Remember when Nissan and Infiniti models were Toyota-level bulletproof? If you were born after the year 2000, you probably don’t. It’s incredibly tough to compete with 1990s-2000s Honda and Toyota on reliability, but Nissan and Infiniti arguably accomplished this momentous task back in the day. In the time before turbocharged engines and Jatco CVTs, Nissan/Infiniti truly built some rock-solid cars.Typical shoppers aren’t in the market for 30-year-old cars, so this list focuses on those built in the last 15-20 years. Most of these aren’t “bulletproof” per se, but the problems they may have shouldn’t result in catastrophically expensive repairs and are generally preventable. As always, reliability can be a divisive topic, but anecdotal experience, albeit relevant, does not define the overall reliability of thousands of vehicles. And of course, the way a car is driven, its maintenance history, and dumb luck always play a role in an individual vehicle’s reliability. All that out of the way, these are Infiniti models that should be a reasonably safe bet in the current used market. The models in this list have been extensively researched to ensure the most accurate information possible as of the time of publishing. Models are listed in descending order from most expensive to least expensive. These are all used cars, so always remember to get a pre-purchase inspection and address any recalls before buying a used vehicle. 2021-2023 Infiniti QX80 Price: $30,000 InfinitiHow many naturally aspirated V8s are left? Not many. Though the 3rd-generation of Infiniti’s full-size SUV, formerly known as the QX56, introduced for 2025, ditched the V8 in favor of a 3.5L twin-turbo V6, you still have your pick of 21 model years equipped with a burly 5.6L V8 under the hood. The VK56VD has been around in the North American market since 2011, where it debuted in the Infiniti M56 and QX80. Although early vehicles fitted with this engine were reported to have timing chain and high-pressure fuel pump issues, we’re recommending the 2021-2023 model years.Infiniti The newer the car, the harder it is to determine long-term dependability. That said, the final few years of the 2rd-generation QX80 benefit from being rather long in the tooth, which means more data is available for us to make use of. There are essentially no issues reported on CarComplaints and ISeeCars gives the 21’-23’ an 8.3/10 reliability rating. According to ConsumerReports, there was a recall for a faulty fuel pump on the 2021 model year, but assuming the recall work has been done, you shouldn’t have to worry about further issues. Some owners report the transmission hesitating between gears and shifting into overdrive prematurely, according to RepairPal, but ultimately, these cars are as solid as it gets from a late-model Infiniti.Infiniti It’s worth noting that fuel economy is abysmal at 15-17 MPG combined, but what else did you expect from a V8? The good news is that the 21’-23’ model years benefit from the 2018 facelift, as well as the introduction of a new 12.3” touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With prices hovering near $30k with no accident history, it’s a crazy deal given their starting MSRP was just over $70k. You may spend more time at gas stations, but you should spend a lot less time at the local shop. KBB Reliability Score: 4.3/5.0 Total Recalls: 2 (2021) Worst Year to Buy Used: 2014 2016-2018 Infniti Q70 Price: $20,000 - $25,000 Infiniti The “grandpa” image that accompanies full-size sedans may not be your cup of tea, but at around $25k for a reasonably modern sedan, the Q70 is a solid option. Now, these can be found for as little as $10k, depending on condition and mileage, but for the nice, accident-free, low-mileage examples, you’ll need to spend between $20k and $25k. There are plenty of examples equipped with the VQ37HR, Infiniti’s famously reliable 3.7L V6. However, if you look hard enough, you can find them with the same 5.6L V8 as the QX80.Infiniti Very few model-specific issues are reported for the 2016-2018 Q70. If you buy one equipped with the 5.6L V8, you will have to be very diligent with proper maintenance and address any misfire conditions immediately. Not only could you end up with a catalytic converter failure, which RepairPal claims costs $2,500 to repair, but, if unresolved, it could also result in converter material being sucked into the engine, causing massive damage. Like a few other Infiniti models, there is an open recall out for a driveshaft failure, so check on that before purchase. On a less problematic note, other owners report issues connecting to the infotainment system. Otherwise, the 3.7L during these years is exceptionally stout, and despite the brand's less-than-stellar reputation for reliability during this period, the Q70 should be a safe bet. KBB Reliability Score: 4.7/5.0 Total Recalls: 1 Worst Year to Buy Used: 2014 2021-2023 Infiniti Q50 3.0T Price: $20,000 InfinitiFirst and foremost, let’s address the fact that the VR30DDTT engine had several serious problems early in its life. Turbocharger failures, a porous engine block leading to coolant leeching into the block and causing symptoms akin to head gasket failure, serpentine belt failures, and an oil pressure control solenoid that can fail and cause spun bearings/engine failure. However, according to most data aggregators and owners, Infiniti has addressed many of these issues by 2019.If you want to be safe, the best course of action is to opt for a 2021 or newer. It is possible that injector failures and oil pressure control solenoid failure could still be issues during these “good” years. So, most mechanics would recommend extremely diligent maintenance. As a bonus, the Jatco 7R01 7-speed is pretty darn reliable by that stage, especially if you don’t opt for the more powerful Q50 Red Sport.Infiniti There are plenty of examples on the market for around the $20,000 range depending on your tolerance for mileage and your tech needs. They're pretty powerful too. In Red Sport trim, the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 produces 400 HP and 350 lb-ft, while the detuned regular trim, which would be the most highly recommended, produces 300 HP and 295 lb-ft. And if you opt for a 2022 or newer, you’ll have the benefit of more modern tech, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. KBB Reliability Score: 4.8/5.0 Total Recalls: 3 (2021) Worst Year(s) to Buy Used: 2016-2018 Honorable Mention: 2015 Infiniti Q50 3.7L Infiniti Though 2015 Infiniti Q50 did not make the list due to a few meddlesome issues relating to infotainment, premature brake wear, and rear differential bushings. The main issue keeping this off the main list is the valve body issue on the 7-speed auto that affects the 2014 and 2015 model years. There are aftermarket fixes for as little as $600 before labor that can resolve the issue, but it can be costly and inconvenient. The good news is that the 3.7L VQ motor is an absolute peach (no oil gallery gasket leak by 2015) and has far fewer potential issues than early 3.0L VR30s. 2012-2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe (6-speed) Price: $15,000 InfinitiNot to fear, car enthusiasts, the G37 is here. You knew if you scrolled far enough down, one of the cars most beloved by Nissan and Infiniti fans would appear. And for good reason, the manual G37 Coupe is cheap and reliable. The G37 Coupe benefits most of all from the aforementioned VQ37HR. Aside from maybe the VQ30DE, the 3.7L V6 is widely considered one of the most reliable engines in the Infiniti lineup. That said, like most engines, it doesn’t come completely free of issues.The most notorious issue the 2012-2013 G37 is prone to is the oil gallery gasket leak. There is some debate over the frequency of this issue, with some claiming it affects only 2% and others claiming 15% or more. Unfortunately, the exact percentage of impacted vehicles is unknown, so diligent maintenance and prompt action if a P0011 or P0021 code appears are essential to prevent major damage. While it is an expensive repair that requires removing the timing chains, the updated gasket is reported to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences. To be safe, Infiniti updated the gasket in 2012, so 2012 or 2013 is the best option. That said, going with an 08’-11’ isn’t a bad choice if you're prepared.Bring A Trailer Another potential concern is high oil consumption. For some reason, most VQ engines have this issue, though it often doesn’t present itself until 150,000 miles or more. As for the transmission, the 6-speed is very stout. Taking the car to the track isn’t recommended, but assuming your G37 Coupe is performing daily driver/weekend back road duties, it should be an exceptionally solid choice, especially if you want decent performance on a budget. After all, a RWD manual coupe with a 328 hp V6 is just so rad. KBB Reliability Score: 4.8/5.0 Total Recalls: 0 Worst Year to Buy Used: 2009 2004-2007 Infiniti G35 Price: $5,000 - $10,000 InfinitiThe G35 is as cheap as it gets. If you don’t mind an old school 5-speed auto, there are accident-free examples with under 150k miles for as little as $5k. If you’re cool with a little bit of accident history, they can be even cheaper. Typically, as with the G37, the manual can often be more reliable, but because the manual cars had a slightly different version of the 3.5L V6 Infiniti calls the “Rev-UP”, you might be better off opting for an automatic.Sacrilege? Maybe, but the Rev-UP version of the VQ35DE is far more prone to oil consumption than the standard lower-output version. So if reliability is your top priority, you’ll have to let the car do the shifting for you. Plus, the old 5R05 5-speed unit is considered to be very robust, even with higher mileage. That said, though we’re recommending2004 and newer due to the first model year being the most problematic (according to CarComplaints), the 03’-04’ manuals used the standard, less oil-thirsty version of the VQ35DE, so there is hope for you three pedal lovers after all.Infiniti Oil-drinking tendencies aside, at around 180,000–200,000 miles, the timing chain tensioners typically start to show wear. A bit of chain rattle on startup would be the first indicator. These engines also suffer from valve cover gasket leaks, but that is a very cheap repair. If you’re handy, there’s enough working room that you could likely handle it yourself over a Saturday afternoon beer and an episode or two of your favorite podcast. KBB Reliability Score: 4.8/5.0 Total Recalls: 3 Worst Year to Buy Used: 2003
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