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Infiniti I30/I35

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  • rkehongrkehong Member Posts: 17
    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!
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    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.
  • abzuli_99abzuli_99 Member Posts: 2
    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!!)
  • abzuli_99abzuli_99 Member Posts: 2
    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!!!!
  • redskin024redskin024 Member Posts: 110
    If you read closely, you will notice that a co worker filled his car up, not him self.
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    No, you need to read more closely. He says that he AND his co-worker use 87 in THEIR I30's (plural).
  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    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.)
  • philw2philw2 Member Posts: 36
    Give us some numbers on your deal.
  • mulifatmulifat Member Posts: 26
    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.
  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    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.
  • philw2philw2 Member Posts: 36
    Enjoy your I30, I am enjoying mine. They are fine cars, and for the money, can't be beat.
  • sasmith95sasmith95 Member Posts: 13
    Just picked up my bronze/sage I30L last night. I paid $27,200, no options. Love the car so far. I'm looking forward to my first big drive today.
  • danielklodanielklo Member Posts: 2
    If you're in the NYC area checkout the autoshow 4/13-22. In the press release the I35 will be shown for the first time.

    http://www.vtec.net/news/items/651.html


    P.S. I know it's a honda site but news is news

  • rkehongrkehong Member Posts: 17
    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.
  • mulifatmulifat Member Posts: 26
    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
  • mhammy84mhammy84 Member Posts: 167
    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.
  • kingofchaoskingofchaos Member Posts: 2
    http://www.repairfaq.org/filipg/AUTO/F_Gasoline6.html?clkd=iwm


    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.

  • mulifatmulifat Member Posts: 26
    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?
  • redskin024redskin024 Member Posts: 110
    its no big deal, but i must have read his post before he re-edited it or something. oh well who cares
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    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.
  • kballalkballal Member Posts: 1
    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
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    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
  • photopeoplephotopeople Member Posts: 1
    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?
  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    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.
  • cainepcainep Member Posts: 35
    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.
  • peete_rocpeete_roc Member Posts: 10
    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…

    pete
  • djrunnerdjrunner Member Posts: 46
    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.
  • vtgtvtgt Member Posts: 30
    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.
  • mulifatmulifat Member Posts: 26
    Hi,

    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
  • jgoodelljgoodell Member Posts: 2
    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.

    Thanks.
  • pql1pql1 Member Posts: 6
    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!!!
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    Go to www.freshalloy.com to see the new 2002 Infiniti I35 the design changed a little, and so is the interior.
  • sasmith95sasmith95 Member Posts: 13
    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.
  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    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!
  • peete_rocpeete_roc Member Posts: 10
    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
  • rulonmillerrulonmiller Member Posts: 1
    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?
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    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).
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    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.
  • djrunnerdjrunner Member Posts: 46
    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.

    Let me know what kind of response you get!!
  • djrunnerdjrunner Member Posts: 46
    Try the following site : http://www.woodtrim.com/catalog_productlist.cfm


    It may be of interest to you, but I don't know anything about the company.

  • zeliforpzeliforp Member Posts: 44
    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.
  • redskin024redskin024 Member Posts: 110
    this has been bugging me.... its spelled Infiniti, not Infinite.
  • jaydhjaydh Member Posts: 16
    Does anyone out there have the Midnight Blue exterior in the I30 01. Are you happy with it? Does it look black when out of the sunlight?
  • rkehongrkehong Member Posts: 17
    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].
  • rkehongrkehong Member Posts: 17
    Also taken from the Owner's Manual

    - 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.
  • djrunnerdjrunner Member Posts: 46
    Sorry my typing bugged you. Unfortunately I make mistakes.
  • zeliforpzeliforp Member Posts: 44
    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.


    http://www.infinitinews.com/infiniti/pr_events/2001/newyork/i35/

  • mluriemlurie Member Posts: 1
    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.
  • boz151boz151 Member Posts: 11
    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.
  • ljester1ljester1 Member Posts: 3
    See my posting on 3-30, # 740. 2001 I30 for $26,780 plus 400 for doc. add taxes and title. No options.
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