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Will they need to replace the entire windshield? How do I find out what I need to cover on this?
And by the day, this car is freaking awesome!!! Your help is appreciated.
The Falkens certainly seemed adequate and definitely superior to the OEM Goodyears. Unfortunately the crusty snow doesn't compare well with the wet snow I encountered when the RS-A's were still on. They did well in some slushy snow on parts of poorly plowed but heavily trafficked roads and I felt more confident driving with them.
Still, not a good test. Rain and higher Temps are expected for this week.
I do suggest that anyone considering tires take a look at the Falkens. Compare their tread to any other non-dedicated winter tire in this size. IMO the others look like summer tires up against the Ziex.
http://www.falkentire.com/tires_stz04.htm
I'd say the ride is softer and more comfortable than the OEM's. Perhaps due to the higher tread blocks providing more cushioning. Maybe the side wall is less rigid too.
If I had to drive at the limit on dry pavement the Goodyears would be my choice but, for real world I'll take the Falkens.
Nissan North America has increased prices on its Infiniti FX35 by about $2,700 over 2005 prices, while raising the sticker price on the FX45 by $4,150 over the 2005 price.
http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=FX45&Number=6803- 2645&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1
If it were me I would have an old junker to use whenever I knew my vehicle could not be parked safely inside a locked garage. My "good car" would be reserved for special occasions like going over to a friend's house or drives out into the country.
That reminds me of the question asked of Willie Sutton (famed 30's bank robber): "Why do you rob banks?" to which he replied "Because that's where the money is."
Break-ins and car thefts happen where the cars are and most of them are in California, Texas, Florida, Illinois and NY/NJ.
tidester, host
Do you think they can be retro-fitted with run-flats after I wear out the OEMs? Because in all reality, I would probably call road-side before I would change a tire myself. I know I am feeding into the chauvinistic persona, but I am just being honest.
I also couldn't deal with the seat adjustments, and I am glad I waited. I like the nav system UI much better on the '06 too!
tidester, host
1. Much nicer that the 2005 - Rear view camera, color screen, seat adjustments on the door, are all worth it.
2. The color I chose (Serengetti Sand) is awesome- it is a new color for 2006 and it is a light gold with a silver undertone. The best color in my opinion. I also have the new "wheat" interior which is great. The leather details,Infiniti Logo, aluminum accents, are all great in the 2006.
3. The Bluetooth works flawlessly. Great feature.
4. The color screen and all the electronics are great.
5. The 18" rims are redesigned for 2006. They look cooler than the 2005 design. I think they look even better than the 20".
6. There is a built-in pressure monitor display of all tires that is great. This has nothing to do with the run flat package. Was this available in the 2005 model year? A great feature that surprised me when I stumbled on it on the display.
7. Negative: I am a little disappointed in the Bose stereo. I am an audio buff and the stereo in my Chrysler Town and Country sounds better than this stereo. Also, no MP3 connection. The 6 disk changer and MP3 off of CD worked fine. However, they should have built in MP3 off of DVD capability too. Oh well...
All in all, I am so glad I waited for the 2006 model before I bought. The differences are not minor in my opinion from the 2005 model year. Infiniti made the electronics top notch, and improved on all the minor "misses" in the previous design.
3 times now, when I have tried to start the engine the key won't turn in the ignition switch -- nor can I get the key BACK OUT of the ignition switch !
After several minutes of wobbling the steering wheel and the gear shift, clicking the door lock & unlock , and stepping on the brake pedal --- the key suddenly turns and the engine starts !
Since I am about to drive across the country, I'm paranoid that this will happen again on a dark & stormy night somewhere in the boondocks.
Can anybody tell me what to do WHEN this happens again ?
Nonetheless, have it checked out by the dealer. Jon.
We got hit with snow pretty hard on Long Island last weekend so, I finally got to give the Falken Ziex ST/Z04's a good workout.
Drove home from work (30 miles) the night of the storm. All roads had snow on them and were quite slippery. I took it slow and kept the FX in snow mode. The Falkens, with their aggressive tread did nicely and the trip was without incident. I'm glad I made the switch.
Both the Falkens and the OEM Goodyears are considered all-season tires. I do feel the RS-A's offer superior dry performance but, the Falken's superiority in snow, rain and ride comfort, IMO, justify the trade-off.
Still, as many have stated here, cautious driving is the key. Certainly the FX with wide tires, powerful engine, and P/T AWD is not the ideal snow vehicle.
I see a trend to over-promotion by Mfg's of their AWD vehicles' capabilities. A recent Volvo commercial for the XC-90 and their AWD wagons depicted them as seemingly invincible in the snow. Unfortunately some will take this as fact.
I know it is a stupid question, but I just want to know what do you guys think.
Just my humble opinion. Best wishes, Jon.
Trading in was probably a wise decision for you. In addition to the AWD lock (or snow mode), there are many other handy features on the FX. In order to make the driving experience as rewarding as possible, it's probably worth reading the owner's manual, as well as reviewing the Infinti web site. Then, perhaps, you will at least partially understand what it is that your car is doing.
For any who may be reviewing this forum as a prelude to buying an FX, please note that it does not have a part time AWD system.
Would you describe a part time system as one which requires operator action to enter AWD?
My 2005 FX is part time AWD, meaning that power is not diverted to all wheels 100% of the time. Additionally, "snow mode" does not lock the vehicle into AWD 100% of the time.
The 2005 manual only has a one sentence about the AWD system. Very lame! Had to dig through their website to find out more about the system.
The vehicle smells like melting plastic, especially after extended use of the AWD system.
I expected more from this vehicle. Nice car... but not great.
But the RX offers a much smoother ride over rough roads, has more room and better back seat ingress/egress, and its interior arguably looks more expensive with better fit and finish.
Both have been extremely reliable.
I personally prefer driving the FX, but the RX does have its strong points too.
Who'll buy? Typical: married, male college graduate in his 40s with $120,000 yearly household income.