Hey Guys

I currently have an '05 TL pushing a 100k and while I along with family have had and loved acuras, this car just isn't holding up well and is in for non stop, non scheduled service it seems. I also need something a bit bigger since I travel for work and need to really stuff my car.

I drive around 60k a year so I can kill a car quick and was looking at a fully loaded 05-08 Infiniti FX with around 30k on it. I have always loved these cars but noticed that for a few thousand more I can get the restyled '09 murano with under 7k on it. Now the nissan doesnt have navi and all the bells and whistles but is nice with leather, etc. The nissan is also kind of boring to drive compared to the FX but basically brand new and low miles.

Good gas mileage is a concern along with comfort since I am in this thing a lot. I really don't love the RDX but would also be open to suggestions.

Thanks

 

Hey 1stGen -
05 FX35 owner here.
Fantastic choice for an SUV/cross-over if you still want that sports car feel. Just get the sports package. It feels a lot like driving a G35 despite it's obvious girth. Even the exhaust note is as intoxicating as the G35. We have almost 50k on ours and it's literally rattle free. (wish I could say the same for our current Acura)
The only downside I can see for you is the gas mileage. It's not great.
Assuming that most of your 60k/yr driving (DAMN that's a LOT!) is highway diving, you'll be looking at 21-22 mpg. Closer to 17 mpg in city driving. 19-20 mpg in mixed driving. But if you're looking for a small SUV, none of them are going to be great on gas. Maybe a Mazda CX-7? ...a wagon?
However, you can't lose with an FX, no regrets from me thus far.
I know is300eater has had an FX45 for 3+ years now and he loves his as well.

Here's my baby:

 

60k a year?!

that's a tough choice.

what's the murano's gas mileage look like compared to the FX's?

 

Based on what you've said, if you really want to go with a SUV, I would suggest looking at the smaller ones, something like a CRV - which feel is a great little SUV that offers a nice balance between function and practicality.

 

Pretty much the same...

09 Murano: 18 city/23 highway

...Oh, and the Murano drinks premo, the FX does not.

 

FX! i've always loved them

 

Bgsm1th - Love that car, yours looks great! I am looking at a liquid cooper with the bourbon interior sport package with navi, intelli cruise, etc. I know I am going to suffer a bit gas wise but I sell horse products (lots of saddles in my car) so i need something a bit bigger then the TL. I think the FX with the seats down on one side is perfect for me and the gas isnt terrible since i do almost all highway miles.

The murano is comparable gas wise but way lower price wise. I don't really like the exterior styling of the new FX and I will never be able to bring myself to spend 50 on it but I know once I start seeing the new FX's a lot, mine will look old but man I love the exhaust note and handling. The nissan guy told me the murano handles exactly the same and sounds the same as the fx ha

I think you may have given me the extra push towards the FX

 

Do it!
When you're putting that many miles on a car, I don't think new is the way to go, let someone else take that depreciation hit for you and get more car for your $$.
And I know the Nissan sales guys are supposed to tell you what you want to hear, but we drove a lot of Murano's before we bought the FX and they were NOT the same...not even close.

Nav is not as good as it is in the Acura, but few are and intelli-cruise is great on the Highway - the tech-package with intelli-key is also a must - GREAT feature!

 

really?

i think i'd go with the FX too.

 

+1 for the FX!! The exhaust note alone is worth it.

 

The designers of the new Muranos were Moranos.

I would deffinitely go with the FX. I drove one about a year ago and they are very nice yet sporty SUVs.

 

FX by a mile. I can't stand the new Murano front design.

 

get an FX

 

Just my input, I don't like the new styling of the Murano. My wife owned an 05 Murano 2 years ago and after 45k miles, we were taking it to the dealership to get little odds and ends things done like exhaust hangers breaking, power lock actuator broke and power window stopped working on the driver side. We sold it about after that. Don't know too much about Infiniti's but they are just the luxury division of Nissan. If you are driving that many miles, you might want to look at the new Toyota Rav 4. Take a look at the specs compared to the Murano or even the Lexus RX. They are pretty even and with the V6 you can average 25mpg on the highway.

 

I most definitely agree with this statement. If you're racking on 60K a year, you need to be conscious of gas consumption...The CR-V is a great small SUV.

 

Love my FX

 

I honestly think you'd be much better off with a wagon. something like an E55 AMG wagon, S4 wagon...

 

and they are in the same price range? how???!!!

 

I can't stand the new front end of the Murano's and I've always liked the FX.

Although, if I had to do it again, I would buy my Enclave over again in a heartbeat. Plus it's rated at 24mpg city and drinks regular- and quiter than the Lexus rx350. However, it is not particularily sporty but I have my manual Mazda for that

 

...Or a Phantom. There is a TON of trunk space in a Phantom.
Wagon's aren't a bad idea, but maybe...just maybe...we could suggest something that's slightly less than twice his price range.

 

What about a slightly used RX 350?

 

^^ if you put 60k a year on the car whats the point of spending so much money?

 

LOL, must have been at maroone. I love the FX50 and can't wait to buy one (won't be for a couple of yrs). Absolutely no comparison to the Murano, IMO.

 

i doubt that, unless you have the only hybrid enclave in the world

 

man if we're talking wagons, how about a legacy wagon? or a volvo s60r wagon?

 

fixed

 

FX...the new Muranos are gawdawful.

 

A used RS6 wagon

 

That is alot of money in gasoline. Why not something very fuel efficient and cheap? You do do alot of driving.

 

Between those two, I'd probably pick the FX


....and where is the damn poll?

 

the resale value is not a factor if youre going to put on so many miles. so go used. you are driving the car into the ground. go FX. a new car will only offer a better warranty which youll be expiring in no time anyway

 

I'm probably the only one here who'd go with the Murano over the FX but admittedly, I've not driven any FX. However, I do own an 05 Murano SL AWD (w/Touring pkg) and have driven the 09 version (S FWD) while on vacation this past Summer (ironically driving in the OP's neighborhood for a bit).

Performancewise, the 09 had nearly as much hustle as my old 02 Maxima and handled at least as well so, I would not consider it too boring to drive.

As far as appearance goes, I find the front end of the 09 Mo no more odd looking than the FX. That said, I could easily live with the appearance of both.

I do believe that the Murano has slightly more interior volume but that is subjective as per the needs of the OP.

AND for the record, the Murano requires 87 octane but premium is recommended for MAXIMUM performance (i.e.: the full 265hp/248lb-ft) LINK (ref footnote #1)

 

Hands down the FX. But with the amount of miles you log, I would be looking at a car, not an SUV that loves premium.

 

...as stated before, the FX doesn't use premium. It may be suggested for performance reasons, but the engine is designed to run without it and with his highway miles, I'm sure he's more worried about the fuel econ and not the performance.

 

thanks.

 

Wow, thanks for all the responses. I have been away for work and ran out of time to check this but the FX looks like the way to go for me.

I know i drive it into the ground but that is part of my job and I write it off, sucks but it happens.

Wagons - I like the idea of a wagon in theory but wow do I hate the looks. I have looked at the Audi A3 because it isnt bad looking but damn that thing is small. Def. something I really need to put some thought in tho

CRV - good choice but after a test drive I don't really like driving it much like the murano. I also just couldn't get comfortable in the drivers seat. I know practically should come into play but I am in this car A LOT. I really dont want to be uncomfortable.

Like I said I have been away but plan to go find something on Wednesday. Again, I have always liked the FX and they are really reasonable since the new one is out I suppose. The infiniti M is also really inexpensive with super low miles but I think I will regret it because I still have the loading and unloading issue the TL has.

Oh, my mom has an RX and it is a great little SUV thing no doubt but so so boring to drive. It is perfect for my mom

Thank you all for the input, I really appreciate it and would love an AMG but really not practical for me at the moment. I'm getting the itch for another sport bike so that will have to fill the AMG void for the time being

 

and when you get it (or even before), you can join us over at infinitiscene.com it's a forum catering to the FX and EX (even tho we barely have any EX members ) please put me in as a referral

 

^^^^^ what ken said

 

I throw a wild card out there. Toyota Rav4.
if that's not your cup of tea then go with the Nissan.

 

i had a rav4 last year for 3 weeks while my car was in the shop. boring.