Help!! ASAP!! Looking to buy 1999 I30!! Any issues???

[The Bodyguard]

Looking into purchasing a 1999 I30 LIMITED (is there such thing) I've heard of touring and sport models but Limited?? Don't know... Specs are: 155k miles, one owner, minimal wear on seats and very minimal paint wear (black). Maintenance records included but have not seen it yet....

Would like to get as much info in as little time possible!! Looking to buy this weekend!! Mechanical issues and electrical issues, transmission or suspension wear?? Anything is helpful....

Please help!! Thanks in advance!!

[MaximA32]

I never had any issues with my 98 Maxima (basically the same car) but there are known problems with the VQ30 burning up coil packs. I have others coming to help chime in on this. Have you picked it up yet?

[Kompresshun]

I've had a 95 Maxima and then I have a 2000 I30 right now, which is slightly different than the one you're looking at, but still 95% the same as far as the drivetrain goes.

The main things to be prepared for is:

Pre-catalytic converters - When these fail, they are a pretty costly fix. You can expect around $800-1,200 per cat(there are two - one front, one rear). There's no way to really predict when they will fail, but you can check those maintenance records and see have they have been done already. If they have, you'll probably be good to go for a long time. If not, they're hit or miss, so I wouldn't get too worried about them, but it's still something to keep in mind.

Ignition Coils - Common issue among Maximas and I30's, but it's also more of a general maintenance item. They're around $100-110 each through the dealer, but trust me - if you do have to replace them, don't cheap out and buy aftermarket. Buy OEM Nissan ones and there are a few places that carry them cheaper than what I mentioned above. You can get by replacing them one at a time, but most people recommend going ahead and replacing them all at once. You will likely not need to replace them again while you own it, or at least for a very long time.

Transmission Shift Solenoid - If you're experiencing hard, or odd shifts from 1st-2nd and a stiff shift from 2nd-3rd, then this will likely be the culprit. There's a write up here on how to replace it, so if you're mechanically inclined it's not terribly expensive or too difficult to repair.

Rear Brake Caliper - Sometimes these start hanging up with age on them. No real way to free them up, but it will make the vehicle feel like it's sluggish and will put a strain on things at low speed.

Other than that, there really aren't many other things to worry about. Make sure service has been preformed regularly and make sure it's had a transmission fluid service done at some point. If there is no record of it, i'd get a pan drop and refill done at some point. Check for the obvious things like fluid leaks, belt and hose condition, and make sure everything is in proper working order.

Let us know if you have any other questions and good luck with your purchase!

[The Bodyguard]

Ok, for the most part the car was in good shape! Everything worked well from power windows to sunroof and stereo etc. front strut mounts were worn and engine had a oil leak from top seal (head gasket I think). But the one deal killer was the title was under his fathers name which is in Arizona and all vehicle registration is still Arizona... I've heard of issues at the courthouse from title transfers not going smoothly so I just had to pass!! I'm not in a rush so I'll keep looking... Thanks for your help guys!!

[OwnerCS]

Sorry you weren't able to make a deal.. Once thing to consider for I30s or Maximas with the electric front engine mount -- once the car reaches 150,000 miles, you may want to unplug the mount as they have been known to short out the ECU.

When I bought my 99 I30 its ECU had failed. The only thing I could trace it back to was the front electric mount.. Luckily I unplugged it before it took out another ECU.

[loystock]

The deal may not have come through for him but the responses are very informative and will definitely help other prospective buyers of Maximas/I30s. Given the age of the car, the O2 sensors, if original, will most likely fail soon. About ignition coils, I have two I30s (97 & 99) and both have original coils and injectors.

[The Bodyguard]

Thanks guys!! Still considering a used Infiniti as my daily so all this info is in fact helpful!!