I'm in a delimma, I love my 4runner but the wife is pushing me into a fx35.
I have a 05 4runner v8 that I babied all it's life it as 80k and I still owe 5k.
My wife wants me to trade it in and pick up a 09 Infiniti fx35 and owe 15k.
I love my runner but use it rarely.
She claims we need a nice going out car for wedding and appearance. She also claims that the runner is tight for our family which is true.

Spend the money on a nice set of wheels and upgrading to a leather interior! The FX35 is NOT bigger than a 4Runner from my experience.

2009 FX 35 is not that much better.

So, she wants a minivan, huh? Yuck! IMO, the 4runner is wayyyyy better.

my wife loved her 06 fx35 when she had it. but space wise i can tell you that its smaller than the 4runner

I don't think I have the heart to get rid of my baby so I'm just gonna get a New maxima

I just had the same situation as you! There was no way my 05 4Runner was leaving my driveway. DON'T DO IT!!!!! I had a craving for a more sporty vehicle and something a bit "quicker" to drive to work everyday. I ended up falling in love with the X3 35i and leased one. As for my 4Runner, I didn't want her to feel bad so I put on a Westin! IMO, I am not a fan of Japanese sport brands and really didn't like the FX when I drove one. There were blind spots when backing up and I thought it was more noise than speed. I am not a fan of the FX either! I would take my truck any day over it.

I just got an FX35, an 08. Sold my 4Runner for it. While it's a totally different vehicle, I absolutely love it. I miss the 4R, but man the FX blows my mind every time I drive it.

If you're into sports cars and driving on pavement, you'll love the FX. Also has a nice sound to it (sport pkg is a MUST), original look, fantastic interior and stereo.

If, however, you care more about off road, not sure if you will like the FX as much.

I'm extremely happy with my decision.

The runner got me through a wedding, 3 moves, 7 winters and I brought home both my kids from the hospital with it. When my wife worked she used to take it during bad weather and would call me thank god she was in the runner. It never gave me problems until now minor things, and every time I look at her she brings a smile to my face.
So with that being I rather buy a cheaper car like a maxima which is still nice and luxurious and keep my runner you guys agree.
The wife still has a minivan

I would think that if appearance was paramount, then you might want to go Range Rover, which is quite nice. But the FX is no slouch itself, nor the 4runner. Repairs to Infinitis are not cheap, at least according to my uncle.

She's far too concerned with appearances. Dropping tens of thousands of dollars on a car solely to look better pulling up to the curb is re****ed.

Sorry to bag on your wife, but she's personifying all that's wrong with our consumer/appearance driven culture, right here. She really needs to sit down and examine her priorities.

I owned an FX45 before I got the 4runner.

The goods:
The sound of the V8 engine is delightful, sounds like a supercar.
Surprisingly, it drives like a sports car. I've never owned a car with a paint that high quality, and it was black.

The bads:
Bad mpg (worst than v8 4runner by a lot + needs supreme gas)
No space at all
Blind spots are almost dangerous
Smart cruise control was more than frustrating
Leather seemed good quality, but was cracked everywhere.

Never let the wife push you around. Be the man! Seems like this could be your idea as over the years I've learned many married men seem to blame their wife on stuff they know might get them kicked out of the Man Clan..

Your Runner currently has 80K and still owe $5K. Seems like today's society just doesn't want to PAY IT OFF.. You've been with it this long and know its ins and outs and you can trust it.

Don't see how moving to another vehicle and now being $15K in debt is a good idea. Especially if it's just for appearance purposes. Also, especially if it isn't YOUR idea. IMO the Runner is a beautiful sight in itself. Shows way better than some FX35.

As mentioned FX35 not much bigger than a Runner anyway. And a Maxima.. How it bigger than a Runner? If your wife has a mini-van what does it matter what your vehicle is anyway? To each their own. Good luck whatever your decision.

I don't think that buying a new maxima will improve your financial anymore....

^This. lol