Infiniti models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| G35 and G37 | 2003-2013 | Infiniti's best-known sedan and coupe of the 2000s; for 2014 Infiniti moved its lineup to Q and QX names. |
| QX4 | 1997-2003 | 2002-2003 QX4s are under the 2024 Takata do-not-drive warning, and salt-state models were recalled for strut housing corrosion. |
| I35 | 2002-2004 | 2003-2004 I35s are in Takata passenger-inflator recall 16V349000, which began with hot, humid states and later expanded. |
| FX35 and FX45 | 2003-2008 | Also covered by Takata recall 16V349000 and its follow-ups; check the VIN before driving one that sat. |
| M35 and M45 | 2006-2010 | 2006-2010 M sedans are in the same 16V349000 Takata passenger-inflator campaign. |
| QX56 | 2004-2013 | 2005-2006 QX56s were recalled with the Titan and Armada (08V284000) for a condenser fan motor that could corrode and overheat. |
| JX35 and QX60 | 2013-present | A Nissan service bulletin addresses CVT judder and stored codes P17F0 or P17F1 on the 2013 JX35 and 2014-2018 V6 QX60. |
Known Infiniti problems that end up at the scrapyard
Takata do-not-drive warning on 2002-2003 QX4
Nissan's 2024 warning covered about 84,000 unrepaired vehicles, including 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4s, whose Takata air bag inflators can explode and throw metal fragments. Owners were told to stop driving until the free repair is done. A QX4 with this recall open should be towed to a dealer or to a buyer, never driven. source
Strut housing corrosion on 1997-2003 QX4
Recall 11V244000 covers 1997-2003 QX4s and 1996-2004 Pathfinders from road-salt states, Illinois included. Salty slush can collect where the strut housing meets the inner hood ledge, until the housing cracks and pulls away. Grinding noises and heavier steering are warnings; in the worst case the steering column can break. source
CVT judder in the 2013 JX35 and 2014-2018 QX60
Nissan issued a service bulletin for V6 JX35 and QX60 models whose CVTs judder, shake or bump, with trouble codes P17F0 or P17F1 stored. Depending on diagnosis, the procedure calls for replacing the valve body or the whole CVT assembly, plus reprogramming if needed. On a QX60 past its powertrain warranty, a CVT replacement is often the point where owners decide to sell. source
Where an Infiniti’s life usually ends
Infinitis share engines, transmissions and many recalls with Nissans, and they age the same way in Chicago. The VQ-series V6 in a G35, FX35 or QX60 can run a very long time. What retires these cars is the expensive stuff around it: a CVT in the JX35 and QX60, worn suspension and steering parts on heavy SUVs, rusted brake and fuel lines, and luxury electronics that are costly to replace one module at a time.
The QX4 is a special case. It’s old enough that two serious recalls apply at once: the Takata inflator warning and strut housing corrosion in salt states. An unrepaired QX4 is genuinely unsafe to drive, so it’s one of the vehicles where selling it where it sits makes the most sense.
The G35 and G37 sit in the middle. Many are still daily drivers at high mileage, but a coupe or sedan with a failing automatic, rusted rear wheel arches and a cracked windshield can easily need more work than the car is worth. A rear-wheel-drive Infiniti that spent its winters parked on a Chicago side street also tends to collect curb damage to wheels and suspension. If you’re unsure, our guide to selling a car that won’t run lays out the choices.
Questions that shape an offer on an Infiniti
We don’t post figures, because an offer depends on the actual vehicle. We’ll ask:
- Which model and engine, and does it start and drive?
- Is it complete, with wheels, catalytic converters and interior intact?
- Any collision damage, flood exposure or major rust through the floor or frame?
- Where is it parked: driveway, garage, alley or street?
Our page on what a junk car is worth explains why those details matter.
Paperwork and pickup
Tell us which papers you have. Illinois rules decide which documents work for a scrap sale, and we confirm that on the call. Leave every key and Intelligent Key fob, and take out personal items and your I-PASS. Other brands are listed on our makes we buy page.
Selling a junk Infiniti: questions
My QX4 still has its original airbag. Will you buy it?
Yes, but don't drive it, even to us. We tow it from where it's parked at no charge. If you'd rather repair and keep it, Nissan replaces the Takata inflator for free, so call a dealer first if the SUV is otherwise in good shape.
What do I do about Infiniti InTouch before selling?
If your Infiniti has InTouch Services, cancel the subscription and remove the vehicle from your Infiniti account or app. Then reset the infotainment system to erase phones, contacts and saved destinations, and clear HomeLink garage buttons.