Looking for Advice On Purchase of `08 FX35

S

Scottes

Member
Car
2008 FX35
Hiya!

After looking at a bunch of other companies, I am looking at purchasing a 2008 FX35. I'm going in tonight to nail it down, so I'm looking for any final advice anyone might have. I am retiring a Crown Vic, purchased 15 years and 250,000 miles ago. It's been a while since I bought a car, so any comments are appreciated.


Warranty/CPO. I like the piece of mind of an extended warranty, especially since this is 3.9 years old with 46,000 miles. Any advice about all of Infiniti's different plans?

Mileage/Age. Any general comments about an FX35 that will be 4 years old next month, with 46,000 miles on it?

Brakes. I have seen three 2008 FX35 CarFax reports, and all three have had their front brakes replaced about 30-35K. One also had rear brakes done at 42K. Is this an issue or anything to be concerned about? How about in relation to the warranties question above?

Common Problems. Any common FX35 problems that I should check to make sure the car is in top shape before I sign the dotted line?

Remote Start. The dealership will be having it installed by the local company they use, so that's a big plus in my book. My Crown Vic had it since day 1, it's a feature I love, but RS on a 15-year-old Ford is different than today's model. Any comments?


Thanks for any advice!
 
First of all welcome to the forum! Secondly the 2008 is the latest model of its generation and will (or should be) bullet proof. Quite a bit different than the Ford which is all cushy floaty style, have you test driven the FX? If you like the ride then you will love it long term, it is an excellent "best of all worlds vehicle". Regarding your thoughts on remote start, do it if you liked it before, I'd hook up the system to your iphone that locks unlocks from anywhere etc. if you are going to spend to have the remote start installed anyway.
 
Yeah, after 15 years of the Crown Vic (and 3 years in a Mercury Marquis before that), I test drove a few SUVs. I decided that I no longer want that cushy ride after driving the FX. I hammered the FX, on the recommendation of the sales guy, and did some of my typical driving, and was quite happy with the sportiness and still content with the comfort. It's definitely a different ride, but lately I have missed real handling and acceleration. It's not a Lambo, but the FX is a huge step away from the Crown Vic's marshmallow driving. Yet it's still comfortable enough - the seats help a lot, unlike the skinny stiff seats in many other vehicles I tested.

A regular remote control is fine for me, since I don't have an iPhone. But I probably will some day I guess. Will that system work without a smartphone? If it does, it's probably a smart move. Even if I never use it with a smartphone the next owner might.
 
Like Logan stated, since the 08 is the last model year of the 1st gen FX, there should not be any problems. At least nothing stands out from others on this forum. Not really any "common problem" that I can think of.

Given the 46K miles on the car, be ready to some maintenance around 60K such as fluid changes (trans, differential, coolant). Many change their struts and springs around 60K too. Brake pads, it should be on a second set, and will probably need that too when 60K comes around (well all depend on your driving habits). There are DYI documents that will save you a bunch dollars on here on all of the above if you handy around cars.

Remote start: I agree with Logan too, put one in that have smart phone app that can let you lock, unlock, remote start and stop feature. Obviously, you will need an smart phone to use this feature. Just so you know, there will be an annual fee for this feature. It's nice as it give you confirmations on remote start & door locks status. Plus it much longer range than the remote controls that comes with.
 
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