I read on the forum that the 99 max's have some changes in them from previous years that make them a bit less desirable; emissions system and then some sort of lock chip that makes it pain should you get locked out. I was wondering whether the I30 had the same upgrades since it is practically a maxima...?

I am shopping around for an 96-99 model I30, which year do you think is best from the 4th gen?

 

96-99 I30 is the same as Maxima under the hood. Usually the I30 is loaded with options though, much like the GLE Max. If you want to modify the engine, the the 96 Fed I30 is the one you want. 98 has the better (IMO) steering wheel, console and climate control buttons.

The 99 with Nissan Anti Theft System is nothing to avoid, unless you want to modify the car extensively in a state where an emission check is necessary. The NATS failures are not that common, but they do happen. My 99 has been flawless for 6 years.