I have to agree with the others. I wouldn't do the switch. I am not a big fan of 2016 GTI but still it does not make much sense.

I own a g37s 2008 and so far I haven't had the dreaded gasket issue. Yes it does not happen to everyone but it is a risk and unfortunately it is Infiniti's fault. The fix is very expensive and they don't do anything about it. I believe every vehicle before 2011 has the same risk not just the 2008 models. While G37 is far more reliable than a German car I have to say their quality control pretty much sucks. For example I have a completely failing clear coat, this is the first time I had CC failing on a car. When older Nissan's having good paint and Infiniti fails you being to suspect about their quality control.

The real problem is you are doing this to save money and if you happen to face an issue you will probably in a worse situation then before. If you are having financial issues try to go for a temporary beater. When things get better you can get a nicer car again.

 

You must not have realized how old the thread is! But, anyway, I gave back my leased 2016 GTI SE DSG recently and picked up a 2014 Q60 AWD.
My GTI had the DSG replaced, fuel pump replaced, sunroof assembly replaced and had 1 recall. I DO like the GTI, but I didn't even put 20k miles on it in 3 years and it gave me all of those issues. Also, the CEL came on my first night with the GTI (never came on again though).

I bought my Q60 because of the awesome experience I have had with my 2007 Titan (had it over 10 years now). People get on the Titan forums and bitch about all kinds of things, including failing clear coat. I carwash my Titan about 3 times a year, tow 10K a few times a year (rated 9400). It DOES have blown exhaust manifolds, a huge issue with a bunch of Nissans, but it has been an otherwise solid vehicle. It has NEVER needed to go in to the shop for a repair yet (well, muffler tip rusted off recently) but my GTI was in 8 times in 36 months.

I can already tell my Q60 has a clunk in the rear, probably that liquid filled diff bushing. I don't care because that's nothing compared to my GTI. Besides, if you want a reliable car get a boring-*** Camry. For a sporty car with over 300hp and AWD, only a Lexus RC could be considered possibly "better" (I think it is but $10K more than the most expensive closest Infiniti).

 

Wow, I thought this thread was the top one and assumed that it was recent. Sorry about that.

Well, first of all enjoy your new car. That looks like the metallic rose red or it had a similar name. I think unlike my crappy vibrant red this one is a proper and durable paint with a proper CC. I also like awd's but in SC it is hard to find one. You did a good job by going for 2012 model.

My car is almost the same color as your GTI, of course with horrible CC failure. Oh well I will be putting in $1K for fixing valve cover leaks and a spark plug change and hope that I won't have to deal with the galley gasket leak.

Again enjoy your new car.

 

My GTI was called "Tornado Red" and I was looking for a 2012+ G37x coupe in Vibrant Red. I kept finding Vibrant Red, but they either didn't have navigation or they had a tan interior.
I stumbled on to my 2014, not super happy that it's Venetian Ruby, but it's a type of red, and red is my requirement for my car. I'm getting used to the color.

I have heard that the types of red like your coupe and my GTI have are susceptible to fading also. I think the clear coat issue is a Nissan thing, though. I would be bummed if it happened to me!