Bought a 'New' 2003 Infiniti FX45 Last Week

[Accomplice]

I went back to my GS400 after selling my C32 AMG sedan a couple months back (needed more luxury and space). But then the 'new toy' itch hit me again so I'm retiring my lexus in favor of a Diamond Graphite (gray) over Brick (orangish) interior. They're chopping some dough (as much as $10K) off of the MSRP to move the left over new 2003 FX45s. My local dealer had the color I wanted and would let it go for $8K below MSRP, so I bought it and skipped scouring the entire country for the very best deal (and skipped the shipping & wait also). I'm diving headlong into real estate sales and it should make for a good vehicle for that application.

Kevin

 

[JChoice]

I was looking for an 03 but couldn't find one with in Diamond Graphite/Willow with all of the options.

I got an 04 with satellite radio/tech/tow for 1k over MSRP.

Great vehicle, hope you're enjoying yours as much as I am enjoying mine!

 

[matteni]

I got an 04 with satellite radio/tech/tow for 1k over MSRP.

Wow - are the 04's that popular that they are going for $1k OVER MSRP!

 

[Accomplice]

I was looking for an 03 but couldn't find one with in Diamond Graphite/Willow with all of the options.

I got an 04 with satellite radio/tech/tow for 1k over MSRP.

Great vehicle, hope you're enjoying yours as much as I am enjoying mine!

I'm really thrilled with it so far. I've been switching cars way too often lately though I somehow always sell for more than I paid. I plan to make this a 2-3 year ownership experience.

 

[Viper Driver]

Yeah, I think he meant $1k over invoice, but I could be wrong.

Nationwide Infiniti marketers (Grubbs out of DFW and Riverside in CA) offer their FXs for about 1K over invoice as the standard pricing.

I got my 2003 FX35 Silver/Graphite/Tech and love it too! It's a great compantion to the NSX. I only wish it had some decent towing capacity so I can get a trailer and use it to haul my NSX to/from the track!

 

[Joel]

Nice forum:

http://www.infinitifx.org/phpBB2/index.php


Congrats!

 

[matteni]

I only wish it had some decent towing capacity so I can get a trailer and use it to haul my NSX to/from the track!

Uhh - OK - I will bite. What's so cool about this car based SUV that:

- doesn't get particularly good gas millage
- isn't very good for serious off roading
- can't tow much
- doesn't perform as well as its car based platform
- can't hold any more people or stuff then the car based options

I never did understand these car based SUVs that don't hold more people, can't tow, and really aren't suited for off roading.

 

[Accomplice]

Most people don't actual buy them to tow or go offroad. They're a hip alternative when the wife demands a minivan. This particular one is fast, looks incredible, is luxurious and its very fun to drive. Its just plain better than 90% of regular cars period.

 

[JChoice]

Yes, 1k over invoice - not MSRP.

I got mine because I wanted something with four doors, with more luxury, and more space but I also wanted something that still handled well and was fun to drive.

It's nice to be elevated and have something that could actually work in the snow (I have 4 wheel drive).

I couldn't imagine taking an E500 (my other choice) on a snowboarding trip while I could imagine doing that with my FX - and I still get plenty of luxury, a great looking vehicle, and 315HP and 340lbs of TQ to play with.

I wish it could actually tow something though.

 

[Accomplice]

I noticed something odd about my FX. I had 5 people in my car the other night and it seemed to be as fast as it normally is when I'm alone. It couldn't have possibly been, but I was really shocked at how little it degraded the performance. It makes me think that if I ever must tow something I'll consider the actual max towing capacity to be the max passenger weight plus the quoted towing capacity.

 

[matteni]

I noticed something odd about my FX. I had 5 people in my car the other night and it seemed to be as fast as it normally is when I'm alone. It couldn't have possibly been, but I was really shocked at how little it degraded the performance. It makes me think that if I ever must tow something I'll consider the actual max towing capacity to be the max passenger weight plus the quoted towing capacity.

It is not your engine that can't tow more - it is your body, tires, suspension, and probably transmission slowing you down.

If you are going to "over tow" you would be wise to consider:

- Good 3rd party transmission cooler (cheap and easy to install)

- Airlift suspension (air bags install inside of the springs and you can keep the ride hight consistent when towing)

- Good "load ballanced" trailer

- An extra full size spare (in case you get a flat)

Also - if you are going to do it, don't post and brag about it with pictures on the internet - you never know who might be watching if you ever have a insurance/warranty issue.

Good luck...

 

[satan_srv]

Uhh - OK - I will bite. What's so cool about this car based SUV that:

- doesn't get particularly good gas millage
- isn't very good for serious off roading
- can't tow much
- doesn't perform as well as its car based platform
- can't hold any more people or stuff then the car based options

I never did understand these car based SUVs that don't hold more people, can't tow, and really aren't suited for off roading.

The guy that made the comment about towing had an FX35 not an FX45.

I'm sure the 315hp 4.5L can tow just fine

 

[matteni]

The guy that made the comment about towing had an FX35 not an FX45.

I'm sure the 315hp 4.5L can tow just fine

Actually both vehicles have the exact same (low) towing capacity. From the Infiniti web site: http://www.infiniti.com/content/model/ModelSpecifications/0,,31217,00.html

Maximum towing capacity 3,500 lbs
Maximum tongue weight 350 lbs

FYI - my Honda Odyssey has the same towing capacity: http://www.hondacars.com/images/banners/2004/odyssey/odyssey_factsheet.pdf

With the optional transmission cooler and Honda hitch. That and being fun to drive, good looking, safe, and luxurious for almost 1/2 the money.

I have a lot of friends that swear they don't want a mini van and when the experience the simplicity, flexibility, and convenience - they all convert.



Seriously - enjoy you SUV. I sat in one for 15 mins and was impressed and really do like the looks. I am more curious about your opinion then convincing you of mine. Many people in the US blindly buy non cars to have a bigger vehicle and without a lot of thought. Non Texas NSX owners (it is a law in Texas to have 1 vehicle over 4500 lbs I think) I figure are different then the average person and have an appreciation still for a dying breed - the sedan. Since most sedans platform share with SUVs (in this case the G35), and most have 4 wheel drive options (G35 again) - I was just wondering from an NSX owner's point of view what the attraction is over a car based platform - given the limitations of towing, gas mileage, and handling over the car based version.

Sounds like the answer is "cool basis" of having an SUV that can go as fast as most cars and is as luxurious as any car. Being someone admittedly "not cool" I guess I will never get it.

Enjoy your ride.

 

[satan_srv]

Actually both vehicles have the exact same (low) towing capacity. From the Infiniti web site: http://www.infiniti.com/content/model/ModelSpecifications/0,,31217,00.html

Maximum towing capacity 3,500 lbs
Maximum tongue weight 350 lbs

well suck me sideways...you're right.

but is the capacity due to the engine size or structural limitations? An installed aftermarket hitch could probably help that no?

 

[matteni]

well suck me sideways...you're right.

but is the capacity due to the engine size or structural limitations? An installed aftermarket hitch could probably help that no?

More often then not it is the transmission, the frame strength, and the rear suspension.

 

[Ko-nsx]

infinity

Sounds great!!! Interior looks great!!! Exterior----Looks like a clown shoe. Sounds good on full throttle.