Looking at a '05 Infiniti FX-45

[Da Tire Roller]

This is my first post in here and its because this is my first car in a while. 

I currently drive a 98 Honda CR-V.....dont laugh.  jk.  Its been a great car for reliability at 270,000km and I have been sole owner.  But lately its been causing me some money (Rack, CVs, Hubs, Radiator, Belts, etc) and its running fine again and smoother in the steering.  But I think it is time to move on.  I had an 99 Infiniti G20 during that time too and it was a great car for reliability and it was amazing in the accident I wrote it off in 2007. 

Now, I am going to go see a 2005 FX45 @ 100,158km tomorrow at the dealer for $28,888.  I did stop by it on my way home after work, did a walk around to see if it was worth it exterior wise with marks.  It was fully tinted,  chrome 20" rims, had the rock protectant film on the front of the hood and the black paint appeared to be flawless (although it is Edmonton and Im sure there is a rock chip somewhere). 

I know that the 20" rims could pose a problem for Winter Tires.  Which I will be getting, as my CRV had them all 10 yrs and it was awesome in the snow and ice.  I am willing to go find some aftermarket or FX35 rims to slap some winters on.  I read the review on this website and it appeared to be favored for a used purchase, especially the first years (2005).  But letting me be aware of some quirks. 

But I am wondering what you have to say about it; who have owned it or currently have one. 

Thank you

[dash]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2007/11/29/used-vehicle-review-infiniti-fx-2003-2007.htm

I'm sure there are many other websites you can search for reviews. Those FX's are thirsty especially compared 4cyl CRV
You will get no disagreement here on the importance of winters tires, I wouldn’t be surprised you can go down to a 18” rim tire combo that will match original circumference, just got make sure rim can clear brake calipers.

[Da Tire Roller]

yeah i have read that review and it was a great one.  I am not minding the thirsty tank on the FX.  I ahve done the math compared to my CRV and its not too bad, but I am in Alberta, so Premium is as much as Regular in B.C.  (from originally).  I test drove it today and really loved the feel, the car felt like a glove and I was not uncomfortable driving it.  It was great handling, beastly, but quiet.

  I am currently looking at 2 of them, both 2005 and both same trim, just different exterior colors.  One thos has 57,000km and the other 100,000km on it.  I drove the 100,000km one and it was pretty much mint outside of some chips and a mark on the ceiling (probably from moving stuff). 

Anyone else like to share anything if they have experienced owning one? 

Thank you.

[rrocket]

I've never owned one, but have driven one and thought it was pretty awesome for an SUV and pretty darn sporty.  I LOVE the Infiniti V8.  It rode a wee bit rough with the 20s, but since the truck is sporty in nature it wasn't entirely unexpected.  And yes...these things drink the fuel!  Moreso than you'd expect.  I've read tests where they've average about 15L/100km for the year.  That's pretty thirsty!!

Beyond that...I think they're cool.  If I HAD to own an SUV, this would be the one I think...

[initial_D]

I would get ab FX in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, we need a bit more cargo space then it would provided.

Fueling it up every week take$ a bit $$ to u$ed to.

[gta_driver]

Infiniti's are great cars, I currently have one that I drive in the summers. The only drawback is service(although Infiniti dealer customer service is still great) and the dealer only parts are quite pricey.

I frequent a rather large Infiniti forum and the only complaints I see are:

(1.)Rough Ride
(2.)poor fuel economy
(3.)On some 2003-2005, the Jatco RE5R05A Automatic 5 speed transmission failed prematurely. In most cases Nissan provided a new transmission as long as the owner could prove it was serviced at the proper interval.
(5.)The sparkplugs are to be serviced at 200k km but often start going bad at the 150k km mark causing rough idle, engine vibration and starting issues. Replacement sparkplugs are $20/each.