your Js future

[unlimited]

Was thinking today (like every other day, just today I really gave it thought) about the J30 and how many things I need to do to it before I'm happy with it, though I love it as is. Thing is I was looking at other J30s since I plan on selling mine early next year and buying another that is exactly the interior and exterior color I want and in better condition (man I saw some beauties today) and then I started to think, "how long do I really plan on saying I'm a J30 owner." I love the car and wouldn't think about giving it up unless it was for another J30 but in the long run things will happen and to the point of $$$ and it will need repairing beyond its value and original parts might become scarce, etc. So I was curious though how long do other current owners plan on keeping theirs? Would you be okay 15 years later from now trying to keep the car running or by then would you have sold it, given it away, gotten tired of it, traded it or something else? When I mentioned to my dad awhile back about selling it next year (for money towards an early model G35) he always said to just keep it since some day it will become a classic and I don't really doubt it. But yeah, anyone have plans for a time on letting it go or will you all ride it out/preserve it?

[Victor]

If any J30 were to become a classic it would have to be the 93 or 94 J30T with HICAS four wheel steering, after all, how many cars were ever made with four wheel steering? But my 94 J30T has 194,400 miles on it, and is due for a timing belt change at 210,000. The shocks are shot, and would cost $875 just for parts plus whatever it would cost me to have them replaced plus an alignment. The amazing thing is the J30 suspension is so good that even with bad shocks the car still handles great and the bad shocks only become noticiible on speed bumps and railroad tracks. For the first time I started to notice a little wind noise, indicating the rubber weather striping is starting to go. I know on my 88 GMC van the rubber is really starting to go and the wind noise is horrendous, so its just a matter of time on the J. Knock on wood, but the engine and transmission are running strong and have never given me any trouble other than one radiator hose and one drive belt for the alternator. The only other troubles are the minor ones that seem to plague all old J30s like flaky power door locks, the dashboard dimmer switch you have to tap on, and in my case a very slow power steering rack leak that requires me to top off the power steering fluid about every two or three months. But I have made the decision that the first time something very expensive breaks I will sell the car if I can, or part it out or junk it, unless I can find a parts car with the stuff I need on it. Trouble is I have no place to store a parts car other than my driveway. If the car is still running in 15,000 miles when the next timing belt change is scheduled I will probably sell it. By that time the cost of doing it would be a large percentage of the cars market value.

[driverdriver]

I took my J out of daily driving duty in mid 2003. Its basically a spring, summer and early fall car.

I've owned many cars and I've owned my J for a very longtime. I find driving the J is still very enjoyable. I don't know about other parts of North America but finding any J on the road in the greater Toronto area is becoming more and more scarce. So far this calendar year. I've only seen two and they where later year models. One driven by an older woman. The car looked well maintained and the other driven by wannabee gangsta's with big chrome rims and major rust spots/detiorioration. I think the rims may have been worth more then the car.

I have toyed with getting rid of it for maybe a slightly used Boxster, Z3/Z4, Prowler, 'stang, 'vette, Elise or even a Solstice, but in the end decided against it. I would have to "learn" a new car and figure out what it might need in the short term and longterm. By now, I'm very comfortable with all the J30 mechanicals and I know what it needs (I have a slow power steering leak that triggers the HICAS light). I also know and have the full service history of the car. It was babied for the first 2-3 years of its life by its original owner and then from that point on from me. Its kind of like the devil you know.

My car is well preserved inside and out and still turns heads. I even have things like the original Canadian sales brochure and the original model launch PR kit with VHS video(I use to work in automotive marketing). This spring I took my daughter who can now fit in a booster seat on her first ride in the J30. She loved it!!! She wants to ride in the car all the time. I'm planning on holding on to it as long as possible.

[unlimited]

Yeah I agree Victor, if any were to become a classic it'd be that model. For me I'd want to keep saying "yeah, I own a J30" but I agree with you that once a key and costly part to the car fails, that'll be when you have to think are you driving the J because you needed something to get you to and from work, stores, etc or was it meant to be something you planned on keeping forever because you just enjoy it that much. This also makes me think, if something that costs a lot to repair happens to the J, you automatically think "get rid of it" but then the money spent on another car could be used to fix the part. Then again, once one big thing fails, it makes me think that everything else is trailing along behind it, meh.

LOL Driver, yeah I see those Js with the huge chrome rims, screams drug dealer car to me but yeah, I suppose if that's what they want ...

I think the scarcity thing is happening here also in Texas and in the US in general. I did a search on Autotrader for all J30s in US for sale and I believe alittle less than 170 showed up. I mean I'm sure there's more but the site is pretty popular, so I'm sure that's a good chunk, maybe times 2 or 3? Here in Texas I see them maybe once a week but the thing is, it's the same J30s over and over (I'm in a small part right now.) Driving out of town and even cruising the highways I know what you mean about heads turning. I assume people are wondering "wth is that" since you really don't see the car everywhere but then the stares kind of linger so from there I assume they like what they see... lol or not. Anyway I like the story about your daughter liking the car! Reminds me of me and when my family had our J30. I had one friend who used to make me tell my mom everyday that he liked our car, was awkward. It was a black on black J, waxed every other week, detailed, was nice.

If anyones seen The Hangover yet I keep remembering the grooms father-in-law in the beginning of the movie who owned that mint condition Mercedes 280se Cabriolet that the guys drove around throughout the movie, that's kind of what I want to do. If I had a car to choose to keep mint it'd be the J30 or a '99 Mercedes c280 maybe. No exotics for me.
Modified by unlimited at 12:34 AM 7/19/2009

[driverdriver]

Mercedes cars, especially the C series from the 90's where pretty bullet proof except for some electrical gremlins. I nearly pulled the trigger on the purchase of a 190 AMG tuned model in the late 90's.

[coolyun_98]

MB W124 platform is as durable as it can get. It will be my next purchase... a W128 E500.

[Ebbtide]

I would have kept mine longer if most people did not think it was an first generation Altima with nicer trim. For that reason, I think "classic" status will come late.

Compared to other cars of it's time (Acura, Lexus, BMW) the J30 seems far less timeless.

[driverdriver]

Compared to other cars of it's time (Acura, Lexus, BMW) the J30 seems far less timeless.

I would disagree.

Acura and Lexuses of that time period except for the NSX, Integra and the SC coupe where forgettable. They where essentially Accords, Civic's, Corolla's and Camry's wearing lipstick and jewellery. BMW's(850 excepted), TL, RL's Vigors, the ES and LS where all 3 box designs. The vehicle profiles where upright and the same. In some cases you couldn't tell one from the other untill you looked at the badge.

The j on the other hand heavily borrowed from Jag's Mark X and XJ design language. Both timeless designs in their own right and created its own timeless design language by marrying it with Japanese influence.

At the time I was working for another Japanese automaker and I have the international auto design yearbooks(essentially a forum where auto designers form a committee, peer evaluate auto design work and give out auto styling awards) where The J won awards for its exterior design and a few for its interior. A lot of the auto designers decribed the J30's as timeless in the auto design yearbook.

[Ebbtide]

Driver,

That is funny, those were the three models I had in my mind when I wrote that...and the Cressida. Certainly the J30 is a beautiful design and I would not argue otherwise. I even live in the hometown of the chief designer and often have ideas of sending him pictures and letter of thanks.

I also think the rarity of parts will keep it from classic status more than anything else.

[colincliff2]

If mine ever failed me or was not reasonable to repair, I'd probably just pick up another one with lower mileage. I've seen quite a few Js for sale with exceptionally low mileage (when compared to the number of low mileage Lexus ES and Acura Legends of the same age). Heck, there's one on ebay with 59k right now. I found one in GA with 29k last week.

[kbflip02]

If mine ever failed me or was not reasonable to repair, I'd probably just pick up another one with lower mileage. I've seen quite a few Js for sale with exceptionally low mileage (when compared to the number of low mileage Lexus ES and Acura Legends of the same age). Heck, there's one on ebay with 59k right now. I found one in GA with 29k last week.

i couldnt agree more...its not like im on my 3rd one or anything...oh wait i am...

[unlimited]

They where essentially Accords, Civic's, Corolla's and Camry's wearing lipstick and jewellery. BMW's(850 excepted), TL, RL's Vigors, the ES and LS where all 3 box designs.

lmao, that was too funny X]

and i also agree with you colincliff, it's basically what i plan on doing

[diamondj30]

Im on my second.I will repair as necissary.I would never find a replacement as this one is all me baby!!!!Made to fit and react well to me..Only car ive ever been in with to much legroom,lol.And im 6'2.On the leggy side.I sit to far back to use armrest.lol.Just need to swap my steering unit with the Q lower turns one.Which is in my basement ready to get on it....i need to be better first though.Still homebound.i rarely drive now.BUT WHEN I DO !Damn,im still longwinded..................

[yodawill2000]

You rock D !!!Keep that attitude and you will conquer !!!

Wish you weren't so Dang far away.We are way alike in Mindset.Nothing gonna stop me !!!

[diamondj30]

tanks Yodda,i see you got the Will! On a side note,there is no fat lady..............Propaganda,lol.

[steverinaz]

Just my 2 cents worth here boys. I have loved the J30 ever since I first laid eyes on her. I think the lines are sexy and yes, it's a timeless design. Unlimited- I love your pic. The only thing that could pull me away from that scene would be my wife naked wrapped in a bow!

Back to the topic. I don't see many out there, and I believe it to be a desireable car down the road. I really believe that. The shame is that they don't hold their value as I expected. But the cost wasn't the issue. I finally have an Infiniti! I feel comfortable and drive more relaxed when in her. My Sonata will definitely beat her on the track, but I bought the J for "cruising" and do I enjoy it!

Mine's not a T, but she still purrs and looks (may I quote a fellow groupie- SEXXAH!). I'll keep her and my Sonata SE till the wheels fall off.

[diamondj30]

I used to get alot of compliments at iasca car show's on mine.Older lexus owners would say damn,i had no idea these were so nice.Was cool times.One time i was in seaside oregon entered in and iasca event where i took first in my class for S.Q..There was also a import car show along with it sponcered by the city.A whole bunch,done up with all the bells and whistels,body kits were there.I didnt enter cause wasnt for me.Then a couple older women that were going around judging cars came by mine.I told them,im not in the car show.They told me i should be.So i said,"what the heck".Took first place ,lol.Man,never underestimate your car! one word for this car "timeless" and looks badass with a rack .woops,i meant rake,But i have no problems driving with a rack,KNow what i mean............

[yodawill2000]

You still have those Pics of the J from way back when D ??I can host the pics if you email them to me.

[diamondj30]

I can do that yoddawill but the systems still under my bed,hehe.i have deck in and front stage.just need to install amps.really not that engaged.cant be out in sun and heat.on a side note,my car was pelted with eggs this morning my wife was late to work cause had to wash it at 6'30 in the morning.every year someone eggs it or breaks side glass on holloween.Wonder if these people realize its just a car and i could give a ^$%#!!lol.Someone backed into it i notice,cracked the newe paint on bumper and dented my hood.havnt even got that fixed yet.Maybe i wont.I told my wife maybe if i take a grinder to the body thed stop,lol.ok,let me try to send you.Interear is still very nice.shoot me your addy to [email protected] tried your posted one,wouldnt work.it said it dont like you.unreal.funny."76.96.26.14 does not like recipient."wtf,lol.After thinking about this egg deal.Wonder if the people know the power i have over them apparently to foster such activity.Yep,they waste gas for ME!They waste eggs,for ME!They obviously spend money,for ME!.i dont even call the glass guy,wife does,no prob too,they do at her work.nice and comfortable like.I should thank them,for stimulating the economy!

Modified by diamondj30 at 9:52 AM 8/4/2009

Modified by diamondj30 at 9:53 AM 8/4/2009

Modified by diamondj30 at 3:46 PM 8/7/2009
Modified by diamondj30 at 10:22 AM 8/8/2009

[yodawill2000]

My bad .. need to change that.Time Warner took over here in DFW.I'll shoot ya a email from my work email.

[gr8scott72]

after all, how many cars were ever made with four wheel steering?

BMW 850CSi (optional) BMW 325XI (2000-Present)[citation needed] BMW 7-Series (2009 onwards, part of sport package) [2] Efini MS-9 (high and low speed) GMC Sierra (2002) (high and low speed) Honda Prelude (high and low speed, fully mechanical from 1987 to 1991) Honda Prelude (high and low speed, fully electronic from 1991 to 2001) Honda Accord (1991) (high and low speed, mechanical) Infiniti G35 Sedan (option on Sport models) (2007-Present) (high speed only?) Infiniti G35 Coupe (option on Sport models) (2006-Present) (high speed only) [3] Infiniti G37 Infiniti J30t (touring package) (1993-1994) Infiniti M35 (option on Sport models) (2006-Present) (high speed only?) Infiniti M45 (option on Sport models) (2006-Present) (high speed only?) Infiniti Q45t (1989-1994) (high speed only?) Mazda 929 (1992-1997)(computerised, high and low speed)(all models) Mazda 626 (1988) (high and low speed) Mazda MX-6 (1989-1997) (high and low speed) Mazda RX-7 (optional, computerized, high and low speed) Mazda Eunos 800 (1996-2003) (Optional, computerized, high and low speed) Mitsubishi Galant/Sigma (high speed only) Mitsubishi GTO (also sold as the Mitsubishi 3000GT and the Dodge Stealth) (high speed only) Nissan Cefiro (A31) (high speed only) Nissan 240SX/Silvia (option on SE models) (high speed only) Nissan 300ZX (all Twin-Turbo Z32 models) (high speed only) Nissan Laurel (later versions) (high speed only) Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M (high speed only) Nissan Silvia (option on all S13 models) (high speed only) Nissan Skyline GTS, GTS-R, GTS-X (1986) (high speed only) Nissan Skyline GT-R (high and low speed) Renault Laguna (only in GT version of 3rd generation which was launched October 2007, GT launched on April 2008) Subaru SVX JDM (1991-1996) (Japanese version: "L-CDX" only) (high speed only) Toyota Aristo (1997) (high and low speed?) Toyota Camry JDM 1990-1992 Camry Prominent (Optional)(high and low speed)[citation needed] Toyota Celica (option on 5th and 6th generation, 1990-1993 ST183 and 1994-1997 ST203) (Dual-mode, high and low speed) Toyota Soarer (UZZ32)

to name a few. lol

[yodawill2000]

powned

Wassup Ole Scott !!Still Stumpin' ?

[gr8scott72]

Stumps, tree, you name it.

[yodawill2000]

Looks like Bidness is good ..

Congrats !!

[datguydoe]

im keeping mine to give to my son when he gets older, an they dont have gps so tha cops can find u

[StevieRaySTL]

[Outkast]

I bought mine just for daily duty and mainly because it has the VG30 and that's my favorite engine for obvious reason. My truck is great but sometimes I would rather just save money on gas and now that I bought a 95 240 I'm going to have a new personal driver and let the wife use the J.

[jspout]

Hi, new to the J and the site. after 2 months I still have mixed feelings, but am getting a good idea how nissans work and interchange. I don't regret buying the car, but a manual transmission would be much better. Classic? I don't see it. It does'nt seem like you can do much customizing with these. They are what they are. A compact size bullet proof tank with a good engine design, and a million sensors. I do like the way it handles even with crappy struts. Anyone go a full year without having to replace a sensor? Just curious.

[driverdriver]

Except for my ABS sensor everything else is original. The most reliable versions of this car are the ones which have been maintained religously from day one.