During my hunt for my next car, I go through a thorough process ensure I check every option and research every vehicle in my price range. The 2013 RDX has been at the top of my list and is where I am leaning, BUT wanted to ask what others here think of the following...

A local Infiniti dealer here had a couple CPO 2009 and 2010 Infiniti FX35's in stock. So for the same price of the new RDX (non tech, AWD) of approx $36k, I can get a CPO Infiniti FX35 with about 31,000 miles on it. The car being used, the price is also a bit more open to negotiation too, as opposed to the RDX which is new.

Has anyone here driven the FX35 and/or owned? Any input on the comparison of the two? I could never afford a brand new Infiniti, but the CPO lets me get into that market. Would love to hear what everyone here has to say

 

Oh I should probably give quick background... 30 years old, live in NJ, not married (but that will be changing in the next year), no kids (but kids probably on the horizon in 3-4 years), like to drive out to the Poconos and NY/Vermont for winter to snowboard. And work as an environmental scientist/engineer so I need cargo room to carry equipment and sample coolers.

 

I actually made a very similar comparison before buying my RDX. Dealer in Naples had a bronze CPO 2009 FX35 with every package available and 17k miles for $36k. Pros - nice car, neat tech features, high status. Cons - Odd styling that is starting to look dated, very little room in back seat and rear area, very expensive to have repaired - plan on buying an extended warranty (the CPO warranty is not that great) which still won't cover some of the tech features, bad gas mileage. My advice - don't do it. 4 years from now you will have a 7 year old car with 80k miles on it rather than a 3 model year old car with 48k. RDX is a much better car for gas mileage and long term reliability.

 

Plus, if your anything like me, who has had back surgeries, a power tailgate is a must. The FX did not have a power tailgate prior to 2011 so you'll have to break your back raising and lowering your tailgate by hand.

 

Own an FX50 here...Did you test drive the FX yet?

The interior of the Infiniti IMO is significantly better than the RDX. I also find the FX to drive better than the RDX. However, in terms of practicalness, the RDX gets more points because the trunk space of the FX is not great.

Hope that helps.

 

Nah at age 30 I'm fine and can lift and close the tailgate on my own Cool accessory, but definitely don't "need" it.

 

No I haven't test driven the FX yet. Was just curious to hear from people on this site what they think. Appreciate the feedback!

 

I too did a quite thorough comparison and have decided to buy the RDX. I am coming out of an Infiniti SUV which I've had since new just a couple of weeks short of ten years. I have to disagree in regards to repair cost in that they are no more expensive than any other luxury car maker. But, I have had very, very few repairs in that ten years....less than $500 not counting brakes, tires and routine maint. I would love to have another Infiniti but they just don't make something similar in size and capacity to the QX4. The EX is cramped, the back seat is a joke and the storage is small. The FX absolutely needs premium gas, avgs about 18 mpg and is a very heavy vehicle. It's quite a bit larger than the RDX as well and I was looking for somehting a little more nimble and easier to park etc. I think you'll find the ride in the FX a little harsher but it does handle pretty good but the RDX also handles well but the ride is smoother. The RDX has about the same amount of usable storage capacity I believe.

I have been very satisfied with my Infiniti and if they had a fairly comparable vehicle to the RDX I would probably buy Infiniti again. But they don't and that's why I'm going with the RDX.

 

Well, then...I think you know the answer: Infiniti FX35 all the way.


Welcome to the Infiniti club!

 

Was looking at the FX before the RDX. It is a nice vechicle but the trunk space is just about worthless so the RDX won.

 

Traded my RDX for an EX35 a year ago. For all that say it is too cramped back there, how much do you sit back there?? YES, the RDX is bigger in the back seat...but how often do I have my teenage boys back there? Once a week, Max? They never complain.
Also, I can fit two hockey bags back there with 4 sticks and still get 4 people in it. (Just tired of reading how small people think it is)

As far as driving experience and interior quality and overall looks, Infiniti for the win.

That being said, I did love my RDX. Supreme reliability and the ELS stereo was the best.

 

In the overall looks department, I personally think the FX looks more like a tricked out station wagon than an SUV. And it IS cramped in the cargo area, especially if you need the extra room as I did for my 2 greyhounds.

I concur with Xis on the reliability factor though. Acura always has great reliability and resale for the long term.

 

I don't have any concerns over the reliability and driveability of the Infiniti products and they sure have a lot of "appeal" thats for sure. Now I know this is purely subjective and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but for me .... no bashing here please, just my opinion ... I like the interior of the Acuras better than those of the Infiniti. But at this point, my opinion of Acura/Infiniti is purely based on Esthetics and what this brown-eyed Frenchy sees

 

Cant really go wrong with either. I had my AC comp replaced under wty. All else has been good.
Nothing ever needed but a battery and hatch struts on my RDX.

My newest ride...

 

I used to have FX35 RWD, i went to carmax and sold it for 22K 4 or 5 yrs ago. Things i like are the Rev sound, power tilt steering wheel....when you open your door your steering wheel will move and give you space to go out then it comes back when you start your car, Bose speakers and interior design.

Things i dont like: since it's a RWD it's very slippery in snow here in IL, i always get stock in the snow, small turn radius, the ride is too harsh specially at the back, steering wheel is too small and when you hit a hole you will feel it, hard to turn.


My brother has EX and IMHO it's better compare to FX, smoother ride, Rev sound is ok, 360 camera w/ sensor, nice leather seats etc..

 

I drove a 99 QX4 that finally met it's maker with 189K miles. No problems, ever.
I also had a 2003 G35 coupe. That had a few issues in it's time with me, but still better than average. Of concern on the G35 and all Nissan/Infiniti vehicles with the 3.5l engine is the number 6 cylinder spark plug well fills with oil. The gasket that breaks down and allows this is pressed into the valve cover so you can't just replace the gasket, you need the whole assembly. Having the valve cover replaced at the dealer is a $1000 affair. Most cars shows signs of this at about 75k miles. Valve cover gasket leaks are the kinds of things you expect from a 1980's GM vehicle. My G35 CD changer died ($1k), the window motors went out many times($$$) and it turned into a rattle box over the years. I'm left with the impression that Infiniti mechanicals are less desirable than Honda/Acura over the long term.
I will say the FX is a love it, hate it design. I agree with the other poster who pointed out how it's going to look quite dated very soon. It's distinctive for sure, no mistaking it coming at you. And they are a blast to drive.
One last thing. The exhaust note on the FX is very "sporty." I love it. You better too if you buy one because you'll hear it at idle and when accelerating for the life of the vehicle. The RDX is reasonably quiet. You might not think so now, but this could be a huge issue later for you.

 

Snow tires FTW. I have winter tires on my FX and 2 years ago, we had a winter for the ages with so much snow that my snowbank had completely covered the tree on my front yard from all the shoveling of my driveway. I would regularly see pick-ups and other SUVs get stuck in the ditch...but, with snow tires, not a single issue.

It's all about the tires.

 

i never had snow tires in my previous cars, i always assumed that the road will be plowed right away specially on the highway.. :-))