Infiniti QX4

masspector · April 2002

Thanks for the info mthomas3. I also found that the closest state to me with the incentive is Texas. I think it may be for other regions too and Edmunds is just not up to date, because when you price the vehicle on carsdirect you must put in your zip code first and it states that there is a factory to dealer incentive if I buy from carsdirect. Also dealers in my area are selling them pretty much at invoice at $5000 off msrp. I printed out the texas incentive and will definately use it to negotiate. I am going to tell the dealer that I can just fly to texas one way for about $200 to $300 and buy the car at invoice there and drive it back. My net savings would be $1500 minimum. Again thanks to all for your help with getting this info so fast. I will keep you posted on which vehicle I buy and how good a deal I am able to get.

masspector · April 2002

Well I started negotiating with a local dealer. I really wanted a QX4 with no options, but the least that I can find on the 2wd models is premium package, sunroof, and rear wind deflector. I filled out a buyers offer sheet from carbuyingtips.com using zero dealer profit, the $2000 factory incentive and 2.5% holdback. The particular vehicle I was looking at also had two tone paint which is $263 invoice and $500 MSRP. The buying sheet said that I should start by offering $30,400. The salesman's opening price was $32,200, $5000 off MSRP plus a $475 ad fee. When I said it was too high his mouth dropped and asked what I wanted to pay. I showed him the offer sheet with all of the figures on it and I said I would like to be between $30,000 and $31,000. He said it would be very difficult to get to that price and started with the dealer profit is not a dirty word scenario and asked me where his profit was in my deal. I showed him that he would make over $900 on the holdback. Not a bad profit I think considering to this point he has spent about an hour with me. Finally he talked to his manager and said that they might could get close to $31,000 if I were to buy off the lot that day. I told him that I was not prepared to purchase right away and he was the first dealer that I had talked too in depth on pricing. I took his offer of $32,200 as this dealer's everyday price and told him I was going to shop some more and would let him know.

I also priced a vehicle with a Texas dealer hoping that the incentive would make a much better price. This dealer came in at $32,000 for the same vehicle. So either they are not passing on the incentive to customers, or my local dealers are also getting the incentive and Edmunds just does not have that information correct. I have also decided on a solid paint color, this will knock $500 off the price. I feel pretty confident that I can get close to $31,000 to 31,500. At $31,000 this is essentially the vehicle at invoice with me getting the $2000 incentive off the invoice price and the dealer keeping the $900 holdback, which they rarely pass on to the customer anyway. Of course I will have to watch out for ad and doc fees they will try to throw on. What do you guys think? Anything I am missing here? Please post and let me know.

nyccarguy · April 2002

What do you need a 2WD QX4 for? To me, a 2WD SUV is not necessary. I'd look at a sedan instead, better performance, lower insurance, better gas mileage. Don't get me wrong, the QX4 is a great truck, my Dad has one. He's been driving SUVs since 1986 (before they were called SUVs). The lack of headroom, is his only complaint and after 35,000 miles, the truck is still as solid as the day he picked it up from the dealership. One of the major benefits of an SUV is the 4WD (even that's subjective with the mile winters we've been having here in NY).

masspector · April 2002

I,like many other drivers only need the utility of seating for 5 and covered storage. I have had 3 previous suv's and none of them has gone off road. I am in a southern state so only snows once a year. I will not use the 4wd so I do not think it is worth the extra money they charge for it.

On the other hand, some manufacturers like Land Rover and Suburu produce all wheel drive vehicles only. They are assuming that everyone wants to go off road or needs the extra traction due to weather.

heatmiser1 · April 2002

Something to consider when assessing others needs/requirements is that not everyone in the world shares your climate or driving requirements. The need for a 2WD SUV is quite valid in many areas of the US. In fact, 2WD versions of SUV in my area out sell 4WD al least 4 to 1.

To tell those people who are looking at a 2WD SUV to get a sedan instead would be like them telling you to get a AWD sedan instead of your 4WD SUV. That is unless your are going to go off-roading (not just driving down unpaved fire roads) at which time they could tell you to get a real truck...

Bottom line is that everyone has their own needs/wants so let them be...

ronbrannon · April 2002

Can anyone tell me if they saw the need to purchase a locking device for their QX4 spare tire? I recently purchased a 2002 QX4 and the salesperson said I ought to look into finding a locking device because there is a spare tire high incidence of theft. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Ron

bigorange30 · April 2002

I haven't heard that. I also bought a 2002 in January. If it is true that there are a lot of thefts on the spare tire (Do you have a source I could check that out on?), then I would be interested in a locking device also.

jkopper · April 2002

masspector, although I truly enjoy my QX4 and would give it a very high recommendation, one thing I'd caution you on is that seating 5 adults comfortably is a bit of a pipe dream. If you're talking children or short adults, it might not be too bad. You might want to scramble into the back and verify there's enough room back there, if you haven't already.

jkopper · April 2002

ronbrannen,

Although admittedly I haven't tried to pry off the spare tire from my vehicle, access to the mechanism for releasing it and lowering it to the ground requires that the rear tailgate be open. If the tailgate is locked, they'd have to break into the vehicle to access it.

Otherwise, it would have to be taken by brute force. Not that this can't be done I'm sure, but if someone's going to that much trouble to get the spare tire, seems unlikely they could do it quickly and without drawing an awful lot of attention to themselves.

So I haven't purchased a locking device, although I did think about it when I first got my QX4.

Hope this is at least a little helpful. I'm gonna be kicking myself if I walk out of work today and find myself missing a spare tire. ;-)

masspector · April 2002

I was just using 5 adults figuratively..there will mostly be just two adults in the front...sometimes guests in the back seat for a short time..thanks

cardilema · April 2002

Hello all I hope Im not posting this twice,
I am about to buy a new (used) car I can get into a 2002 PF le w/ leather for $30K. thats about what I can afford right now, perfer lower monthly payment so I have two options. I can get a 2000 QX4 w/34k miles or a 2001 PF LE w/ leather w/ 24k miles
both are about the same price aprox: $25,200
I do like the QX4 alot, But the 01PF has th new 240hp motor, not to mention 6cd player and memory seats (not really a big deal). would you get the QX4 or go for the PF with the motor
and 10k less miles. any quick responces would be great, being I just found this site as I need to make up my mind. Is $25,200 a good price for these vehicles Thank You Very Much
in advance

rgobel · April 2002

No brainer - go with the 2001PF. Personally, I have a 2000 QX4 and love its refinement and durability but if you have the option of getting that 240HP engine - go for it. I am nearing the end of my lease and I would buy it if it had the 240hp - now, I must look at either a 2001 or 2002.

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bigorange30 · April 2002

I understood that Nissan/Infiniti came out with the 240 hp engine in these SUV's in mid 1999 calling it a 2000 model. Why does your 2000 not have 240 hp?

phil47 · April 2002

If I remember correctly, the 240 HP option came out in Spring 2000 as MY2001 for both the Nissan and Infiniti. They did a sheet metal freshening with the same VG33 engine on the Pathfinder prior to that and released it as a 99.5 and 2000 model.

cardilema · April 2002

I think you are right Phil47 What are your feelings on the 2000QX4 or 2001 PF questions I asked a few post's ago

phil47 · April 2002

I currently own a 2001 PF LE (all options including AWD and leather) and absolutely love it. I traded in a 99.5 PF LE to get the 2001 because of the engine upgrade (and the AWD option which is very handy here in Calgary). The new engine REALLY makes a difference. The engines aside, the interior/exterior differences between the 2001 PF LE and the 2000 QX4 are fairly minor...not nearly as significant as the differences introduced with the 2001 QX4.

Based on the above, I would not hesitate to recommend the 2001 PF LE over the 2000 QX4.

For the record, I think the 2001 QX4s are one of the nicest luxury SUVs on the market, particularly at their price point. When people say that the QX4 is just a rebadged PF with luxury upgrades...so what! The PF is a highly respected vehicle, so what better platform to use? The upgrades to the QX4 are top shelf and very tasteful...well worth the money if that's what you're looking for IMHO.

bigorange30 · April 2002

John posted that he wished the QX4 had an autodimming mirror and wanted to know where he could get one aftermarket. Here are 2 places you can get them:

http://www.mitocorp.com/nvsmirro.htm

http://www.jcwhitney.com

cgatzke · April 2002

I have noticed a difference in price of used QX4's between the town i live in, and larger metro areas in the midwest (Minn. and Omaha). In the Des Moines, Iowa area, '97 QX4's bring $19-$20K. Larger cities bring $22-$26K for the same mileage, etc. Is this correct? I am trying to sell my '97 for $22K, and haven't gotten many bites. Would I be better off posting in the newspapers of these cities? I feel I am asking a fair price. Am I? Thanks.

heatmiser1 · April 2002

Out here in San Diego you can get a 1999 QX4 for under $20K with 60K miles. You can get a new QX4 for invoice plus a $2K rebate which would put a fully loaded new QX4 at just over $33K (no entertainment system or navigation).

I don't know how many miles are on these QX4's but all those prices sound way to high. At that age of a QX4, they are no getting much more than $500 over an equally equipped Pathfinder.

bigorange30 · April 2002

Edmunds quotes a '97 model at about $17K for dealer retail and $15K for a private party sell. I don't know what options or mileage but unless it has some extras or very low mileage, it sounds like your price is too high.

cardilema · April 2002

I have read through the Pathfinder posts as well as the QX4 posts. I have to make a decesion between the two. If I buy new, It will more than likley be the PF for money reasons only. My question is, Are the braking systems the same, there seams to be alot of complaints of "warped rotors" w/ the PF in there posts, shimmy at 60mph, etc. Is this a suspention issue or something else. same goes for the tire wear issue. Do the same problems exisist with the QX4.
Thanks for the info.

bigorange30 · April 2002

But as I understand it, these 2 are mechanical twins.

mthomas3 · April 2002

I live in Phoenix where stealing spare tires is a sport, so I locked mine down. I got a heavy duty cable lock at an auto parts store, and wraped it some of the braces and receiver hitch underneath. While not perfect, it would take an extra 5 to 10 minutes to steal the tire, making it less attractive.

The stock hardware could be defeated in 10 seconds by a pro with tools, so it is no barrier at all.

mthomas3

mthomas3 · April 2002

I agree with the others, go for the new PF. You may also find that the incentives and low finance rate will give the PF a lower monthly payment than a used QX4 with a higher finance rate.

There is no substantial difference between the PF and QX4 when they are equally equipped. I bought a 2001 QX4 and paid about $1200 premium over the PF. I bought late in the model year and could not find a PF equipped the way I wanted it, so went with QX4.

There is a difference I have found in customer service. Consumer Reports also saw it. Nissan dealers are near the bottom of the list on customer satisfaction with the service department, and Infiniti is very near the top. Infiniti has personalized service, free loaners, and they have been very careful to exceed your expectations for immediate and correct service. The dealership I went to has sells both, but has separate sales and service facilities. Some of the Nissan customers complain about repeated delays when I talked to them in their waiting room.

mthomas3

qx4 · April 2002

ya having traded a 98 pathy with a 01 QX4, i would say that what ever you buy, make sure its got the 3.5L VQ engine under the hood.

The VG engine was underpowered and while the VQ has a larger displacement and about 70 more horses, its not much worse on gas.

Both had flawless record though but the extra horsepower comes in handy in the safety department with highway passing and merging.

mgranton · April 2002

I am wondering what is the gas mileage that you will really get with QX4 in town and on the highway. I like to know before I buy a new QX4

bigorange30 · April 2002

I haven't been on any long trips yet so I can't comment on that. I just bought mine in January. I changed the oil Tuesday to Mobil1 synthetic. They say you will get a little better gas mileage with it.

nyccarguy · April 2002

gets 17 or 18mpg doing mostly highway driving. He switched to Synthetic oil and actually improved his mpg by 2!

jefferson1964 · April 2002

The JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE is a far superior vehicle and should be considered first before purchase of this QX4

bigorange30 · April 2002

What's your evidence and the source of that evidence or are you just trying to stir up trouble? There is NO objective evidence of that anywhere on the planet.

stuartbonia · April 2002

I have been renting one for the past 1 week ($215 a week from Dollar Rent a Car) since I needed something for home renovation supply runs at Home Depot.

Actually it isn't a bad vehicle. Feels solid. Steering is truckish in that it isn't precise and has some slop to it. Supension is kind of floaty. Average MPG over city and short highway is running a bit over 17 (6 banger).

Problem with it is that I can get a Pathfinder SE for about the same money (maybe $1,000 or so more).

I'm not big on offroad stuff and the Jeep is not known as a reliable vehicle. Why would I buy a Jeep like this when I can get a Pathfinder for a little more? My answer is that I wouldn't. I'd get the Pathfinder. A QX4 would be nice but that kind of cash is a scarce resource

bigorange30 · April 2002

If your gonna get the Pathfinder LE fully loaded, then the QX4 is only about $2000 more and it is very well worth it. Almost anyone can afford another $20/month. It has much more class and the dealer treats you like a person and not a number.

couimet · April 2002

Very unique - It's been a long time since anyone has declared the Grand Cherokee a better, let alone "a far superior", vehicle than the PF or QX ...

reb12 · April 2002

I have over 20m miles on my 2001 QX4 and for the first time I noticed the wind noise at about 70mph, on a windy day. Never a problem before, but right before I noticed the noise I adjusted the rack to use it. I put it back in its original position, made sure the rubber inserts were in, but now I notice the noise from time to time. Any suggestions? Thanks

mthomas3 · April 2002

I know jefferson1964 was just trying to stir up debate, but I have a real life account of a friend, Bill, who owns a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 4.7 V8, Quadradrive limited slip for all 4 wheels. He went 4-wheeling with us last month in the Arizona desert and got stuck twice. I got to pull him out once with my QX4, and an old beater chevy pulled him out a second time. The highly touted limited slip for all wheels is worthless at best.

His Jeep GC is now 8 months old now, and has been to the shop for warranty service an amazing 9 times. The vehicle has failed to start at work twice, and had to be taken to the dealer on a flatbed truck. Bill is still waiting for a couple of items to be fixed. My QX4 is 7 months old, and has needed no trips for warranty service, and everything works perfect.

Bill is now planning to trade his Jeep GC in for a QX4 or a PF. If jefferson1964 is listening and interested in a nice 2001 Grand Cherokee Limited, I can set him up with this pristine example.

qx4 · April 2002

i don't think he's listening. I think he's in the shop for another jeep recall:)

couimet · April 2002

Or, he can't hear for all the rattles ...

3lift · April 2002

Has anyone converted their Canadian purchased QX4 instrument cluster from km to miles? The speedo that Infiniti sent me is not tracking. It lights up but the speedo doesn't move. The dealer claims it may be a blown fuse or defective part. Since the dealer I bought the parts from is out of state they can't check it out. In the mean time I am "driving with the flow", until I can get this resolved.

reb12 · May 2002

Anyone know what causes this. For the first 20m mi I had no noise. Now it started. I used it once and put it back all the way forward and made sure the rubber inserts were in. Only happens occassionally when driving over 60mph on windy days usually. Any fixes known? Thanks

masspector · May 2002

Has anyone with a QX4 upgraded the Bose stereo? A friend told me that all Bose products for cars (any brand) were hard or impossible to upgrade without ripping out the entire system. The stereo is OK but not as good as other vehicle stereos I have had in other vehicles that I have owned. If any one has had success with this, which components did you upgrade? ie add a sub, upgrade speakers. Thanks for any help.

bigorange30 · May 2002

The Bose stereo is the best car stereo I have ever seen. I would not change a thing. It is my favorite feature of the QX4. Why would you want to change it? What is your peave with it? What brand is a better stereo and for what reason?

masspector · May 2002

I am not peaved at the Bose. BTW it is a 2002 QX4. I have a 96 mercury sable with the JBL upgrade stereo and I ride alot with a friend that has a lexus rx300 (base stereo, not the nakamichi). Both of these stereos sound better to me than the bose in the QX4. Both of these systems have 6 speakers and a subwoofer from the factory. Alot of stereo quality is in the listener's ear. What sounds good to me may not sound good to you. I also know that in car stereos acoustics of the vehicle play alot into the percieved quality of the sound to the listener. The bose in the QX4 is nice, but it does not seem to have the same dynamic range and oommph as these other stereos. I am not sure if it just needs a sub or is underpowered or needs a way to fine tune it like an equalizer. I know the bose in the QX4 is 150 watts and I think my sable's JBL system is 200 watts. I was just seeing if anyone else had been able to upgrade the bose system and what they chose to do to upgrade.

Bigorange, how do you have your controls set on your bose for bass, treble, balance , and fade? If you let me know I will try your setup and see if it improves for me. Thanks guys.

mattgo · May 2002

The check engine soon light on my 97 QX4 recently came on so I took it in to an Infiniti dealer for the first time. It turned out to be some really expensive carbon emmision filter for the fuel system that failed, but I also mentioned that there was an exhaust leak from the manifold and the guy said that that's free! They replaced about $900 worth of exhaust pipes, basically everything from the engine to the catalytic converter for free! He said it's under warranty for 125,000 miles. I had no idea.

I also wanted to say that I used to take my truck to a Nissan dealer, just because I bought it used there, and my experience at Infiniti was a world of difference. I think this was the first time that a mechanic fixed everything correctly the first time, on any car I've had. It was a very expense trip to the dealer, but I was so pleased by the service and job done, that it was worth the price. They replaced the carbon filter and some related stuff, replaced most of the exhaust pipes, and fixed my bent tie rod and anti-sway bar joint. Apparently the guy before me ran over something big, but Nissan never noticed the problem, even after I mentioned that the front end felt sloppy. This actually makes me mad because Nissan said the front tire couldn't be balanced because it was manufactured wrong, when it was actually due to severe uneven wear because of the tie rod problem. Just from my one experience at Infiniti and my many, many unwanted return visits to Nissan, I would recommend the QX4 over Pathfinder just for the service alone.

nyccarguy · May 2002

You definitely should have had it checked out before you bought it used. Glad you had a good experience with the Infiniti Dealer!

jscatena · May 2002

I'm returning my QX4 tomorrow. The 24 month lease is over. I had a Jeep GC first and it was "Lemon Lawed" back to DC after the 6th attempt to fix the transfer case. Then I got my QX4. Wow!

I've grown out of the SUV market so I'm getting a station wagon now. The new Audi S6 avant. 340hp, 155 mph top speed. It will be fun. But I'll miss my old friend QX4.

jpscatena@t-one.net

cardilema · May 2002

Hi All,
Would you Buy a 2002 PF LE brand new W leather or go for a 2001 QX4 w 10-15k miles, if they were both the same price. The QX4 may even be a $1000. or $1500. more. I do like the way the QX4 looks not to mention the better warranties and customer service. etc Difference new is about $4000. $34K for QX4 and & $30K for PF LE W/ leather
What do you guys think ?
Thanks Bob

ijustdoit · May 2002

I have the same decision to make as Carliema. I have '99 QX4 with lease expiring this week. I can get 02 QX4 demo for $33,600 w/ heated seats or fully loaded PF for about $30,500. Is there anything else to justify the extra $ other than superior service and longer warranty? Both have .9% for 36 mos. I understand that the QX4 may have more soundproofing? What do I buy?

bigorange30 · May 2002

$34 K for a 2002 is too high. I had a quote of $33 K for one fully loaded with the premium package and a rear wind deflector when I bought mine. I also priced a PF LE with all the same features as the QX4 and it was $30.5 K for a difference of $2500. Also remember that there are features that a QX4 has that a PF cannot get. The bodyside molding, painted door handles and distinctive front grill really class it up. The way the dealer treats you with loaners during service and personalized attention are a real bonus too. Believe me, it is well worth the small difference in price.

masspector · May 2002

I just purchased a 2002 QX4 in the SE for $31,000 plus $399 doc and T,T,L. Also got the 0.9 financing ( just love $270 in finance charges). In april there was a $2000 factory to dealer incentive on QX4. Basically got the vehicle at invoice cost of QX4 (no ad or floor plan fees) minus the $2000 incentive. Dealer kept the $900 holdback. In my area the least equipped 2wd model has rear wind deflector, sunroof, and premium pkg. That is what I got. I saw an ad last week for a QX4 at $29,900. Not sure if this was a demo or if Infiniti raised the incentive another $1000.

I agree with Bigorange. I drove both the QX4 and the PF and for the difference in price, especially for me ($1000 at the most), the QX4 is a better vehicle with better service and warranty.

Bigorange, what about those bose stereo settings?

bigorange30 · May 2002

I don't have any special settings. The bass and treble etc. are set in the center.

Infiniti QX4

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