Need help buying a used FX45 out of state

A

austinanonymous

Member
Location
Austin, TX
Hey everyone. I'm new here but trust me when I say I have the same passion for the FX35/45 that I know you all do. As you can see I live in Austin, TX. I've searched the entire state for a low mileage FX45 but there aren't any. After expanding my search I've found a few that I think I'd be extremely happy with but they're all well out of state.

I know it's asking a lot seeing as no one knows me here but I was hoping that someone knowledgeable in the area would be kind enough to make a trip out and take a look for me before I fly out. Buying it unseen is out of the question and flying out there without knowing its condition is still a huge gamble. You would really be doing me an enormous favor.

Some things I would look out for include how it starts up cold, how it idles, how the engine sounds, loss of power when driving, shifts through the gears cleanly and quickly. I'm also concerned about esthetics so dents, scratches and chips in the paint, big or small. Basically it needs to be in excellent condition. If someone can let me know the condition of these I would feel much more confident about spending the time and money to make a trip out there.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are the one's I'm interested in. They are all available as of this posting.

1) 2006 Brown FX45 at CarMax in Buena Park, CA

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let me say thanks in advance to anyone who volunteers. And if anyone knows of one for sale in their area that is in excellent condition please let me know.
 
Last edited:
Long time iS member and trusted car guy Da Mayor (Kenny) has a low mileage 2008 FX45 for sale here in the NYC area. He has helped quite a few members find Infinitis and other cars over the years.

Here is his email if you want to get in touch with him: autovisionny@gmail.com
-2008 Infiniti FX45 23k miles fully loaded $22,000
Click to expand...

 
I may be in the Buena Park area this coming weekend. Should have time to go take a peek. Will let you know.
 
The one in LA is at 18020 Hawthorne Boulevard Torrance, CA 90504

---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 AM ----------

Thanks. I'll contact him.
 
ill try the torrance one since im heading that direction the next few days. fwiw, few of my friend bought cars from carmax and were happy with their rides.
 
I bought mine used from an older lady, who was the first owner and had every single service done at Infiniti. I am talking about oil changes every 3K miles, major services done at 30K, 60K, 90K, all recalls taken care of, etc. She had all the invoices, and I was able to verify the services through Carmax and Infiniti of Bethesda. Couldn't have been happier. Engine drives like it's practically brand new.

I will keep an eye out for you where I live locally! What's your budget?
 
aiya said:
Long time iS member and trusted car guy Da Mayor (Kenny) has a low mileage 2008 FX45 for sale here in the NYC area. He has helped quite a few members find Infinitis and other cars over the years.

Here is his email if you want to get in touch with him
Click to expand...

Hey Aiya, I've been talking with Kenny over email. Seems like a good guy. Do you know anyone else that has bought from him? I'd like to get their opinions. He said he needs to sell by this weekend but I can't make it out there that quickly so I've asked him to take it to a local Infiniti dealership for a buyer's inspection.

---------- Post added at 01:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------
Exotich said:
I bought mine used from an older lady, who was the first owner and had every single service done at Infiniti. I am talking about oil changes every 3K miles, major services done at 30K, 60K, 90K, all recalls taken care of, etc. She had all the invoices, and I was able to verify the services through Carmax and Infiniti of Bethesda. Couldn't have been happier. Engine drives like it's practically brand new.

I will keep an eye out for you where I live locally! What's your budget?
Click to expand...

That's fantastic. I'm hoping I can be that lucky. The one in Wilson, NC is like that. It's been a nightmare trying to track these down. They're all so far away from me. I'm trying to keep my budget in the low 20s.
 
Every time I go to Carmax to kick tires, the sales guys are over-anxious to tell me how they are willing to ship cars in from other Carmax locations for free. You're not required to buy, but you should be pretty serious of course. That's a pretty good deal if another member can give you good confidence and and you get free delivery risk free.
 
I called my local CarMax and they want to charge me almost $600 per vehicle to have them transferred from CA to TX. And he told me it's non-refundable if I choose not to buy and it's also not deducted from the price of the car if I do buy. Not a terrible option for someone in my position but I'm certainly going to keep my options open before going that route. I do like their 5 day money back guarantee though.
 
That's good to know. I'll keep that in mind if it comes to that. Thanks.

---------- Post added at 06:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:48 PM ----------

Updated the list. The one in NC sold and I changed my mind about the one in WA.
 
short write up. fx45 not available anymore. i bought it. j/k :smile (2):

Just got back from carmax Torrance and here’s my feedback. Note that I am not mechanically inclined, used to own an 03 fx35 (I did not tell the rep, so he explained everything about the car well) and kept it in the best condition I can, and detailed my ride as a hobby. I sold it to the first person who saw it as “very good condition” though him and anyone else saw my car as “pristine” and “like new.” Also, I was in a slight rush to avoid traffic heading back. Lastly I drive a 94hp monster scion iq :rotfl:. Ill do my best to describe my findings and let you decide.

Let me start with how I sell my project cars, the bad stuff first:

-This is the main one if any. Looks like the rear bumper is reconditioned. I first noticed a little unevenness between the bumper panel and the adjacent panel, not visible but I can feel with my fingers. Then I started checking the entire section and found what looks like bubbling or maybe filler “bumps” on the corner/fold where the inner corner of the hatch rests. This is on the area near and below the aluminum hatch guard and not seen when the hatch is closed. I looked at the other panels and did not find any other indication of other body work.

-There are some peeled clear bra on the hatch and I cant tell if there is scratch on the paint. The bra needs to be removed and replaced.
-Fine swirls on the paint, can be corrected by polishing
-Very light key marks, below pass side mirror, noticeable up close
-Typical fingernail marks below the door handles, will need scratch remover and/or polishing
-2 door dings on driver side, one on each door, once touched up may only visible via reflection
-Little chip on around the gas cover

Now the good side:

-the rep has to jump start the car at first, but starts after our test drive.
-driving went smoothly, steers tight as expected, idles good, accelerates better than my former fx, stops ok. There were a lot of traffic so I cannot floor the car as much as I wanted. it felt like a well maintained ride.
-the headlights have clear vinyl and looks like my old smoked vinyl. If done by the same guys at stickercity, It will come off cleanly like new.
-ventus as tires and oem wheels look great, did noticed noticed much when I walked around. Lots of tread left
-the interior just needs detailing and I will consider it near like new. No rips on the leather, some marks that can be easily cleaned. The rear bench was detached for some reason, but I did not see anything underneath to be concerned about, and we were able to snap it back in place.
-everything seems to work. I played around with the seat adjustments, the stereo, ac and more, though theres too many of them. You do have 30 days in case something need fixing.
-there is a cargo cover but the soft rolling vinyl is detached from the base. Looks like a simple fix.
-spare tire and tools, emergency case, manual case are all there.

Overall, I think the car is above average on what to expect to see out on the market given its limited availability. Scale of 1 to 10, 7 for me mainly because of the bumper. History on autocheck indicated 2 owners and no accident, maybe check carfax. This could simply mean the owner damaged the bumper and decided to get it fixed without involving insurance.

I hope this helps. I have pics on most of the things I noticed, I can email or post it here later. I will also send the rep info in case you want to contact them. He held the car for up to 2 days so the listing may not be available. Reply or pm me if you need anything else. Good luck again on the shopping!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top