Infiniti QX4

suv2002 · December 2002

Just brought our 1998 QX4 for a 75K checkup. Struts were shot and 2 tires had to be replaced. Other than that, the car just hums along. We've had no major problems since we got it in February '98.

We keep thinking we'll just replace the Q with another one when it finally gives up the ghost. However, I will keep my eye on the MDX. Maybe in 3 years, the Acura will be going for less than MSRP!

dinel · December 2002

Regarding my buying my leased 1999QX4. You stated you used the Kelly Blue Book value. Was that the trade in value, or was that the private buyer value?

stever · December 2002

And was it the "dealers" blue book or the "consumers" blue book?

What is the "Kelley Blue Book" Price?

Steve, Host

suv2002 · December 2002

I used the "consumer" version found by entering kbb.com and the figure I used to negotiate was the trade-in value. I got it for less.

poonsmom · December 2002

Looking at buying a 2000 QX4, white/gold bottom tan interior. 52K miles,1 owner,$19,995. Just concerned with some of the posts regarding suspension/shocks problems etc and quietness...I have been riding/driving (or beaten around by should be the correct description) 2000 LS Rodeo Isuzu, I was trying to find a good luxury SUV that would be quiet and smooth! I travel long distances 1-2 times weekly (100-200 miles daily)and the Rodeo is so loud and very rough. Has anyone been happy with the long driving comforts of the QX4, also I am concerened about the fuel, is the 2000 demanding Premium? "ANY" other advice/feedback would be so very apprecaited :-) Thanks from La. (where we have terrible pot holes and lots of rain, so 4WD might come in handy!!)

bigorange30 · December 2002

You need to think about a 2001 instead of a 2000. The 2000 has been long considered underpowered and there was a significant engine upgrade for the 2001.

poonsmom · December 2002

it will be noisy and rough???? Or is that why very poor gas mileage? I think the Rodeo gets 14-15 in town on it's good days, and it is a whiny,screaming noisy/windy thing (LS, with v-6) Have no real interest in speed,passing,towing etc, I usually drive in traffic and hardly ever get over the 70 MPH limit, would that make any difference? There is no Infinity dealer here (La)in my town, it just so happen the BMW dealer took this on trade, so not a big choice here.Should I just pass altogether,it's been the only one for sale around here in past 2 months to my knowledge.Thanks so much :-)

bigorange30 · December 2002

an engine that is too small for the vehicle. It has poor acceleration. It makes it difficult to go up steep hills and pass cars on a 2-lane and pull out into traffic easily. It had 170 hp and the new engine has 240 hp.

tidester · December 2002

Hmm.

Underpowered means ...

(1) ... having to say you're sorry because the time it takes to accelerate through an intersection exceeds the cycle time on the traffic signals.

(2) ... having to decide which child gets a drive to school.

(3) ... great offroading - as long as it's all downhill.

(4) ... deer stand a better chance of making it to old age.

(5) ... being exempted from carpooling.

(6) ... great odometer readings at trade-in!

(7) ... more time to read books and listen to music.

(8) ... no wind noise from external elements.

(9) ... no obligatory trips to Home Depot.

and, finally, underpowered means ...

(10) ... NO SPEEDING TICKETS!

(Sorry, couldn't resist - it's late and I'm all alone here! :-)

Now back to the regularly scheduled topic!

tidester, host

qx4owner1 · December 2002

I am an owner of 2002 QX4. When I am going more then 60m/h, with an open sunroof, I hear a loud weaseling noise. Did anybody tried installing SUNROOF WIND DEFLECTOR to reduce the noise?

couimet · December 2002

Underpowered or not?

I do own a 2001 QX4 with the 3.5 litre 240 hp V6. I did lease a 2000 Pathfinder with the 3.3 litre 170 hp V6.

Yes, I do love the 240hp engine. But the 170hp wasn't bad at all.

My only recommendation would be to try the 2000 before spending the extra money on a 2001+. Is the extra power a must to you? It's your money - it's your choice ...

bigorange30 · December 2002

I just said that she ought to think about it. If she's comfortable with the smaller engine and make that conscious decision, at least she knows about the difference.

pathfinder13 · December 2002

Yes the wind deflectore helps a lot in reducing the noise but when you driving around 20 to 30mph, there's vibrating noise from it. I have 2002 Pathfinder LE so I guess it may have the same problem with yours or may not, but no more whistling nosie at 60mph. By the way does any Infiniti owners have bottoming out problem. Today i was loading some luggage and only two people were in the vechile. The ride was suddenly harsh and the rear suspension was totally bottom out. Is there any solution I can do with this problem.

jetli2003 · December 2002

Can the QX4 wheel fits a different size of tire other than one that come from the dealership ??
My 2001 QX4 2WD came with P245/65R17 tire.
Thank you

jetli2003 · December 2002

Are there online parts store that sells high performance brake parts for the QX4 ??

onboost91 · December 2002

Nissan issued a service bulletin for this problem. Check NHTSA.ORG for the bulletin# and bring it to your dealer. They can order and install new dampers which stop the problem (though Im pretty sure they are on backorder now, as alot of Pathfinder owners are getting the fix done).

rocki1 · December 2002

I have posted a message on the QX4 Owners Club, but since I have had no responses of similar problems, I would like to refer interested parties to review my comments there. To summarize the problem, the transmission clunks after I let up and then accelerate. If you had similar problems, I would like to hear about it.

Jack44 · December 2002

Yes...Try

www.tirerack.com

for tires
and for comparable sizes...

http://www.c5-corvette.com/tirecalc.htm

poonsmom · December 2002

I really appreciate all the responses :-) The passing, speed etc or going up hills were not that important to me. I live in southern LA, and we are below sea-level, the only hills we have are ant-hills, or an overpass,teehee. It is so clean,quiet and like brand new I fell in love with it, keep in mind I have been driving the dreaded Rodeo-LS V-6,so maybe it is just such an *improvement* I won't notice the low speed/power as much as some people.
Does anyone have any suggestions for purchasing an extended warranty?.. I went to a few sites, should I buy *now* or wait till later time, as it is a 2000 and has 51,200 miles, it still has warranty left. Thanks Again, PS, I thought the lonnnnnnnnnnggggggggg explanation of underpowered was FuNnY~~

reb12 · December 2002

I've got a problem that needs immediate attention. Talk about feeling stupid! I have a 2001 QX4, was going to do an oil change for the first time and accidentally drained the transmission fluid. I added 5 qts of oil and could not figure out why it read so high on the dip stick. Finally put 2 and 2 together and determined that the drain pan plug under the center of the car was for transmission fluid. I looked in my owners manual and they do not give the capacity of the transmission so I don't know how much Dextron III to add. Anyone out there know?? Also, can I idle the engine with no tranny fluid?
I need the vehicle tomorrow so I'm in a rush. Thsnks, Rick

couimet · December 2002

"Accidentally"? Unbelievable ...

The answer to your question "Can I idle the engine with no tranny fluid?" is I don't know but play it safe - don't!

Jack44 · December 2002

So you're saying you had 10 quarts on oil in the engine?...

And then it is a pain to unscrew 10 screws to remove the plastic ['protector'?] to get at the oil filter...Whomever designed that needs to have their rice supply checked...

marsha7 · December 2002

but with all the vehicles I am considering, forgive me if this is repetitious...considering a 2003 QX4, among others...any overall thoughts from those who own 2001 and 2002 models...glad you bought it, sorry you bought it, all the pluses and minuses, why you like or dislike certain features, what did YOU shop before buying the QX4, does the rear drum brakes stop adequately (as most have 4 wheel disc), seats comfortable on a 4 or 5 hour trip, sound system adequate or inferior, etc., yada, yada, yada...thank you to all who have time to respond...

bigorange30 · December 2002

Compared to others in the market of comparable size and price, I am very happy with my experience so far. I do wish it was a bit larger with a 3rd row of seats but any SUV that I look at in the market with 3 rows of seats is more money and gets out of my price range. I mainly looked at the 4Runner, Sequoia, Highlander and RX300 before I bought the QX4. I would like to have the Sequoia but the limited version loaded with options pushes $45 K. Based on all of the rotor warping on many SUVs out there these days, maybe the rear drum brakes are a good thing. It is very comfortable on the 8 hour trips I do twice/year. The Bose sound system is first rate.

jiamin · January 2003

Have 00 RX300 so want a different SUV. Overall, QX4 is a great one except the attention to details is a bit below EX300. The sheet metal around the door handles is not so smoothly flat (just a little wavy if I look closely with sun light reflection on it). I checked a few new QX4s and they are the same. Rear door opening is a little too narrow. Overall noise level is a little higher than RX300. Only front windows are of AUTO up/down.
That's all I can complain. All considered minor to me.
Brake is excellent. Couple of times I had to brake hard and its ABS kicked in. I also checked the hard braking a few times when it's not needed. Very stable, confident, strong stopping power. Seat is comfortable to my taste.

skypark · January 2003

My wife's lease ends 3/03 and I need to decide what SUV to get her. We live in Houston and everyone has big vehicles. She drives very little but since we moved to Houston needs a large safe vehicle (her 3yr lease has only 11,550 miles even after a recent 3,200 mile trip to FL from Houston). The vehicle was great on the trip, except for the slow pick up and underpowered accelerations (only two of us, golf clubs and lots of luggage). Overall I am very happy with the vehicle and its reliability and was even considering buying it, but I think that would cost as much per month as a new lease and I would end up with an old car (like to change vehicles every 5 years max.). Want to stay away from US makes and the really high end SUV's. Wife uses it around town (we live in the city) and I drive it on any trips (I have an I30 so the luggage and golf clubs are too much for the trunk). I've seen posts on the MDX and will look at that. Does anyone know when the body style will change on the QX4? Anyone have any info. on recent lease deals? Thanks for any input?

ericexpy · January 2003

I've heard that the QX4 will be discontinued and that the 2003 is the last model year. Is this true? If anybody has a link to an article regarding this, I would really like to read it. Let me know what you have heard.

Thanks

Eric

Jack44 · January 2003

Have owned our 2001 QX4 since July 2000...Have around 26,000 miles...I couldn't recommend it more...and it's mainly my wife's car who really enjoys it...At auto Show in 2000, she liked the QX4 most of all...and I mean all...

Braking, acceleration, hauling things are tops...Very comfortable on long trips, 3+ hrs, which my wife does a lot...One thing I wanted but no one seemed to have, was a drop gate, lift glass for hauling big things...The Lexus, Mercedes dealers gave me horrid looks when I would ask them, 'Can I put a 72' couch in the back?...It's a truck, if you want a 'car', buy a car...I do at least like the lift glass...

I think the new '04s may be bigger, but if you're going to keep the QX4 for a long time, a great choice...

jiamin · January 2003

should be of a much better deal compared to a brand new model. If I were to purchase a new car I wouldn't care if it is a last batch, as long as it has all what I want. Last batch could be better than first year models in terms of design flaws/bugs and then recalls, free fixes, etc.

couimet · January 2003

The FX45 has been a discussion item for some time and the expected replacement for the QX4. Personally, I thought 2002 was going to be the last for the QX4.

Buying the last year of a model may be disconcerting but remember that mechanically, the QX4 is a Pathfinder and I don't believe the Pathfinder will be going away.

Besides, I would have no concerns buying a Nissan/Infiniti in any year.

A happy 2001 QX4 owner ...

Jack44 · January 2003

The new FX45 looks like it'll be a V8 version of the Nissan Murano...which is a pretty neat vehicle...BUT, it is a different type than the QX4...

Here are pix of the new FX45...

http://www.infinitihelp.com/Infiniti/Models/FX45/photos.htm

couimet · January 2003

I don't like the exterior of the Murano much. The FX45 is better in my view. But they both appear to sport darn ugly interiors ...

yoeddy · January 2003

THE FX45 is based on the Nissan Murano. From what is discussed on the Nissan Pathfinder BB, the '04 Pathfinder will be larger than the current version. Attached is a link that shows a sneak-peak of the vehicle. Thus, I assume a '04 QX4 will be introduced this coming fall or sooner.

http://thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5549&sid=178&n=156

marsha7 · January 2003

and was highly unimpressed with it...

poonsmom · January 2003

Is there anyway I can reprogram my locks to lock automatically (when started or put in drive etc) as sometimes I forget and with carjackings so strong near here (New Orleans), I don't want any chances!Also I read somewhere the QX4 is supposed to have a "6" way key remote?? Mine only a) locks all doors with alarm, b)unlocks just driver with 1 click, or c) unlocks them all on 2nd click...is there something that needs reprogramming on that as well??? Thanks in advance..PS..so far loving the professional Infiniti service and Loving my QX4!!

Jack44 · January 2003

Unfortunately, that's the one negative I have about the QX4...You can't...

pathfinder13 · January 2003

from the remote.Just press your unlock button for about 5 secs than the window will slide down. Just try once.

major7 · January 2003

Anyone wondering about how well the rear drum brakes work, I can tell you that this truck stops as good as or better than any car or truck I have ever owned! Effortless and quick stopping, no skidding or anything like that. Don't hesitate to buy a 2003 QX4. Also, I had heard a QX4 with a 3rd row was coming out for 2004 and with more power than the current 240hp which is very peppy. I had also heard a more expensive version would also be offered, just like Lexus does with the RX300, then the GX470, etc. Thx.

jiamin · January 2003

To me the only "bad" thing about rear drum brakes are their look. Nobody will stare at the brake so closely. Or maybe their heat dissipation is not as good since they are not open like disk brakes? I don't hold brake so long and so frequently so brake heat is not an issue to me.

Jack44 · January 2003

More information on New Infiniti's...If you've got $45,000...

http://www.motortrend.com/features/news/112_news30/

skypark · January 2003

I just got back from my Infiniti dealer and he told me that he will not be getting anymore QX4's delivered this year. It is being replaced by the FX35/45 due out in late January. He did not have an FX yet. I also test drove a Toyota 4Runner Limited that was a dream, but the dealer I went was not dealing on that baby yet. Seems like the residuals on lease are way down from where they were when I leased my 2000 QX4. Need to find a replacement by end of March. Will look at FX and others. Any input??

bigorange30 · January 2003

I guess it is because they don't sell enough of them if he knows what he is talking about. Why do think they don't sell more since it is the least expensive luxury SUV in the market? Then you have the RX300 that sells more than 5X the QX4. It is smaller and a little more expensive and looks like a dang minivan for goodness sakes. The QX4 has been the best automobile purchasing and owning experience I have ever had. Anyone got a clue?

jiamin · January 2003

is too small. Lots of complaint from various readings. If the B-pillar is moved about an inch or so to the front, it'll be a lot better, even to the side look. Well I guess there must be some reason designer decided to have the opening like now.

Jack44 · January 2003

Big spread in February 'Motor Trend' on the FX45...Nice...$48,000

reb12 · January 2003

I changed my transmission fluid and when the engine is warm I am about 1/8" over the high mark on the dip stick with the engine running. Is this any concern??? Could something this slight cause the fluid to bubble?? Seems to shift fine.

Thanks, Rick

Jack44 · January 2003

Correction...Should be Car & Driver...And Rick, if you put in the 'correct' amount it should be OK..

losthat1 · January 2003

Wow-what a quiet board. I'm a 5 time Volvo owner who is disillusioned with Volvo, especially dealer and service. I love the new Volvo XC90 but not the price and wait.

Today I looked at the Infiniti and was most impressed with the vehicle, $5,000 under MSRP, and dealer. I liked it even better when I learned about the 0.9% financing deal. I wonder why more people aren't jumping at the chance to buy this SUV. My only negative is the MPG.

Are you happy with your purchase? I'd love to hear some feedback from those who have purchased and lurk here. Thanks.

bigorange30 · January 2003

It is the best car buying and owning experience in my 20 years of driving. The service department is first rate. I love the loaner program. They also seem to live off of the surveys that they send out after every service visit. They must get severely chastised if they don't get an excellent in every category. They go to great lengths to make SURE you are satisfied.

Jack44 · January 2003

I will heartily second what bigorange30 just said...Have had mine since June 2000...Couldn't be happier...And, yes, the gas mileage is not good...But you give the car 10's in every other catagory...The money you'll save in buying it will more than pay for the extra gas...

bigorange30 · January 2003

As far as gas mileage, there are not too many SUVs that are much better in the market. The Highlander comes to mind. Let's say that it gets an average of 4 mpg more than the QX4 (It depends on what engine you get and how you drive.) Then it will cost you about another $500/yr (~$40/month) in gas to drive the QX4 than the Highlander. Its worth it to me.

Infiniti QX4

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy