...installed on a 99.5 PF LE. I loved it. It cost around $84 USD installed and protected the front of the hood beautifully. It remained perfectly transparent right up until I traded my 99.5 in for a 2001 PF LE. I will have it installed soon on my 2001.
had the first substantial snowfall in the minneapolis/st.paul area of minneSNOWta. saw many accidents and cars sliding all over. it was my first real chance to use 4HI, and it's great. i tried fishtailing and couldn't do it. the antilocks are great too! i love this vehicle!
Here's the greatest site for mats and cargo trays. The company is called Mats4Less and their site is very good. They even have a special package price on their site for the Front Seat Floor Trays plus the Cargo Tray for the 2001 QX4. The direct link is:
I could use some help. My wife and I have looked at and roadtested both the Infiniti QX4 4x2 and the Acura MDX. Both are fine vehicles. My wife prefers the QX4 based on ride and luxury options. Recent reviews from both Motortrend and Car and Driver rate the MDX better than the QX4. I asked my wife to talk to the QX4 salesman about this. In other words, help us understand why the QX4 is a better buy. He said that many of this magazine reviews are "political" and not always straightup. He talked about the double overhead cam on the Qx4 and the better price of the QX4. What do you y'all think?
A lot of townshall people do say that these car magazine reviews are 'political'.
The QX4 may have a slight disadvantage in hauling people since some complaints are directed at the 2nd row seats being cramped while the MDX seems to be more geared for hauling people. But, if you won't be carrying passengers, the MDX advantage is moot.
I do like the QX4 and I almost bought one (wound up with a PF). I have not driven the MDX but knowing Acura, it should be a good vehicle. In terms of price, the MDX will command more at this time due to its very recent release and the QX4 is much more negotiable.
While both of these vehicles are great, it would boil down to which vehicle makes you feel good.
After a bad experieince with a 1999 loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee, I leased the 2001 QX4. My only dilemna now is what to do after the 2 year lease expires. I love my QX4. Quiet, smooth ride, great features. I agree with crikey above, a little tight in the back seat but with the reclining rear seats, still very comfy. Great vehicle!
IMHO, you need to test drive both cars for yourself to determine which vehicle best meets your needs. I did this and ended up choosing the QX4 (lease will be complete on Monday).
The MDX is a great vehicle. As is the QX4. What it finally boiled down to is availability and dealer support. In my area (D.C.) the MDX are in short supply and great demand. You have to go on a waiting list to be called when a vehicle comes into the lot. The MDX shares production facilities (and components) with the Honda's very successful mini-Van. Hence there is a 3 month waiting period for the MDX.
The QX4 on the other hand is readily avialable and just as good a vehicle (agin IMHO). Further, I found the dealership friendly and willing to bargin.
As for the magazine "Best of" ... the Motor Trend award attepmted to cover every type and class of SUV. How can you possibly compare the QX4, MDX, Lexus, etc ... to the Hyundai Santa Fe, Pontiac Aztek, RAV4, etc ... to the Denali, Sequoia, etc? They attempted to justify the approach, but it was weak (again IMHO). Further, they limited the choices to only those SUVs that were new or had majo overhauls! If the 01 QX4 hadn't had a new engine, it wouldn't even had been considered as a contender. How crazy is that?
Took the opportunity to drive a MDX. Pulled my '01 QX4 next to one on the lot. The MDX is nice but doesn't give you the "solid" feel that the QX4 has. Again as defeola said, I believe both are great vehicles but if it comes down to a feeling of a rock solid vehicle the QX4 wins.....
I really didn't think things would come to this, but let me post my experience for others to see and draw their own conclusions. I would appreciate any feedback via e-mail if you have had similar problems.
bought mine last day of May. so far, here are the warranty concerns I've had:
roof rack howls at certain speeds- Infiniti acknowledges this as a defect in the design and is "re-engineering" a new one- yeah, right. I have had this complaint since a few days into it, and they can still give no probably ETA on the fix. I have had it in several times for this problem. If you are a Qx4 owner you very well may have this problem too. Ask your dealership when the new ones are available.
interior finish problems- they have replaced my stereo and a knockout panel on the dash that was flaking paint. They didn't put the new stereo in right, so I had to take it back. When I met with the factory tech rep. about the roof rack in July, he noticed that my instrument panel plastic (speedo, etc) looked all scratched-up. They replaced it with a worse-looking piece of plastic, then decided that it is normal (we looked at other new QX4s and found the same problem in all- weird).
Replaced my windshield wiper inserts when they gummed-up after the first rain, then told me it was normal when it happened with the next rain.
various squeaks and rattles, one of which has become very serious. This is actually a creaking, which eminates from the firewall area near the corner of the windshield on the passenger side. (In fact, someone in another '01 QX4 forum posted about the exact same problem) They determined it was a seam/weld that needed to be repaired, and applied some kind of pressure to it. This remedy lasted only a few hours.
During its next visit to the shop, they sent it off to the bodyshop and made a nasty-looking weld to the area. The explanation was that the robot at the factory had not performed the weld correctly. On my way home from the dealership, it started again.
Took it back to the dealership a few days later, and they had it for several days, during which someone from infiniti visited to inspect it. they put about 70 miles on the vehicle driving it around without reproducing the sound-- the weather had just turned, so it's possible it's temp. related.
I took the vehicle back for a weekend trip, and the sound returned. The dealership confirmed that the problem was back, and once again called someone from infiniti out to look at it. They sent it back to the body shop, which fixed 3 newly-discovered faulty seams ( hidden in the wheel well area). The service manager told me he would let it sit for a few hours to make sure it was fixed.
He called me a few hours later, telling me that it still is not fixed, and that he had no idea what to do or how to fix it. "I am flabbergasted!" he exclaimed. He then told me that he had put in a call to Infiniti consumer affairs and that I was to hear from them or him again on Wednesday. I didn't receive the call.
As it stands now, my QX4 has been in the shop for warranty repairs a total of 29 days, and has not even reached the first oil change mileage. I have only had it in my possession 2 days since November 6th. I have a repair problem that they admit they don't know how to fix. I have a vehicle that I don't have faith in any longer.
"Own one and you'll understand"
I think I do.
"Total ownership experience"
I don't know about that. Seems like the dealership has had it in possession for a substantial part of it. Not to mention rude and ineffective service that caused me to switch dealerships, and embarrassingly dirty loaner cars most of the time- although right now they have me in a brand-new I30. The worst part is that even the technical representatives don't seem well-versed about the vehicles and what is normal, etc. Quality control seems to have taken a back seat to expensive ad campaigns.
Here is what I expect: For Infiniti to offer me the choice of a refund or a new vehicle.
I will report on what happens to let everyone here know. I hope they will come in and redeem themselves with how they resolve my case.
Man, I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. I was considering buying a QX4 for my wife but was really turned off by windnoise at highway speeds (must have been the sunroof or roof rack, I guess) and bad resale value. But if you're going to shell out $35k it should be perfect. Good luck.
Wow, I guess I was just lucky and or perhaps you were unlucky. I firmly believe in my QX4 and would put it up against any vehicle for reliability. Let us know what Infinity does for you and would be more than interested what is wrong with your vehicle. Sounds like the new welding system didn't work in your case....
I have a trusted friend in the business (Not Infinity Dealer) and he assures me that the fabrication of the Infinity is the most up to date and reliable in the industry. No reason for him to lie to me. Because the Accura MDX seems so close to the Infinity QX4 I asked him about the comparison. Both very reliable but Infinity does use a more sophisticated weld process. With the 10's of thousands Infinity's and Pathy's out there the above post is the first I have heard of this type of assembly problem.....
I own a 2001 QX4. Does anyone know if it is easy (or at least feasible) to change the wiring so the cigarette lighter in the center console (between the front seats) is powered all the time even when the ignition is off?
I have a cell phone plugged into that outlet, and the phone does not receive enough power to keep itself charged when driving and sitting overnight, so it runs out of power overnight and turns itself off. Unless I remember to turn it back on, I miss incoming calls.
I'm quite sure that the tiny power drain from a cell phone would not run down the car's battery even if the car was left idle for many days.
Since you have had the vehicle in the shop for more than 3 times for the same problem, I think it would be wise to exercise your lemon law rights. If Infiniti does not offer you a brand-new vehicle as a replacement, this action should be taken immediately. Infiniti should buy it back or replace it with a brand-new vehicle.
I don't believe that all or a majority of QX4s are like your vehicle but I'm sure there is at least one lemon out there. Infiniti QX4s are known to be reliable and problem-free.
SOunds like you need a new cell phone battery. It should at least last over night on stand-by. I have the same set-up and it's usually run-down when I start in the morning but charges again on the way to work.
Be sure to read the Lemon Law information in your owners manual package. In Michigan, you MUST notify Infiniti in writing after the third attempt to fix a problem
According to C/D sport utility comparisons, they clocked the QX4 at 9.6 seconds from 0-60, why is the pathfinder(same engine) almost a full second faster? What gives? Any comments
well, still no call from Infiniti. Service manager was surprised to hear that, since he talked to them about me today. they had already expressed worries about lemon law on a previous visit. I wonder why they are complacent to be seen as ambivalent about me as a customer.
This presidential election may be resolved before my qx4 troubles are.
Just got the truck Saturday Nov 25, 2001. It is a 2001 with all the bells ans whistles. Price was reasonable, actually cheaper than the Path 2001 LE, paid $43,607 (C$) (about 30K U$), not sure why, may be overstock at dealer. So far, so good, rich looking vehicle, with a nice ride. Traded a Quest Mini-Van, will miss the mini-van versatility and track seating.
Questions: The CD player does not have a stop/pause button, will changing the CD without stoping it damage the CD?
Should I get a Bugflector, or the 3M tape?
I will keep this vehicle for a while, any idea of depreciation rate?
Should I get the extended warranty? (expensive & about $1700.00 U$)
I am planning to install a hitch, I am towing no more than 3000 pounds, do I need a weigth ditribution hitch?
You got an awesome deal for an 01 QX4 fully loaded.
"The CD player does not have a stop/pause button, will changing the CD without stopping it damage the CD?"
When you mean change the CD, you mean pressing the number button of the CD that you want to play, right? If so, then it should not damage the CD. I do this all the time.
"Should I get a Bugflector, or the 3M tape?"
My personal preference is the 3M product but it costs significantly more than the Bugflector.
"I will keep this vehicle for a while, any idea of depreciation rate?"
I'm not sure but I know that cncman knows. You can ask him in this forum.
"I am planning to install a hitch, I am towing no more than 3000 pounds, do I need a weight distribution hitch?"
Not sure, and I don't know if a lot of the QX4 owners tow stuff. Try the Pathfinder forum if no one responds.
The QX4 might be a tad heavier because of the additional sound deadening materials that are added to minimize noise inside the cabin.
Also, C/D tested an AWD QX4, not a 2WD. I believe the fast times taken for the PF were for a 2WD which is much lighter than an AWD PF. The AWD PF might register similar 0-60 acceleration times. Actually, if you check here, you will find that the C/D PF Review clocked a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds.
Many factors determined used car values so it's a bit difficult to gauge depreciation. But what I can tell you is that 1997 models with average-to-low miles (30-40K) and in showroom new condition are available in the marketplace for low $20's. So far the cheapest QX4 I've seen was a '97 in that horrible dark green with 66K on the clock. Sold on e-Bay for $16,700. This truck stickered for ~$37K in '97.
When the QX4 is redesigned in a few years (2004?), values will take a hit as they always do. Also the flood of SUV's on the market and the rising cost of gas combined with the dropping "cool factor" of SUV's in general will affect depreciation rates.
Sorry about your problems. Had mine since July and sofar love mine although I have had the same problem with a creak on the passenger side near the windshield. I heard the noise only with the radio off, the kids not yelling etc. and only when stopping. Took it to my dealer - Plaza Infiniti in St. Louis. They kept it for three days. The first two days they tried to locate the problem and couldn't. Then they called the Infiniti service desk and they told them that this was a known problem with welds between the A-pillar and the body. So, the Plaza body shop took the fender off and spot welded or something the pillars. This fixed the problem completely. Now I have no problems. With the windows down, I do think that the wheels and/or roof rack make loud whirring noise around 45 mph. But it goes away at higher/lower speeds. I don't consider this a problem. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the QX4 and still think that it drives/rides better than any other SUV. The RX300 is the only other one close. I ruled it out because of no real 4WD.
Bad highway hop over concrete seams. Has anyone seen this problem with their 2001 QX4. Bird_Dog, have you experienced this up and down motion when traveling between Page and Olive on the right lane (concrete pavement? This problem feels like rear springs are too weak. Hood looks like it is bobbing up and down.
@out of me. Had it towed to Infiniti dealer. They cannot reproduce (of course). They want me to pick it up. I refuse - no way am I going to wait until I have a broken neck to prove they are wrong! Since I am a consumer fraud attorney, I sent the 30 day demand letter (per CA law) and received a condescending letter from Infiniti Customer Affairs (good thing they don't use the word service - it would a lie). Since they can't reproduce it - they think I'm lying. Well - I'm going to lease a new Escalade this week. Told them what they can do with their QX4. Heading for court no doubt. A couple of mechanical experts have explained how the failure could have occured and why it is so intermittant (has to do with the sensors). Anyway - I am definitely not in the Infiniti fan club. Too bad - awsome SUV. Drove like a dream (just wouldn't stop -but you can't have everything can you?)
I'd be real interested to know if anyone else has had the problem with any Infiniti product.
Has anyone had any significant problems with their AWD QX4? I own a new 2001 Pathfinder LE AWD (same system). Here is my problem:
I got my Pathfinder 10 days ago and the service rep is still unable to determine why all my gauges (speedometer, etc), odometer, 4-wheel drive indicator, and compass intermittently (but regularly) fail to work. The problem started at vehicle mile #50 on the day of delivery (but after sundown / auto headlights on).
Anyone with specific experience with related (electronics) problems or with experience with vehicle "Rejection" (under the Uniform Commercial Code), please reply!
Well, time for a status report: Day 38 of warranty repairs since ownership and they still have it. Service manager told me they took the whole dash out, and did EVEN MORE welding. He tells me that now he thinks it's fixed, and that they will probably get it to me sometime tomorrow. I asked him again about a clanking noise I had asked him to check out (happens a couple of seconds after pulling forward from a stop). He says he cannot reproduce.
2 days ago I called Infiniti Consumer Affairs and talked to the guy who had neglected to call me as-promised. I recounted me problems and he said "that's horrible!" and that he was going to confer with a couple of people and call me back later that day to offer "Infiniti's position." No call. I called yesterday and left him a message to call me back. Still no call.
This astounds me. Major and time-consuming problems and not even a word of apology. They don't even see me as important enough to return my phone calls.
I have no confidence in the vehicle. Tomorrow will mark the 39th day of warranty repair since I bought may 31. I have no idea how many miles they have put on the vehicle.
And it haunts me to think about when the service manager said " I shouldn't tell you this, but I'm hearing other noises."
Bird_dog- I would love for you to contact me by e-mail to discuss what happened with yours. They never mentioned to me that it's a known problem. Makes it even more amazing that they couldn't fix it. I don't have much faith that it's fixed now, and after they pulled the whole dash out, which the service manager repeatedly said he didn't want to do because it could cause other problems.
Isn't this ridiculous. It's too bad that in spite of their claims about superior customer service, they don't seem to care about me much since they already have my money.....perhaps I will get that back.
well, Against my better judgement I called the Consumer Affairs guy just now and actually got him on the phone again. I sternly communicated my perception of Infiniti's indifference and he apologized many times about it, making excuses that he was "really busy."
Again I rattled off my concerns to no apparent result. Looks like they aren't going to do or offer anything unless the issue reaches lemon law status. With so many repair days already on the clock and still-unresolved concerns, it looks like the inevitable result WILL be lemon law, because any repair concern that has already been adressed but is still present will automatically go to final repair attempt, and any new concern has only one chance to be fixed successfully before it qualifies. This is ridiculous.
If they drag me through this process I will pursue a refund. I haven't gotten what I paid so much for.
Since October 19 I have been without my QX4 for 32 days regarding this welding thing....ugh.
No excuse for this.....glad you are making the rest of us aware of it....but in the QX4's defense, when you have without problems it is one of the best vehicles on the highway. I love mine more everyday. It is the only "real" suv that drives so nice on the highway...I have owned quite a few and all were good but this is the best that I have owned!!!!!!
Get well soon Infiniti and take care of your customers!!!!
First post for me but have been reading all the others. Stephen, I assume you live in canada if you are quoting canadian prices. I am very curious as to which dealership you purchased your vehicle from. That is an incredible price! did you lease and if so what were the terms of the agreement...3 or 4 years? depreciated value? interest rate? etc. I live in Manitoba and am very close to purchasing a QX4 so i would like to have some bargaining power with my dealership here. Did that price include the nav? Not that i would even get it because for me in a small canadian city it is not too hard to get around and therefore would be fairly useless. But would still be very cool to use.if you want you can email me. pbmulhall@yahoo.com thanks very much!
dealership delivered my qx4 to me today, day 39 of warranty repairs since ownership.
- there are now scratches in a few places on the exterior, which the service manager acknowledged and said he would try to fix
-scratches/mars on interior: scratched panels, scratched steering column cover, various marks
- DASH WAS NOT re-installed correctly. After a month of advising against removing the dash, that's what they did to attempt to repair the seam/weld problems. There is a gap on the drivers side and no gap on the passenger side, with foam tape sticking up through the crack.
-still have concerns such as the roof rack and other noise... don't know if the creaking will re-emerge or not.
Spoke with Infiniti Consumer Affairs again to express my displeasure and he said "what is it going to take? Do you want us to take you out of the vehicle." I said "sure, since you suggested it- that is what I want."
He is going to "examine the vehicle's history" and "confer with some other people" and promised to call me back this afternoon with Infiniti's position. i've heard that one before. He spoke about obligations, etc., and would not repsond to my query about where the customer service is.
when will these problems be over? when they take the vehicle back. I didn't pay $35,000+ to park it at the dealership. For every 87 miles on the odometer it has spent a day in for warranty repair....
stick to your guns. either infiniti gives your money back or they provide you with a completely new QX4 (which you might not prefer considering what you are going through).
You will not be happy with the Infinity....I hope they refund your money and send you on your way....I love mine and will buy a new one again. This is my second QX4 and it is by far the best SUV I have owned. However the new Q is going to be very interesting!!!!!! Do the right thing Infinity....it will end up proving that you stand behind your motto....
Does anyone have any info on when the newly redesigned qx4 will be possibly released? Any possible links about the redesign or even pictures?? I know it is much to soon to expect anything like this but you never know with the internet. Thanks in advance.
Are you sure of the spelling...hmm, FOR---; yes, actually this is my third.......but your right, I never did win a spelling bee....BTW, I love my Infiniti's. Will be anxious to see the new Q45's.
I was shopping for a SUV in May and was looking at the BMW X5, MB ML320, Lexus RX300, Infiniti QX4 and Cherokee Limited and finally decided on the QX4. I live in Toronto Canada btw. Reason for this is where I live there are lots of ML320 and RX300 and I am afraid that I may try to open someone else RX300 or ML320 if I am going to own one of those. (actually I did try to open someone else Accord mistaken it was mine the other day) BMW X5 is out of my budget even the 3.3 Litre one. Cherokee Limited is nice but I found the back seats is the least comfortable ones among the above mentioned SUV. The only downside here is after I paid the deposit I learnt that the color I choose won't be available till August (Millieium Jade) since they don't produce them till August, but I decided to wait even the dealer called me many times and offered me another color (I think they wanted to close the deal before I change my mind) but to be honest, the wait is worth every penny, up till now I haven't seen another (jade color) QX4 (picked up mine early September) and enjoyed the SUV.
For those who wonder about the Pathfinder LE fully loaded and the QX4, here in Canada the LE fully loaded options are exactly same as QX4 (same lamps, hifi, AWD sytem etc as a matter of fact the pathfinders has the same lamp, HIFI and AWD system as the QX4) The difference between the LE fully loaded and the QX4 is about Canadian dollars $5,000 (around US$3,300) but I found the QX4 's leather is more fine, actually the QX4 is much more finer than the LE and the ride is much more smother. (I have test drived both). I think the only choice between the QX4 and Pathfinder here in Canada is (if you want to save money) is between the QX4 and Pathfinder SE
Did the same comparison, as a matter of fact would have bought a LE except they couldn't find one in 4 wheel drive....I bought the QX4 and damn glad I did....money difference is excactly what you quoted.
I purchased the vehicle, not leased. The way i've done it is I had done all my research, and though it was a good deal. Got the dealer to agree on a trade-in Value over the phone, put in for my Quest, put in a deposit, went to the bank, gathered all the money (cash) and layed it down to the dealer. It was hard for him to refuse all this cash, and I put the taxes on my credit card. Much to my surprise, there was an Lexus dealer right next door, talk about luck, there might have been a little war between them. As well, it was late in the month, which I believe is the best time to buy, because of bonuses, and other incentives from Factory of Head Office. So far, it drives really well, no problems, other than I am having a hard time finding my comfort zone with the seat, which leaves me with a discomfort on the lower part of neck, you'd think with the 6 way adjustable seat I would be cozy. First time with leather, so maybe it has not broken in yet, like shoes. The lights are so bright, people keep flashing me thinking I have my hi-beams on, so I've lowered the headlights, and it's ok!
Hello all, Just a little note that Nissan has a new SUV called he X-Trail, which could possibly come to the states as a Infiniti; a little RX300 crusher perhaps? I started a topic, #3414, and there are pictures linked. I'd be interested in what anyone has to say.
I am experiencing the same problem. Highway hop on I355 and I294 in IL. I called the dealer and the service department said they were getting complaints from QX4 owners using the same route. On all other roads it seems to be ok. I figure it must have something to do with the wheel base dimension and the seams in the highway. Does anyone else have this problem?
I have been having Plaza Motors look at this problem. They drove my QX4 and acknowledge the excessive up and down movement over road dips and highway joints but said they can't replace shocks struts or springs unless they can pinpoint problem....so Infiniti will reimburse them. Also said other new ones are worse or better..varies vehicle to vehicle. I am waiting on a call from Infiniti customer service so I can give them a rach of you know what. I had a 98 QX4 with similar problems..bottoming out in the rear. There was a Techical bulletin on the problem ..they replaced rear shocks and springs .... fixed the problem! I think they have a similar issue but are denying it .... say no one else has complained to Infiniti. Give the customer service people a call and get a case number. Maybe we all can get some relief. My friend has the very same car ... rides like a dream.
For the life of me I don't know why the QX4 is taking such a beating on quality. I have owned two QX4's and they both have been absolutely perfect. While I haven't done any serious 4 wheel driving I know it will go where any other 4 wheel SUB in its class will go and than some. As far as on the highway the "01" is second to none!!!! This vehicle should be getting all kinds of good press for it's two fold abilities which is what most of us want!!!! Don't take a "back seat" so to speak, QX4 owners; you own one of the best SUB's made!!!!!!
No question about the quality of the QX4 here. Simply put, it is one of the best quality vehicles I have ever owned when it is sitting still! Kidding aside, if you were to take a ride in any of ours that are expierencing the up and down motion on certain highways you may question your opinion on how great a QX4 is. When my 1995 Blazer with 136000 miles on it rides better on the highway than a QX4 there is definitely a problem. I am glad yours have been trouble free and obviously ride good, but the few of us that are having this problem are just trying to get it fixed. By the way, it rides even worse in the "back seat".
My father owns an Infiniti QX4, and this evening he got a very bizarre call from a woman claiming that there is a nationwide recall of 2000 & 2001 Infiniti QX4s. The discussion made no sense and I haven't been able to find any information about it online.
The woman claimed that Infiniti discovered some problem on Friday, and they've been calling all 2000 & 2001 owners about it -- telling them to not drive their car -- it should be towed to the dealership.
Has anyone else received this call? Or was this some sort of twisted prank?
Comments
Has anyone heard of the 3m clear bra that goes over the hood?
-kj
Seat Floor Trays plus the Cargo Tray for the 2001 QX4. The direct link is:
http://www.mats4less.com/19inqx41stse1.html
Give 'em a look!
Jim Scatena
The QX4 may have a slight disadvantage in hauling people since some complaints are directed at the 2nd row seats being cramped while the MDX seems to be more geared for hauling people. But, if you won't be carrying passengers, the MDX advantage is moot.
I do like the QX4 and I almost bought one (wound up with a PF). I have not driven the MDX but knowing Acura, it should be a good vehicle. In terms of price, the MDX will command more at this time due to its very recent release and the QX4 is much more negotiable.
While both of these vehicles are great, it would boil down to which vehicle makes you feel good.
The MDX is a great vehicle. As is the QX4. What it finally boiled down to is availability and dealer support. In my area (D.C.) the MDX are in short supply and great demand. You have to go on a waiting list to be called when a vehicle comes into the lot. The MDX shares production facilities (and components) with the Honda's very successful mini-Van. Hence there is a 3 month waiting period for the MDX.
The QX4 on the other hand is readily avialable and just as good a vehicle (agin IMHO). Further, I found the dealership friendly and willing to bargin.
As for the magazine "Best of" ... the Motor Trend award attepmted to cover every type and class of SUV. How can you possibly compare the QX4, MDX, Lexus, etc ... to the Hyundai Santa Fe, Pontiac Aztek, RAV4, etc ... to the Denali, Sequoia, etc? They attempted to justify the approach, but it was weak (again IMHO). Further, they limited the choices to only those SUVs that were new or had majo overhauls! If the 01 QX4 hadn't had a new engine, it wouldn't even had been considered as a contender. How crazy is that?
Jimmy
bought mine last day of May. so far, here are the warranty concerns I've had:
roof rack howls at certain speeds- Infiniti acknowledges this as a defect in the design and is "re-engineering" a new one- yeah, right. I have had this complaint since a few days into it, and they can still give no probably ETA on the fix. I have had it in several times for this problem. If you are a Qx4 owner you very well may have this problem too. Ask your dealership when the new ones are available.
interior finish problems- they have replaced my stereo and a knockout panel on the dash that was flaking paint. They didn't put the new stereo in right, so I had to take it back. When I met with the factory tech rep. about the roof rack in July, he noticed that my instrument panel plastic (speedo, etc) looked all scratched-up. They replaced it with a worse-looking piece of plastic, then decided that it is normal (we looked at other new QX4s and found the same problem in all- weird).
Replaced my windshield wiper inserts when they gummed-up after the first rain, then told me it was normal when it happened with the next rain.
various squeaks and rattles, one of which has become very serious. This is actually a creaking, which eminates from the firewall area near the corner of the windshield on the passenger side. (In fact, someone in another '01 QX4 forum posted about the exact same problem) They determined it was a seam/weld that needed to be repaired, and applied some kind of pressure to it. This remedy lasted only a few hours.
During its next visit to the shop, they sent it off to the bodyshop and made a nasty-looking weld to the area. The explanation was that the robot at the factory had not performed the weld correctly. On my way home from the dealership, it started again.
Took it back to the dealership a few days later, and they had it for several days, during which someone from infiniti visited to inspect it. they put about 70 miles on the vehicle driving it around without reproducing the sound-- the weather had just turned, so it's possible it's temp. related.
I took the vehicle back for a weekend trip, and the sound returned. The dealership confirmed that the problem was back, and once again called someone from infiniti out to look at it. They sent it back to the body shop, which fixed 3 newly-discovered faulty seams ( hidden in the wheel well area). The service manager told me he would let it sit for a few hours to make sure it was fixed.
He called me a few hours later, telling me that it still is not fixed, and that he had no idea what to do or how to fix it. "I am flabbergasted!" he exclaimed. He then told me that he had put in a call to Infiniti consumer affairs and that I was to hear from them or him again on Wednesday. I didn't receive the call.
As it stands now, my QX4 has been in the shop for warranty repairs a total of 29 days, and has not even reached the first oil change mileage. I have only had it in my possession 2 days since November 6th. I have a repair problem that they admit they don't know how to fix. I have a vehicle that I don't have faith in any longer.
"Own one and you'll understand"
I think I do.
"Total ownership experience"
I don't know about that. Seems like the dealership has had it in possession for a substantial part of it. Not to mention rude and ineffective service that caused me to switch dealerships, and embarrassingly dirty loaner cars most of the time- although right now they have me in a brand-new I30. The worst part is that even the technical representatives don't seem well-versed about the vehicles and what is normal, etc. Quality control seems to have taken a back seat to expensive ad campaigns.
Here is what I expect:
For Infiniti to offer me the choice of a refund or a new vehicle.
I will report on what happens to let everyone here know. I hope they will come in and redeem themselves with how they resolve my case.
Jimmydelray
I have a cell phone plugged into that outlet, and the phone does not receive enough power to keep itself charged when driving and sitting overnight, so it runs out of power overnight and turns itself off. Unless I remember to turn it back on, I miss incoming calls.
I'm quite sure that the tiny power drain from a cell phone would not run down the car's battery even if the car was left idle for many days.
I don't believe that all or a majority of QX4s are like your vehicle but I'm sure there is at least one lemon out there. Infiniti QX4s are known to be reliable and problem-free.
This presidential election may be resolved before my qx4 troubles are.
Questions: The CD player does not have a
stop/pause button, will changing the
CD without stoping it damage the CD?
Should I get a Bugflector, or the 3M
tape?
I will keep this vehicle for a while,
any idea of depreciation rate?
Should I get the extended warranty?
(expensive & about $1700.00 U$)
I am planning to install a hitch, I am
towing no more than 3000 pounds, do I
need a weigth ditribution hitch?
"The CD player does not have a stop/pause button, will changing the CD without stopping it damage the CD?"
When you mean change the CD, you mean pressing the number button of the CD that you want to play, right? If so, then it should not damage the CD. I do this all the time.
"Should I get a Bugflector, or the 3M tape?"
My personal preference is the 3M product but it costs significantly more than the Bugflector.
"I will keep this vehicle for a while, any idea of depreciation rate?"
I'm not sure but I know that cncman knows. You can ask him in this forum.
"I am planning to install a hitch, I am towing no more than 3000 pounds, do I need a weight distribution hitch?"
Not sure, and I don't know if a lot of the QX4 owners tow stuff. Try the Pathfinder forum if no one responds.
Also, C/D tested an AWD QX4, not a 2WD. I believe the fast times taken for the PF were for a 2WD which is much lighter than an AWD PF. The AWD PF might register similar 0-60 acceleration times. Actually, if you check here, you will find that the C/D PF Review clocked a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds.
Thanks for your feedback.
When the QX4 is redesigned in a few years (2004?), values will take a hit as they always do. Also the flood of SUV's on the market and the rising cost of gas combined with the dropping "cool factor" of SUV's in general will affect depreciation rates.
Intellichoice does a good job of estimating future values. www.intellichoice.com
I'd be real interested to know if anyone else has had the problem with any Infiniti product.
I got my Pathfinder 10 days ago and the service rep is still unable to determine why all my gauges (speedometer, etc), odometer, 4-wheel drive indicator, and compass intermittently (but
regularly) fail to work. The problem started at
vehicle mile #50 on the day of delivery (but after sundown / auto headlights on).
Anyone with specific experience with related (electronics) problems or with experience with vehicle "Rejection" (under the Uniform Commercial Code), please reply!
Day 38 of warranty repairs since ownership and they still have it. Service manager told me they took the whole dash out, and did EVEN MORE welding. He tells me that now he thinks it's fixed, and that they will probably get it to me sometime tomorrow. I asked him again about a clanking noise I had asked him to check out (happens a couple of seconds after pulling forward from a stop). He says he cannot reproduce.
2 days ago I called Infiniti Consumer Affairs and talked to the guy who had neglected to call me as-promised. I recounted me problems and he said "that's horrible!" and that he was going to confer with a couple of people and call me back later that day to offer "Infiniti's position." No call. I called yesterday and left him a message to call me back. Still no call.
This astounds me. Major and time-consuming problems and not even a word of apology. They don't even see me as important enough to return my phone calls.
I have no confidence in the vehicle. Tomorrow will mark the 39th day of warranty repair since I bought may 31. I have no idea how many miles they have put on the vehicle.
And it haunts me to think about when the service manager said " I shouldn't tell you this, but I'm hearing other noises."
Bird_dog- I would love for you to contact me by e-mail to discuss what happened with yours. They never mentioned to me that it's a known problem. Makes it even more amazing that they couldn't fix it. I don't have much faith that it's fixed now, and after they pulled the whole dash out, which the service manager repeatedly said he didn't want to do because it could cause other problems.
Isn't this ridiculous. It's too bad that in spite of their claims about superior customer service, they don't seem to care about me much since they already have my money.....perhaps I will get that back.
drowsiness@yahoo.com
Against my better judgement I called the Consumer Affairs guy just now and actually got him on the phone again. I sternly communicated my perception of Infiniti's indifference and he apologized many times about it, making excuses that he was "really busy."
Again I rattled off my concerns to no apparent result. Looks like they aren't going to do or offer anything unless the issue reaches lemon law status. With so many repair days already on the clock and still-unresolved concerns, it looks like the inevitable result WILL be lemon law, because any repair concern that has already been adressed but is still present will automatically go to final repair attempt, and any new concern has only one chance to be fixed successfully before it qualifies. This is ridiculous.
If they drag me through this process I will pursue a refund. I haven't gotten what I paid so much for.
Since October 19 I have been without my QX4 for 32 days regarding this welding thing....ugh.
Get well soon Infiniti and take care of your customers!!!!
Jimmy
Good luck...
Drew/aling
Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
- there are now scratches in a few places on the exterior, which the service manager acknowledged and said he would try to fix
-scratches/mars on interior: scratched panels, scratched steering column cover, various marks
- DASH WAS NOT re-installed correctly. After a month of advising against removing the dash, that's what they did to attempt to repair the seam/weld problems. There is a gap on the drivers side and no gap on the passenger side, with foam tape sticking up through the crack.
-still have concerns such as the roof rack and other noise... don't know if the creaking will re-emerge or not.
Spoke with Infiniti Consumer Affairs again to express my displeasure and he said "what is it going to take? Do you want us to take you out of the vehicle." I said "sure, since you suggested it- that is what I want."
He is going to "examine the vehicle's history" and "confer with some other people" and promised to call me back this afternoon with Infiniti's position. i've heard that one before. He spoke about obligations, etc., and would not repsond to my query about where the customer service is.
when will these problems be over? when they take the vehicle back. I didn't pay $35,000+ to park it at the dealership. For every 87 miles on the odometer it has spent a day in for warranty repair....
Do the right thing Infinity....it will end up proving that you stand behind your motto....
Jimmy
Are you sure you have one?
Jimmy
For those who wonder about the Pathfinder LE fully loaded and the QX4, here in Canada the LE fully loaded options are exactly same as QX4 (same lamps, hifi, AWD sytem etc as a matter of fact the pathfinders has the same lamp, HIFI and AWD system as the QX4) The difference between the LE fully loaded and the QX4 is about Canadian dollars $5,000 (around US$3,300) but I found the QX4 's leather is more fine, actually the QX4 is much more finer than the LE and the ride is much more smother. (I have test drived both). I think the only choice between the QX4 and Pathfinder here in Canada is (if you want to save money) is between the QX4 and Pathfinder SE
Jimmy
I purchased the vehicle, not leased. The way i've done it is I had done all my research, and though it was a good deal. Got the dealer to agree on a trade-in Value over the phone, put in for my Quest, put in a deposit, went to the bank, gathered all the money (cash) and layed it down to the dealer. It was hard for him to refuse all this cash, and I put the taxes on my credit card. Much to my surprise, there was an Lexus dealer right next door, talk about luck, there might have been a little war between them. As well, it was late in the month, which I believe is the best time to buy, because of bonuses, and other incentives from Factory of Head Office. So far, it drives really well, no problems, other than I am having a hard time finding my comfort zone with the seat, which leaves me with a discomfort on the lower part of neck, you'd think with the 6 way adjustable seat I would be cozy. First time with leather, so maybe it has not broken in yet, like shoes. The lights are so bright, people keep flashing me thinking I have my hi-beams on, so I've lowered the headlights, and it's ok!
Good luck and try it. I am in Ontario, Canada.
Just a little note that Nissan has a new SUV called he X-Trail, which could possibly come to the states as a Infiniti; a little RX300 crusher perhaps?
I started a topic, #3414, and there are pictures linked. I'd be interested in what anyone has to say.
On all other roads it seems to be ok. I figure it must have something to do with the wheel base dimension and the seams in the highway. Does anyone else have this problem?
Jimmy
are just trying to get it fixed. By the way, it rides even worse in the "back seat".
The woman claimed that Infiniti discovered some problem on Friday, and they've been calling all 2000 & 2001 owners about it -- telling them to not drive their car -- it should be towed to the dealership.
Has anyone else received this call? Or was this some sort of twisted prank?
Thanks,
Susan