The Infiniti Q50 was originally introduced in 2013, offering a relatively affordable luxury sedan for the middle class. Bolstered by a 3 L twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a sporty aesthetic, used Infiniti Q50s are quite valuable. However, you’ll only want to spend your money on the most reliable Infiniti Q50 year you can. If you don’t know what that year is, keep reading; we’ll break down the answer to this question and more.
Most Reliable Years for the Infiniti Q50
Over the Infiniti Q50’s manufacturing lifespan, there have been plenty of reliable model years. If you want to ensure that your luxury sedan runs well for several years to come, stick with these years at all costs:
THE INFINITI Q50 YEARS TO AVOID
We compiled the worst Infiniti Q50 years to avoid and which ones you should consider buying used. Let’s take a look.
- 2017 Infiniti Q50
- 2018 Infiniti Q50
- 2020 Infiniti Q50
- 2021 Infiniti Q50
These used Infiniti Q50s generally have good reliability ratings and positive reviews from previous owners and consumers. On average, the Infiniti Q50 line has become more reliable and better to drive over the years as the manufacturer has worked out the kinks and has discovered the little problems inherent in this vehicle’s design.
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Are Infiniti Q50s Generally Reliable?
Whether or not an Infiniti Q50 is generally reliable or not depends on its model year. However, certain sources vary heavily in terms of whether the model line overall can be trusted.
For example, fourwheeltrends.com says that the Infiniti Q50 line is generally unreliable, with the caveat that certain model years might indeed be good choices. In contrast, enginepatrol.com says that used Infiniti Q50s are very reliable thanks to the tried-and-true tested FM platform, which has been used for various Nissan and Infiniti vehicle models over the years.
According to the second source, the Infiniti Q50 has a reliability score of four out of five, plus a variety of other quality and reliability scores from sources like J.D. Power. All in all, it’s fair to say that the Infiniti Q50 line is neither generally reliable nor generally unreliable: it very heavily depends on which model year you purchase. This just highlights the importance of buying a used vehicle manufactured during the most reliable Infiniti Q50 year.
Which Infiniti Q50s Are the Least Reliable?
In your search for a used Infiniti Q50, you should stay away from certain vehicle model years, even if the price appears to be right. We recommend staying away from:
- 2014 Infiniti Q50
- 2015 Infiniti Q50
There are several reasons why these specific model years should be avoided. For example, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 has been known to have issues with power steering failures, master cylinder failures, and even issues with the infotainment system. Meanwhile, the 2015 Infiniti Q50 has been plagued by steering issues, airbag problems, and premature tire wear. Consumers have recorded these complaints on several websites over the years.
Are Infiniti Q50s Expensive to Maintain?
Of course, any used car owner needs to remember that the upfront asking price isn’t all they’ll pay. You’ll also need to remember annual maintenance fees that contribute to the mechanical upkeep of your vehicle. According to repairpal.com, the average annual fees for maintenance of an Infiniti Q50 total $648.
Depending on the exact repair needed, your actual bill can be higher or lower. For instance, replacing the air-conditioning expansion valve will cost you well over $1000. But simply asking for an engine leak inspection may only cost $100 or so. Be sure to take your used Infiniti Q50 in for repair work regularly so no minor issues eventually spiral or grow into big breaks.
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Which Infiniti Q50 is Most Reliable?
Maximizing your value for money is important, which is why you should purchase one of the most reliable Infiniti Q50 years if you can. That year is undoubtedly the 2021 Infiniti Q50.
According to motorandwheels.com, the 2021 Infiniti Q50 has many of the same excellent features as its predecessors, like the turbocharged V6 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. However, it also comes with new, modernized driver’s assistance technology that adds extra safety.
On top of that, the 2021 Infiniti Q50 lacks many of the user complaints seen in earlier model years. This is doubly important since the 2021 Infiniti Q50 has already been on the market for a few years, and any major problems should have appeared by now.
What Are the Most Common Infiniti Q50 Problems?
Still, it will pay to keep an eye out for some of the most common Infiniti Q50 mechanical issues and mishaps. According to copilotsearch.com, these include:
- Warped brakes, which are dangerous and expensive to tackle
- Steering issues
- Premature tire wear
Naturally, if you think anything is wrong with your used Infiniti Q50, get it inspected by a technician. It’s always cheaper in the long run to handle fixes sooner rather than later.
Is the Infiniti Q50 Worth It?
The Infiniti Q50 might indeed be a worthwhile purchase if you are in the market for a luxury, compact sedan that turns heads and has enough versatility to take you anywhere you need to go. Thanks to its looks, it serves well as a decent date vehicle as well as a good commuter vehicle, particularly for working professionals who want something that looks better than many other cars on the lot.
That said, remember that 2014 and 2015 Infiniti Q50s are much more likely to have maintenance problems that crop up shortly after purchasing them. In the long run, they could cost you quite a pretty penny if you purchase a used Infiniti Q50 from either of these model years.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the most reliable Infiniti Q50 year is the 2021 Infiniti Q50. However, you’ll generally be safe purchasing a used Infiniti Q50 from any time after 2015. The more recent you go with these cars, the more reliable they become (even though their asking prices also go up).
Still, it’s better to purchase a used car for a little more money upfront than it is to run into car trouble later down the proverbial road!
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