Looking to buy an FX. Need some help.

B

brown bomber

Member
I'm new to IS.com and I'm looking at buying an FX. I've always been a fan of the FX, but up until recently they have been out of my reach financially. I was recently promoted and I think its time to pull the trigger on one.

The FX seems perfect for what I'm looking for in my next vehicle. I want an SUV that is sporty, well optioned and unique looking. Even though I've decided the vehicle I want, I now have to find the right one in my area. I've been passively looking right, mainly on the internet, and havent found too many. Is there a buyers guide, so-to-speak, for the FX? What types of problems should I be looking for?

As for maintenance, I've read that it can be on the expensive side. ($1300 for a 30k mile tune up) Is that because of dealer labor costs, or are the parts really that expensive? I'm more than willing to work on my own car to save money. I have been for years.
 
There is a buyers guide.. somewhere. It might be on the Org.

As for the maintenance, some people, myself included, just pick and choose from the maintenance service and just skip the "inspect" items. At my 60K service, I just had them do the transmission service, differential service, and coolant flush which came out to be just over $300 or so with a dealer coupon. There are also some great write-ups here if you feel up for doing it yourself.

Either way, $1300 is pretty high. My dealer charges $600 for the 30/60k service. Don't let them rip you off!
 
and you can always take it into a Nissan Dealer ...the one near me always seem to be cheaper for all services. Local Infiniti Dealer's oil change $54....Local Nissan Dealer $29!!
 
Holyfield said:
You looking to buy new or used? What options are you looking for?
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I'll be buying used, as I dont see the point in buying new; depreciation is a bitch. :tdown:

As for options: I'd like to get the 20'' wheels, nav, rear dvd and AWD. Although, if I can find a good deal on an FX in great shape, I'll buy it even if it doesnt have all the options I want.
 
I paid 1,200$ for my 30k tune up at the dealership. Labor is the heavy hitter of the cost as always,s for my but thats for my fx45.
 
Have you considered an FX45? These generally have more options installed (factory) and come with the AWD.

How big of a concern is gas mileage? Also, what are your price limits?
 
I've been looking at both the 35 and 45. I'm not overly concerned with the mileage, because it looks like they both get roughly the same mileage.

I'm not dead set on having AWD, but I would like it. I've driven RWD vehicles in the winter, (I live in MI) and I've done just fine. A good set of snow tires and I should be just fine.

As for price, I would like to spend less than $25k. Ultimately, I'll buy the 35 or 45 that gives me the most for my money.

Are there known issues with the FX line? I've read about bad brakes and wheel bearings. Are there other things I should be looking for in my car hunt?
 
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07' and 08' models haven't had any recalls (I don't believe...). However at around $25K you may be a bit pressed to get into one.

I may recommend an 06' model (as this was the year they changed up the interior and exterior). All of the 45's have AWD...

I would certainly advise to an AWD if you are in Michigan, though I agree with your snow tire statement. The only thing most members regret not getting here is the factory NAV. So whatever you get, I would try to make sure it has a factory NAV.

Are you looking for a specific color combination? Some are a bit tougher to find than others...

Good luck!
 
I'm not too picky on colors, so long as it doesnt have that nasty orange interior or exterior.

Whats wrong with the non-nav display? Is it the dated look or is the NAV just that nice to have? I dont get lost too often and when I do need directions, I just use my iphone. Does the FX offer intergrated Sat. radio? I would love to have that instead of having to find a discrete place to mount my XM unit.
 
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brown bomber said:
I've been looking at both the 35 and 45. I'm not overly concerned with the mileage, because it looks like they both get roughly the same mileage.

I'm not dead set on having AWD, but I would like it. I've driven RWD vehicles in the winter, (I live in MI) and I've done just fine. A good set of snow tires and I should be just fine.

As for price, I would like to spend less than $25k. Ultimately, I'll buy the 35 or 45 that gives me the most for my money.

Are there known issues with the FX line? I've read about bad brakes and wheel bearings. Are there other things I should be looking for in my car hunt?
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Not sure what pricing is in MI although here in MA you could pick up a 2005 or 2006 fairly easy for that price. They are advertised high although I just picked up a 2005 with 35K on it for just under 20K. There are deals to be had although I would be very careful flirting with the low end of the spectrum too, as some of them can be BEAT!

I have owned a Cayenne S previously. When I was searching this time I tried out multiple XC90s & Touregs. Hands down the FX beat them in every way, except for seating for 7 on the XC90. This is still the most fun SUV I have owned yet...
 
Yeah, the only major problem that I've heard people discuss with the FX's are the brakes. I think my rotor is a bit on the bad side too, because I feel some vibration when I'm braking downhill. I've been meaning to get this checked, but haven't found the time to do it. Other than that, FX is a great car to buy. I bought mine about 5 months ago, a fully loaded 2007 fx35 for 30K, out the door. I was able to deal down the 33K to 30K with the economy the way it is. It's a good time to buy a car, in my opinion because many dealers are willing to bring the price down.
 
The FX does offer integrated XM. You might have to have the XM module installed, but there's a place for it in the OEM head unit.

As for the Nav - most aftermarket Nav systems are going to be custom jobs. Might have to cut into the dash. It's just easier to have the factory Nav if you want the seamless integrated look. If you don't mind using your iphone or an aftermarket mounted screen (I have seen a flip-out style here on the Scene) then it's not an issue for you.

Surprised brakes have come out as a problem. I don't think the FX has brake issues more than any other Infiniti. Do a search on here and you'll find discussion, but not more than any other system. A lot of guys do brake upgrades for performance or looks - which sounds like something you're not really focusing on.

One of the only real repetitive problems I have read about (and experienced) is that the 03-06 black dashboards tend to bubble up after a while. Only happens with black interiors and it's strictly cosmetic. Some get it replaced if under warranty, others pay for a fix or just live with it. I'm attempting to have my dash custom covered - goal is to keep it less expensive than having it replaced.

Last item - tires. They are more expensive for the FX than any past car I have ever had. Even the non-OEM options aren't cheap. I haven't really found a decent set for less than $1000. The OEM from the dealership was around $1250.

But those things all pale against the driving experience of the FX. Wouldn't give it up and plan to keep mine forever - even if I do get another car one day.
 
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