Hello to all.

I was asked by some to post a follow up on my conversion from a 2005 tol auto, nav, to an infiniti m35x. It has been almost six weeks, since I picked up my m35x.
First let me say, that a salesman purchased my car direct from me, since he was always looking for a tl, and I see him every couple of weeks, since I work right by the dealership. He loves the car and still thanks me, for selling it to him. He said he couldnt afford a brand new one, and getting a few thousand dollars off an absolute clean car, really made him happy. He hasnt changed a thing, but I notice he is a bit more meticulous on the detailing then I had the time to be. Especially this being a black on black. Maybee he has some guy in the detailing department maintain it for him. But he loves it. He has since tinted the windows and thats all.
Okay. Since I am not a very technical person when it comes to cars, I will just say what I feel about the infinit m35x. I have gotten used to the looks of it a little more, but are not enthused totally with it, but the drive of a car, is more important to me.
I will start with the fit and finish. Everything looks and feels like a more expensive car then the tl, which it is, so I wont do a direct comparision.
What I will compare is the seats. The tl seats felt very stiff after a while and uncomfortable. The M35, I have been on an extended four hour drive non stop, several times, and felt good. Partially because the seat just fits me better as a tall person, and the additional head room helps a lot.
Sitting in an m35x , is hard for me to describe. The tl feels like a jet cockpit, while the m35 feels like I am sitting behind a desk at a corporate office. If feels like the funrnishings are not part of the vehicle. Its kind of hard to explain.
But once you set it, the car does what its suppossed to do, and that is where I love the car. For me, the driving experience is far superior. I dont do time trials, but in 10-70 40-60 runs, it feels just as powerful, and a lot quieter.
It doesnt feel as it has to be pushed to get the performance. But this is very subjective on my part. The suspension(and this was the major reason for me selling the tl) absorbs every road inperfection, rut, pothole, type of road finish that can be thrown at it. It somehow gives you a much superior feel of the road, and what is happening to the vehicle, without tossing you about like the tl. It gives a driver, more confidence in the car matching his abilities.
I have taken the car up 95 miles per hour on a closed road in texas(I visited a friend who has a farm, ranch, I dont know what you call it, but they middle class people, with a paved road, almost ten miles long to get to their property, and the car, felt like it was going 50. And this road wasnt the greates. Almost two lanes wide. A country paved road.
The next thing, was the brakes. The tl brakes, while always being very effective and secure, never seemed to work in harmony with the various abs, stability controls. If I was breaking on a road even in the city, too frequently the computer controls would activate and squeal the brakes and abs on the pedals.
I brought the tl in sevaral times to dealer, and was able to duplicate with no problem the situation, but they keep telling me its normal. I questioned myself on this, and didnt know what to do. My cruiser at work has abs , and almost never felt it go on, even in a 12 hour shift, with some quick maneuvering.
The m35 brakes, have no fade, are quick and smooth, and no noises, hops , etc. If computer controls are kicking in, I certainly dont feel it.
To compare other things,would be hard, since most things in both cars seem to work seemlessly. The transmission, radios, ac, and heat. I couldnt afford the navi on the 35, but wouldnt want one either, never use it. I didnt get a black infiniti, after seeing the time it took to keep the nbp in a nice shine. (Especially since this was a commuter car for me).
The amount of space on the m35, at least the apparent amount of space, seems to be greater in all areas. Back seat, head space, passenger room.
Not using up any fluids. The paint seems to be of a much better quality. Seems to either be thicker, or have more layers of protectant on it. The paint doesnt seem to be so bothered my washing, and getting fine detail lines in it. The black tl, seemed to get fine scratches in it, just by washing by hand. I believe I used all the right things, and was gentle, but the paint just didnt seem to hold up.
I would be that paint looks like a mess in six or seven years.
As far as service, the acura people were always kind to me, but seemed to dismiss any complaint with mechanical problems as being normal.
I had two minor physical complaints with the m35, which was taken care at my first service. carpet in rear,and trunk lock, being a bit off. The service people, actually seem to listen to you at acura, even though they are very busy, and I hear a lot of complaints from owners, that were ridiculous, they took it in stride.. (I got marks on my side walls, bugs on my windshield, fingerprints from my kids on the dashboard)
Overall I am very pleased with this automoblle and expect to keep it, till its wheels fall off. I get attached to my vehciles, and could never do it with the tl for some reason. I love my m35x, and I love my toyota sequoia 4x4.

Flatfoot

 

Enjoy your Infinity; it's a great car. I bought a TL in September after comparing it with several Infinity models (as well as BMW, Audi, etc), and I think the TL is a better value for the money. There are vehicles with more utility and sportier rides, that's why I also have a '04 4x4 Sequoia (like you), '05 Porsche Boxster S and '04 Harley Screamin Eagla Electra Glide, all geat vehicles. If you feel like you are in a jet cockpit, I'm not sure why, but once you hit the gas you will realize it's just an Infinity. Personally, I like the TL interior better, but again, that's personal choice. The brakes on the Infinity as well as Acura don't even compare to Porsche and BMW (no surprise there). As far as paint finish, the technology today is roughly the same across all car manufacturers and my Infinity looks awesome. You might check out Zainostore.com for info on car polishing / finishes (use 100% cotton made in USA only towels to wash and polish, and cut off the fringe / stitching since it is typically non-cotton and can scratch your car). You won't find a better polish. I used it on my black Porsche that I bought used, and when I took it to the dealer after polishing with Zaino, the dealer could not believe it was the same car / paint job. It looks like new. Anyway, enjoy your new car.

 

Er....I think he was saying that the TL's interior made him feel like he was in a jet cockpit.

 

Here's a cliff note version of your review:

You like the M35x a lot better than the TL.

Here's a cliff note version of replies you will be getting.

We are happy that you like your M35x.

Since similiarly equipped m35x is around $50k, I am happy that I saved all that extra money.

If one wants to compare cars please factor in every aspect with equal value. Or else the review becomes biased.

Please stop beating the dead horse.


Again, nothing personal, but posting review like this will only start a flame war.

 

I didn't actually get the impression that Flatfoot likes his Infiniti a *lot* more than his former TL. He simply offered up his opinions on which aspects he felt were an improvement over his previous car. His posts have always been pretty level-headed, so I don't think a flamewar will ensue.

Oh, and just to break the mould: Flatfoot, I hope you end up hating your car and buying back the TL from the Infiniti salesman.

 

Oh, my fault. He was talking about the TL "cockpit". And although I hope he enjoys the new ride, it would be nice to hear that he buys back the TL.......

 

First, we invited him to return and give us his impressions.

This does not have to start a flame war unless someone decides to make it one, which would be the wrong thing to do.

Some people are undecided about which brand, or particular model within that brand, to buy, so the more information we can provide the better it is for the readers and members.

We are not here to push the TL over other cars, and we are not here to beat people on the head because they like some other brand.

To each his own, and if someone can find out through reading these threads that the TL fits his needs or lifestyle better than Brand X, then good for us, and if he finds that Brand X is better, then good for us again because we have helped someone purchase the car that best suits his/her needs, which is what we are here for, after all.

It is up to the saleman to sell the car, and I would like to believe that it is up to us, all the members of this forum, to inform.

 

one hog get your own avatar, that one was made for me by a friend

damn havent even had for a freakin week and already someone stole it

 

Thank you Ron for clearing that up. I was not responding to boast or down the tl, just my impression. If I hadnt hurt my back during the war, I might have a somewhat different impression.
I said in my statement , that the two cars are in two different price ranges, so side by side comparison should not be used for all aspects.
Just wanted to give the people who might be looking at different cars, or secondary vehicles an honest of opinion as I could with my limited experience.
I really did not want to have to throw 12,000 dollars more towards a car, but since I know myself, and will keep a car until the end, if I like it, I thought it not a waste of money. It was discretionary money I spent on this. I live a fairly frugal life, so I spent some money, on something that would mean a difference to my life. 20 hours a week, spent in the drivers seat of a car, had to be comfortable and enjoyable and dependable for me.
Would I recommend a tl to people. Absolutely. But I think I have a better idea on who I would recommend it to, as opposed to just a honda, or a non sports sedan, or other car.
The city gas mileage is a lot greater on the infiniti as well. Highway mileage was about the same, but the city gas mileage was almost 5 more miles to the gallon with the infiniti. Which is saving me over a hundred dollars a month in gas alone. My insurance is a bit lower also, by about two hundred dollars a year.
So if I keep the infiniti for ten years, it will eventually negate the cost difference.
Plus the added security of awd............
If I was able to use my tequoia as my commuter vehicle I would, but I cant, because of its size. And for some reason, I am more protective of this toyota , then I was of the acura, or the infiniti.
My little brother is looking for his first new car, and is consideriing the rsx as well as the scion. I think they are both good vehicles, and would not disuade him from either. If I knew he was looking for a new car, I would have gladly given him the tl for what he would have paid for other car. It would have been good for him, a 35,000 tl for 23, 000 dollars, but he just recently got a much better job and salary to afford it, so time and chance has to do a lot with the way life goes.
So to sum up my long wanderings, enjoy your tls. One of the best value for your buck in a car that I have ever seen. Just wasnt for me in the end.
Damn, it still had that new car smell in it also. LOL

Much regards

 

Sorry Trance........ I've got a new avatar in the works.....and you will want to steal it once you see it.... No hard feelings I hope. OneHogWild2006

 

^^^fair enough.....

lookin forward to seeing it....

 

flatfoot - good to hear from you again. That's a very good comparison you gave us - thanks. I remember when you said you were selling the TL and why, so I'm glad to see you've found something that more suits your needs. I hope you continue to enjoy it...and watch that lead foot...wouldn't want some cop to give you a ticket :wink:

 

kennyc you should look at flatfoot's previous posts in which he mentions his reasons for switching cars, it was not because he did not like the TL or wasnt happy with it...it was because he has some physical reasons (back, I believe) for doing it.

 

My apologies. Trust me when I say I was not trying to attack flatfoot. It just that there are so many people whine and complain about their TL that I am getting pretty frustrated of reading "my-new-car-is-better-than-that-crap-you're-driving" threads.

once again I apologize to flatfoot if my post sounded too abrasive.

 

No problem. I hope I didnt set people off. I was not trying to say, one car was better then the other. Just my experience.
I test drove the tl a lot and was enthused with it, and then I was sent on an almost two year sightseeing trip to Iraq, courtesy of our Uncle Sam.
Almost two months before returning, during a firefight, I sustained back injurys.
I didnt know my back would be quite as senstive to a car as the ride the tl presented me with. I should have test drove it, on roads more like, the ones I would commute on. I was a bit naive on that. But I figured nothing could be worse then a humvee in the desert. I was wrong. LOL.
I am in a police cruiser, sometimes for 12 hours or more a day, and even with its old worn down parts, and stiff suspension, it gives me a better ride for my back then the tl.
Now, when I finish my days work, getting into my m35x, is like slipping a pair of comfortable slippers on. It protects me and my back, like thick foam in a packing box.
Do I love the car. No. Is it a great car for me. Yes

Thanks

 

I'm sure you hear this alot, but thanks for being there for us.

Damn I'm going to hell...

 

You sure are!

Flatfoot, thanks for keeping your word and returning with the review. I'm glad that you found something to make your back feel better. It was a good decision for you.

 

I enjoyed reading the comparison, except for one thing: I find long posts like this one much easier to read if a line is skipped between paragraphs. Might be just me.

I apologize if this was covered in another thread, but did you also test drive the RL before buying the Infiniti? It's a much more comparable car, but I must say I see very little mention of the RL as an upgrade prospect in this forum. If TL owners truly don't aspire to owning the RL, then Acura isn't doing something right. Maybe if they changed its name back to Legend...alphanumeric names aren't always best.

 

Thanks for the feedback Mr. foot. I too was looking at the M35, I truly love that dark grey/silver metallic, but couldn't justify the extra bucks to myself (or my wife). Only other thing I have to say is I think it's great, that for what ever reason, you chose to switch autos. The TL wasn't working for you and you moved on, those who continue to bash the TL, and own it are the true irritants (if they really even own the car). I don't understand the concept of being so unhappy with your car and not choosing to move on. Lease or own, if it causes you that much distress sell it, or turn it back in. Life is too short to be that unhappy! Again, Mr. foot, keep us apprised of the M35x, good luck and have a great new year!

 

Couple comments from the "newbie"....

First, to FLATFOOT, thanks for the feedback on the Infinity. More importantly, thanks for your tour of duty, or ah, sightseeing trip as you put it. I certainly don't want to start a debate here about the merits of this, or any, war; but I damn sure support you and every other troop who put your butt on the line while I sat here and enjoyed freedom of speech in this forum (as well as other freedoms) for which so many have sacrificed. Thanks dude.

Next, to TRANCEMISSION, I appreciate your giving me permission to use your old avatar, especially after I borrowed (ok...stole) your current avatar. Heck, I'm new to this forum stuff, becoming familiar with the do's and dont's of proper forum etiquette. For you to turn right around and offer me the use of your old avatar speeks highly of your character; you are a better man than I (well, heck, that's not saying too much since I am a lowly thief...). Seriously, thanks again man.

 

not at all my friend. It was the least I could do. Im glad you like it..... Welcome to the forum, we are glad to have you as a member......