I own a 2000 I30t 110,000 miles,[70% hwy] bought off lease with 42,000 miles

all dealer serviced

last "big one"[service] was the dealer recommended at 60k

aways on time with oil

repairs done are: 4 rotors, ignition coils at 80K, heated o2 sensor and pipe(i think i hit something on the highway, knocked it loose), radiator fans last month and of course belts, tires, brake pads[never replaced spark plugs]

1/ What would you recommend to not waste money but maximize the life of my Infiniti?, [thinking of the transmission oil change and cooling system flush or the 120K dealer service]

2/ and what kind of reasonable life can i expect?

3/ any probable expensive repairs in my future?

Thank you,

Emile

I'm not positive on the 5th gens like yours, but my 4th gen is at 273,xxx miles and still running (not as well, but still running).

Keep up on the oil changes. Running synthetic fluids would probably help. Avoid potholes.

As far as the leather is concerned, make sure you treat it periodically.

These aren't super high-maintenance cars, but everything wears out eventually. Be realistic about repairs. Do as many on your own as you can. I think the best way to keep them in great shape is to be aware of the condition of things.

I learned that the hard way when I swapped out suspension and ran through a perfectly good pair of tires because I didn't know that I needed another part.

son's gf has a 2000 I30 with 101K miles.CVJ boot was ripped on one side and the other side outer was dry rotting.So, I would keep a close check on the boots.

Hers also feels like it could use some new shocks/struts.

I highly suggest installing new or reconditioned CV axles instead of just replacing the boot.

It's not that much more ($), it'll last longer, and the labor for removing the axle is less than replacing the boot.

Agreed, unless you are going to do it yourself and then you could save yourself a bunch of money just getting a boot kit. I've used Napa superboots before and they were great.

Even when doing it yourself, I'd still replace the whole axle (within reason, if you just replaced the axle and the boot tore...that's a different situation).

I got Cardone remanufactured CVs for $50/side. The boots cost $15 and require more work than the CV replacement plus they came with a 1 yr warranty.

agreed, the boot is a messy pain to deal with. If you can get the half shaft for $50, then that would be the way to go. Was thinking they were more.

One of my friends tried reusing a CV axle and it slipped outof the transmission. Got to be careful when just putting ona new boot. I would only get another from Auto Zone, Pep boys etc.

You can extend the life of your car by just driving it better;1) I NEVER park on a hill without putting the car in neutral, puttingon the parking brake THEN putting it in park. Save a bind on thetranny etc.2) I dont put the car in drive UNTIL I have stopped backing up3) I always let my car warm up before I drive it, at least let the needlemove just above cold on the temp guage4) Only hot rod on the highway after the car is warm5) Motor oil fluid changes are based on severe service 6) I drain the tran pan every time I do a engine oil change7) Armor All the CV boots to keep the rubber from getting dry8) Change antifreeze at least every 2 years. Water pump changeoutis too $GOOD LUCK

You change out your tranny fluid every 3000 miles?

NutriaforBreakfast wrote:
You can extend the life of your car by just driving it better;1) I NEVER park on a hill without putting the car in neutral, puttingon the parking brake THEN putting it in park. Save a bind on thetranny etc.2) I dont put the car in drive UNTIL I have stopped backing up3) I always let my car warm up before I drive it, at least let the needlemove just above cold on the temp guage4) Only hot rod on the highway after the car is warm5) Motor oil fluid changes are based on severe service 6) I drain the tran pan every time I do a engine oil change7) Armor All the CV boots to keep the rubber from getting dry8) Change antifreeze at least every 2 years. Water pump changeoutis too $GOOD LUCK

Good Advice!!