed at it's small size. I couldn't fit in the driver seat! I'm 6'4" and my head actually hit the head liner (had the moon roof). This is with the power seat completely lowered and fully back. The only way I could sit in the drivers seat is with the seat reclined, which is uncomfortable. I prefer driving in a more up-right position.

I drive a Mazda CX-7 with the tech package (moon roof included) and I don't have any problem with fit.

I tried the FX-35 and it's roomier, but the price tag is out of reach for my wallet.

I'll have to save my pennies and wait to see what the market produces in the future!

Vince.

cap58

Not sure what the rules are with Inifniti Canada, but the service loaner program in the US is an individual dealer sponsored program, not a corporate program. I found this out when I moved this fall and had planned on purchasing my EX35 from the dealer in Cincinnati that I had previously leased 2 cars from. The dealer in Cleveland would only provide the free loaners on cars they sold. I confirmed this with Inifiniti corporate - while they thought most dealers would still honor the free loaners, they don't have to. So I ended up buying my car in Cleveland. So your issue is really with the dealer, not Inifiniti Canada (unless the rules are different up there).

So sorry to hear about your issues. I bought my EX35 a few days after Christmas, and have 6500 miles on it already (I have to commute to Dayton each week). I've have been delighted with the car - very comfortable for the long rides, and handled well in the nasty winter this year in Cleveland. So while it has been a rotten experience for you, I have to believe this is an exception, not the rule. This is the 3rd Inifiniti I have owned (2 were leased, this one is a purchase due to the high miles I need to drive). I have had a Lexus and a Volvo in the past. The service at Infiniti has always been outstanding in comparison.

Best of luck resolving your problem. I'd really press the dealer further on the free loaner issue.

carjim

At the Dallas Auto Show, I asked the Infiniti rep to show me how to get out of the back seat.
She said that you lift your foot that is closest to the door, turn it 90 degrees so you can get it through the opening, allow your leg to travel down until you touch ground and then bring the other foot forward. Women with tight skirts need not apply, I would guess.

carjim

Sales of the EX for April were 949. Four-month total is 4,010.
What should one make of that? Do those figures make it a hit or is it just coming close to meeting Infiniti's expectations?
Any thoughts, anyone?

jmess

According to an industry analyst:

"The Infiniti EX, the brand's newest entry in the luxury crossover segment, was the Division's best-selling truck in April with 949 units sold."

mspecan

Hello all,

I've dreamed about owning an FX35 for a while now. Earlier this month I finally started shopping on the internet and discovered Infiniti now makes the EX35.

I've scheduled a test drive for Friday, weather permitting. The salesman has quoted me prices on both vehicles and the price is within a few hundred dollars of each other.

I will be driving alone probably 90% of the time and Hubby and I are empty nesters so I will seldom have back seat passengers.

Will you please tell me the pros and cons of the two vehicles? I'll also post this question on the FX35 forum.

One last thing. What is the Aerodynamic Kit?

roho1

Strange, why what definition is this vehicle referred to as a truck? :confuse:

carjim

Your Friday drive will readily reveal the pros and cons of each because they are designed for different demographics and are different sizes.
Caution on the FX: Infiniti has a freshened model out that closely resembles the previous one. Make sure you know which FX you are driving and if the price applies to the new one or old one.

cap58

I am a current EX35 owner, having previously owned the FX35. I have been very pleased with the EX. You don't really realize how much smaller it is until you see the 2 next to each other. I don't use my back seat much, so all of the comments regarding the lack of back seat space has not been an issue for me. I'm not sure I understand all of the comments about how hard it is to get in and out of the back either - I don't have a problem.

The EX is much more luxuriously appointed, and I really like all of the bells and whistles. I am driving a lot now (I got my car at the end of December and already have 8300 miles on it!!) I find the creature comforts to be helpful with all of the long drives. I have not noticed significantly better gas mileage though - overall, I'm averagin 21.6 mi/gal - not much better than the FX. And comsidering all of the highway driving I'm now doing, I thought it would be better.

From what you described, I think you would like the EX. But if you need the extra cargo area, you're better off with the FX - it is definitely smaller.

Good luck on your decision.

rontek

I purchased a new EX35 with everything but Technology package. Two days after taking delivery I decided to take it to a Touch less car wash. When the jets went over the roof, water started to come in the car. Not a lot, but noticeable. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced the roof. Tried it again, and same thing happened. I returned it again and they gave me a loaner EX. Tried that one in the same car wash, and same issue. Tried a different touch less wash, and same thing. I just got a call from Infiniti consumer services and they are telling me the car is performing to "Specifications", and that it should not be washed in a high pressure touch less car wash. That is "CRAP ! I have had many other vehicles with sunroofs, and NEVER has any leaked in ANY car wash. There is obviously something wrong with the design , and I can not believe Infiniti would give me this type of answer. I otherwise LOVE the vehicle, but to me this is a major issue. Have any other EX owners out there experienced the same problem? Could someone give it a try and let me know your results?

Thanks,

Ron
:mad:

carjim

Infiniti's response astounds me.

Are they going to provide you with a raincoat so you can drive to work during heavy downpours? At least in Texas I can assure you we have thunderstorms that match the pressure of a carwash.

I think it would be wise of any of us on a test drive to take the EX through a couple of different carwash places.

rontek

I was astounded by the response as well. I have already found another owner in Toronto Canada that has the same issue, so I agree it would be wise, and helpful if some other owners could give the high pressure washes a try. If you do have the same problem, please list your location and if possible the dealership that services your EX. I am trying to keep a list to provide to Infinity.

Thanks for the support !

Ron

pharmboy3

No way would I accept a vehicle with a leaky roof. Get the General Manager or someone in the Company to ride in your vehicle or loaner and goto the car wash. Show them what the problems is. Maybe it is a simple fix.

This may be a new production problem that turns into a future recall. More people may start complaining, but it may be a while for a service bulletin. Look at your states Lemon Law too. Keep files of your interactions with Infiniti and get documentation of the leak by a mechanic or video of the problem. Worst case scenario, video tape the leak problem with your car and loaner and post it on U-Tube. That might get someone's attention fro the company.

If Infiniti wants to be as good as Lexus in customer satisfaction, they better help you out.

otis15

Hi Ron,

I was thinking of you and your problem (nervously) as I went through one of those car washes the other day for the first time in my new EX. I was ready to gun it out of there if water started coming in. I hadn't even made it to the high pressure spray cycle yet- it was just the first dousing of soapy water and I heard water literally pouring in the car. But I looked up and the sunroof was not leaking at all. It took a second and then I noticed that both rear windows were open about 5 inches! So, my interior got an unintended washing as well, but no leaky sunroof- even when the high pressure sprayer was on.

Sorry to hear about your sunroof!

Otis

rontek

Thanks Otis. The leak is not water pouring in, but you can noticbly feel spray coming through. I found another owner in Toronto Canada that has the same issue, so that makes three identified so far. I told Infiniti consumer services that they need to look into it ASAP, and that I may be interested in a buy back. I really love the car otherwise, and its not a huge problem, but as I said before I have NEVER had a vehicle leak at all in one of these washes. Granted, the two I tries are VERY high powered, but it should not make a difference.

Any other owners, please give it a try and let me know.

kjkii

Does anyone know of a bike rack that fits on the factory installed roof rack and cross bars? I've called a few bike rack companies and they do not even have the EX35 on their list of vehicles! As a result, local companies won't touch it.
Can anyone tell me what they are doing to carry bikes on the roof?

pharmboy3

The roof rail bike rack is coming. I should be able to eventually get one through the dealership. Several aftermarket manufacturers are going to release the brackets designed for their roof racks soon. I went a different route. Take a look at what others have done to equip their EX35s.

http://www.ex35ownerz.com/f17/hitch-bike-rack-21/

pmas1

I have the same problem, as Ron knows. Mine leaks simply by driving it in the rain. The water enters the car, soaks the headliner and sunroof sliding cover, and drips on me. So I took it to Infiniti. They had it for 2 days.
OK.. you are going to love this!
I go the car back last night. They replaced the sunroof. It rained a few hours later and guess what? Soaked! The headliner, the sliding cover for the sunroof too. I went right back to the dealer and they saw it themselves. When sprayed with a hose, it literally "sprays" in. They said this is the way it's designed. In other words, I am simply out of luck. I called Infiniti and now have an incident number. A rep is supposed to call me to figure out what can be done.
I just find it hard to believe that getting rained on inside your vehicle is considered normal.
Stay Tuned!

rontek

Paul and I are both dealing with Infiniti consumer services, as the dealerships are unable to do anything about the problem. This will make FOUR vehicles that I know about with leaking sunfroofs. When it starts to get cold and any water that may be let in freezes, it is going to cause all kinds of issues. The "drains in the roof" excuse just does not cut it with me. When the glass is closed NO water should get in any time. Other than this issue, I love the vehicle. I am just VERY dissapointed with the response so far from Infiniti responding to the problem. As I said before, if you have not had the opportunity to thoroughly test your sunroof for leaks, I would do so. if you do not have any issues, GREAT ! But if you do, you will want to let Infiniti know so they can begin to look into, and do whatever is necessary to correct the problems on vehicles like ours.

kjkii

Thanks for the info. I'm in a 24 month lease so I might hold off on the hitch and wait to see what comes out for the roof. The dealer quoted me $675 for a holder and installation. Needless to say, I passed on that!

lsyankees

The same thing has happened to me. Went through a very heavy downpour this past weekend up in Vermont and my wife noticed a small spray of water from above me. Not a major leak but definitely water dripping in. I am bringing the car into for service this week to have it checked out. I also indicated that others are having the same issue. Sad thing is I only have the car for less that a week.

rontek

Well this will probably be my last post about my leaky sunroof. Infiniti consumer services has basically washed their hands of the issue. Their position is that the car is performing to specifications, and that water leaking in the sunroof in a car wash is OK. The issue Paul is having , according to Infiniti, is not related because his leak is more severe, and happens when it is raining as well. A leak is a leak. There is obviously something wrong with the design of the roof, or a manufacturing problem in at least some of the EX35's, as I have not found another vehicle, Nissan or not, that leaks in the same manner as mine. I even contacted the manufacturer of the car wash equipment, and they have never had any other complaints like this. They also believe something is not right with the roof. I have to say I am more dissapointed with the level and manner of support provided by Infiniti Consumer Services, than I am with the leaky roof itself. Although it is unacceptable, I can live with not using a high presssure car wash. I guess I expected Infiniti to provide the same level of service that I received with my BMW purchase, but I was mistaken. I hope all of you other EX35 owners out there do not have the same problems Paul and I are having, and if you do, make sure you let Infiniti know that you are aware there are others out here that also are experiencing the leaks.
Good Luck !

Ron


: :sick: :lemon:

ursamajor

First, there are lemon laws in many states.
Second, if a number of owners experience the same problems and they submit a demand en masse, Infiniti must respond.
Third, if a lawyer skilled in product liability or defect cases determines that the case has merit, then even the threat of legal action would justify a recall.

To think that I ordered and had delivered a built-to-spec EX and changed my mind at the last moment to lease a BMW 335xi sedan with rear folding seats. I received a refund of my deposit upon a second request to Infiniti, but I am so sorry to hear about your problems, yet relieved to have, at this point, made an excellent choice.

pmas1

Currently, I decided to wait to bring the vehicle back for the dissecting. The reason for the delay is simple: When they replaced the sunroof, they scratched the wood grain on the console and also gouged the shifter knob. So I am waiting for the parts to arrive so I can make one appointment for all. Then supposedly, they are going to have an engineer on the line while the tech works on the vehicle. Honestly, I have absolutely no confidence in Infiniti at this point. Based on Ron's outcome, I feel we are all out of luck. What a shame!

rontek

Well, thanks to a concerned and caring sales person, I was able to speak to my dealerships Infiniti Corporate Service Representative. I explained my frustration with Infiniti Consumer Services, and the fact that I have found "several" other EX35 owners experiencing the same or similar issues. I told him I was not looking for anything from Infiniti, not a buy back, not financial compensation. I just wanted my brand new EX35 that I really like a lot, not to leak under any reasonable circumstances. He still was not convinced there was an issue. He did agree to investigate my claim of other owners issues, by looking into the Infiniti dealership service records for EX35 owners that had reported sunroof leaks. I would also like to keep track of owners that have had roof leaks so I can "compare" what I have found with what his investigation comes back with. If you are an EX35 owner and have reported a sunroof leak to your dealership, or are planning to, PLEASE send me an e-mail or post in the forum, the name and state of the dealership where you reported the leak, and the date you first reported it. If you want to send me details of the number of repair attempts and any other responses from Infiniti, I would appreciate it. I am only trying to gather information to support a satisfactory response and fix for the problem. I do not need or want any personal information. You can send your info to ron_tek@verizon.net or post it in the forum. If anyone else wants a copy of the list I create, they are welcome to it.
Ron

orchidgal

I bought my EX in May and park on the street. My neighbors noticed the car. I live in a block that has mostly condos and apartments, and when one of my neighbor across the alley sq me getting into my car, he walked over with a big smile saying, Wow! That car is yours! I've been eyeing all the time hoping no one thinks I'm casing it. It's beautiful. I want one!" Others, who pride themselves on driving a Prius, just drooled, and when I said, "You probably hate me for not having bought a fuel efficient car," they said, "No way, it's beautiful, what a car!" End of case...

exmaybe

Love the look of the wheat leather, but on my test drive I noticed that the edge of the driver's seat was pretty dirty. Has anyone had problems with the wheat leather becoming dirty? Is it dirt resistant? Any shared experiences would be helpful.

jmess

It looks like a dealer in Elk Grove, CA has two EX-35 AWD with cloth interior. The price listed is $34,115.

About This EX35
Body Style: SUV
Exterior Color: Liquid Platinum
Interior Color: Wheat W/Cloth Seat Trim
Stock #: 43363
VIN: JNKAJ09F98M362209

kyfdx

Better lease it.... Any idea how hard it would be to sell an Infiniti without leather? :surprise:

maxleavitt

I'm looking into the ex35 and am concerned about the limited visiblity out the back window (I'd prefer not to buy the technology pkg). I'd like to just get the premium pkg and roof carrier/rails. Any comments from owners? also how is the pricing in upstate NY or the nyc metro area?

tangofan

I too was very concerned about this but I'm happy to report I have no issues. The rear window is very small & the design does create a bit of an issue when I back up, but the side mirrors are large & if you position them right, visibility is fine. Most new cars have this problem in my experience test driving lately.
If you can swing it, I would opt for the navigation system & take advantage of the rear view monitor for backing up. I passed on the CTS because it had no rear view monitor & the rear window was an issue for me.

plawin1

I'm interested in the base version. The is the first time that I've seen any evidence that there are any in the US. Has anyone here seen a sample of the cloth?

pharmboy3

I drive with the rear seats down (no kids, just a hot wife). That helps rear view, but thank goodness the side mirrors are large because of the blind spots in the rear corners.

jenjen4

Thinking of buying an EX, has anyone other than the sunroof leaking had any problems?

cambrea

I need some help on bluetooth in 2008 EX35.
My aunt, late 60's, who lives 500 miles away has 2008 EX35. I guess it is the Journey model.
(My apology: I do not have EX35, and not so familiar with.)

Her phone was paired to EX35's bluetooth, so she can pick up incoming phone calls.
(I am not sure she push a call button to pick up the phone or automatically connect incoming call.)
(She doesn't make outgoing call while driving.)

However, she wanting to know how to "HANG UP" a call.
Does she need to push a "call(?)" button to hang up a phone call?
She used to keep on driving until the caller hang up and bluetooth automatically disconnect. It worked fine untill....... there were few unwanted (marketing?) incoming calls... and wanting to know how to hang up.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

cap58

Tell her to look on the Nav screen. There should be a "hang up" option right on the screen when the phone is in use. She can either touch the "hang up" option on the screen or she can hit the "OK" button on the Nav dial to hang up. I think there may also be an option on the steering wheel - I just don't use it

tangofan

I've had mine since May and no issues at all. Really LOVE my car!! From what I see some of the issues are with the first EX models to be made with a build date of Nov, Dec, Jan. The later built models may not have the same problems. (sunroof leak, humming noise at start up, steering wheel issue) My build date was early too,but I have not experienced any problems.
HTH Tango

jaxs1

They don't say if they are going to slide the rear seat back a couple inches into the cargo area, scoop out more knee room from the backs of the front seats, stretch the wheelbase or some combination of the above.
Regardless, they will find some way to deal with the cramped rear seat room starting with the 2010 model year.

Around View Monitor also becomes standard for 2010.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/infiniti-to-give-ex-more-legroom-for-2010.html

carjim

This may be old news to some, but I found out today I can get a set of rubber mats for my EX. They are available in three colors: gray, black or tan.
With my stone leather and gray carpet I am going for the gray set, obviously.

The parts guy said there are still very few accessories for the EX.