1998 Infiniti I30 3.0L VQ30DE

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

Torque converter and trans axle seal replaced at 124000 due to leak.

Had rear main seal replaced since the torque converter was out.

Had both valve cover gaskets replaced since they were old and leaky.

The car had been trouble free for the first 6 years I owned it. Within the last 10 months I had this work done to it. The costs were high to fix these things because of the labor time.

Starter replaced by myself at around 110000 miles.

Other repairs made were from normal wear and tear and were few.

General Comments:

This car is identical to the Nissan Maxima, and can be bought at a lower price.

This car drives smooth with a very refined and strong engine. Could have used better cabin noise isolating materials.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2011

1998 Infiniti I30 3.0

Summary:

Reliability is excellent, but the problems are too expensive and unresolvable

Faults:

My biggest problem is the 02 sensors (b1s2), check engine light. I changed the required sensors and went to my local Infiniti dealer and bought a Evap Valve Canister. My local mechanic changed both, and I still have the same problem. I went to three different places to diagnose the problem, and they all told me the same sensors I needed to replace, but I still am having the same issue. It doesn't help that I have a reject sticker on my car, and I have to fight a ticket because of an issue I can't resolve.

I also have the same issue everyone else has when it comes to the blinking airbag light. I tried a few of the remedies and they haven't worked yet, so I guess I'm going to take that advice and write a letter to my local Infiniti dealership, since I am frustrated because I am scared to drive any more with a reject sticker and continue to jeopardize my points on my insurance and my license.

One thing I must say positive about this vehicle, is that other than these two issues, I absolutely love Nissans and Infiniti, and would continue to buy them if these issues were easier and cheaper to resolve. Hopefully our concerns will reach the right people. Thank for all the help from the other people on this site.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th October, 2009

17th Feb 2013, 16:17

I believe this sensor issue is related to poor engine grounding, believe it or not. I have a 1997 Maxima, which of course, is the same car.

I was getting the same error at random, and grounded the engine properly, and a whole host of problems, including hard starting, were fixed.

Too late for this person, but I hope it helps others.

1998 Infiniti I30 t V6 3.2

Summary:

Faster and more fun than it looks. Extremely reliable

Faults:

- Rebuilt manual trans & replaced front shocks at 150k miles.

- Replaced starter and ignition switch at 170k miles

- Replaced Oxygen sensors at 200k miles.

- Replaced clutch master/slave cylinders and battery cables at 200k miles.

- Replaced exhaust system cat-back and flex pipe (all still original!) at 220k miles.

- I think it needs tie rod ends and rack bushings at 249k miles.

General Comments:

Aside from the ugliest damn color combo of all time, this has been a surprisingly dependable and fun car. (gold on tan - why on earth anyone would fill an interior with taupe colored hard plastic I will never know.)

Limited slip diff. in my "touring" model has come in handy, stick shift is fun. I'm still surprised by how torquey the engine is - it always has more when you ask for it.

Bose stereo is great for being stock - the Bose in later model Nissans/Infinitis doesn't sound as nice.

Extremely reliable, I can't believe there are so many frowns on carsurvey. Mine's finally asking for repairs that are worth more than the car at 249,000 miles. (front end bushing/rack/tie-rod overhaul.)

Timing chain on the VQ is a godsend - I bet that engine would go for another 100k.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2009