I have lived in Japan for years and am looking to move back to the USA in the next few months. Driving here is a drag as everyone drives like ***. Too slow and what they consider caution is really just stupidity in my book. Very frustrating.

So I am looking to get something fun when I get back and have finally got my eye on a 2010-2013 G37S sedan. Must be a sedan and must be Sport.

Anyway, I have been online shopping and have noticed that tons of the dealers claim their cars are sport but they sure don't look it. I mean, the sport package is always going to have the different front end right? Also can someone explain the other visual differences? I think I can spot the seats but not sure about the back end. I tried to google it.... really, I did!

Finally, there is a car sort of near where my folks live (where we will be staying for a bit when we get back) and I was hoping to get some thoughts on it. Seems like a pretty good price so I guess I am wondering why it hasn't sold yet...looks to be modded a bit maybe?

Used Infiniti G37 For Sale - CarGurus

 

That car looks clean, low miles, good price, etc.

But it is an XS - yes? It has been debadged (mostly) - but the pic of the 'Snow' switch on the console is the clue. And I do not believe it has the big brakes...

If that is what you are looking for - very good!

 

OP, you want RWD-Sport. The Sport Package on the AWD Sedan is appearance-only.

There's only one external, visual cue for the RWD-Sport Sedan... the brakes. When looking online, look at the brakes. If it has the BBK, then it's RWD-Sport. (And assuming the car hasn't been modified.) That red sedan in your link does *not* have the BBK. Sport bumper, sport side-sills, sport seats, etc. But no BBK. Assuming stock, then it's a G37xS.

As for the interior, AFAIK there's no difference between the RWD-Sport Package and the AWD-Sport Package. However, if you see an actual stick shift, then you're good to go. Kind of rare, though.

Lastly, assuming every city in the entire USA drives lame compared to Japan... that's just ignorant. It's a big country.

Welcome to the forum. Good luck.

 

I thought the snow switch was on the RWD and just started it in 2nd gear.

I do want a RWD so is there any other clue you can see for sure it is an X?

 

The Snow switch is one

 

I think you misunderstood me. Driving in Japan is pretty lame. So many of the roads are just one lane and small and IMHO the drivers suck. That is why I don't have a fun car here. Looking forward to getting one when I get back to the states.

In the USA drivers suck too but they suck in a different, much more aggressive, dangerous and fun way...and the roads are generally much bigger.

 

I can see them now I think...they are, well, big!!

DOMO

Love this emoticon...might be the real reason I joined.

 

Seems I did, completely opposite to your intent. My apologies.

Anyway, the BBK, that's your tell. Look for the BBK on the Sedan. If online pictures aren't clear (like in that one posting), take the image into photo editing software, zoom in and gamma-correct so that you can see details in the shadows.

This is the 4-piston Akebono BBK on the front brakes, with huge 14" rotors, and the OEM duckfeet (sport sedan wheels). Ignore the wheel gap on this old picture... my garage is not at all level.

 

You guys have saved me I think.

so to see how I am doing:

This one is not a sport package in any form:

2010 Infiniti G37 For Sale in Washington, DC - CarGurus

 

That is a RWD Journey, base model Sedan... assuming the little "x" wasn't removed.

This CarGurus site looks very misleading, without full disclosure. Try AutoTrader.com.

 

I was finding tons that I could tell were mislabeled there too.

 

It's endemic to use car sales. They throw around words like "sport" indiscriminately, and often confuse the ratchet shifting AT with "manual shifting", which is enough to make you insane if you're looking for a 6MT.

 

It was driving me especially insane as I was having trouble seeing all the tells.

I feel much more prepared thanks!!! and I may be back.

If I actually get one I will definitely be back.

DOMODOMODOMO

 

do all the sport models have the thigh extensions ?

 

^ yes, S and xS version both do. i like mine, others don't. to each his own.

OP - try cars.com. they seem to have decent inventory. you'll always find the same "sport" filter issues, but give 'em a shot.