Infiniti I30/I35

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Comments

  • jaki30jaki30 Member Posts: 73
    I bought a loaded L in April for $28k w/ loyalty rebate. A
    friend just bought hers on Jul 30th for $29k, new, no miles, loaded.
    You shouldn't pay more than 28 for a "used" I30L. Both of our cars
    have the heat, trac, 6-cd and splash guards.
  • metmdxmetmdx Member Posts: 270
    I know this is the "sedan" thread, but does anyone have any definitive info on the '02 QX4 and what is different vs. the '01. I e-mailed Infiniti in August and they said info will be out 9/1. Nothing on website yet.
    Any and all help appreciated !!!!
  • njbaran99njbaran99 Member Posts: 69
    My friend has a 99' I30t that coming up on a lease turn-in in a couple of months. Before I approach him, does anyone know how much the residual (buy-out) price will be? I know it depends on the lease payment, but I was looking for an approximate. Is it close to the KelleyBlueBook Trade-in (currently $17500)?
  • jaygavrickjaygavrick Member Posts: 5
    I don't know the residual price but I can tell you what I paid. About two months ago, I bought a 1999 I30t 5speed (the ONLY kind to get is a stick shift!) with only 14000 miles in BEAUTIFUL condition. I paid about $22,000. and was happy to do it. I'm sure I didn't overpay. There were fewer than 250 I30t 5speeds sold in the US in 1999. Hope this helps.

    Bob
  • psrinivpsriniv Member Posts: 41
    Hi Friends,

    I have been here before requesting advise on the pricing issue. I have finally located an I30 L over at a dealership at north carolina with heated seats, traction control, splash guards and 6CD changer. I am getting it at $28,000 (negotiated down from $29,000) + tax + $198 (processing fee) + $45 (title & tags).
    THe car has 57 miles (??) on it . Dealer says it was delivered to his dealership. Should i go with this deal. tgif and others please advise ASAP.
    Thanks in advance.
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    57 miles seem kind of high and who knows what kind of 57 miles was that? Ask the dealer how did the 57 miles comes from? Did someone drove this car from other dealership to his? Did someone floor that car? And $198 processing fee is kind of high. My dealer only charge $45.
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    Don't worry about the 57 miles. Most I30 buyers aren't out hotrodding the cars on test drives. I'd go for it. You won't regret it.
  • azstanazstan Member Posts: 74
    Sounds like a good deal except for the $198 "processing fee". Offer them $50...which is more in the ballpark.

    I agree 57 miles should not be a worry...this is a great car.
  • luvtospeedluvtospeed Member Posts: 8
    Hi Guys,

    I'm in the process of buying the I30 L and would like some feedback on what to expect to pay for a new 2001. I know the new I35 is coming out in October and that Infiniti just ended a rebate program in August. I would imagine that they would start another rebate offer soon. Any help from my friends out there would be appreciated.
  • matt333matt333 Member Posts: 20
    I visited a couple of the dealers in so cal this past weekend 9/8 - 9/9, and one told me right off the bat he could do $26,900 i didn't clarify whether that included destination as i wasn't even interested in pricing, i was just checking out the i30.. another told me he could do an 'invoice type' of deal.. that's what they said without any mention of price or haggling from me.. kinda gives you an idea, maybe?
  • amdaamda Member Posts: 7
    Folks

    I 30 owners let me know if i should go for 2001 I30 or 2002 acura 3.2 TL. out of the door price is higher for fully loaded I30L (heat seat, trac, 6cd, sp. guards) by $1,000. Need a family car to move around wiht 2 small kids, preferably with minimal maintenance costs and comparatively lesser insurance costs. please suggest based on your experiences.
    thanks
  • mvargo1mvargo1 Member Posts: 298
    The I30 will offer the following advantages for your extra $1000. More room everywhere in the vehicle esp. the rear seats. Lower maintinence costs due to slightly higher reliability and timing chain instead of belt. Better ergonomics especially the placement of the cruise control on switch and sunroof controls. Folding rear seats and a better warrenty and loner car program.
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    I own an 2001 I30t and 2002 Acura TL-S. If you have a family the I30 is the way to go. The I30 had better fit and finish than my TL-S. =( And the wind noise and road noise is much less, too. I30's dealer also offers loaner for schedule maintaining service.

    Good Luck.
  • psrinivpsriniv Member Posts: 41
    tgif & others.
    Thanks for all the info so far. I have one last question to ask about service etc.

    My local infiniti dealer is not willing to come down on price for an I30 (heat, trac, 6CD & s guards)no where near the $28,000 as mentioned in one of my messages above. I will pick up the car at a dealership in NC this weekend. My question is, what if i observe some problems after i drive the car back from NC to VA. (just in case- minor stuff). Should/Will my local dealer handle it as per warranty. My question is probably silly. These are some of my apprehensions, becos i am a first time car buyer in this country.
    I'd appreciate suggestions and advice.
    THanks once again
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    It shouldn't have any problem. You can buy and service your vehicle at 2 different dealers. You can call and make sure.
  • 02mdx02mdx Member Posts: 64
    I'm stuck between the Infiniti I30 and the Toyota Avalon. My wife will be the primary driver and likes the many luxury features that come with the I30. The Avalon does not come with as many bells and whistles, but has the advantage in interior volume (106 cu. ft.), especially the back seat. We have a two year old, thus the space in the back is VERY important. Can the I30 owners tell me if you think there is enough room for getting a toddler in and out without having to be a contortionist? The TL was also considered, but X-ed due to the smaller back seat.

    Also, the power sun shade on the I30 should come in handy with a child in the back. Do current owners like or dislike it?
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    I can't speak for toddlers (no kids yet), but the rear seats in the I30 have plenty of room for full-grown adults (I'm 6'2" and I fit very comfortably in the back). I can't imagine toddlers needing any more room than that. I love the sun shade. You can have it up while driving and the rear passengers love it. I imagine little kids would, too. I use it a lot more than I ever thought I would.
  • vtgtvtgt Member Posts: 30
    I have a 9 months old daughter and I30 is great for her "backward" car seat that takes more space than regular car seat. The sunshade is a must for her. I also use the sunshade when I park my car outside to keep the inside temp cool. I30 is a great car and I love it.
  • psrinivpsriniv Member Posts: 41
    Hi TGIF and others

    I am back with questions again. I was about to close the deal on a 2001 I 30 for $28,000. The dealer then revealed that the car was kept in the showroom yesterday and they had put in a wood kit around the dash etc and the pin stripe. Now they want $28,500 for the car.
    Is it worth the $500. Should i go with it. Please advise.
    Thanks.
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Well, it really depends on your taste. When I bought mine, I had the dealer throw it in for free. It cost them $699. (At least it is what it said on the sticker)

    The whole wood kit if you bought outside is $250-$275 and you need to install it for yourself.

    So, it is entirely up to you. But I don't think this is a good practice for the dealer to add something at the close of the deal.
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Well, my daughter is 2 years old. She get into the cars with no problem. But sometimes her head will hit the roof while we try to put her in the car seat. (I believe this will happen to all the sedan, unless I got a van. =()

    I30 had longer warranty than the Avalon. And you will also get loaner car with schedule maintenance with the I30.
  • psrinivpsriniv Member Posts: 41
    Hi tgif

    i notice from one of the above messages that you own both an I30 and an acura tl-s. I just called up one of the acura dealers for pricing on a 2002 3.2 tl. DO you think $27,100 for a 2002 3.2 tl (no accessories)is a good buy in comparision with the 2001 I30 L for $28,500 (incl wood kit and pin stripe).
    Advise please.
    Thanks
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    It really depends on personal perference. $27,100 is a good price for the 2002 TL.

    My I30 had less wind and road noise than my TL-S. At least this is what happened in my TL-S. The fit and finish and the stereo system is better in the Infiniti, too.
  • psrinivpsriniv Member Posts: 41
    Hi again,

    3.2 Tl was never on my list. From the beginning I have only been looking at the 2002 max or the 2001 I 30.
    I did not appreciate the infiniti dealer marking up the price by $500 in the name of the wood kit. THats the reason i called up the acura guy. I do prefer the spaciousness of the I30 for my 6 yr old kid.
    So, do i assume that you'd still recommend the I30 at $28500 (ofcourse from your personal experience & personal viewpoint).
    Thanks again
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Yes. I still recommend the I30 but not the dealer though. Is there any more dealers around you? Try to lower the $500 wood kit. Also, have your dealership installed the fuel line protector, too.
  • 02mdx02mdx Member Posts: 64
    Thanks for the opinions on the I30. I've driven the last generation I30 & Maxima and thought it was a great car. Now our priorities have changed with the introduction of our son.

    I've heard some negative reviews on the Touring model regarding the rear "beam" axle/suspension, causing a harsh ride. How is the ride in the Non-Touring model? I've heard some say that the I30's ride falls in between the ES300's floaty ride and the TL's stiffer ride.
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    I'd say that's probably a fair assessment. More sporty than the ES, but not quite as stiff as the base TL.
  • redbarettaredbaretta Member Posts: 22
    Update - I have had my 2001 I30t for almost one year now and I love it. I paid a lot more last fall than anyone else has been paying over the summer and I still think it's a great value.

    The dealership experience is nothing less than stellar and easily warrants the premium over the Maxima.

    My titanium silver "t" is definitely an eye-catcher as well as a solid performer. You do give up some ride quality with the 17's, but for me it is totally worth it. If I wanted a floaty ride I would have picked up the Lexus ES300 (and spent more $$$).

    The car is also great in foul weather here in the Northeast.
  • howardchenhowardchen Member Posts: 6
    My wife and I tested C240, I30, and TL recently. C240 is too small, although it's a very nice car. We had great testing experience with C240. I30 is always looks like a dress up Maxima for me. The interior layout/design and those 4 cornering lights look exactly like my neighbor's Maxima. However, my wife likes the I30's interior material/design. She felt it's more luxurious and roomy than TL. I felt that TL handles more precisely vs. I30's soft handling. In addition, TL is 5 speed auto with sport touch shift vs I30's 4speed (w/o touch shift).

    We went to the Infiniti dealer on Rt. 1 in Edison twice to do the testing drive. Overall, I don't like them. The first time, I clearly told the salesperson that I am doing my research. I was also wondering if I should wait for I35 to come out. He suggested us test drive the I30 and we went to a local route for 10 minutes. He took our information (e.g. cash buyer) and asked "what stop you buying it today?" (I was thinking: "didn't I tell you that I am not buying today?" "How a shopper can make a buying decision just by doing a 10-min short testing drive?") So I kindly told him that I needed to compare all the cars and do more research.

    The second visit, we were planning drive the I30 on the highway, so we could test it extensively. We thought that I30 is the last model year and the price should be good (turns out it's not true). We spoke to the same salesperson. He was hesitated when we said we want to get the feeling how the car handles when the speed is about 60 or 65mph. He said "I can not let you do that, the speed limit for Rt.287 is 55" (I was thinking:"Are you kidding me? Who didn't drive over 60mph on Rt. 287) Furthermore, he started to ask if I have any price in mind. I told him that I will definitely buy one if it's about 26.5K (It's based on the research at the Town Hall and local newspaper ads) He said that he can not go lower than his invoice (29K+). He took his calculaltor and put 3% over it (lying). I said "no way, I can get an Acura TL at 28.5K or lower. In addition, CarDirect is selling the I30 at around 28.5K". He immediately asked if he offered 28.5K to match the Internet price will I consider buy it? (I was thinking: "now you can go below invoice?") We just walked away!

    The testing drive of TL is more pleasant experience at East Brunswick on Rt. 18. I made a request over the e-mail. The 2nd day a salesperson contacted me by phone. I told him I am still doing my research. We arrived the dealer office on a busy Saturday afternoon, waited for a while and drove the TL for about 20 mins. He thanked us for waiting and coming....he didn't even ask us our phone number...no pressure to buy at all.

    Since we are not in a hurry to get a new car. We are also afraid that there will be a war and recession. We decide to continue to shop around...maybe test European cars like '02 A4 and S60 2.4T

    God bless America
  • rogerabrogerab Member Posts: 29
    I have a 2000 I30T which I have enjoyed however I drove the I35 yesterday and could not believe the extra power. I think the I35 is worth waiting for
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Did your salesperson by any chance tell you how much the I35 will be?
  • rogerabrogerab Member Posts: 29
    I am from Canada however I believe the prices are similar to last year.
  • dcristdcrist Member Posts: 6
    Just posted this afternoon @(www.infinitinews.com). '02 Luxury MSRP is $30,130 an increase of $415 over the '01 Luxury @ $29,715. Seems like a bargain with all the upgrades. Of course you may not be able to get the dealers to come far off the MSRP for a while.
  • cpa4ucpa4u Member Posts: 136
    Has anyone replaced the fog light bulbs on an '00 or '01 to something that matches the HID's any better? I really dislike the difference in color between the fogs and the HID's. Any suggestions? And if you have changed them, was it very difficult??
  • wcdaawcdaa Member Posts: 21
    Infiniti sales have been off something like 20% over the past few months(or longer). With the
    current problems (economy and war preparation), I am confident you will be able to get a deal on the I-35's.....sooner or later!
  • cpa4ucpa4u Member Posts: 136
    Saw your post over in trade-in values. You really thinking about trading your I30?? :) Have you seen or driven an I35 yourself? From the pictures they don't look all that different. Just the added ponies under the hood!! Which I wouldn't mind having at all. Are they going to totally redo the car for 2003 though? YOu might want to just wait until then.
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Thanks. I had been put much thought, too. The driving experience is awesome. The engine is quick adn responsive. 2 dealers want MSRP. The most I would get is $1500 MSRP. It is good for now but not as good when I bought the I30. Maybe I should just stick with the I30 for now. Thanks for your suggestion.

    Can't believe I only had 2800 miles on my car. =)
  • laheatlaheat Member Posts: 14
    I finally had my "fuel line protector" installed by my own mechanic. (No thanks to Miller Infiniti, Van Nuys, CA.)

    One of the mechanics in the shop made a simple statement that I had not considered: He said the real reason to have a fuel line protector is if you have a rear tire blowout - the fuel line protector will protect the blow out from breaking the fuel line neck! I had been more concerned about the dirt and sludge buildup. So we all should consider this a SAFETY/LIABLITY ISSUE!!

    So like everyone says here: Get the dealer to install it BEFORE you sign ANY any contract. The parts are only about $29-39, and it took exactly 7 minutes to install (with removing the wheel). And on my '01 I-30, it only needed the one part - the larger part, not the smaller part.

    Will be intersting to see if the new I-35 will have it installed?
  • karz10karz10 Member Posts: 106
    thanks to many people on these boards, including Bill and tgif, I mostly hung out in the TL-S, financing and other boards before coming here, but I started looking at the I30t, and was waiting for the I35 to come out before making a decision

    I really liked the I35, and the TL-S, but I started looking at an I30t in my prefered color scheme (blk/blk), at a nearby dealer, as I have posted earlier. Car was on the lot for a couple weeks, given the circumstances of recent events, not too surpising. When I went by to test drive the 02 I35, I looked at the 01 I30t again, it also had the sport pkg w/ side sills and rear spoiler (installed corectly, w/ no brake light in the rear deck), and had the rear sunshade. No trac cntrl or htd seats, live in NC so not necessety, had the 17" four spoke bright alloy wheels, w/ Bridgestone 50's on it. Great driving car!!!!

    Sticker: $33, 335
    Dlr Invoice: $29,800

    I Paid: $27,000 flat + TTT
    All prices include $545 dest chg

    Finance guy did try to jack me for a couple percentage points, I called an F&I guy I know, found out what my current buy rate was and got within a 1/2% of that

    I think I did pretty well for a first time 'new' car buyer, do in large part to educating myself about my credit, responses from this board, guidlines on Edmunds, and reading a book (idiot's guide to buying and leasing a car). Part of the deal was, I sold my Maxima privately for a few grand more than I could have got on a trade.

    Thanks again, enjoy your cars!!!

    Karz
  • karz10karz10 Member Posts: 106
    Are there any good Infiniti/I30 enthusiasts sites? I know the kind of buyer may be a little different in some cases than Lexus IS or Acura TL-S buyers, but hope there are some places to go learn about overcoming any minor challenges or making minor mods (like making the fogs come on w/ the pkg lights, etc) Any advice is appreciated.

    In case anyone else (esp. novice like me) is trying to get a good deal, I think I did pretty well, and didn't leave too much money on the table, just wanted to say, knowledge is a wonderful thing, but the dealer also has to be motivated (like the fact the car I wanted was already on the lot), and executing your knowledge in the dealer's environment is the key. I remained vary calm and almost dis-interested, as I had somehwere else I was planning to go that day, and allowed them to think there salesmanship was keeping me from leaving. I was in a good mood that day, had already done my research, drove the car a couple times previously, and when it came to negotiations, something I learned in sales, "after information has been given, like an offer from the dealer, whoever talks first loses", in other words they would tell me something, I just kept looking at the paper, the numbers, punching things into my calculator, sometimes for up to two minutes, until they had to break the silence and start offering me something else. Everybody has their own style, just my .02 =)

    Karz
  • matt333matt333 Member Posts: 20
    last saturday night, i ended up getting the I30 Luxury with navigation. had to go to a dealer 40 miles away since they had the color combination i wanted (titanium/sage) with navigation, they matched the best price i could find, i was willing to pay a few hundred more to be able to get just the color i wanted but they matched it, so it was great.

    i was strongly considering the TL also, but i never could get over the design inside and especially outside, it looks too forced and artificial, while the I30 just flows gracefully but hey styling is all subjective.. plus the attitude of most of the acura dealers around here added to my decision. everytime i told them of a quote from another dealer they'd treat me as i was pulling numbers from thin air... "then go buy it there!" "see if they honor that price now!!" "if you can get it at that price, buy 2 and sell me one!" i'm just waiting for them to call me so i can tell them i bought from someone else. :)

    my buying experience with infinity was very pleasant until the incredibly pushy f&i lady.. and when i asked for a couple of extra keychains, the salesguy refused saying how they cost $9 each... kinda stupid to sour up a good experience for a couple of keychains.. and i'm still waiting for my navi disc to arrive since the parts dept was closed when we bought the car.

    thanks everyone for the info and especially to tgif, can you email me? and is acura-tl.com shut down?
  • umpopaumpopa Member Posts: 37
    Congratulations on your new wheels. I'm glad you did your homework and seemingly beat the dealers at their own game!

    Since the Infiniti and the Maxima are essentially the same car under the skin, you might want to check out 5thGenMaximas.com and Maxima.org, two (of a number of) sites where enthusiasts discuss and help each other with modifications, etc., etc., etc., and will answer the very questions you raise about "minor challenges or making minor mods"...and also some pretty major ones, too!
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Congratulation. Welcome aboard. Wow, 40 miles that kind of far. But I know the one with navigation is very hard to find.

    I just do my first oil change last Saturday. Saw couple I30t and I30. Maybe dealer needs to lower the price if they really want to sell one.

    Enjoy the ride and I think the acura-tl.com is down again. =(

    BTW, did you have the dealer installed a fuel line protector?
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Welcome aboard, too. Glad to find more people are appreciated the Infiniti brand.

    Enjoy the car.
  • jhacambjhacamb Member Posts: 9
    This sounds like a real good deal you got. Was about to try the same thing here in Dayton, OH. Just got the call that the I35's were in... but if I can get an incredible deal on a I30T, I think I'd take it.
  • brown33brown33 Member Posts: 11
    I'm considering either a 1998 or 1999 I30. I'm trying to find out if either year model is equipped with dual stage air bags.
  • matt333matt333 Member Posts: 20
    In the excitement of searching, finding the car and dealing on it, i forgot what it was exactly called, i asked him over the phone about a some kind of a 'splash guard that was on the 2000's but not on the 2001's' well, of course he didn't know... i wonder if my local infiniti dealer (metro in monrovia) would be willing to put it on even though i didn't buy it from them...
  • 02mdx02mdx Member Posts: 64
    Which dealer are you talking w/ in Dayton? I'm going to be moving back to the area (Springboro)this winter and wouldn't mind getting a head start on finding a "good" dealer. I'm hoping the arrival of the new I35 drives the prices way down on the remaining I30's.
  • karz10karz10 Member Posts: 106
    I felt like I should have been in a commercial, last night, I had nowhere inparticular to be, and just went out to DRIVE =), ended up looking at some neighborhoods randomly, for like 2 hrs!!

    I knew I liked the car or I wouldn't have bought it, but after all the planning, selling my Maxima, negotiating this deal, is all finally over, I got to sit back and 'enjoy the ride' as the nissan commercials go.

    I guess that also influenced my decision a little too, having owned a very fun Acura Vigor a few yrs ago, it definitely had some quirks for a nice car, had issues with leaky sunroof and windshield, a leak in the trunk/tailight, and stuff like that, compared to the ownership of a 96 Max from 60k to 130k mi, that were worry free, I am very pleased w/ the I30t so far, much nicer and sportier than my Max, while maintaining a sporty/classy appearance. I've already had friends not intimately familiar with the car or it's pricing guessing I paid anywhere from $35-$40k+, and a few nice/beautiful car comments from total strangers, and I've only had it two days =)

    Thanks for the enthusiast site info, too umpopa

    Karz
  • karz10karz10 Member Posts: 106
    just discovered tonight how when you run pkg lights, how the dim mini light comes on inside the smoked mirrored headlights...schweeet

    karz
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