Infiniti I30/I35

jimmyj1945 · August 2002

Should never have to be replaced! This is not the cheap belts found on most other cars.

Jim

drjyothi · August 2002

we're wanting ot buy a '99 I30 and also buy an extended warranty. has nayone bought one and how much did they spend?
also, any caveats about buying the '99 I30 or buying an off-lease car? do you think people who lease tend to take care of car and do serviving at dealer? or do they do as little as possible?

thanks.

igorh · August 2002

drjyothi, see my massage #1643 above. You can also buy dissent warranty on line. Check out http://www.carextendedwarranty.net/ ; http://www.extended-warranty.info/docs/extendedcarwarranty.asp and others (do a search) You may be able to save a few hundred $$. Be careful, read all fine prints and make sure you are going with a good company. I am probably going to buy one from my Infinity dealer. I like to have a loaner car even when I am only doing an oil change. Call your local Infinity dealers. Call more then one; they all for some reason seem to have different plans/prices. Good Luck.

msg4bob · August 2002

hello, i just wanted to ask if this is a good deal. 1998 I30 with 36k miles for 14k? I've been searching for an 98 I30 for a long time and this is the best price I've seen. Any opinions??

blackhawk2 · August 2002

Is it an automatic or manual? I'm assuming it's not the "T" version of the I30. Are you getting a price from a private party or from the dealer? You should check out the blue book value to get a ballpark idea on what the price should be, other than that it sounds like a good deal to me. If it's in good shape, definitely go for it, if you haggle a bit and get a lower price, even better! The I30 is a great car, under good maintenance of course (check that too) it'll last you as long as a brand new car.

pbernard1 · September 2002

My car has 62,000 miles, and I was wondering if I should have the dealership perform that transmission flush for $179. I was wondering can I do it myself, because I heard that changing the trans fluid in Infiniti was a do it yourself job. Any advice would be helpful.

P

trbruin · September 2002

I'm thinking of waiting for the 2004 I35. Anybody know if major changes are planned...If so, what can we expect?

exlegend · September 2002

Has your transmission fluid ever been changed? I've never needed to try it on my 2001 (25,000 miles), but my past experience on a do-it-yourself basis is that you end up only changing some of the fluid, not all of it. Most dealerships (and independents) have a machine that uses a tube which is inserted into the tranny dipstick tube and supposedly pumps out all of the fluid, including the fluid in the torque converter. For my I30, I believe the fluid capacity is somewhere around 12 quarts (I'd have to check the owner's manual to be precise).

I plan on letting the dealer or my independent garage do the change using the machine. There's no use only replacing four or five quarts. In Cincy, the dealer has been quoting around $130 for that work, with the independent garage at $115. (Someone has to pay for those machines)!

I have yet to acquire a tech manual for my I30 (Chilton or Haynes or Infiniti) which would give specific details as to the tranny fluid change and how much fluid would be removed without using the machine. While your dealer's price is a little high, I believe replacing all of the fluid would be good insurance if you plan on keeping your car for another 3+ years. If price is the major consideration, you might ask a Nissan dealer's service department what they charge for a complete tranny fluid change.

vtgt · October 2002

I want to order some parts such as oil filter, air filter, wiper,.. Does anyone know any web site that sells Infiniti parts for less? Thanks

dave426 · October 2002

I bought a '99 I30t with 30K miles on it three weeks ago, and within a couple of days, the check engine light came on. I notice some previous discussion on this topic, and would like to inject my experience.

The codes indicated one failed oxygen sensor. The dealer told me the car has four oxygen sensors, and two others were reading weak, then offered to replace all of them. With only 30K miles, this bothered me, and I became concerned that someone had altered the odometer. The tech told me they had trouble with early failure of the sensors, and took care of the whole job under warranty.

Before taking the car in, I had suspected the oxygen sensor, and checked to make sure the wire was tight (I had no idea there were four). After I got it back, I located all four sensors, which had indeed been replaced. Interestingly, the new sensors have two wires, instead of one. This would indicate that they either have an internal heater to bring them up to operating temperature more quickly, or a dedicated ground. I haven't yet checked to find out which. This must have been a problem with the original units.

I haven't found a TSB regarding this, but there must be some sort of bulletin out there in order for warranty to cover it with no questions asked. Fortunately, I have a good dealer who volunteered the information. Maybe this will help others with the same situation.

dianalo · October 2002

Any ideas on what could be causing a dreadful clunking noise emanating from the rear axle area? It is omnipresent, very loud and noticeable at low speeds and when I take corners. The last major work I had done was to replace the emergency brake cable ($350) 2 mos. ago. I can't get a dealer appt. for a couple of weeks and the noise is driving me CRAZY. Plus I'm afraid I'm doing some major damage to the car. Any ideas would be much appreciated! Having invested over 3k in repairs over a one-year period for my 1996 I30t, I am not too happy about this latest development.

luvtospeed · October 2002

Hi VTGT,

You can get Infiniti parts online via

http://infinitiparts.net/

I have used them and they have excellent prices.

ab22 · November 2002

I found a reference to what some were calling "spark knock" with the 2000 I30t in some of the earlier postings. I happen to have this problem with my I30t. Does anyone know if there is a solution to the problem?

jbailey6 · March 2003

The April 2003 Auto issue of Consumer Reports states : "Think of the I35 as a previous-generation Maxima with heavy makeup and a hefty markup or as an interim car, marking time until its replacement, based on the 2004 Maxima, arrives for the 2004 model year." Does anyone know what changes can be expected for the 2004 model? I've been looking at vehicles in the entry-luxury group. For me, Lexus ES300 simply does not have enough HP. Clearly, the Infiniti I35 is much more powerful, but seems like a Maxima and lacks some features like side head curtains. I understand that there will also be a new updated Acura TL type-S for 2004. If this is all true it should offer buyers in this class of vehicles some new and improved options. I'd appreciate information and views on these topics.

pjreporter · March 2003

i write a tiny weekly auto feature for a major business daily and am looking for drivers of the infiniti I35 to share their experiences with me and possibly be listed in the small piece (in the paper) as a driver of the car. Executive-types preferred (ceos, VPs, doctors, lawyers etc.) but all are welcomed to contact me about their I35. My email is LANETEF@YAHOO.COM

chryslerguy · March 2003

Is it possible that Infiniti will make an I35 using a body similar to the new Maxima, but with all wheel drive? The fact that there is still a Lexus ES300, and there will be a 2004 Acura TL, means that there is a market for this type of vehicle.

otis123 · May 2003

I'm also looking for Japanese reliability in an AWD entry lux car. G35 AWD? TL AWD? I35 AWD?

Can't waste $ and time on BMW, Audi, VW.

Wish Subaru would step up to the plate...

Ralph

zeliforp · May 2003

According to Carlos Ghosn's Fiscal Year speech back in 2001, Infiniti will have an "AWD/RWD only" line-up (all wheel drive, rear-wheel drive) for the 2004 model year. (Check the Nissan corporate site for links to his year-end speeches...)

That having been said, I'm not sure how the 2004 I35 could be based on the 2004 Maxima. That would mean an AWD or RWD car being built on top of a FWD platform... I don't think that's even physically possible. And the I35 in it's current form couldn't continue on as a 2004, because it's a FWD car and the CEO himself said that wasn't going to happen.

Every dealer and General Manager I have spoken with has stated that the I35 will be sold through next year until "supply runs out" and then it will go the way of the J-series: R.I.P.. Folks can continue to conjecture and make predictions about the 2004/2005 I35, but I'm not sure why I would believe them more than the Chief Executive Officer of the entire company. If anyone knows, my stock portfolio is betting on it being him...

reedp · June 2003

This is a response to the person who doesn't think it possible for the I35/Maxima version to end up RWD or AWD. They did it with the G35/Altima and pulled 20 additional HP as a result.

schoolpsycho · June 2003

The altima and new maxima are based on the same platform. Interestingly, so is the murano-therefore all wheel drive. So it is possible to put an all wheel drive system with that current platform. If next generation I35 is built and uses that platform, it is entirely possible for it to be AWD. G35 is not on the same platform as Altima. G35 is shared with Nissan Z on the FM platform.

jrp210 · July 2003

I spoke with a guy who is selling his I30 with 135,000 miles for $4900. He said he has taken very good care of the car (we will see). Are Infinitys that reliable? Are they similar to Honda/Toyota where you can put 200,000 miles on the car without major problems?

napanee · July 2003

I have a friend with a 98 Maxima and he uses regular gas and reports no problems outside of reduced mileage. What is the experience with regular gas and the I30--motor is virtually the same I understand.

qc3 · July 2003

I recently went on a mini-vacation to Las Vegas. Enroute while going up the grade on I15 when I de-celerated by taking my feet off the gas pedal from going 70-75mph the transmission went into idle. When I stepped back on the gas pedal the transmission did not go back into the lower gears just back into what appeared to be 3rd gear since the engine did not engage until about 3500-4000 RPM. I had to make a complete stop on the off-ramp and then resume before it engaged from 1st gear. This event happened again later on I15 and again I had to make an exit and come to a complete stop before the tranny would go back into 1st gear. Has anyone else had this problem and if so what was needed to fix this? I took the car into the Infiniti dealer but of course they couldn't duplicate the problem.

Thanks in advance for the help

vineux · July 2003

I have a titanium colored Infiniti. Infiniti has used that color for a while. Pretty much any dealer picture of a silver Infiniti between 2000 and 2002 is titanium (great color). This year there is a darker color. I don't know if there is a corresponding maxima color, but I have never seen a maxima that was so close to my car that I regretted paying the extra 6 grand. As far as the price, Infiniti, particular the I30, I30 are slow sellers and the dealers almost always sell just over invoice to move them. Infiniti dealers get incentives for customer satisfaction, etc. so use that info to your advantage and promise to write a satisfied customer letter, etc.-everybody wins.

vineux · July 2003

I can help you with at least one of your problems, the dashboard. DO NOT USE PAPER TOWELS! My best results have been with Pledge "grip it" dusters or any of the anti-static dusting sheets. They don't scratch and get all of the dust.

vineux · July 2003

I recently had the same problem. It was caused by one of the rear brake calipers "freezing" or locking on the rotor. After you drive the car, stand near the wheel well and see if you notice more heat and,or brake dust than on the other wheels. I fixed it at a gas station. The rotor itself was about $300

lquigley · July 2003

I have the opportunity to buy a 2001 I30 Touring with 28K miles for $22K. Do not have any experience with the Infiniti, but have read that it is rated very "reliable" by CR. Is definately luxurious. Any feedback from i30 Touring Sedan owners? Thanks.

fcbcdw · July 2003

I own a 2001 I30t w/Navigation. It is a great car. The car drives good and handles pretty well. There are couple recalls on this car though. You'll need to check the NHSTA web site and make sure is your car under those recall. If it is, make sure the previous owner fixed it.

Good Luck.

fsv · July 2003

rotor for infiniti i30 retails at NAPA for 30 bucks a piece; caliper normally goes for a 100+, brakepads are like 40 bucks. It takes 10 minutels literally to replace all the parts.

taurus2 · August 2003

I know you guys probably get this question a lot but what is going to happen to the I35 since the Maxima got redesigned? Is it going to stay the same? or is it going to get dropped because of the G35? I was just curious and wondering if anyone knew!

psophie · September 2003

Hi, guys:

I have a 2000 I30 and 30,000 miles service is coming up. The local dealer quoted me almost $700 for the service. Of course, they do more than what the Owner's Manual recommends. From what I read from the manual and Edmund's site, the recommendation is to do an oil and filter change, replace air filter, tire rotation AND inspect a list of things. The dealer said they will also replace fuel filtert and do services on transmission, coolant, brake fluid,... I am inclined to follow the manual. Any of you have similar experience? Any comments are welcome. Thanks.

luvtospeed · September 2003

Hi Psophie,

That quote for $700 is very high.

You can have the same service done for half that price at any one of the major car service centers (Goodyear, Firestone, Monro, etc.)

Per the warranty agreement, you aren't required to service the car at an Infiniti dealership.

Save your $$$ and shop around.

Good Luck and happy driving.

psophie · September 2003

Thanks for the advice, luvtospeed. I check a website called infinitihelp.com. It recommends also replacing engine coolant and trans. fluid. I am thinking of going to a nissan dealership and tell them exactly what to do (not what they want to do) for the 30,000 miles service. That should keep the cost down to about $200. Thanks.

mmammone238 · September 2003

THE 04 G35 AWD WILL BE AVAIL. IN DEC.IT WILL BE A $2000 OPTION.

galliano · September 2003

In answer to post 1686
I am purchasing a 1999 I30-L with 60k. I deal with only one company when it comes to extended warranties. www.WarrantyExperts.com It is very important if at all possible to ask for an exclusionary policy. The difference is that an exclusionary policy lists a short list of what is not covered. This is much easier to read and understand and allows for no hidden gimmickry rather than 15 pages of what parts are covered etc. Another important feature is seals and gasket coverage. If a part fails because of a leaky gasket your covered. Those fifteen pages can hide a lot of exclusions etc. Also make sure that your warranty company is re-insured with a reputable large insurer, should your issuing company go out of business. Infinity can only offer me a 24 month 24k warranty whereas Warranty experts can and has quoted me a 5 year 100k policy for nearly the same money. By going direct with a proven company can save you 100's of dolllars that would normally go into the dealers pocket. Warranty experts has a policy on my Motorhome, and 97 Saturn tow car. They have been around for many years and show up at many Motorhome rallies etc. First choice IMO would be Infiniti. In my case they cannot provide me with the protection I need to 100k. They can only sell me a 24 mo 24k policy. I do not work or am not connected with Warranty Experts in any way other than being a satisfied customer. You might mention that I reccomended them to you as a very satisfied customer. I hope this helps.

jchan2 · September 2003

Guess what? Chances are we'll have an AWD I35.

tturedraider · September 2003

jchan2 - tell us more of what you know.

jchan2 · September 2003

If the Altima can be converted to a RWD or AWD G35, then a Maxima, which is based loosely on the Altima, could probably attempt the same feat. Remember, Mercedes offers a 4Matic, BMW has AWD, and Jaguar too. Infiniti may not want to be left behind on the AWD band-wagon with the I35. It already has bought one ticket for the wagon- the G35 AWD. More sales in snowy climates too.

mateyo · September 2003

The new Nissan Teana sedan is one fine looking automobile -- the interior is gorgeous, and the exterior is more subdued and Germanic than the Maxima. Just wondering...see it on the Nissan Japan Web site:

http://www2.nissan.co.jp/TEANA/J31/0302/

jchan2 · September 2003

Is the next I35. Just looks like an upscale Maxima with a more civilized look.

zeliforp · September 2003

The Teana won't be the next I35. I have as much info to support this as jchan2 does to support his assertion. :-) This was debated TO DEATH on another enthusiast message board, so my apologies for not going more into detail here.

And in the end, I am still going to have to go with what the CEO said: "No more rebadged Nissans". All debate after that is irrelevant.

A few Infiniti enthusiasts were invited to a Product Planning session a few weeks ago in La Jolla, Ca., to give their feedback on what the Nissan Product Planners called "the next generation M45 and M35". The I35 will be sold through next year (as I stated earlier) until supply runs out, and the new M35 and M45 will be rolled-out shortly thereafter. Expect to see the next-gen M45 next year at an Auto Show near you.

I really wish I could let you guys know how I know all of this information, but that involves saying a company affiliation and every time I do that here, the @#$?!! moderator spams my email account and tells me to remove my post. (Notice the gap in post numbering in this thread? Where is Zeliforp's Post #3? And Post #9?)

Anyway... Carry on.

tturedraider · September 2003

zeliforp - the current iteration of the I35 is being carried over as a 2004 model. Infiniti has already announced it - http://www.nissannews.com , click "2004 Line-up, Charting the changes", under "Infiniti News".

Infiniti I35 Luxury Performance Sedan

The popular I35 sedan, introduced as a new model for the 2002 model year, receives several additions for 2004, including standard sunroof, power rear sunshade and body side sills on all models. It continues to offer outstanding performance from its 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and standard Traction Control System (TCS). The I35 also features elegant styling and a fully equipped luxury interior.

Enhancements to the 2004 I35 include:
·New exterior color  Desert Platinum
·Standard sunroof, power rear sunshade and side sills

In your post #6 you say it will be sold "through the end of next year....until supply runs out". I'm not sure exactly the time frame you are referring to.

Personally, I think there is a high likelihood the Teana will be the next I35 as a 2005 model. The current version of the I35/I30 was sold in Japan in the "Maxima" slot as a Nissan. A little side note - the police cars in Iraq are Nissan I30's. The new Teana is already being offered with an AWD drive-train; though with a 2.5L 4-cylinder. So, as long as the 3.5L V6 can be mated to the current AWD system that issue has already been addressed. Also, personally, I see a lot of "Infiniti" styling cues in the new Teana. But, again, this is just my personal speculation. This also fits with what "schoolpsycho" has to say.

And to restate what "schoolpsycho" said, the G35 sedan and coupe are on the same platform as the Z, the FM. The Altima shares it's platform with the Maxima, Murano and Teana.

Again, personal opinion, I think a Teana based AWD I35 would give Infiniti a great competitor against the Lexus ES330. Even though Infiniti wants to put more focus on competing with BMW types, I don't think they're going to just ignore Lexus or Acura.

No matter what the brass at Infiniti may say about not having "re-badged" Nissans, that's not really accurate. There are TONS of similarities in the interiors of the Murano and the FX. Too many, imho. And of course drive-train similarities, too. And Infiniti's new full-size SUV is going to be very similar to the Nissan Armada. And the G35 coupe and the Z are virtually identical in their mechanicals.

So, there's my two cents worth.

jchan2 · September 2003

Wow. The current I35 must be a bargain. With a standard Sunroof and Power Sunshades and all. A Lexus ES330, Audi A4 or even the BMW 3-Series doesn't offer this much stuff at such a low price. The TMV is very low too. the Teana just does look like an upscale Maxima that's more civilized.

tturedraider · September 2003

jchan you're right.

fyi - I was just on Grubbs Infiniti's website - www.grubbs.com . They have '03 I35's discounted $4340. $31335 - 4340 = $26995. That is for a "basic" I35 - sunroof/rear sunshade, splash guards and trunk mat. Oh yeah, Grubbs is in the mid-cities of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

Just thought inquiring minds might want to know. ;-)

jchan2 · September 2003

I'm shopping for a new car. Should I buy another Civic, a I35 (current gen), TL (2004), A4, Accord, etc...... Basically any sedan under $31K well equipped is under my consideration.

tturedraider · September 2003

jchan - imho, I think the I35 is the most bang for the buck right now, even though it doesn't have all the "latest" technology. It has so much - Mongo V6 engine power & torque (255hp/246 lb/ft), HID's, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (compensates for variations in load, i.e. 1 passenger v. 2,3,4, etc.), Brake Assist (senses emergency braking and applies maximum force to the brakes), Traction Control, Front side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners & load limiters, Bose stereo (some would argue the value of this), great warranty - all for roughly $27K.

The TL is right there, also. Mostly just a matter of taste. More suave luxury with the I35; more sportiness with the TL.

I don't think there any chance of having the new '04 TL for under $31K. Or an A4, but I'm not up on Audi's pricing as much.

I was thinking the other day, the I35 seems to me right now like the perfect realtor's car - style, luxury, size, reliability and value. Imagine, if you get the cold weather package, being able to offer your "rear seat" clients their own heated seats in the winter while you drive them around house hunting. :-)

jchan2 · September 2003

is not the I35. It is the Hummer H2. Imagine offering your clients the image of a "go anywhere person" My realtor has a Lincoln Town Car, which used to be the realtor's car of choice until GM introduced massive SUVs and the government started offering tax breaks on Excursions. The earliest chance for a TL under $31 will be 2005- and I'll wait.

jchan2 · September 2003

I can equip an A4 FronTrak to make it under $31K TMV. CVT, Cold Weather Pkg. A TSX seems like the best value right now. Also, if I can't wait, I'll just stretch my already stretched budget and pull for a TL. Or wait. My original budget was $21K, and now since I paid off my odyssey so now I can afford a better car. $31K minus $5500 trade equals $26,500 financed with 0 down. (not including trade)

fcbcdw · September 2003

Psophie,

Make sure the dealership do a transmission flush not a transmission fluid replacement. This is a huge difference in those.

I put my car's service to Pep Boys. This shop did a really great job. Oil change and tire rotation $20 include tax.

tturedraider · September 2003

I just got a direct mail ad today from Grubbs for the '03 I35 equipped the same as I mentioned earlier for $25,999.

Infiniti I30/I35

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles