Buy Maxima or Infiniti I30?

[Victor]

I just spent several hours going through used car ads on Craigslist and I notice for the same model year the I30 is usually the same price or cheaper than the Maxima. I was under the impression that the I30 was an upscale version of the Maxima, so I would think it would cost more, not less. Is it the cost of repairs, or does an I30 use many of the same parts as a Maxima and could I take it into a Nissan dealer and they could work on it?
BTW, I own an Infiniti J30T that needs new shocks and struts but I am not going to replace them because just the parts alone would cost around $900 because there are no aftermarket parts available. Do you guys have problems with no after market parts being available for your cars.

So if you had a choice between the same model year I30 or Maxima with the same mileage at the same price, which would you choose. Or would you buy something else?

I also noticed that you can get an 12 year old BMW 740i that originally cost over $70,000 for less than the price of the same year Toyota Camry that probably originally cost under $20,000.

Finally, most Infiniti J30s or Q45s are good for at least 200,000 miles, can one expect the same for the I30, I35, and G35?

[OwnerCS]

Howdy Victor.. I have (well for my two sons) a 95 Maxima SE 5-speed (150,000 miles) and a 99 I30 automatic approaching (250,000) miles. Both VQ30DE engines purr like a couple of kittens. I think it will be more economical over the maintenance long haul to keep the boys on a common automobile platform.

For the mileage, I believe the 99 I30 compression readings are incredible with the lowest reading of 180. The I30 automatic transmission is Nissan tight. I think a properly maintained VQ30DE will deliver 320,000 miles or possibly more.

Aftermarket struts should be easy to find for a Maxima or I30 with the base suspension. I'm not familiar with touring (t) suspensions and replacement parts availability.

Actually I purchased the I30 off Craigslist for $300 with a bad ECM. I found a ECM from a 99 Maxima for $30 at salvage yard. After I had cleaned up the usual neglected fuel system suspects, I paid the local Nissan dealer a couple of hours labor to reprogram the NATS security unit and set all sensors and timing to the factory settings.

I believe 4th gen Maxima or I30 models share most of the same components except for some obvious trim items and SRS seat airbags (and control module) in the I30.

[MTZI30]

The maxima and the i30 are the same car mechanically. The body is a little different but that is all. It will cost the same to fix these cars. However, if you take it to any dealer repairs will be much more then a independent or DIY.
I've never noticed the Maxima is more, the prices i've seen are mostly the same. I would think the I30s would have less miles maybe because older people were buying them and driving them less? Which one should you buy? I'd say look at both of them in person, if you dont have a favorite just buy whatever one comes up that is clean.

Wow no aftermarket parts for a J30....I have 0 trouble finding aftermarket parts, or oem parts for a good price online.

As for the BMW, the reason the it so cheap is because they're nightmares. I remember seeing somewhere on the internet that said something like those are the worst cars to own. They break ofter and are expensive to fix. The toyota is the same price because its still running.

The I and G should go 200k+ on the original engine and transmission as long as theyre not neglected or beaten. However, plenty of things to break on these cars, and a lot of those will break before 200k. 02 sensors, coils, radiator....

[Kompresshun]

The I30's tend to be cheaper in my area than Maxima's, sometimes by as much as $1,000-1,500. My 2000 I30 has been great though, the only repairs outside of routine maintenance has been the pre-catalytic converter, which ran me just over $900 to have replaced. Other than that, i'm at 145k and it has zero issues.

As far as repairs, if it needs to go to the dealership, I just take it to Nissan. They shouldn't reject it, because it's a Maxima underneath, although I prefer using Infiniti service because they give me a loaner car and have a heated shop that you pull in to. Personally, I recommend finding a good foreign auto mechanic though. I found one here locally and he does top notch work for very reasonable rates. He's saved me a TON of money so far.

I've had both cars and I prefer the I30/I35 personally, mainly because you gain some luxury for potentially less and it's a more unique looking car, that's not quite as common. You can't go wrong with either one though, I keep coming back to them and I plan on buying one again when I replace this one.

[pahanorlando]

Yeah, i30 is better looking and quieter inside than maxima