Routine maintainance of the cars isn't bad at all. Things like filters, fluids, belts. The problem comes in diagnosis and repair. I've suggested that sometimes it's like a bunch of scientists in Roswell New Mexico trying to fix a flying saucer. Did you know the engine blocks are actually glued together?

One of the reasons my car was at the dealer was the "Check Engine" light came on. The cause was simple enough to fix, the thermostat had failed. Simple. Easy. But to diagnose this and to reset the light required plugging the car into the dealer's computer.

I don't know that an Infiniti is any less complex, but Consumer Reports suggests they break less frequently.

If the Infiniti in question is the Q45 and the car gets a pass from a good mechanic, I'd probably go with it. It's probably just as safe and it should be less trouble. If it's a smaller Infiniti, well, hmmmm. If it were my daughter ... it all depends on the safety record of the car. A safer, less reliable car vs. a less safe, more relable car. That's a judgement I can't make for someone else. FWIW, my daughter is likely to get my Volvo, but I know the history of that car.

The Q45 and the Lexus LS400 have good safety records, BTW. So does the E-Class Mercedes and the BMW 5-seeries.

My $0.02.

-bdc