Infiniti QX4

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Comments

  • sooner5sooner5 Member Posts: 1
    I'm currently looking at purchasing the 2000 model. I've driven the automobile, however I have concern with the power of the smaller engine

    Does anyone see a major concern??

    In 2001 they increased the engine size and now puts out considerable more horsepower

    what do you think??
  • rgobelrgobel Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2K QX4 and was in the same dilemma back in 12/99. I decided that I didn't want to wait and take the hit for a brand new one and they were and I believe still are discounting the 2Ks by 4K-6K. I have learned to live with the fact that a SUV is not made for hotrodding and just for a reliable smooth ride. I purchased a GTI VR6 for the hotrodding impulses instead. The benefits of the old engine is that it runs on regular unleaded and gets the same if not a little better fuel mileage than the '01. I would also say that the engine is a little slow to pickup but once cruising at highway speeds is smooth. If you need to pass on the highway, you just have to "set up" your pass and build momentum :o)

    If you are interested in the 2K be aware that there are now some '01 QX4s on the market and that they make the 2K model year a little obsolete. So, again, you should be able to apply the downward pressure on the price.
  • c43amg7c43amg7 Member Posts: 32
    We traded in a '99 for an '01, and think there is a very material difference in the new 240HP engine vs the old 167HP -- the old engine had to constantly be revved to get any kind of acceleration or performance and accordingly was very noisy and gas hungry despite its size and HP, and much less safe in passing situations. The only advantage of the old engine was that it took regular, while the new engine requires premium.

    I would not buy a pre-01 unless you got a very deep discount and a full extended warranty (since you would get a full warranty with the '01). In addition, the '01 has Xenon lights, steering wheel audio controls, in-dash CD, etc. which are a nice improvement.
  • qx4qx4 Member Posts: 99
    big engine makes a big difference on freeways

    the new one is still not all that fast, but enough of what you want. 0-60 in 9 and a bit seconds

    old one in 11 and a bit.

    your average sedan does it in the 9 range.
    needless to say, the old one is underpowered rather than the new one is overpowered.

    my dad traded a 98 with a 01.

    wait a year or two and buy the ones with 3.5L
    if you can't then make sure you get a good discount.

    the old one is horrible on gas. the new one is supppose to have the same specs in fuel as the old.

    we got 16L/100km in the 3L
  • jimmydelrayjimmydelray Member Posts: 38
    I find the power improvement to be excellent on the '01. Have had the opportunity to do some
    Turnpike driving and the difference between the 1999 and the 2001 is very pleasing. Also the ride seems much smoother. Not sure if anything changed with the underpining or perhaps the 17" tires make a difference. I truly find the QX4 to be an excellent value for the money. I have 12000 miles on mine now and love it more every day. I know it doesn't sound possible but the vehicle seems to ride smoother as the miles are added to it. Also, absolutely no problems, not one!!!!!

    JImmy
  • spritzerdspritzerd Member Posts: 5
    I got the 98'"Black Beauty" home and so far I am very pleased with it. Gas mileage on a 500 am trip was 23 mpg (Can. gallon don't forget)Cruise on at 102kph. It came equipped with the after market air filtration system that also supposedly boosts HI up by 15. Anyway, where is the best place to buy assessories in Canada. I'm looking for the Infinity mats and cargo mat and a front bra. Does Canadian Tire sell them or is it best to go back to the dealer. Also, I heard the bras make the vehicle sweat and thus corrosion. Is this true?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You may want to check this discussion out:
    Car front end protective bras

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • jamkojamko Member Posts: 2
    Hi all,

    I picked up my fully loaded brand new 2001 QX4 over the weekend and had some questions which I wanted to pose to you before speaking with the dealer.

    1. While giving a hand-washing, I noticed a small scratch near the rear of the SUV and a scratch inside the front window. What can I do or ask from the dealer at this point?

    2. I was told that the NAV system only comes with the CD of your local area. Additional CDs need to be purchased. Is this true?

    3. Inside the glove compartment, the stated tire pressure is 26psi for both front and back. The dealer recommended 32psi all around. What do you think?

    4. In the manual, there is a guideline for a break-in period of 1000 miles. How did you break-in your SUV? Did you follow it?

    I must state that I love my new QX4. It rides like a dream and is all I have come to expect from reading your postings. Thanks in advance for your answers.
  • johnskevjohnskev Member Posts: 98
    jamko:


    1. if you are sure the scratches were there before you took the vehicle into your hands, then by all means go to the dealer with the issue about scratches. you just purchased a brand new vehicle and it should be immaculate.


    2. true, the nav is only for your area. check out this website for info on where the difference CDs cover and how to purchase new ones:

    http://commerce.zenrin.com/pr_infinitimca.html


    3. i agree with 32psi, 26psi seems too low. try checking out the edmunds board for Nissan Pathfinder, there's been quite a bit of discussion the recommended tire pressure. i essentially say to go with what you find comfortable. some people notice the harder riding of 32psi versus 26 or whatever.


    4. a good idea for the breakin is to vary the speed and rpm of your qx4 for a while. it has something to do with evenly wearing the motor and all that mechanical/technical stuff.

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Infiniti's Power Lifts It from Luxury SUV Rut

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • raymmerraymmer Member Posts: 16
    Just picked a new 2001 QX4 this weekend for the wife. She is tickled to death over it. I kind of like it also. I get to drive during the breakin period as she is too impatient.
    She is hotrodding my 2001 Lincoln LS! Look forward to many happy years with the Q.
  • path01path01 Member Posts: 14
    Although I own a sistership (2001 Pathfinder 3.5 LE), I was wondering if some of you QX4 owners could help me. Does the QX4 come with an tailpipe finisher (exhaust tip), or is it an optional accessory? Has anyone added an aftermarket one?

    Thanks,
    Ron
  • johnskevjohnskev Member Posts: 98
    i couldn't tell you if what the qx4 has is an exhaust tip or not (i do remember someone saying that once though, just looking at it, but it's not what i'd say), but if it does, it's not aftermarket or an accessory. not much help, but it's better than nothing. i also checked any spec info i have, and can't find anything mentioning an exhaust tip.
  • bilalbilal Member Posts: 5
    Hi guys what is the exact difference between PF and Qx4, I need to get one this weekend any help would be appreciated... engine is the same, That's all I know
  • skips2skips2 Member Posts: 52
    I don't own either of these vehicles yet, but have done search and test driven both. Here are my observations:

    1. QX4 will cost more. Approximately $3k more
    2. QX4 is much more luxuriously appointed.
    3. Both have the same paint jobs. Both have 3 layers of paint.
    4. The QX4 has altered the suspension for a softer ride.
    5. The QX4 has additional sound proofing materials. It is much quieter inside. The difference between back-to-back test drives was amazing in terms of quietness and ride quality, with the QX4 having the edge.
    6. The QX4 has a slightly more advanced automatic four wheel drive system compared to the PF LE automatic four wheel drive system.
    7. Because of the added weight (from the sound proofing materials), the QX4 has a lower payload capacity. The QX4 can only handle about 795 pounds of people and cargo, while the PF can handle about 1,100 pounds.
    8. Both of these vehicles are scheduled for complete re-designs for the 2003 model year, which will be released in 2002. Both will be larger. I have decided to wait for the re-design before I purchase one.

    I hope this helps.
  • bilalbilal Member Posts: 5
    Thank you it was very helpful, any difference in the featues?
  • skips2skips2 Member Posts: 52
    No real difference in features. However, with one of the options, the QX4 offers heated rear seats, which the PF LE does not offer. Same radio etc.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    What is the difference between the auto4wd systems? I heard they are absolutely identical.
  • path01path01 Member Posts: 14
    phil47, there is no difference with the auto awd systems that are on the QX4 and the Pathfinder LE. There was a time not too long ago that this system was only available on the QX4, however that has changed. Same goes for the Navigation System. So really the differences between the QX4 and Pathfinder LE (with the option packages)amount to the following additional items on the QX4:
    Heated rear seats.
    Available 17" wheels/tires.
    Supposedly more sound insulation.
    Supposedly softer suspension.
    HID headlights.
  • skips2skips2 Member Posts: 52
    The difference in the automatic four wheel drive systems between the Pathfinder LE and the QX4 was once described to me by an Infiniti dealer. The difference is fairly technical. I couldn't describe it. Before you decide one way or another, you should visit an Infiniti dealer or do more research on the 4 wheel drive system differences, if it's important to you. From what I have heard, I think the Pathfinder LE automatic 4 wheel drive system would meet my needs. As Patho1 states in Post#619, at one time the PF LE didn't have any automatic 4 wheel drive system. Now it does, but it is a little different than the QX4. I disagree with path01's comments regarding sound proofing and soft ride differences. He adds that "supposedly" before sound proofing and softer ride for the QX4. There is nothing "supposedly" about those differences. They are very well-documented and real. Nothing, that back-to-back test drives couldn't resolve.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    I agree with you on the quite ride of the QX4. I actually did a very extensive amount of research on these 2 vehicles before buying the 2001 PF LE auto4wd...I love them both! I think path01 nailed the other significant differences except for the fact the QX4 has a more uptown interior trim level.

    The QX4 was more quiet (on back to back testing), but I didn't find the difference to be huge (the PF LE is still fairly quiet). I found the ride quality almost identical (this was very important to me). The PF seemed to have more taught handling when cornering yet still forgiving over the bumps. This gave it the edge for my purposes. As for the auto4wd system, my inquiries to my Nissan dealer and the Infiniti dealer (as well as Nissan Canada) confirmed there were no differences is the system or drivetrain. I used to own a 1999.5 (2000) PF LE, and I upgraded because of the new engine and the auto4wd system. If you hear again from your Infiniti dealer what the difference is, I'd be very interested if you posted back here. Thanks.
  • path01path01 Member Posts: 14
    skips2, I said supposedly because that is what I have heard fom people on the forums. I have not documented it personally - what is in that, that you disagree with??

    As far as the Automatic AWD feature - there is no difference at all between the QX4 and the Pathfinder LE. The system is an apdaptation of the system in the AWD Skyline GTR that is not sold on the North American Continent. I have researched this technically before making my purchase and am not relating to the speak of less than knowledgable salespeople. Perhaps the only difference in driveline configuration is that the QX4 has a limited slip rear differential as standard, whereas it is optional on the Pathfinder.

    phil47, what is more "uptown" in your opinion on the Qx4 over the LE with the leather option?? Aside from the analog clock and the steering wheel. Gathered leather rather than perforated leather? I am not arguing, I just would like to know why you think that. The wood is not real, just as in the LE.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    Sounds like we did similar research and came to the same conclusions. I was referring to the additional "fake" wood treatment on the steering wheel, dash (above glovebox) and console. I especially liked the console treatment, very nicely finished compared to my PF where all the plastic looks a bit "raw". I also like the analog clock and electroluminescent gauge package. Nice look. However, I'm with you in that I felt the interior luxo treatment of the PF LE was very well done and more than adequate for myself. I've been very happy with my truck and always get nods of approval from passengers when they get inside and see the quality of the interior finish.
  • path01path01 Member Posts: 14
    I guess I tend to gravitate towards the "performance look". I like the perforated leather (it's cooler too), and I feel that the amount of plastic wood in the PF is just enough. If it was real, then it would be a different story. I like the white faced gauges better, but maybe that is because I am used to them having had a 99 Maxima SE and currently my other vehicle is a 2001 Maxima SE with the titanium faced gauges. I would have liked the 17" wheels/tires, but then again, I don't like the style of them on the QX4, so maybe when replacement time comes I'll get aftermarket 17's. I like the grill treatment of the PF better also. I too am very pleased with the Pathfinder and feel that the savings over the QX4 suit me just fine. Talking about Infinity, the new Q45 is one gorgeous car! Maybe when it comes time to trade the Maxima!!!!
  • reb12reb12 Member Posts: 41
    According to the owners manual the wood on the qx4 dash and seat divide is real, just not the steering wheel. It looks real to me. Are you sure it is fake?
  • winnyvwinnyv Member Posts: 30
    It's fake.
  • ace10ace10 Member Posts: 137
    my previously pretty reliable '98's a/c went out today. blower works but no cold air. i'm thinking it's the condenser. i called my infiniti svc dept, and got the usual HUGE bad attitude from them. no loaners available until maybe the end of the next week. nothing they can do.

    someone please remind me again why i paid the premium over the pf.

    oh well, it's only 10 days in mid-80's sweltering heat. in my mind, this is an immediate must-fix. service dept. said no way to reimbursing me for a rental either.

    just needed to vent.

    ace
  • johnskevjohnskev Member Posts: 98
    ace10: it's good that you vent. i think it's horrible the way you're being treated. are there any other infiniti dealers in your area that you can go to? it doesn't make sense for them to not want the business. i'm in the twin cities of mn, jim lupient infiniti, and i have nothing but praise for these guys. always a loaner whenever i need it. friendly faces. and a clean qx4 when i pick it up. granted the prices may seem a little excessive, but i haven't had anything major that would break a pocketbook. you might even try a nissan dealership: you probably wont' get a loaner, but the service will be cheaper. but then again, that's why you got the infiniti rather than the nissan.

    -johnskev
  • dgambledgamble Member Posts: 4
    I am going to have my QX4 in Nantucket for a couple of weeks this summer where it will be used for some beach/dune driving. I understand the basics (deflating tires to approx. 15, momentum, tow rope, shovel, etc.)... I am wondering if it is best to stay in 4 HI and only use 4 LO in the really soft stuff, or should I be in 4 LO all the time while in the sand. Please advise.
  • ace10ace10 Member Posts: 137
    when i'm playing on the outer banks, i find that the qx4 does very well in sand. better than most. i leave it in 4hi for most situations, and use lo for the really soft stuff or any sort of incline/steep decline.

    knock on wood... it's yet to get even somewhat stuck.

    rarely do i deflate the tires, unless it hasn't rained in some time and the sand is very soft. if you choose to deflate 'em, make sure that you have a portable air pump to get them back up into safe operating psi for hard road surfaces. else you'll be heating up the tires causing premature wear and have a very unstable suv.

    good luck and enjoy nantucket is a great vacation spot.

    ace

    p.s. have you reserved the ferry yet?
  • dgambledgamble Member Posts: 4
    ace10 - thanks for advice. I've been over to Nantucket a couple of times now and look forward to having my QX4 over there. Regarding ferry reservations - I had to book 3 months ago to insure a spot; they go quickly. One added plus about Nantucket beaches is that they have ranger stations, with air pumps, at most entry points to make sure you have a beach permit.
  • dc661dc661 Member Posts: 71
    endophil:

    I'm in the market for a QX4 and was wondering if you went to Pepe Infiniti in White Plains before going to New Country?

    If so, any particular reason you didn't buy there?

    thanks
  • endophilendophil Member Posts: 16
    Even though I was a former customer at Pepe Infinity, they were $1000 higher in price. This was after all the discounts. For $1000 it was worth driving to Conn.
  • dc661dc661 Member Posts: 71
    Thanks for the reply.

    I haven't started pricing it out yet, but i'll check both. Have you noticed any difference in customer service between the dealers?
  • fuzballfuzball Member Posts: 1
    I'm a new perspective QX4 buyer but before purchase want to make sure this is the right one for me as a whole package deal - price, quality, comfort, luxury etc. The 'competition' is Nissan's PF. I'm looking for a fully loaded QX4, what's the bottom line I should be looking for on pricing? Any other words of wisdom appreciated...
  • johnskevjohnskev Member Posts: 98
    fuzball:

    try jumping over to the Nissan group and ask the same question too. i suggest you take them both for a test drive, and on the same day too. just the feel of the vehicles is different, so you want to find which one is more comfortable to you. it doesn't help if you find a better deal if you're not comfortable in the vehicle. as for pricing, both this and the Nissan boards have many purchasers who have traveled to canada to make their purchase. the dollar is still strong up there and both vehicles have a slight different/better options. that's the chime for lofquist to come in and help out, or anyone else who's purchased in canada. also, check out edmunds True Market Value, most everyone has been able to get their vehicle at that price.
  • benjacksonbenjackson Member Posts: 3
    I'm wondering if someone can tell me of a good site to go to. I have an new extra set of 01 QX4 floormats and a plastic piece of interior trim (driver's door pocket) that I want to sell, but I'm wondering if it's worth listing on ebay.

    any suggestions?
  • joef4570joef4570 Member Posts: 29
    IMHO, eBay is your best bet. You can sell snow balls to Eskimos on eBay. I've bought & sold $thousands worth of stuff on eBay over the past two years & it's just amazing. eBay Motors is growing by the day & while it's not the best for actual vehicle sales yet, accessories are hot.
    Good luck!
  • mvargo1mvargo1 Member Posts: 298
    Early production 2001 QX4's have fake wood later production have real wood. Can you tell the difference? No.

    Other difference's between the QX4 and PF.
    Better Warrenty
    Much better customrer service
    Free Loner car.

    The eventual replacement for the QX4 and Pathfinder will be built in the new Mississippi plant and will share a platform with the new full size pick-up truck. As a result it will probably be at least 2003 before it comes to market.
  • drkman1drkman1 Member Posts: 1
    I might be interested in buying that extra set of floor mats.



    adamsee@ndw.navy.mil

    Thanks

    Ben
  • lofquistlofquist Member Posts: 281
    As long as my name came up (thanks John, post #636, May 8) I will chime in on prices from Canada. It's been a while so I will recap. The exchange rate is still at near all-time highs and you can get your QX4 from Canada for substantially less than here in the US.

    Just yesterday I again saw a loaded QX4 AWD (including what we call Sport pkg, Sunroof, and Premium pkg) go for $30,300! That includes duty at the border too. US dealer invoice for the same vehicle is $34,899 and list is $38,525.

    If on the other hand you prefer the Pathfinder LE, with leather they go for mid $27K.

    Here's the answers to the most asked questions:
    - Yes, it's perfectly legal as a US resident to buy a new car in Canada.
    - QX4 and Pathfinder meet all US safety and emissions requirements (California too).
    - You will have to pay some Canadian sales taxes, but they send you a refund after you take the vehicle out of the country.
    - The warranty is honored in the US.
    - It's identical to the US QX4, but in Canada they come better equipped with options.
    - No two-wheel drive available in Canada.
    - Speedo is in km and miles; odo is in km, but can be changed if you prefer.
    - I have found some dealers willing to sell over the phone at close to invoice, far below list price.
    - Get your financing at home first.

    Quick summary of the process:
    1. Call dealer and make a deal. Get VIN number.
    2. Call Nissan and get US emissions and safety compliance letter (will fax if in a hurry).
    3. Go to Canada, pay, drive away.
    4. Stop at Canadian customs. Get a form stamped.
    5. Stop at US Customs. Show compliance letter. Pay 2.5% duty.
    6. Register vehicle and pay your state's sales tax when home just like normal.
    7. Send in form and get Canadian sales tax refund check in the mail.

    I bought my Pathfinder in Canada in September and I know of over thirty others since then who have done the same. It's not difficult at all. Sure, there's a little paperwork to do. Also many people are surprised how close to Canada they really are. Anyone from Chicago to D.C. is easily within a one days drive of Toronto. And much of the west coast is close to Vancouver.

    I'm glad to help anyone out with questions or good contacts. I have lots more information available. Just email me.

    -Jon
  • kdb4221440kdb4221440 Member Posts: 4
    Just purchased a 2001 QX4 a few days ago, with everything except: Entertainment System, Navigator, towing and two-Tone paint for $34,500. I thought it was a good deal, about 400-500 dollars under invoice. Edmund invoice was about $34,990. Was it a good deal? I test drove the car twice and my wife like it very much. The car has about 20 test miles when we bought it. I live in Rochester, NY and the dealer name is Dorschel Infiniti. Does anybody know any website that selling Infiniti accessories?
    Any information would be appreciated.
  • hookeyhookey Member Posts: 54
    I recently bought a Toyota Sequoia and love it. My wife no needs a new vehicle and since we have four young kids it makes some sense to give her my beloved Sequoia and have me buy a smaller SUV for commuting 25 miles each way to work,which could still hold the kids in a pinch. The QX4 looks like a possible candidate. Does it come with a third seat option?

    Could someone please update me on what the market is like in the Boston area. Is there a significant wait for the vehicle? What are people getting price wise? Any dealer that anyone can recommend as being good and fair? Anyone have luck buying over the internet or by phone?

    Thank you.
  • drshrinky1drshrinky1 Member Posts: 4
    It was an easy decision for me to buy the QX4 instead of the Pathfinder because I was willing to hold out for the right price. If you keep watching the paper and the Auto Trader, there is always someone who wants out of a vehicle, and is willing to sell "cheap."
    People buy things they can't afford all the time. This is America, land of opportunity.
  • winnyvwinnyv Member Posts: 30
    Where did you get this info about the wood being real? Please don't tell me the "salesmen" told you.
  • jscatenajscatena Member Posts: 61
    He, here's a heads up about sand. I live on a beach and travel a lot in the sand. I recently had to pull down my spare and the way it is mounted allowed sand to get between the stops and the wheels making two big scratches on the wheel. My dealer replaced it under warranty.

    Also, I'll buy those extra mats if you haven't sold them.

    Jim

    jpscatena@t-one.net
  • curtnheidicurtnheidi Member Posts: 36
    Is there a way to get more power from a '99 QX4 besides an expensive supercharger or new exhaust? What options are there? Also, does anyone know of a website that offers nice upgrades or mods for the QX4?

    Regards,

    Curt
  • mvargo1mvargo1 Member Posts: 298
    No, the lying cheating say anything to get me to buy the car, salesman did not make up a story to convince me that the wood is real. It is much easier than that.

    I am the salesman and I have the memo from the Infiniti corporate office in my files and the brochure that reads "Genuine bird's-eye maple wood trim on dash and console" right in front of me.

    So, I say again that halfway through the model year Infiniti introduced a rolling change that put real wood into the QX4, however you can't tell the difference.

    More power for '99 QX4. I would check the websites for Stillen and JWT both of which I know do a lot of power mods for Infiniti sedans and may also do the QX4's
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ...but there has been a request from the Infiniti sedan crowd to open an Infiniti Owner's Club. Would any QX4 owners be interested in having a QX4 Owners folder? If so, please let me know.


    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs

  • jeffqx4jeffqx4 Member Posts: 3
    Yes Karen; I'm interested in a QX4 only forum.
    thanks,
    Jeff
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