Your Ultimate Guide: What to Check Before Buying a Q50 Red Sport

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, with its sleek lines and potent twin-turbo V6 engine, is undeniably an attractive proposition for anyone seeking a blend of luxury and performance. It offers thrilling acceleration and a refined cabin, making it a compelling choice in the used luxury sports sedan market. But like any high-performance vehicle, especially when buying used, a thorough inspection is crucial to ensure you're getting a gem, not a money pit.

So, you're eyeing that alluring Q50 Red Sport. How do you ensure your dream car doesn't turn into a nightmare of unexpected repairs? This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what to check before buying a Q50 Red Sport, empowering you to make an informed decision and drive away with confidence.

Why the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport? Understanding its Appeal and Potential Pitfalls

The Q50 Red Sport, particularly the "400" variant, boasts the VR30DDTT engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers a robust 400 horsepower. This engine is the heart of its appeal, offering exhilarating performance that can rival more expensive German counterparts. Its stylish design and comfortable interior also contribute to its desirability.

Common Concerns: What Should You Be Aware Of?

While the Q50 Red Sport can be a reliable car, especially with proper maintenance, there are some known issues, particularly with earlier models (2016-2017), that potential buyers should be aware of. These often revolve around the VR30DDTT engine and related systems. Some owners have reported issues with turbos, cooling system problems, and serpentine belt issues. Fuel injector failures and even porous engine blocks have also been reported in a small number of cases.

Exterior and Body Inspection: Beyond the Shine

When you first see the car, take your time to walk around it. The exterior can tell you a lot about a vehicle's past.

Scrutinizing the Paint and Body Panels

• Paint Condition: Look for inconsistencies in paint color, overspray, scratches, dents, or bubbling, which could indicate rust or previous repairs. Run your hand over the panels to feel for unevenness.
• Panel Gaps: Check the gaps between body panels (doors, hood, trunk, fenders). Are they even and consistent? Inconsistent gaps can be a sign of poor bodywork following an accident.
• Lights and Lenses: Ensure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are working and that their lenses are intact, without cracks or fogging.

Checking for Accident Damage and Repairs

• Under the Hood/Trunk: Look for signs of repair work in the engine bay or trunk, such as new welds, misaligned components, or fresh paint on internal structures.
• Undercarriage: If possible, get a look underneath the car. Check for any signs of frame damage, excessive rust, or fluid leaks.

Wheels, Tires, and Brakes: Your Contact with the Road

• Tires: Inspect tire tread depth and look for uneven wear, which could point to alignment issues or suspension problems. Also, ensure all four tires are the same brand and model. The original run-flat tires on some Red Sport models were known for defects and poor ride quality, so check if they've been replaced.
• Wheels: Check for curb rash, bends, or cracks on the wheels.
• Brakes: Inspect the brake pads and rotors. Look for deep grooves or excessive wear on the rotors. A spongy brake pedal or premature brake wear, especially in earlier models (2014-2016), has been a reported issue.

Interior Deep Dive: Comfort, Tech, and Wear

The interior of a Q50 Red Sport should feel luxurious. Any significant wear could indicate high mileage or rough usage.

Assessing Upholstery and Trim Condition

• Seats: Check the leather or fabric for tears, stains, excessive wear, or sagging. Pay attention to the driver's seat bolster, which often shows wear first.
• Dashboard and Trim: Look for cracks, fading, or missing buttons/knobs on the dashboard and other interior trim pieces.
• Pedals and Steering Wheel: Excessive wear on the brake, accelerator pedals, or steering wheel can be an indicator of higher mileage than what the odometer shows.

Electronics and Infotainment: Every Button Counts

• Test Everything: Turn on the car and test every electronic feature: infotainment system, navigation, Bluetooth, climate control, power windows, power seats, sunroof, and all lights. Ensure all buttons and switches function correctly.
• Dashboard Lights: Make sure no warning lights (check engine, ABS, airbag, etc.) are illuminated.

HVAC System and Odors: Breathe Easy

• Climate Control: Test both heating and air conditioning to ensure they blow air at the correct temperature and with good fan strength.
• Odors: Pay attention to any unusual smells, such as mold, mildew, smoke, or a sweet coolant smell, which could indicate underlying issues.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Mechanical Checkpoints

This is where your focus should be most intense, especially for a performance car like the Q50 Red Sport.

The VR30DDTT Engine: Specific Points to Watch

The 3.0-liter twin-turbo VR30DDTT engine is powerful, but has had some reported issues.

• Turbochargers: Listen for unusual whining or rattling noises, particularly on cold starts, which could indicate wastegate issues or failing turbos. Some pre-2018 turbos were more prone to leaky oil seals. Look for smoke from the exhaust or oil leaks around the turbo housing.
• Cooling System: Check the coolant reservoir for proper levels and condition. Overheating and coolant leaks, sometimes due to a leaking coolant gasket or even a porous engine block, have been reported. Ensure no signs of coolant in the oil (milky oil on the dipstick).
• Direct Injection System: The VR30DDTT is a direct-injected engine, meaning it can be susceptible to carbon buildup on intake valves over time, which can affect performance. While not always immediately visible, it's a long-term consideration.
• Oil Leaks and Fluid Levels: Check for any visible oil leaks around the engine. The PCV system can cause some oil film in the turbos, but excessive oil consumption or leaks should be noted. Verify all fluid levels (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid) are correct and clean. Infiniti's recommended 10,000-mile oil change interval is considered too long by some experts, so check for evidence of more frequent oil changes.
• Serpentine Belt: Early models (2016-2017) had reported issues with the serpentine belt due to pulley misalignment, which could lead to loss of power and overheating. Check the belt for cracks, fraying, or excessive wear.

Transmission and Drivetrain: Smooth Shifts, No Surprises

• Fluid Leaks: Look for any transmission fluid leaks under the car.
• Shifting: During the test drive, pay close attention to how the 7-speed automatic transmission shifts. It should be smooth and responsive, without any harshness, delays, or slipping.

Suspension and Steering: Handling the Road Ahead

• Suspension: Listen for any clunks, squeaks, or rattles when going over bumps. Uneven ride height could indicate worn suspension components.
• Steering: Check for excessive play in the steering wheel or any unusual noises when turning. The Q50 is known to be sensitive to suspension geometry changes, so be wary of heavily modified cars.

The Crucial Test Drive: Listen, Feel, Observe

This is your opportunity to experience the car's true condition on the road. Don't rush it.

• Engine Performance and Turbo Spool: Accelerate through different RPMs to feel the power delivery. Do the turbos spool up smoothly, or do you notice any hesitation or unusual noises?
• Transmission Behavior: Pay close attention to shifts at varying speeds and loads. Is it smooth and consistent?
• Braking Performance: Test the brakes at different speeds. The car should stop straight and without any shuddering, pulling, or excessive noise.
• Steering and Suspension Feel: Drive over various road surfaces to assess the suspension. Does it feel firm but comfortable, or overly harsh or floaty? The steering should feel precise and responsive.
• Listen for Unusual Noises: Keep an ear out for any squeaks, rattles, clunks, or hums that weren't apparent during the static inspection. This includes wind noise, road noise, and any sounds from the engine or drivetrain.

Documentation and History: The Car's Life Story

A car's history can reveal more than a visual inspection ever could.

• Service Records: Ask for detailed service records. A well-maintained Q50 Red Sport with a comprehensive service history is a strong indicator of responsible ownership and can help you anticipate future maintenance costs. Maintenance costs for a Q50 can range from $4,000-$7,000 over five years.
• Title and VIN Check: Obtain a vehicle history report (e.g., CarFax or AutoCheck) using the VIN. This report can reveal past accidents, salvage titles, flood damage, recall history, and ownership history. Ensure the VIN on the report matches the one on the car (dashboard, door jamb, engine bay).
• Recall History: Check for any open recalls that haven't been addressed.

The Ultimate Safeguard: Professional Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)

Even if you're mechanically inclined, a professional pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by an independent, qualified mechanic is arguably the most critical step before buying a Q50 Red Sport.

Why a PPI is Non-Negotiable

A PPI can uncover hidden mechanical, electrical, or structural issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. This is especially important for a high-performance, complex vehicle like the Q50 Red Sport, which has specific known issues.

What a Good PPI Should Cover

A thorough PPI will include:

• A detailed inspection of the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems.
• Checking for fluid leaks and proper fluid levels.
• Scanning for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), even if no warning lights are on.
• Assessing the overall structural integrity of the vehicle.
• A comprehensive road test.

The cost of a PPI is a small investment compared to the potential repair bills you could face if you buy a problematic car.

Conclusion

Buying a used Infiniti Q50 Red Sport can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a thrilling drive and a touch of luxury without the new car price tag. However, approaching the purchase with diligence and a comprehensive checklist is paramount. By thoroughly inspecting the exterior, interior, and mechanical components, taking a comprehensive test drive, reviewing all available documentation, and, most importantly, investing in a professional pre-purchase inspection, you significantly reduce your risk.

Don't let the excitement of owning a powerful sports sedan cloud your judgment. Take your time, ask questions, and be prepared to walk away if something doesn't feel right. Your patience and thoroughness will pay off, ensuring you find a Q50 Red Sport that brings you joy for years to come.

What are your experiences buying performance cars used? Share your tips and insights in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport reliable?

A1: The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, particularly models from 2018 onwards, is generally considered reasonably reliable, especially when properly maintained. However, earlier models (2016-2017) of the VR30DDTT engine have had more reported issues, primarily concerning turbochargers, cooling systems, and serpentine belts. Regular maintenance, including more frequent oil changes than recommended by Infiniti, is crucial for longevity.

Q2: What are the most common problems with the VR30DDTT engine?

A2: Common issues reported with the VR30DDTT engine, especially in earlier Q50/Q60 models (2016-2017), include turbocharger failures (often due to wastegate rattle or oil seal leaks), cooling system problems (including coolant leaks and, in rare cases, porous engine blocks), and serpentine belt issues due to pulley misalignment. Fuel injector failures have also been noted in a small batch of cars.

Q3: How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost for a Q50 Red Sport?

A3: The cost of a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) can vary depending on the mechanic and the depth of the inspection, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300. This is a small investment that can save you thousands in potential repairs by identifying hidden issues before you buy.

Q4: Should I buy a high-mileage Q50 Red Sport?

A4: Buying a high-mileage Q50 Red Sport can be a good value, but it comes with increased risk and requires even more diligent inspection. While some owners report high mileage without major issues, others have faced significant repairs like turbo or engine replacements. A comprehensive service history showing consistent maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are absolutely essential for a high-mileage vehicle to assess its condition and potential future costs.