Need Buying Advice Used I30

[jjc9024]

Hello everyone, I am a new member of this site. I have been reading through as much information as possible trying to make a good buying choice on a used I30. I am hoping that I can get some informed opinions from the group, and really would appreciate your input!

I have a large family with 3 teenage drivers (insert joke here), and desperately need to buy another spare car, and have between $4500-$6500 to spend in cash for this used car. I am looking at used I30's or Maxima'a trying to find a good reliable choice that I can use as a road car (traveling salesman) to put significant highway mileage on, I currently drive an G20 that is going to the kids but will still be in the family.

I do not see alot of price difference between the 96-99 series or the 00-01 series on higher mileage used cars for sale( about 100K). What I am trying to figure out is this, is one series more reliable mecanically? Should I be looking for only the lowest possible (well maintained) mileage? Or should I buy a well kept (100K) car for a lower price and go the full tune-up route with new coils, injectors, trans,brakes, ect and know more or less what I have?

While I am definately not a mechanic by any means, I am not completely mechanically inept, having owned a custom cabinetry company for a decade. I should be able to read a repair guide and do some work myself, and I have an excellent trusted local company to do the work I cannot do.

So please... any and all opinions are VERY welcome from this poor dad! I really need another a set of wheels ASAP!

[MaximA32]

Welcome!

Let us discuss the only major differences between the 96-99 and the 00-01. The only differences between those model years are the upper intake manifolds and the body. Those are the only differences. They both have the VQ30 and the same transmission. The upper intake systems are different in the case that the 00-01 has an extra set of vaccum operated intake runners that open when under heavy throttle, whereas the 96-99 does not.

They are fairly easy to work on if you have a certain amount of mechanical aptitude.

Once again, welcome!

[Markc]

Personally. I would go for the lower milage, newer vehicle. Less chance of rust developing sooner than later, less chance of suspesion & front end issues devloping. A lot of city miles is going to wear everything and alot of highway driving could bring out all or a lot of the problems. Highway miles is just engine and transmission, wheel bearing and the like.

[loystock]

As Mark mentioned, go for a lower mileage car. Get a Carfax report and maintenance history before buying a car. Personally, I'd rather go to a dealer than some used car lots. Go to Yahoo-Cars for availability and pricing within your area.

The VQ engine is one of the best in the market and the transmission is reliable. However a poorly maintained/abused transmission may not last beyond 100K.

Do your basic body/engine/suspension/interior inspection and then test drive the car on city roads and highway. Listen for abnormal squeaks/rattles, check wheel alignment and when SAFE, perform high-speed braking (>40 MPH) to check brake operation and for any vibration.

Once you have the car, flush/change all the fluids and filters.