I'm at 196,000 miles. Got all the typical FX problems like, burned out catalytic converters, ripping seats, bubbled dash (repaired), CD ghost in the machine (replaced), etc. Now the lock actuators have bitten the dust (front 2 doors), quoted at $1,450; the left tie rod is loose needs replacement, quoted at $335 and the rotors need turning, quoted at $335. The rotors are a no-brainer, I need to be able to stop, right. The tie-rod I think will be good unless I need an alignment anytime soon so thinking about deferring that expense. Then there is the lock actuators, its a headache to manually lock and check the doors afterwards to ensure they've actually locked but I might be reaching the end of what I want to keep replacing. I know everyone has their own level of pain tolerance; I just really wanted somewhere to vent. Thanks guys.
Euthanasia or life support
- Thread starter MonacoJoe
- Start date
BYGDAWG3758
Member
- Car
- 2005 Infiniti FX45
- Name
- HENRY
$1400 for actuators? If you can put them in yourself, go to www.USActuators.com Folks on this forum have used this company. If you like your ride, fix it up. (better than a car note)
Maybe this could get you started, if you do it yourself. Maybe you can use the aftermarket actuator.....
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zeph
Member
- Car
- 2005 FX35 AWD
I feel your pain, bro.
I'm at 143K miles, but the door lock thing is really annoying. Torn seats here as well.
My car is paid off, so I view the repairs and maintenance as operating expenses, as long as the cost is lower than monthly payments (plus higher insurance and road tax), I figure it's prolly worth it.
- Car
- 2003 FX35T
- Name
- Brad
Turning rotors can be done for $15 each at Pep Boys, or completely replace all four rotors with brand new Centric replacements for less than $400. Dealership prices and service should be a last resort if you can't find a good local repair shop?
The torn seats can either be re-covered or a cheap eBay slip cover could work if you find one that fits well? Replacing torn panels ran me about $500 per seat, but they came back looking new. Any custom upholstery shop can handle that job.
The lock regulators do go out every few years- I do wish they were more robust but $1450 is triple what a local repair shop would ask for that job.
The torn seats can either be re-covered or a cheap eBay slip cover could work if you find one that fits well? Replacing torn panels ran me about $500 per seat, but they came back looking new. Any custom upholstery shop can handle that job.
The lock regulators do go out every few years- I do wish they were more robust but $1450 is triple what a local repair shop would ask for that job.
- Car
- 2003 FX45
Venting is healthy. Bring it on!
I'm at 211,xxx and I understand the frustration of your pivotal moment.
You've received all good comments already. I did the door lock actuators from US Actuators and highly recommend that. Reupholstering a seat should make a world difference to the way it feels. Tie-rod and brakes are simple for any basic shop to handle.
Now, the burnt out cats... I wish there was an easy answer for that. Good cats are good money.
But all the things you list are typical for the mileage. Stuff wears out. Just fix it, little by little, and do so efficiently. It's still a great car.
I'm at 211,xxx and I understand the frustration of your pivotal moment.
You've received all good comments already. I did the door lock actuators from US Actuators and highly recommend that. Reupholstering a seat should make a world difference to the way it feels. Tie-rod and brakes are simple for any basic shop to handle.
Now, the burnt out cats... I wish there was an easy answer for that. Good cats are good money.
But all the things you list are typical for the mileage. Stuff wears out. Just fix it, little by little, and do so efficiently. It's still a great car.
- Car
- 2007 FX35 RWD
Wow those actuators are cheap. $1450 is crazy if the parts are really that cheap. I don't think the labor is too in depth. Last time I took apart my door to replace the glass I didn't even use directions. It's all pretty straight forward as far as bolts and stuff that hold it together, and the door panel itself pops off after you loosen the screws holding the middle on. That video looks to cover it well.
Jesusjones1024
Member
- Car
- 2003 FX35 RWD
- Name
- Ross
The struggle is real. 149,xxx and the anticipation of something big to go wrong pushes me to peruse Craigslist car classifieds like a married man on Tinder.
BUT there are silver linings:
1.The engine (VQ35DE/HR themselves are as reliable as a hammer. And if you serve it regularly and use high quality motor oil, it's lifespan will be 250,000 miles).
2.Even new(er) cars suck. True story, GF bought a 2009 Audi A4 64k miles last month. Owned it for ONE WEEK before A) Car guzzzzzzled oil (new pistons. Lawsuit against Audi forced them to change all 09-12 pistons for free). B) Turbo went out. (new turbo. Audi extended all warranties because they admitted their turbos are were unreliable). C) Heated seat coil went out. ($1,100 to fix. Not under warranty, so now it's my problem. Gottverdammt!).
Honestly it scared the crap out of me, and I promised myself that my next car will be new or still under warranty. IMHO, if you can't afford the car you want (aka. that used Porsche Cayenne) without it meeting those two criteria (aka. it has 85k miles), keep driving and DIY-fixing the FX until you can.
BUT there are silver linings:
1.The engine (VQ35DE/HR themselves are as reliable as a hammer. And if you serve it regularly and use high quality motor oil, it's lifespan will be 250,000 miles).
2.Even new(er) cars suck. True story, GF bought a 2009 Audi A4 64k miles last month. Owned it for ONE WEEK before A) Car guzzzzzzled oil (new pistons. Lawsuit against Audi forced them to change all 09-12 pistons for free). B) Turbo went out. (new turbo. Audi extended all warranties because they admitted their turbos are were unreliable). C) Heated seat coil went out. ($1,100 to fix. Not under warranty, so now it's my problem. Gottverdammt!).
Honestly it scared the crap out of me, and I promised myself that my next car will be new or still under warranty. IMHO, if you can't afford the car you want (aka. that used Porsche Cayenne) without it meeting those two criteria (aka. it has 85k miles), keep driving and DIY-fixing the FX until you can.
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Thanks guys! All great comments, I appreciate the commiseration and the chance to vent a bit. I was talking with a co-worker at lunch and we decided that we (as consumers) have become spoiled with modern cars since they do not need the amount of maintenance and repairs that cars of yesteryear required. That said, when we do experience problems it seems daunting. Truth is I love the FX, it is still fun, exciting and comfortable even after 12 years (we bought her new) and 196,000 miles. The final tally from my independent mechanic came to $654, which included new brakes and rotors on the rear, new tie rod and alignment and turning front rotors. Much better than the dealership and I can trust my independent. Think I'm going to just let the locks go and do the manual thing instead of investing another grand. Overall, I'm pleased with the FX; there was a period of time right after the expiration of the warranty that made me want to ditch her though. Right about 70k the dash bubbled, the CD went squirrely, the seats began to rip, the trim piece under the hatch window oxidized, the cats went out and the cruise would just cut off for no apparent reason. All things that shouldn't happen at the mileage on a car of that level. Infiniti offered good-will coverage for the CD/Radio and cruise control, which I thought was mighty nice. The dash was replaced once they were facing a class action lawsuit. The rest was on me. Ross you are spot-on about the engine, it is bullet proof. I'm not mechanically inclined in the least, I'm sure I must have other talents but I still trying to figure out what they are...LOL!