Had a nasty accident just before New Year's eve, and while my bodyshop guy thought my 2010 G37xS was salvageable, the insurance adjuster decided it was salvage. The G was hands down the best car I've ever had and I feel guilty that it died protecting my hide. Much as I loved to drive it I realized on reflection that I hadn't been as involved in other activities I like (biking, kayaking, etc) because it really wasn't designed to carry stuff. So I tried to find an affordable compromise that would give me some of the driving pleasure and luxury of the G, but at least enough utility to haul bikes, kayaks, and the occasional snowmobile. I tried out a bunch of vehicles: CR-V, RAV-4, Outback, Sportage SX, and of course, an EX. While I really liked the amenities, power and look of the SX they are in really short supply, and ultimately the only CUV/crossover I tried that could come close to the driving dynamics of the G is it's taller sibling, the EX. Signed a P&S for a 2011 leftover with premium and Deluxe Touring packages, but finalizing has been delayed by waiting for the insurance check. Hope to have the EX by midweek though.

 

Everytime you walk away unscathed from an accident is it a good day. I think you'll end up enjoying the EX even more considering the fact that you'll get some utility out of it. Good luck on closing the deal.

 

Be aware, that G sedan has much more space in the trunk and for the rear passengers than EX (and EX is shorter). Though EX has roof rails (but you can install aftermarket to G).

 

I like the look of the EX, but I noticed this too when I looked at it last year...I put a Yakima roof rack on my G sedan whenever I need to carry snowboards, kayaks, or bicycles.

 

+1 And I'll add that your G did exactly what it was designed to do: give up its useful life to protect yours.

 

+1000000

Glad you walked away from it! Honor your car and rebuild her even better than before! EX's are nice but I think it was already said that the trunk space is smaller than a G.

 

Glad to see you're okay, healthy, and well. That's the most important thing as others have noted.

Hope you enjoy your next car, regardless of what you get, and hopefully you find a vehicle which can accommodate your active lifestyle!

If you can afford it, go for the FX!

 

yeah FX37S is really a fast and sporty SUV, so look at it

or stay with G

 

I recently drove an EX (several times) before getting the G. Although taller, I believe it is both shorter and narrower. The driving dynamics were pretty good, but the 3.5 felt different than the 3.7 (I guess it should). Overall - with the deals that were to be had on the G - it was cheaper, faster, and more spacious. Having said that - if you can get a good deal on a leftover - you CAN fit larger objects in the back w/seats down - a definite advantage on occasion.

Good Luck with whatever you get

 

Thanks folks. I like the EX, but am not sure I'll come to love it as I did the G. Picked it up this afternoon and brought it right over to a shop to get a clear bra installed. You might all be right that the utility is not substantially better than the G, except for the folding rear seats of course. I'm not even sure how useful the roof racks will be since they are not adjustable and the cross bars are installed too close together. I do intend to put a hitch on it though, and while you can do that to a G it seems blasphemous. I know it has to break in, but given only a 30 hp difference and similar weight to a G37x, it seems nowhere near as peppy. As it is the same engine in the G35, FX35, and M35 I would think there are lots of engine mods available, but this doesn;t seem a major area of discussion on the EX forums. Anyone know if an R2C from a G37 will fit, or do any good?

 

I have also considered the EX35. It's a very nice looking vehicle inside and out. I didn't really care about the space. The deal breaker for me was the steering. It's too light for my taste.

 

Just got it back from the clear bra install last night and took to work this morning. It is actually wider than a G, but shorter. Gives a more supple ride than my xS sedan did despite 19 inch wheels. Power isn't bad, but it has that initial hesistation like the G, and while it handles the curves really well for a crossover, I wouldn;t try to keep up with a G. I think the FX 35 is amazing looking; like a beast of prey, but while looking powerful it has basically the same engine and more weight than the EX, so actually isn't as quick and eats more gas. I think the sport package is only on the FX 50. About the only driving dynamic on my G I didn't like was on the highway. The steering was so tight it felt twitchy, like I was driving a go cart. The EX is much more relaxed and at regular highway speeds is arguably the better ride, although I am sure the G is more stable at high speeds. I actually have not found the steering to be light. Perhaps they tuned that because I find it heavier at low speeds than the G, not uncomfortably, but noticeably so. Some of the tech features are pretty nice, especially the around view monitor, adaptive headlights, puddle lights and mirror turn down in reverse. Didn't get the tech package. All and all I am pleased with the purchase, but was shopping with my head not my heart. The showroom had a 2011 limited edition vert, malbec black with maroon interior. That's the car I really wanted, but makes no sense for a DD in New England.

 

EX35 steering is heavier?? I disagree. I have a 2010 G37S sedan and my wife a 2010 EX35. The EX35 has markedly heavier steering. I actually prefer the heavier weight.

I do like the EX35... fun ride. Wife loves it. Yeah, the back seat has less leg room but it's still comfortable enough.

I actually prefer driving my wife's ride now as I have snows on my G37 that have sucked all the fun out of it! Can't wait for spring to put the summer tires back on...

Enjoy your new EX35!

 

I'm not sure if you are agreeing with me here or not about EX steering feeling heavier. The car is growing on me, although it may just be the slow creep of lazy, luxury comfort, kind of RX-like. The interior, especially with the Deluxe Touring package, is really a step up from the G, although I miss my sport seats and the paddle shifters. Haven't found a good winding road I can blast down yet, but my initial impression is it would probably hold its own against a lesser sports sedan like a SH-AWD TL, although not a G or 3 series. I doubt there are many crossovers shy of Cayenne territory that would best it in speed AND handling, not that I am likely to challenge anyone to find out. The thick A pillars, huge mirrors, and headrests really do conspire to minimze visiability though. Still, feeling it out but I think I'm gonna like it.

 

Great to hear that you are okay and didnt get banged up badly. I too got in an accident on 12/21 in my Tacoma X-Runner and it was totaled. When I bought my 2012 G37 Sedan, I was also waiting for my check, but my Infiniti dealership let me do a promise to pay and take the car now. Just to make sure they knew things were okay, I also had my insurance call and fax over a promise to pay type of paper (I guess this is common?). Maybe you can try that if you wanna get into your new vehicle faster. Anyway, congrats!