want to purchase an FX35

Z

zmanqx4

Member
Car
2009 FX35
Name
Frank
Hi everyone,

I am thinking of purchasing a used FX35 soon and after doing some research on this forum and infinityfx.org, I still have a few questions about some cars that I found.

Are the first gen models something to avoid? I know the earlier ones had a few issues to keep an eye out for so since the ones I'm looking at have over 100k, should I just stay away entirely and go newer? I do like the first gen body style but like the 09 and up more, although those are a little pricier.

I know the VQ engine is solid and can handle a lot of miles so I'm not worried about cars with around 100k but just want to know if the other issues from the 04-05 models are worth considering when an 08 can be had for a few hundred bucks more in some cases.

I used to have a 1998 QX4 and loved it, sucked me right into the luxury SUV market. I also drove an FX45 once and loved the exhaust and look of it. I recently test drove a 2013 FX37 and knew I was sold on the car. I'm a huge fan of the looks, noise, power, features, and just love Nissan/Infiniti.

Thanks for the help and looking forward to owning one soon!
 
Man, that's a tough question to answer because it's so subjective. There are definitely some pluses and minuses to both Gens. I like the look of the first gen, but to me the interior/technology is completely dated. Gen two hasn't changed much at all interior-wise and that's where you spend all your time with the car. I would say to stay in your budget, but take your time to find the right one. I took my time to find the features that were important to me. If I had to do it all over again, I might take a look more at the FX50
 
welcome! Dont be worried about mileage, because with any car at 100k you are going to have to replace things, its just a given. My FX only has 70k miles and its a 2003, a woman near me owns the exact same car and she has 275k miles, she agreed it needed things fixed because of how many miles it has, but she said fixing it is so easy and cheap for the quality car you get, which I agree. If you can spend the money, get a newer one because of the availability of more mods you can make on it.
PS if things in the first gen are missing cosmetically, it can be a real research extravaganza trying to find them anywhere, make sure all of the knobs and buttons are in the car because even one little missing button will bother you after a while.
I have to buy the entire panel just for this button.
 

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I have 140,000 on my 04 AWD FX35 and still love the way this truck drives as long it was well maintained you should be fine at 100k as long as the price is right here is a list of repairs that I've made.....

58k - Purchased. 5/2008.
65k - Installed Strut Brace and upper and lower rear tie lateral braces.
75k - Installed H&R Springs and new KB Shocks and struts.
80k - Replaced heater blower Assy.
89K - Replaced Oil Cooler O ring.
90k - Replaced engine belts.
98K - Replaced both front hub assemblies with bearings.
110k - Changed front and rear differential oil, changer transfer case oil.
126k - Changed Radiator, thermostat, hoses, cap, coolant, trans fluid.
130k - Replaced Power Steering Pump.
138k - Changed Spark Plugs, Changed PCV valve, Cleaned Throttle body.
139,212 - Changed Oil and Filter
 
Thanks so much guys for the warm welcome and help!

I guess venturing into new territory has me a little nervous. I bought my QX4 with 126k and nothing went wrong when I had to sell it at 134k (I don't drive very often or very far).

I'm glad to hear and learn that the mileage doesn't mean much. When I go see some cars I'll be sure to check for missing pieces as that would bother me so much haha. I'll also check to make sure all the features work which I've learned there are a lot of! Looking like it's well taken care of inside and out seems to be more important than the odometer.

The main one I'm looking at is this:
Check out this 2008 Infiniti FX35 on Autotrader

First mod will be to take off that front bumper guard haha but I'm liking all the mods I've seen on this forum, makes me think about my old Accord again.

My other consideration is that I could just outright buy a 2002 QX4 for like $6k and be done where as an FX is a bit more of an investment, especially for an 09+ and may require a little financing (which is no problem I can do that, I'm just impatient and want to get back into an Infiniti)!

One last quick question: what's the easiest way to hook up an AUX cord? I know the newer models have Bluetooth connectivity but not sure what year that started and I know the older models have a cassette tape but not sure when that ended :shrug: so any help with that would be appreciated too!

@dropdeadgg I suggest looking in junkyards (although I doubt any FXs would be there) and see if you can just snag that button.

Thanks again guys!
 
zmanqx4 said:
Thanks so much guys for the warm welcome and help!

I guess venturing into new territory has me a little nervous. I bought my QX4 with 126k and nothing went wrong when I had to sell it at 134k (I don't drive very often or very far).

I'm glad to hear and learn that the mileage doesn't mean much. When I go see some cars I'll be sure to check for missing pieces as that would bother me so much haha. I'll also check to make sure all the features work which I've learned there are a lot of! Looking like it's well taken care of inside and out seems to be more important than the odometer.

The main one I'm looking at is this:
Check out this 2008 Infiniti FX35 on Autotrader

First mod will be to take off that front bumper guard haha but I'm liking all the mods I've seen on this forum, makes me think about my old Accord again.

My other consideration is that I could just outright buy a 2002 QX4 for like $6k and be done where as an FX is a bit more of an investment, especially for an 09+ and may require a little financing (which is no problem I can do that, I'm just impatient and want to get back into an Infiniti)!

One last quick question: what's the easiest way to hook up an AUX cord? I know the newer models have Bluetooth connectivity but not sure what year that started and I know the older models have a cassette tape but not sure when that ended :shrug: so any help with that would be appreciated too!

@dropdeadgg I suggest looking in junkyards (although I doubt any FXs would be there) and see if you can just snag that button.

Thanks again guys!
Click to expand...
I think you can pick up that FX for less, I bought my FX already mod'ed for 14k and I have a considerably rare color combo
 
zmanqx4 said:
One last quick question: what's the easiest way to hook up an AUX cord? I know the newer models have Bluetooth connectivity but not sure what year that started and I know the older models have a cassette tape but not sure when that ended :shrug: so any help with that would be appreciated too!
Click to expand...

The cassette tape ended in 2005. So if you pick up a 2006-2008 1st gen, you will need to buy an adapter which costs like 200 bucks. Super easy to hook up to the back of your deck and adds AUX input.
 
meme405 said:
The cassette tape ended in 2005. So if you pick up a 2006-2008 1st gen, you will need to buy an adapter which costs like 200 bucks. Super easy to hook up to the back of your deck and adds AUX input.
Click to expand...
...cassette tape ended in 2006.......
 
BYGDAWG3758 said:
...cassette tape ended in 2006.......
Click to expand...

Was how I said it especially confusing for you?

It ended with the last of the non-facelifted 2005 models. In theory it died between 2005 and 2006, now we're just splitting hairs though...
 
meme405 said:
Was how I said it especially confusing for you?

It ended with the last of the non-facelifted 2005 models. In theory it died between 2005 and 2006, now we're just splitting hairs though...
Click to expand...
Should have read it a little closer and watching "the first 48" at the same time..... Sorry about that.:):)
 
Last edited:
dropdeadgg said:
welcome! Dont be worried about mileage, because with any car at 100k you are going to have to replace things, its just a given. My FX only has 70k miles and its a 2003, a woman near me owns the exact same car and she has 275k miles, she agreed it needed things fixed because of how many miles it has, but she said fixing it is so easy and cheap for the quality car you get, which I agree. If you can spend the money, get a newer one because of the availability of more mods you can make on it.
PS if things in the first gen are missing cosmetically, it can be a real research extravaganza trying to find them anywhere, make sure all of the knobs and buttons are in the car because even one little missing button will bother you after a while.
I have to buy the entire panel just for this button.
Click to expand...
Check out www.carparts.com "Dorman universal radio control knob" $9.66.
Says it fits 2003 fx.....

 
I like my cassette deck! I use it for a bluetooth adapter and a cell phone, wallet, or other stuff is convenient on opened tray if needed.
 
So do I. I might dig out my vinyl collection, turntables, and cassette decks and make some mixtapes! (no time soon, been in boxes for about 10 years :LOL:)
 
No joke. Don't get me started bragging about my 8-track collection.

And to the OP, don't worry... the reliability of these cars is pretty solid as long as they've been cared for. And no, the early years did not have early development bugs. If anything, my 1st year FX is over-engineered.
 
dropdeadgg said:
Thanks, but its not the same knob
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if you're a crafty chick, but you could fill the part in with molding putty, sand smooth and paint to match the other side. It's probably a $10 try and if you don't like it, you're still shopping to buy and new one anyways.
 
I personally would consider looking into a west coast car. Less chance for rust and less of a problem to change out any parts where bolts/nuts may have seized. Also looks like previous owner never had dash changed out due to the infamous bubbles. Shouldn't have a problem having the dealer take care of that tho as its a recall item. Infiniti's are great either way. Mine is an 07' with 113000 miles on it and it's still rock solid!
 
Thanks so much for the reassurance everyone, really going to start looking soon with a more open mind.

Unfortunately I'm limited with my budget so shipping a car will be extremely difficult but maybe some west coast or southern cars have found their way up here.
 
So I've searched extensively and found about a dozen models of varying years and mileages. I've upped my budget a bit and will still be able to afford the car.

I'm wondering if posting links for cars to ask for opinions is allowed. Don't wanna get banned. I just know you guys are the experts and could see things I might not. I know pictures don't tell the whole story but I'm hoping to get some advice or warnings before making the drive out to see some of these vehicles.

If posting links is allowed and you guys wanna see some eye candy, let me know, I have lots of FXs to consider!

Thanks again for the help
 
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