New to FX and looking for feedback on early model

R

realrideracing

Member
Hello Everybody,
My wife and I currently own 2 Mercedes Benz vehicles. We're planning on selling one of the cars, a convertible, and the FX35 is at the top of our list as a replacement. It will primarily be her daily driver as she tends to like the crossovers. Her daily commute is about 45 mins (round trip) each day on mixed surface city/highway. It made the top of my list primarily because of positive consumer reviews at Edmunds.com.
I'd like to find an early model (2003 - 2006) because I've found good prices on cars with less than 85K miles. I'm cheap and don't want to add another car payment! LOL.
I've read about problems with bubbling dashboards. But no other consistent problem areas. I'd like to hear some feedback from the members here as to what common problem areas I should be aware of? When inspecting a used FX as a candidate, what areas should I be paying attention to? What features have been shown to be problematic enough to avoid? What can I expect to spend on typical maintenance and general upkeep?

Thanks in advance.
 
You are right about the bubbling - the good news is that dealers will replace the dash even if you are out of warranty.

Are you looking for a FX35 or FX45? Ive heard of some FX45s having an oil consumption problem. I own a 35 and the only problems i have is the drivers seat moving back and forth (very minimal) when i brake or accelerate and also the interior creaks like crazy. Luckily no major mechanic issues otherwise so far @ 48k miles.
 
Try to stay away from the '06 models. They seem to have problems of starting (turning over) in the cold weather. There are more than half dozen confirmed users JUST IN THE SCENE. I'm not sure whether the latter models will have show the same problems down the road but so far the 2006 model is the only one with this problem.

Also look and see if you like the interior of the 03-05 models. If you don't mind the look, they're probably a lot cheaper than the '06 & up. Good luck and let us know!
 
eJay said:
Try to stay away from the '06 models. They seem to have problems of starting (turning over) in the cold weather. There are more than half dozen confirmed users JUST IN THE SCENE. I'm not sure whether the latter models will have show the same problems down the road but so far the 2006 model is the only one with this problem.

Also look and see if you like the interior of the 03-05 models. If you don't mind the look, they're probably a lot cheaper than the '06 & up. Good luck and let us know!
Click to expand...

Exactly what I was going to say. The 05 interior isn't fancy but for what it is, I m very happy with it. Tryo to get an 05 model if you can. Don't worry abt the dash, its free replacement. I haven't had any major problem with my car other than a burnt out bulb. Have had it for two years and only one dealership visit for the das replacement. Other maintenance is DIYs. Still running smooth and strong. Good luck.
 
Wow, thanks everybody for the very helpful advice so far. While I don't truly have a budget for this car. I'd like to stay with the earlier (less expensive) models for now. If my wife decides that she must have a later model, then so be it (keeping fingers crossed). Styling is important to me, but functionality and expense always take precedence if left to my own devices.
I live in Southern California where it never gets below 40 degrees. Is this '06 cold start problem specific to temperatures near freezing?
 
realrideracing said:
Wow, thanks everybody for the very helpful advice so far. While I don't truly have a budget for this car. I'd like to stay with the earlier (less expensive) models for now. If my wife decides that she must have a later model, then so be it (keeping fingers crossed). Styling is important to me, but functionality and expense always take precedence if left to my own devices.
I live in Southern California where it never gets below 40 degrees. Is this '06 cold start problem specific to temperatures near freezing?
Click to expand...


I have an 06 FX35 and live in Pasadena and ONE time it hesitated during start up on
an unusually cold (for LA) morning. I replaced the battery a few months ago and put in an Optima and never an issue whatsoever....the car doesn't just start up it jumps up ready to go!! Don't worry about getting an 06 at all....great car. I have not had to do anything except oil changes...and of course tons of mods :smile (2):
 
Welcome to Infiniti Scene and I would say get a 07+ FX maybe you can just try and see if you get a good deal on a 09 FX since when it comes to the interior in my opinion it's way better then the 1st generation. The 2nd generation has many things that u wish the 1st has. However many member really like the design of the 1st generation over the 2nd generation. I would just say test drive Both generations and see what you like best. Plus with a 2nd generation there is a possibility that you might still have Infiniti warranty left incase you encounter problems.
 
just a heads up, everyones saying don't worry about the dash no matter what year you get but infiniti only extended the coverage on the dash for a total of 8 years, and this goes from the date the vehicle was first put into service, so an 03 would be too old for a claim... just something to keep in mind :) welcome to the scene & good luck with your search :)
 
Great feedback everybody. We've been test driving '03 - '05 FX35's for the past few days... haven't tried the 2nd generations yet as suggested by Ocal21. We'll have to do so.
So far, the wife has specified that she wants a Moonroof, Navigation, black interior, and backup camera.
Today we test drove a private seller's '05 FX35 with 68K miles. It is owned and driven by a young lady. Plus: Has every feature my wife specified. Car drives very nicely and tight, no pulling, no clunks. Climbed under the car and no signs of damage. No signs of frontal and rear collision (checked the frame rails, fender line ups, looked at the body underneath the spare tire). Oil was clean, and no signs of leaks.
Cons: Didn't appear that she kept the maintenance records. Some minor scratches in the front and rear bumpers. Leather seats show some wear but no tears. Dash has the bubbles (I just have to ask one last time to verify, but does Infiniti comp the repair on this?).
Asking price: $19K (I think I can get them down to $17.5K or $18K).

2 questions:
- Does anybody have a mechanic in Los Angeles (car is located in West Covina so close to that would be great) that can perform a pre-purchase?
- I know everybody has said this but I just need to verify one last time. Does Infiniti comp the bubbling dashboard replacement for a 2005? Do we just call them and drop off the car or is there a more complicated process?

Thanks.
 
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