I've been thinking about an Infiniti FX35 or FX45. Anyone have any experience or thoughts on the vehicle?

Well, if it's street-only, that would kill the charm for me. Its main use would be to pile in the kids and dogs and go beat the hell out of it in the mountains on the weekends. I have a Ford Escape now for that very purpose, and it's served me well for a few years, but I sure like the looks of the Infiniti.

I had an FX45 as a service loaner while getting some minor stuff attended to on the G35. Handling is top notch for something that size. It's quite close to handling to the Porsche Cayenne I'm currently using as a demo (and waaayyy cheaper). Power is excellent and the ride is exceptional. Probably one of the best bang for the buck utes out there. I didn't do any serious off-roading in it, but it did handle the HORRIBLE dirt road leading up to the in-laws house out in the sticks quite well. I'd take a test drive.

I thought you ware singing the accolades of yer SUV only a week or so ago... Did you consider an older G wagon? Best off roader around, and some of the older ones are a steal...

BTW, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the FXes. Seen a few of em on fairly challenging logging roads...

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

The Escape has been completely reliable and servicable for more than four years. I had a girlfriend like that once, but then this hottie walked in......

Went for a test drive in the Nissan version(what ever it's called) last summer. Not impressed. The Nissan only comes with the V-6, and is not very impressive acceleration-wise. It rides harsh, to much plastic, blah-blah-blah.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

There actually is no Nissan version. The FX is based more or less on the 350ZX, believe it or not. The Nissan Murano is an entirely different vehicle.

You sure? Same lines and all. Could be. If so, then all the better. That Nissan wasn't anything to get excited about.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

Germanstar seems to be right

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/infiniti/2003/fx45/firstdrive/home.shtml

The Murano is worked from the Altima and the FX35/45 is based on the 350Z/G35 etc.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

dunno, but if I were Mercedes, I'd be taking notes.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

Ah now i get it. Asian hottie

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

And lets not forget the Subaru trend

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

It just that I heard so much good things about them. In addition, I think all Infinitis held their value very well. I still have two 3-pointed stars, mind you.

I don't think the G35 will be a long term keeper like the SL. One thing about the Japanese vehicles is that they will disappear in a few years, look at the I30t for example. I think they only had a production run of two years.

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95 R129
04 Infiniti G35.5 BS
10 X204

The new Infinities are as successful as they are because they can appeal to the emotional side (although not like a German car, but they are fun to drive) and still offer serious bang for the buck (responsible side). The interior on my G is almost up to par with what my CLK 55 was, at literally half the price. They are comfortable, nearly zero maintenence vehicles. Kind of like what old MB's were. You would be hard pressed to find a sports car under 40K that can give you what a G35 can in terms of the whole package. Yeah, an EVO or and STI are going to be faster, but the interiors are horrible and the ride (esp on the mitsu) is punishing. The G feels a lot like a German car; not too jarring but still minimizes body roll. The front mid engine design lends itself nicely to great weight distribution and very neutral handling up to about 9/10ths of it's potential (from there it gets a bit hairy, we'll find out more at Road America this year). The upgrade Brembo brakes are ferocious. And the stereo is light years beyond what my Benz's ever had (although the younger guys on the G35 boards all ***** about it).

I've said for along time, were I in the market for a new luxury car (not likely to happen soon), it'd be either Infinity or Lexus, NOT Mercedes. Too bad.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)