New Car

AsSiMiLaTeD
AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
edited March 2014 in The Clubhouse
It seems like my posts always have to come with a story, like I can never just have a simple post and move on - the locals guys here in Dallas can tell you, I just like to talk. It's the same deal here, so pictures are at the end if you want to skip the whole story and background.

Well we traded in the trusty 4Runner for something a bit more sporty and fun, and ultimately landed in an Infiniti FX35. We bought something with a few miles and a couple years on it (2011 w/30k miles) to take a bit of the sting out of the initial price. I ended up getting a fully loaded AWD model for a good bit less than I'd have paid for a new RWD base model, granted the 'base' model is still quite nice but there were some features on the higher end model that we wanted. We looked at several colors and oddly enough decided on the 'midnight mocha' color. I generally HATE brown or any variant of brown on a vehicle, but for some reason on this car it just works both inside and out.

Coming from 4Runners for the past 10 years we did not want a car, wanted something with a bit higher ride height but also wanted something a bit more sporty. Coming from a 4Runner that's not a difficult task obviously, but was still the main factor behind the decision.

We test drove everything out there before finally deciding on this one. There's not a perfect vehicle out there, and the FX is no exception, so it made this a long yet fun process. Models that made the initial cut were the Audi Q5 and Q7 (and basically the VW version of those vehicles), Lexus RX350, Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, BMW X5 and X6, Mercedes M Class, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and obviously the Infinity FX and JX models. The first round of elimination was pretty easy as with some there were glaring things that we didn't like.

All were very nice vehicles so we're not talking bad points here, just things that didn't match our personal style:

- The Audio models were nice, but didn't really find much in our price range and the interiors, while very nice, just didn't excite us much. Honestly if I'd found more in our price range this may have been a better contender. Audi really has the AWD system down to damn near perfection.
- The Acura drove ok and had one of the better rides out of the bunch, but the interior didn't impress at all. Of the bunch, this was the one we were downright disappointed with in terms of interior - that's clearly not an area of focus at Honda.
- The Cadillac was a nice balance between performance and ride comfort, of everything it probably had the most even distribution between the two and I'd rate them at 50/50. Ultimately I just don't like any of the styling Cadillac uses, not for a SUV anyway. That aggressive, angular styling works well on a car like their new ELR, but it's too much for the kind of car we're looking for. The SRX lost only because of the styling, everything else was very good.
- The Mercedes has transmission problems DURING the test drive, that's not a good sign. We drove the ML 350 and it felt underpowered compared to the other options and even our 4Runner, that could have been related to transmission problems but it didn't feel like it on the drive. We actually liked the exterior styling alot and the interior was nice, but their electronics system is not very intuitive at all and would be difficult to use.
- The two Jeeps were very nice. They weren't quite on par with the interior quality of some of the other models but were still very nice. The Grand Cherokee is a damn nice vehicle, but ultimately chose against it because the drive and ride were too similar to our 4Runner, to the point where we were wondering why we were upgrading. If I were looking for a vehicle like our 4Runner the Grand Cherokee would get very strong consideration. The Cherokee is a nice vehicle as well, and has tons of bells and whistles and good MPG compared to everything else, but when compared to the other options on the table you could feel the difference in price, everything just felt smaller and lighter. It was hard not to go Jeep because of what you get for the price though.
- The Lexus RX350 was a very nice vehicle, the drive was surprisingly sporty and very comfortable and the interior was very nice. I can understand why you see SO MANY of these things on the road, but therein lies the problem. We see these EVERYWHERE, and even other vehicles like the MDX look to be derivatives of the same shape. In our neighborhood, every fifth house has one of these parked out front. Ultimately I just couldn't do it, I don't need an exotic vehicle, but I gotta be able to have a reasonable chance of spotting my car in a parking lot.

As we drove more and more cars though we could really see that our preference was more on the sporty side of things, so the real choice came down to the BMW X6 and the FX35. Those two are very comparable, and without writing an article on the two I'll say there were a couple things that pushed us towards the Infiniti.

- Ultimately reliability wasn't a huge concern because of the dealer we went with, but the Infiniti looks more reliable at least on paper and in studies.
- We personally liked the styling better on the Infiniti, by a mile, but that's purely subjective. The Infiniti is more outlandish while the BMW is more understated, both inside and out, so it's really just a matter of which you prefer.
- The FX35 was considerably cheaper than the X6 and has slightly better fuel economy and the X6 REQUIRES premium gas whereas the FX35 just PREFERS it.
- Finally, we were able to buy the Infiniti from what I think is the best brand of dealers in Dallas (and likely one of the best in the country), Sewell. Sewell has pre-owned BMWs but is not a BMW dealer and likely can't do all the service needed on those, and service is the reason you go with Sewell.

Let me touch on that last point a bit more. If you're in Texas and looking at a brand of vehicle that Sewell sells, you should be looking at them as a dealer. There are lots of high end dealers these days that have great customer service practices in place, so from that perspective Sewell now has more competition than it did in the past, but Sewell wrote the book on how customer service should work in a dealership (literally, he wrote a book called 'Customers for Life' that many other places have modeled themselves after). It's not just about the free car washes, free loaner cars, or the fact that they'll pick up and deliver your car for service...those are all nice and they set the standard for alot of that stuff years ago IIRC. It’s about the whole experience though, buying this car was BY FAR the most pleasant experience that I've ever had at a car dealership...and it’s not even close. When we were shopping around, they were the ONLY place that let me come and go freely without a hard sell as I told them I was going to other dealerships to look at models they didn't carry, and then when it came time to do the deal it was the most relaxed experience I've ever had buying a car.

I tend to have high expectations and am vocal when I get screwed over by a company (I'm looking at you Samsung), but more than that I try to really go out of my way to share when a company treats me well because that's so rare these days, and these guys really knocked it out of the park.

OK, back to the car. We've had it a few days and really love it so far. I'm glad we opted for the all-wheel drive version even though the MPG takes a slight hit and I assume will cost us more in the long run, we drove both and it feels more 'grounded to the ground' than the rear wheel only model. I can honestly see this as a vehicle that we'll hold on to for a long, long time.

The styling seems to be very polarizing, people see this car and they either really like it or instantly hate it – and I’m good with that. That's the opposite of what I'm accustomed to with Toyota, where their vehicles are never really offensive but also never something you really LOVE either. Being boring is the worst offense of all, and IMO too many cars on the road today fall into that trap in efforts to be accepted by the greatest number of people possible. This vehicle does not fall into that trap.

Ultimately the FX isn't the most practical option, even in the crossover SUV market, but it makes up for it in performance. It’s not the most fuel efficient, does not have the most cargo space, does not have the most visibility, does not have the most rear headroom, and is not the most capable in terms of going off-road. But it has enough of each of those things to meet our needs and plenty of performance, luxury and personality to make up for those and then some.

We'll miss the 4Runner, the last two trucks have been good to us these last ten years but it's time to move on to something new I guess.

I took a few quick pics and have the photos shared on flickr, link is below if you want to have a look:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/61358752@N03/sets/72157641652932595/

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Post edited by AsSiMiLaTeD on
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Comments

  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2014
    Weird, can't get photos to post correctly. What happened to the deal where they would show up inside your post instead of as attachments, used to insert inline to get that.

    This forums is so messed up...
  • 4xoddic
    4xoddic Posts: 372
    edited February 2014
    Nice looking SUV (coming from the once-proud owner of: '77 FJ55, '88 FJ62, '97 LX450 & '09 Xterra). I'm guessing that the 'midnight mocha' changes color from the angle of view &/or lighting conditions.

    Enjoy The Ride!
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2014
    I'm not too sure about about their cars, but the FX is plenty wide, maybe too wide for some people. The FX35 is about an inch wider than your Venza, it's about the same size overall being just a tad bigger in each direction. The G37 though is about half a foot narrower than yours, so yeah I can see that being an issue.
  • Oldfatdogs
    Oldfatdogs Posts: 1,874
    edited February 2014
    Nice looking SUV,hope it serves you well.

    Dan
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,336
    edited February 2014
    Nice Danny be sure to bring to LSAF
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited February 2014
    Congrats man, that's a super slick ride! Love that color combo, especially the interior. I assume those seats are crazy comfortable?
    2007 Club Polk Football Pool Champ

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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2014
    Yeah, they're heated and cooled which is nice in Texas where weather either seems to be super hot or frigid. They're the most comfortable seats in any car we've owned. The whole interior is just really relaxed.
  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,676
    edited February 2014
    Congratulations thats a comfortable sweet looking vehicle. Enjoy
    ..
  • Eocuph
    Eocuph Posts: 75
    edited March 2014
    Congrats on the new car. Looks sweet! I've been looking at suv's myself lately and really contemplating getting the 2014 subaru forester turbo. Very inexpensive, reliable reputation and decent gas mileage.
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    Before we decided we were willing to spend more, we spent some time comparing the Forester with the Jeep Cherokee, those two are very comparable vehicles.
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    We finally got this out today on a road where we could really put it to the test, and it did not disappoint! I do still think the X6 is just a bit faster but the FX is more fun to drive overall as you really feel the extra 700 pounds on the X6 in corners, the extra weight feels heavy and creates more body lean than the FX through the corners. The X6 is faster in a straight line but the FX is probably quicker around a track and certainly a bit more nimble and fun to drive.
  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited March 2014
    Congrats!!!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    edited March 2014
    Nice looking car, you got there. Seriously really cool.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
  • SupraFT1
    SupraFT1 Posts: 9
    edited March 2014
    Congratulations with your new drive!
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    Grocery store on a weekend, are you insane???

    There's a fun road headed out to my parents that has some nice corners and changes in elevation, always a fun test for handling.
  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited March 2014
    Nice! Congrats on the new ride!
    HT
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    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,132
    edited March 2014
    Ditto nice ride and congrats.
    Home Theater
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    2 Channel
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    Stuff for the Head
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    Now I need to find a good auto detailing place here in Dallas, or get off my **** and do it myself!
  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited March 2014
    Test drove an FX35 a few years ago, LOVED the handling and the appearance, the FX set the trend for the Crossover SUV.

    Congrats on your new ride, she's sweet!
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited March 2014
    Nice ride man, looks like a RX350 though......Kidding....kidding.

    Congrats man, she looks sweet.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    Honestly the RX350 is probably the overall best car in the market segment. It's got the best ride, has plenty of room, is very comfortable, has a nice interior and is overall just one of the most practical vehicles I'm this segment. It's also not terrible to drive which I found a bit surprising.

    It wasn't the car for us, but if I had to make a blind recommendation of a vehicle in this segment without knowing the buyer it would easily be the RX350 as it's the safest of the bunch and will appeal to the most people. There's a reason there are so many of them on the road...
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited March 2014
    Yeah, I bought one myself but your right....a ton of them on the road. In the Costco lot on the weekend, I constantly walk up to the wrong one. lol
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited March 2014
    Honestly the RX350 is probably the overall best car in the market segment. It's got the best ride, has plenty of room, is very comfortable, has a nice interior and is overall just one of the most practical vehicles I'm this segment. It's also not terrible to drive which I found a bit surprising.

    It wasn't the car for us, but if I had to make a blind recommendation of a vehicle in this segment without knowing the buyer it would easily be the RX350 as it's the safest of the bunch and will appeal to the most people. There's a reason there are so many of them on the road...

    Eh. I think you made a far better purchase. Lexus has a way of seeming great when you're test driving them, then a couple months pass and you realize you're driving the most boring thing on the road. I got fooled twice. First time was an ES300, next was the GS430. (Which once you got past the amusement of the 300hp V8 you realized that acceleration was the only sensation that car was capable of producing.) Sure they were reliable, and would run forever, but god did they totally lack personality, and driving excitement. Since then I've owned almost nothing but Europeans. Sure they may be in the shop a little bit more, but at least I actually miss them when they are.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    What you're saying is what I expected to find in the RX350, but it was surprisingly better than I though it would be. I personally think the FX is a bit more exciting and works better for us, but I also know the style is a love/hate thing and a lot of people don't like them.
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    I got a chance to thoroughly test the all wheel drive functionality today, and it works great. We got some strangely timed bad weather here in Texas today, was 80 yesterday and today we have ice on the roads. Boy was I glad we had four wheels gripping...

    We always had 4WD in the 4Runners and front wheel drive cars before that, I can only imagine how 305 HP to the rear wheels would have handled in these conditions. I was initially gonna go with the RWD model here because of better fuel economy, weight, simplicity, and cost but decided the AWD version may work better since my wife isn't really an experienced performance driver...I'm glad I made that choice now.
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,786
    edited March 2014
    Nice rig, congrats!
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    The audio system in this car is surprisingly good given that it's a Bose, still gonna do some research into upgradidng it though and see what my options are. I assume that on something like this car where everything is so integrated that replacing the head unit isn't an option, so the trick is going to be finding some really efficient speakers that sound alot better than the stock Bose.

    Any advice on that?
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    I'm curious and want to give the photos another shot:

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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    Sounds like a plan, I'm in no rush so that's perfect.
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2014
    The back seat is kinda tight actually getting in. Once you're actually IN it's not too bad and I'd say a 6" person would be comfortable back there, getting in isn't the easiest thing in the world. You've met Matt, he's able to get in and says it's comfortable back there and has plenty of room.