Looking at possibly buying a used FX35.....04-06 looking to spend about 20K. What should I know?

 

I loved my dad's. Really nice ... Does not ride like an SUV. More like a sports car. If it's for the wife, she should definitely drive one first.

That being said, I'd rather have an FX than another 5-passenger SUV.

 

how much different is it then a murano? I had a rental one for about 3 months and we fell in love...but it's uglier then shit

 

We test drove one in 2005 and loved it. As charliemike said... it does not ride like an SUV at all. And that exhaust note... just yummy.

We were very close to pulling the trigger but decided against it b/c it required premium gas and the gas mileage was terrible. Also, due to the shape of the rear it made the rear of the truck less useful then most car trunks...

 

If you can afford the gas mileage, that would be a great pickup. Might want to PM IS300eater. He'll know more about it.

 

what kind of gas mileage are we looking at? Can you atleast run 89?

 

Oh god, it's not even in the same ballpark. I kinda feel like the FX35 is a tall S4 Avant (actually maybe even more aggressive than that) and the Murano is more of a prototypical crossover.

 

Cool, thanks Charlie...gonna go drive one this week.

 

Better not be trading in the goat for it.

 

We were looking at a new 2005.... and no, it was hi-test only.

"Normal" driving you should see about 15-18 mpg highway. Using the gas pedal b/c the exhaust sounds so sweet... less.

 

Scott,

I bought a 2005 FX35 last August and L-O-V-E it!

First off, it does NOT require primo (FX45, yes), it's merely recommended to maintain HP ratings. We have put regular in since we got it and the dealer/manual both say that is just fine.
It's the wifes DD, but she averages 17.5 mpg mixed and I get 21 highway when we go on road trips with it.

Get an 06 or newer. Interior was redone for 2006 and it's WAY better than my 05...my only regret was not waiting for a decent deal on an 06...

Get the sport package. Drives like a G35 coupe and sounds like one too. I've driven several mid-sized SUV's and the FX is nothing like any of the.
Get the Tech package with itelli-key, intelli-cruise and rear camera.

There are several FX35/45 drivers here on AZ so I'm sure they will chime in as well. Let us know if you have any specific questions.

I got my 05 fully loaded used for under $24k last August, so you should be able to find what you are looking for in your price range.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

 

06's also come with a backup camera standard regardless if it has navi or not

 

It requires premium for optimum performance. You could run 87 or 89, but at a decreased performance from the regular premium.

And you're probably looking at 21MPG on a good day in the highway, 16 in the city.

 

I'm on my phone right now... kinda PITA to type... I will definitely chime in wen I get to a pc... but really quick... 06's and up had some improvements... grill changed slightly... improvements in the interior...

 

no no no, getting rid of her '02 accord coupe

 

Ahh, good to know. At the time we were told it was 92 or higher only. The thing I've noticed with cars that recommend 92 but can take 87 or 89 is that using the lower gas makes them run like shit and you lose a lot on the MPG side.

When we had the gas shortages here in Charlotte I had to put 87 in my FJ which highly recommends premium... and my MPG went from 21-22 to 14-16. So once premium was available again I went right back to it.

 

We xshopped the FX35 prior to getting our Murano and felt that the FX was a bit more sport oriented than the Mo....which is cool sometimes. What did not work well was the fact that the FX's backseat clearly more snug than the Murano, which has plenty of legroom.

Performancewise, the runs I had against the FX35 (while driving our Murano) usually ended in a stalemate.

And what gatrhumpy posted with regard to the FX35 is similar for the Murano: about 18/22 city/hwy has been our experience over 42 months. (Sadly, we just lease returned our Murano a little over week ago and in our opinion, it was the be car we've ever owned. Once the lease is up on the sloth -- our 07 AV6 -- we're likely to pull the trigger on an 09 Murano LE AWD.)

 

hm, that's interesting. Usually when you switch from Premium to mid-grade or lower, you actually get better gas mileage because lower octane fuel doesn't burn as hot and is a little more efficient in that regard.

Like I said, we've been running 87 in our Fx35 since August and we have had zero problems with it while getting 17.5 mpg mixed and around 21-22 hwy.

 

the 3 months I spent in the murano blew my mind. The car was just incredibly practical and well layed out........just ugly as sin.

 

my GTO runs like ASS on anything but 91


My CL ran like ass on anything but 87

 

Looks are subjective. But honestly, I don't find it any uglier than the rear end on my old 02 Maxima or the front end on my 07 AV6....both of which are

As I did with my Accord/Maxima, you just have to ask yourself if all of the other good attributes can overcome your distaste for its looks. That said, it sounds like you could easily live with owning one without much regret.

 

the practicality definately would outweigh my thoughts on the looks.


I had originally planned on getting her a TrailBlazer SS but after reading reviews and forums on the actual cars have decided against it.

 

Murano was based of the Altima chassis. FX is based off the 350Z chassis.

I test drove a used FX45 a few years ago, it really left me unimpressed. I was turned off to the car after that.

The Murano I happen to love.

 

heh, I actually like the 1st gen Muranos. I had one for about 3 months same as you and put over 10k on it that time. Lots of X country driving for a TV I was working on. Took through mountain twisties, back country, highway, everything. The other part of our group had one, too. We had some fun in the mountains with each other.

The newest Murano is slowly growing on me...still a little :busted: but not nearly as much as the reject design for the new FX...so fucking abismal.

Anyway...the Murano is way more practical space wise. The FX is probably more sporty in the long run and carries the luxury badge.

 

I always thought my friend's FX had such a small trunk space. The only thing that I like about the FX is that it sounds great with HKS exhausts...

 

The Murano's CVT rocks.

 

I think the FX35 rocks!

 

Had an '03, great car. I'd rather be driving the '06+ models though, the interior is a bit nicer. Can't compare it to the Murano though. Both ride very different. If you want comfort, go with a Murano, but if you want to enjoy the drive, get the FX.

 

GOOD!

that's all I wanted to say

 

apparently people who don't actually on an FX have more to say...

Scott... you're obviously attracted to this car for a reason... the design of the FX isn't for everybody... and FWIW... I'm glad!!! If it wasn't aesthetically pleasing to your eyes, you wouldn't be considering it... so don't let anyone convince you otherwise... As for performance goes... go test drive one and tell me what you think... most people are NOT disappointed... then again... don't compare it to a GTO either... If you're still interested... let me know... I'll chime in at that point... but you may not like it afterall... so

fyi... the 03's and early 04's (like mine) had a stiffer suspension... so if you test drive an 03... expect that... (and perhaps an earlier 04)

 

I just picked up an 05 sport last month and love it but like the others have said, I wish I bought an 06 with the updated dash. Make sure you get the sport (20s, black chrome grill/headlights, clear tails, silver roof rails) and tech (navi, intelli key, backup cam).

I seem to get better mileage with 87 and it runs great averaging about 19-20 with mixed driving. The only problems I have had are the brakes squeak like hell in the morning backing up but I have been told this is pretty common and the top of the window trim faded big time but the dealer fixed it under warranty.

I do wish it had a bit more rear cargo room but if it did I probably wouldnt like the rear design as much. I also have had complaints from my girl friend and mom that it rides too stiff. Mom has an RX which rides like you are driving a fluffy cloud and the gf has a prius so they dont appreciate the sporty feel like I do. That being said I have put about 4k on it since I bought it and like the stiff feeling.

Good luck and be sure to check out the brick interior like I have

 

i love this car so much...

 

I just sold a 03 fx35 AWD with 39,500 miles for $16,000
It had Everything excpt navi and back-up camera

 

how much rear space do you have w/ the rear seats put down?

 

For Comparision:

Luggage Capacity:
FX35: 27.5 cu. ft.
RX350: 40 cu. ft.
09 Murano: 31.6 cu. ft.

Maximum Cargo Capacity:
FX35: 60.5 cu. ft.
RX350: 80.3 cu. ft.
09 Murano: 64 cu. ft.

I guess I didn't realize it was THAT small, although wifey, dog and I have never had a problem hauling all of our stuff for a 4-day weekend.

 

anyone put a baby seat in the back of an FX? I've been reading that it can be difficult

 

It might be challenging because of the roofline and the narrow rear doors but I would think that if you put it in long ways and then rotate into position you should be ok.

You're not going to be able to just shove it in there like it would be belted in.

 

I've read a few reviews saying they are hard to get belted in, that the mounting points are in odd spots, etc

 

I did it once... it didn't seem all that difficult... but the one thing I LOVE is that the doors... especially the back ones... hinge waaaaaaaaay out... like almost 90 degrees...