Considering: 2017 QX50 3.7/7A awd...
 

Im considering one. Things that appeal:

I liked the 3.7 in my 370z. This has same.
No turbos or sc. Vq37 pretty reliable. Has a chain not a belt. Etc.
54/46 weight dist


Questions:

How is the awd in these? Specifically high speed handling, wet, snow, ice? Is it a durable system?

Concerns:

Automatics suck. Ive only taken one past 100k miles without needing a teardown or replacement.How is the 7A? I drove onenin a 370z and it was super cumbersome. Shitty programming. Hopefully by 2017 they have improved this? Is it a "fill for life ", or is there a drain plug and PM schedule? Are they generally reliable?


All other info and experience welcome.

The programming has gotten better. Most importantly test drive one and see how you like it.

In automatic mode, my wife’s 2016 Z shifts crispier (less delay in upshifts) and better shift points than my 2010 G37. I’ve driven a few Q50 loaner cars (3.7 and 3.0t), the shift logics and delays were miles better than my G37. Whether that’s good enough is another story tho.

The G is at 67k miles. I also had an FX50 (7at) and no issue at 80k+ miles.

I remember test driving a 2010 7at Z way back in the days. I clearly remembered a very “confusing” experience because of the transmission’s programming.

I rented the 2018 or 2019 model.

It did feel like an SUV as far as size goes, at least in dry conditions. Handling wasn't engaging imo, but not sloppy either. Pretty sure it only had the smaller VC engine (since, rental car). Still had more than enough pace on highway stretches where everyone was going over the top, and stable.

It was a bit of a head scratcher. I can't say it was bad, but me and the passengers for the 6+ hours of driving weren't sure about its worth at MSRP when the non-luxury Japanese brands were improving their interiors. Then again, I feel that way about some BMW's and Lexus models. It's not so much that they're bad, but it's like, are they really all that better for the money?

The used market may be the different situation, though. I imagine it starts looking like a more attractive prospect.

If say, you're trying to size it up against the CX-5, I think it's not on the same level in terms of driving experience, partially because of the transmission the Mazda has that makes it feel more "direct" as opposed to the power.

The 2018-2019 QX50 is in no way similar to the 2017.

Different engine (2.0 turbo, instead of 3.7 VQ37)
Different powertrain arrangement (Front wheel based, not longitudinal)
Different transmission (CVT vs the same 7A in a 370Z)
Different body structure

It's literally as different as comparing a Maxima to a 370Z, except even more different.

I value your experiences, but just saying the carry-over isn't there, hence why I'm looking at a 2017 and not a newer model, which is what many people question.

I ended up going rav4 prime, to conclude this thread.