Looking at '95 J30

[Flyt 300]

Newbie here. 1st time posting.

Looking at a '95 J30 with ~97,000k. Dealer -- who is moving to another state -- is asking $4900. Interior is PRISTINE; previous owner obviously took took very good care of the interior (verdict is out on whether he took care of it mechanically). The leather seats -- even both front seats -- are in perfect shape.

The only cosmetic blemish: the driver's side window sill vinyl is badly stripping. Not worried about that; read the post about Precision Vinyl & Leather in Columbus, GA, and I'm driving through that city in a couple months.

I noticed these mechanical problems:

1. Left rear window doesn't work (I know that's a common prob on J30s).

2. Driver's side seat heater isn't working.

3. Front brakes need changing (not sure if it's just the pads or pads and rotors), and there was a rattling noise when I started the engine (U clamp or heat shield?).

Two main questions:

1. Assuming no major mechanical problems when I go to get it checked at the dealer this week, am I getting a good deal? If the timing belt, etc, hasn't been changed, I'm going to have to do that by 105k. Should I factor this into my offer? I assume I should factor in repair costs of the rear window, seat heater and the front brakes. Or is $4900 low enough?

2. Is a Nissan dealer good enough for the pre-purchase inspection? Although the Nissan dealer is literally next door to an Infiniti dealer (same name), I trust the service advisor at the former). I'm also going to have them do a computer diagnostic. Will the Nissan dealership be able to do as good a job as an Infiniti dealership on the computer diagnostic?

Thanks a bunch. Have learned a lot from the site already.

[Jesda]

Do the timing belt and tensioner immediately. Do the water pump at the same time.

-Jesda

[VimyJ]

Where are you located? Heat issues can hurt the transmission. You note that you have a 300ZX. The J has the same power train. The heat shields can get rattley. The price sounds reasonable to me if the car is in nominal shape.

[Q45tech]

A 10 year old car even one with only 100k is worn, but if maintained well should make 250,000 miles.

Lets' use 200k life as very safe.

You will be paying 5 cents [plus interest or loss savings value] per potential mile [purchase price] and another $12,000 in maintenance and repairs [$2,000 per year prorated] over that period AFTER you fix everything defective or needed immediately [Say another $2-3,000].........19-20 cents per mile plus gas, insurance, tag, title, is CHEAP..........36 cents per mile.......roughly what IRS allows for an economy car.

Obviously inflation will add a few pennies per mile over the 6-10 years.

Make sure you do whats necessary with transmission, ac, engine, etc so that you have no replacement costs during that period.

[Flyt 300]

Just made the pre-purchase inspection for tomorrow morning. Sounds like $4900 isn't bad, but I'm going to have to reduce that to pay for the front brakes, heated seat, and rear window. What are reasonable costs to get each of the three fixed at a dealer? How about an independent shop? I can wait on the seat and rear window until TX, GA, or somewhere in the south if there's some one that can give me a decent deal.

I'm located in VA, but next Mon I'm driving to TX (will be there for 7 wks) and then going to live in the SC.

Q45tech, thanks for the info; very useful. This forum is awesome.I notice you're in Marietta, GA. I'm driving through Atlanta in Sept (on the way to SC). Maybe you or some one you recommend can install a transmission cooler? What's the approximate cost of parts and labor?

[Q45tech]

Flush the ATF, then install a cooler~~ $120 + $100= ~~$230-$250.

Hopefully the rattle is not the vvt solenoids?1994 Infiniti J30 4 Dr STD Sedan Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail National Base Price $3,485 $4,549 $6,321 Optional Equipment $0 $0 $0 Color AdjustmentDark Green $-6 $-8 $-12 Regional Adjustment for Zip Code 30067 $-42 $-55 $-76 Mileage Adjustment100,000 miles $569 $569 $569 Condition Adjustment Average $-756 $-968 $-1,306 Total $3,250 $4,087 $5,496

$4,000-$4,100 would be fair as that assumes $968 in repairs

[Flyt 300]

Forgot to ask about most important issue: timing belt.What would be a good price range to get the timing belt, cam seals, crank seals, water pump, hoses, timing belt tensions pulle, idler pullies, and thermostat all replaced at the same time?

[VimyJ]

Do search on "J30 timing belt". Under $1000 w/ parts (you supplying the parts). Belt to be changed @ 105k miles as per manual.

[Q45tech]

Can you really expect someone to prepay something that will be needed in 7,000 miles........Why I included another $3,000 in my estimates to get the car right for the future.

The J30 has aleady been discounted $32,000 for 98,000 miles of use.

[Flyt 300]

Thanks for the all the info. Will see how it goes tommorrow.

[Flyt 300]

Got the Infiniti dealer's pre-purchase inspection and computer diagnostic done today:

1. Needs brake pads, rotors, and shims2. Needs brake line flush3. Needs transmission flush4. Needs induction service5. Recommended new window motor and regulator (window completely closed, and stuck in "up" position)6. Recommened replace upper and lower seat elements and switch

After intense negotiotaions, dealer agreed to fix all but #6 (I'm moving to the south for 3 years, so I compromised on the heated seats), for $4940. Decent price?

Also, anyone have a window regulator and motor they want to sell in case I can't find one locally? Deal may fall apart if we have to go with new parts (Scottsdale: $100 for regulator and $233 for motor).

[maxnix]

Also, anyone have a window regulator and motor they want to sell in case I can't find one locally? Deal may fall apart if we have to go with new parts (Scottsdale: $100 for regulator and $233 for motor).

Believe me, you don't want used parts for wear items. Swallow it or get another deal.

[VimyJ]

Most problems with the rear windows are due to the regulator alone. You had the dealer check it out so perhaps the motor is toast. Get the transmission filter changed as well. Very important.