Infiniti for My Mom? I30 or J30

[AlabamaDan]

My mother has expressed an interest in buying a smaller vehicle to drive around in. She has a LARGE conversion van now. I was thinking that an Infiniti is just what she needs. Being a divorced 50 somthing women who wants a smaller car, the Q45 isn't for her - especially given advice that Q45's are high maintenance vehicles.

I was actually thinking of a more low maintenance Infiniti for her. My J30 was never a problem, but I understand they do have transmission and engine problems sometimes.

Byron @ T3 once told me that the G20 was bulletproof and they rarely have problems from them.

What about the I30? I'm starting to see some of those for under $10,000. They're sorta like a Q45 Jr at a glance. Are they dependable?

Should I go with a I or a J? Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Jesda]

The I30 is an excellent all-season all-around performer, and possibly the most affordable to own and operate.

Plus, the rear seat is larger so she can pick up her friends for bingo (okay, so 50 isnt quite THAT old).

My friend's mother in law is in her 60s, and she loves her I30t.

[HeavyDuty]

My Mom had a 98 Max SE since 98, now she is picking up an 02 I35. She's 71 (but not dead) & likes how she can see over the dash, it handles well, relatively cheap to maintain.

She's like 5'5" or so, she butt tested everything from a new Max to Solara, Camry, (had a new Taurus as a rental, hated it), Acura TL, CL, Accord V6, C class Benz, I even tried to slip in a 300C (no go)

Long story shorter, my vote is for a Maxima or I30/35. You can get an 02 Infiniti I35 for mid to high teens with HID/Xenon, leather, Bose, sunroof, homelink (like anybody uses it anyway). memory seat, rear sunshade, cd changer, etc. Her first impression is that it felt heavier than her Max.

Plus better cust service at Infiniti than at the Nissan dealer.

[dsigns]

The G20 is very reliable, plus is smaller than the other options which is a plus. A 99 can be bought for around 8-10 k now and come with the SR20De...

[Black94Jay]

HeavyDuty:

What is the name and location of the Infiniti dealer in Orlando that you mentioned in your post? Will not take my '94 J30t to the Infiniti dealer in Tampa. New owner and management. Forget them. :help

[SCOTTDW]

I owned J30T for three years and is was a superb car. No problems at all. I now own the 99 I30T and again no problems except had to replace the digital clock. Either car is a great choice just do your homework on the history of the one you select to purchase.

Scott99I30T

[VimyJ]

The J30 is a bit more of a "drivers" car than the I30 but either one would be a fine choice. The I is roomier than the J though and gets better mileage because it weighs about 400 lbs less.

The RWD J can take inexperienced drivers by surprise in slick conditions.

[VimyJ]

One more thing, the J is a pretty low slung car. Egress is probably easier for the I30.

[HeavyDuty]

HeavyDuty:

What is the name and location of the Infiniti dealer in Orlando that you mentioned in your post? Will not take my '94 J30t to the Infiniti dealer in Tampa. New owner and management. Forget them. :help

I live in Orlando, Mom is in Jacksonville. Although, if you want a Nissan dealer in Orlando, I've always had a great relationship with Caesar Otero (serv advisor) at Classic Nissan in Orlando.

I couldn't tell you about Orlando Infiniti, (there's only one) great to deal with, but haven't had a need for service.

Good luck.

[Spilk188]

My friend's mother in law is in her 60s, and she loves her I30t.

I love her I30t!!

Fun car to drive...