Infiniti
I30
Infiniti
I35
Infiniti I30 vs Infiniti I35: 1998 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Infiniti I35 comes out ahead of the Infiniti I30 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
I30
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability and durability, particularly for the VQ30DE engine and automatic transmission. The vehicle is consistently praised as a high-mileage workhorse, with multiple reports of reaching 250,000 to 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. Owners describe it as a tremendous value, offering luxury features and comfort derived from the Nissan Maxima platform at a lower cost.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a preferred trim or model year. Feedback is generalized across the 1996-2001 generation, with no specific trim (e.g., base, Touring) highlighted as superior.
Known issues
- ⚠Ignition coil failure: Coils reported to fail around 120,000-140,000 miles, causing misfires (codes P0300, P0305). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor failure: Causes intermittent stalling, no-start conditions, and diagnostic trouble codes (P0335). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) failure: Leads to rough idle, stalling, and high idle issues (code P0505). Frequency: recurrent.
I35
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability and value for money, particularly for well-maintained, high-mileage examples. The vehicle is consistently praised for its robust VQ35DE V6 engine, which, with regular oil changes, is reported to reliably exceed 200,000 miles, with multiple owner reports of 250,000 to over 400,000 miles (644,000+ km). Owners appreciate the significant jump in performance and luxury over its predecessor, the I30, and its role as a comfortable, practical sedan.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between model years or trims. Feedback is generalized across the 2002-2004 production run.
Known issues
- ⚠Engine oil consumption/burning: Very frequent mention of the 3.5L V6 burning oil, especially at higher mileages. Symptoms include white/grey smoke on cold start.
- ⚠High-mileage suspension wear: Shocks, struts, and wheel bearings noted as common wear items needing replacement, often described as "shot" or loud after 150,000+ miles. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Ignition coil failures: Mentioned as a common problem leading to misfires. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Infiniti I30 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Infiniti I35, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Infiniti I30 are a dealbreaker, the Infiniti I35 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Infiniti I30 or the Infiniti I35?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Infiniti I30 than the Infiniti I35. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Infiniti I30 or the Infiniti I35?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Infiniti I30 or the Infiniti I35?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Infiniti I30 or the Infiniti I35?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.