Hi,

I am considering getting a 4th Gen (98/99) Infiniti I30 (LE) or Maxima (SE-Auto). Can you give me the relative pros and cons of one over the other.

The Infiniti is about 89K and the maxima about 70K.

Both cost around 12K with some Baltimore area dealers.

cheers - Noela

 

SE Maximas have a tighter suspension for the twisties and a bigger wheel (16" v 15"). (BTW no such thing as an LE i30, it's i30t, i30 limited (for 99 only), and the regular i30. i30 coupled with the traction control system come with a limited slip differential. The tranny code under the hood will have a V at the end of it, while a regular one will have an A. Infiniti dealerships are also many times more friendly then most nissan dealerships.

If you intend on performing aftermarket upgrades I recommend getting a 98 with fed spec. The reason being that almost all 99s came with the cali-spec system, and if you plan on getting a y-pipe, you will only get rid of 1 pre-cat versus the 2 for fed spec. You can tell by checking the number of O2 connectors directly in front of the forward exhaust manifold. cali-specs will have 4, fed - 2. This tidbit applies to both the maxima and i30. Personally I went with the i30 because I like the looks, that's pretty much the only differences (besides the LSD).

 

i think i also like the looks better than the max....; any particular problems to expect from the 98/99s...thanks Noela

 

Go with the I30. I think they look a lot better than the Maxima, more aggresive. As far as the other stuff (engine, suspension, interior), they are the same.

The I30 also comes with more features stardard than the Maxima, like auto temp control for example. The only advantage the SE would have over the I30 would be the stiffer springs and shocks, but just about any after market set up will destroy a stock SE set up!