[CCTX]

Hello everyone,

This site has been such a great help and a major factor in deciding to go with QX60 over MDX and Enclave. I plan to buy in 1-2 weeks and have some questions that I would greatly appreciate your help with (i.e. I know some of these were partially addressed in other threads I read and learned a lot eliminating some of the questions, yet I still need some advice):

1) I do not usually wait for the new year's model but I assume we are getting really close to the announcement of the 2015 QX60, I am debating if it may be a good idea to wait for the announcement then get a 2014 assuming it may help with pricing.

2) Background: I live in "hot" and "flat" south TX with AC on 100% of the time:

a) Just FYI: After reading about the AC factor with the Hybrid version of QX60, I will go non-Hybrid.
b) Now for AWD vs. FWD: I currently have a FWD SUV and never had an AWD. Given how this car will be used, I probably do not need the AWD functionality (only to the beach; yes in TX you can park your car right at the water). However, it seems AWD is safer, is this true? If so, I will go AWD. Any advice on ride comfort of AWD vs. FWD?

3) Now for the options; Premium, Premium Plus, and Driver Assistance for sure. Now, we really like to have the back moonroof and power lift for third row on the Deluxe Touring but I am concerned with 20” wheels given ride comfort is big on our list; in addition to replacement cost…etc.

a) Will 18” provide a better ride?
b) Do you think the dealer would be willing to replace he 20” with 18” and provide some extras to compensate?
c) I was planning on getting the Technology package but I am not sure if the LDP is even a good idea or worth $900 extra, thoughts?

4) I have been reading on CVT issues, any manufacture date I should be aware of?

Thank you so much in advance.

 

[mattreading22]

Hello everyone,

This site has been such a great help and a major factor in deciding to go with QX60 over MDX and Enclave. I plan to buy in 1-2 weeks and have some questions that I would greatly appreciate your help with (i.e. I know some of these were partially addressed in other threads I read and learned a lot eliminating some of the questions, yet I still need some advice):

1) I do not usually wait for the new year's model but I assume we are getting really close to the announcement of the 2015 QX60, I am debating if it may be a good idea to wait for the announcement then get a 2014 assuming it may help with pricing.

2) Background: I live in "hot" and "flat" south TX with AC on 100% of the time:

a) Just FYI: After reading about the AC factor with the Hybrid version of QX60, I will go non-Hybrid.
b) Now for AWD vs. FWD: I currently have a FWD SUV and never had an AWD. Given how this car will be used, I probably do not need the AWD functionality (only to the beach; yes in TX you can park your car right at the water). However, it seems AWD is safer, is this true? If so, I will go AWD. Any advice on ride comfort of AWD vs. FWD?

3) Now for the options; Premium, Premium Plus, and Driver Assistance for sure. Now, we really like to have the back moonroof and power lift for third row on the Deluxe Touring but I am concerned with 20” wheels given ride comfort is big on our list; in addition to replacement cost…etc.

a) Will 18” provide a better ride?
b) Do you think the dealer would be willing to replace he 20” with 18” and provide some extras to compensate?
c) I was planning on getting the Technology package but I am not sure if the LDP is even a good idea or worth $900 extra, thoughts?

4) I have been reading on CVT issues, any manufacture date I should be aware of?

Thank you so much in advance.

1. We have not heard of when the 2015's will be out, or if they will have any changes. This info should be available very soon.

2. There is not much difference in ride comfort between the two. The RWD will get a little bit better gas mileage, and will be a little cheaper. The AWD will actually stay in FWD 95% of the time for you, so keep that in mind as well.

3. Keep in mind that you cannot get one with drivers assistant and Deluxe Touring. You would have to do Deluxe Touring with Technology if you decide to go the Deluxe route and still have those safety features. The safety features are all personal preference. I have some clients that love LDP, but I also have some that turn it completely off. Also, the 18" wheels will ride a little bit smoother due to have a higher profile tire.

4. The CVT issues have been fixed when they moved from the belt driven tranny to the chain driven one. This change was in late 2013's for the JX35, and is on all of the QX60's.

Hope this info helps, and let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[CCTX]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply:

I can delay my purchase for 2-3 weeks hoping 2015 announcement will be out by then.

1) AWD: I am not sure if I need it then. I was under the impression it provides better safety for sharp turns, rain...etc. FYI, my wife will be driving this mostly in the city with occasional 2-3 hr trips. Would you go for it in this case?

2) I will go for Prem/Prem Plus/Maple/Driver packages then, thank you!!

3) My wife wants the Java interior which does not seem to be easily available. How long will factory ordering approximately take now?

 

[mattreading22]

1. The AWD is purely personal preference. It will be safer in heavy rain, and if you do ever end up going on the beach. I personally would get it because the delta in pricing is not a significant amount when talking about a $50,000 vehicle.

3. The Java interior is definitely the rarest. If you decide to order it, you will have to do it at the beginning of the month when the dealership is ordering vehicles. You also will be waiting about 90 days to get it shipped to you after it is built. Try and see if there are any around your area, and the dealership will always do a dealer trade if it is a make or break kind of deal.

 

[EricM]

1. We have not heard of when the 2015's will be out, or if they will have any changes. This info should be available very soon. ...

4. The CVT issues have been fixed when they moved from the belt driven tranny to the chain driven one. This change was in late 2013's for the JX35, and is on all of the QX60's.

Is the pre-order info near to be available? The pre-order information for the 2015 Buick Enclave was available almost 3 months ago and you could build one on their site the start of June.


In regards to the CVT issue, don't you have that backwards? It's some of the late 2013's and the 2014 QX60's that have had the CVT issues; just check this discussion forum along with the one for the JX35. I really wonder what Infiniti is doing to correct this (not for individual owners, but to ensure it doesn't occur in the 2015s).

 

[mattreading22]

Correct, we order the 2015's three months ahead of time (takes about 90 days to get here). The pre order info should be out any time now.

For the CVT, a lot of the issues were with the late 2013's, and early 2014's (ones being built in 2013 still) with the "shutter problem" due to the first gen chain driven transmission (sorry for the confusion). I believe the second gen one they are currently putting in has addressed these issues. As for the 2015's, I would assume they would try to eliminate as many recalls as possible (just like any other brand), but I don't know if we will know anything until they come out. My guess is that is what their main focus is on because the model is so new anyways, so they will not be changing many features, if any at all.

 

[BobOB]

Here is my 2 cents worth. I'm one of the first owners of the JX. I ordered it fully loaded. The only thing we really don't use much is the entertainment DVD system but I'm glad we have it when we take long trips with passengers in the back seat, or when at the cell phone parking lot at the airport waiting for a delayed flight.

I use all the "electronic nannies" all the time and have gotten spoiled by them. Last year on an 8,000 mile cross country trip I found the lane departure warning and intervention system to be a life saver. It helped me keep in my lane during a driving rain storm going through the planes states. When 18 wheelers would pass me at 75 mph, it really helped me maintain my lane. The adaptive cruise control is one of my favorite features. It will spoil you since you don't have to constantly adjust your speed in traffic. It will keep you at a safe distance. I think the rain sensor wipers were better on my 2001 Mercedes ML, but I do appreciate them. The back-up collision intervention is a great feature and has saved me from hitting vehicles or pedestrians.

I am a big fan of the Infiniti Connection and Personal Assistant. I use it frequently. To me its worth continuing the subscription after the free period has expired. Others may not agree. If you travel its worth it.

We do get snow on occasion and have used the snow mode and AWD. I'm satisfied with the AWD, but wouldn't take the car to a place where a serious 4 x 4 would go. Snow mode is a control to keep you from over accelerating when the road conditions are slippery. I like the sport mode and use manual shift frequently on back and windy roads.

Where I'm really spoiled is with the comfort of the ride and all the little extras that you won't see on a loaded Nissan Pathfinder. The fit and finish is very nice. Probably could be better, but its better than I expected. The control layout and steering wheel controls are very well designed and placed so its easy to access them while driving. Some of the less frequently used switches are on the left lower side of the dash and can be a bit more challenging to reach when driving, but certainly not a deal breaker.

The all around view monitoring works well and makes it easy to park in tight places. What I like most is that small things like the top view showing your front wheels turning in real time, and the markers really help you see the exact position when the cameras are active.

My wife complains about the rear seats. I like them, but her issue is when she is sitting in the second row, if the person sitting in the front seat has their seat in the full bottom position, it can be tight for a person with big feet sitting back there. I always have my seat in the full up position, and if someone is sitting behind me, they can stick there feet under the seat, giving them additional room. With small passengers, the seats are great. I'm 6'1" am totally comfortable back there.

If the hybrid was available when the car first came out, I would not purchase it. Smaller engine, and from what I'm reading, they aren't getting that much better fuel economy.

I'm at 28,000 trouble free miles. All recalls have been minor and have been taken care of by Infiniti. My 20" tires are still looking great with lots of tread and I feel the ride is very comfortable. I drove one with 18" wheels and didn't notice a difference. The bigger issue is with 20" wheels, you aren't supposed to put chains on. I finally found a pair that fit, but will only put them on when absolutely necessary. The State Patrol can fine you heavily if you aren't carrying them when chain requirements at the passes are on and you don't have a set with you.

Last but not least, the automatic front braking system is pretty nice in heavy traffic. It works very well and when changing lanes in traffic, it can help prevent you from rear ending the car in front of you when you turn your head to check your blind spot and the guy in front of you stops suddenly. I have to be very careful driving my other vehicles now because I'm very used to it.

My wife usually doesn't drive the JX much claiming, "its not my car", but when given the choice of the 2014 Rogue (very nice car) and the JX, she will go for the JX.

I know there are a few members that have had issues with their cars and aren't happy, but I've found that after owning 9 Nissan products over the years, I've never had an issue, and I've been very pleased with Nissan and Infiniti service centers. You may have to stay on them, but usually, they will take care of you.

We have two real good sales representatives on this forum that I'm aware of. One moderates with me and others chirp in when they see something of interest. I really appreciate their feedback since they work for very reputable dealerships and know their products well. When it comes time for me to replace the JX and I go with an other Infiniti, I'll be looking them up and hope they are still working their dealerships.

Best wishes and good luck. If you have other inquires and haven't seen a current thread, please try to search for it, and if you can't find it here or on the InfinitiJXForum.com, post it and we will get you an answer.

 

[CCTX]

Thank you for the detailed response; much appreciated.

I hear about the CVT issue but do not really know the exact symptoms. Is it possible for me to check on that while test driving?

Is the manufacture date of the car printed on the sticker or some where on the car? I hope buying now would limit the possibility of the car being manufactured before the fix (i.e. is there a full-proof fix yet?)

 

[CCTX]

Thank you for the detailed response; much appreciated.

I hear about the CVT issue but do not really know the exact symptoms. Is it possible for me to check on that while test driving?

Is the manufacture date of the car printed on the sticker or some where on the car? I hope buying now would limit the possibility of the car being manufactured before the fix (i.e. is there a full-proof fix yet?)

The car I am considering has a manufacturing date of April 2014, would this be good enough?

 

[mattreading22]

Yes, you should have no problem with the CVT on a vehicle that was built a few months ago. You can probably actually have them make sure it is the newer CVT if you have the techs look at it.

 

[CCTX]

Yes, you should have no problem with the CVT on a vehicle that was built a few months ago. You can probably actually have them make sure it is the newer CVT if you have the techs look at it.

Great. Thank you!

 

[mattreading22]

No problem.

 

[mahtx2]

I'm somewhat confused. I purchased a new 2014 QX60 AWD in December 2013, and it was manufactured in September 2013. There is conflicting information as to which CVT is causing the jutter problems. I think I may be in the gray area where changes were being made to correct the issue. I really have not had any problems except once when I first bought it. I experienced something I might call a jutter at a slow speed. I just remember when it happened it felt similiar to running over a row of a few reflectors like they have between lanes on the highway. I have not felt it since, and have 6500 miles on my QX. One of the forums said you could tell if you have the new CVT, or second generation, by putting it in manual mode and seeing if you have 7 gears. This is the actual quote: "If you have 6 manual ranges, you have the first generation transmission, which tows 3,500 lbs., if you have 7, you have the Xtronic CVT". So I checked that today, and I only have 6. However, the 2014 QX60 Brochure, copyright date 2013 I picked up at the dealership at the time of purchase, says the towing capacity of the 2014 QX60 3.5 is 3500 lbs. and for the QX60 3.5 AWD is 5000 lbs. Mine is AWD. I'm also confused whether it is the belt driven or chain driven CVT that has had problems, and which one of these is the Xtronic CVT. I did purchase Infiniti's 100,000 mi./7 years, no deductible ext. warranty. Should I be concerned at this point? I plan on keeping this vehicle for many years, and would love someone's professional opinion who has the details on the different CVT's.

 

[charlie]

Awd

how can you tell if you have a qx60 with AWD, does the car tell you
in any way there are not symbols or light on the dash

 

[mahtx2]

how can you tell if you have a qx60 with AWD, does the car tell you
in any way there are not symbols or light on the dash

I don't know of any way to find out by lights or symbols on the dash. I just posted this answer to your question on another one of the threads: "It's noted in the VIN number, and it is on the new car window sticker. I made a copy of my window sticker and put it in the glove compartment in the event I ever have to have it towed. But I did even one better than that, I went to Amazon and ordered a small stick-on metal plate that says AWD, and applied it on the back under the QX60 letters. I tried to order one from the dealership but they didn't have one that they thought would look right. They are the ones that suggested I look on Amazon's website."

 

[BobOB]

I see plenty of styles on E-Bay also. Do you mind posting a picture of the metal plate, AKA badge?

 

[mahtx2]

I see plenty of styles on E-Bay also. Do you mind posting a picture of the metal plate, AKA badge?

Here is a link to the one I purchased from Amazon: Amazon.com: Chrome/Black Metal Awd Engine Race Motor Swap Emblem Badge For Trunk Hood Door: Automotive

 

[jjgreek]

Here is the AWD I purchased for my car

 

[mahtx2]

Was able to get a pic to show the one I purchased from Amazon.