my mom is trying to decide between the Lexus RX350 and the Infiniti FX35, but it looks like we are leaning toward the FX35 a bit more. We got a final price of $4,3600 where the MSRP is 46,050 and 44,335 as what others are paying according to edmunds.com. Do you guys think we can get them to go lower? or is the price good enough? And some feedbacks on which of the two is a better choice would be great.

 

I think they're both quite expensive for the amount of car that you get. I dont know too much about them but the view seems to be terrible in the FX. Im sure you've taken both of them for a test drive, so you have already taken that into consideration. As for the RX, it has been pretty much the same over the past, no drastic changes.

 

My parents have a 400h, and I've spent time driving it. I've also test driven a FX45.

I must say I was in love with the FX...then I drove it, and I wasn't so much. I was very disappointed in this vehicle. And no, the view from it is fine.

The bigger engine in the RX will definately help it, I still like the power and smoothness of the 400h better, but I dont think you can wrong. A loaded RX is tits.

 

My friends parents actually just traded their FX in for an RX. They HATED their FX becaue they said that it handled terribly, had several electrical gremlins, and they said that the rims made it feel off balance (never heard that one before...)

They got their RX and absoltuely love it. They said that they will never return to Infiniti because of all the problems they had with the FX.

My vote is for the RX. You can't go wrong with Lexus.

 

fx looks better.

 

I'll give you my take from what I've asked people who have the RX400H.
This couple likes the Lexus. HOWEVER they trade cars like every 4-5 years. a Battery on these hybirds last about 7-8 years. it cost 3-4 grand to replace them.(that includes installing and everything). so If you get the car new and only gonna own it for 4 or 5 years it's fine but if you're like me who runs a car until it's dead they can forget the hybird. Now the "regular RX" i'd recommend. I know gas prices are really high now. but until car makers "fine tune" these hybirds where batteries don't puke out every 7-8 years and it cost an arm and leg to replace I don't think people will really take to them. yes people are buying them now but they'll either get rid of them before the battery craps out or when it does crap out they'll fix them and sell them. so I think around 2013 you'll see a lot of these hybirds for sale because the damn battery was so much to replace.

 

FX35. Much more fun then an RX and it handles better.

 

thanks for the feedback guys, and it looks likes my parents are going with the FX. So the question now is will I be able to get them to go lowers than $4,3600? This here is for a 06 AWD with technology package, touring package, hand-free thing, and cross bars. Any negotiating advices/tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Drive a RX400h...its no slouch and has an upgraded suspension.


As for the battery...its covered by lexus for 10 years. So, if it does konk out after 7-8 years it replaced at no cost to you.

 

I actually did not like the RX350 at first, I thought it was too much of a moms car. But now, I think they look clean and will last for a long time and have a very nice interior. And some colors make the car look really good.

As far as the FX goes, it sure is a looker, and the exhaust is pretty sweet. I'm not big on the interior, but if I had a choice I'd go with the FX because it exudes class.


You gotta wonder what a Lexus competitor to the FX would be like?

 

now on getting a deal:
#1. time is you're friend. Don't go into a dealership and flat out say I'm buying today. car salesmen LOVE that because they got you because that tells them you don't want to wait for a deal. If you get up and leave the dealership(even if you can't agree on a price) they have to sell so many cars per month so even if you're off by a grand or 2 they might call you and say " look i'm slow now i'll take your offer if you'll come with the check and pick up the new ride."
#2. don't let them dick you around. When I got my 02 Tundra 4x4 I went to a dealership on a Saturday in Ft. Wayne. I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted. so we got to the dealership around 8-9 o clock in the morning. We didn't end up leaving until about lunch time. it wasn't because we were "hashing over" prices. they gave me 900 excuses:
#1. the manager wasn't coming in till 10:00 (so i had to wait an hour to allow me to test drive)
#2. they lost my keys to the truck i was going to trade in.
#3. they had to run a credit check(even though I told them I probably wasn't going to buy today).
bottom line: I didn't buy from them not only because they didn't have the right body style of truck i was looking for but also they pissed me off because they didn't respect my time.
#4. Work dealers against one another.
I did this with the Tundra. I said "okay Ft Wayne Toyota can do this price(it was a business card with the model,engine,and body style and price) can you atleast match it or beat it. " If they really want you as a customer or want to move that model they'll do that. If not then walk out. their lost.
remember that when you go into the dealership you are basically "voting" with your wallet. If they screw you over and won't deal say "the hell with you guys" and leave. no one said you HAVE TO buy a car or truck from them.

 

for a mom...

i say RX 350...

FX is more of a sporty ride imo~

 

Mother's can't enjoy a sportier ride?

 

it sounds like you've already made up your mind, but my brother just got a '05 RX 330 in navy blue/beige. It is a very nice SUV and ride nicely. It is tuned a bit too much to the soft side for me but very sweet. His (and mine) only issue is the interior choices- all are pretty light and will show dirt/mud/etc very easily.
Good luck with your purchase...

 

Prior to settling on the Murano, I wanted an FX and the wife preferred the RX (330 at the time). Had the RX350 been available at the time, I would have gone with the RX as well. The only thing the RX330 lacked was power....the RX350 seems to have remedied that.

Sarlacc's post regarding the RX400h is right on the mark. It is a BLAST to drive!!! Too bad its markup is prohibitive with respect to our budget.

 

Mark up as in its more expensive cost compared ot the RX33/50? Or mark up as in dealer mark up?

Because if you say dealer mark up, report them to Lexus. Lexus does not allow dealers to mark up their inventory.

 

RX350 is better for a mom.

 

Not dealer, rather Lexus MSRP "markup"-- as in its $9k premium over the RX330 (~$49k).

 

Seriously...even though I am pro RX....what kind of comments are these.

 

Opinionated.

Older women seem to identify w/ Lexus over Infiniti.

 

I seem to recall a mag article (a few years ago) that something like 60% of Lexus buyers are women. I do not know if that figure is still accurate.