new guy infiniti I30 questions

[reaper_death23]

Hey ive been looking at infiniti's for my first car, years are between 1997 and 2000 with around 150,000 miles on it. just wondering if there was any mechanical or other issues I should look at before I buy the car.

[OwnerCS]

In my opinion the most reliable years are pre-1999 models.

1999 model was the last year for the 4th generation Maxima/I30 series. The 1999 year model brought an anti-theft device named NATS. If you loose your keys or or your 1999 model's computer needs to be reset with a new NATS code, it will be an expensive trip to a dealer or to a locksmith that can perform the reset. I have two 1999 models. Both have been towed to the dealer to get NATS reset under different circumstances. It cost me $250 for each trip for a NATS reset.

The 5th generation can experience Engine Control Unit (ECU) damage during Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) or electric motor mount failure. Just google search for 2000 Maxima ECU failure. You'll get the picture.

However, if you really love the cars, you can work around some of the year model specific issues.

If I were to purchase another I30 today, I would look for a pre-1999 model.