Possible to find reliable FX35/45 for $10k?

A

ahheck01

Member
Hey all,

My wife and I are debating between an RX330 or an FX35/45, and our budget caps out at about $10,500-$11k. We don't mind traveling to find the right car.

That said, I see several FX's for the 9-11k range on autotrader and whatnot, which tend to be in the 120-160k mile range. I know these things are supposed to be pretty reliable, but I'm curious if you guys and gals think it's nuts to try and get a decent/reliable FX in that price range, or if I should go Lexus for peace of mind?

If possible, what would your advice be on finding a solid example?

Thank you!
 
Personally, I don't think I'd get either car for that low of a price. Doesn't mean you can't do it, and end up happy you did. Best bet would be finding one with all the records and stuff, or from someone you know where they can give you a straight answer on it.

What years were you looking at? Maybe a newer, high mileage one could be a good option.
 
Both can be found for that amount but most are abused. When I looked for a fx35 I was targeting the 10k tag. Many needed more work then its worth. Engine work isn't the problem. A replacement leather seat , body damage, small rust spots. Beat down interior. All of those are more costly then engine/trans work.

Lexus dealerships can give u records of maintenance if it was serviced there. I never check on Infiniti. There is a lot of compromises when ur getting a 10k entry level suv/cuv



Sent from my SGH-I337
 
The problem with buying any Infiniti is not reliability. Infiniti's are just as reliable as Lexus. The problem buying any high mileage luxury vehicle is going to be maintenance costs. Anything over 100k miles your going to have to think about the following maintenance:

1. Change front differential fluid
2. Change rear differential fluid
3. Change transfer case fluid
4. Change spark plugs
5. Change transmission fluid
6. Change engine air filter
7. Change cabin air filter
8. Clean throttle body
9. Change other fluids like brake fluid, power steering etc


As you can see on any high mileage car this stuff adds up. Other things could pop up too like brakes/tires etc etc and so on. And I'm sure at over 100K suspension parts will need some replacing from wear and tear. With these cars maintenance is important just like any other car to keep them running well. You have to pay to play just remember.

And currently owning 2 Infiniti's myself I realize that if you cheap out on something it will come and bite you in the ass later on.

---------- Post added at 05:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:36 PM ----------

And if it were me I would pick the FX over that Lexus rx any day. The FX still looks fresh and new even compared to today's standards. The Lexus RX looks so dated now. The FX driving experience is more exciting too!
 
Last edited:
Both Lexus and Infiniti are fairly reliable. As with any higher milage car maintenance is key.
 
Ditto what was stated previously. You'll find a reliable car, but shape will be questionable. Expect rough inside and outside.
 
Ageed to all responeses. I just don't understand why a Lexus would provide better peace of mind.
 
Honestly if that is your budget maybe stick to financing or a lease? I don't think you will find what you want for that price and that being said the ones that are in that price range may be too much of a headache and you will end up paying the difference in fixing it...
 
Also good to get extended warranties if the reputable dealer offers it with used fx35 take it(helps you sleep at night especially with a used car). I was lucky to have gotten a really good one, if i don't use the warranty by the end of it's term i get about 90+% of the money back cash.
 
Because Lexus is ranked #1 in JD Power after 3 years and Infiniti is like 20th? And they were 27th the year before (tied with Jaguar which is isn't saying much). Infiniti themselves say they need to improve on quality. But to be fair, most of those problems don't involve the G/Z/FX which are still made in Japan.

As an FX owner and former Lexus owner and current BMW owner, if I were to buy an older luxury car, it would be a Lexus hands down. The Infiniti likely won't break down and strand you, but the car will rattle like crazy, seats will be cracked, and there will be a ton of little annoying issues. Lots of my parents friends have Infiniti's and Lexus' that are 15+ years old. Lexus' are obviously pretty worn in the seats and such, but that's about it. The Infiniti's have more issues like loose seats, peeling leather, crazy rattles, etc.

Peace of mind is just an opinion. And for most people, a Lexus provides greater peace of mind. I'd still choose the FX for driving enjoyment and style, but it's not going to be more reliable than a plain jane boring RX. Different target markets.

porkandbeans said:
Ageed to all responeses. I just don't understand why a Lexus would provide better peace of mind.
Click to expand...
 
Those earlier years it was the previous gen QX56 that brought down Infiniti's reliability study. That thing was horribly unreliable compared to the M/FX/G. My uncles Lexus GX460 has been nothing but unreliable. The interior rattles, rollover software issues, brakes actuator pulsing noises, bouncy suspension. Look all these issues up on clublexus and you'll see what I'm talking about. To me its just a myth in the auto world that Lexus is soooo reliable until you actually own one you see they have problems just like any other car. JD power ranks a study based on owner complaints. Remember not everyone reports issues so the study doesn't actually prove another better than the other. It isn't a reliable source.

Its like BMW owners. They have so many problems with their electronics and reliability yet people refuse to admit it when you ask them because they are in love with the brand and will defend it to the death.

Since were talking Infiniti quality I'll just throw this in there. From what I see Infiniti is just as reliable if you want to call this a source though4aga5ybu.jpg



Sent from my SPH-L720
 
I found my second FX for exactly 10K. It's going to take a person to person sale (as compared to a dealer). Mine had a couple of minor issues I knew I would be addressing as this was purchased as a project. Nothing wrong mechanically except for some deferred maintenance. The interior had a funky smell as well - I was able to get rid of it after removing a lot of interior trim and cleaning. I think 10K is just on the low side of the envelope for fair pricing as long as the mileage and wear is commensurate.

That being said, there is no comparison between the FX and the RX (both in my family). The FX is a better all around ownership experience but that RX is rock solid. Not very exciting, but very well made. Incidence of small repairs are absolutely higher on the FX, but nothing unreasonable. The FX drive is just so much better. I love driving the FX while the RX is my last option; only if I must.
 
Last edited:
I had an '06 IS350, one of the earliest ones, bought it in Feb. of '06. Everyone says never buy an early model, but in the 3.5 years I owned it, it never had an issue. One recall for something random, but it didn't affect drivability. If it didn't get totalled, I would still have it. No rattles, no creaks, no squeaks, no weird noises. My FIL and BIL both have Lexus' one an '07 and one an '09, both have had exactly zero issues other than maintenance. Same with my friends w/ Lexus, just put gas in it and drive, no worries. They don't have the "soul" of say an Infiniti or BMW, but they get the job done efficiently.

My FX is overall trouble free, but it has some annoying creaks and quality issues that will only get worse as it gets older. They can all be resolved, but it's still an issue. My friend's w/ G35's have similar complaints. Nothing catostrophic, but annoyances that you generally won't find on a Lexus. I think that Infiniti is getting better overall, a lot of the issues seem to stem from Nissan's cost cutting in the late '90s. Stuff with fit and finish.

As a BMW owner, I will freely admit it is the most troublesome car I've ever owned and I've only had it a short time. But the issues are typically minor and I can't find another car that gives me the same driving experience, so I'd happily buy another.

A friend of mine recently bought his mom and older RX, I forget the year, but it was like $11-$12K. I looked at it and it had high miles, but overall it's in pretty good shape. She's had no issues to date with it.

Fire0nic3FX said:
Those earlier years it was the previous gen QX56 that brought down Infiniti's reliability study. That thing was horribly unreliable compared to the M/FX/G. My uncles Lexus GX460 has been nothing but unreliable. The interior rattles, rollover software issues, brakes actuator pulsing noises, bouncy suspension. Look all these issues up on clublexus and you'll see what I'm talking about. To me its just a myth in the auto world that Lexus is soooo reliable until you actually own one you see they have problems just like any other car. JD power ranks a study based on owner complaints. Remember not everyone reports issues so the study doesn't actually prove another better than the other. It isn't a reliable source.

Its like BMW owners. They have so many problems with their electronics and reliability yet people refuse to admit it when you ask them because they are in love with the brand and will defend it to the death.

Since were talking Infiniti quality I'll just throw this in there. From what I see Infiniti is just as reliable if you want to call this a source though



Sent from my SPH-L720
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top