Used Infiniti Q60 Buyer’s Guide: Model Years, VR30 Redesign, and What to Avoid
There’s a special thrill that comes from spotting a sleek Infiniti Q60 coupe on the road—the low stance, the muscular curves, and that unmistakable Japanese luxury presence. But before you hand over your hard-earned cash for a used one, you need to know what you’re getting into.
TL;DR
The Infiniti Q60 is a stunning luxury coupe with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine. But not all model years are created equal. Early models (2017-2018) had some teething issues that were addressed through service bulletins. The 2018 Sport trim is often considered the “sweet spot” for value. Maintenance history is absolutely critical—more important than miles or price. This guide breaks down which years to consider, what problems to watch for, and how to avoid buying someone else’s headache.
Key Takeaways
- 2017-2018 models had known issues: Serpentine belt problems and turbo concerns were common in early VR30 engines .
- Maintenance history is everything: These performance engines don’t tolerate skipped oil changes. Look for records of 5,000-mile (8,000 km) intervals .
- The 2018 Sport is the sweet spot: You get adaptive suspension, big brakes, and most Red Sport features with “only” 300 hp—at a much lower price .
- Avoid the Direct Adaptive Steering: Many owners and reviewers dislike the artificial feel. Test drive before you buy .
- Skip the run-flat tires: They ride rough and are overpriced. Replace with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or similar .
- Consider an extended warranty: With powertrain warranty expiring around 60k miles, a $3,000+ warranty might be worth it for peace of mind .
The VR30 Engine: A Beast with a Few Quirks
The Q60’s heart is the Nissan VR30DDTT engine—a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that landed on Ward’s Top 10 Engines list . It comes in two flavors:
- 3.0t: 300 horsepower
- Red Sport 400: 400 horsepower
The engines are nearly identical. The extra 100 hp comes from increased turbo boost (9.7 psi vs. nearly 15 psi) and an extra intercooler water pump . That means you can tune a 300-hp model to Red Sport levels with aftermarket parts like the Burger Tuning JB4 or an Ecutek flash tune .
What to Watch For: Known VR30 Issues
Serpentine Belt Failure
This is the big one. Early 2017 models (and some 2018s) had a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for serpentine belt alignment issues. The belt can snap without warning . The good news? Infiniti acknowledged the problem and issued fixes. Models manufactured after 2017 shouldn’t have this issue—but it’s still worth checking .
Turbo Issues
Some owners have reported turbo problems on 2019 and earlier models . However, one forum member made a great point: “It’s not so much that the 2019 and earlier models are prone to turbo issues. I think it’s more likely the 2020 and newer don’t have enough miles on them yet for issues to appear” .
Engine Failures
One owner reported a complete engine replacement at 60,000 miles on a 2017 Sport, even with no modifications. This was covered under powertrain warranty, but it’s a reminder that these engines need proper care .
The Timeline of Infiniti Q60
- 2017: First year for the Q60 with the new VR30 engine. Some teething issues (serpentine belt TSB, turbo concerns).
- 2018: The “sweet spot” year. Sport trim offers great value. Many issues from 2017 addressed.
- 2019: Minor updates. Still some turbo concerns reported.
- 2020: More reliable reports, but fewer high-mileage examples to judge .
- 2021-2022: Latest models with the most updates. The most reliable, but also the most expensive.
Which Model Year Should You Buy?
| Model Year | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Lower price | Most issues (belt, turbos) | Avoid unless service records are perfect |
| 2018 | Sweet spot for value, Sport trim is excellent | Some belt issues, run-flat tires | Recommended |
| 2019 | Refinements over 2018 | Turbo concerns reported | Consider with good service history |
| 2020 | Fewer reported issues | Higher price | Good choice |
| 2021-2022 | Most reliable | Most expensive | Buy if budget allows |
Trims: Sport vs. Red Sport
3.0t Sport (The Smart Choice)
- 300 hp
- Adaptive suspension
- 14-inch brakes
- Paddle shifters
- Most of the Red Sport’s goodies at a lower price
One owner said the 2018 Sport AWD is “definitely the sweet spot” .
Red Sport 400 (The Performance King)
- 400 hp
- Extra intercooler water pump
- Turbo speed monitor
- Bigger brakes
- More cooling capacity
The Red Sport is “outstanding and has plenty of power for all occasions” .
What the Experts Say
“The sweet spot is the 3.0t Sport trim level. It offers a proper dose of thrust over the four-cylinder without reaching the ambitious price point of the Red Sport 400.”
Features to Avoid
Direct Adaptive Steering
This optional system replaces the traditional mechanical steering with an electronic setup. Most reviewers and owners dislike it. It “feels overly disconnected and artificial” . If the car you’re looking at has this, make sure you test drive it thoroughly.
The Maintenance Factor
Here’s the thing about buying a used performance car—how the previous owner treated it matters more than the year or the miles.
“These are the things that are going to affect it most over the long haul. Some owners who know they’re not going to keep their vehicle long will be lax in their upkeep” .
Key maintenance advice:
- The VR30 engine likes 5,000-mile (8,000 km) oil change intervals—not the 10,000 miles some manuals suggest
- Warm up the engine before driving hard
- Let it cool down before shutting it off (both of these are in the Nissan Z manual, which shares the same engine)
- Check for oil sludge and leaky turbo oil seals—these are signs of poor maintenance
FAQ: Common Questions About Buying a Used Q60
What’s the most reliable year for an Infiniti Q60?
2020 and newer generally have fewer reported issues, but they also have fewer high-mileage examples. The 2018 Sport is considered the best value by many owners .
Should I buy a 2017 Q60?
Only if you’re getting a great deal and the car has perfect service records. The 2017 models had the most teething issues, including serpentine belt problems .
Are turbo problems common on the Q60?
Some owners have reported turbo issues, especially on 2019 and earlier models. However, it’s not widespread enough to avoid the car entirely—just check service history and consider an extended warranty .
Is the Red Sport 400 worth the extra money?
If you want 400 hp from the factory, yes. But the 300-hp Sport can be tuned to Red Sport power levels for less money, and the Sport already has most of the Red Sport’s handling features .
What’s the deal with the serpentine belt issue?
Early 2017 and some 2018 models had a TSB for belt alignment. The belt can snap without warning. Infiniti issued fixes, so check if the car you’re looking at has had the work done .
Should I buy an extended warranty?
With powertrain warranty expiring around 60,000 miles, many owners consider an extended warranty. One forum member paid around $3,000 for peace of mind up to 120,000 miles .
Can I daily drive a Q60?
Yes, but it’s a sports coupe. The trunk is “small, even for a luxury coupe,” and the back seats are “too small to really be usable” . Great for two people, not so great for hauling family or cargo.
Final Thoughts
The Infiniti Q60 is a beautiful, powerful luxury coupe that offers incredible value on the used market. The key is buying smart:
- Prioritize maintenance history over low miles
- Consider the 2018 Sport trim for the best value
- Avoid the Direct Adaptive Steering option
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows VR30 engines
- Budget for an extended warranty if the factory warranty is expired
When you find a well-maintained Q60, it’s a joy to own. As one owner put it, “I love my Q60, she is part of me” . Just do your homework first.
What year is your Q60, and what’s your ownership experience been like? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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