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Infiniti QX56

784 messages,  Last post on Jul 18, 2012 at 4:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? Infiniti QX56, Nissan, SUV

Messages Page 48 of 80

#462 of 784 QX56 vs Escalade vs Navigator vs Denali by smmiller

Mar 20, 2005 (5:48 pm)

We were recently in the market for a full size Luxury UTE. We evaluated the Navigator, the Escalade, the QX56, and the Yukon Denali.
 
We really liked the QX56 -- but I have to be honest -- the horror stories on this board kept us away. We loved the space inside the vehicle -- 2nd row space is incredible. The fold down rear seats, the silky smooth power, great ride. There were a few things we did not like at all -- the door handles are the cheesiest things on the planet. They just didn't communicate "quality" in any sense. If a basic detail like that is so bad -- the things we read on this board are very easy to believe. the location of the digital clock & compass is bizarre. the clock is so cheezy it looks like a 1960's retro clock! The Nav system with the toggle was a real pain in the arse to use. Even with all of those little things we didn't like the rest of the vehicle is far ahead and this vehicle has promise if Infiniti can clean these up and deliver reliability. We will take a strong at these again next time we're in the market.
 
We also looked at the Navigator. The 2005 is a fine vehicle. The only thing I really disliked was the stupid door that opens and closes over the Nav system/radio. What's up with that? I also found the ride to be too soft for me. I want to feel some contact with the road under me and there just wasn't any with the Navigator. The power rear seats and lift gate were sort of cool -- but completely useless for me because we'll never use the 3rd row seats and I'm tall enough that raising/lowering the lift gate is not an issue. Pricing on the Navigator is extremely soft! Dealers were all offering $10-$12k off MSRP in their newspaper ads! Resale value down the road was a real concern.
 
We never expected to give the Yukon and the Escalade much of a look. We decided we would give them a shot. The base Yukon wasn't interesting at all. The Denali was clearly a big step up. The biggest downside for us is that the 3rd row seats don't fold down -- so we would have to take them out and store them somewhere. These are not moving either and the dealer was frank in telling us that we would get a great deal. A Chevy dealer down the street was advertising brand new Tahoes at 25% off MSRP!
 
We then went and drove the Escalade. We were quite surprised. It had the most comfortable front seats of all! With enough adjustment settings that it was easy to find just the perfect settings for me. When you're over 6 feet-- that can be a challenge in a lot of vehicles. The ride was clearly superior to the Denali and the Escalade was noticeably quieter than the Denali and somewhat quieter than the Infiniti. We had been driving a Trailblazer and found the similarities comforting. We were used to how the controls worked and they were located where we expected them to be. The touch screen Nav system is easy to use too.
 
In our final rankings of the Vehicles we ended up with (this is highly personal and subjective) the following:
 
Cadillac Escalade
Infinity QX56
Lincoln Navigator
GMC Yukon Denali
 
We also looked at Consumer Reports. The Cadillac isn't covered but it's based on the same platform as the Yukon/Tahoe which is a CR best buy and recent model years are scoring very very well. We felt very comfortable with the quality of the Cadillac. The extra year or 14k of Warranty is also a nice extra over the Denali.
 
The Infiniti's quality reputation was a deal killer for us. If we hadn't read this board we probably never would have test driven the Escalade or Navigator. Our initial impression was that high!
 
In the end we (as you probably guessed) moved up from the Trailblazer to the Escalade. We absolutely love it. We got ours with the big 20" wheels & tires -- which look great and makes the vehicle ride higher. The downside of the big tires is extra road noise when we drive on some of the heavily rutted freeways. Moving over and driving in the passing lane generally cures that problem.
 
Our recommendation is to drive all 4 of these vehicles -- none is far superior to any of the others. Your choice will likely come down to subjective personal criteria and quality reputation. If you're sensitive to price the Denali is a great value right now. Otherwise I think it's a race between the Escalade and the Navigator until Infiniti cleans up its act. The QX56 has a lot of promise.

#463 of 784 Re: The Brakes from HELL [wendybe] by qx blues

Mar 21, 2005 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: wendybe (Mar 14, 2005 12:53 pm)
I, too had the brakes from hell. After 4 months, I had the brake pads replaced, then 2 more times by mid February. After the 3rd replacement, I almost wrecked due to the rotors needing replacement. After arbitration decided they wanted to "stick to the warranty", I got rid of that vehicle. Won't have to worry about their poor customer service anymore! Good luck!

#464 of 784 Happy with the QX56 by kenr

Mar 24, 2005 (2:46 pm)

We've had the QX56 since late October. Almost five full months, just over 5000 miles. Absolutely no problems. Just got the first oil change. We really love the vehicle. It was built in September, so I wonder if some of the quality issues described above were ironed out.

#465 of 784 Re: Happy with the QX56 [kenr] by qx56

Mar 25, 2005 (9:09 pm)

Replying to: kenr (Mar 24, 2005 2:46 pm)
I'm with ya kenr! Mine was built in Feb. 04 and has had minimal problems. I had the overhead console stiffener intalled for the monitor vibration. Outside of that, it has been a pleasure driving everyday for the last year. 10k on mine with some 6ooo lb. boat towing.

#466 of 784 Re: Happy with the QX56 [qx56] by peteydog

Mar 26, 2005 (11:07 pm)

Replying to: qx56 (Mar 25, 2005 9:09 pm)
my qx was also build in 9/04. 7k miles and not a lick of problems. Not sure why the tremendous amount of lemons? I drive it hard and just love the darn vehicle. Think it's the best value and I love the room, automatic tailgate, nav system, power, torque...bla bla bla. I love this thing, sorry to all those having probs, mine has been flawless!
Peteydog

#467 of 784 Re: The Brakes from HELL [qx blues] by debbies

Mar 29, 2005 (5:44 pm)

Replying to: qx blues (Mar 21, 2005 2:00 pm)
I ALSO HAD MY BRAKES COMPLETELY DONE BY 5000 MILES TWICE. IT HAS ALSO BEEN IN FOR BACK UP SENSORS 4 TIMES HAD TO BE CHANGED AND NEW SENSORS PUT IN. LAST BUT NOT LEAST MY STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE. HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND INFINITI WILL NOT DO A THING ABOUT IT.

#468 of 784 Re: Worst Mistake of My Life, the QX56 [akers] by akers

Mar 29, 2005 (8:29 pm)

Replying to: akers (Mar 19, 2005 11:18 pm)
UPDATE
 
On the way to work Monday the navigation system went out, it had the black screen with the Infiniti logo and a "DISC ERROR" message across the bottom. It was dead all through Monday and Tuesday and mysteriously started working again this morning (Wednesday).
 
I have become the victim of so many jokes at work that it is pitiful. This thing cost 15-20 thousand more than any of my co-workers cars yet mine is the one in the shop all the time.

#469 of 784 Re: The Brakes from HELL [debbies] by tidester

Mar 29, 2005 (10:27 pm)

Replying to: debbies (Mar 29, 2005 5:44 pm)
Hi, Deb!
 
I recommend turning off your caps lock as people tend to ignore messages containing all caps. Sparse and well placed emphasis will attract attention in an appealing manner.
 
tidester, host

#470 of 784 RE: QX vs NAV vs Caddy vs Denali by mricha02

Apr 05, 2005 (6:53 pm)

My wife and I just got a new QX56 yesterday. We traded in an 03 NAV that gave us nothing but problems. To list they were: alternator went out at 11K power seat went out, rear a/c went out, door ajar message (which they never fixed), vehicle stuck in park(all electrical and mechanical for the shifter replaced) reverse sensing system went out...twice, power mirrors went out...3 times, driveshaft seal went out, driver and passenger windows had to be replaced, power window motor went out and the brakes went out and rotors had to be replaced. All before 40K miles. So I had my share of problems with the NAV.
 
We drove all 4 vehicles and initially the QX wasn't on the list. Wife shot down the Denali because it looked too much like a Yukon/Tahoe for the price. We both shot down the Escalade because we felt the price was too high for the features you get. Already had a Navigator and there was NO WAY we were getting another Ford product. The Toyotas and Lexus are underpowered, smaller and in my opinion overpriced. We were just about to settle for an 05 Tahoe(with nav system) when we passed by the infiniti dealer. We were both impressed with the features of the QX vs the price. MSRP on an 05 Yukon with sunroof, nav and autoride suspension was 48,300. MSRP on an 05 QX with sunroof (nav is standard) was 50K. Seemed like a no brainer to us. The QX has reverse parking system with camera, auto liftgate DVD nav AND 6 disc changer. All the GM stuff made you give up the 6 disc for the DVD. Combine that with a 4/60K warranty instead of 4/60 (we drive ALOT) and it was worth the gamble despite the reported problems I' read about. It can't be any worse that what we had with the 03 NAV. Which by the way has a HORRIBLE resale value part of which is due to them being sold at 10K below MSRP. I'll keep everyone posted on any problems.

#471 of 784 RE: QX vs NAV vs Caddy vs Denali [mricha02] by qx56

Apr 05, 2005 (7:33 pm)

Replying to: mricha02 (Apr 05, 2005 6:53 pm)
Best of luck to ya! Been driving mine for a year now and wouldn't trade for anything (and I looked at them all at the Jacob Javits NY car show last week) and yes, that includes the Land Rovers.
Enjoy!!!

Messages Page 48 of 80

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