...and mounting our car seat has never been a problem for us with the Murano.


*probably not the best photo angle.

Now, putting this carseat in the Accord is a PITA.

 

Congrats.




I like the looks of the last gen (pre-redesign) Murano more than the FX. I've never driven either, but know of two people with the Murano who absolutely love it.

 

Not there yet....but the goalie has been pulled

 

I drove a 04 FX45 and loved it. It was on the stiff end but I'd have to say it was the most "exciting" SUV I've ever driven.....maybe except an 03 X5 4.6iS.

 

I've seen some used Cayennes in the high 20s...just sayin

 

I'm scared of those things.

Saw one 2 weeks ago, 04 with 54K for $19,990. Dirty carfax, I figured there was something up with that price.

 

not a chance in hell....I love the Cayenne, but not out of warranty.........

 

I'd be afraid of any German car out of warranty.

 

I'm with you, thought I'd toss it out there for some reactions.

 

I have 2 front facing seats in the back whenever I take the kids out in my FX. It takes me 2 minutes to install each of them using the seat belt method. I can install both of the seats to the point where it doesn't budge using considerable about of force. I think the guys that made a previous comment about car seats being difficult may be inexperienced in putting car seats in the FX or in general.....? The rear door swings wide open and give you plenty of access.

 

+1
I replaced my 2003 TL-s with my 06 FX35. FX was the only SUV that appealed to me and we just had our first kid right before we purchased it. I found the car aesthetically pleasing and performance was somewhat important to me. My wife wanted to purchase it instantly after she test drove one. You definitely won't be disappointed with performance and you gotta love the stock exhaust tone.

You should really look into buying a 06+ since you will get a better interior and added standard features.

 

Scott, there is a good amount of room with the seats down, it is just that the rear window is so curved that you have to stack things at a huge angle to close the hatch. We went to IKEA this weekend and picked up a few small thin boxes that should fit in the back but due to the window angle, we had to fold the seats down. I know my mom has an RX and that can hold a lot more but I still would take the FX any day

 

Those harsh angles kill room in so many hatchbacks/SUV. IMO, having a hatchback that can't even carry a few boxes unless the seats are down is useless...or shall I say, "impractical." What's the point of buying something that 'should' have more room and versatility if you can't use it unless you don't have any rear seat passengers and can fold the seats? It defeats one of the main reasons a lot of people consider SUVs and CUVs.

 

we've been able to manage with two coupes for 8 years...that said, my GTO holds basically no more then a set of golf clubs. Any additional space is going to be a HUGE advantage to us

That said, we are still looking at options, and have now thrown the RX into the mix along w/ a used Tahoe

 

If I knew Seattle were to have the type of winter it did, I think I'd be driving an FX35 instead of a M35.

IMO, it's a great balance of looks, performance and utility. And as someone mentioned earlier, the exhaust note is sweet. Make sure you get the sport package (a quick way to know is the aluminum roof rails instead of black ones).

 

The RX is a good alternative to the FX/Murano, with the benefit of added brand appeal. We've driven each version of the 2G RX; the RX330 is fairly weak on power but the nearly identical RX350 brings the performance goods as well as the 400h (which brings a heavier pricetag but respectable fuel economy).

Sidenote: Honestly, our Murano purchase was a compromise between the wife and I as she wanted the RX330 and I wanted and FX35.

 

I think if you enjoy the driving experience at all (and I know you do), the winner here is pretty clear - FX35 Sport. But, of course, I'm biased.

 

If you're car guy who's used to performance and sporty vehicles (and you are) you will not like the RX350 (not caring for the RX330). It's really well made and well-appointed, and the brand cache is undeniable, but it's truly a car made for girls and normal people.

If it's a car that your SO will mostly drive, then get it, cause she'll love it more than you will.

 

I have driven 1,000's of miles in both the FX and RX and the RX is perfect for my mom. The ride is super soft and comfy (you have to stay close to the rec speed for exit ramps because it feels like it will flip), the interior is much nicer then the FX with nice leather and wood including a really nice wood/leather wheel, more room usable room IMO and all around great car. Only thing is that it could use a bit more power like others have said and the ride is so so soft.

Oh, Infiniti service sucks. The dealers service centers all look gloomy, they charge for coffee in some, and the service ppl in general just suck. Acura is always so nice and have a great waiting room with coffee and muffins. Lexus does that same but a bit better and both give you loaner cars without charging a fee. Infiniti hates to give them it seems and they charge you 10 bucks for gas or something for ALL people, even if you have a brand new car. I would not expect to pay 60 plus for an FX50S and then have to pay for a loaner

Get test driving

 

Have you been to every single Infiniti dealer in the United States?

Making a blanket statement about service departments like that makes no sense at all. They are all different. From my experience Infiniti gives out loaners no problem and never makes you pay. They don't even care how many miles your put on the loaner car or how much gas is left in the car. I know, because I used to own a Q.

 

I've had excellent service at the dealership whenever I take it in. Free coffee and water bottles. I always get free loaners for longer services. They never say anything about gas. I brought it in empty and they didn't say a word to me (New G35 sedan). Only problem is that dealerships in general are really expensive.

 

that's funny, because I've been to Acura dealerships where they were just kinda "meh"... but I guess it must be the only ones in the whole country that you've never been to.... shit, I've been to Nissan dealerships better than some Acura dealerships... but you wouldn't know anything about that, would you? And I don't even know why that matters in deciding on a car?

I've NEVER had to pay for a loaner btw... they must have not like you

 

sorry, I have to apologize for my last comment, I was being an ass... I also read your reply wrong and thought you said Infiniti charged you for a loaner... so I was stfu now

 

Whoa, didnt know I was going to piss so many ppl off. I travel a lot for work and have been to a few dealers in the Carolinas, GA, and three in FL including palm beach where I live. My parents also had a Q a few years ago so we were at the Jersey dealer a lot and they were all pretty much the same. If you check your bill you ARE charged $10 for a loaner in gas/maintenance. I am looking at my service history of this car when the original owner bought it new and it reads "06 C Loan Fuel & Maintenance, 818" and it is 10 bucks. This means it is not just me

Chill out guys, i still love the car but IMO the service is not up to par

 

In general, dealer service can be hit or miss. Service at my home Nissan dealership is more than sub par, echoing the experience of many Nissan owners. However, I had a great service experience at Deland Nissan in Florida while down there on vacation.

 

Any update CLPower? I am eyeing some of the same vehicles and I'm having a very hard time making a decision...