1998 INFINITI I30 Review
1998 INFINITI I30 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fast and performance oriented, this Maxima-based entry-level sedan from Infiniti is a good value when compared to the Lexus ES300 or Mercedes-Benz C280.
Cons
- Not a great value when compared to Nissan Corporation's own Maxima SE.
What’s new
Side-impact airbags make their way into the Infiniti I30, as do new headlamps, taillamps, center console and wheels.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 INFINITI I30 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.30 per gallon for regular unleaded in Nebraska.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Nebraska
$195/mo for I30 Base
I30 Base
vs
$167/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
What happens when you put a garish chrome grille, bright cast aluminum wheels, a conservatively styled taillight arrangement and a wood-trimmed interior onto a Nissan Maxima? Infiniti's excuse to charge a premium for Nissan's excellent sport sedan. In fact, we can't find much reason to buy the Infiniti over the Nissan, aside from the quality treatment that Infiniti dealers bestow upon their customers.
So, what are the real differences between the two cars, aside from the prestige of the Infiniti nameplate? The I30 offers standard goodies such as a power driver and passenger seats, a better warranty, ABS, simulated wood interior trim, automatic climate controls, variable intermittent wipers, keyless entry and security system, heated outside mirrors, and cargo netting; all stuff you can get on the Maxima at extra cost. Exclusive to the I30 are items like speed-sensitive steering, viscous limited slip differential, chrome accents, simulated leather door trim, integrated HomeLink transmitter, dual map lights, automatic anti-glare rear view mirror, map pockets, cellular phone pre-wiring and green tinted glass.
Base prices for the Standard I30 start at $29,400, while a top-of-the-line Maxima GLE begins at $26,889. The GLE has leather and an automatic transmission. Want the sporty I30? Pony up $32,000 for a five-speed model, plus applicable luxury taxes. The Maxima SE with a stick can't be optioned beyond $29,400.
So, basically we're looking at a sizeable price difference across the line. Is the I30 worth the extra expenditure? We don't think so. However, we tend to be more practical than most buyers in the near-luxury segment of the market. If the Maxima's styling turns you off, and traction enhancement is an absolute must, the I30 is probably right up your alley. Not only will the premium paid get you better service and a few extra convenience items, but you'll have more peace-of-mind knowing that your new "I" is covered by one of the best warranties in the business.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 INFINITI I30.
5 star(82%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great car
Infiniti_for_life, 01/30/2004
1998 INFINITI I30 4dr Sedan
I've had my I30 for about 1 1/2 years
and have driven it pretty hard. I
haven't had any problems with it other
than the drivers side airbag seems to
have a faulty connection in it so the
airbag light blinks. Everything else
works great. For a car with 113k
miles, it has been well worth the
money.
5 out of 5 stars
One of the best out there
Stephane M, 12/31/2015
1998 INFINITI I30 Touring 4dr Sedan
I bought the car in 2014 with 150k miles. It now have 160k. Within 1 year I went to the mechanic 1time to add freon for a/c and 10 months later to fix both axles and alternator @ $400. I took the car from dallas to atlanta twice. Dallas to Houston and to austin. I have always done oil change on time and checked antifreeze and the car has always taken good care of me. Beside a 1996 toyota … camry that I previously owned this is the best car I've ever had.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Jackpot
jmcizchillin, 11/28/2010
1998 INFINITI I30 Touring 4dr Sedan
I have had not one, but two infiniti i30 sedans. My first a 1997 i30t, which I bought with 80,000 miles for $7000 cash in 2004. My wife and I drove it to 175,000 miles in 2010. The only thing I replaced was the starter! The second was a 98 i30 base model I bought with 105,000 miles for $4200 cash in 2007, I traveled a lot with it and took it to 160,000 miles and I'm still driving it now. … We sold the 97 earlier this year. But I am still driving the 98 at 161,000 miles. Ironically the only thing I had to replace on it was a measly starter! Both cars ran as good from day one to last day I drove them. (one of them was earlier today) this is one of the best and most reliable cars ever made.
5 out of 5 stars
current problem
jack1950, 09/17/2013
1998 INFINITI I30 4dr Sedan
my 1998 I30 - I had wheel bearings replaced on both front wheels and the next time I drove
car my transmission seems to have a problem.
128,000 miles.
Has anyone experienced this with
their auto with such low mileage?
going at about 55 mph a grinding sounded and a power
loss started.
I was able to drive at lower speed
but the transmission appears to be troubled.
1998 I30 Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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