Are Infiniti Cars Good? An Honest Owner’s Guide

Yes, Infiniti cars are good for drivers who want a mix of luxury and sporty feel without the high cost of German brands. The question of are Infiniti cars good depends a lot on what you value most in a luxury vehicle.

I have owned and driven several of them over the years. They offer a lot of power and a smooth ride for the money. You get more features than a basic car but often pay less than for a BMW or Mercedes.

But they are not perfect. Like any brand, they have their strong points and their weak spots. Let’s talk about what makes them a good pick and where they might fall short for you.

What Makes an Infiniti Car Good?

First, let’s look at the engine. Most Infiniti models use a V6 engine. This gives you strong power right when you press the gas.

The ride is another big plus. The seats are very comfortable for long trips. The cabin is quiet and feels well put together.

You also get a lot of tech for your cash. Even older models often have nice leather, a good sound system, and safety aids. Newer ones add more screens and driver help features.

Reliability is a key point when asking are Infiniti cars good. They often score better here than some European rivals. Repair costs can be lower, too.

The design is another strong point. Infiniti cars look sharp and different. They don’t just copy what everyone else is doing. This makes them stand out in a parking lot.

So, are Infiniti cars good in these core areas? For many buyers, the answer is a clear yes. They deliver the luxury feel people want.

Where Infiniti Cars Might Disappoint You

No car is perfect for everyone. Infiniti has some areas where they lag behind.

The inside tech can feel a bit old. The infotainment system in many models uses two screens. Some people find it confusing to use.

Fuel economy is just okay. Those powerful V6 engines need more gas than some turbo four-cylinder engines from other brands. If you drive a lot, this adds up.

Resale value is another thing to think about. Infiniti cars lose value faster than Lexus or Acura cars. This is bad if you sell often but good if you buy used.

The back seat in some coupe models is very small. It’s really just for bags or kids. Make sure you check this if you carry people often.

So, are Infiniti cars good if you want the latest tech or best gas mileage? Maybe not. You have to decide what trade-offs you can live with.

It’s all about balance. You give up a little in one area to gain a lot in another.

Infiniti Reliability and Repair Costs

This is a huge question for any buyer. A pretty car is no good if it’s always in the shop.

Overall, Infiniti has a decent track record. Consumer Reports often gives them average to good scores for predicted reliability. They are usually more reliable than many European luxury cars.

Repair costs are a mixed bag. They use a lot of parts from Nissan, their parent company. This can make some repairs cheaper than on a German car.

But they are still luxury vehicles. Brakes, tires, and special parts will cost more than for a normal sedan. You should budget for this.

The key is regular care. Change the oil on time. Follow the service schedule in the manual. A well-kept Infiniti can last a long time.

So, are Infiniti cars good for someone who hates repair bills? They are better than some, but not the best. A Lexus might be more bulletproof, but you’ll pay more upfront.

Think of it this way. You are buying a performance luxury car. It will cost more to fix than a basic economy car. That’s just how it is.

Driving Experience and Performance

This is where Infiniti often shines. They want their cars to be fun to drive.

The steering feels connected and sharp. You feel the road in a good way. The car goes where you point it without much fuss.

Acceleration is strong. Even base models have plenty of power for passing and merging on the highway. You won’t feel slow in an Infiniti.

Some models, like the Q50 Red Sport, are real performance cars. They compete with sports sedans from brands known for speed. This shows Infiniti cares about driving joy.

The all-wheel-drive system in many Infiniti cars is very good. It gives you grip in rain and light snow. This makes it a solid four-season car for many areas.

But the ride can be firm on sport models. If you want a cloud-like ride, look at the comfort-focused models or another brand. Sporty means you feel bumps more.

Asking are Infiniti cars good for driving fun? For me, this is their best trait. They make your daily drive feel less boring.

Comparing Infiniti to Other Luxury Brands

How do they stack up? Let’s look at the usual rivals.

Versus Lexus: Lexus is often more reliable and has a softer ride. But Infiniti is usually more fun to drive and can be cheaper. It’s a choice between calm and excitement.

Versus Acura: This is a close fight. Acura has sharper tech in newer models. Infiniti often has more power. Both are good values in the luxury world.

Versus German brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi): The Germans have better interiors and tech. They often handle a bit better, too. But they cost a lot more to buy and fix. An Infiniti gives you 80% of the experience for less money.

According to J.D. Power, Infiniti often scores well in owner satisfaction studies. People who buy them tend to like them. This says a lot.

So, are Infiniti cars good compared to the competition? They win on value and driving feel. They lose on interior polish and brand prestige for some people.

You have to test drive them. See if the driving experience wins you over despite the flaws.

Best Infiniti Models to Consider

Not all models are the same. Some stand out more than others.

The Infiniti Q50 sedan is a great starting point. It’s their core model. It has strong engines, a nice cabin, and can be found for a good price used. This is a smart way to see if you like the brand.

The QX60 SUV is a family favorite. It has three rows of seats and a smooth ride. It’s not too big to drive every day. The NHTSA gives it good safety scores, which is key for a family car.

For a sporty coupe, look at the Q60. It’s one of the best-looking cars on the road. The twin-turbo engine is a rocket. It’s a true grand tourer for long, fast drives.

The older G37 sedan and coupe are legendary. You can find these used for very little money. They are known for being tough and fun. Many people still swear by them.

Are Infiniti cars good across all these models? Mostly, yes. But do your homework on the specific year you want. Some model years have known issues to avoid.

Stick with a model that has a full service history. This is the best tip for buying any used luxury car, Infiniti or not.

Common Problems and Known Issues

Let’s talk about the weak spots. Every brand has them.

Some Infiniti models with direct injection engines can have carbon buildup on the valves. This can cause rough idle over time. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a maintenance item.

The infotainment system can be slow. It might freeze or need reboots. This is more annoying than a major fault, but it bugs people every day.

Wear items like brakes and tires can go fast on performance models. You drive hard, you replace parts more often. This is true for any sporty car.

Some older models had issues with the sunroof drains clogging. This could lead to water inside the car. A simple check can prevent this messy problem.

The EPA notes that older, high-performance engines may not be the cleanest. Newer models are much better. Think about this if you live in an area with strict emissions tests.

Knowing these things helps you ask the right questions. Are Infiniti cars good even with these issues? For most owners, the good points outweigh these known hassles.

Just go in with your eyes open. A pre-purchase inspection by a good mechanic is always money well spent.

Cost of Ownership: Buying and Keeping One

Luxury cars cost more than basic cars. But how much more?

Buying used is where Infiniti shines. They lose value fast in the first few years. This means you can get a nearly-new car for a lot less than its original price. This is a smart way to own one.

Insurance costs can be higher than for a normal car. The car is worth more and can cost more to fix. Get a quote before you buy.

Fuel costs, as we said, are not great. You will visit the gas station more often than in a small turbo car. Use the official fuel economy numbers as a guide, but expect less in real driving.

Routine service at the dealer is pricey. Find a good independent shop that knows Infiniti or Nissan cars. This can save you a bundle over the years.

So, are Infiniti cars good for your wallet? They can be if you buy used and find a good mechanic. They are not cheap to run, but they cost less than many rivals.

Budget for the extra costs. If you can do that, you will enjoy the car without stress.

Who Should Buy an Infiniti Car?

This brand is not for everyone. But it’s perfect for some.

Buy an Infiniti if you love driving. You want a car that feels alive and connected. You like a strong engine sound and quick responses.

Get one if you want luxury features but hate the high price of German cars. You are okay with some older tech to save thousands of dollars.

Consider it if you plan to keep the car a long time. The reliability is decent, and fixing it is manageable. You aren’t worried about resale value because you’ll drive it for years.

Avoid Infiniti if you must have the latest gadgets and screens. You care more about a soft, quiet ride than sporty handling. You plan to sell the car in just a few years.

The bottom line on are Infiniti cars good comes down to fit. They are a driver’s luxury car. They focus on the feel of the road.

I think they are a hidden gem for the right person. You get a lot of car without the flashy badge tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Infiniti cars good on gas?

They are okay, not great. The V6 engines use more fuel than smaller turbo engines. Expect city mileage in the high teens and highway in the mid-to-high 20s for most models.

Are Infiniti cars good in snow?

Models with all-wheel drive are very capable in snow. The system is rear-biased but sends power forward when needed. Good winter tires are still the most important thing for snow driving.

Are Infiniti cars good for families?

Yes, especially the QX60 SUV. It has three rows and lots of safety features. The Q50 sedan also has a big trunk and a safe cabin. The IIHS gives good ratings to many Infiniti models.

Are Infiniti cars expensive to maintain?

They cost more than a Nissan but less than a German luxury car. Following the service schedule is key to avoiding big bills. Budget around $800 to $1,000 per year for maintenance and repairs on an older model.

Are Infiniti cars good for long trips?

They are excellent for long trips. The seats are supportive, the ride is smooth on the highway, and the cabin is quiet. The powerful engine makes passing and merging easy on interstate roads.

Are Infiniti cars reliable after 100,000 miles?

Many are, with proper care. Look for one with a full service history. Common wear items