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Infiniti J30

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  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    is this for real or a joke? i don't see the website.
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    The site is infinitihelp.com. I just checked it, They helped me a few times. You will e-mail your question to a Infiniti machenic and he will answer in a few days.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Thanks, Cart. I will go and have a little look around the place.

    Cart, did you manage to see Tirerack.com's offerings for the J?
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    Blue, tell me more about this tire rack offering
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Yeah, I talked about a bit back. You had mentioned wanting 17 inch wheels that still looked good on the J, which is important. To quote my self:

    . . . I would recommend something stately but stylish but nothing too sporty (unless you have a sport modified J30, it would look a bit over-the-top and drug cartel-ish LOL). Tirerack.com is a great place to go because they actually have a picture of a J30 from the side (choose from 5 colors) and they have pictures of each wheel they offer for the J30 and you just click one to see what they look like on the car! I saw one set that was towards the end (17 in.) and it was . . . I don't know. It just looks different from all the others and you'll know it when you see it; it's inexpensive and good-looking. As a matter of fact, Carter, if you like the wheels of the S-Type that much, find a wrecked one in a salvage yard and buy them! They'll probably be perfect on the J!

    Go check them out if you're still interested.
  • txguy67txguy67 Member Posts: 31
    Howdy Blue...checkout www.infinitihelp.com for an electrical safety recall on your new Baby. Sounds like a simple fix that your dealer should perform at no cost to you. How is your J doing by the way???
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Yikes! I'll go check that out immediately! Everything is going great, though. It is justa hummin' and purrin' and just making my life all around more pleasant.

    What we really need to do is see about getting you in another one!
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    I was getting gas today and this guy said, Is that a J30? I said yes it is. He said that it was a Cult car, because who ever drives on thinks its the best, and who ever does not, wonders why we drive them. So I flicked him off.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Carter, you have to admit, it probably is a cult car. I think it could quite possibly become a classic. Infiniti hasn't made anything to replace it and anything that will happen to try and fill its shoes will probably not be as quirky, if you can call it that, or nearly as cool.
  • doctordave1999doctordave1999 Member Posts: 14
    I agree that this car is something of a Cult Classic. We should thank the people who DON'T own them, because there were only so many made and if they were still in such high demand, getting your hands on one would be next to impossible.

    The fact is that the J30 with its rounded sloping rear deck, was simply AHEAD of its time. Infiniti made them 1993-97 but they weren't "hot sellers" so production was stopped.

    The funny thing is that is you look at a new Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable since about 1998 or 1999, what do you see? That same rounded sloping rear deck, very similar to a 93-97 J30. Like I said, the car was simply ahead of its time.

    Remember that the Ford Edsel was considered horrible when it first came out. So was the Tucker sedan in 1948. Now these cars are very valuable IF you can find them.

    So to anyone who does not appreciate the J30 I say "thank you" because they made it possible for me to buy one at a reasonable price.
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    When I was out shopping for a new car 2 years ago, I had 2 cars in mind, a Maxima SE, or a BMW 540. I was at the dealer and they had a 97 Gold Maxima that I said was going home with me. Parked next to it was a 95 J30t,p.-white. I got into the Maxima with the sales Guy and we drove a bit and I was happy. We returned to the lot and the guy was going to get the Maxima washed etc. so I could be on my way. I said, Hang ON! I want to drive that Infiniti. He said, Why? The Maxima is a better car. So we drove the J30 and i noticed the power was a bit more than the Maxima. The cock pit was so nice. So we got back to the lot and i parked them side by side and walke every inch of each car. The trunk and rear leg room were an issue with the J30 but i got over it.

    My point in this is... I see about 3-5 gold Maximas a day and i only see a J30 like the one i have 1-2 times a month. I made a good choice. You are a J30 lover or hater. But you have to own one to get to know it.
  • txguy67txguy67 Member Posts: 31
    Cult car or not the J is a great vehicle that was ahead of its time in the design department. I remember when the I saw the first J and called it a cigar butted car. Little did I know I'd own one and Love it as much as I have. The power, luxury, and most of all the individuality makes for the great car that it is... I'm currently looking for a replacement but you ALL know how hard it is to find "the one."
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    I own one and I hate it. I also recommend anyone that is looking to buy one to take a pass. I bought it thinking it would be a super reliable car but it's been the opposite.

    It has a lot of good qualities - sound system, suspension, interior comfort (it might be tight in the back but the seats are very comfortable), decent engine, etc. but the Maxima has more room, better engine, bigger trunk, the one major drawback for the maxima is the ride..at least compared to the smooth ride of the J30t. But the most important thing - the Maxima is much more reliable, it never breaks!!! My car has had 3 bad fuel injectors, radio repairs, headlight relays, front brake rotors...all this cost over $2000. Not to mention about $1500 in maintenance. The maintence cost at the dealer is ridiculously high. It cost $22 to replace wiper blades...to replace the wipers it cost about $70. $800 for the 60000 mile service and $600 more to replace the timing belt.

    I love to look at my J30t but with all the problems I had, it makes me cringe. I'd get rid of it but the low resale value prevents me from making a move. (But I did get it for a low price).

    It's like a woman - can't live with it...can't live without it.
  • rdllarenardllarena Member Posts: 7
    Hi folks! Just found reference to the upcoming G45 at the following site: www.automotivenews.com

    It's a VERY short article and only one snapshot. From what I can see, the car is a looker. Does anyone else have information regarding the car that they could point me to?
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    Is your J30 a pre 95 ? I just have a theory about the J30 befor 95.
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    I saw the picture and it looks like a new J in the rear. I wish they would drop the G thing. But its a good looking care to replace my J.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    LSC, it seems to me you may ahve gotten a bit of a lemon. But then again, they make lemons sometimes just like ALL companies do. If you're willing to stick out your J and fix it, then you'll have a great car.

    The G35 seems okay. But they would have to put the J back in front to make me happy.
  • ashinnashinn Member Posts: 3
    My J30 was built in April 1997, and originally leased from Lokey Infiniti in Clearwater, FL in June 1997 by a close friend of mine. When I bought it in April 2000 for the lease residual value, the mileage was 7,764. The price wasn't cheap, but then I was getting a practically brand-new car, and I knew that my friend had taken exceptionally good care of it. The car was never actually turned in and on the dealer's lot, otherwise the price would probably have been much higher due to the low mileage. The car now has 13,676 miles on it, and it is the finest car I've ever owned. I've had no problems with it at all, although I can tell that the original Dunlop tires probably won't last beyond 20,000 miles. The car is Cypress Pearl with beige leather, and has BBS Moda Sport wheels, and a light bronze tint on the windows, which goes very well with the color combination.

    I consider myself very fortunate to have this car, and have my friend Charlie to thank for making it possible.
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    yes, it's a 93 J30t. I bought it back in '97. I was deciding between a 94 and a 93 and since there was a 3000 difference in price and about 6500 miles..my car had 29000 and the 94 had 22000..I decided to give up the heated seats (big mistake as my butt freezes every winter) and the 6 speakers (another big mistake since the 6-speaker bose sounds way better).

    I hate hearing people talk about their car having no problems after 6000 miles (no offense ashinn) or even 15000 miles or something ridiculously low like that. do you not expect it to be problem free? my car was fine too for the first 25000 miles before the 1st fuel injector went out. i thought it was the best car too especially when my friends were driving Honda Accords and such. I don't know if it's a lemon but I think I'll try the 2002 Altima next...we'll see how good it is first though. I may take a look at the G35 since it's a rear-drive car but we'll see.

    No more luxury brands for me. The cost doesn't justify the good service..excellent service.

    What's the theory on pre-95 J30s? I'm curious.
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    This is just what I think, it may or may not be true. I read every recall and service bulletin that the J30's have had and the 93 and 94 had many problems. I think it took a few years too get this car working correctly. It seems like after 95 the car stopped having trouble. It also shows this in the TSB's. My advise is to stay away from 93 and 94 J30's. There car is very technical and it took 2 years to get the bugs out. I have a 95 that has been great. I did spend $800 on a Valve cover gasket that I blew racing a Audi A4. And I blew it because I did not change my PCV valves when i should have( lesson lerned)I think the 97 is the best and if i could find one, i would get it.
  • doctordave1999doctordave1999 Member Posts: 14
    Yes, that sloping rounded rear deck makes the J30 unique and stand out from most other cars on the road. I noticed yesterday that even the new 2001 Pontiac Bonnevilles are starting to incorporate it---so we J30 owners were trend-setters in the style department.

    Incidentally, one of the most famous, most expensive, fastest, finest cars on the road---the Porsche 911--also has a sloping rounded rear deck---so the J30 is in good company.

    This is off topic, but I always thought the "911" was a bad name for a car. It implies that you were driving it too fast, had an accident, and will somebody please call an ambulance. But I guess it's better than a "YUGO", which is accurately named. That car doesn't go anywhere--YOU GO call the tow truck, YOU GO call the mechanic, YOU GO call the rental car company or taxi when you get stranded. Kind of like another really poor seller, the Daihatsu Charade: "It's not really a car, it's a Charade". The same could be said of the Mitsubishi Mirage. "It's not really a car, it's a Mirage."

    Well, that's my two cents and I see that car names are more appropriate for another message board besides this one, so I'll quit.

    I LOVE MY J30t !!
  • csonkacsonka Member Posts: 1
    I own a J and do love it. But I think the real trend setter of this design is the Jaguar. Not a bad car to be associated with though.

    Question. Just got my car returned from the shop. (I've got a hefty 100,000 miles) My mechanic replaced the TPS. He suggested that because the car is very computerized, etc... that I should bring it in every 6 months to have it scanned on the computer. Thoughts?
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    If he is going to charge you for each visit, it sounds like BS to me. But if its free, go for it. The J30's life is not over at 100,000 miles, just keep the Maint up, as you have in the past and drive your car. Thats like going to you Doctor ever month for a check up.
  • mdamesmdames Member Posts: 79
    Why don't you pose that question to the infiniti expert on www.infinitihelp.com. An Infiniti mechanic will answer your question by email. This is probably a better source for this type of question.
  • txguy67txguy67 Member Posts: 31
    I have my J back!!!!! The deal fell through due to bad credit... Glad I hadn't deposited the 7K check as a down. I'll just have to find a way to keep it from "you know who." I'm having it detailed this weekend to celebrate.
    Does anyone know where I can find a key like the original platinum one that came with the car? Also has anyone heard of "wet sanding" to get rid of rock pits? A local detail shop had suggested it but sounds like it would trash the clear coat. Any suggestions??? Thanks all
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Tex, that is absolutly fantastic for YOU but absolutely awful for that othe guy! I really hope that you can keep your car from HER. What I would suggest you do is give the car to a friend or relative (or sell it to them for some insane amount like $10.00, which you'll, of course, have to split with the bloodsucking ex ;o) and have the title transferred into their name. That way, you can keep them from seizing it or having the court order you to sell it. I've heard of things like that. That's about the only way you can keep those paws off your J. It works, if done correctly. Then after everything has settled, buy it back from the friend. They don't even have to drive it, as you know.

    And no, 911 isn't a bad name. Yugo is though . . .
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    Im in the market for new tires, I have a j30T. Im looking for quiet, good performing tires at a good price. Any suggestions? I have Bridgestone Potanzas on at this time.
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    i think infiniti/nissan just had a bad supplier who supplied crappy fuel injectors. nissan was notorious for having bad fuel injectors in their v-6 engine cars in the early 90's. the other problems - electrical - are definitely first year bugs.

    no matter though...i changed my mind...i'm going to get the G35 next year (the perect sports sedan in my book, on paper at least) ... until then .. i'll keep my J30t.
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    Isc, I am going to keep my eye on the G35 as a future car. I hope the first year does not have as many bugs as the 93 J30 did.
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    Since it's being released in Japan first...I hope they catch all the bugs over there and give us a reliable version. it doesn't matter as much for this car for me this time around, since i'll be buying it new and it'll have the 4 year warranty.

    the J30 is a car that came out at the wrong time and that's why they did so poorly.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    I don't know about that, LSC. The J30 was a good car that most people weren't really sure they needed when they did. It was much sportier than the GS300 and I think a lot less derivative. But who knows what the non-car loving public wants . . .
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    To acarter2:

    I had a set of Bridgestone Potenzas that wore out after 20K miles. I researched tires at tirerack.com and ended up buying a set of BF Goodrich G Force T/A's, size 235 45 ZR17 9W M+S.
    The Goodrich tires have been fantastic! The ride and handling is improved, they wear a lot better, and the rain and snow performance much better. I bought these with a set of 17" Enki wheels, and it's been a great combination. I highly recommend these tires.
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    I was basing it on the fact that the J-30 came out in '92 as a '93 model during the time when the economy was not doing well.

    don't forget early to mid 90's all the sports cars pretty much went down the tubes too. and the J30 being a 'personal' sedan w/ a small trunk, it wasn't a sensible buy.
  • mmiller91mmiller91 Member Posts: 2
    I have the door lock timer ordered from Infinite of Scottsdale. Several postings have dealt with doors locking themselves and pointing the finger at the timer. Would someone tell me where the timer is located in the car and how best to get at it to replace it. Thanks, Mike
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    I'm not really sure if there's a Chilton manual for the J but I do know that if you're really nice, one of the mechanics at the Infiniti dealership may just take the panel off for you. After watching them, you should be able to do the repair then put the panel back on.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    My 93 J-30 came with a pretty comprehensive manual that was in a little compartment with a door on the left side of the trunk. The book goes into a lot of detail on the vehicle. I havn't checked it to see if it describes how to remove the door panels.
  • acarter2acarter2 Member Posts: 63
    Do you have any pictures of your J30 with the wheels? I have been trying to find a set that I like for a year now. Im not sure if I will go to a 16 or 17 rim. Does your car still ride smooth with the 17's?
  • acarpelacarpel Member Posts: 6
    Hi,I'm new member. Two months ago I bought a decent '93 w/ 115K miles. I didn't need a car but it was only 4 grand and I couldn't pass it up. It was well cared for, but showed signs of wear. I decided to keep it, and sold my '95 Millennia. Meanwhile I began to have second thoughts about having a car with so many miles as my main transportation. I found a '94 in the local paper with only 75K miles. It was the same color (black) but was obsessively well kept. No wear on the biscuit interior and it had Dayton wire wheels. It looked like an early 60's Jag 3.8 sedan. While I was fixing up the '93 J30 that I bought, I was thinking about the one with the wire wheels. After putting $1700. in the first one, I decided to go fishing...I put it up for sale to see if I could dump it get the '94 with the cool wheels. After 2 weeks someone drove out 50 miles, rode in it for 10 minutes, and gave me $1200. more that I had in it. A total of $6900. The next day I called "wire wheels' They still had it and were disparate to sell. In all the garaged '94 with 75K cost me 8 large. I'm gonna keep he state registration and plates for the '93 and not re-register it. I'll save tax money but live dangerously. (Ain't I a devil?) The '94 is like new and a dream to drive. The '93 was solid mechanically but dirty and worn. On the '93 I had to repaint the hood (stone chips) and rear bumper. Replace that the driver's side door panel window sill vinyl, that always seems worn on 100K mile J30's, and touch up little things on the interior. It also needed rotors and brake pads. The radio needed a $400. fix and the AM still sucked. Even the new Goodyears squealed no matter how much air I pumped in them. The '94 is better in every way. Even the Yokohoma tires make it handle better, no squeal.
    My J30 doesn't seem faster that my old Millennia S but it is better balanced, and handles like an old fashioned sports car. It's handlig reminds me a little of an '87 Corvette I used to drive. I mostly love he look of the "J". It's a retro Jag, especially with the wires. I could stare at it forever. I LOVE MY J30!
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Carp, that's fantastic! I'm glad you got such a good deal and then got an even better one! You are now a member of an elite group, however, you also left an group just as fanatical about their car (Mazda Millenia owners, S and non-S) as we are about ours.

    As a matter of fact, a friend of mine just got a Millenia and he just loves it. He was never a "car person" per se before but now he just loves this car more and more and actually thinks of ways to keep it pristine and running like a dream. He and I both are absolutely nuts for our rides, although he does admit my J is just a bit more luxurious, which goes without saying.

    CONGRATULATIONS!
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Whoa . . . hold the phone. I have heard talk in here that the J30 was being "reincarnated" into the G35. I thought this may be because I hadn't heard anything about the G35 really but now I find that is hardly the case!

    The G35 is replacing the spritely G20. It is even a little shorter than the IS300 which does not put it anywhere in J30 territory in terms of size AND weight. Not only that, the G35 is front-wheel drive! We know damn well this is not a throwback to the J30. Now . . . show of hands of those who thought of dropping the elegant J30 in favor of getting their hands on the G35 . . . Uh huh, thought not.

    That does explain why the letter 'J' was not included in the moniker. I'm glad that this has all been cleared up. If anyone knows something different, I'd love to hear it.
  • ashinnashinn Member Posts: 3
    At http://www.infinitinews.com/ it says that the G35 will be built on an all-new advanced REAR-WHEEL drive platform.
  • acarpelacarpel Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the greetings, bscblue. I sold my Millenia to my friend who's wife loves it so much that his wife is making him find a used one for her. On another note, in shopping for my J30, I looked and drove several J's and a few Q45's. All 100K plus miles but in great condition, Except... I noticed some problem they all had in common. The sunroofs stick. Since the motors still worked, you could still open or close them if you pushed or pulled. But I thought it was more than coincidence that all 5 of the cars I looked at had defective sunroofs. A guy with a Q had his dealer fix it. They had to re-lay the track. It took several hours and they charged him alot. Anyone else have this problem?
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Shinn, the G35 is still no J30 replacement no matter which wheels are doing the pushing (pulling, both).

    Carp, this forum is relatively small. There are several references to this sunroof issue and how it can be easily fixed. It is something that is well documented about this particular car. That and the few electrical problems, all easily fixed.
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    The G35 is not a replacement for the J30 in someways but it's going to be way better than the J30 in all aspects.

    Power, interior room, handling, trunk room, etc. will all be bigger/better than the J30. It'll be 10 years next year and technology doesn't stand still.

    As far a styling goes, that's debatable but I think the J30 was too much about style and not enough about practicality anyway.

    And finally, the fact that it's rear wheel drive with a 52/48 weight balance has a lot to do with it's hype on handling...i think the zero lift idea borrowed from race cars is very interesting...we'll about the handling.

    Although, I'm sure it'll get a bad review from Edmunds.
  • rbcookrbcook Member Posts: 7
    I know you hear this alot...people announcing their new J30 purchases. But, NOW IT"S MY TURN! (Sorry for the screaming, but it took alot of haggling to get this car.)
    I brought home my 1997 J30, with 43K miles. I got it at David McDavid Acura in Dallas(I know, I had to explain to them on many occasions that I didn't want some Accord masquerading as a TL instead of this J30). The only real problem I have with this car is the windshield defroster vent is popping up. Has anyone else seen this? Also, does anyone know a cheap way to obtain a titanium keyblank for this car, and know how to reprogram the keyless entry clicker? I have the clicker, but it doesn't respond...it only beeps. Other than those things, I am an extremely pleased J30 owner.
  • acarpelacarpel Member Posts: 6
    Went to the dealer yesterday to pick up part for my J30. My buddy asked me look at the G20 for his commute. I did. It was only 5G's less than the I30 and it was soooo much less car. It's a wonder they sell any of them. Of course the salesman thinks it's hotter han a BMW, but inside and out it looks like last year's Sentra. At least the I30 is substantial, and it now has 227 horsepower. Either way, our J30's beat them both to hell with looks and handling. Sure felt good when I left in my car. Am I sounding too smug?
  • txguy67txguy67 Member Posts: 31
    The only place I've found the blank titanium key at is an Infiniti dealer, then have to find a locksmith that can handle a precise cut. As far as your dash prob, haven't heard about that at all. What color is your J? T or no T?
    Acarpel - Not smug at all...J30 owners are a "different breed." If Infiniti was "smart" they'd reproduce the J since Now there is a market for the style. Just imagine a J with todays technology for power and gadgets...
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Congrats, Cook! I'm really happy for you. You will get a lot of good use out of your J and it always manages to turns head (when they're clean!).

    Cook, I would suggest you get yourself a little J.B. Weld (an adhesive from the Gods . . .) from Wal-Greens, Home Depot, or True Value and then put it on the vent and never worry about it popping up EVER again.

    I getcha, LSC. But sometimes, a man will choose the gutsy sound of a Shelby 500KR over the flash of an SVT Mustang.

    Tex, If they had a reincarnated J30 model with a nod in styling to the old one with more features (all I'd really want is an a navigation system, which you can get anywhere, and side air bags), I'd be scrapping to get one. Of course, I'd still keep my old J.

    Cook
  • rbcookrbcook Member Posts: 7
    My new J30 is not a T. It is the dark green color. The dealership called it jade, but I always thought that Jade had more of a blue-ish tint to it. Either way, it's so heavily greased up with that dealer "polish" that it shows every fingerprint. And, since I've shown it to everyone I know today, it has accumulated a multitude of handprints. Funny thing is, many people think it is a brand new car. They don't believe that it is a 1997 model. I think that is a testament to its timeless styling - not the trendy or "fad-ish" styling so seen in new cars today. Can anyone recommend which dealer is best in the DFW metroplex? I would prefer to avoid Crest(in Plano) because of some problems I had with their body shop in the past. Sewell is on my way to work, so I think I'll give them a try. Any advice on the subject is well appreciated in advance.
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