Infiniti G

Importing a used Infiniti G from the USA

Infiniti never sold the G in Germany, which is exactly why importing one from the States is interesting. Under the skin it is the same car Europeans knew as the Nissan Skyline in Japan, and it delivered a naturally aspirated V6, rear-wheel drive and a genuine sports-sedan chassis at a time when most rivals had already turned to turbos. As an independent broker for used vehicles, USCar Trader can source a clean American G and walk it through the import path; this page explains what you are buying and what the process demands.

Generations at a glance

The badge covers two closely related generations. The G35 (V35 platform) launched for 2003 as a sedan and 2003-2004 as a coupe, running to 2007. The second generation, the V36, arrived as the G35 sedan for 2007 before Infiniti renamed the range to G37 as the larger 3.7-litre V6 rolled out (coupe from 2008, sedan from 2009). Late in the run Infiniti split the line into the G Sedan and G Coupe naming that bridged into the Q50 and Q60. A short-lived G25 with a smaller 2.5-litre V6 also existed for buyers chasing lower running costs.

Powertrain lineup

The heart of the G is Nissan's VQ V6. Early G35s use the VQ35DE (3.5 litres, roughly 260-306 hp depending on year and the higher-revving "rev-up" variant). The G37 moved to the VQ37VHR, a 3.7-litre unit with variable valve event and lift (VVEL) producing around 328-330 hp. Buyers get a real choice of gearboxes: a slick six-speed manual on sportier coupes and sedans, or a five-speed and later seven-speed automatic with paddle shift. Most cars are rear-wheel drive; Infiniti's ATTESA-derived all-wheel-drive "x" versions were offered chiefly for snow-belt buyers.

Trims in the US market

You will find four-door sedans and two-door coupes, plus a folding hard-top convertible on the G37. American trims run from base through Journey, Sport (the 6MT-friendly one, with upgraded brakes and limited-slip differential on some years) to loaded packages with navigation, Bose audio and adaptive lighting. The Sport 6MT sedan and the G37 coupe are the enthusiast picks.

The used market stateside

The G was a volume seller in the States, so supply is deep and varied. Expect a spread of mileages, from cherished low-owner cars to high-mile commuters. Rust is rarely a structural worry on southern and western cars, though rear subframe and brake-line corrosion appears on examples from salted states. Because so many were built, patience pays: hold out for a documented, unmodified car rather than the first tuned example you see. No Euro pricing is quoted here, only condition and sourcing guidance.

Who should import one

The G suits a driver who wants an analogue, V6-powered rear-drive sedan or coupe that is effectively unavailable on the German used market. It rewards owners who can service a naturally aspirated engine sensibly and who value steering feel over outright straight-line pace. If you need front-wheel-drive economy or a car with a local dealer network, this is not the obvious choice; if you want a future modern classic with Skyline DNA, it is.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The VQ family is tough but has documented quirks. Early VQ35DE engines, especially the 2003-2004 "rev-up" versions, can consume oil, so check the level and watch for smoke on a cold start. Front tyres tend to feather and wear on the inner edge if alignment and suspension bushings are neglected, which is a cheap tell-tale of a tired chassis. Interior trim is a known weak point: the dashboard and door tops can turn sticky or shiny in hot climates, and the radio or climate display can dim. Listen for a timing-chain rattle on cold start, inspect the front strut mounts, and confirm the brakes have been serviced because these cars go through pads and rotors. The VQ37VHR is generally the stronger, more refined unit.

What US models do differently

US G models use amber-integrated rear lights, mph-dominant instruments and headlights set for right-hand traffic. Navigation and telematics are North American. There is no factory rear fog lamp to EU spec, and the tyre pressure monitoring and lighting logic follow FMVSS rather than ECE rules. These are routine conversion items rather than obstacles.

Seven steps to your import

Work through the sequence in order: select and inspect the car; verify the VIN and pull the history; confirm the build origin from the VIN; move money into escrow; arrange inland haulage and ocean freight; clear EU customs on arrival; present for TUEV and individual approval where required; then register. The G is a Japanese-built car, so settle the origin question before you commit rather than after.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Duty depends on documented origin. The 0% EU import duty for US vehicles applies only where US origin is proven via the VIN and plant, under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force since 1 July 2026 for direct transport and valid until 31 December 2029. The Infiniti G is built in Japan, so it does not qualify as US origin and the standard car duty rate applies. Separately and always, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged on the import value. We never claim duty-free status and add no margin.

German TÜV and registration

Typical work includes fitting or converting the rear lighting to provide a compliant rear fog lamp, adjusting the headlights for the correct beam pattern, and confirming a km/h-capable speedometer. The recorded odometer is checked against the documented history. Aftermarket coilovers, wheels or exhausts each need paperwork for the inspector, and many US Gs have at least one modification, so budget time for that.

The buyer checklist

Match the 17-digit VIN to the car and the title. Read a Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, odometer rollback and title brands. Check for corrosion on the rear subframe and brake lines, particularly on northern cars. Ask for service records showing oil, coolant and (on manuals) clutch history. Confirm the title is clean rather than salvage or rebuilt. Inspect the interior trim for the known stickiness. Commission a specialist pre-purchase inspection before releasing escrow funds.

Questions and answers

What is the difference between the G35 and G37?

The G35 uses the 3.5-litre VQ35 V6; the G37 upgrades to the 3.7-litre VQ37VHR with more power and refinement. The G37 is the later, stronger car.

Can a used Infiniti G be imported duty-free?

No. It is built in Japan, so it does not qualify for the 0% US-origin rate and the standard duty applies. We never guarantee duty-free import.

Does the 19% import VAT still apply?

Yes, German import VAT at 19% applies to the import value in every case.

Is there a manual gearbox?

Yes. A six-speed manual was offered, mainly on Sport sedans and coupes; automatics are far more common.

How reliable is the VQ engine?

Durable overall, but check for oil consumption on early G35s and normal wear items; the G37's VQ37VHR is the smoother unit.

Is it related to the Nissan Skyline?

Yes. The G shares its platform and engines with the Japanese-market Skyline of the same era.

What should I watch on the interior?

Sticky or shiny dashboard and door-top trim in hot-climate cars, and dimming displays, are the common cosmetic faults.

Continue with Infiniti in the Carhub, compare the successor Infiniti Q50, the late-run Infiniti G Sedan and the larger Infiniti M, and view our current Infiniti G listings.