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:-)
One can probably use the innermost LATCH anchors if the distance between anchors is less than what is required by the childseat manufacturer. Otherwise, seatbelts are the only alternative.
My wife got a Highlander and I absolutely cannot stand those seats - especially the passenger seat.
I think the seats are probably one of the most important factors in selecting a vehicle. I took advantage of attending a car show so I could literally sit in each and every car on display. Ford usually has good seats, but I would never buy a Ford again.
1. Which will drive similar to my passat 4motion V6
2. Which is better on highway MPG (80mile a day highway commute)
3. Which is better for tall drivers (long legs here)
4. Please share any nice little 'tricks' (e.g. i love the power hatch on the RX)
5. Which has the better nav system and DVD (I plan to get both)
6. Which has better resale?
I plan to buy early next summer.
Thanks in advance..
Strayer has done tests of people who were driving and talking on phones, and found that they remember far fewer things than those driving without phones."
link
I don't think it's too much of a stretch to extend this line of thinking to NAV systems and DVD players, and the debate should lead to some interesting regulations and law suits in the coming years to combat driving while distracted.
Steve, Host
And I only plan to drive on asphalt :-)
It's a comparison test that includes both cars you are thinking of.
Don't forget radios and air conditioners. The difference between those, cellular phones, navigation systems and DVD players is statistically insignificant when it comes to driving distractions. If you plan on banning cell phones, you better ban radios too....and don't forget those vanity mirrors that can be used for applying makeup while driving.
(by the way - I considered the FX35 when buying the RX 330 and really liked it's driving responsiveness much better than the RX which drives like an old ladies' car, but I wanted another family oriented vehicle and the RX made my little back seat passengers happier.)
Radios and air conditioners are virtually entirely passive. I don't know anyone who can hold a telephone conversation in a completely passive manner. Bidirectional communication presupposes engagement.
tidester, host
Second, the study that was so widely publicized a few months back for showing the cell phones was the number one distraction also showed that radios where the number two distraction and that the difference between the two was insignificant. So what that study really concluded was that both cell phones and radios were the biggest distractions. And anyone using that study to suggest that cell phone use should be banned would also have to suggest that radio use should be banned as well. Passive or not.
Well, all this is probably material for another discussion. But as far as the FX45/35 goes, people should understand that while its navigation system provides value and safety, those are both limited by the fact that Infiniti (unlike Acura) restricts most navigation functions while the car is moving.
You make no distinction between totally passive activities and those that require full engagement? That's curious.
tidester, host
I am suggesting that tuning the radio, listening to it and adjusting the fan, temperature or vents require virtually no thought while full engagement in a two way conversation through a device you hold to your ear requires very substantially more thought and concentration. Otherwise, if the conversations you're having on your cell phone don't require your involvement then you shouldn't be having those "conversations" while driving.
tidester, host
I'm scattered today and can't find a handy link, but I've read that in the early days, radios wouldn't work unless the car was switched off (or something like that). Driver distraction was a concern back then. Or maybe it's an urban legend and the only problem with car radios back then were the fires they set in the engine compartment.
Some guy in AK was going to trial in Aug. on murder charges - the theory is that he was watching a DVD movie on his dash when he hit another car. Another link I need to dig up.
Steve, Host
Really! I take back everything I said - blood pressure elevated to extreme levels is a serious safety issue so the radios have to go! The cell phones go too because some of those folks are calling in to talk radio.
tidester, host
The bass is locked up in the trunk and the midrange disappears when the tiny speakers in the dash try to reproduce frequencies they were not designed for.
When the high frequencies from the dash speakers
hit the windshield, they overpower everything else.
Makes me wonder if this system was ever tuned to the actual vehicle.
Nothing a 24 band EQ wouldn't fix.
While I'm on my [non-permissible content removed] list, I want to ask why I have to use the A/C on days when outside cool air would be more than adequate.
However, you'll notice that all outside air gets heated by the engine compartment.
Is this dum or what?
Maybe the FX is really designed for cold climates like my Volvo.
Here in San Diego, I'm forced to use the A/C too much.
The only compensation is that my 45 is the 1st car I've had that doesn't turn into a dog when the A/C is on. I guess it's the 329lb of torque.
My Lincoln LS and Toyota Cressida were dogs with the A/C on. But they had great ventilation systems.
I sampled the BOSE in the FX35 and it reminded me much of the MDX - although I though the smaller cabin yielded different sound characteristics.
I have been more impressed, on average, with the BOSE systems in sedans, than I have been with BOSE systems in SUV's. I think they need to come up with a better solution for those larger boxier cabins.
Having said all that, the system should sound much like a transistor radio - although at low volumes, I see some similarities as the bass drops out almost completely.
I would live with the BOSE stereo, but it was the anemic air conditioning that garnered zero votes from my family when decision time came.
#5249 of 5252 qbrozen by deni67 Sep 12, 2003 (3:13 pm)
What I mean by "breaking" is breaking in the literal sense of the word. Having had it broken 3 times, I'll clarify. The spoiler shifts out of place, rubbing against the roof, scratching and denting the roof, and making it extremely difficult to open and close the trunk. Some discussions in here have referred to it as "warping" but I'm not so sure that that's accurate. And I have personally heard of a spoiler doing exactly what you inquired about...it broke off in the wind and fell to the street. Why the interest? Have you had problems? And for anyone experiencing this problem, I received some new information today. Apparently it is not a design defect that could affect every Pilot ever made. According to Honda, certain Pilots have been affected and they supposedly have a vin# list. Thanks.
Just called around to several dealerships in the south to find out arrival dates for FX45. The dates range from early November to as late as NEXT YEAR. So, to all those drooling over the idea of having one by XMAS...better get a bib to catch the drool.
Anyone know any details regarding HOW the suspension will be made a bit more comfortable, or is it possible that this is just smoke and mirrors ? Just wondering.
The New Vehicle Spotlight ad on the main edmunds.com page this week is the FX btw.
Steve, Host
What would invoice run for that...any idea? Is it ridiculous for me to think I can get it for $500. over invoice? I'll be buying instead of leasing (I drive alot), and putting down around $10K. So any help would be great. I've tried looking for used, but their still so new...few and far between. If anyone has any dealer recommendations around Ventura to LA., let me know! Thanks again!