Help me choose a Q50

[qfiftybuyer]

After a lot of research and negotiations I have two cars picked. Please help pick one.

1. Fully loaded (every package that was available back then up to the tech package)2014 Q50 Hybrid with 9000 miles on it. This is a CPO.
2. 2016 3.0T Premium Q50 with Premium Plus and Driver assistance Package. 0 miles, brand new car.

The price difference between the two is $4000. #2 being more expensive.

Which one is a better choice in your opinion? Thanks in advance for your inputs.

[rmyAddison]

I'm on my third Infiniti (G37 IPL, QX50, Q50 Red Sport) so I'm a fan. But I am not a fan of the hybrid, and they have not received good reviews, the new ones at my dealer have sat for months.

My Red Sport has the same packages as the car you are looking at, Premium Plus and Driver Assistance (which includes the wonderful surround cameras and sonar). Did not want the Adaptive Steering or the Tech (nanny) package. I really would skip on the hybrid, even a new one, so it comes down to the deal you are getting. Have you driven a Silver or Red Sport?

Going from Premium to Sport gives you different wheels, suspension, front facia, seats, paddle shifters, see below...............

Includes all Q50 3.0t Premium standard features plus:
19-inch alloy sport wheels
Dynamic Digital Suspension
Leather-appointed sport seats
Sport brakes with silver painted calipers
10-way power driver's seat
Unique sport front bumper
Solid-magnesium paddle shifters
Power tilt and telescopic steering column
Driver's memory seat
Auto-dimming outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature
Silver "S" exterior badging
Fast ratio electronic power steering

Best of luck..........

[PostalsQ]

2 different beasts all together. One for saving fuel. The other known for modern day performance. I'd go for the newer model. At least you know for a fact it hasn't been abused. Have real fun with it making your own personal statement on it.

[RicerX]

2014 Q50s have a HORRID InTouch system. HORRID. If you're remotely into infotainment, skip any 2014.

I would absolutely get the 2016 with the 3.0T if you're remotely interested in power adders. That engine is looking to be absolutely fantastic.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[Lmaggio]

2014 Q50s have a HORRID InTouch system. HORRID. If you're remotely into infotainment, skip any 2014.

I would absolutely get the 2016 with the 3.0T if you're remotely interested in power adders. That engine is looking to be absolutely fantastic.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

What he said

[Vicellus]

2 different beasts all together. One for saving fuel. The other known for modern day performance. I'd go for the newer model. At least you know for a fact it hasn't been abused. Have real fun with it making your own personal statement on it.

Although on paper it does give better mileage, it really does depend on the driver's driving style. I definitely do not get anywhere near the advertised MPG - but I do have a big smirk every time I drive. The acceleration really does make me fall back in love with the car everytime I drive. (That is thanks to the KERS-inspired electronic boost that the "hybrid" utilizes)

[Vicellus]

2014 Q50s have a HORRID InTouch system. HORRID. If you're remotely into infotainment, skip any 2014.

I would absolutely get the 2016 with the 3.0T if you're remotely interested in power adders. That engine is looking to be absolutely fantastic.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Agreed. Since the redsport came out, it seems all the aftermarket induction systems are being made for the turbo'd VR rather than the hybrid VQ. I guess the whole electronic system gets in the way of forced induction.

[RicerX]

Lots of sophisticated electronics in that hybrid setup. Not that adding power to it can't be done, you'll just get better bang for the buck with a car that's already boosted.

I will concede that it is beginning to look like the 300hp version of the 3.0T is the bang for the buck if you want to mod. The cooling system is a bit better (stock for stock) in the red sport, but if you don't care about warranty and are likely to modify the cooling yourself, save the cost difference and rock out the 300hp version. The intakes and exhausts that have shown up are already making up most of the difference.

Also, on the non-redsport, I believe the dampers aren't that electronically adjustable type, so if you want to do suspension mods, the 300hp version is less of a hassle to deal with.

The biggest piece that I'm waiting for is who cracks the LSD problem. But I'll save that for another thread.

[Vicellus]

Also, if you have no intention on building the car or modifying it performance-wise - CPO will be the better option. Lengthier warranty, I believe up to 100k miles rather than 60k. Then it's down to maintenance. Would you prefer to maintain a generally new hybrid system with a bit of a transmission issue, or a turbo with potential oil problems in the future?

[Nismoknights_Q60]

Lots of sophisticated electronics in that hybrid setup. Not that adding power to it can't be done, you'll just get better bang for the buck with a car that's already boosted.

I will concede that it is beginning to look like the 300hp version of the 3.0T is the bang for the buck if you want to mod. The cooling system is a bit better (stock for stock) in the red sport, but if you don't care about warranty and are likely to modify the cooling yourself, save the cost difference and rock out the 300hp version. The intakes and exhausts that have shown up are already making up most of the difference.

Also, on the non-redsport, I believe the dampers aren't that electronically adjustable type, so if you want to do suspension mods, the 300hp version is less of a hassle to deal with.

The biggest piece that I'm waiting for is who cracks the LSD problem. But I'll save that for another thread.

Well said sir, and what LSD problem are you talking about?
Not being able to properly do a burn out right?
Even when I turn off traction control most of the time it still acts like it is on most of the time.
I can't stand it

[Vicellus]

Lots of sophisticated electronics in that hybrid setup. Not that adding power to it can't be done, you'll just get better bang for the buck with a car that's already boosted.

I will concede that it is beginning to look like the 300hp version of the 3.0T is the bang for the buck if you want to mod. The cooling system is a bit better (stock for stock) in the red sport, but if you don't care about warranty and are likely to modify the cooling yourself, save the cost difference and rock out the 300hp version. The intakes and exhausts that have shown up are already making up most of the difference.

Also, on the non-redsport, I believe the dampers aren't that electronically adjustable type, so if you want to do suspension mods, the 300hp version is less of a hassle to deal with.

The biggest piece that I'm waiting for is who cracks the LSD problem. But I'll save that for another thread.

Well said sir, and what LSD problem are you talking about?
Not being able to properly do a burn out right?
Even when I turn off traction control most of the time it still acts like it is on most of the time.
I can't stand it

The lack of LSD kind of does put a bit of a damper on the whole burnout game.

[strikemyrmidon]

Well said sir, and what LSD problem are you talking about?
Not being able to properly do a burn out right?
Even when I turn off traction control most of the time it still acts like it is on most of the time.
I can't stand it

I'm pretty sure he's referring to the fact that the car doesn't have one.

[RicerX]

I hate that I have to sandbag corner exits in the car because all it wants to do is light up the inside rear wheel anytime you give it gas. Also, on uneven surfaces (like crossing medians on divided roads to get out into traffic) the car freaks out because it spins one wheel, wigs out the traction control, and you're sitting there with your foot on the gas and the car isn't going anywhere. An LSD in this car would do wonders.

The RWD Red Sport guys talk about how traction limited the car is from the factory. I cannot imagine how bad it must be - the 3.7 RWD is already seriously traction limited with the stock run flats and open diff. Another 100lb-ft of torque would make for an infuriating experience for me.

I like effective use of power in my cars - effective and efficient drivetrain transfer of power to the wheels and oodles of grip via some good tires. The Q50 from the factory is absolutely terrible at these things and it is my single greatest critique about this car.