Notable difference between 05 and 08 FX35?

B

BrazenC5

Member
Hello, first post here! I'm looking to get a used FX35 for my wife, and settled on two cars for now (a 2005 2WD silver/black with 40kmi, and 2008 2WD black/black with 27kmi)...both have clean carfax's. Different years, different mileage and hence different price points. The 08 is $7K more and not convinced that its worth that much more over the 2005.

What I wanted to know is if there is any notable differences between the two assuming they're both journeys (ie. upgrades in leather material quality, more features/functions within the same OEM packages, more or less problems associated with either years)?

I did a quick search, but didnt find any comparables. Opinions on personal preference based from ownership experience also welcome.

thanks! :tup:

chris
 
from 06 up the interior changed a bit
-colored screen
-diff shifter
-illuminated gauges
-some buttons relocated

exterior
-additional chrome trim on f bumper
-new grill
-diff style rims
-bigger chrome molding on side


welcome to is!
 
Thanks pmanliu!

Doesn't sound very different other than some mild cosmetics. Less chrome the better for me. :smile:

I'll have to look up what you mean by illuminated gauges. Going to check out the silver/black 2005 tomorrow!

chris
 
BrazenC5 said:
Thanks pmanliu!

Doesn't sound very different other than some mild cosmetics. Less chrome the better for me. :smile:

I'll have to look up what you mean by illuminated gauges. Going to check out the silver/black 2005 tomorrow!

chris
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in the 03-05 models, when you are driving around without headlights on the gauges are not lit. when you turn off the car you can see the numbers, tach, etc.

on the 06+ models, the gauges are lit regardless if your headlights are on or off. When you turn off the car the numbers are not visible

you are right, mild cosmetic differences with the biggest changes in the interior.

good luck!:biggrin:
 
I thought they were pretty noticeable differences. Pretty much the whole front cabin is redesigned. I think some things left out were the center armrest is different and the window buttons move from the inside of the seat to the door. Once you see the differences, it's pretty hard to miss. I always thought it was the same, but once I saw the newer interior I preferred to get an '06+.
 
the difference between the 08 & the 05 in your sinario is the difference between a 19 yo hot model & a 30something yo hot model... both hot, sure you could be happy with either, but one def younger & def hotter:biggrin:
 
turbocad6 said:
the difference between the 08 & the 05 in your sinario is the difference between a 19 yo hot model & a 30something yo hot model... both hot, sure you could be happy with either, but one def younger & def hotter:biggrin:
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qtf! but the 19yo charges 100/hr while the 3x y.o charges only 40/hr :tongue:
 
2nd gen fellas hatin on us 1st gen drivers!!!! :fight:

an 08 is a better choice in every respect over an 05 but if you think 7k is a huge compromise then I say go for the older model, Its not that it lacks amenities compared to the other. But if you're diligent in taking care of it, It will last you just as long as any 08 model would.
 
the real diff. is the 1.5g FX has an updated center console w/ a nice looking navi button while the 1g FX's atari joystick navi button is total bush league.
 
exterior differences are the whole front bumper & grille is different, the side lower door trims/moldings went from a skinny silvery insert to a heavier chrome molding, improved brakes to prevent common warping on the 03-05's. interior: the whole dash has been upgraded, all controls & control panel & climate control upgraded, cassette deck removed,navigation upgraded & bluetooth added. steering wheel controls light up center console & shifter redesigned, seat switches moved from on top of where you sit to a more normal position of on the side of the seat, memory buttons moved from the side of the seat to the door panel.. overall a whole bunch of smaller things that all add up to a fairly significant difference overall, plus of course the whole much younger aspect of the 08 vs the 05...
 
StuLax18 said:
... and the window buttons move from the inside of the seat to the door. ...
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^Those are the power seat controls on the inside of the seat, not the window controls.


I have an 04, and I'd get the '08. Turbocad hit it on the trophy-wife-having head. :tup:
 
tchuck said:
^Those are the power seat controls on the inside of the seat, not the window controls.


I have an 04, and I'd get the '08. Turbocad hit it on the trophy-wife-having head. :tup:
Click to expand...
Oh yeah, you're right. I was thinking of BMW's I guess.
 
Holy Snikes!! Where were you guys yesterday!?! LOL. I scheduled a viewing of the 2005 silver/black journey (private party sale) today (Sunday), took it for a test drive, and put a hold deposit until we can meet later this week at the bank and finalize the transaction.

Can I say WOW?! The FX has some get-up-and-go…I got all giggly when I got to open it up a bit and take a couple corners at speed. I forgot the owner was in the back seat. You guys aren’t kidding when you say “sport car inspired.” Originally I was looking for an I-4 crossover that would get 30+mpg on 87 octane…but after driving this I can’t go back to looking at something with sloppy suspension and no throttle response.

I planned to view the 08 black/black journey (dealer sale) beforehand, but just ran out of time. Probably a good thing because I may have closed that deal and spent the extra $7K.

I feel like I got a pretty fair deal. Both clean carfaxs. The 05 had 40K miles and got an agreed price of $18.5K, while the 08 had 26K miles and had an already reduced price of $26K, not sure if they would have gone much lower. Now I won’t feel guilty dumping the $7K into mods!! Plus there's just something about an older woman ;)

For the (what I think is) low price, there are a few minor aesthetics to be addressed. Do you guys get finger nail scratches behind the door handles? Besides that, there are minor surface scratches here and there, I hope a good buffing on the whole car will take them out, and maybe 3M film behind the handles. Anyone know an alternative solution? Engine bay needs to be thoroughly spray cleaned, I can tell it spent most times outdoors.

Tires need to be replaced. I see tiny weathering cracks between the treads and minor ones on the side wall. But I’m already looking into a new set of shoes wrapped around 20s with an H&R drop to resolve that problem. Who is looking for OEM chrome 18s? :laugh: Need to find a good shop in the South Bay for my custom fix/new addiction, I've been out of the game way too long...need to make up for lost time.

Looking forward to being a part of the IS brotherhood.
 
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ok, saving 7k to throw into mods I can def agree with, I always leave part of my budget for that. comparing a nicely modded 05 to a bone stock 08 is a different story I guess. congrats on hot model #2 all done up then :tup: niether could be a bad choice :smile:
 
congrats on your FX. Your gonna love it and not ever get tired of it.
 
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