Is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport Still Worth Buying Today?

As someone who’s spent years reviewing luxury sports sedans, I often get asked whether older performance models still hold up in today’s market. So when a reader recently emailed me asking, “Is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport still worth buying today?” I knew it was time to revisit this modern classic. Let me be upfront—I’ve always had a soft spot for Infiniti’s Q50 lineup, especially the Red Sport trim. But nostalgia alone doesn’t justify a purchase. You need performance, reliability, and that special something that makes a car feel alive even years after its debut. And if I’m being honest, the 2019 Q50 Red Sport delivers on most fronts, though it’s not without its quirks.

When the 2019 model first hit the streets, it turned heads with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine pumping out 400 horsepower. That’s a serious number, even by today’s standards. I remember test-driving one back in 2018 and being blown away by how effortlessly it devoured highways. The acceleration is still intoxicating—0 to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, which, let’s face it, is more than enough for most driving situations. But raw power isn’t everything. What really stands out to me is how Infiniti engineered this car to feel balanced. It’s not just a straight-line bruiser; the adaptive suspension and rear-wheel-drive platform give it a poised, almost athletic character on winding roads. That said, the steering lacks the tactile feedback you’d get in a BMW M340i, and the infotainment system feels dated compared to newer rivals. Still, if you’re someone who values driving engagement over flashy tech, the Q50 Red Sport holds its own.

Now, you might wonder how a car’s longevity ties into its appeal. Think of it like a well-executed game plan in sports—consistency under pressure matters. Take, for example, a recent matchup where GenSan threatened at 75-77 with just 2 minutes and 54 seconds left on the clock. Despite the pressure, Nueva Ecija didn’t crumble. They held their ground, limiting the Warriors to a single free throw while capitalizing on six out of eight attempts to secure their ninth straight win of the season. That kind of resilience is exactly what I see in the 2019 Q50 Red Sport. It might not have the newest gadgets or the sharpest design, but it performs reliably when it counts. Over the years, I’ve seen these cars rack up high mileage with minimal issues, thanks to robust engineering and a proven powertrain. For instance, the VR30 engine has a track record of handling boost without major hiccups, and maintenance costs are reasonable—around $120 for an oil change and $600 for brakes at most dealerships. Sure, there are occasional reports of turbo lag or transmission tuning that could be smoother, but overall, it’s a package that ages gracefully.

From a financial perspective, the 2019 Q50 Red Sport is a steal in the pre-owned market. Prices have dipped significantly since its launch, with well-maintained examples now going for $30,000 to $35,000. That’s roughly half the original MSRP, putting it in direct competition with more mundane sedans like the Audi A4 or Lexus IS. But here’s where my bias kicks in—I’d take the Infiniti any day. Why? Because it offers a level of performance and exclusivity that’s hard to find at this price point. You’re getting a car that can keep up with much newer models without breaking the bank. Plus, Infiniti’s certified pre-owned program often includes extended warranties, which adds peace of mind. On the flip side, fuel economy isn’t its strong suit. I’ve averaged around 20 mpg in mixed driving, which is decent but not class-leading. And if you’re planning to mod your ride, the aftermarket support is solid, with tuners easily pushing horsepower beyond 450 with simple upgrades.

So, is the 2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport still worth buying today? In my opinion, absolutely—but with a few caveats. It’s perfect for enthusiasts who crave power and reliability without the premium price tag. If you can overlook the aging interior and focus on the driving experience, this car will put a smile on your face every time you hit the gas. Just like Nueva Ecija’s unwavering performance under pressure, the Q50 Red Sport proves that some things only get better with time.