Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Comments
To those photographers out there, please forgive my poor explanation and exclusion of circular polarizers.
Has anyone experienced any problems with visibility/blind spots?
Also, what about the rear seat headrest...do they interfere with visibility?
Thanks for any info.
i know a lot of people thinking leasing is bad, b/c you simply dont have anything to show for your money over the last, lets say, 3 years/12,000 miles. and other will argue, well state, that at the end of your lease, you owe more then the cars true value at that point. but if you plan on keeping the vehicle, barring a lemon, would that be a smarter thing to do--to get into a more expensive car for lower monthly payments? i know it isnt "less" money, but thinner money if you will, no?
after doing the dumbest thing in the world thsi weekend i test drove the M35 sport and now it is consuming my every thought. i had pretty much decided on a G and now i am dire straights for this M!
however, i will not do anything "too" stupid
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0522.htm
Click on the SIDE TEST WITH AIRBAGS tab to see these results.
Conclusion: If you do not want to have your ribs fractured, avoid people going at you from the side. These aluminum doors will not protect you that well!
(Incidentally, one wonders why the M35x is so heavy if a comparably sized and equipped Acura RL gets away with only an aluminum hood and trunk lid, but not the doors, and also gets Good ratings from IIHS. Although in that case IIHS did not test the side impact on the RL, NHTSA did -- 5 stars.)
From other postings on this forum, I know that there are approx. 172 Infiniti dealerships in the country. Does anybody know how the above three rank for service? Any experience with their service depts.?
Actually, it's not the Audi's doors that protected better than the Infiniti's. I saw the show on NBC Dateline, and the real advantage of the Audi was a small airbag on the side of the seat bolster that protected the hip of the crash dummy. The actual quote from the testing official, as can be read on the MSNBC link given in msu79gt82's post: "That’s because this curtain protected the head of both dummies— and this bag here protected the torso body region." He was pointing to this small side airbag when he was saying this.
Polarization is polarization. I don't understand where the problem can be coming from unless there's a different screen surface on some of the NAV systems. The hypothesis that the angle of viewing might be an issue is a tenuous one at best. I can't see the screen on my Palm Pilot with polarized lenses, but both of my NAV systems are crystal clear and unaffected by angles I've been able to create. Pilots can't use polarization because their windscreens and instruments become essentially blank when viewed with polarized glasses. Bart
The rear view mirror covers the rear window with room to spare, so size isn't an issue.
Has anyone experienced any problems with visibility/blind spots?
I've never seen a car without blind spots, but the only problems I've had are due to my cervical arthritis. Visibility for the most part is fine.
Also, what about the rear seat headrest...do they interfere with visibility?
No.
Bart
Just picked up a new M45 Sport w/ Journey & Tech. No problems except with Home Link & Analog Dial Clock. Seems like both are not receiving power and fuse may be blown?? Per the manual, Homelink is supposed to be programed to garage door opener with acc/power off. The light does not blink when the two buttons are pressed to clear memory. The analog dial clock is stuck and cannot be re-set. This leads me to believe there is no power for both.
Anyone have this problem?? I have scheduled an appopintment with dealer to check it out.
I did drain the battery (not completely) while becoming familair with the "electronics" in ACC mode, therefore charged it with a 15 amp charger. Perhaps this blew a fuse. All other electronics are OK.
Why on earth would you use a charger when you have a new M45? You should be out driving it to charge the battery--fun and useful!
Sorry, I don't have my manual with me for the Homelink stuff. I would normally assume that the clock would run even if it wasn't initially set. Mine was running when I took delivery. If I recall, there was a supplemental insert for programming the Homelink. Are you sure the car is supposed to be fully "off" (ie, not "On" or in "ACC" mode) when Homelink is set?
Thanks for your comments!
Yes I know that "all" cars have blind spots, but there can be "big" blind spots and there can be "small" blind spots. I think I would just have to get use to the rear view mirror, because it appears small compared to the one I currently have.
I know the best way to test for blind spots and visibility is to drive one...so I need/want to do that.
I have driven one M35, but there are at least two different size rear view mirrors available on the M335. The mirror with the compass is a smaller one. My test drive was with the bigger mirror and it was a couple of months ago.
Again thanks for the info.
Thanks. Have you actually had your M serviced there? If this is a brand new dealership, do they have factory-trained mechanics?
I heard back from Infiniti today: They refuse to give out any rankings of dealer service depts. "All our Infiniti dealers are dedicated to provide excellent service to our Infiniti customers." I keep insisting that they recommend the best dealer to service my ~$50k car because I do not have neither time nor desire to go by trial an error.
I do not understand why Infiniti does not want to instill competion among the dealers by sending customers to the best ones. Why rank these dealers at all, then? So they could get bigger allocations or holdbacks?
Supposedly, the reason to sell exclusively over the Internet is to lower the cost (although the kit I bought was fairly expensive, at ~$85 + S&H).
One additional comment I have on Zaino is on the size of water beads after the rain--they are as small as I have ever seen (half a penny in diameter). Maybe it is a function of the new smooth clear coat finish of the M to begin with, but I am duly impressed. If I get a quarter-size beads with Meguiar's Gold Class, I am happy. Once you start driving, all the beads on the M's hood go up, join into bigger ones and vanish quickly. No water stains and nothing sticks, as claimed. So far, so good 2 weeks after the application. I would really like to see it last 6-9 months as advertised because of the amount of work that went into the cleanup/application. Had a good durability experience with New Finish (also polymer-based) in the past, so Zaino has a chance.
I ask because the Verizon plan and accompanying phone selection provided by my employer is very limited in terms of manufacturers that match up with Infiniti's list.
There's the Blackberry which I do not want nor need. There's the Motorola V710 which is temporarily 'not available' from Verizon on this plan, and finally there is the Motorola E 815 which is NOT listed by Infiniti's compatibility list.
Any feedback is appreciated.
PS: 1,124 miles now on my 45 Sport. Began opening it up on the road over the weekend. Nothing reckless, just testing 'burst of speed' capabilities. In a word, WOW!
Slowly weaning myself onto this monster after 12 years of GS 300, 400 & 430's.
I recently passed 1200 mi, got the oil changed at the dealer, and then let those hp loose for a short while... W-O-W big time!
Replying to: undecided7 (Jul 18, 2005 6:18 pm)
> Another skepticism I have of Zaino is why it isn't sold in stores...
Supposedly, the reason to sell exclusively over the Internet is to lower the cost (although the kit I bought was fairly expensive, at ~$85 + S&H).
One additional comment I have on Zaino is on the size of water beads after the rain--they are as small as I have ever seen (half a penny in diameter). Maybe it is a function of the new smooth clear coat finish of the M to begin with, but I am duly impressed. If I get a quarter-size beads with Meguiar's Gold Class, I am happy. Once you start driving, all the beads on the M's hood go up, join into bigger ones and vanish quickly. No water stains and nothing sticks, as claimed. So far, so good 2 weeks after the application. I would really like to see it last 6-9 months as advertised because of the amount of work that went into the cleanup/application. Had a good durability experience with New Finish (also polymer-based) in the past, so Zaino has a chance.
I was also considering the Zano product however, my reality in NY is that I will at some time have my car washed by someone other than myself (Winter time). I had used Liquid Glass (A sealant) similar to Zano and it turned my Alpine White M3 from refrig white to dove gray when I sent it through the car wash (Touch Free). I was furious and did not know what Happened. The manager of the wash asked what type of wax I was using. When I told him, He knew right away. He told me I should buy Liquid Glass Precleaner and it would bring the finish back. I brought back the finish and applied a Mother Carnuba wax with out cleaner from that day on. No more sealants for me. They do last longer but do not work for me.
I recently switched to P21S Carnuba wax from Mothers California GOld and I am very satisfied. The P21S is easy on and off. So far its about 15 days and the car looks good. Bugs and tar wipe off in the washing of the car. P21S is less dusty that the mothers was, also does not stain the black trim. Beads are small and uniform. Water falls off the car.
Then there's more than polarization in your Maui Jims. If the lenses are significantly curved that can definitely affect visual clarity. Plain vanilla polarization without gimmicks is NOT an issue in viewing the screen. Bart
kfhmail: All you can ask a rear view mirror to do is to cover the rear window. If you experience visibility issues it's due to the size of the rear window, not the mirror. Bart
Mexibec's the guru on this stuff, but the short answer to your question is "yes", the "final word" hasn't (and likely won't ever) be posted in their copatibility list. They're painfully behind the curve in keeping up and they admit it, but every time they upgrade their list they'll still be behind as new phones and phone/PDA's enter the market. One Verizon dealer here told me the ONLY cars in which he's been able to have complete trouble-free compatibility are Acura's. I've gotten my Motorola V815 functional with my M-car but need to push a sequence of three buttons on the phone to connect every time I get into the car ... takes me 2 seconds, no more. I can live with that. I've entered my frequently called numbers into the car's voice directory and simply have given up on importing my phone's directory into the car's system. For someone who's a heavy user this wouldn't be satisfactory, but for my limited purposes (nothing more than I had with my Caddy's OnStar) I'm satisfied. I don't have to take my hands off the wheel or my eyes off the road to make and receive calls.
S
I believe Acura has been touting this (or a similar) feature more than Infiniti.
6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!
kirstie_h
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Thanks for your input again, but your tone seems to match the personality of the FNC personality that uses the term that is the same as you screen name.
I have asked for some input for a simple issue and one that is important to me.
Your comments appear to be a littler "condescending"??? (However, I am sure you do mean it to be that way.)
First you say all cars have a blind spot...well...yes...but, I say not all blind spots are created equally. There are alot of different things that can affect visibility and blind spots.
Then you basically say the rear view mirror is only as good as the rear window...well....yes...so then the logical comment would be is there any problems with visibility or blind spots because of the size of the rear window. ??????
Have you driven an M with both types/sizes of rear view mirrors? Any difference?
I understand the visibility issue would be a little different for each person (based on height of person, etc.), but that is why I asked the question to everyone on the forum...to get different opinions.
Based on the only response being from you though...it does appear that no one is having any issues with visibility/blind spots...which is great.
Again thanks for the input.
Well there is my method that I have been using for 30 years.... Bucket of warm water with the car wash solution in it, the hose hooked up to the utility tub sink inside the house, layered clothes and rubber gloves. This method works down to about freezing. Less than that and you get the water freezing on the car. After washing, I pull it back into the garage and dry it there including using compressed air to blow the water out of the cracks and crevices. I also have a pressure washer that I use to clean the salt from the under carriage after driving in the snow. I have never in 30 years run a car through a car wash and am known for having the cleanest car in town. My neighbors all think I'm nuts, but I really don't care. They are use to it by now.
If this all sounds like way too much trouble, you are correct. Having no life helps but then again I never have to worry about the auto car wash scratching my paint or destroying my wheels. Works for me.
Did it also include friends and family. I have a cousin working for Nissan, and a M45 on order, with the stipulation that if the program is in effect when the car arrives, the dealer would honor the program.
But all my friends know how fanatic I am about my cars, and everyone wants to buy my cars when they come off lease.
There's that certain feeling you get when your driving a clean car. It allways feels like it new, and go faster.
I have a life, this is just part of it.