Infiniti FX or VW Touareg ???

1669 Views 22 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Kooter, Dec 13, 2003

Dosserj

Discussion Starter · Dec 5, 2003

I am probably going to be getting rid of the cougar soon and I have been looking at the Infiniti FX35 or 45 and the VW Touareg. Since they are both new models, has anybody heard of any major problems or recalls on either? Also, what are you guys' opinions on either? Thanks.

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

FastCougar

· #2 · Dec 5, 2003

The Toureg hands down. Of course, I actually take my 4x4 offroading. If you could care less about your truck getting dirty, get the FX45 ... it's geared more fro the street, whereas the VW is definitely geared towards offroading with a civilized road manner.

sonza68

· #3 · Dec 5, 2003

If I had to choosebetween those 2, I'd go for the Touareg as well. Like Trevor, I'd want to take it off road every now an then, and I just don't see the FX45 being any good off road.

scottina99

· #4 · Dec 5, 2003

FX45...you own a Cougar now....so I highly doubt you will be offroading...especially in a vehicle that expensive!

G

· #5 · Dec 5, 2003

Hands down VW Touareg:bowdown:

spacedog73

· #6 · Dec 6, 2003

Have you considered the Nissan Murano?
If I had the money and was looking for an SUV, I would probably go with that.

But.. back to your choices.
between the two, definitely the Touareg.

bzcat

· #7 · Dec 6, 2003

I would think if anyone is buying a big AWD or 4WD SUV like FX or Touareg that he or she would:

1) need to drive off road
2) need extra cargo room and have occasional off road trips
3) need to tow something big and need the passenger room

Given that of these 2 vehicle, only the Touareg can do all 3, the choice is clear. it's rather pathetic that Nissan calls the FX a SUV but it can't do any of the SUV-type things.

If you want a FX but does not have the above 3 reasons to buy one, perhaps what you want is not a big 4WD SUV after all. Try a sport wagon or small FWD SUV like Escape V6 or Forester XT.

Red2KCougar

· #8 · Dec 9, 2003

FX45 hands down, no competition. I would never go offroad in my 50k SUV, thats just craziness.. If i'm gonna go offroad im gonna get a 95 jeep and put mud tires on it.

Highfloydelity

· #9 · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by: Red2KCougar
FX45 hands down, no competition. I would never go offroad in my 50k SUV, thats just craziness.. If i'm gonna go offroad im gonna get a 95 jeep and put mud tires on it.

That 50k is the low end price for a Toureg. They go up to at least 70k. And i agree if im gonna spend that kinda cash on a car, i dont want to f- it up going off road.

bzcat

· #10 · Dec 9, 2003

if you are never going off road then you don't need a 4WD SUV. You need a E500, S6 or 540i station wagon. And the Touareg doesn't cost $70k. fully loaded V8 model is about $55000 - the same price you would pay for similarly equipped FX45 or Lexus GX470. The smarter buy would be Lincoln Aviator. It is about $10000 cheaper then all these other station wagon on stilts.

FastCougar

· #11 · Dec 9, 2003

VW pricing structure starts at $41,315 and fully loaded, all options (except 19" rims with summer tires) goes for $52,065 MSRP ... Invoice is $46,999, so plenty of room to bargain. Technically, this truck has A LOT to offer in the way of 4x4. Locking differentials, ride height adjustment, etc. ... definitely the best 4x4 on the market and the interior is nice and comfy.

Dosserj

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 9, 2003

I would like the option of going off road now and then and I agree that the FX will not perform off road. I have gone to look at both and I was blown away at the cool stuff offered on the Touareg. However I have not driven either but I know the FX is faster and car-like. I was not too impressed with the interior of the FX, but the exterior is very stylish to me. I was very impressed with the interior and exterior of the Touareg. The adjustable ride height is a neat option but it limits the option of getting bigger tires for off road performance. I am going to agree with most and go with the Touareg as soon as I get my funds in order.

Red2KCougar

· #13 · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by: bzcat
if you are never going off road then you don't need a 4WD SUV. You need a E500, S6 or 540i station wagon. And the Touareg doesn't cost $70k. fully loaded V8 model is about $55000 - the same price you would pay for similarly equipped FX45 or Lexus GX470. The smarter buy would be Lincoln Aviator. It is about $10000 cheaper then all these other station wagon on stilts.

Did he ask if I wanted an aviator? no... out of those 2 SUV's the FX wins my vote.

coyotefreek

· #14 · Dec 10, 2003

When it comes to SUVs I know my stuff. I have driven them all and spent much time comparing them. Here is the order for the top suvs:
1.Cadillac SRX
2.Infiniti FX
3.Touareg
4.MDX
I have no idea why the Cadillac was over looked and not even mentioned. It is THE suv for 2004. The Infiniti is an close second and the Touareg a close third. They all offer their uniqueness and all have something different to offer. The Touareg has its off roading capabilities but thats about it. The Touareg dosent sloutch in any area but the Infiniti and Cadillac are better for the most part. The Infiniti and Caddy are more high class then the Touareg, their designs are sculpted over the Touareg's rugged desing. The Infiniti and caddy offer more versatility on the interior. Infiniti is rated the number 1 automotive company. The Caddy wins mainly because it is a Caddy and comes stocked like a Caddy. This means the designs are pleasing to the eye, easy to use, and offers excellent handling and power not to mention the northstar engine. The northstar is by far one of the best engines in the industry, offering several features the others don't. The caddy is competivly priced with the others. I highly suggest the Cady or Infiniti, but make sure to still try the Touareg for comparison. Go see the Cadillac I guarintee you will love it.

Look at the attached pics, how can you look at them and not go out and buy it. BTW the glass roof you see in the pics is an option. It is a Giant sun roof that opens over the first two rows and darkens at the touch of a button. You can also get the optional solid glass over the third row seat. BTW as far as off roading the Caddy isnt that bad, its not as good as the Touareg but still acceptable for the occasional off roading, it also offers the suspension control height you liked on the Touareg.

Now to answer your question, there are no reliability problems with any of the ones mentioned above and you shouldent expect any. If I had to chose a most reliable I would have to say the MDX and Infiniti are top with the Cadillac and Touareg second.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, you will never find a more informed person.

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tropiccougar01

· #15 · Dec 10, 2003

What about the Mitsu Montero or Montero Sport. Both very roomy SUVs with avaliable 4x4 and luxurious interiors avaliable. And you wont blow you wadd (of cash) on them either.

FastCougar

· #16 · Dec 10, 2003

The SRX is a jacked up car ... it a very good choice for an SUV is you truely believe in taking it off road.

coyotefreek

· #17 · Dec 10, 2003

Originally posted by: FastCougar
The SRX is a jacked up car ... it a very good choice for an SUV is you truely believe in taking it off road.

I am assuming by jacked up you mean that it has a high ride height wich is true but it still drives smoother than the Touareg. Im telling you that is the car you will buy, I guarintee you will love it as I have. Go see the Cadillac!

The Mitsu Montero or Montero Sport are cheeper suvs, im assuming thats why they were never brought up. If you wanted something in that lower price range another on top of your list should be the Honda Pilot, based on the Acura MDX wich is an excelent suv (my dad has a 2002 mdx)

Ndru

· #18 · Dec 10, 2003

Has no one mentioned the Volvo? what's your opinion on those? I dont care for the cadilac styling, not that it matters ...but you have to admit that the europeans have better interiors...
I looked at all of these as well, If I had the money I'd get either the Volvo x90 or the Vw. Unfortunately they are still rather pricey, so My wife now wants a Morano....which I can not say I am crazy about , but it will suit out purpose.

bzcat

· #19 · Dec 10, 2003

SRX would be my choice if it wasn't all jacked up on stilts. It would have been a very worthy competitor to MB E500 and Audi S6 or Allroad wagon.

coyotefreek

· #20 · Dec 11, 2003

Im still staying firm on the SRX.

As for the Volvo XC90, I have done a very through examination of it, including a long drive test including emergency manovering and high speed braking. As for the results it fared very well, but looses mainly because of build quality. Expect more problems with it. The Cady and Infinity offer just as good of handeling.

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