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I did extensive reasearch/driving in both before I decided on the RX300. I was ready to buy the JGCL until the safety record of the vehicle reared it's ugly head.
I can sum up the difference quickly: The PF LE handles like a sports car, smooth responsive acceleration, precise steering, with little body roll when taking curves. The ride is harsher because of this. Seats are firm and supportive in a good way.
The JGCL has a springier ride, probably due to the lack of independant suspension. Steering was floaty, I did not feel "connected" to the road. The leather seats are very soft. While comfortable for short rides, I think one will suffer on long ones due to lack of support. But if you do true off-roading, or have to tow, nothing beats a JGCL with the V8.
Hope this helps.
The '99 JGC shared exactly 9 components out of hundreds from the old '98 design (this info is straight from DC). So yes, it was in fact a totally different vehicle. So if someone was to compare two new vehicles today for possible purchase, why would they compare a said vehicle to a design they can't even buy new anymore?
But I agree with you totally on the reliability of the '99s and up, it's a horror story and a main reason (besides safety) that I didn't purchase one.
And, I'm very expeienced with the PF since I owned a '97 PF for 4 years. The PF doesn't do well on the IIHS offset crash tests, and safety and top-of-line luxury/comfort were my two priorites on my recent purchase. I didn't want the PF "truck ride" anymore. And the RX300 is one of the top three SUV's in safety and has safety features the PF or JGCL just don't have.
I think the PF LE is a much better choice than the JGCL, just not my choice this time. Everybody has different priorities.
Just curious.
QX-4 is a good looking vehicle, has a very quiet, smooth ride with adequate acceleration from the 240 HP engine. Mine is tu-tone, ivory white with silver sage cladding.
The Lexus RX-300 - ruled it out due to lack of cargo space. We haul our dog around quite a bit, the QX-4 has space, RX-300 does not.
The MDX, you can visit acuramdx.org. Those people love their MDX's
Warren
taxes, tags, clear bra, undercoat package, or any other accessories or fees?
Not quite a true statement, the RX300 has different space. The Qx4 is 3 inches longer than the RX300, yet the RX300 beats the QX4 in every passenger area space measurement. If you want cargo space than the QX4 wins. You want passenger space, RX300 wins.
dealer? Do you get loaner cars when its in for service? Thanks for your help.
I'll keep this short - see my post at #330 for some more info. Email me and I'll be glad to help out. It's easy and the savings are big.
-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com
Just bought a used '97 QX4, 4x4, tu-tone ivory white with silver sage cladding and 91,000 km. I'm from Canada, so the vehicle comes fully loaded when it's sold new (sunroof, sport package, etc.) Paid $24K CDN, which is about $14.5K US.
Vehicle's are less expensive in Canada since our dollar is valued so low. lofquist is right. Many US dealers come to the used auto auctions here to export back into the United States for re-sale.
Unfortunately, my QX4 has just come off warranty, and I would like to know if anyone has had service issues they would like to share. I managed to squeeze in one final repair under the basic 48 month or 97,000 km warranty coverage. The radio antenna would not raise and ended up being replaced. A new muffler also looks like its needed, however the extended warranty will take care of that. Other than that, the QX4 looks great. I'm very pleased with my purchase and am a proud owner.
Muffler- A service bulletin will replace it free if rust appears on it.
Door Sills- After my invited test drive in the new 2001, I ordered for my '97 the nice door sills with the name "Infiniti" embossed in them. Looks and fits great!
Or should I get the 4x2 instead of 4x4 and forget about the heated-seats?
I am getting close to a deal. Thanks,
A month ago, I was driving at ABOVE-limit speed on a highway, then a jerk pulled right in front of me,I was trying to avoid a crash and made a SHARP turn, the QX4 started to roll over, at the moment I thought my two kids in the back seat and I were all going to see God. Kids were screaming...
We landed off the highway after flipping 3 times down a small hill and landed on wheels, three tires were busted, my side air-bag went off. I opened the door and got out with minor scratches on my hand, the kids on the back raw had only minor bumps. We were all taken to the ER and were released in less than 20 min.
The QX4 was a totalled loss.
I was thinking about buying a BMW 5 series but was afraid of having a head-on collision with a SUV someday and get killed, so I bought another 2001 QX4, knowing that I will be OK if it ever roll over again.
At that high-speed I was driving, and with a 90 degree sharp turn, any SUVs on earth would roll over just as my former QX4 did, but I guarantee that not many will protect its passengers and driver as well as the my QX4 did.
Here are my advises:
Drive slow, drive defensive, wear seat belt and drive QX4 !
Id like to offer some advice on some of your statements:
I was thinking about buying a BMW 5 series but was afraid of having a head-on collision with a SUV someday and get killed, so I bought another 2001 QX4, knowing that I will be OK if it ever roll over again.
First this statement doesnt make sense because a head on collision is different than a rollover event. Second, the BMW X5 has the highest rating on the IIHS off-set crash tests. The QX4 only got a marginal rating and is fourth from the bottom of the list. www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_midsuv.htm
"At that high-speed I was driving, and with a 90 degree sharp turn, any SUVs on earth would roll over just as my former QX4 did"
This is not true. What you experienced is a classic case of an emergency manuever and one or more tires "breaking free" from the pavement. VSC (vehicle stability/skid control) systems are designed exactly for situations like this. Currently the only luxury class SUVs to use these systems are the MB ML-series, the X-series, and the Lexus RX300.
For all the reasons above is why we went with the RX300 instead of the PF/QX4.
Again, I'm really glad that you and the kids are ok, and I hope that they aren't shaken up too much. As a parent, I hate when this stuff happens.
financing because I have no debt (;-[
Work was shut down because of the quake, so I decided to go shopping in Van. Got a good price ($42,000 CDN or $27,000 USD). The dealer (Nissan/Infiniti Richmond) had a tricked out QX4 on the floor so while he was dealing with details and some phone calls, I took some deciding-do-i-really-want-to-do-this time and checked it out. Went back, settled the price for the LE, said 'Now sell me a QX4'. Really, people, I was putty in his hands. For $46,800 CDN ($30,275 USD) (thats right folks, LESS than the LE in the States). Titanium with bug, sunroof, and rear deflectors. Nothing else was optional. Plus lifetime oilchange with loaner. Now, every three months when I go to Vancouver, I can be driving a Q45 :-). Theres a brokerage service provided 3rd party that will walk it across customs and deliver it to my door in Seattle(The BCM Auto Group 604-525-1744. Tell 'em Joe sent ya). Cost of the service is $280 USD. No GST (like a VAT. Its a national sales tax) or PST (Provincial Sales Tax). Customs will cost $842 USD. Registration and sales tax in Washington will be about $3,000 USD. Grand total (30,275 + 280 + 842 + 3000) = $34,997 USD. In comparison the LE in the States would have totaled about the same. I'll buy a certified check in Canadian funds at my bank and will courier it up to the dealer. Altho I might go up myself. Next week I'm drivin' in style.
Finally, the Canadian cars have more standard whatsies and fewer options. Power antenna and block heater are standard for example.
I'm trying to find the Service bulliten ITB97-026 you mentioned. Is it posted on the web somewhere?
Would this be too late for me to have done, considering I'm the second owner and the age of the QX4 (1997) ? Also, it sounds like this would stiffen the suspension resulting in a rougher ride on the street. Is it just recommended for QX4's carrying heavy loads or off-road use it ?
Thanks in advance to all responses.
Joe is probably technically correct on the duty charge. The reason is that officially the first $1000 that you import is subject to a full 10%. Then everything after is 2.5%. So the net is that you pay 2.5% of the vehicle cost + $75. But each customs point seems to interpret this differently (trust me - I've heard lots of stories). But one thing that is consistant is that Customs gives you a fabulous exchange rate ( like the rate Joe used of 1.546). That alone usually makes up for the $75 itself.
Joe,
You do realize that you can do the importing yourself and save the $280. The trade-off is that you have to pay the GST at delivery and then mail in for the refund.
-Jon
Since you want to use the NHTSA tests (which most people discount since they aren't as real world as compared to IIHS), the following link http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/2001SUVs.html shows that:
a) The BMW X5 hasn't even been tested yet
b) The RX300 and QX4 scored exactly the same, 4 and 5 stars.
Yes, we should try to keep the data the accurate.
As far as using the broker, it's like insurance. I go across the border often enough to know that its not entirely predictable. These guys do it for a living and know all the details. It reduces the hassle factor and its convenient.
The exchange rate I won't know until I buy the check at the bank. Almost all portal sites (like Yahoo!) provide rate quote. You usually pay about a penny or two per dollar anyway. Credit cards charge the best rate, sometimes free. But the dealer won't take credit cards over $5000 CDN.
Perhaps these cars are in great demand, but my opinion is that they were way way way overpriced for what you get. This vehicle in no form or fashion can compare to the Acura MDX, Lexus 300, or even the Toyota Highalander. And it is more expensive than all 3! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I look at it and thought Pathfinder. The styling just didnt impress me. I looked at the sticker and told the salesman, "are you serious?"
I hope you enjoy this vehicle and I dont mean to flame this board. But I personally saw very little value in the Infiniti. Go check out an MDX if you want to see what $34k can buy.
http://www.performanceproducts.com/
http://www.carparts.com/
Just an opinion, but a 2wd SUV is an oxymoron. You end up with a heavy vehicle with less control, traction and handling than a well designed sedan. The only thing it would be good for is towing, but this is not the QX4's strength due to the unitized body design (you can tow, but just not heavy loads on a consistent basis).
all are quality vehicles don't get me wrong. but i think non of the others match the 'tought' looks of the QX. it will get a make over in 2 years.
the comments above are based on cosmetic aspects.
mechanicaly i don't knowo much about the other. but the QX4 is a very capable vehicle specially with the new VQ engine. the 4x4 system on the QX is also one of the best and most advanced in the market.
Don't just settle for any old exchange rate that your bank first offers. Many of the local branches don't carry the rates for big transactions. I went through Wells Fargo, and just by calling the home office exchange dept and negotiating a rate I saved myself hundreds over what the local branch would do. Also, since you are in Seattle call Custom House - they are a private company with good rates. Also consider using Royal Bank of Canada in Richmond. Email me if you need phone numbers.
You should end up loosing no more than one "point", meaning if the official big bank rate is 1.54 you should get at least 1.53. I negotiated 0.7 point off the big bank rate with WF.
-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com
As for the DX, here in Michigan, the EARLIEST we can get our hands on one is NEXT January, 2002! All are sold out for this year. And, sticker is the only price there is. Great vehicle. Actually, my favorite. But, if I can't buy one, what's the difference????
On the RX300, a stripped down one (by these luxo standards) is $38,714. (with some discounting). A little gimpy on the engine. Oh I know nexus' claim of 220 up and 222 ft lfs of torque, but at 5800 and 4400 ram respectively? Who needs torque at 4400? Or HI at speeds approaching a Craftsman outer? Very very nice SUB though. Soft ride.
The QX4 is a very fine vehicle. Who says they are in short supply? There are 10 sitting on the lot here! Now, that has a nice engine. The 265 ft lbs of torque is at a usable 3200 rpm. Well appointed. Pricing about $5K lower than the RX300.
Right you are about the torque, if I had to tow anything heavy the RX300 would not be a smart first choice. But you are off about the price, A fully loaded RX300 w/Nav (and every conceivable feature) can be had for $38.5K and has saftey features that both the MDX and QX4 don't even offer.
I will respectfully disagree with you. You can have the odometer changed to miles by a speedometer shop if you prefer it. They will do it legally and properly with factory parts. It happens hundreds of times every week in the Seattle area on vehicles coming from the Vancouver area. Many of the used cars for sale in the Pacific NW came from auto auctions in Canada. The change is a simple procedure and is usually $200-$300.
Vikingfan2 - you gotta be from Minnesota (like me). Who else in the nation could support them after their showing in the playoffs :-( Check out a buy from Canada (Toronto would be best). QX4 with AWD, sport, premium, and sunroof for $30,800!
-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com
Tonychrys-The Qx4 has a 2nd generation side airbag with head and chest protection which the RX300 and MB don't have. It was also voted the best SUV by The Ultimate Car Guide.
Awards? The RX is former MotorTrend SUV of the year, Consumer Reports Best value, Consumer's Digest Best buy, etc. You also might want to check out this recent Car and driver review:
www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver
/comparisontests/2000/December
/200012_comparisontest_designerutes.xml
It's funny how the Infiniti site touts that Xenon headlights are a QX4 feature that the ML or RX don't have. It fails to mention that both have superior auto-leveling HID systems.