The Infiniti G37 remains one of the best-used sport sedans on the market more than a decade after the last one rolled off the line. For roughly $10,000 to $15,000, you get a 328-horsepower V6, rear-wheel drive, and a cabin that still looks current. But the G37 is also a product of its era, and that means used examples come with a list of known issues. Here's what we know, and what you should check before you hand over a deposit.
The Infiniti G37 in one paragraph
The Infiniti G37 went on sale for the 2008 model year as a coupe, then expanded to a sedan and convertible. It used the VQ37VHR, a 3.7-liter V6 that made 328 horsepower in coupe trim and 330 in later sedans. Transmission choices were a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. This was Infiniti's answer to the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS, and it undercut both on price when new. Today, the G37 is a favorite among enthusiasts who want a naturally aspirated V6 without the turbo complexity of a modern German sport sedan.
What the Infiniti G37 does well
The G37's engine is the headline. The VQ series has a reputation for durability, and with regular oil changes these engines routinely pass 200,000 miles. The seven-speed automatic is smooth, but the manual is the one to get if you want the full experience. The coupe's styling has aged gracefully, and the sedan is a practical daily that still turns heads. Rear-biased all-wheel drive was optional, which makes the G37 a year-round car for snow-belt drivers.
Handling is another strength. The G37 rides on a version of Nissan's FM platform, the same bones under the 370Z. That means sharp steering and a well-controlled ride. It is not a track weapon, but it's more engaging than most modern luxury sedans. The interior is straightforward, with supportive seats and a logical layout. What you won't find is the latest infotainment, so budget for a phone mount and an auxiliary cable.
Common problems to budget for
No used car is trouble-free, and the G37 has a few known weak points. The most expensive is the gallery gasket. The timing cover gaskets in VQ37 engines can fail, which drops oil pressure and can lead to engine damage. The repair runs $1,500 to $2,500 at a shop. It's not a matter of if for every car, but it's common enough that you should ask whether the work has been done.
Transmission issues also show up on high-mileage cars. The seven-speed automatic can develop harsh shifts or flaring between gears, often from valve body wear. A rebuilt valve body runs about $800 to $1,200. The manual transmission is generally solid, though the clutch pedal can feel vague. Rear suspension bushings wear out and create a clunk; replacing them is cheap, but it's a sign the car wasn't babied.
Oil consumption is another thing to check. Some VQ37 engines burn oil at high mileage, so look for blue smoke at startup and check the dipstick with the engine hot. A compression test can reveal cylinder ring wear. If a seller won't let you do a cold start inspection, walk away.
Insurance costs for the Infiniti G37
Insurance is where the G37 stings. Because it's a quick, rear-drive car, insurers rate it higher than a standard family sedan. A full-coverage policy on a 2011 G37 coupe typically runs between $1,600 and $2,400 a year, depending on your driving record and where you live. The sedan is a bit cheaper, and all-wheel-drive models often cost more because they're heavier. It's worth shopping around; rates vary by hundreds of dollars between carriers.
Other costs are reasonable. The VQ37 uses 5W-30 synthetic oil, and a standard oil change runs $80 to $120. Brake pads and rotors are cheap, and the aftermarket is deep. Tires are staggered on the coupe, so a full set runs about $700 to $900. The big expenses are the timing cover gasket and, on convertibles, the power-folding top. Set aside $1,500 for surprises and you'll be fine.
Which Infiniti G37 you should buy
Prices vary by body style and mileage. A well-kept example with service records will cost more, but it's worth the premium. Skip the convertible unless you specifically want one; it adds 400 pounds and the top mechanism is expensive to fix. The sedan is the smart buy for daily driving. The coupe is the enthusiast pick. The sweet spot is a 2012 or 2013 sedan with the six-speed manual, because 2013 was the final year and got the best interior materials. Expect to pay $10,000 to $14,000 for a clean 2012 G37 sedan with around 80,000 miles. A coupe with the manual and low miles can still ask $15,000.
The bottom line
The Infiniti G37 is a great used car if you go in with your eyes open. It delivers performance and style at a price that undercuts modern German rivals, and the VQ engine is a solid foundation. Just budget for the known issues, get a pre-purchase inspection, and shop your insurance before you commit. Here's what we know: this car will put a smile on your face. And here's what we don't: whether your particular example has had the timing cover done. That's the question that separates a bargain from a money pit.
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