Opinions on the Infiniti G37?

[Bubbleawsome]

It's just another car I'm looking at. The Taurus SHO is out of my price range in the mileage I'd like. (Under 100k)

The G37 fits what I would like in a car; sedan, power, nice-ish interior. (Though it lacks bluetooth) but as it is a luxury brand I'm worried maintenance will be off the charts. A guy who works at an Infiniti dealership brought up some issues the cars seems to have around 100k (The ones I'm looking at are all 2009 and 2010s around 92k-96k miles) and it sounds like about $3,000-4,000, which is rather high. If I had to do that it would take the cost of the car from $14k to $17k very quickly.

I'll be going off to college next year, and will probably easily hit 4k miles a year, maybe more. That plus the fact that I'll be a poor college student without many car skills makes me wonder about the car. One of the only other options I can think of is a 2013 accord base model with about 40k miles. No maintenance issues there lol.

Anyone here own a G37 and have experience with it?

 

[yh125d]

If you're going to be a poor college student I strongly suggest you forget any aspirations for a powerful luxury sedan. You need to be thinking cheap economy car. If you want something powerful-ish but reasonably cheap to live with maybe a used V6 mustang or something. If you want a nice interior maybe a (several) year used Acura or Lexus with the base motors would be possible.

If by "power" you really mean "not a complete bore to drive", look at manual versions of otherwise normal cars. A manual goes a long way toward fun to drive in my book. Maybe an older manual Mazda 6 or Accord coupe?

 

[leper84]

Don't own one but from what I've observed- they're very fun to drive. And they fall apart after the first few years.

Nissan/Infinity definitely aren't the pinnacle of long term reliability.

 

[agent00f]

When I tested used cars based on the FM platform, the chassis seemed kind of "crashy" or the opposite of well-bolted together.

The accord or similar practical car sounds like a better idea.

 

[z1ggy]

I cross shopped a g37 with a Genesis coupe, and the Hyundai was the better value by far.

 

[Chapbass]

Used to have a G35 and absolutely loved it, but yeah I could see where they could get a bit iffy later in life (I drove mine between 32k and 90k miles, at which point I needed extra space, so I sold it and bought a cheap jeep).

 

[HarryLui]

Unless you were born with a silver spoon, you get nice car after college, not before. College is a place where people will ding/dent/damage your car for no reason other than, they're late for their class.

 

[evident]

Unless you were born with a silver spoon, you get nice car after college, not before. College is a place where people will ding/dent/damage your car for no reason other than, they're late for their class.

Agree on this one. The G37 is a nice car

 

[T2urtle]

Don't own one but from what I've observed- they're very fun to drive. And they fall apart after the first few years.

Nissan/Infinity definitely aren't the pinnacle of long term reliability.

As compared to what other brand?

My Nissan and infiniti all have been decent cars. Not prefect but good cars to buy again if I was looking for it.

98 maxima vq30de
95 240sx sr20de
98 200sx sr20de
05 g35x vq35de

All solid motors and cars. All bought around 20-60k and driven to 150k minus the g35 which is at 110 currently. All need basic repairs that in most cases were just as cheap as the Toyota counterparts my parents drive.


To the OP. The g37 is a nice car. Good power but not a college kid car. It will need some things address but overall one of the cheapest luxury cars to own maybe aside from the lexus brand. Gas mileage will always be worst then the norm. That's one thing I will say.

I would say get a simple car because people will key your car. Bump and tap those bumpers and possibly throw up in or around the car.

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk

 

[razel]

+1 Above. Owned several Nissan/Infinitis, in immediate family. I'm a fan of the VQ engine and several of our cars ended up getting totalled rather than us getting rid of them because of repairs costing too much. Even my daily driver is getting to 170k. As with ANY car, unless it's a proven lemon which none of the Infinitis are, it's the up to owner on how long it lasts.

By the way, the G37 is a fantastic choice now that it's ended it's life last year as a Q40. It can be had in the used market with <40k miles in the $18k range. It's also unanionmously what Consumer Reports reviewers said that if they needed a family car and had to buy one that'd be it. They're also big fans of the M35/7. It's also a nice choice in the used market if you have more money. I believe they stated that in one of their 'Talking with Cars' podcasts on YouTube before it was called 'Taking with Cars'

The negatives, it is an older design of 2009 era. You won't be getting any modern CarPlay/Android Auto/blind spot/auto braking. Even backup camera was still an option, not mandatory like it's going to be in a few years. Regardless, a car is about the engine... well looks too, but that VQ 3.7 engine is a potent classic. I prefer the NVH of the 3.0, but anytime I step into my friend's 370z I IMMEDATELY am impressed with the power just itching to be released. By the way that 3.7 made it back on the Ward's Top 10 engine list where it was for like 7 years continuous I think.

 

[Bubbleawsome]

The G37 is still a very tempting choice, but the points made about it surviving a college campus are good points. Also, there seems to be a fair amount of maintenance due at 100k, and most cars I'm looking at are in the cheaper range at that mileage, leading me to think they might be cheaper due to needing maintenance.

An alternative I'm looking at is sometimes reviewed head to head with the g37, the Hyundai Genesis. The V6 version is usually in my price rage with reasonable mileage, and the (incredibly tempting) v8 is in my price range but nearing 90k-100k miles.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Why not save the money, get a Town Car / Grand Marquis / Crown Vic, or something similar, and drive it into the ground through college? They're dirt cheap to buy, dirt cheap to keep running, and fairly safe. If you've got your mind on anything other than those factors, and you don't come from free money, you've got your head in the wrong place.

 

[yh125d]

Why aren't you considering cheaper cars? Are you going to be working to make your payments?

Please, trust us. Spending a bunch of money you don't at all need to, on a car that costs a lot more to buy and own than you need to, right before you go to college, is a recipe for disaster. Literally the BEST case scenario is you will have to work part time spending probably 2/3 or more of your check on payment and insurance, be stuck in the dorms for 3 years because you can't afford to get an apartment even splitting with 3 of your buddies, then if you're lucky it'll get stolen or one of your buddies will borrow it and total it. Buying a powerful rear drive premium/lux sedan is not a decision about-to-be-a-college-student gets to make. That is a decision college graduates can make, AFTER they find a good job. Alternatively, it is a decision angry 22 year olds who had to drop out to work full time to make their payments and now they're taking a couple night classes a semester while trying to bang the 17 year olds who work at the steak and shake where they are a shift manager for $11.25 an hour (and free fries) get to regret.


When I went off to college my dad gave me $5k for a car. I was smart enough to know that I didn't want to get a job if I didn't have to, so I was locked at $5k to not have a loan. So we went to the cheapo lots in town and had a look. I almost went for a base accord sedan with about 115k that was in my range. There were a couple of dents but the interior was very clean. But then I saw the Saab 9-5 off to the side. Turbo 4? Check. 230hp? Check. Leather? Check. REAR HEATED SEATS OMG. CHECK. Night panel button? What's that OH SHIT IM A GODDAMN FIGHTER PILOT NOW


So I bought the thing. Stopped for gas on the way home and it wouldn't restart. After a tow and $500 repair, I took it off to college. After a week, wouldn't restart. $100 repair and I was set. Took it to 140mph at midnight down a 2 lane country road with no shoulders. Somehow I didn't die, but I did blow a head gasket.

I was lucky. I had already decided to drop out for unrelated reasons, so I went back to work and did what I should have done the first time. Bought a boring car that did what I needed to do and was cheap to buy and own. Sorry I wasted your $5k dad, but at least I learned a lesson.

 

[Yuriman]

^ With mine, I spun a bearing instead. But, surprisingly similar story.

Get a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic 5MT.

 

[lsd]

As compared to what other brand?

My Nissan and infiniti all have been decent cars. Not prefect but good cars to buy again if I was looking for it.

98 maxima vq30de
95 240sx sr20de
98 200sx sr20de
05 g35x vq35de

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk

Weird we have nearly the same ownership history

Me: 90 maxima gxe, 90 G20, 93 maxima se 5spd, 95 240sx RB25, 03 G35.

All have been reliable.
But a G37 is not a car for a college kid.

 

[T2urtle]

Weird we have nearly the same ownership history

Me: 90 maxima gxe, 90 G20, 93 maxima se 5spd, 95 240sx RB25, 03 G35.

All have been reliable.
But a G37 is not a car for a college kid.

Lot of nissan owners tend to have similar followings.

Wish I had time to do a RB swap. I just had a t3/t4 powered sr20.


The g37 isn't too much of car but being on the forums, almost once a month someone posts that they wrecked it in the rain,snow, dry around a tree. It is what it is... good thing is they are around to post about it. I can't speak for the people that can't.

As a college kid. Give me a corolla rust bucket.

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk

 

[lsd]

Lot of nissan owners tend to have similar followings.

Wish I had time to do a RB swap. I just had a t3/t4 powered sr20.


The g37 isn't too much of car but being on the forums, almost once a month someone posts that they wrecked it in the rain,snow, dry around a tree. It is what it is... good thing is they are around to post about it. I can't speak for the people that can't.

As a college kid. Give me a corolla rust bucket.

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk

All those people wrecking them are probably why the insurance is so expensive for a 13yr old sedan. Liability on the g35 costs more than the full coverage on my `13 accord.

 

[nOOky]

I'd say we have to assume his college is paid for already and he'll be working to make the auto payments. Otherwise it sounds like a really bad idea and no one would be that foolish. Go into debt for an older used car with high insurance right before college, no one could think that's a great idea.

So we have to assume that he's smarter than that. I wouldn't think a car like that is a wise investment even after college and with college all paid for. Buy a fricken' bicycle or a POS econo car and stay out of debt as much as possible : )

Why aren't you considering cheaper cars? Are you going to be working to make your payments?

Please, trust us. Spending a bunch of money you don't at all need to, on a car that costs a lot more to buy and own than you need to, right before you go to college, is a recipe for disaster. Literally the BEST case scenario is you will have to work part time spending probably 2/3 or more of your check on payment and insurance, be stuck in the dorms for 3 years because you can't afford to get an apartment even splitting with 3 of your buddies, then if you're lucky it'll get stolen or one of your buddies will borrow it and total it. Buying a powerful rear drive premium/lux sedan is not a decision about-to-be-a-college-student gets to make. That is a decision college graduates can make, AFTER they find a good job. Alternatively, it is a decision angry 22 year olds who had to drop out to work full time to make their payments and now they're taking a couple night classes a semester while trying to bang the 17 year olds who work at the steak and shake where they are a shift manager for $11.25 an hour (and free fries) get to regret.


When I went off to college my dad gave me $5k for a car. I was smart enough to know that I didn't want to get a job if I didn't have to, so I was locked at $5k to not have a loan. So we went to the cheapo lots in town and had a look. I almost went for a base accord sedan with about 115k that was in my range. There were a couple of dents but the interior was very clean. But then I saw the Saab 9-5 off to the side. Turbo 4? Check. 230hp? Check. Leather? Check. REAR HEATED SEATS OMG. CHECK. Night panel button? What's that OH SHIT IM A GODDAMN FIGHTER PILOT NOW


So I bought the thing. Stopped for gas on the way home and it wouldn't restart. After a tow and $500 repair, I took it off to college. After a week, wouldn't restart. $100 repair and I was set. Took it to 140mph at midnight down a 2 lane country road with no shoulders. Somehow I didn't die, but I did blow a head gasket.

I was lucky. I had already decided to drop out for unrelated reasons, so I went back to work and did what I should have done the first time. Bought a boring car that did what I needed to do and was cheap to buy and own. Sorry I wasted your $5k dad, but at least I learned a lesson.

 

[agent00f]

Unless you're getting significant benefits from ownership, financing "luxury" in a car is generally a poor idea when there are so many affordable alternatives available. And I can't really imagine a g37 is that much of a dream or something.

If you're really into cars, it might be better to spend some of that money into a skill like performance driving starting with some autoX or karting. That's something you'll retain for life unlike vehicles that rust away.

 

[leper84]

As compared to what other brand?

My Nissan and infiniti all have been decent cars. Not prefect but good cars to buy again if I was looking for it.

98 maxima vq30de
95 240sx sr20de
98 200sx sr20de
05 g35x vq35de

All solid motors and cars. All bought around 20-60k and driven to 150k minus the g35 which is at 110 currently. All need basic repairs that in most cases were just as cheap as the Toyota counterparts my parents drive.


To the OP. The g37 is a nice car. Good power but not a college kid car. It will need some things address but overall one of the cheapest luxury cars to own maybe aside from the lexus brand. Gas mileage will always be worst then the norm. That's one thing I will say.

I would say get a simple car because people will key your car. Bump and tap those bumpers and possibly throw up in or around the car.

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk

They leak oil worse than a Chevrolet, constant cam/crank sensor problems, problems with IACs burning out PCMs, the SUV fuse box recall that really didn't fix anything, crazy expensive cats cracking and throwing 420/430 codes across the board, the VQ timing chain + guide issues, the VQ headgasket issues, the unholy pleasure of working on a FWD VQ, broken wires abound, plastic non-serviceable valve covers, and on and on and on.

I'm glad you've had good experiences but in general Nissan doesn't hold up next to the likes of Honda and Toyota. Honestly I've seen quite a few American cars more reliable.

 

[master_shake_]

Why aren't you considering cheaper cars? Are you going to be working to make your payments?

Please, trust us. Spending a bunch of money you don't at all need to, on a car that costs a lot more to buy and own than you need to, right before you go to college, is a recipe for disaster. Literally the BEST case scenario is you will have to work part time spending probably 2/3 or more of your check on payment and insurance, be stuck in the dorms for 3 years because you can't afford to get an apartment even splitting with 3 of your buddies, then if you're lucky it'll get stolen or one of your buddies will borrow it and total it. Buying a powerful rear drive premium/lux sedan is not a decision about-to-be-a-college-student gets to make. That is a decision college graduates can make, AFTER they find a good job. Alternatively, it is a decision angry 22 year olds who had to drop out to work full time to make their payments and now they're taking a couple night classes a semester while trying to bang the 17 year olds who work at the steak and shake where they are a shift manager for $11.25 an hour (and free fries) get to regret.


When I went off to college my dad gave me $5k for a car. I was smart enough to know that I didn't want to get a job if I didn't have to, so I was locked at $5k to not have a loan. So we went to the cheapo lots in town and had a look. I almost went for a base accord sedan with about 115k that was in my range. There were a couple of dents but the interior was very clean. But then I saw the Saab 9-5 off to the side. Turbo 4? Check. 230hp? Check. Leather? Check. REAR HEATED SEATS OMG. CHECK. Night panel button? What's that OH SHIT IM A GODDAMN FIGHTER PILOT NOW


So I bought the thing. Stopped for gas on the way home and it wouldn't restart. After a tow and $500 repair, I took it off to college. After a week, wouldn't restart. $100 repair and I was set. Took it to 140mph at midnight down a 2 lane country road with no shoulders. Somehow I didn't die, but I did blow a head gasket.

I was lucky. I had already decided to drop out for unrelated reasons, so I went back to work and did what I should have done the first time. Bought a boring car that did what I needed to do and was cheap to buy and own. Sorry I wasted your $5k dad, but at least I learned a lesson.

first you buy it then you do it.

 

[yh125d]

first you buy it then you do it.

As it turns out technically I didn't blow the head gasket (either that or I did but it mended itself). We parked it and sold it for $1500 to some guy who was going to try and rebuild it. He just drained and flushed the oil and it ran fine. His wife drove it a couple years after that as far as I know with no issues. Maybe it just overheated enough or something to dump a load of coolant in the oil from whoknowswhere, because it sure as hell was a classic case of coolant in the oil

 

[Bubbleawsome]

If everything goes right (and knowing life something might go wrong) college should have quite a bit done through scholarships and the car will also be mostly/all paid for. I'll pay for gas, maintenance, and insurance.

 

[yh125d]

If everything goes right (and knowing life something might go wrong) college should have quite a bit done through scholarships and the car will also be mostly/all paid for. I'll pay for gas, maintenance, and insurance.

I promise, your parents would be wildly appreciative and much more proud of a child who they presumably told they will buy them a car up to $15k or so who decides to get a used elantra or something for $12k rather than spend every dime they offered on a significantly upmarket car that will continue to depreciate more, require higher maintenance costs, have higher fuel costs, and higher insurance.


You're one of the lucky ones. You have a family who is able to help support you even after high school. Chances are that they are in a position to help you out because they made wise financial decisions in the past. They won't help support you for very much longer. Show your appreciation for their assistance by making the wise financial decision here, not the fun one.

Start your adult life with a good decision. Buying a used G37 or similar car at this point in your life may be tempting, but it is very unwise and certainly unnecessary.

 

[nitrous9200]

I'm a recent college grad (graduated last year). I didn't have a car on campus and didn't really ever need one at all (I commuted by train 5 days a week), so my situation isn't the same as yours.

Still, I agree with the others - hold off on getting something expensive until you can afford it (i.e. after you get a job and graduate). Once you've used up all of your money buying the car, are you going to be able to maintain it and putting gas in it? Based on your OP ("I'll be a poor college student without many car skills") I have a feeling the answer is no.

Buying a beater (or an older used car) is a much more responsible financial decision, and it will make you appreciate whatever nice car you might buy after college even more. Besides, if you're only driving 4k miles a year (which is nothing), you won't have much time to enjoy a car like a G37 as it drops in value like a rock. And you won't get upset when someone puts a door ding on your 10 year old Civic (or any number of other safe, reliable older cars).