2009 Infinti FX50: Missing Options?

Oh what a surprise, yet another blog taking a shot at Nissan/Infiniti. You guys are ridiculous....

I don't know.
I see the money spent on luxury cars is to buy luxury materials.
Like you buy a luxury house, or a luxury furniture. It's the leather they use, the number of panels there are, the hand stitching to make it all work, the comfort it provides.

Money can go to engine (Camaro, Prius), vehicle size (Tahoe), materials (328i), electronics (option packages).
When I'm looking at a luxury product, it's probably the design and material choice that money is going to.
I can get a large Ikea table for $50, or spent $8,000 to get a luxury table. It's the materials that I look at. I can get a house for $300,000, or get a house the same size but with luxury materials and much more comfy for $600,000.

Electronics are cheap. They're made in China.

That only furthers the argument Billt9. If Electric gizmos are so cheap, why not already have them standard in a car that is already 2x the price of a mainstream model?

...price gouging...thus the 14%+ profit automakers make off of luxury models, useful stuff as options and needless crap as standard!

then again...that the whole point of buying Luxury

These are japanese, not chinese electronics. Superior quality 100%.

did you tell your son that the Ford Focus with sync doesnt have a 5 liter V8 tower of power?

This trend has surprised me. My lowly Cobalt has automatic headlights. 90% of the cars I see on driving on the road after dark without headlights are Acuras or Infinitis. I think it is safe to assume most average drivers won't disable automatic headlights. If they do, they'll be the type to remember to turn them on again. So do all these cars not have the same convenience feature my $15,000 economy car has?

My Mazda3 has automatic headlights, but there's a separate "auto" position on the stalk for them, and I simply don't use that position. I, personally, hate automatic headlights, and find it amusing when I see cars stopped under a bridge at a traffic light, and all of their lights come on, then they all go off again when they get back into the sun. And then, when it's rainy and foggy, when those same cars don't have their lights on, because it's not dark enough, even though it's hard to see.

I always thought that automatic wipers should be linked to automatic headlights. You would think that even if the auto mode on the headlights is disabled, there would be a warning that the lights should be turned on. If the car is setting you up for speeding tickets, it should at least try to save you from a driving without headlights ticket. But, at the same time, I will say that anyone driving at night, even in a bright city, that does not realize their headlights are off is dangerous and should not be driving at that time, if ever. :)

I think purchasing a sports/luxury or luxury/sports vehicle is about more than available features and materials alone.

- The higher level of construction.
- Interior materials are better.
- Available features such as high end audio.
- Diverse/more powerful drivetrain availability.
- Higher performance.
- Dealer/service experience is usually better.
- Better/longer warranty
- Exotic materials used in various parts of the car.
- Higher level of research development.
- Image (for those insecure folks)

"My lowly Cobalt has automatic headlights. 90% of the cars I see on driving on the road after dark without headlights are Acura's or Infiniti's"

Stovt,I agree this feature should be standard on a lot of cars (especially the luxury type), however I think the problem stems from the type of gauges these cars have which are illuminated 100% of the time and the fact that people simply don't pay attention.

"What do you think, isn't it odd that a Ford or Chevy has better, more useful tech features at a much lower price?"

Brian, this isn't anything new as the domestics have always tried to attract consumers with a higher level of standard or available features at a lower price. However, that usually led (past tense) to the brands skimping out on more important areas like material/build quality. Thankfully that's changed however it does exist in some of their applications (Focus/Cobalt).

A great example of this would be the Chrysler Town & Country Limited vs a Honda Odyssey Touring. Fully loaded both are within spitting distance in terms of price yet the Chrysler has more features that are not available on the Odyssey. However, the Odyssey has proven to have better build/material quality/durability and its proven itself to be a better minivan overall. Regardless of country of origin, you shouldn't sacrifice quality, reliability or durability for more features as in the end the truth will surface.

In the Infiniti's defense (and I dislike this vehicle) I'm sure it has a lot of features Chevy and Ford don't offer.

Considering how technologically advanced Nissan claims to be, this is a bit of a disappointment.

I test drove the G way back when, and even though the navigation interface was very good, I found it somewhat overwhelming. For instance, the ability to change the Navigation Screen from daytime to nighttime- is it really necessary to have a button for that? I mean, it does look better in night mode, but can't it just change without me having to click a button?

In the end, I'm all for technology. I just hate it when it is superfluous, and has no meaning, other than to overwhelm you, and break.

BTW,The FX looks nice from that angle.

"I mean, it does look better in night mode, but can't it just change without me having to click a button?"

If you leave it on "auto" it changes to night mode when you turn on the headlights and back to day mode when the headlights are turned off ;)

PS: I REALLY DO NOT CARE, if my FX50s has a voice-activated ipod interface (infact the ones sold in the middle-east dont even have an ipod interface), because I bought the car for its looks, for its nice handling and that amazing crazy ass 390hp engine upfront :)

Another day, another bashing Nissan/Infiniti post.

Maybe this car needs to fall apart like your BMW's, then it will get some praise.

"I always thought that automatic wipers should be linked to automatic headlights."

While it does not have automatic wipers and I'm not sure about other Fords, the new Ford Fusion does link use of the wipers to the automatic headlights, so that if the wipers are on for a certain period of time or at a certain speed the headlights will also turn on.

Brian, great post!

Two things: first, how many high-tech features does this Infiniti have? Does it have, for instance, voice activated IPod input?

I don't think I'm alone in wanting to know, and in the future, you may want to include this information!

Second, have you finished loading this car with manure to see how much it can hold, because you never got back to me with this information!

I know I'm not alone in wanting to know!

"If you leave it on "auto" it changes to night mode when you turn on the headlights and back to day mode when the headlights are turned off ;)"

That drives me crazy. Why can't the "Auto" mode change the screen from day to night when the interior ambient light is low enough?? There are numerous occasions where my headlights need to be on but it's daytime.

Wow. This a ridiculous post. Enough said!

My '06 Impala 2LT came standard with automatic headlights, OnStar, and remote start. It did NOT, however, come standard with TPMS, traction control, or ABS. Stability control wasn't even offered on Impala in '06. I didn't necessarily want the TPMS, ABS, or traction control, but would have still purchased the car if they were standard equipment. I also could have purchased an LTZ or SS and had all the tech stuff.

Domestic automakers are kind of erratic in their offerings. Take the Dodge Charger as an example. It comes standard with traction control, ABS, and stability control. However, side airbags are a $600 option that is very difficult to find. Without the side airbags the car fails side impact crash tests. With side airbags it passes. Chrysler should simply put the side airbags on the car as standard equipment and raise the price $600. Not to mention all of the competing models have side airbags standard.

I wish more automakers worked like Honda. No factory "a la carte" options. Just trim levels that have the extras. LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L w/Nav, etc. I am not a Honda fan, but I like their pricing model. Makes it much easier than companies like Nissan where if you want a sunroof you have to also buy the premium sound package, or if you want HID's you have to get a $4,000 technology package. I love Nissan products, but hate their pricing model.

i like what ryster said. i have only experienced the purchasing decisions on two domestic makes; both seem a lot more complex than it needed to be. for example, the CTS does not come standard with what i consider relatively basic offerings for a car that supposedly competes with the 5-series -- xenons, leather, moonroof, and a few other things. Caddy wrapped them up in a few nice EXPENSIVE packages that only came in a certain weird combination. i feel that my G37x purchase was a lot simpler in comparison.

Acura was even more simple (some models didn't even have options), which goes along with what ryster said about the parent company.

regardless, Americans like certain features that are blatantly missing in premium European brands (BMW has crappy cup holders, minimal cubby holes, etc).

Priorities are different for people -- i got the G37x for its powertrain, not its gadgets (or lack thereof) or features. i got my Mazda6 for its reasonable handling and ride characteristics (for the price), therefore i didn't care that the Camry was quieter or bigger.

"This trend has surprised me. My lowly Cobalt has automatic headlights. 90% of the cars I see on driving on the road after dark without headlights are Acuras or Infinitis."

stovt001: Most Acuras and Infinitis should have auto headlights. The people you saw probably didn't have it on that setting. The reason why people don't turn on their headlights now is because electronic backlit gauges (gauges that are lit automatically). People just assume that because their gagues are lit that their headlights are on..but they're not. I guess that's one car tech that just made people dumber. Yes it's nice that your speedometer is lit all the time but doesn't mean that your headlights are on all the time.

And it's not Infiniti's fault for not having Sync. First off it's not Ford's Sync...it is MICROSOFT SYNC. Ford didn't design they simply made a great investment AND managed to monopolized it because they have an 18 MONTH EXCLUSIVE DEAL where Sync cannot be offered to any other auto manufacturers other than Ford. But once that 18 month is over (which is soon), I'm pretty sure there will be Sync in other brands. So Brian...now you know why no other car has Sync.

What we should really be complaining about is why leather is not standard in some BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. If the base price of a car is over 30K it should have leather STANDARD.

"I wish more automakers worked like Honda. No factory "a la carte" options. Just trim levels that have the extras. LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L w/Nav, etc."

Ryler, Honda uses this model trim/pricing structure to ensure and maintain a consistent high level of production efficiency. Although many don't like it, this method has proven itself since it introduction. However, this method isn't perfect as in order to get VSA equipped Fit, you have to get the Navi. In order to get bluetooth on the Accord you have to get the EX-L. VSA should be standard on all Hondas and bluetooth should be available on lower trim offerings.

"What we should really be complaining about is why leather is not standard in some BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. If the base price of a car is over 30K it should have leather STANDARD."

Jsc4321, I clearly see where you're coming from however given the high quality and durability of "synthetic leather" I really don't see this as an issue. Sure real leather is nice but the majority probably wouldn't notice or be able to tell the difference between the 2. Having "standard leather" doesn't mean all the leather surfaces in the car are leather as plenty of car companies luxury or mainstream use synthetic leather on various surfaces.

I think Cadillac uses vinyl on the dash of the CTS and there is nothing wrong with that as its executed very...very well. Most people would think it was leather if they weren't told it wasn't.

My list of stupid features:
- Rain sensing wipers (if its raining turn them on)
- City Safety (pay attention)
- Lane departure warning (pay attention)
- Self parking (if you need help parking you shouldn't have a drivers license)
- Fatigue warning system (get a good nights rest or simply pull over when you're feeling tired)
- Remote start (waste of gas and output of high pollutants is extended as the car isn't at operating temperature)

Some of these so called new safety technologies are simply stupid and assist the driver in not paying attention. That said, Id rather the manufacturers spend R&D money on technologies that would give me and my family a better chance of making it out of an accident if one occured.

Features that should be standard on all cars:
- Side/head/curtain/front airbags
- ABS
- VSA
- Traction control
- Pedestrian safety
- Safety compatibility (such as Honda's ACE)
- Mandatory percentage of high tensile steel used throughout body structure

State and/or federal governments should restructure licensing testing procedures similar to Europe's program as their program is educational, lengthy, expensive while giving the driver better knowledge and a higher level of understanding when it comes to safe driving techniques. We simply don't take driving seriously in the U.S. as our poor driving culture and lack of driver education validate that.

But there are features that the Infiniti has that Chevy and Ford don't. I can open my windows with the key fob before ever having to step foot in it or closing them with the key. I know in the M45 the temp, radio station, cd and cd track, can be all set by voice and one can dial with voice commands.

For the fit and finish of the Infiniti or Acura, I'll take it over a Ford any day. Went to the dealer since my dad wanted to go there since he got a letter from Ford and the salesmen kept asking if I'm trading in the car and I just laughed.

Every car has it's features that make it unique compared to others. Coworker has an S8 and was surprised to see that I could open my windows remotely. had the feature in Altimas as well. All it goes to show is that when you buy a car for yourself, make sure to really look at the competition before you go and buy whatever it is you were looking at or you make regret it down the line.

"I can open my windows with the key fob before ever having to step foot in it or closing them with the key."

2004 Honda Accord could do that ;)

"I think purchasing a sports/luxury or luxury/sports vehicle is about more than available features and materials alone.

- The higher level of construction.
- Interior materials are better.
- Available features such as high end audio.
- Diverse/more powerful drivetrain availability.
- Higher performance.
- Dealer/service experience is usually better.
- Better/longer warranty
- Exotic materials used in various parts of the car.
- Higher level of research development.
- Image (for those insecure folks)"

I cant believe people actually believe this stuff. Do you really think Toyota puts its "smart" people on Lexus vehicles and designs Toyota models to lower standards? Good build quality is pretty much standard across the board these days. Once you invest in the tooling to get exact tolerances it really doesn't cost you anything extra to have tight panel fits. MAterials are generally better in luxury cars but those materials probably cost less than $1000 more than whats offered in an econo car. Who said you get more power in a luxury car? The camaro has 304hp fpor $23k which is more standard hp that most entry level luxury cars have standard. iN fact, ONLY the G37 has more hp standard and that car starts at $33k or so. A hyundai Genesis coupe has 306hp for $25k. What you generally get with a luxury car is more prestige, a better warranty and a better dealer. What automakers get are fat profits.

I'll second those who don't think its a fair comparison. With the FX, you're paying for that big engine, big rims, and hideous styling. Those are all 'features' that the Focus doesn't have (except maybe the hideous styling). Its not really an apples to apples thing.

"But there are features that the Infiniti has that Chevy and Ford don't. I can open my windows with the key fob before ever having to step foot in it or closing them with the key. I know in the M45 the temp, radio station, cd and cd track, can be all set by voice and one can dial with voice commands. "

First of all voice activated nav is optional. Secondly VWs and Hondas have the window down feature. You dont need that if you have remote start anyway. To be honest, with the advent of steering wheel mounted contols for stereo and HVAC I dont see the point of voice prompts. Whether its Sync, Onstar, real life oil usage monitors, auto lights, auto wipers, RDS, XM radio, remote start or individual TPMS readouts there are numerous useful bits of tech that were available or prevalent on domestics before higher end import brands.

jsc43:

I dont understand why people who have auto lights would NOT leave them in the default setting. As Stov said I see various imports with their lights off at dusk constantly. I know auto lights are defeatable on most cars (they werent on older GM cars) but I dont get why they would be off. I know on many import models auto lights are only standard once you get to the mid level trim. Some Fords are like this as well.

ryster:

The Impala added quite a few features over the years and by 2008 MY ESC, TC and ABS were standard on all but base model. I wouldnt want Honda's model to be used industry wide. Choice is good for consumers and Honda basically tells you what feature combinations you can have. YOu often end up getting something you really didn't want or having to skip something you do want because you dont want to make the jump to the next higher trim.

"for example, the CTS does not come standard with what i consider relatively basic offerings for a car that supposedly competes with the 5-series -- xenons, leather, moonroof, and a few other things. Caddy wrapped them up in a few nice EXPENSIVE packages that only came in a certain weird combination. "

Xenons are not standard on 90% of luxury cars. Acura is the exception. The Enclave has standard HIDs and yet most BMWs do not. The CTS is no different. Cadilalc simply followed the German road map when it comes to lack of standard kit. GErman cars are absolutely ridiculous when it comes to available build combinations which makes them inefficient to build which is one reason they are so expensive. Cadillac offering pricey, extensive packages is no different from what Japanese brands do.

barich1 said:

"I, personally, hate automatic headlights, and find it amusing when I see cars stopped under a bridge at a traffic light, and all of their lights come on, then they all go off again when they get back into the sun. And then, when it's rainy and foggy, when those same cars don't have their lights on, because it's not dark enough, even though it's hard to see."

I agree, for these exact reasons.

1487 said:

"I dont understand why people who have auto lights would NOT leave them in the default setting. As Stov said I see various imports with their lights off at dusk constantly."

I prefer being able to control if/when my headlights are on. It may be a little extreme, but i'd simply rather not bake my headlight housings, fry my bulbs, and blind other drivers unnecessarily. I'm a huge proponent of DRL's for this reason. They operate at a much lower wattage, and effectively obviate the problem caused by inattentive drivers not turning their lights on when they should.

However, I wouldn't mind an auto-on function if i could disable it permanently. A relative's GMC truck required that I reset the position of the light switch to 'manual' every time i started the car. This is annoying.

I had rented a Dodge Avenger in Hawaii. It had a drink cooler above the glove box. I was like, that's cool. Then, I was sitting in H1 traffic for about 30 min and my back started to hurt. The chairs aren't very comfortable, I just thought to myself, this is why you're going out of business Chrysler...you put money into quirky things like a drink cooler and not developing/spending the money on comfier chairs (or a less clunky transmission, etc...) It would be nice to have extra options if the essentials are done fully and correctly.

1487

"Xenons are not standard on 90% of luxury cars."

I know all Infiniti's and I think Lexus' have HID's standard. Pretty much the Japanese companies that have a luxury brand.

langie:

You are totally incorrect. HIDs are NOT standard on most Lexus and Infiniti models.

1487:

The only Infiniti that doesn't have HID's standard is the EX35. You're right about Lexus (that's why I said I think, but I usually see them equipped with them).

I don't remember HIDs being standard on G35 when it was new but they certainly are now. Infiniti and Acura do compete on price moreso than cadillac and Lexus. Either way, most luxury vehicles lack HIDs as standard equipment. Acura/Infiniti are the exception, not the rule.