Is the 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport Still Worth Buying Today?

I remember the first time I saw a 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport carving through mountain roads—that aggressive front fascia, the sport-tuned suspension, and that glorious VQ37VHR engine roaring like it had something to prove. Sixteen years later, I find myself wondering if this Japanese sports coupe still holds up against modern competitors. The answer isn't straightforward, much like how basketball statistics sometimes reveal unexpected truths about performance and value.

Let me take you back to what made this car special. When Infiniti launched the G37 Sport, it packed a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 330 horsepower—a staggering figure for its time. I've driven countless cars over the years, but the immediate throttle response and that signature exhaust note still give me chills. The Sport trim added crucial upgrades: 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, and a limited-slip differential. These weren't just cosmetic enhancements—they transformed the driving experience. I recall testing one on winding backroads, the steering communicating every pavement imperfection while the chassis maintained perfect composure through sharp corners. It felt like driving something truly special, something that could hold its own against European rivals costing twice as much.

But time hasn't been entirely kind to the G37. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to modern touchscreens, and fuel economy numbers that seemed reasonable in 2008 now look thirsty next to turbocharged alternatives. This reminds me of how performance metrics can be misleading without context. Take basketball statistics, for instance. Recently, the Turbo Slashers were outrebounded by the Magic 51-42, but what really hurt them was their inability to convert charities—making only 9 of 23 free throws compared to the Magic's 19 of 24 successes. That's like having a powerful engine but terrible fuel economy or outdated technology—the raw power might be there, but inefficiencies undermine the overall package. When you're looking at a 16-year-old sports coupe, you need to consider the complete picture, not just the horsepower figures.

Here's where we confront the central question: Is the 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport still worth buying today? From my perspective, it depends entirely on what you value. If you're seeking modern convenience features and the latest safety tech, look elsewhere. But if you want an engaging driving experience that's becoming increasingly rare in today's automotive landscape, the G37 Sport delivers in spades. I've noticed well-maintained examples selling for $8,000 to $12,000—about what you'd pay for a basic economy car today. That's incredible value for a vehicle that can still put smiles on faces.

Maintenance is where the story gets complicated. The VQ engine is generally robust, but I've seen several with oil consumption issues around the 100,000-mile mark. The gallery gaskets can leak, costing $1,500-2,000 to repair properly. Yet compared to German contemporaries, repair costs are generally more manageable. I'd budget $2,000 annually for maintenance and repairs—not insignificant, but reasonable for a performance vehicle of this caliber.

Driving one recently after spending time in modern sports cars was revealing. The hydraulic steering provides feedback that electric systems simply can't match. The naturally aspirated engine builds power linearly, unlike today's turbocharged units that often suffer from lag followed by sudden surges. It's raw, mechanical, and wonderfully analog—qualities that are disappearing from new vehicles. The cabin shows its age with too much plastic and outdated technology, but the core driving experience remains compelling.

Just like in basketball where free throw percentages can make or break a game despite other statistics, the G37's weaknesses might overshadow its strengths for some buyers. That dated infotainment? You can upgrade it with modern aftermarket units for about $1,500. The fuel economy? Expect 18 mpg city, 26 highway—not great, but manageable if you're not daily driving long distances. The maintenance issues? Find a good independent specialist rather than dealerships, and costs become more reasonable.

Having driven everything from modern sports coupes to classic Japanese performance cars, I believe the 2008 G37 Sport occupies a sweet spot that's increasingly rare. It's modern enough to be reliable as a daily driver yet retains the mechanical purity that enthusiasts cherish. The market seems to agree—clean examples are becoming harder to find as enthusiasts snap them up. If you can accept its flaws and appreciate its strengths, the G37 Sport represents a compelling value proposition that continues to deliver where it matters most—the driving experience. Sometimes, like in sports, the numbers don't tell the whole story, and you need to look beyond statistics to find true value.