Update 4 weeks after purchase....

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gittyup

Member
Just wanted to share an update on my recently purchased 2003 FX45 with 28k miles and Prem and Tech packages.

Been really enjoying the fx but still not quite sure what to make of it. I mean, why am I running Mobil 1 oil in this little SUV, the same oil I ran in my BMW M5?

Pro's
o The fx45 is quite nimble and seems to notify me of every contour and nook and cranny in the pavement. Perhaps even to a fault.
o Very light on its feet. It always seems to want to go faster with barely any acceleration e.g. from a stop light. It feels more like a 3000 lbs. vehicle.
o I appreciate the design/style of the FX as much if not more than 4 weeks ago when I bought it. Styling seems pretty timeless.
o Black leather upholstery quality seems pretty first rate. Better quality than my way cool M5 seats (black with red leather inserts).
o Been reading up just a bit on the FX45 v8 engine. Seems pretty impressive with its variable tuned intake/exhaust valving, etc.
o Though low-end torque isn't overly impressive, it behaves more like 400 hp than 315 hp.
o Mildly aggressive but still conservative sounding exhaust.
o Without doubt, it's a sports car. The fact that it's an SUV with AWD is secondary and just another benefit.

Con's
o MPG is a bit disappointing. Though it seems better since disconnecting the battery a few weeks ago to reset everything.
o Like the M5 I don't care much for the brushed aluminum center console.
o Still can't get the FX into programming mode for new key FOB's. Tried about 20 times now.
o It's still only 315 hp and when combined with the MPG, it's a bit disappointing, especially when a co-worker has a 2013 Mustang Shelby Cobra with 672 hp, 0-60 in 3 seconds, and still gets 25 mpg on the hwy.

Overall, there's a real pride of ownership here. I suspect the car would be quite responsive to aftermarket upgrades. However, we got hit with a substantial tax burden last month so any upgrades are on hold for now. But I'm open to suggestions for inexpensive tweaks to improve mpg/hp.

I'm curious as my FX came with the stock chrome 20" wheels and I'm contemplating other wheels but I'd like to know if there's a market for my 20" chrome wheels. If so, what kind of price could I hope to sell them for? Their condition is a solid 8 out of 10.
 
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You bought a 2003 and are comparing gas mileage of a mustang cobra from 2013? Seriously?

I had a Mustang cobra 1998 and my gas mileage averaged 12. Yes 12.

My FX50 which could had smoked my 1998 cobra averages 16. Mind u I'm not reading you numbers from a manual or from the console screen like many do but from measuring myself after filling up several times. Compare that to an older mustang and you get even worse gas mileage than 12.

Not trying to be defensive on the FX just u gotta think more realistically.

Btw welcome to the forum! You'll really enjoy the site just as much as the car.

And by the way, the amount you save in repairs or visiting the dealer with a mustang or BMW your FX can drive 1mpg and you will still come out way ahead based off my experience from 2 mustangs BMW and FX
 
Zebra, very cool FX. It almost looks surreal. Is that a matted blue?

JDTrader, considering my 4200 lbs. 2000 M5 at 475 hp got 21 mpg hwy and my 6600 lbs. 97 Ford expedition at 250 hp gets 19 mpg hwy, I see nothing wrong with a little constructive criticism here. I'm just a little surprised because I have to assume Nissan for decades has had the wherewithall to do far better with the mpg.
 
my v8 m3 gets better gas mileage on spirited driving conditions then all the g37 4 doors i use to drive
 
zebra, I'd love to see more detailed pics if you can point me in the right direction.

JDTrader, BTW, thanks for the welcoming. I just noticed you're in Ann Arbor. I grew up in Flint and lived in A2 for a short time after college. I think A2 may be the best city in Michigan to live, aside from Chelsea of course. :smile (2):
 
gittyup, why did you leave the area?

We love it here......my wife and I are both originally from Chicago and really like it here. Feels more like a full-time vacation way of life if that makes any sense.
 
zebra, you are Batman. Great job on all that you've done. I only made to page 11 of your garage diary but I can't wait to get thru the rest.

JDT, my first opportunity out of college was in Orlando, FL with Baxter Health Care so I took it. Yeah, A2 is a great town.
 
Welcome to IS. Change up your expectations on the FX a bit. During its time it was introduced, its current age, and all its worth, the FX is an amazing looking, performing, and reliable car compared to cars of today. It's pretty impressive stock as you have now, but its a whole different beast when you put your mind and wallet to it. :good:
 
i remember back in 2003 when i first saw the FX on my street.. That beautiful sound/look/style sold me the following year..
 
AeroBFA, expectations? I had none when I bought this 4 weeks ago to replace my wife's Ford Flex. I've seen the FX's about 10 times a year and always enjoyed catching those few glimpses. To be honest, I found this baby at a Nissan dealership 60 miles north and until I went pick it up, I'd never driven one. Shoot, I thought I was a buying something like a Toyota RAV4 with AWD. My only research was reading a few feedbacks from Edmunds.com where owners said they loved their FX's and rarely an issue.

One thing for sure. With the LED tail lights, variable tuned valving, 20" wheels, design, etc, no doubt the FX45 was ahead of its time.

FWIW, the wife hasn't even taken it for a test drive yet. In fact, she recently accused me of buying this for me. I suppose only me and God know the truth.
 
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When i first got my Fx i was kind of up in the air about it. I had recently sold my highly modded M3 but as time has progressed i am truly loving this vehicle but then again, my fx is came modded. :-)
 
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