2003 Infiniti FX35 - The Yank / Jap Tank
Discussion
Evening all,
I thought it was about time I posted up a little review of the Infiniti FX35 that I aquired on my relocation to the US which happened a year ago to the day.
I was relocated to sunny California with my work, and I must admit, that while my wife was busy looking at houses / areas / schools etc... I was looking at cars right from the moment I knew we were coming.
I wanted a big engined yank tank... something I wouldn't touch in the UK or could even buy and I think I kinda got what I was after!
After several test drives in some huge 7 / 8 seat monster SUVs (Durangos, Expeditions, Navigators, Yukons) we decided it was just simply overkill to go that big, and my wife would struggle. Then this popped up in a dealer local to me for a decent price ($11k) and a deal was done, for a bit less than asking.
So did I get 'Yank'?... not really but it wasn't sold in the UK so I guess I ticked that box. Big engined... again... almost! I had a 2.0 TDI back home to eek out the MPG, this was a revelation.
I bought it at 120k miles, and I've now got it at 140k and its still tight and rock solid. The 3.5 V6 (a detuned version of the one in the 350z / Murano and lots of other cars out here) is a real peach. The noise is phenomenal considering this is an SUV, and its pretty quick for its size with a healthy 280BHP to cruise around in. Not my car or video, but this is exactly what it sounds like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jbCKinEDfE
Gear box is 'average' at best really, but its an old design slushbox, so not much to expect from it really. Also the suspension is very firm indeed, it drives my wife mad. I actually quite like it as it drives much more like a saloon, but it is pretty tough on the freeway surfaces out here. Wheels are 20" which fit it perfectly, the standard 18s look too small in the huge arches, although may contribute to the firmer ride.
Inclusion of leather, Bose, electric everything makes the inside a nice place to be, if a little aged now. But at 12 years old it looks much better than it's American contemporaries so I'm happy.
I'll apologise in advance for the poor photos, I keep meaning to do better ones, and I will one day!
No real plans for modifications, although a tasty exhaust might be on the cars if this one ever gives out.
Anyway, on to the crap pictures...
This was in the same dealer... wife wasn't having it though!
Stock interior shot... mine is identical:
Cheers
I thought it was about time I posted up a little review of the Infiniti FX35 that I aquired on my relocation to the US which happened a year ago to the day.
I was relocated to sunny California with my work, and I must admit, that while my wife was busy looking at houses / areas / schools etc... I was looking at cars right from the moment I knew we were coming.
I wanted a big engined yank tank... something I wouldn't touch in the UK or could even buy and I think I kinda got what I was after!
After several test drives in some huge 7 / 8 seat monster SUVs (Durangos, Expeditions, Navigators, Yukons) we decided it was just simply overkill to go that big, and my wife would struggle. Then this popped up in a dealer local to me for a decent price ($11k) and a deal was done, for a bit less than asking.
So did I get 'Yank'?... not really but it wasn't sold in the UK so I guess I ticked that box. Big engined... again... almost! I had a 2.0 TDI back home to eek out the MPG, this was a revelation.
I bought it at 120k miles, and I've now got it at 140k and its still tight and rock solid. The 3.5 V6 (a detuned version of the one in the 350z / Murano and lots of other cars out here) is a real peach. The noise is phenomenal considering this is an SUV, and its pretty quick for its size with a healthy 280BHP to cruise around in. Not my car or video, but this is exactly what it sounds like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jbCKinEDfE
Gear box is 'average' at best really, but its an old design slushbox, so not much to expect from it really. Also the suspension is very firm indeed, it drives my wife mad. I actually quite like it as it drives much more like a saloon, but it is pretty tough on the freeway surfaces out here. Wheels are 20" which fit it perfectly, the standard 18s look too small in the huge arches, although may contribute to the firmer ride.
Inclusion of leather, Bose, electric everything makes the inside a nice place to be, if a little aged now. But at 12 years old it looks much better than it's American contemporaries so I'm happy.
I'll apologise in advance for the poor photos, I keep meaning to do better ones, and I will one day!
No real plans for modifications, although a tasty exhaust might be on the cars if this one ever gives out.
Anyway, on to the crap pictures...
This was in the same dealer... wife wasn't having it though!
Stock interior shot... mine is identical:
Cheers
Edited by ReaperCushions on Tuesday 17th February 18:37
Edited by ReaperCushions on Tuesday 17th February 18:44
ReaperCushions said:
The 3.5 V6 (a detuned version of the one in the 350z / Murano and lots of other cars out here) is a real peach. The noise is phenomenal considering this is an SUV, and its pretty quick for its size with a healthy 280BHP to cruise around in.
I read this bit and thought "No, that's not right. The Murano we rented out of SLC in 2007 didn't have more than 280 bhp". So I went and looked it up - 245 bhp for the original model and 265 for the update, >'07. The Murano has a CVT as well which takes the edge of it a bit. It was, however, surprisingly economical, returning 24 mpg US over 4.5K miles cruising at up to 85 mph at times on rural Montana two lane. Looking rather nice. Hope your enjoying it. Im sorry to put a dampner on your parade though, you can get it here, and with the proper V8 engine too! There are quite a few owners on PH with them, infact there is a whole thread just for the FX35. Funky machines though. At least 'Gas' is cheap for you out there!
Thanks guys.
I guess the BHP thing is related to the brand engineering, Murano at 245ish, this at 280 and 350 at 320something.
You're right about the V8, but they are incredibly rare cars, and frankly I was buying on condition and history rather than specifically looking for it. Shame though I agree!
The EX is a much smaller car so I get the tardis thing. The FX feels like 'large hatchback' inside, just a bit higher off the ground.
With the seats up, we can fit a weekly shop and dog. With the seats down we've had all sorts in there including big screen TVs, BBQs with Gas bottles etc.. I've certainly not found it wanting for space. Depends what you need really.
I guess the BHP thing is related to the brand engineering, Murano at 245ish, this at 280 and 350 at 320something.
You're right about the V8, but they are incredibly rare cars, and frankly I was buying on condition and history rather than specifically looking for it. Shame though I agree!
The EX is a much smaller car so I get the tardis thing. The FX feels like 'large hatchback' inside, just a bit higher off the ground.
With the seats up, we can fit a weekly shop and dog. With the seats down we've had all sorts in there including big screen TVs, BBQs with Gas bottles etc.. I've certainly not found it wanting for space. Depends what you need really.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff