I just have a question if a Infiniti vehicles are just a over price Nissan, why did you get a FX instead of a Murano?? I mean different body but everything else should be the same, no?..
No.
I didn't say that Infinitis are over-priced Nissans, but if you've ever ordered replacement parts you would know that the packaging in which they are delivered says "NISSAN"...
The reason I bought an FX is that they kick ass. The Murano is clearly a very different vehicle.
There is apparently some confusion regarding my "american make" post. I'll clarify in a reply to FireOnic3...
---------- Post added at 07:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:55 PM ----------
Not true...
1. Every single Infiniti model is built in Japan for superior quality levels. Unlike U.S sold Nissan's which are mostly built in America. Example: Maxima, Altima, Leaf, Versa, Sentra, etc etc to save on manufacturing costs. Oh and Infiniti isn't directed towards just U.S sales. Their now expanding across Europe and other countries and continents. Infiniti is an expanding company.
2. Last time I checked Infiniti's were way different than most U.S sold Nissan's. Every single Infiniti is based off the FM platform with the exception of the QX56 compared to other U.S sold Nissan's which use different platforms. All current Infiniti's also use the 7 speed transmissions but no other Nissan does except the 370z. I could also say the same for parts too like suspension, engine, etc etc. I've been in a 2010 Murano already, and could not see one part inside the Murano that is used in my 09 FX. Only thing similar was the navigation menu, and that's it. Quality of materials are better in Infiniti's along with more sound deadening being used in Infiniti's too. People in a luxury buyer's market expect more.
3. If your concept was a fact then I could say the same about Lexus being an overpriced Toyota or the same for Audi being a VW with less plastic. Or what about a Rolls Royce being an overpriced BMW? Oh and Rolls Royce does use a lot of borrowed BMW parts like their engine, interior bits and pieces, knobs and buttons, navigation, iDrive, etc etc even though their built by more qualified techs compared to BMW's. Oh and I'm talking about any Rolls Royce built after 2003 since BMW owned rights of them in 1998. Or what about people being tricked into buying a Maybach that some may think is an overpriced S class with a few more luxury amenities.
What I'm getting at is even though a luxury car manufacturer is built or owned by a non luxury car manufacturer, doesn't mean their portrayed that way. Not everyone looks at it like that. I can bet you someone going into an Infiniti dealership isn't thinking I'm buying a Nissan. The only thing consumer's mostly care about is if the product deliver's what they want in the way it's being advertised. In no way am I a fanboy of Infiniti or any other manufacturer. I like all kinds of cars and just get whatever is good that's out. Not trying to start a fight brotha, but I'm just saying:tonguey:
Oh Fire, I had a feeling you would have something to say about that one. :tongue (2): Reading my post again I can see where it could be misconstrued. Rather than individually addressing each item of your reply let me just clarify my point, as I think that will get us on the same page. I acknowledge that the majority of what you wrote is totally true, and I agree with most of it as well.
When I said "the only reason it exists at all...", I meant that the reason Nissan created (That part is important. Nissan CREATED Infiniti. They didn't purchase Infiniti like the Audi/VW or Rolls/BMW examples you cited.) Anyway, when Nissan created Infiniti it was solely for the US market. At the time there was no FX, no G35, and nobody stateside who was willing to shell out tons of money for what was, at the time, a company that made nothing even remotely luxurious. Granted "luxury" is in the eye of the beholder and one could argue that the Maxima was somewhat luxurious... If that's the case then we'll just have to agree to disagree. Back to my story. So Nissan did some market research in the late 80's and realized that the average American who was in search of a luxury vehicle would not even consider one with a Nissan badge, no matter how awesome it may have been. This was bad news, because Nissan was itching to start building luxury vehicles and the US is the biggest luxury vehicle market. Then, they found a solution: Create a *new* luxury brand with a shiny new badge for all these sweet new Nissans that would distract (I used the word "distract" intentionally. "Tricked" just seemed too malicious.) the US consumers from the fact that they were shelling out large amounts of cash for what were, essentially, Nissans. Suddenly everyone wins. Nissan gets to make and sell luxury vehicles and Americans get to flaunt their Infiniti badges in their neighbors faces.
To summarize:
1. I don't think Infiniti's are over-priced Nissans.
2. I do love my FX.
3. I do think Nissan is a great manufacturer.
One more interesting side note, in regard to the Nissan/Infiniti equivalents.
Infiniti G = JDM Nissan Skyline coupe
Infiniti M = JDM Nissan Fuga
Infiniti EX = JDM Nissan Skyline crossover
Infiniti Q45 = JDM Nissan Cima
The FX is the only Infiniti without a Nissan equivalent. I guess the Japanese don't share our "luxury brand" fascination...
