Skip to main content

Used 1997 INFINITI J30 Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
29 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 J30, so we've included reviews for other years of the J30 since its last redesign.

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

Just a little more space

Colby L. Castaneda, 07/22/2003
1996 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Well what can I say. If it weren't for my wife I would have never experienced the J-30. She had always liked the styling (exterior) of the J-30 and that was the car she wanted. Little did I know that I would be the one who fell in love with it. It handles great, the power is awesome, and the ride is second to none. We were fortunate enough to get one that mechanicaly was flawless. The only real problem is the leather is a little more worn that I'd liked. But I plan on having it re- upholstered. This car has made me a fan of infiniti/nissan products. Lexus may offer the softest ride, but I'll gladly give up just a tad of softness for balance and power.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

'Fits me like a glove.'

tnasiti, 06/29/2008
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

My Gold J30t is my third. I hit the wheel well of a truck exiting a lot perpendicular to my direction. Totaled my '95 but she totally protected me. This car is built like a welter weight boxer-rounded, firm, athletic lines. Women say that my J30's sexy lines and cozy interior warm and cradle them, evoking a sensuality rare in today's cars. She is comfortable on the highway and her engine emits a quiet growl when accelerating, like Serena Williams' aggressiveness on the court. Luxury-Sport is an apt description. I give her the normal maintenance she needs, plus some extras. Next is a set of chrome 17" rims with 235/45 shoes and an iPod doc. She's classy, sassy, and deserves every bit.

Report Abuse
1997 INFINITI J30 for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
See all 1 listing

4.88 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Car

bjbird2, 04/17/2002
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

An excellent all around car. Handles well, quiet, good quality in a unique design. I now have two of these, a 93' and a 97', and I love them both.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Most Reliable Car

oldschooldevil, 09/05/2010
1996 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Believe it or not I'm driving this car and it has over 250,000 miles on it and it still runs like the day I got it. It has very nice interior. Practically leather every where. And very nice ride. I love the sound system and basically everything about this car. I have taken very good care of this car and the only thing that has gone out has been the moon roof (not a big deal but very expensive) and the driver side window (cheap). Other than that, that's all. Amazing car! If they ever bring this car back out. I'm all over it!!

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Infiniti and Beyond

Steve, 07/15/2005
1996 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used with 65,000 and I swear to you that this vehicle drives/feels/and even smells brand spankin' new! I love this car. She loves the highway too...Even in torrential rains!! I had a terrible accident due to rain 20 yrs ago. This is the first and only car I have felt safe in under such conditions. Recommendations.....if you see it take advantage of the Infiniti line no matter what the age.

Report Abuse
3.75 out of 5 stars

Yes and No

Craig, 09/27/2005
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A comfortable car with inexpensive luxury. Handles well, but is a little heavy. All the bells and wistles are great and the stereo kicks butt. Upgraded tired make a world of difference. Rather bland apperance, but hey I could see that before I bought it. For the money, it was a steal.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Fun & Fast Comfort

Oshkabee, 07/19/2006
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Purchased this three year-old J30 from a Dealer in 2000 for about 1/2 MSRP. It had 20k miles. What a deal! This car has been perfect for me. I'm 6'3" and have plenty of leg room in the front. I rarely carry passengers in the back, but when I do a little adjustment gives them plenty of room (and comfort too!) I have NEVER had a major repair. I've replaced the brake pads and turned the front rotors (once). It now has 115k miles. At 103k I paid $1400 to have a major tune-up (timing belt, other belts, flush <everything>, filters, water pump, trans adjustment). Great vehicle and still looks like new!

Report Abuse
3.13 out of 5 stars

J30 review!

Albert D, 11/09/2004
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful

i bought this my Infiniti J30 with 110,000 miles on it, I know its a lot of miles but engines like those run for 300,000 without a major problem. I bought it from some grandmother and it was in great condition. The design of the car is ugly (there is a reason they stopped making it). Also, this car is slow as heck, the gas mileage is horrible. I got like 14 to 15 mpg and i drive mostly on the highway. That's not all. Less than two months into my ownership of this car its engine blew. Tt cost $2,000 to get a junk replacement engine.The Infiniti I30 is a much better car. It's faster, has better gas milage, and looks better.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

What a pleasure to drive...

saringv, 04/05/2010
1996 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have always wanted one of the J30s. The rear styling is out of this world. Hard to believe that the MSRP in 1996 was $36k! Anyway, bought mine with 61k miles, serviced every 3750 miles and the 60k service was done except the timing belt, which is the one weak design flaw of this car. Other than that, I feel great driving this car. Buying premium not fun, but I balance it out. Flat ground- top off with 89. Hilly- 91 with octane boost. K&N filter and I get 26/27 MPG!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

A very reliable car!

oldschooldevil, 09/28/2010
1996 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Well this car has over 215,000 miles on it and it still runs as if it was new. The first owner took very good care of it and so have I. Since I have had it, all I have done is basic maintenance to it. It is a great car. Very comfortable. I have owned other cars that are worth more than this car and I think this car beat them in luxury. The only negative is that the gas tank sits directly behind the rear seats so the trunk is not big at all and you cant lay the seats down. Other than that, I can't think of anything else.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best birthday everr

Joe Wess, 08/20/2006
1996 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ok I received this car as a birthday gift from my grandmother yesterday and ever since then I've been driving it and it is amazing. In my opinion, it is the perfect car for me because I am a very social person and I can fit four of my friends in the car with me. The Bose sound system is definitely what I needed, seeing as I love my music loud and heavy. Well anyone else who has this car knows what I mean when i say this is definitely worth all the money for this car, whether it be the gas money, insurance, or even to buy it.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best car I ever owned

Stepen714, 05/22/2004
1996 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the second Infiniti J-30 I have owned. When the first lease was up in 1996 after three years there was not another car to compare to this one. The car literally sold itself. I was looking at the early Lexus in 1993 when I found the Infiniti J-30 and have never had a car I've enjoyed so much.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

23 years old and going strong

R Kok, 07/27/2018
updated 08/05/2019
1996 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I don't really think there are many of these cars out there to buy, I looked on Craigs list for Phoenix and there wasn't one to be had. I bought this one in May of 2000, it was 4 years old and had 66k miles on it. We spend 4 months a year in MI so this car was purchased to be used these 4 months each year, which means we only put about 3 thousand miles per Summer, the other 7 it was tucked away in a barn to wait out the Winter. In the now 18 years that we have had it, I have put on two sets of tires, the first set had plenty of tread but died of age, two batteries, and just this Summer, 2018, a new set of brakes. It has amazed me how well the car still runs. Still surprised each May when we go to pick it up and it fires up immediately. This particular vehicle was built in Japan, and the fit and finish was something to see. The infinity was Nissan's run at Lexus, they never attained that level but it still is a wonderful car to drive. The quality of the parts and the build speak for themselves 22 years later. Sadly we say goodbye to it, as this will be our last Summer in Mi. As a side note, about 8 years ago we bought a 99 Q45, nice car, but the quality of that car fell a short of this little J30. Update 8/4/19 We sold the J30 this Summers with 123000 miles on it, It has been a great car. We sold it because we no longer had use for it, It is still going strong, ride is very comfortable. Too bad Nissan is have ing such a poroblem with their CVT transmission,or I would be looking for another Infinity. or possibly a Nissan. I have a Nissan Frontier, but with a manual 6 speed tranny.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

4 door 300ZX

Sirius Black, 04/24/2002
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

With a reliability rating from edmunds of 9.7 the only rating that hold this car back is value (4.4). However, since the last j30 rolled off the assembly line in 1997 there are bargains to be found now. '97 J's which origanlly stickered in the upper 30's can be had for low teens. This is an exceptional vehicle--quick, stylish, comfortable.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Luxury Ride at a Bargain Price

Wash DC, 07/09/2002
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I brought a 1997 j30t used for about half the original MSRP. It's been practically maintenance free (just oil changes, replaced the front rotors). As with other Nissans, this is a super reliable car. The poor residual value makes this a super buy for someone looking for a luxury ride at a bargain price. The only drawback that I can point to is the small trunk.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

a gem

halkidesc, 08/13/2002
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The compound curves of the J30 give it great elegance and make it stand out from other cars. The interior puts the driver at ease with leather seats and a well laid out dashboard. The car feels precise in its handling, yet is very easy to take on long trips. I wish they were still making them.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Good Car

Putz, 10/08/2002
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The vehicle is an all around great buy! Thought the trunk and lack of passthrough/folddown seats really sux!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

A wonderful car

gilstrapk, 09/08/2003
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car combines performance, luxury, durability, and individuality. It has the same engine as a 300zx and is very rewarding to drive and own.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Sorry they do not make this car anymore

Aguilli, 09/25/2003
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a very enjoyable and fun to drive not to mention a great reliability. As a matter of fact, besides the regular maintenance visits, my car has not gone as yet th the shop.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent Vehicle

voice281, 10/18/2003
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car in 2002 with 20,000 miles on it and no problems at all, excellent power, Handleling, front leg room, perfect for long trips,No complaints at all, for the money, you won't find a better vehicle.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

A great used car

tho, 10/21/2003
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best used car we have owned. For the money can't beat the J30.

Report Abuse
3.88 out of 5 stars

'97 Infiniti J30

Taylor, 03/02/2005
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car was great until all of the engine trouble. We ended up putting WAY too much money into repairing this vehicle (timing belt & lifter problems..etc.) It drives nice but it is too expensive to fix considering the value of the car.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

Elegant Car!!

Lola, 07/25/2006
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a 97 J30. I bought it 2 year used from an Infinit dealship. I don't know why Inifiniti's don't keep there prices well. It's to your advantage. I absolutely love this beatiful car. I love its color (pearl), the beautiful interior, my bose speakers, its aerodynamic built, and its smooth drive. Additionally, I haven't had any mechanical problems outside of usual maintenance stuff. Another good thing about this car is that there's basically one model since J30 was only built from 93' (?) to 97'. It won't ever look old and lose its appeal like so many cars that change ever year. I love it so much that I have no intention of ever really selling it. Seriously.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

An incredible "used" find!!

Linda K., 08/19/2004
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this 1997 J30t in 2004, with 57,000+ miles on it. Couldn't believe the condition of the car - both interior and exterior! Once we found out Infinity was built by Nissan, we knew we had a gem. What a luxury ride! The interior is just super comfy, dash is driver-friendly, and the exterior is very luxurious. A super duper deal!!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Rides like a JAG

nacramama, 05/20/2005
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Drove for 6.5 years without a glitch. This rear-wheel vehical cruised like my previous 6L JAG sedan. Safety is exceptional: Unfortunatly a heavy truck t-boned my car on driver side and propelled it head-on into a block wall. Although mycar was totaled- I walked away without a scratch. Infinity should bring this model back.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

love it!

janni, 04/13/2003
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought with 48K miles, has been wonderful driving experience. No maintenance besides regular service and oil changes. Good acceleration, comfortable seating, luxury car for very reasonable price. Will buy another Infiniti for sure!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my car

jotut, 06/18/2007
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My beautiful little J30 has never even had the hiccups. I have always had it regularly serviced at the dealership. I've put new tires on it and have done routine maintenance and part replacement (belts, etc) and have had the brakes worked on and wheels realigned. It's lovely. They have never improved on the design, in my opinion. Don't know why they stopped making it. In a world where things seems to be made to last just so long and then have to be replaced, my Infiniti is a star performer. By the way, this is my third J30. My first was a leased 1994 model. At the end of my lease in 1997, I bought the car.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Best Engine

Karw, 08/29/2008
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my vehicle used in 2002, no major problem. This car is very reliable, Luxury drive smoothly. Very good engine, just passed emission with 181000 miles on it.

Report Abuse
3.63 out of 5 stars

Rear wheel drive!

nightrider, 04/17/2009
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought my J30 with 98000 miles on it. The black paint on this car is superb and the leather seats, oh the leather... on the car was in like new condition. This was the first car that I've owned with rear wheel drive and let me tell u, I will never buy a fwd vehicle ever again. Replacing parts can be a little expensive on this car but if u have any mechanical skill the repairs can easily be done urself. Unless it's a major problem never take this car to the dealer for repairs.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50