Need some guidance

B

BxPhillip

Member
Ok guys, I've been losing sleep over this decision for a few days now. This upcoming week I'm buying either an fx35 or fx45.

Option 1 : $20,000 (private purchase)
2005
Infiniti fx35
fully loaded with technology package but does not have sport package.
52k miles
Comes in my second preferred color, The dark silver

Option 2: $19,500 (independant dealer car) (maybe slightly negotiable to $19,000)
2004
Infiniti fx45
fully loaded with technology package and 20' rims (although no clear-tails: does that mean no sport package?)
40k miles
Comes in my preferred color, black, but not attractive (to me) cream interior.

Now, conventional wisdom says I'm getting 8 cylinders for the price of 6, take it. However, although I don't care about spending an extra few bucks at the pump, I am concerned about my heavy foot.

I currently drive a e46 bmw m3 and my gas consumption avg. hovers around 15mpg on a car thats rated for 24hw and 16city. Most of my driving is city because when I'm on the highway it's usually from Bronx to manhattan so it's constant bumper 2 bumper. So I do have reservations about the fx45 delivering as low as 10 - 12mpg which would be a huge turnoff for me based on my lack of highway miles and constant acceleration.

I'm also concerned on maintenence between the v6 and the v8. I really want something reliable that I don't have to worry about breaking down (that's why I'm getting rid of the m3 and jumping back to Japanese reliability). I do love the look of the 20' sport rims but I don't want another car that rides like my m3 (it's a reflex of mine to cringe at every pothole I'm forced to eat - I don't want to do this anymore). I'm not a modder at all, so I'm not expecting to mod things to the v6 engine if I go that route. However I do want performance, and on that end I'm sure the v8 delivers plenty. But, I'm also confident that the fx35 delivers enough umph in stock form that my dilemna is whether the performance between the two vehicles is pretty much a wash for what I'm giving up in terms of gas mileage and maintenence costs in the future. I'm used to driving suv's and I've been satisfied with the performance of the Lexus gx470 and Audi q7 (v6 form) if the infiniti fx35 delivers similiar performance numbers than I would be more than satisfied within this comparison. But, I am afraid I'll miss the flat-out acceleration of the m3 and on that end the fx45 would be the right choice.

Yea I know I'm going in circles and such is my dilemna. I'm pretty torn between these two vehicles and I want to make the right decision because I do plan on keeping this suv for upwards of 100k miles. The years of the two cars is irrelevant to me as they are only a year apart and no changes were made between those two years. However, if there were any recalls or any info to disway me from a particular year that would be beneficial in me making my decision.

Some of my turn-offs of the fx45 is the cream leather (I don't think it compliments the dated interior at all). The fx35 has a black interior which imo does a decent enough job of hiding the uglyness which is the pre '06 interiors.

Anyway, I'm hoping some owners of infiniti fx45's and fx35's can shine in on some pro's and con's, any regrets that either may have over picking one over the other or individuals that are completely satisfied with the decision they made and wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks for your time, and I hope to contribute more after I make my decision. :tup:
 
The 2004 FX45 with the sport package did not come with clear tails. That started with the 2005 model year.

It sounds like the FX35 would be the right choice for you due to your mostly city driving, your driving style, your concern on fuel consumption(eventhough there is not a huge difference in city mpg between the 35 and 45) and your dislike of the 45 wheat color interior.

Good luck with your choice.
 
yeah, between those two, it sounds like the 35 suits your needs best. It may not have the Sport pkg but you can always buy the 20" wheels (or aftermarket wheels) and some lowering springs later on down the line.
 
Holyfield said:
Perhaps hold out until you can get one that has everything that you want?
Click to expand...

It's not a question of finding something I want. They are both my two preferred colors except one doesn't have the interior I wanted. Basically I'm sold on the fx35 but I don't know if i would make the mistake to pass up on the 45 for the same maybe even cheaper price.
 
The 35 does have good power and is pretty fast, however, sometimes I wish it had more torque, often I wish the car would just pull harder. But all in all, I am very satisfied with the performance of the 35. Although the 12k less miles and 20 inch wheels for about the same price would be a big plus for me if I were still in the market. I would honestly say go with the 45 if you are not into modding.
 
If I would have done it all over again.. I try buying a 06 and up bro.. IMO.. From as other member mentioned, by what your first post.. The 35 will suit you better.. It have quick accelaration and very fun to drive.. + since is a v6 you should be able to save some bucks on gas.. Strongly advice you tyo Find a 06 and up if you can!

Good luck finding the FX of your liking !
 
Thanks for the info guys. I spoke to the dealer and they'll sell me the fx45 for $19k. I think it's a better buy considering the fact that it has relatively low miles for the year. Besides, it's $1k less than a similarly equipped fx35 with less miles, can't go wrong with that.

I really wanted to go for the '06 and up model, and I was up to a certain time ago. But, logic and reason kicked in and I couldnt justify paying over $4k for 'just' an updated interior. I'll do my best to dress up the '04 with some of the interior mods I have seen (the '06 shift plate with leather) but again, I can't justify paying such a premium on an updated interior, as nice as it may look, and as sh*tty the pre '06 may look (especially in tan).

Overall I feel it's a very good value. An '04 Infiniti fx45 with just over 40k miles and with technology package including rear passenger dvd entertainment. The thread on the tires are a little low, but more than enough to get me through October. Come November I plan on purchasing the stock 18' rims and mounting snow tires on them.

I have a buyer for my bmw m3 who will be taking it off my hands this week. I commute to work so I need a car asap. With that said this isn't a matter of me 'rushing into a vehicle'. I've been doing my research on fx's for sale and I feel $20k for an '05 infiniti fx35 with technology package is a decent deal, better than I would normally get at a dealership but not a bargain either. And, although the fx45 is a year younger (2004) the premium the fx45's command coupled with the low mileage tells me the $19k offer is an awesome deal and hard to beat.

Can someone who daily-drives their fx35 & fx45 in mostly city driving tell me how their mpg is compared to how it's advertised?
 
Last edited:
Your right foot will not be disappointed with the FX45. I had the same dilemma as you years ago when I made the plunge. The first time we tested the FX it was on a 45. The second test drive, the wife and I wanted to test a FX35 to see if it was worth it to pay the extra $$ for a 45. We were worried about fuel economy as well as cost of the vehicle. On that second visit to the dealer, we ended up driving the 45 first as the 35 was being driven by another customer. Well, when we came back after a quick run around the block both my wife and I looked at each other with grins on our faces and we both decided there was no need to take out the 35. I wanted as much HP and torque that I could get.

There are lots of aftermarket parts that you can buy for the 35 to catch to and perhaps excel (forced induction) past the 45's acceleration. But if you're not into modding, then the 45 is the answer for you, based on what you said about your heavy right foot and want to accelerate hard like in your M3. The FX will also outhandle a GX470 and Q7, and will show its tail lights to both of them too.

As far as real life fuel economy vs what is advertised, I have never seen real gas consumption match advertised numbers for any vehicle. For our info, I get about 17.8 L / 100 km in mostly city driving in the summer time and as low as 12. 8 L / 100 km highway. Sorry for the metric numbers...I'll let you convert to MPG.

It's too bad the 45 interior isn't what you want. I have the charcoal interior too. You have two choices, wait for one with a charcoal interior to come in if you think this detail will bug you lots, or live with cream b/c this one's such an awesome deal. Good luck with your decision.
 
I get around 15 MPG driving 20 minutes on a one way street half the time to work. It's in uptown, so it's all city (street lights, stop signs). I like to get on it though, especially pulling away from the stop signs.
 
I could live with 15mpg. I'm used to it in the m3. The problem with the m3 is that it lacks low end torque. To get it moving I need to keep the revs high so I'm constantly driving in a gear lower than needed to make sure I have that instant acceleration when needed. With the fx v8 I'm sure I'll have very good low end torque and can keep the car in a higher gear. Thanks for all your input guys, I hope to be able to throw in my two cents into the forum when I step into an fx.
 
You're not gonna see a huge difference in gas between the 35/45.
Gas milage really depends on your driving style and highway/street.
with all the mods Ive got - im still averaging 19mpg.
Before i installed my paddle shifters I was about 19.4 (if i recall)
 
I get about 300 miles+/- on a full tank of gas, which would be around 16.5 miles per gallon (fx35 rwd). I drive about 90% surface street, and do occasional pulling to pass slow drivers. Putting in 91 premium gas at around $3 a pop, I'm kind of glad I didn't get the 45, although I really wanted to get the souped up v8. I don't have the 45 to compare the torque, but to me the acceleration for 35 was good enough.
 
i drive around in staten island/brooklyn a lot and average around 15-16 mpg. Some people say that installing a k&n drop in will increase your mpg by ~1 but it made no difference on my car. If u always stomp on the gas at every red light expect to get even lower mpg. On highway though, i average around 22 mpg.

good luck with your purchase!
 
Thanks guys! I actually did an about face after considering it further. The fx35 is definitely the way to go for me. Gas is eventually going to go up, at the least it's not going to get any lower. If there is a 3mpg difference (at a minimum) between the fx35 and fx45, on a 23.3 gallon tank we're talking close to 70miles a week I'll be losing out on. Factor in the many many years I plan on keeping the car and it's a waste.

With that said I passed up on the infiniti fx35 with 52k miles for $20k. I think better deals can be had. I'm actually going to auction tomorrow with the dealer that sold me the m3, turned out to be a pretty nice guy, he's going to charge me a fee if I find a vehicle I want him to buy me.

Since I'll be buying at auction maybe I can find myself an '06 for the same price I would pay a private party for an '05.
 
BxPhillip said:
Thanks guys! I actually did an about face after considering it further. The fx35 is definitely the way to go for me. Gas is eventually going to go up, at the least it's not going to get any lower. If there is a 3mpg difference (at a minimum) between the fx35 and fx45, on a 23.3 gallon tank we're talking close to 70miles a week I'll be losing out on. Factor in the many many years I plan on keeping the car and it's a waste.

With that said I passed up on the infiniti fx35 with 52k miles for $20k. I think better deals can be had. I'm actually going to auction tomorrow with the dealer that sold me the m3, turned out to be a pretty nice guy, he's going to charge me a fee if I find a vehicle I want him to buy me.

Since I'll be buying at auction maybe I can find myself an '06 for the same price I would pay a private party for an '05.
Click to expand...



Yep, you would def find a better deal at a auction.. Hope you find a 06 and up for cheap!! Good luck !!
 
So I found one today I really liked. 2006 fx35 with 55k miles. Only warning sign on the nav is to replace engine oil. Car looks to be in great condition, minus a few scrapes here and there. Leather is in great condition, carpets look good, no signs of damage or recent replacement. It has the nav and dvd player for the rear seats. Doesn't have the sports package. My dealer is going to try and get it for me tomorrow if he can keep the bid below 20k. I was concerned about the high mileage but the dealer reasoned the high miles most likely represents a lot of highway use which wouldn't be a bad thing.

There were a alot of inifniti fx35's at auction but most of them were '07s. I want to keep my budget at 20k so I'll pass on those but I told them to keep an eye on them if any stay around the $20k-22k range and I'll jump on that instead.

Sport package isn't a big deal for me as I could always upgrade the rims and purchase the clear lights. But, the navigation is a huge deal for me. I loved my old 2004 Acura TL's navigation and I hated my 2005 bmw m3's navigation. And I've heard very good things about Infiniti navigations so we'll see.
 
You can always go with an aftermarket navigation unit if the price is right for your car.

If you want the sport suspension, just pick up a set of Eibach or H&R springs. The stock sport rims are 20", but a lot of guys that buy aftermarket go for 22" rims. I bought my FX new with the sport tuned suspension and ended up modding it all anyway.

Check Carfax! Not really sure if that's a good idea, but the commercials make me think so.:wink:
 
haha I ran the carfax on all the fx's at auction and they were all clean. 90% of them were just off lease. I think most of these fx's are being sent back by dealers because they have to much inventory on fx's. There were literally over a thousand for sale when I did my last search online car hunting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top