kutscher

Which would you purchase if you were to replace your GS.
X5 4.4i
FX45
GX470

Please explain why, as I am having a difficult time trying to decide and then parting with my GS4.. : (
too much snow/ice here in the winter.

Or an A8 for an AWD alternative?

Thanks!@

D2-AUTOSPORT

I dont think I could go from something as fast as a GS4 to a GX! I also dont know if I could go from Japanese reliablity to a German vehicle, so I guess that leaves at the FX!! Dont know how resale on those will be though!

Or for an alternative, get a GX and turbocharge it!! LOL

doug_999

Rumor has it the 2003 FX45 had a terrible suspension. It was supposed to be fixed for 2004. That said, nothing beats the X5 for the fun to drive quotient (including the GS!).

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

well from my personal experience, i would say the X5. But see if you can find a 2003 4.6. They stopped producing that engine, but there are a few around with low miles. but if you need a new one, then yes, get the x5 and get the 20" wheel option. Nice. since i have only driven the x5 and neither of your other chioces, id say go with the x.

Gojirra99

If I were you FX45 would be an easy choice. It's faster & more fun to drive than a X5 4.4 (I' ve test driven both), and it rides like a sports car, but is not harsh(even the 03), my G35 coupe rides firmer. People who think its suspension is too firm expect it to ride like an average SUV, which it isn't. It's a well built , unique car inside & out. I don't know about resale value, but it cost less than a X5 to begin with.

.

kutscher

I agree with DGOT20s, that is my concerns. I love the GS in all aspects and going to german worries me. Then the next problems is the history of infiniti and extreme depreciation of other models. I have seen quotes of 11-15K depreciation ofn2003 FX45's. It then appears to slow down some. I would love to stay with Lexus, but I am spoiled with the performance of my GS and none of their SUV's are comparable. Such hard decisions.
Thanks

Aristor

The only way I would get a SUV is as a second car. I know that Winters are bad but if you get rid of the GS you'll loose all that speed and style in Spring , summer and Fall. Although sometimes is nice to roll in a SUV and they are pretty fast these days but I'll probably get sick driving everyday and not able to take corners the way the GS does.

doug_999

I would argue that the BMW and possibly the Infiniti can outhandle a stock GS. At least they probably have less body roll.

SexySC - all the reviews I have read about the 2003 FX45 indicate its suspension is rock hard. Since you have test driven them, I'm wondering if it is only with the 20" wheels?

Gojirra99

In Canada, the FX45 only comes with the 20" wheels. Yes the suspension is firm for the 03(I haven't driven the 04), but should be expected(at least for me)for a car that handles more like a sports sedan, but my guess is that most people expect a more supple ride for a car-based SUV. There has been extensive discussion on Infiniti forums on this topic, & I think whether one thinks whether the suspension is too hard depends on what you expect, and what type of cars one is used to driving.

kutscher

I wonder if the "stiff" suspension is that rough vs. most sports cars and even a GS or SC. Although these are quite smooth as stock rides. But suffering in the "softness" for handling is usually what one expects plus the 20" rims. Am I wrong?

So do most recommend the FX. For closeness to GS performance if the GS has to be sold. Negative is the depreciation factor and stiff ride if that can be considered?

To err on the other side, the GX is probably the most reliable etc.???? (questionable first year models?>)

Thanks

I wonder what RXKen has to say, as he traded in his RX for the FX. Is he still active on the board?

doug_999

Car & Driver even thought the suspension was too hard. One of the drivers asked "Where is the suspension adjustment" even though he knew none existed. This was in a sports ute comparo - so I'm thinking it is a very firm ride compared to others in its class. But then again, I have not driven one.

Rumor has it the GX has its share of new car issues. Some have called it the first unreliable Lexus. Probably a little harsh IMHO. I would suspect that the GX has the most body lean as it is based on a truck platform whereas the FX and X5 are both based on car platforms.

I would go drive the 2004 FX vs. the X5 4.4 (which has 300 hp now if I'm not mistaken) and then decide from there. I don't think you can go wrong with either SUV.

kutscher

I need to schedule a trip to where they have these dealers close to one another so I can drive them all right after one another.. Not here in SD.
I still have a hard time leaving lexus. There is that worry .. what have I done after selling the GS>

KVA

I would stay away from the Lexus SUVs (except the RX)...I only hear bad things (service history) from a friend of mine who is a Lexus dealer. If you are thinking a Lexus, go with the RX330 AWD version. Same size as the FX and probably the X5 (and thinking about it, the GX is not that roomy inside)

The FX45 is fast (315HP) and can out perform most cars...it also comes with a bunch of standard equip that is optional on the X5. Also, Infiniti service was rated #1, beating Lexus for the first time in many years. I don't think you can go wrong with this one...just buy a used one and save on the depreciation factor...there is also a FX35 (280HP) that runs on the same engine as the Z and G35. Unfortunately this is an acquired taste kind of car that needs to grow on you...new looks and styling.

The X5 has long been slated as the best in class...the fun factor with this auto is high and with the right package can out perform most cars...the only problem has been service issues (German reliability)...and there are a lot of these on the road (at least where I live)...the FX is pretty rare.

Good luck!

gman400

find a used 2001-2002 ML 55 amg. Parents got one and its fun

jcramair1

I would personally go with the GX. Have you thought about the LX470? Excellent deals on new and pre-owned LXs