Still trying to figure out what to buy after selling my 95 530i. Have the opportunity to purchase a 2001 GLE with 6K miles for something south of 20.5 or a 2001 I30 for around 22.9.

What are, if any, quality differences between the Infiniti and Nissan.

As always, thanks for the info and insight.

 

I wouldn't look for quality differences, the key quality items in the cars are the same...off the same assembly line. Go for the I30 if you aren't looking to modify the car from a cosmetic standpoint. Although performance and suspension modifications can be interchanged between the two cars, the cosmetic modifications (headlights/taillights/interier accessories/side skirts/body kits) are harder to find. I think that the Maxima has a slightly more aggressive stance and carries the repuation of a sports sedan while the Infiniti carries the reputation of, well, an Infiniti.

To sum up. Given no urge to modify the, I'd say go with the Infiniti. If you are looking to modify, go with the Nissan.

 

I'd get the I30. It's more of a luxury sedan. I honestly dont like the looks of the rear end maxima unless it has the smoked tails and the spolier. I don't know why, it just looks odd without them. The onyl real difference is looks. I like the rims a lot on the I30 too. It's really just up to you, but like I said, my opinion is to get the I30. You can still mod it, if thats what youre worried about.

 

GLE is auto only....

 

Huh, what? I don't know what you're talking about.

 

good edit skills

 

Thanks for the input. Probably the only mod I would do would be springs, adjustable struts and wheels.

My main question is quality differences. Have read alot about the paint issues, automagic issues and some Nissan dealers being not the swiftest.

 

Im not sure about Infiniti service or support, but I do know they are run from the same office. It realyl depends on the dealership as a whole. I know here in town there is only one Infiniti dealership and they have a VERY freidnly service department. They offer loaner vehicles of thier top models availbe for any Infiniti owner. They will pick you up and take you to the dealership, give you a car for however long you need it, and do just about everything to your car as far as maintenance whenever you bring it in, and at no cost. It's really great service, but I can't say all dealerships are gonna be like that.

 

hey i got a 2001 I30t and im happy with it. its a good car. you have to ask your self what your going to do with the car as in modifying it. cosmetically there isnt much. Nothing really, but suspention and engine mods are the same as the maxima. I like the service i get from my dealer here in little rock. They treat my pretty good even though im only 20 years old, never had any problem so far. one thing the maxima is slightly quicker since its a lighter car, but the power from the I30 its strong. I have a webpage (click on the left) if u have any questions let me know i'll be glad 2 answer them for you.

 

You're probably speaking about the rims on the I30t. I love the I30t rims, which is one reason I decided on an 2001 I30t over the SE/AE.

But the regular I30's rims are actually quite unpleasant. They're 16" and are way too bulky looking.

 

I agree. the 16 in I30 rims arnt very pleasent. Maybe this is the rim he's talkin about.

 

If I was forced to drive a Automatic I would buy another I30. The constumer service alone is worth the extra few grand, tack on a killer warranty and I'm sold. Also HID's come standard on the 2K1 I30 and is not a option on the 2K1 max.

 

Well, in all reality, for less than the price difference in the two vehicles he could buy a set of 2K2 HIDs and have them installed.

 

HID's arent standard on the regular I30 just on the T, its an option on the I30. (as far as i know)

 

In the year 2000 the I30 had the option of HID's on the none touring model, the touring model came standard with them. In 2001 ALL I30's came standard with HID's, that's[edit] NOT[edit] a fact.

 

Theres more then just HID's that make the I30 more desirable IMO. How about the LSD for example and the much cleaner lines?

 

yup those are the ones

 

Oh ok. Like i said i could be wrong. I never looked at the regular I30 when i got my car, i only looked at the Touring model.

 

Your right, dealer service, loaner car everytime you take your car in. They wash the car nicely. and the warentee is longer. doesnt the I30t have V-LSD??

 

these come on the tourning model, 17 inch.

 

But, as it turns out, that's not actually a fact. In 2001, the regular I30 was equipped with standard headlights and, as an option, could be upgraded with HIDs.

I recall this distinctly from when I was shopping for cars prior to choosing the 2001 I30t. Further, the 2001 I30 loaner cars that the dealership has are all equipped with standard headlights, and you can tell they're 2001s because they have no storage compartment where the navigation pop-up would be.

 

Yeah, I agree on the LSD...that's one of the reasons I bought the AE

On the lines...don't quite agree there. There are only eight panels which are different on the assembly line between the I30 and the Maxima and I challenge you to find them, other than the front-ent and back-end. The back-end of the Infiniti is less questionable than the Maxima, no doubt, but a bit plain. The front-end of the Maxima is sporty with a more agressive stance, particularly with the AE or Stillen body kit which cannot be added to the Infiniti.

 

You are indeed correct, I could have sworn they came standard on all 01's, my bad..

 

You challenge me to find them? WTF?

Ahh, let's see, the bumper front and back{2}, the front and rear fenders{6}, the hood and trunk{8}.. I use to have a I30 I could go on and on about the differences in the lines and such.

As for your VLSD on your AE, I am well aware of this. If you want to get technical the maxima in Canada had a LSD from 97+. But if I recall correctly we were comparing a GLE VS a I30, not AE.

 

Okay, don't get too excited. The comment about "challenging" you to find them was just to say that I don't believe there are significant visual difference beyond the front and back bumpers (and rear light cluster). I went on to explain my opinion on those differences, as you read. I did not intend to suggest you should actually list those differences, my apologies.

In regards to the LSD, I only mentioned my choice of an AE to reflect my support of your comments that it was a decision-driving feature on the I30.

* You deserved the rolling eyes smilie since you gave me one

 

OK , I was kinda in a bad mood when I got home from work a little while ago .