By Josh RosenbergWith both extremely high new and used car prices, many carbuyers are looking for "older" vehicles that have aged well as a way to save some significant dollars. And it turns out that the 2011 Infiniti G37 fits this bill very well in the luxury sedan segment. It has proven to be a quite reliable vehicle.
Still, all older used cars require maintenance and repairs, usually more than newer ones, so this has to be factored into a buying decision as well.
Here, we'll cover this older Infiniti's pros and cons, its general reliability reputation along with specific mechanical issues to have checked out before purchase, plus a feature overview of the vehicle from when it came out in 2011.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Infiniti
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In!
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. They really focus in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan Pros
Powerful V6 Engine: The G37 sedan is known for its strong and responsive 3.7-liter V6 engine, which provided ample power and performance.
Sporty Handling: It offers a sporty and engaging driving experience with well-tuned suspension and steering.
Luxurious Interior: The G37 features a high-quality interior with upscale materials and a stylish design. The cabin is comfortable and has many luxury features.
Spacious Seating: Both front and rear seats are comfortable and spacious, providing ample legroom for passengers.
Good Trunk Space: The G37 sedan has a decent-sized trunk for its class, making it practical for carrying luggage and cargo.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option: Some models are available with AWD, which provides better traction in various weather conditions.
Reliable V6 Engine: The V6 engine used in the G37 is generally reliable and has a reputation for longevity when properly maintained.
Attractive Exterior Design: Many find the G37's exterior design to be appealing, with a sleek and modern look.
Car Buying Tips:
Do This To Get The Best Price For Your Trade-In
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2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan Cons
Limited Fuel Efficiency: The G37's V6 engine, while powerful, is not the most fuel-efficient option, especially in city driving. It has relatively low fuel economy compared to some competitors (see mpg in "Overview" below).
Aged Technology: As this G37 was produced in 2011, its technology and infotainment systems may feel outdated compared to newer vehicles. This can be a drawback for those looking for the latest tech features.
Rough Ride: Some drivers find the ride quality to be on the firm side, which might not be as comfortable for those seeking a smoother, more cushioned ride.
Maintenance Costs: Repairs and maintenance on luxury vehicles, including Infiniti models, can be more expensive than mainstream brands, which could be a concern for budget-conscious owners.
Transmission Issues: Some owners experienced problems with the automatic transmission, including hesitation or rough shifting. Regular maintenance is crucial to mitigate these issues.
Limited Rear Visibility: The rear visibility in the G37 sedan is not the best due to its design, which could make parking and lane changes more challenging.
Limited Back Seat Space: While the rear seats are spacious for a compact luxury sedan, taller passengers might find headroom and legroom to be somewhat restricted.
Outdated Infotainment: The G37's infotainment system lacks modern features and user-friendliness, which could be a downside for tech-savvy buyers.
2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan Reliability
The Infiniti G37 sedan has several reliability strong points that contributed to its reputation for being a relatively dependable car when properly maintained. Some of the key reliability strong points include:
Proven V6 Engine: The G37 is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that had a track record of reliability. When well-maintained, this engine was known to be robust and long-lasting.
Solid Build Quality: The G37's construction and overall build quality were generally considered to be sound. The use of quality materials in the interior and exterior contributed to its durability.
Simple Mechanical Design: The G37 has a relatively straightforward mechanical design, which can be an advantage when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Fewer complex systems and components can lead to fewer potential issues.
Well-Established Platform: The G37 was built on a platform that had been refined and improved over the years, contributing to its reliability.
Maintenance and Care: Like any car, proper and regular maintenance was crucial to its reliability. Owners who adhered to recommended maintenance schedules and took care of their G37s typically experienced fewer problems.
Availability of Spare Parts: Given that the G37 was in production for several years, spare parts were generally readily available, making it easier and potentially more cost-effective to perform repairs when necessary.
Strong Owners' Community: The G37 had a dedicated and passionate owners' community. This community often shared valuable maintenance tips, common issues, and DIY solutions, which could be beneficial for owners looking to keep their vehicles in good condition.
While the Infiniti G37 sedan has several reliability strong points, it's important to remember that no car is entirely immune to issues. The key to maximizing its reliability is proper maintenance and addressing any problems promptly.
2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The Infiniti G37 sedan, while generally quite reliable, like any car it had its share of potential mechanical issues and common problems reported by owners and mechanics.
Keep in mind that not all G37s experienced these issues, and the severity could vary depending on factors like maintenance and driving habits. Here are some common mechanical issues associated with the G37 that should be checked before purchase:
Transmission Problems: Some owners reported issues with the automatic transmission, including delayed or rough shifting. These problems could sometimes be resolved with proper maintenance and sometimes required transmission repairs.
Brake and Rotor Wear: Premature brake and rotor wear was a common problem, which might have required more frequent brake replacements than expected.
Steering and Suspension Components: Owners occasionally experienced issues with steering components, such as tie rods and power steering pumps. Suspension components, like control arms and shocks, could also require replacement.
Exhaust System Rust: Depending on the climate and environmental conditions, the G37's exhaust system might be susceptible to rust, particularly in regions with harsh winters and salted roads.
Electrical Issues: Some owners encountered electrical problems, including issues with sensors, lighting, and infotainment systems. These could be challenging to diagnose and repair.
Engine Oil Consumption: A few G37s had issues with excessive engine oil consumption. Regular oil level checks and maintenance were crucial to mitigate this problem.
Radiator and Cooling System: Some G37s had cooling system issues, including radiator leaks and thermostat failures. These problems could lead to overheating if not addressed promptly.
Oil Leaks: Oil leaks from various engine components, including the valve cover gaskets, could occur over time.
Power Window Regulator Failures: Some owners reported problems with the power window regulators, leading to issues with window operation.
Exhaust and Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks: Gasket leaks could develop in the exhaust and intake manifolds, causing performance and emission issues.
It's important to note that not all G37 sedans experienced these problems and the severity of these issues could vary, with some being relatively minor and easily fixable, while others might require more extensive and costly repairs.
More Car Buying Tips:
This One Tip Will Save Thousands On Car Insurance
The Truth About Wholesale And Trade-in Values
The Best Used Cars For Gas Mileage
2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan Overview
For luxury sedan buyers who prefer a vehicle with advanced driving dynamics, the 2011 Infiniti G37 has much to offer. And not only does the G37 offer athletic handling and a powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, but it's also loaded with a host of premium and high-tech features at a comparatively appealing price.
The bottom line? The 2011 G37 sedan is a serious and popular contender in its segment because it offers the most power and the most features for the least dollars.
The Infiniti G37 is powered by a 328-horsepower V6 and happens to share the same platform as the Nissan Z car. The result is a level of acceleration and driving engagement that is unmatched by rivals with a similar cost. And carbuyers who opt for the optional Sport package get still more of the same.
While there are strong competitors in this class, such as the Acura TL, the Audi A4, the Cadillac CTS, the Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes C-Class, none possess the same kind of compelling athleticism (although some may have an edge when it comes to luxurious ambience).
The pricier BMW 3-Series still remains this segment's top sport sedan, however, the G37's overall package of performance, luxury, roominess and high-tech goodies is hard to beat when it comes to bang for the buck.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Infiniti G37 sedan is available in three trims: G37 Journey, G37 Sport 6MT and G37 Limited Edition (G37 coupe and convertible models will be reviewed individually).
Standard features on the well-equipped G37 Journey include leather upholstery, 8-way power driver and passenger seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise conrol, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/ignition, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic headlights, foglamps, a rearview camera, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface.
In terms of optional features for the Journey, the Premium package adds a sunroof, driver memory settings, rear parking sensors, a power-adjustable steering wheel and a 10-speaker Bose audio system with digital music storage. The Sport Appearance package adds everything in the Premium package plus 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and a chin spoiler.
The Navigation package adds hard-drive-based navigation with voice controls, real-time traffic and weather, and additional digital music storage.
The G37 Sport 6MT model comes with all the Premium and Navigation package features plus a 6-speed manual transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, a limited-slip differential, different 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires, sport seats with power driver thigh and torso bolsters, and unique styling accents. All of these items, less the 6-speed manual, can be had on the G37 Journey via the Sport package.
The G37 Limited Edition (only 350 will be produced) is basically a loaded Journey with the Sport package plus red leather upholstery, unique headlights, a blacked-out grille and special design accents.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2011 G37 is a 3.7-liter V6 that pumps out a healthy 328-horsepower and 270-lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission except on the Sport 6MT with its 6-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models while all-wheel drive (G37x) is optional with the automatic transmission. In performance tests, the G37 Journey was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in an extremely quick 5.4 seconds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for an automatic G37 with rear-wheel drive is a respectable 19 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. The estimate for the G37 Sport 6MT is 17 and 25, respectively, while the G37x comes in at 18 mpg city and 25 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2011 G37 sedans include traction and stability control, antilock brakes (ABS), a rearview camera, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In performance tests, the G37 was measured in a stop from 60 mph in an impressive 106 feet.
The 2011 Infiniti G37 had not yet been government crash tested at the time of this writing. However, the 2010 model earned perfect five-star ratings in all categories except for a four-star rating in frontal-impact protection for the front passenger.
Interior:
The 2011 G37's cabin is attractive, user-friendly and solidly constructed. The overall quality of the materials doesn't quite match that of a Mercedes or Audi, but still befits a luxury sedan while costing less. The front seats are comfortable, supportive and well-bolstered, however, larger drivers may find them too tight. The backseat is also quite comfortable for two (there's a narrow center seat for a third passenger) with overall rear space a bit above average for the class.
It should be noted that the standard iPod interface is one of the best available, while the optional Bose stereo is very highly regarded as well.
Drive:
No other car in its class can match the G37's breathtaking acceleration for the price. It's athletic and aggressive handling abilities shine when cornering or attacking those back twisty roads. Yet it also demonstrates luxury-worthy composure and smoothness when faced with road bumps and imperfections. The steering feel is precise and offers ample feedback and responsiveness, all the moreso with the Sport package's quicker steering ratio.
Overall, the Infiniti G37 sedan presents an excellent balance of fun and luxury. While it can be said that it is engineered to emphasize its sporty road manners, it still offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience for daily use.