Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I live in Northern VA and the only nearby dealer doesn't appear to have a very good reputation for sales or service.
If I do buy one- its fairly certain it will be from a dealer farther away -probably in Maryland.
That begs the question of what to do about service and maintenance. It would be really inconvenient to take a 2 hour trip for a service call.
This may sound like a naive-little-girl kind of question - but do I have to have my Infiniti serviced by an Infiniti dealer in order to not void the warranty? - there are several Nissan dealers that are closer to home.
Its kind of a shame that this appears to be a good car- but the dealer network seems spread thin and wide. I would appreciate any and all suggestions about getting this vehicle serviced both during and after the warranty period.
Thanks to all
I30 requires little maintaince. You can bring it anywhere and you will not void the warranty.
elinpa>>>>> 2002 I30? are you planning on buying later next year? or is this just a typo? as far as i know i thought manufacturers didnt release the new model year until around September, unless it was a new model or a redesign that they released early, such as the 2001 Aurora and the 2001 Explorer Sport and SprtTrac, released in March of 2000.
BTW redskin: enjoy the snow today??
I came back from the dmv ten minutes before i had to leave for work so i switched the plates in those 10 minutes, and while on my way to work, the first flurries started flying. Talk about good timing!
I30 with 43,300 miles, sunroof, CD changer, heated seats, etc. Is this a steal or what???
I30 with 43,300 miles, sunroof, CD changer, heated seats, etc. Is this a steal or what???
Please respond to DMCINTOSH@GCSSERVICE.COM (I'll get the message faster). Thanks.
Just wondering if any of you have been having these or similar problems, and/or knew how to get them fixed. My dad owns a 2000 I30t with about 15,000 miles on it that we purchased last November ('99). Since then, we've noticed a few things.
First, there are some uncharacteristic rattles coming from the sunroof and the passenger-side B-pillar, even when you're not going over bumps.
Second, the Bose stereo is awesome. However, the door speakers in the front and back seem to rattle pretty loudly under heavier bass.
Third, the face that covers up the electroluminescent dials seems to scratch like hell whenever you try to clean it!
and Fourth, the trans seems to take a very long time to shift from first to second gear, and also is sluggish off the line under harder acceleration.
If anyone knows anything about these problems, please let me know asap. Thanks all-
-Dan
danili>>>>>"the trans seems to take a very long
time to shift from first to second gear, and also
is sluggish off the line under harder acceleration."
Take it to the dealer and have them replace the Transmission Control Module, or TCM. there is a service bulletin out for this so they should know what your talking about.
Gauge scratches>>>> i have noticed this. it happens on most cars but i only noticed it on this one because i cleaned it for the first time instead of my dad.
My 2000 I30 instrument panel just shines when I use it.
Hope this helps.
1. Jumpy transmission--or at least inconsistent. Reved up, dropped down abrubtly, etc.
2. Base vibration in cab from what I thought was the subwoofer
3. Some loud pops in the cabin, mainly from what I thought was coming from the front dash plastic over the clock (w/o nav system).
Well, it seems like this car was just breaking in. I don't even have a 1000 miles on it yet butit seems to be getting better everyday. Or maybe I am just calming down a bit and not being so picky. The tranny seems to be getting smoother, there is less noise in the cabin, the stereo base is not rattling the interior, etc.
Is it possible that this is all part of the break in process? That sound naive I am sure.
I don't know, I like this car better everyday I drive it! Way more car for the money than Lexus.
By the way, does anyone know if Infinity has any free-bees for buying the car? I remember when they used to give away Bose home speaker systems. Car must have not been as good back then. Anyone seen the commercials on the new I30? Pretty cool.
I posted a message not too long ago about my Dad's 2000 I30t with similar problems (trans and bass vibrations). Those have been with the car for the 15,000 miles and one full year we've had it. They've been better and worse on certain days, but overall it's fairly consistent. There's a service bulletin out about the trans thing, all you have to do is bring it in and have them replace the TCM. They'll know what you're talking about. As for the bass and the popping, I couldn't tell you how to fix that. Seems like all new I30's have those problems. But overall, we love the car. It nearly saved my life in a head-on with a Cadillac. Very comfortable, safe, luxurious car. It was definitely worth the money.
When I went shopping for a car, I might have gone with a sports car like my friend. Hey, I am single, why not? I am also in sales so a two seater is not an option. I like taking my family (sisters, parents etc.)out for a spin all at once and a two seater is not very accomidating. Now, my next best bet was a sports sedan with a touch of luxury. I did not want to spend 40 or 50k either, so now I find myself in the near luxury class. Getting into a luxury sedan, I want to hear nothing. I want performance, luxury and quiet, except when I choose to crank up the stereo. So what do we have? The Accura TL, Lexus ES300, Audi A-4, possibly A-6 (more denero),and the I30. Those are the real contendors in this class. Some would add the Passat, but it's a Volkswagon for Pete's sake. Small, not a lot of luxury and the worst warrenty around. Accura? Never even test drove one. I just was not impressed with the car from the start. Maybe I should have. Audi? Well, who knows? Might have taken a look at the A-6, but not the A-4 (way to small!) So now there is the Lexus ES300. Kind of a wanna be Lexus. Has some of the components but I find the fact that they had to write Lexus on the Stereo in Gold letters was to remind the driver they were not driving a Camery. Some would argue that the I30 is a dressed up MAX. Not this year, certainly not the 2001 model. I drove the Lexus and it was very quiet, smooth and had decent acceleration. The Nachamichi stereo was pretty cool too! This would have appeared to meet my criteria. One problem, the Lexus was too smooth, if there is such a thing. I could not feel the road. It was very strange. I felt like I could spin out of control at any moment and the only way I would know it was when I hit something.
The I30's I test drove on the other hand were smooth, a bit more edgy and powerful and I could feel the road! The amenities were in more abundance and it seemed to fit like a glove everytime I got in it. So, what is my beef? Am I just experiencing buyers remorse? Do I need car buyer's therapy? No. Just therapy in general.--kidding.
What I need is somone else to drive the car and see if they think the transmission is jumpy. I might be over critical. It is ironic though that the Altima I owned previously had the same deal, especially in overdrive at lower in town speeds. It got to the point where I never drove the Altima in overdrive unless I was going over60 mph. It actually made a whining noise if I did. The I30 does not whine but there are some similarities. The tranny on the I30 drops and bolts just slightly when letting my foot off of the gas and then accelerating slightly. It tends to get better when the car is really warmed up. Just like the Altima. When coming to a stop in the I30 I can feel one more drop in the tranny just prior to final stop. TCM? Well, I don't know, but worth checking out. Well at least I don't hear any more rattle from the base. Maybe the plastic is settling in? Still a few crackles when going over bumps but overall pretty quiet.
I don't believe there is a perfect car at any price. The I30 is a good one though.
Incidentally, I know what you mean about Nissan making safe cars. The 98 Altima I had and keep mentioning took on a cement pillar for me at about 55mph. A reckless driver ran me off the road. The car fish tailed and when I was clipped by the driver it was all over. I hit the post on the passanger side front end(no one was in that seat thank goodness) and both air bags went off. I had my seat belt on and I walked away unhurt! I figure the Infiniti will do even better...hope I never find out!
Well, I really should get a life...maybe just be happy with my purchase once and for all! Will let you know about the TCM thing?
Take care.
I have been increasingly experiencing a fairly loud transmission rattle, but almost exclusively when accelerating uphill, usually from a standstill, after a stoplight, etc. Has anyone else experienced this, and is it related to the other tranny rattle problems that people have mentioned in this forum? Would replacing the TCM address this problem, or is this something different?
Thanks.
If I had ANY of the problems that have been mentioned here, the car would be back at the dealer until they were fixed.
I have also noticed that the car seems to be significantly faster lately (cooler weather or a Looong break-in period.
As for the base rattle or vibration, well, that has stopped. Could be the interior just needed to settle--have no clue?
You mentioned a long break in period. How long is long? I am waiting to hit 1,000 miles then I will give it a little juice. You say your car is getting significantly faster. Is that in take off acceleration or after you get going and punch it, say to pass or something? I don't think the I30 is blazing fast to begin with. It is a pretty heavy car. It needs a lot of ponies to get it going. It has good speed, just not great speed.
Thanks for your time.
Cybersangha---I am no mechanic but a rattle in your transmission sounds mechanical. The whole TCM thing, the way I understand it, has to do with the computer telling the car when to shift. The problem that has existed mainly is the transmission hesitating to shift from first to second and sometimes 2nd to third. TCM stands for Transmission Control Module or something like that. The noise from your tranny has nothing to do with TCM, I am fairly certain.
sandyros>>>> call around to the major companies such as Avis, Hertz and Alamo. I know almost for sure that Budget does not have them. If you cannot find the I30, almost all rental companies have the Maxima, which is pretty much the same thing. The only reason i know this is because i worked for Budget.
mhammy>>>> did you have fun digging out all those cars of yours?
For those who dont know what im talking about, we live in Buffalo, NY. Yesterday(monday) we got whalloped by a snowstorm that dropped 24 inches of snow in my neck of the woods, and hit the hardest during rush hour. abandoned cars were up and down the streets and the NYS Thruway was closed for well over 100 miles. the abandoned cars included school buses. Just for an example on how bad it was, my girlfriends grandfather left his job at the GM engine plant around 4 pm. He got off the highway and didnt know where he was. He finally got home at 2:30 in the morning, 11 1/2 hours after he left, all because the roads were just jammed with abandoned cars. i was hearing stories on the radio of motorists and truckers stuck on the highway for well over 25 hours. well anyways, you get the idea....
When I gunned it, the switch from 1st to 2nd was smooth, unlike other times. I still have this problem about dropping RPMs going from 1st to 2nd, coupled with poor gas mileage.
I'm taking it back to the dealer next week. Hope it's just the TCM and nothing more.
Other than that, this car is great. Smooth and quiet.
Something else: I was reluctant to get EZPass put in the car because I think the white unit stuck to the windshield looks ugly. however, I put it in the lower part of the tinted section of the glass and you can't even see it from the outside. yet, it still works.
I suppose one of the problems I am having is that a lot of people keep saying my dad's I30. That sounds old to me. When I told my partner at work I was going to buy an I30, she said that is an old man car! She drives a Audi A6 V8 by the way. Big price tag to match! Not what I wanted to spend on a car at this point. I wanted to stay in the 30 something crowd. Out the door the car was 30. A guy at my church said the same thing about the old man car. Now, I am not prone to opinions shaping what I like. I bought the I30 regardless. I like the car--yet it does feel a bit heavy to me and less agile than some others. I had just survived a very bad accident in a 98 Altima, which was much lighter. It was fairly agile too though I thought it could have maneuvered better when I had to swerve out of the way of a reckless driver. The car fishtailed and got out of control. So, heavier and more stable was what I was after. When I test-drove the I30 a couple of times, I really thought it was the right car--stable, sturdy, quick and agile. After driving it for a month now it has two out of the four. I don't know, could be a mid life crisis a year early--will be thirty next year. Thinking I might have gotten something a little sportier. I was thinking of my job and carting around family and friends. So a sedan was in order. I might have given a look at more cars...I am overall happy with the I30, but not a great joy to drive at this point as I thought. Could be a bit of buyer’s remorse Maybe that is why I keep returning to the “group.” I am looking for confirmation. It seems like before my purchase when I read the comments there was nothing but rave reviews on the car. I remember reading posts in the Lexus camp (car high on my list) and there were problems. Now it is the exact opposite. The biggest problems I hear in the Lexus crowd is what kind of wax to use or what kind of Late' to drink while cruising down the road. For the Infiniti group, all I hear is Transmission problems, TCM, rattles, etc. Some of those posts have been mine, but a lot of them have not been. I know I am not married to the car, so maybe I should just relax a bit. I have not managed to keep a car for five years yet. Had a Taurus that because of my job I put 3,000 miles a month on. Drove that into the ground. Had an Altima that I literally drove into the ground thanks to a reckless driver. At this rate, I may not even have the Infiniti for five years . Why worry. I just wish I saw more posts on people who really like the car! Kind of group therapy for me—ha, ha!
So, Redskin24, your dad had two Auroras and now an Infiniti. Why make the switch? Just wanted something different?
My I30L still struggles to reach 20mpg in mostly urban driving, even after fitting the K&N air filter. After hearing good and bad about the filter, I have to say that initially there was a big improvement in accelerator responsiveness (like having another 30 ft lbs of torque), but now that improvement only appears occasionally, and to a lesser extent. The filter still appears clean.
The I30 is for someone who doesn't feel the need to follow the pack. Someone who wants a reliable car, with little maintenance cost, nice performance, room, creature comforts, knows the car/engine will last for 15 years, and for a great price! You can not find a similar car for less than 30K!!!!!!!!!
All cars have some sounds when driving but this car is excellent in what you get for the price. Why pay 10K more just for a name?
My brother and I each have the I30. Yes, it may not have the mass appeal of the Lexus, but who cares. We have not had any problems, saved a bundle, and love the engine/performance! And we are not old! (30's)
The up keep of this car is so simple. I just change my own oil and thats it! No service costs to speak of.
So don't concentrate on the little sounds or occasional rattle (we both don't have any significant ones), just DRIVE THE CAR and enjoy it knowing you got a bargain!!
STEVE
Thanks for your reply. Did you read what mhammy84 had to say about his I30...Sounds like he is having all sorts of problems. Can't tell what year but apparently not a 2k or 2k1. I know the 97's had the vibration problems he is referring to. The 2k's sometimes have the TCM problem...I am still determining whether mine has it or not. Posts like mhammy84 and others worry me a bit. Saying things like, "I will never buy another Nissan product again!" Just don't see that in the Lexus camp.
I do agree with you about the value of the car. It has much more to offer in its price range than other cars. It is roomier, has more creature comforts and the overall design is classier and more recognizable than some of the other cookie cutter cars. I do believe it to be a bargain as long as I don't have the problems I read about.
The engine is nice but I am just not sure about the transmission. One cannot be good without the other. It probably is not quite as quiet as some on the road, however, that was a trade off in my mind for actually feeling the road. I like to feel in control.
I am over the whole "old man car thing." Looks wise it is sportier than most. Performance wise--well, it leans much more in turns than I like and feels heavy getting off the blocks. I don't feel it to be as nimble as I thought in the test drives and as other cars. But again, barring any problems, there is not a car out there with as much value and goodies for the money. Paid 30,283 out the door! That is with 7.75 California rip-off sales tax. $27,681 was the price before tax, license, etc. Darn good deal!
By the way, mhammy84, 36k for an I30t is a rip off. That is the dealer though. A little negotiation would get a nice price on the car.
If you look at Comsumers Report listing of problems with the I30, it has an excellent record and much above average in all areas as far back as 1996. So I am not at all worried that it won't last!
STEVE
Hulkster: You stated that you have heard of the vibration problem in many cases with the 97 I30's. Can you possibly give me more details on what you know about it? Would you possibly know what part is causing this problem, or do you know anyone with an I30 that had/has this problem? Thank you very much...
Sacuderi: The Infiniti is a good value, no doubt about that. However, I dont see the 10K difference with a Lexus you are talking about. If you move up 10K from the I30 over to the Lexus line, you would be looking at a GS series car. The ES series car is comparable in price. sure, the MSRPs are high when calculated, but Lexus will also move on prices just as Infiniti would. Over all, you may be about 1000 (rougly estimating) over the Infinti price if you opted for an ES300, but would own a REAL care-free car. As I said before, if you were already shelling out over 30K's for a new luxury car, the 1000 should not make a large difference when considering this is a CAR you are buying, and most probably something you will be keeping for a few years. Rather than risk the problems (like I did), go ahead and get the Lexus! Our Acura is not very problematic at all either, and was UNDER 30,000! However, I cannot speak for the car 20,000 miles down the road, since I am unaware as to what will happen, but I can say the acura sure does feel a hell of a lot more solid than the I30 (even my 2000 Camry feels superior to the I30). These are just my opinions, I would be glad to hear what others think! Thanks...
If you read these boards (like I did for 3 months religiously prior to purchase) you will drive yourself crazy looking for the BEST car. In fact, it seems to me that the typical person in these boards is here to complain not praise. People who are happy with their purchase don't tend to run around telling everyone about it. It is the people who have a problem that make all the noise.
So how do I like my new car? It's great. Hell, it's a new car ... who doesn't like a new car. Of course it isn't perfect. Nothing is. I wish people would stop obsessing. There are a lot more important things in life to worry about.
I am kidding of course. Really, it is none of my business how many cars you have. I get the impression you know what you like, having experienced so many different vehicles.
I am curious though, why did you get an I30 in the first place? You seem impressed with the Camery and its feel...why not the ES300 then?
You have a 97 I30 and perhaps you did not like the ES300 back then? Have you driven the 2001 I30? I think you will find it to be much quieter, though I can't say for sure because I never drove the 97 model. I did test drive a 2000 ES300. It was quiet and smooth. Gave me a feeling of being a passanger rather than a driver. Best way I can explain it. I felt like if the car got out of control, I would be the last to know about it! Quite an erie experience.
Sorry, I can't help you with your mechanical issues concerning your transmission. I had only seen multiple posts about it. Maybe you should trade it in for an ES300?
So, to put my compulsive obsessive behavior to rest, I would like to ask you, why did you finally settle on the I30 from the rest of the cars you listed? Seeing that the car has sometimes been dubbed the "old man car," can you also tell me what age group you are in? Sorry if that question is a bit over the top.
I too went thru the new car anxiety "did I spend $30+K on the right car?" I have no worries now. My I30t is Titanium with the touring package (spoiler and ground effects rocker panels). It definitely doesn't look or handle like an "old man's car". Just yesterday a mailman at the 7-11 made a comment about how sharp the car is. I had a minor accident and had to put the car in the body shop for 5 days. Rented a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville. What a piece of s**t! I couldn't wait to get back into my car.
The I30 is an "entry-level" luxury car. I don't expect perfection, but mine is damn close!
Another plus is the trunk size and fold-down rear seats a lot of cars don't have. I've carried a stepladder with no problem.
If I hear any noises I'll let y'all know.
The car in my opinion falls down a bit because of the transmission. Even that may be my experience along with a few others. Seems a bit jumpy. Coming to a stop the car drops one more time slightly. Is it as quiet as say a coffin like Lexus?--no. There a few crackles here and there on some bumps I thought there shouldn't be and then on some other harsher road conditions there is no noise at all. Go figure? I bought the car because I actually felt uneasy in the Lexus. It drove me and not the other way around!
So, after about six or seven quotes from yours truly about whether I made the right purchase decision, I have decided to give it a rest and say yes! This is an overall yes. Now, if the transmission falls out tomorrow, which I believe it won't, well I will be back. For now, I am with you Motorhead6--the car isn't perfect and at 30k+ no car is going to be. I will enjoy what I have. By the way, that clock continues to impress the heck out of people when they get inside. The interiors of the competing cars look cheap in comparison. Even the ES300 with real wood still looks like a Camery! Not a bad thing, but if I wanted a Camery I would buy a Camery. It is a cool car for any age. Stylish, good performance and some of the best amenaties you will find in its class!
"So endeth the lesson."--Seam Coneery, The Untouchables.
As columnist Alan Pergament would say, "its one of those opinionated days"....
mhammy>>>>> speaking of under car damage, i was driving my 'Vette (chevette that is) on tuesday down transit road and it brought me back to the days when i used to off road in my moms Grand Cherokee. some roads still dont have that bumpy ice crap off of them and its Saturday!! it will melt before they get to it. well anyways, all that bouncing pulled the wire that was holding the heatshield to my catalytic convertor off, so it was dragging on the ground. quite annoying, if you ask me. Not quite as annoying as my knocking lifter... but a trip to the loading ramp at Rosa's fixed the heatshield, i drove over the low part of the ramp, put it in reverse and pulled that thing right off. As for monday, i was stuck in the driveway at my girlfriends house about a mile away from home until her dad got home and plowed it. as i was backing out of the driveway, I, being the great experienced driver that i am, backed up to far into the snowbank. well, a little rocking later and i was out. i learned the best way to not get stuck was too keep moving. this brings me to after i got home. i came home to not 1, not 2, but 3 cars in my driveway. i plowed, and moved them and put them back. Bt wait! my sister wants gas! so being the kind person i am, i take her 91 Lumina to the gas station. i get to the main road, and i intended to keep moving, but there were two cars coming. im stuck in the pile from the plow. so after some help from a snowmobiler and i kind neighbor, i was out. and my sister endied up spending the night at our house.
To all you people living outside Buffalo, NY, be glad.
1. Road noise probably from tires. It has Goodyear Eagle RS tires on it. Is it a loud tire?
I test drove 2000 I30 a while back and it seemed nice and quiet. That us why I did not cross it from the list to begin with.
2. Under fairy hard breaking, the steering wheel
vibrates. Wheel balancing problems?
3. Transmission does not seem to have an immediate
feel to it. I sort of have to force it be pressing
the accelerator harder then I should. The Acura TL
I test drove had a very immediate feel to it.
4. Uneven body gaps. The body gaps are wider on one side of the hood then on the other.
I have a real problem now. The dealer is bringing
my car from Houston (I am in Dallas) because they did not have one with traction control on it. I have not signed any papers on it yet, but the dealer was very nice, and I hate to go back on him. By the way, I am paying around $600.00 over invoice. Is that decent?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
on Monday or Tuesday. Meanwhile I am driving 2001
I30 loaner (brand new with 25 miles on it). And
I've got some issues with it. I would like to get
some feedback on problems I am having to see if the
loaner has some issues or is it every I30.
1. Road noise probably from tires. It has Goodyear
Eagle RS tires on it. Is it a loud tire?
I test drove 2000 I30 a while back and it seemed
nice and quiet. That us why I did not cross it from
the list to begin with.
2. Under fairy hard breaking, the steering wheel
vibrates. Wheel balancing problems?
3. Transmission does not seem to have an immediate
feel to it. I sort of have to force it be pressing
the accelerator harder then I should. The Acura TL
I test drove had a very immediate feel to it.
4. Uneven body gaps. The body gaps are wider on
one side of the hood then on the other.
I have a real problem now. The dealer is bringing
my car from Houston (I am in Dallas) because they
did not have one with traction control on it. I
have not signed any papers on it yet, but the
dealer was very nice, and I hate to go back on him.
By the way, I am paying around $600.00 over
invoice. Is that decent?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
on Monday or Tuesday. Meanwhile I am driving 2001
I30 loaner (brand new with 25 miles on it). And
I've got some issues with it. I would like to get
some feedback on problems I am having to see if the
loaner has some issues or is it every I30.
1. Road noise probably from tires. It has Goodyear
Eagle RS tires on it. Is it a loud tire?
I test drove 2000 I30 a while back and it seemed
nice and quiet. That us why I did not cross it from
the list to begin with.
2. Under fairy hard breaking, the steering wheel
vibrates. Wheel balancing problems?
3. Transmission does not seem to have an immediate
feel to it. I sort of have to force it be pressing
the accelerator harder then I should. The Acura TL
I test drove had a very immediate feel to it.
4. Uneven body gaps. The body gaps are wider on
one side of the hood then on the other.
I have a real problem now. The dealer is bringing
my car from Houston (I am in Dallas) because they
did not have one with traction control on it. I
have not signed any papers on it yet, but the
dealer was very nice, and I hate to go back on him.
By the way, I am paying around $600.00 over
invoice. Is that decent?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
1. My 2000 I30t has Bridgestone tires and I consider them to be pretty quiet over most surfaces. Some noise on concrete roads though.
2. Steering wheel vibration under braking is usually caused by warped rotors. Often caused by driver riding the brakes. (Those "old men"?)
3. Acceleration off the line is not as responsive as TL, but other features compensate IMHO.
4. No uneven gaps on mine.
I think that $600 over invoice is a decent price. My local dealer wouldn't do much more than $1000 off list so I bought mine under invoice thru CarOrder.com -- but they're now out of business.