Is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport Still Worth Buying in 2024?
I remember the first time I drove a 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport back when it was relatively new. The moment I pressed the accelerator and felt that twin-turbo V6 roar to life, I knew this was something special. Five years later, as I revisit this performance sedan, I find myself asking the same question many potential buyers are considering: Is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport still worth buying in 2024? The answer, much like in basketball, often comes down to endurance under pressure and the ability to deliver when it matters most.
Looking at the automotive landscape today, we're witnessing a dramatic shift toward electrification and autonomous driving. Yet there's something undeniably compelling about the raw, mechanical connection you get with a well-engineered combustion engine. The 2019 Q50 Red Sport represents that final generation of pure performance sedans before the industry fully committed to electrification. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 400 horsepower – a number that still turns heads today. I've driven newer electric vehicles that deliver faster 0-60 times, but none provide the same theatrical experience, that symphony of mechanical harmony that makes driving an emotional experience rather than just transportation.
This reminds me of watching competitive sports where experience and resilience often triumph over flashy newcomers. Just last week, I was following the basketball game where GenSan threatened at 75-77 with 2 minutes and 54 seconds left, but Nueva Ecija stood its ground, holding the Warriors to a free throw while coming through with six out of eight tries to seal their ninth straight win of the season. That's exactly how the 2019 Q50 Red Sport feels in today's market – an experienced player maintaining its ground against newer competitors. It doesn't have the all-electric range of a Tesla Model 3 Performance or the hybrid sophistication of a BMW 330e, but what it offers is proven reliability and that intoxicating V6 soundtrack that electric vehicles simply can't replicate.
Having spent considerable time with this vehicle both when it was new and more recently, I can confirm that the driving dynamics remain impressive. The steering, while not as razor-sharp as some German competitors, provides excellent feedback through winding roads. The suspension strikes that perfect balance between comfort and sportiness that many modern cars seem to have forgotten in their pursuit of either extreme. Just last month, I took one on a 300-mile road trip through varying road conditions, and it handled everything from poorly maintained backroads to sweeping highway curves with equal competence. The cabin, while showing its age in terms of infotainment technology, features materials that have aged remarkably well. The leather seats in particular maintain their supportive comfort and show minimal wear even after what I estimate to be around 45,000 miles of use.
Where the Q50 Red Sport truly shines is in its value proposition. When new, it commanded around $55,000 fully loaded. Today, you can find well-maintained examples for approximately $32,000 to $38,000 depending on mileage and options. That represents exceptional value when you consider that you're getting performance that still competes with cars costing $20,000 more. The maintenance costs, based on my conversations with several Infiniti technicians, remain reasonable compared to German rivals – about 25% less for routine services and significantly cheaper for major repairs. The VR30 engine has proven to be remarkably robust, with few widespread issues reported across the ownership community.
The technology aspect requires some honest assessment. The dual-screen infotainment system feels dated compared to modern interfaces, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is noticeable. However, the core systems work reliably, and the physical climate controls are actually something I've come to appreciate more as newer cars bury everything in touchscreen menus. During my recent test drive in heavy rain, being able to adjust temperature and defrost settings without taking my eyes off the road felt genuinely safer than fumbling through digital menus.
So, is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport still worth buying in 2024? From my perspective, absolutely – if you prioritize driving engagement over having the latest technology. It's like choosing between a vintage mechanical watch and a smartwatch; one connects you to the pure essence of the experience while the other offers more features but less soul. The Q50 Red Sport represents that mechanical connection to driving, a reminder of what made performance sedans so compelling before the industry's inevitable march toward electrification. It may not have the newest tech or the most efficient powertrain, but it delivers where it counts – providing that genuine smile every time you press the accelerator and hear that twin-turbo V6 come alive. In a world increasingly filled with sanitized, efficient transportation, sometimes you need a car that reminds you why you fell in love with driving in the first place.
