Infiniti QX4

bigorange30 · February 2003

If you look at these 2 vehicles the appearance differences are readily apparent inside and out. Look at the grill, side cladding, running boards, threshold, steering wheel, antenna and wheels. The sound proofing is also better on the QX4. One of the best differences that I see is the loaner that I get each time I go to the service department and the personalized attention I get.

If I had not bought the QX4, the Pathfinder would not even have been in the running. The Toyota 4Runner was my runner-up but it was too underpowered last year.

boluca · February 2003

I just traded a 2001 Pathfinder for a 2003 QX4.
The exterior differences are obvious.
Inside you have better leather, better carpet, real wood, heated rear seats, etc.
The QX4 is quieter inside and just much nicer.
The best part is the Infiniti service. Loaner cars, free car wash, power train warranty until 70k and bumper to bumper to 60k.With Infiniti trying to get rid of them the price was about the same as a Pathfinder. The QX4 is just a nicer vehicle with a longer warranty.
Power train is the same.

sacramentokel · February 2003

Hi everyone, I'm new to this message board. I'm driving my second I30T series and love the service you receive from Infiniti. I'm seriously thinking about buying a used (private party) 2001 QX4 and would like your opinion. The original owner bought it in 02-2001 with every option (including navigation)but entertainment pkg. He even bought the Ultimate warranty which goes to 100K. It has 33,500 miles and is great shape. He owes approx. $30K and is wanting to hold firm on the price. I have searched nationwide and I feel the long term warranty is worth the additional $. What do you think? Thanks for your input. Kel. P.S. Does anyone know a trick to raising springs on an I30T? The reason I ask is that apparently the original owner lowered the springs and I can't get up the driveway of my new house without scraping. Even at an angle, no luck. The dealer wants $1300 to change out. Frankly, it will be cheaper to replace the muffler and tail pipe. Hoping one of you might have an answer. Never dawned on me to drive up into the garage while I was looking. Big dummy me.

bigorange30 · February 2003

He is absolutely crazy, He will get no more than $25-26 for it with any buyer with reasonable intelligence. You can buy a new 2003 for only a few thou. more than that (~$5K). I would not give much for the warranty because you won't be using it.

johnxyz · February 2003

I'm interested in purchasing a '03 QX4 but have been put off by the chronic vibration problems sited by the Pathfinder owners in their recent discussions. Any information or advice would be appreciated.

Also, any idea what month this year when manufacture of US QX4 and Pathfinder models will cease? How much longer will US dealers receive these vehicles? Thanks, John

sacramentokel · February 2003

I forgot to mention I live in Northern California, land of fruits and nuts. (I'm not a fruit, in case you're wondering, lol, and my fiancee calls me Satan to my friends) Everything seems to be more expensive here so maybe it's a regional pricing adjustment. Anyway, the local dealer is selling the 2003 models for 40plus less 3k from factory. He has only one 2002 selling as a demo with 4600 miles for $32,988 with NO navigation pkg,BUT it has been in service since 12-01. The Ultimate warranty goes for $1900 I seem to the be the unlucky guy who has problems with every car I own, thats why I love the loaner car program and why I'm attracted to the longer term warranty.
The latest issue with my 98 I30T is the factory recall for the defective alternator ended at 532 units before my car. Of course, my car breaks down last Friday night and I had to pay $500 for a new alternator. I spoke with consumer affairs and was told I was S.O.L. because Nissan keeps very meticulous records, hmmmm. I'm going to write a letter. Back to the Qx4, it books out on Edmunds and Kelley for about 28K without warranty. Any ideas? Thanks Kel

Jack44 · February 2003

You should try Vehix.com just to locate other cars at nearby dealers..You may have to go into SF...Then you have to "Wheel and Deal Like You've Never Welt and Dealt Before!"...

bigorange30 · February 2003

from California is advertised right now for sale for $28K without navigation. I still think you should be able to get the 2001 for less than than the $30K this guy is asking for. Maybe you should drive a few hours to another state and see what might be available.

sacramentokel · February 2003

Thanks guys, I found out today that the QX4 has chrome wheels and an airbrake, doesn't that help justify the price? I know the wheels do, but not sure about the airbrake. Jack, I haven't searched Vehix. but will do now. The climate here is too hot for black/graphite interiors and there are plenty of those available. Guess I'm trying to justify the price. I think I can get him down to $29,500. I'm hoping to wait the guy out and get him to take a loss. If I hadn't just bought a huge home, which I have to furnish, gotten engaged, gained a 16 yr old stepdaughter,plus my two younger daughters, then I would be driving a loaded 2003 model. The things we men do sometimes, awwww, the good old days of driving my Alfa Romeos and Beemers are gone. Hoping to soon be a QX4 owner. Thanks again. Kel P.S. BigOrange, where did you see the $28k model in Cali?

bigorange30 · February 2003

I don't know what an airbrake is. That sounds like some aftermarket modification. This guy has to understand that if he buys a car and tries to sell it 2 years later, he's gonna take a beating on depreciation. I have black leather in mine and I live in a hot climate. I love it and would not have the tan leather because it can show dirt crayon marks, pen marks etc. too well. Just turn on the A/C a few minutes before you want to drive it in the summer.

pathfinder13 · February 2003

For me they are virtually the same. The only difference is that you get far better service from Infini dealers. Off course there is better warranty. I have 2002 Le with fully loaded but have never experienced any vibration. Well, which ever you choose both are great and fun to drive.

jiamin · February 2003

I believe somewhere I read that QX4 has a different gear ratio therefore it's slightly quicker. Forgot where I read it. Never drove PF but to me both are the same.

suv2002 · February 2003

I noticed someone said Infiniti had a press release saying the QX4 was a cooked goose. Please supply a link.

I just got an email from Infiniti saying no announcements had been made about this. ???

We own a 98 QX4 with 75K miles. Other than the struts being replaced (and tires), it has run like a top.

When you go onto a highway, you see why the bigger engine is the way to go for anyone buying a used model. The Q gets to 65 pretty fast but she whines mightily.

bigorange30 · February 2003

It was on ebay.

psriniv · February 2003

Infiniti seems to have terminated the production of QX4's. The latest issue of automobile mag has minor details on all SUV's. they state that production has ended.

jiamin · February 2003

My 02 QX4 recently has a vibration sound from underbody, when I close the door harder, or step hard on side step rail, or close the rear lift gate hard. I tried knocking on the skid plate (?)on the left side and it made the same vibration sound. I can't lift the car but from what I could see and touch, nothing seems loose.
Will bring it in to my dealer.

carjim · February 2003

My wife and I attended the Ft Worth Auto Show where she sat in every mid-size SUV. Nothing "fit" like the Q, from her point of view. One week later, she drove one home from a Dallas dealer. It was there we were told production was stopped in October 2002.
We have enjoyed reading your comments on the board. No one has mentioned the tires. Ours have Bridgestones. Have they held up?

pathfinder13 · February 2003

and I have recently found that they are not good in wet area. It keeps slipping and I can't do anything but change the tire. I know QX4/Pathfinder has the same size, can anyone tell me if it is possible to put wider tires without changing the factory wheel. How wider can I put?

Jack44 · February 2003

Your wife sounds just like my wife...We bought our 2001 after Honolulu auto show in June of 2000...Can't help with tires though, the 2001's came with Michelins, which have been great..

Jack44 · February 2003

First off, the Pathfinders tires are 16", Qx4 are 17"...

bimmer4me · February 2003

jiamin · February 2003

17" rim is with the package. Standard is 16". I believe this package becomes standard in 03 so no more 16" in 03.

chienli · February 2003

hi everyone,

my 2001 (I bought for 1 1/2 year now) QX4 is approaching its 30K... and according to the maintainence schedule, its due for a 30K service from the dealership.
The 30K service is quite pricey (I remember the 15K one being well around 300 dollars). Does anyone know if it is worth the cost of getting the 30K service or if i should just go to any automechanic to do a tune up? also, how much did you guys pay for the 30K?

thanks!
chienli

Jack44 · February 2003

I stand corrected...My son's 2002 Pathfinder SE has 16" tires...

stever · February 2003

Here's a reference point for you Chienli (you may want to do more....I'm sure your dealer will recommend more <g>):

The Edmunds Maintenance Guide

Steve, Host

pathfinder13 · February 2003

17" rims. 17" rims does not come in package, it's standard in 02-03 pathfinders. It's 245/65 17 (same as QX4).

carjim · February 2003

Thanks to HOST Steve for pointing me to the Edmund's Maintenance Guide. I thought I was aware of the features of this site, but this is one that I had missed.

When we were shopping for the Q, we were evaluating the dealerships as well. We asked to see the customer satisfaction ratings at each store. Sewell Infiniti (Dallas) won our business. Reflecting back, I wonder if the hot muffins in the morning and the chocolate chip cookies all day (baked on the premises) wasn't the clincher.

Can you list some perks your dealership has provided? We might all benefit if we could suggest each other's faves to our dealers.

jiamin · February 2003

I tried playing it on my Technics CD player, RX300 CD changer (not the Nakamichi? upgrade) and QX4. Only QX4 recognized and played it with no problem. The other two couldn't recognize it and just moved onto the next CD.

I took full steps cleaning up the Technics with the CD cleaning disc but no help. Will clean RX300 but I doubt it's the laser head. It can play CD-R but not CD-RW...

spydrxx · February 2003

I have a 2002 QX4 Black on Black with everything minus the Nav. I love my Infiniti and the great care shown to customers by the dealership. I have been sad to near that the current model is done. No more are coming off the production line but Nissan/Infiniti would not let it end. Just in the past couple of days Nissan site has posted renderings of the new Pathfinder Armada. A V-8 full size rough and ready replacement of the terrific Pathfinder/QX4. I may be visiting the dealer sooner then I expected. I tried to get some info. while at the Chicago Auto Show but nobody knew anything. I truly love truck based SUV's especially my Q. The FX35/45 is just not my cup of tea. Here's the page, cut and paste
http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/FutureModelHomePage/0,,24843,00- .html

yipikya · February 2003

Just curious if anyone can fill me in on the differences between the 5.1 and 5.2 Nav CD software changes? If nothing too great then I'm going to pick up some used 5.1 revs for a few other areas. Any input is appreciated.

djocks · February 2003

In the process of getting an SUV for my wife.

Stopped by Infiniti yesterday and they are discounting the QX4 a great deal. Saw a 2002 brand new loaded with everything except nav. Even had a DVD system. $32,200. Is this a great deal???

Only problem is that they also had an FX35 for $39,100. I know this is a jump in price but the QX4 sure did look like the poor sister sitting in the showroom.

Any comments?

bigorange30 · February 2003

Compare to what I bought the same vehicle (I assume your talking 4X4) for $36,600 in January 2002. I would say that is a good deal.

Jack44 · February 2003

Has she driven both?...It's apples and oranges...They are not the same type of vehicle...One an SUV and the FX35 a, well a sport vehicle...And what is she going to use it for...Not much room in back of FX as QX...I've a 2001 and it's great..Actually my wife drives it 90% of the time and lots highway, and loves it...She picked it...And 32 for a 2002, not bad...

djocks · February 2003

I think she really needs to look at them. As a guy I love the aggressive look of the FX. When she saw the Marano, she claimed the inside was nice but the exterior was too futuristic. I am pretty sure she will feel the same with the FX. If it were me I would save for the FX. I was really impressed by the interior of it. The Q is very nice but dated next to the FX. I think my wife ironically will like the traditional look of the Q better.

Yes it was 4 wheel drive, silver, black leather interior with the DVD. $32K I file my taxes on Tuesday of next week. When I see the damage I will know the ballpark we are in. If it is not too bad I might move on something next week. Even the 2002 if it is still there!

I have to admit, I like the fx a lot!

carjim · March 2003

My wife looked at both the FXs and the QX4 too, djocks. She also preferred the Q, and our dealer showed us the letter from Nissan that gave the dealers $2000 to move them. Our out the door price was about two grand below invoice, about the same as yours.

ericexpy · March 2003

I've been reading the board and found that some think the QX4 is discontinued while others don't. Does Infiniti really expect to replace an SUV with the FX series?

I'm looking into buying a 2001 and am worried about the depreciation if the vehicle is discontinued.

Any links to press releases or articles would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Eric

bigorange30 · March 2003

is that production has stopped. They are giving more discounts on them now and you can get a good deal on a new one. I like mine though and will keep it for many years making depreciation a non-issue. It is a great SUV. The FX45 is about 40% more money. The Pathfinder Armada is coming out and I expect there will be an Infiniti version too.

Jack44 · March 2003

So, what did your wife tell you you were going to do???...

And for exricexpy, good site for infiniti info...
http://www.infinitihelp.com/

Buy the 2001 an keep it a long time and enjoy it...If you are only going to keep it a year or two, buy a brand new 'model type'...

carjim · March 2003

I visited the "infinithelp" site (#1630) and found it very useful. Has anyone found other Infiniti sites they like? I heard of "freshalloy" but couldn't find it. It sounds like it is about parts but I don't know.

stever · March 2003

Try google.com or teoma.com for starters.

Steve, Host

Jack44 · March 2003

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/home.asp

davatk · March 2003

Was the $2000 discount for only the 2002 model year or also for the 2003 model year?

jiamin · March 2003

Several times I used the paint touchup to paint small scratches. I developed my own technique that works well although not perfect. This morning a scratch was touched up and I can only see it real close. Another time I couldn't find where the scratch was.

1) clean the scratch area; 2)paint the area with well shaked touchup as flat as possible, OK to use a bit more than necessary; 3)wait for a few second, maybe 10 seconds; 4)quickly and gentlly rub the area with a soft cloth with some wax on it, removing the paint away that is still wet.

Step 3) is critical. It also depends on what is under, metal or plastic, and how deep. Sometimes I did twice of 1) through 3).

Don't know where the proper place to post, therefore I'm posting here to share. I did this to my QX4 like 5 times. Did it to my RX 3 times.

carjim · March 2003

The dealer showed me the invoice and the letter from Nissan that gave the dealer $2020 (I think this was the exact amt.) to move out the remaining QX4s. In my case, it applied to a 2003 with six miles on odometer.

davatk · March 2003

Got a new 2003 QX4 recently, with everything except NAV and DVD/VCR entertainment for $32,400. Comes out to about 2500 below invoice. Generally I am pleased with the vehicle so far.

Now for a couple things I have noticed:

1. Clock seems to be slightly rotated (counterclockwise) anyone else notice this?

2. Excess Gap on left side of piece that has the center vents (same piece that holds the clock)

Looks a lot like this picture from Infiniti's web site. Note the gap on the left side of the left-center vent:

http://www.infiniti.com/discover/ModelMediaGallery/0,1438,21352,0- 0.html

Anyone else notice this on theirs?

3. I noticed the other day, when I was in traffic that all the sudden the tachometer was reading zero, although I was cruising about 30 MPH. When it shifted gears the tach started working again. Anyone else see this or have an explanataion?

bigorange30 · March 2003

any gap in that picture.

qx4owner1 · March 2003

Fuel sensor lights up in a car when 16.5 gl out of 21gl are used. With about 4.5 gl left I could drive ~ 72 miles. Any body else has this problem? I have 2002 QX4

jiamin · March 2003

My 02 QX4 does the same. I wouldn't call it a problem. It's designed that way. Just a getting-used-to feature. I like the early warning instead of "last minute" warning.

yoeddy · March 2003

I'm looking to finally replace my stock Bridgestone Dueler HTs after 50k miles. I have 17 inch rims and the stock tires are 245/65. I'm looking at getting Michelin Cross Terrains and currently they're on sale at Sears. However, they only stock 275/70 and 275/60s for a 17 rim. Anyone know if its possible to put the 275/60s on the stock rims? I'm going to assume that there will be some rubbing in sharp turns. Thanks for any info.

Jack44 · March 2003

Just my .02....My 2001 QX4 came with Michelin LTX M/S tires...245/65's...Still have over half tread with 30000 miles on them...They are pretty quiet and handle very well...That would be my recommendation...

Infiniti QX4

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