I may be the only one out here, but I and a co-worker use regular 87 octane gas in our I30 Luxury models. No pinging problem here.
The wind noise is there, but I remember it being less wind noise than the TL that I test drove. I guess if I test drove another TL, I might prove to myself whether I was right or wrong, but I'm too lazy to go test drive.
Just brought it in for an oil change, but forgot to complain about the wind noise!
No, you won't cause pinging, but you'll have noticeably less power and your mileage will be worse with 87 octane. Why would you spend $30k on a car and then cheap-out when it comes time to put gas in it? Premium would cost you 'maybe' a whopping $100 more per YEAR, and that's not taking the increased mileage and performance into account. I guess I just don't understand why you would do that.
I bought my I30T last year and was totally happy with it. However, I did notice the shifting problem that everyone was talking about. Besides that, the rear sunshade sometimes made a popping sound when extending outward, and there was also a rattling noise by the glove compartment.
I took my car in to a Service Advisor and was told that they fixed the rattle and adjusted the rear sunshade, but were unable to reproduce the shifting problem. As soon as I got home, I researched the CM problem and printed the information out. I typed a letter to the Consumer Affairs Department for Infinite (as instructed by either the Owner's manual or the warranty booklet that comes with it), and attached the TB information.
Within a few days, I received two phone calls. One from the Consumer Affairs, and the other from the local Infinite dealership. They told me that they were going to replace the CM. I drove my car there, picked up a rental, and returned the following day for my I30T.
I noticed the difference immediately; although the difference in my opinion was not all positive. I felt that the shifting was now a lot carder, but it somewhat lagged the necessary torque required for that extra speed during the first two gears. It might be that I am just expecting too much, I am not sure. But anyway, the torque seems to catch up during the third and fourth gears. Believe it or not I can feel the torque pushing against my back. I am a private pilot and am ultra sensitive to thrust and -forces. I really believe that the 0-60 has improved by at least half a second.
Despite some issues, I really love my I30T. I have lightly tinted windows on the sides and rear, a sunroof defector, chrome license plate frame, and like to go for long drives, especially when it is newly washed. Besides, I am really impressed that the 3.0 liter engine has made Ward's ten best engines in the world seven years in a row. And according to Autoworld.com, "There isn't a better V-6, regardless of price". Furthermore, I would not buy a nexus Es300 or a Acura 3.2TL because they are overpriced and the dealerships don't want to negotiate (per my own personal experience!!)
Please excuse the mispelled words on my "above" entry. Spellcheck changed the words without my approval. I guess there is a glitch in the system. But it is better than last time. At least this time it did not erase everything I wrote!!! Anyway, the mispelled "Lexus" to "Nexus" is great!!!!
Picked up our Ruby/Beige I30L this afternoon. Absolutely gorgeous car. Dealer had to go to Mass. to get car for a southern Conn. delivery. After riding around this evening, found there is a definite difference between the 98 I30 we traded in. The new one is significantly better. Can't believe I almost had my wife talked into the TL. After driving both models several times in the last week, the I30 is the winner in our home. (No, I didn't drive the TLS. Here in Fairfield county, the traffic and roads are so bad, that big horsepower is almost a waste of money.)
Picked up my 2001 I30 yesterday. Titanium Silver w/black interior. Base model with no options. Really beautiful car and the sound system is nothing less than inspiring. Got what I thought was a terrific deal. With the loyalty discount, $25,999 total selling price. 39 month lease with $1500 total out of pocket and 12K miles a year comes to $355 per month.
Same deal as posted earlier. I30L w/ trac, splash guards, heated seats and 6 CD changer. MSRP $31,300. $28k after loyalty. Three dealers in two states were within $350 of each other. Closest dealer to my home gave me best trade in. That is worth 6% more due to the tax advantage. Multifat sounds like he got a great deal. I was happy with mine and that is the thing that counts.
Actually, I've heard of instances where if your car is used to premium and you use a tank of regular gas, pinging occurs. Some friends of mine work in the automotive industry and tell me to fill up once every quarter year with premium to clean the engine, but otherwise I can use regular fuel. I don't completely believe him, but the owners manual says regular fuel is fine, so I use it.
I do notice a very slight boost in power when using premium every once in a while. I also gain around a half mile per gallon. How much you save per year depends how much you drive and how you drive. If you calculate a conservative 15 cents per gallon more over regular unleaded for each gallon and one fill up of 16.5 gallons a week, that's $128. I've calculated it out, it's not worth it to me, but to each his own. Fifteen cents is conservative for my area, where the average is twenty cents more per gallon, and I fill up more than once a week. Your mileage may vary.
My new I30 is 3 days old. It seems that there is a feeling of the transmission "slipping" at certain times, mostly at low speeds and it seems between 1st and 2nd. I have seen references to this in previous posts, but thought this was on 2000 models only. Are there any known issues with this on 2001's? This is a bit disturbing. Thanks
suit yourself, save 128 of your money on gas, yet I may raise the question just ONE more time. Why cheap out on gas when it comes to a 30K car. Most manuals of vehicles in this class (and most dealers for that matter) RECOMMEND you use premium fuel. Sure its a recommendation, not a requirement, but that brings us back to the same question again, why cheap out? If you go to your dealer, and squeeze out every single difference/detail when looking at vehicles, and you even test drive an I30 (which has most probably been filled with Premium), and you enjoy the power/torque, but with your very own vehicle you "starve" it with 87, why did you choose to purchase a 30K dollar vehicle in the FIRST place? Why had you not just gone to a 4 cylinder fully loaded Jetta or something like that, or even the G20? I would assume the main reason you purchased the I30 was for the leather, nameplate, and other creature comforts it provides, but usually, people also spend big bugs on a nice, powerful engine. If you are starving that engine with cheap gas that doesnt allow the engine to show its colors, then why even bother purchasing that powerful an engine? I received a loaner once that was filled to the brim with 87, and I had the loaner so long that it emptied out (and for that matter it emptied out quite quickly compared to 93), and on the next fill-up, I put in premium, and the car ran so much better. With 87 it was sluggish, no pick-up, poor torque, and just plain not worth driving it with 87. Well, I think I said enough about this issue...all I can say is that I would hate to be the person who buys your car used if/when you get rid of it.
Not if you are meeting the octane requirement of the engine. If you are not meeting the octane requirement, the engine will rapidly suffer major damage due to knock. You must not use fuels that produce sustained audible knock, as engine damage will occur. If the octane is just sufficient, the engine management system will move settings to a less optimal position, and the only major penalty will be increased costs due to poor fuel economy. Whenever possible, engines should be operated at the optimum position for long-term reliability. Engine wear is mainly related to design, manufacturing, maintenance and lubrication factors. Once the octane and run-on requirements of the engine are satisfied, increased octane will have no beneficial effect on the engine. Run-on is the tendency of an engine to continue running after the ignition has been switched off, and is discussed in more detail in Section 8.2. The quality of gasoline, and the additive package used, would be more likely to affect the rate of engine wear, rather than the octane rating.
Took my new I30 on the highway for the first time today. Seems to suffer from excessive wind noise anywhere over 60 MPH. My 98 I30 was quieter. Anybody have the same complaint?
Can I ask what kind of gas mileage owners of the I30 are getting? I am just kind of curious. What type of fuel does the 2001 I30 Owner's manual require? I would like to know the exact words out of the owner's manual if someone could give that to me please. "Consumer Reports" magazine states that the use of premium fuel is required for the I30.
I am planning to buy an used I30 (with factory warranty), like a 98 model with about 40K miles with leather etc. any suggestions on which dealer to go to in northern NJ (morristown, etc.). Also what is the price I should be looking at paying, how much can I negotiate, what kinds of discounts are available at Infiniti dealerships. Newspaper prices seem pretty high. any tips on buying would be appreciated thanks
Pardon the interruption - I want to explain the name change of this discussion.
Since we have moved to our new platform, we no longer have the requirement to stop and restart discussions after the numbers of posts exceed a certain limit. Since this discussion can continue as long as anyone has anything to say about the I30, there is no longer a need for the "Part 4" that has been included in the discussion name. Down the road, that could confuse our newer members so I have removed it.
I've altered the name slightly of the original I30 discussion in the Archives to differentiate it from this active one.
Please continue...
Pat Host Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
We're looking at purchasing an I30 in Atlanta, moving up from a Maxima SE to the I30. What kind of deal can we expect on the I30? Has anyone bought one recently in Atlanta? Is the loyalty program only for current Infiniti owners?
You can see my numbers from Connecticut in an earlier post. If you can hold on for a little bit, as soon as the I-35 is unveiled, I think the price will have to go down on the I30s. Similar to what is going on with the Acura TL and TL-S. If they are not going to produce both models, the I30 should drop even more as prospective buyers opt to wait for the 2002 I35. Good luck. The car is really great.
Premium is recommended, though other contributors here have used regular and mid-grade.
After just over 18 months with my I30L, I've noticed that sometimes the engine seems more responsive than others, even on the same tank. Over recent weeks, I've noticed that when I rev the engine more than normal (say about 2000 rpm when driving off), the engine seems more responsive for that trip.
Fuel consumption has been 17-20 driving around L.A. and up to 31 on long trips.
I test drove an I30L and a 3.2TL-S today... both were nice rides! I'm looking to buy sometime in July, and I've narrowed it down to I30L, GLX VW Passat, 3.2L-S Acura, ES300 Lexus. The Infiniti car salesman mentioned that the I35 will be coming out in Sept. with a 270hp engine…. Ya baby! However, he did not know if it would have a new body look. Do you or anyone else know of any spy photos out there for the I35? Also, of the cars I listed which one gives you a better “bang for the buck”? Thanks in advance…
Sorry to hear you are having wind noise problems. Several people on this discussion board have had the problem as well. It seems that right now there is no fix for the problem. I have complained to my dealership many times, written letters to Nissan and called Infinite Consumer Affairs on several occasions; all with no luck. I have been given a reference number and was told that the manufacturer is working on the problem. You might want to complain to your dealership so they will log your car as being a problem car. The more cars logged, the more likely they will fix the problem. If you want my reference number just let me know, that way you can give it to your dealership.
I took my car to my dealer couple weeks ago to complain about wind noise. They told me that it was normal for I-30 and they didn't log in my car as a problem. Could you give me your reference number and where I can write a letter to Infiniti regarding to this issue. I think Infiniti dealers are no hope to resolve this issue.
Thanks so much for your reply. I would be very grateful for your reference number. I plan to complain to the dealer. The car has only 400 miles on it, and I will not keep it if this cannot be fixed. You can e mail me if you wish, at mulifat@aol.com, or if you have no problem posting it here that would ne great
We're trying to decide between the 2002 Acura TL (not type S) and the I30. Since others must have been in the same situation, I'd appreciate any thoughts.
jgoodell, A good question...I also had a big dilemma with the TL and I30. After much research and test drives, I went with the I30. I thought the I30 was more luxurious, great bose sound system, more roomy and the interior more refined. The TL is a very nice car but the interior items seemed a little less refined....ex - wood trim, leather seats not very comfortable, small back seats. The TL is definitely more sportier but I was more interested in the overall luxury feel of my next car....with that criteria, I believe I30 wins hands down. Also, the TL is cheaper but the difference in luxury and quality made it a non-factor in my purchase.
Have fun deciding between the two cars because it will really come down to personal preference. I have my I30 for a couple of months now and I absolutely love it!!!
It came down to these two cars for me as well, and I went with the I30. I agree that the I30 is more luxurious, and the fit and finish is, in my opinion, much better. It seems as if there are many more TL's on the road, and I liked the fact that you don't see I30's in my area every time you turn around. For some reason, also, I could not find a comfortable driving position in the TL. My husband preferred the TL because it was sportier and faster. They are both really nice cars. I have only had my I30 for a few days, but it is already my favorite car I've owned.
I wanted the TL. It looks sportier, has a slightly better resale value and I wanted to play with the sport shifter. The wife thought the TL was smaller, too sporty and could care less about resale. The deciding factor(s) came down to the dealerships. The Acura people were less friendly (perception) and did not seem interested in negotiating from their first offer. One didn't even bother to call us back with a firm price after we had spent a saturday afternoon with him. The second dealer claimed I didn't give him a chance after I told him we put a deposit on the I30 (after he left us hanging for two days to get a test drive). My wife has always complemented on the great service she got on her 1998 I30. Anyone can sell you a car. The service after is what inspires loyalty. Her sister has a Legend and our future daughter-in-law also has a Legend. We were not encouraged by their service experiences. Both the I30 and the TL are nice cars. I think the TL is sportier and the I30 more luxurious. I am glad my wife held out for the I30. As for the resale argument, I think the 2000 and newer I30s are going to hold up better than the earlier ones since they are less clones of the Maxima and more independent in design. I don't think you could go wrong with either choice. Good luck!
Where is the 2002 I35 info? I looked in www.freshalloy.com but found nothing. It mentioned the Q45... is this what you meant? Can you post the specific URL regarding the 2002 I35? Thanks
I bought a 2000 I30t about a year ago, and have to say it may be the best automotive purchase I have ever made. The fit, finish, and most of all, the service have been exemplary.
However, I opted to delete the rear spoiler, which I now regret.
Does anyone know of an after-market supplier that can provide a spoiler?
I don't know about aftermarket, but I'm sure the dealer would be happy to put one on for you, and then you'll have the stock spoiler (which looks pretty sharp, IMO, even though I don't have one).
Hey they erased them, the new Altima pictures were on there also, I have the pictures, but I don't know how to download them, the picture is the 130t in Millenium Jade, and the interior is changed somewhat, it looks like it has a gated auto, with manual shift capability.
The reference number that I was given by Consumer Affairs is #3347789. This reference pertains to my car, but if you call CA.. @ 1-800-662-6200 and given them this reference and tell them you are having the same problem but your dealership won't help, then maybe they will give you a new reference number and your car will be logged as a problem car. Mulifat, I totally agree with you. If I had noticed the problem earlier then I would have not wanted to keep the car either. I think this issue will probably never be resolved, and yet they lead you to believe that they are working on it. VTGT, I wrote a letter on April 6 to:
INFINITE DIVISION Nissan North America, In. Consumer Affairs Department P.. Box 47038 Garden, CA 90247-6838
When I receive a reply from my letter I will post their response.
I can't understand why they can't just use better quality seals in the first place. The problem is worse in the winter time - thus cheap seals were used.
Actually we went back to the dealer a week after purchase and had the spoiler put on our I30t. Looks pretty sharp, it's different than the one they put on the Maximas.
Here's what the I30 2001 Owner's Manual says regarding fuel...
Page 10-20 (Chap 10, pg 20)
Fuel Recommendation
Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research ocatane number 96)
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available, unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle performance, the use of unleaded premium gasoline is recommended.
Page 10-21
Octane Rating Tips
In most parts of North America, you should use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. However, you may use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in these high altitude areas ... [snip].
The Infiniti I35 was just introduced at the NY Auto Show. It goes on sale in October. Outside is pretty much the same except for the Q45-style grille; the big changes are the interior and the larger engine.
Got a 01 Midnight Blue (black interior) about three months ago. Love it! Before that, I had a 98 Black I30. Can definitely tell the difference both in and out of sunlight. While it does show dirt and dust, it's not as bad (or as frequent) as the Black.
I had a great experience at Salerno Duane Infiniti on Rt 10 East in Denville. It's about 10 minutes from Morristown. Ask for Sam, he was very attentive and absolutely no high pressure sell. Service dept is pretty good too.
Comments
The wind noise is there, but I remember it being less wind noise than the TL that I test drove. I guess if I test drove another TL, I might prove to myself whether I was right or wrong, but I'm too lazy to go test drive.
Just brought it in for an oil change, but forgot to complain about the wind noise!
I took my car in to a Service Advisor and was told that they fixed the rattle and adjusted the rear sunshade, but were unable to reproduce the shifting problem. As soon as I got home, I researched the CM problem and printed the information out. I typed a letter to the Consumer Affairs Department for Infinite (as instructed by either the Owner's manual or the warranty booklet that comes with it), and attached the TB information.
Within a few days, I received two phone calls. One from the Consumer Affairs, and the other from the local Infinite dealership. They told me that they were going to replace the CM. I drove my car there, picked up a rental, and returned the following day for my I30T.
I noticed the difference immediately; although the difference in my opinion was not all positive. I felt that the shifting was now a lot carder, but it somewhat lagged the necessary torque required for that extra speed during the first two gears. It might be that I am just expecting too much, I am not sure. But anyway, the torque seems to catch up during the third and fourth gears. Believe it or not I can feel the torque pushing against my back. I am a private pilot and am ultra sensitive to thrust and -forces. I really believe that the 0-60 has improved by at least half a second.
Despite some issues, I really love my I30T. I have lightly tinted windows on the sides and rear, a sunroof defector, chrome license plate frame, and like to go for long drives, especially when it is newly washed. Besides, I am really impressed that the 3.0 liter engine has made Ward's ten best engines in the world seven years in a row. And according to Autoworld.com, "There isn't a better V-6, regardless of price". Furthermore, I would not buy a nexus Es300 or a Acura 3.2TL because they are overpriced and the dealerships don't want to negotiate (per my own personal experience!!)
Dealer had to go to Mass. to get car for a southern Conn. delivery.
After riding around this evening, found there is a definite difference
between the 98 I30 we traded in. The new one is significantly better.
Can't believe I almost had my wife talked into the TL. After driving both
models several times in the last week, the I30 is the winner in our home.
(No, I didn't drive the TLS. Here in Fairfield county, the traffic and roads
are so bad, that big horsepower is almost a waste of money.)
6 CD changer. MSRP $31,300. $28k after loyalty. Three dealers in two states
were within $350 of each other. Closest dealer to my home gave me best trade
in. That is worth 6% more due to the tax advantage. Multifat sounds like he got
a great deal. I was happy with mine and that is the thing that counts.
http://www.vtec.net/news/items/651.html
P.S. I know it's a honda site but news is news
I do notice a very slight boost in power when using premium every once in a while. I also gain around a half mile per gallon. How much you save per year depends how much you drive and how you drive. If you calculate a conservative 15 cents per gallon more over regular unleaded for each gallon and one fill up of 16.5 gallons a week, that's $128. I've calculated it out, it's not worth it to me, but to each his own. Fifteen cents is conservative for my area, where the average is twenty cents more per gallon, and I fill up more than once a week. Your mileage
may vary.
6.14) Does low octane fuel increase engine wear?
Not if you are meeting the octane requirement of the engine. If you are not meeting the octane requirement, the engine will rapidly suffer major damage due to knock. You must not use fuels that produce sustained audible knock, as engine damage will occur. If the octane is just sufficient, the engine management system will move settings to a less optimal position, and the only major penalty will be increased costs due to poor fuel economy. Whenever possible, engines should be operated at the optimum position for long-term reliability. Engine wear is mainly related to design, manufacturing, maintenance and lubrication factors. Once the octane and run-on requirements of the engine are satisfied, increased octane will have no beneficial effect on the engine. Run-on is the tendency of an engine to continue running after the ignition has been switched off, and is discussed in more detail in Section 8.2. The quality of gasoline, and the additive package used, would be more likely to affect the rate of engine wear, rather than the octane rating.
What type of fuel does the 2001 I30 Owner's manual require? I would like to know the exact words out of the owner's manual if someone could give that to me please. "Consumer Reports" magazine states that the use of premium fuel is required for the I30.
thanks
Since we have moved to our new platform, we no longer have the requirement to stop and restart discussions after the numbers of posts exceed a certain limit. Since this discussion can continue as long as anyone has anything to say about the I30, there is no longer a need for the "Part 4" that has been included in the discussion name. Down the road, that could confuse our newer members so I have removed it.
I've altered the name slightly of the original I30 discussion in the Archives to differentiate it from this active one.
Please continue...
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
you can hold on for a little bit, as soon as the I-35 is unveiled, I
think the price will have to go down on the I30s. Similar to what is
going on with the Acura TL and TL-S. If they are not going to produce
both models, the I30 should drop even more as prospective buyers
opt to wait for the 2002 I35. Good luck. The car is really great.
After just over 18 months with my I30L, I've noticed that sometimes the engine seems more responsive than others, even on the same tank. Over recent weeks, I've noticed that when I rev the engine more than normal (say about 2000 rpm when driving off), the engine seems more responsive for that trip.
Fuel consumption has been 17-20 driving around L.A. and up to 31 on long trips.
pete
Thanks so much for your reply. I would be very grateful for your reference number. I plan to complain to the dealer. The car has only 400 miles on it, and I will not keep it if this cannot be fixed. You can e mail me if you wish, at mulifat@aol.com, or if you have no problem posting it here that would ne great
Thanks.
A good question...I also had a big dilemma with the TL and I30. After much research and test drives, I went with the I30. I thought the I30 was more luxurious, great bose sound system, more roomy and the interior more refined. The TL is a very nice car but the interior items seemed a little less refined....ex - wood trim, leather seats not very comfortable, small back seats. The TL is definitely more sportier but I was more interested in the overall luxury feel of my next car....with that criteria, I believe I30 wins hands down. Also, the TL is cheaper but the difference in luxury and quality made it a non-factor in my purchase.
Have fun deciding between the two cars because it will really come down to personal preference. I have my I30 for a couple of months now and I absolutely love it!!!
and I wanted to play with the sport shifter. The wife thought the TL
was smaller, too sporty and could care less about resale.
The deciding factor(s) came down to the dealerships. The Acura
people were less friendly (perception) and did not seem interested
in negotiating from their first offer. One didn't even bother to call us
back with a firm price after we had spent a saturday afternoon with
him. The second dealer claimed I didn't give him a chance after I told
him we put a deposit on the I30 (after he left us hanging for two days
to get a test drive).
My wife has always complemented on the great service she got on her
1998 I30. Anyone can sell you a car. The service after is what inspires
loyalty. Her sister has a Legend and our future daughter-in-law also
has a Legend. We were not encouraged by their service experiences.
Both the I30 and the TL are nice cars. I think the TL is sportier and the
I30 more luxurious. I am glad my wife held out for the I30. As for the
resale argument, I think the 2000 and newer I30s are going to hold up better
than the earlier ones since they are less clones of the Maxima and more
independent in design. I don't think you could go wrong with either choice.
Good luck!
Thanks
However, I opted to delete the rear spoiler, which I now regret.
Does anyone know of an after-market supplier that can provide a spoiler?
INFINITE DIVISION
Nissan North America, In.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.. Box 47038
Garden, CA 90247-6838
When I receive a reply from my letter I will post their response.
I can't understand why they can't just use better quality seals in the first place. The problem is worse in the winter time - thus cheap seals were used.
Let me know what kind of response you get!!
It may be of interest to you, but I don't know anything about the company.
Page 10-20 (Chap 10, pg 20)
Fuel Recommendation
Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research ocatane number 96)
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available, unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle performance, the use of unleaded premium gasoline is recommended.
Page 10-21
Octane Rating Tips
In most parts of North America, you should use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. However, you may use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in these high altitude areas ... [snip].
- Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain cruising speeds with a constant accelerator position.
- Drive at moderate speeds on the highway. Driving at high speed will lower fuel economy.
- Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
- Use a proper gear range which suits road conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear as soon as possible.
- Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
- Keep your engine tuned up.
- Follow the recommended periodic maintenance schedule.
- Keep the tires inflated at the correct pressure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and waste fuel.
- Keep the front wheels in correct alignment. Improper alignment will cause not only tire wear but also lower fuel economy.
- Air conditioner operation lowers fuel economy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
- When cruising at highway speeds, it is more economical to use the air conditioner and leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
http://www.infinitinews.com/infiniti/pr_events/2001/newyork/i35/