1996 Infiniti I30 questions

[NC125]

I am thinking about buying a used 1996 Infiniti I30 sedan and have some questions about this model. What are the repair/maintenance costs on this car like? Would I need to take it to a Infiniti dealer for repair service, or would any mechanic be okay? Does this car take regular unleaded or premium gas? And what are the insurance costs like?

Finally, is this car the same as a Nissan Maxima, or are there significant differences between them? Thanks.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Exactly the same as the Maxima except the bodywork, which means you don't have to worry about being dependent on the Infiniti dealer or work or paying high parts/labor prices because of the Infiniti badge.

[loystock]

I30/Maxima is a reliable car. But you are looking for a 13-year old car so a lot will depend on how it was used/abused and maintained by the previous owner(s). Paint, body and leather seats condition is your call. Check the basic condition of the engine, battery and connectors and wiring harness. Check the condition of the fluids, especially the ATF, it must be pinkish red. Do a basic check of the suspension (bounce check). Check the condition of the CV boots (this is a front-wheel drive). Unless they have been replaced previously, they are cracked by now (at least $350 to replace).

Do an extended test drive, city and highway. Listen for grinding noise (wheel bearing failure) or squeal (loose or worn out belts, idler pulley, etc). Drive it on a rough city road, if possible, to see how the suspension is holding as well as for loose body components. On the highway, drive (safely) at various speeds to check engine/transmission, wheel balancing as well as alignment. As you exit the highway, if you can safely perform a high speed braking, do it to check ABS and find out if the brake rotors are warped or not.

Smog check should have been completed before it was offered for sale.

Rod