Need Help, Trying to decide between FX35 and 2007+Pilot

[HERACLES]

Hello all, I am in need of some advice! I have been researching both the Pilot and the FX35 (06 and up) and am having a hard time. I am planning on buying one of these slightly used..

So from what gathered, you cant find a Pilot that has BOTH Navigation and DVD... I contacted a dealer when I built one online to have it priced, they said I can order a new one that way but the DVD was extra.. I have searched the used car market and havent seen any pilots with both..

The 06 FX35 can be had used with dvd and NAV for about $34000.

I think the Honda Pilot would be a more senseable route- having a 3rd row seat capability, and just the overall high quality of the Honda..but I wonder if it would be too much of a pain to have a DVD installed in a Pilot that has factory Nav...

What do you guys think!?

Thanks

[dragoncoach]

You need to weigh your needs. Do you have kids or carry lots of stuff? The Pilot offers a lot more carrying capacity and utility, and gets better mileage.The FX is faster, a niceer interior, handles better, and is a gas hog. My buddy has one but he doesn't have any kids. A comparison of size is how golf bags fit...sounds strange, but he can barely fit his clubs and push cart into the back. The Pilot swallows my bag and cart EASILY. The Pilot is also quite a bit wider. You can always buy a Pilot and add an aftermarket DVD. Most good shops can sell and install an aftermarket unit which will out perform an OEM one for less money. The main concern should be how much space you need or how many seats you will need. Ever consider a used MDX? Some came with both DVD and NAVI.

[rlapid]

it is possible to add DVD to a pilot with factory NAV, but it might have to be aftermarket... i've never seen anyone add the factory DVD system to a pilot equipped with the factory NAV. also, you'll have to look at installation of the DVD system. i'm not a car entertainment professional, so i'd probably have a shop put it in for me. don't forget, the FX35 takes premium fuel, so although the pilot and FX35 might have similar epa ratings, you'll be paying more at the pump with the infiniti.

[colorider]

Originally posted by HERACLES
I think the Honda Pilot would be a more senseable route- having a 3rd row seat capability, and just the overall high quality of the Honda..but I wonder if it would be too much of a pain to have a DVD installed in a Pilot that has factory Nav...

Welcome to HP.org!!!!

Have you considered just the opposite: Buy a used Pilot with the RES (DVD) and simply go with an after-market portable NAV (GPS)?

[N_Jay]

Style vs. substance

It's an age old battle!

[bosby]

Originally posted by rlapid don't forget, the FX35 takes premium fuel, so although the pilot and FX35 might have similar epa ratings, you'll be paying more at the pump with the infiniti. [/B]

The 3.5L V6 can take regular fuel. It's the 4.5L V8 that requires premium.

I have both the FX and the Pilot right now and each one does fit very different needs. The FX is sporty, low-slung, and a beast. The Pilot is roomy, comfortable and easy to drive. Ask yourself what needs you have and test drive both to see how you like them.

Either way, they are both great vehicles to own and drive. Check out infinitifx.org for all you need to know about the FX.

[HERACLES]

Originally posted by bosby
The 3.5L V6 can take regular fuel. It's the 4.5L V8 that requires premium.

I have both the FX and the Pilot right now and each one does fit very different needs. The FX is sporty, low-slung, and a beast. The Pilot is roomy, comfortable and easy to drive. Ask yourself what needs you have and test drive both to see how you like them.

Either way, they are both great vehicles to own and drive. Check out infinitifx.org for all you need to know about the FX.

Bosby, you are where I want to be..lol.. I would eventually love to have the FX35 for myself, and my wife to have the Pilot..

We have a 1 yo girl. We currently own a 2001 GC limited. Its nice, leather, etc.. but I want something with a dvd for her, and I reall want my next vehicle to have Nav.

I guess the MPG and the space of the GC limited is comparable to the FX35 wouldnt you all say?

The Pilot has the Room, and one of the best factory Navigation systems available...

Colorider, thank you! I hope this will be my new home..
I wouldnt want to have a portable "plug in my window" type of nav. I know they are way better than the factory nav units, but Id like to have it built in my next vehicle...So if I buy a Pilot, I would just get one with Nav and have a dvd installed.

I dont know guys, I was always into performance cars...The FX35 sounds like the perfect blend of crossover with performance...But I really thinkt he Pilot is the better overall SUV.

I better go test drive them both with my wife...lol..

[truck11]

I HAVE BOTH the Pilot (07) and an FX-35 (05).

Two very different vehicles.
Fun to drive, sporty, better handling, nicer interior, more 'gadgets', push button start (Option), shiftable tranny, and just overall cooler - get the FX-35.

Minivan space and ride, bland interior, 3 rows of seats, taller, more sway and plowing, soft ride, lots of interior storage and just blaaaahhhh.... then get the Pilot.

NOT saying eiter one is perfect or either is crap - just very different.
FX requires mid grade fuel where the Pilot only requires low grade.

Wife drives the Pilot and hates my FX. I drive the FX.
the car seat does fit in the FX if you ever need one to!

I might not re-purchase the Pilot unless they make some nice changes to the handling and interior. The FX is getting a face lift for '09, but the interior is the same since '06 (I have an '05) and I would buy it again - either an 08 or maybe an 09 (have not seen the 09 in person yet)

Both have strong power and tow the same amount. Trunk space is much much better in the Pilot though.

how do you drive - sporty (spirited) and actaully drive the car - then get the FX. If you need the space and need a minivan but would not be caught dead in one(what my wife said), then get the Pilot.

Good luck with your choices - both are great vehicles from great companies.

[bosby]

I also have a young daughter (seven months) and let me tell you, the cargo space in the FX is REALLY limited. I barely have room in the back with the stroller (Maclaren Triumph) to fit groceries or other items. Our Maxi Cosi car seat, currently in rear facing mode, fits behind the passenger seat but takes away a lot of leg room from the front. Once we turn it around to forward facing it shouldn't be a big deal.

The factory NAV for the FX is a little lacking but gets the job done. You are right about the Honda NAV being the best in the business.

However, I am hooked on the engine and exhaust sound from the FX and can't imagine ever giving that vehicle up. It's a guilty pleasure that I must have and put up with the lack of cargo space for the sake of owning her. The Pilot was the smart choice.

[truck11]

Bosby - are you on the fx.org?

Once you turn the car seat around there is plenty of room for front seat passenger again. My son is now 20 months old and smiles and giggles when he rides in the FX - "VVVVooomm voom ..... VVVVoom voom" he shouts with a big grin on his face as I accelerate out of a light!
Exhaust note - you will become a radar listening for other FX's (my wife hates me for it)

Again - both are great cars but very different.

[colorider]

Moved from General to Comparisons.

[jhk214]

I guess my question goes along this line.

Currently I have a 2006 Pilot EX-L w/ NAV and I am considering trading it in with a 06' or newer used FX 35. I am really hooked by the FXs exhaust note and I enjoy driving friends' sport sedans so I am thinking it might be a good idea to trade it in for the FX (I would have to pay up around 4 grand to get similar mileage & specs). And most importantly, I won't be looking at trading in/buying used/new cars for at least 7 years (so this decision matters a lot..to me, at least).

I am a college student but am considering moving out to an apartment next year so I am not so worried about having to move loads of things back and forth home (University of Virginia; about 2 hour drive from Northern Virginia where I reside).

What do you guys think? Sorry if this is a repetitive question but I believe it is a bit different since I don't have to worry about carrying golf clubs or strollers in the cargo (yet).

Thanks!

[donx]

If you want performance and spirited diving, go with the FX35, you won't regret. I used to push my Pilot hard, and soon realized its limit.

[jhk214]

Thanks Donx for the fast reply.

I guess my question is, is the FX as reliable as the Pilot? Since I'll be driving this car for a long time, I want to make sure that it runs well in the long run.