How hard is it?

K

KrautoParts

Member
Location
Upstate New York
To work on your own FX?
Reason I'm asking is because when I bought my first Audi I was faced with a decision of having an empty wallet after repairs or learn how to DIY. Well Im on the 2nd Audi now and everything that has been wrong with it was repaired by me and my friends.
Now I am thinking about ether selling the S4 and buying a 04-06 Gen 1 FX35 or keeping the S4 and still buying a FX35. I would like to know about maintenance on these cars and how hard is it to do your own work? I've never owned a SUV before so I wouldn't know the first thing about the PROS and CONS of owning it. What are some things that I would be able to do my self and what are some things that would be easier to take to the shop and pay someone to do it? My wife and I dont have a house at the moment but within next few years we are going to be buying a house and I will make sure that I have my own garage lift for the car/s.
 
The only thing i do to my fx is change oil and wash/clean it. You'll be amazed at how low maintenance it is (compared to Audi). As far as mods, it's really how mechanically you're inclined. If you've done the mods on your Audi youself then it'll be a piece of cake.
 
Its a pretty friendly car... not slammed to the ground so plenty of clearance with minimal jacking. 1st gen is straight forward... now if you got a 2g FX50 with the high-tech-adaptive-crazy-thingy suspension then it may a be a little tougher?

Bought the FX with no DIY experience whatsoever. Was able to learn the typical maintenance work (oil changes, etc), and some modding (engine, suspension, etc) with the great DIY guides on this site :smile (2):
 
The best part of working on the FX are the DIYs and guides put up here by fellow members. I have been able to get my hands slightly dirty because of the great write ups and guidance from the gurus here.
 
Yes to all above. If you run into an issue (very rare), these guys are all over it to help out with the problem.
 
So what seems to be the most popular mod on these car? On my car its lowering and wheels. I don't see point of lowering a SUV since that would defeat the point of having one. If I remember correctly the FX35 comes with optional 20" wheels correct me if im wrong
 
Lowering the FX is a very popular mod. Most of us do it for the drastic improvement in handling and aesthetics. If you drive one enough in stock form, you will be amazed how well it handles. Driving it lowered fitted with braces it changes the whole dynamic of the FX and its even more a beast. Just ride it enough and you will forget you are in an SUV. Just yesterday a guy was looking at my FX and saw the dampening dials from my coilovers and was like, "OMG why would you need those and lower your FX? It's an SUV!" Obviously he has never driven one. You will understand it if you have one as a daily driver. The 20"s are part of the sport package.
 
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Ha ironically, lower is one of the most popular mod on the FX. Other mods are blackout headlights, grille, HID fog, braces, intakes, sport/clear taillights if comes with red ones, and of course wheels. 22" seem popular and looking good on the vehicle.
 
The FX is much more sport orientated than for off roading. Lowering will improve the already fantastic handling characteristics. Plus the improved aesthetics don't hurt either. =)
 
I guess that makes sense now. Lowering FX is not like lowering Jeep. I can tell now its going to be completely different animal for me. Here you guys talking about 22s where I am only used to 18s haha. I guess this is what I always secretly wanted in life is a well designed sporty SUV that has great performance while maintaining unforgettable look.
As far as power goes if im not mistaken the Gen 1 has something like 260-280hp and about the same TQ? How does that feel in 5000+lb vehicle? Coming from 3900lb 320hp 345tq car I would probably miss the wow factor of the acceleration? How much more could you squeeze out of this engine without putting blower on it?
 
While you definitely won't mistaken the FX for a full fledged sports car, the chassis and engine are well suited for what it is and you will definitely enjoy the ride. Infiniti managed to find the sweet spot between utility, sport and luxury with the FX for all of us owners here. Think about finding a used first gen 45 if you can and you'll be happy with the additional torque from the V8.
 
Really FX45 is better choice? I actually have a good chance to get one 03 FX45 pearl white with 103k for around 12k through a friends dealership that he works at. I just thought that being a V8 it would require more maintenance and would have higher repair cost and not to mention the MPG. That FX has EVERYTHING in the package. 20" wheels DVD player, reverse camera ETC... Is 4.5L really a better choice then 3.5L? Aside from the fact that its more HP and TQ why else would someone want that over 35?
 
Thats my 35 in front of the 45 - discuss amongst yourselves...

motivator8567263qt3.jpg
 
It's actually a tough decision. I have also had both the 35 and 45 and can honestly say that the 35 was more fun. The V6 always seems to be in its sweet spot around town and at legal highway speeds. The V8 is so torquey that driving around town and cruising is effortless. The few times I've gotten on it enough to be thrilling, I was either on a race track (Lime Rock) or not staying within the posted limits. =P

But when push comes to shove, having the 45 is just so nice! :smug:
 
Ok so what kind of juice are we making and what fruits are best to use?:tongue (2):
It already has a kick ass exhaust which they are known for. Im sure that AIR wont make much difference 5-10 (MAYBE). Chip maybe 15-20hp. Maybe bigger injectors etc...
 
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