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Infiniti I30: generations, engine and what to know when buying
The Infiniti I30 is a luxury midsize sedan produced from 1996 to 2001 for the North American market based on the Nissan Cefiro. We'll look at its two generations, V6 engine, and what you need to know when buying such a car in Lithuania.
I30 in brief
The Infiniti I30 was a luxury midsize sedan based on the Nissan Cefiro (A32 and A33) technology. It was sold in North America, while in Europe and other markets, a similar car was known as the Nissan Maxima QX. As a result, the I30 is often found in Lithuania as a car imported from the USA or Canada.
In 2002, the I30 was replaced by the I35 with a larger 3.5-litre V6 engine. The I30 features front-wheel drive, a four-door sedan body, and a simple yet robust mechanical setup.
Generations — what's the difference
The first generation (1996–1999) is based on the A32 platform. The second generation (2000–2001) was built on the A33 platform, featuring a refreshed design and a more powerful engine.
Before buying, check which generation you're considering, as their technical equipment and engine power differ. The second generation is generally considered more modern and powerful.
Engine and transmission
The I30 comes with a 3.0-litre V6 engine (VQ30DE). In the first generation, it produced around 190 hp, while in the second (2000–2001) it delivered around 227 hp. The Nissan VQ family of engines has been featured on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for many years.
The car usually has a four-speed automatic gearbox. Early first-generation models might have had a five-speed manual gearbox, but such cars are rare.
What to check when buying a used I30
First, check if the car was imported from the USA: then the speedometer shows miles, so you'll need to convert the mileage to kilometres. Check the car's history and accident data in advance, and the documents via the VIN number.
The VQ30DE engine has a timing belt, so ask when it was last replaced and inspect the cooling system. Check the operation of the automatic gearbox — the gears should shift smoothly.
Inspect the body for rust (especially if the car was driven in northern USA regions where roads are salted), brakes, suspension, and climate control. Spare parts, especially for the body and interior, might need to be sourced from abroad.
Generations and versions
Names and equipment vary by year; we list the main I30 versions.
I30 (pirma karta)
1996–1999The base first-generation version with a 3.0-litre V6.
- Around 190 HP 3.0-litre V6
- Often — a four-speed automatic gearbox
- Front-wheel drive
I30 (antra karta)
2000–2001Updated version with more power.
- Around 227 HP 3.0-litre V6
- Refreshed styling and equipment
- Often — a four-speed automatic gearbox
I30 Touring
1996–2001The better-equipped version.
- Often comes with a leather interior and sunroof.
- Often features a premium sound system.
- Additional comfort features.
Generation comparison
| 1996–1999 | 2000–2001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For the accessible luxury sedan. | For the more modern and powerful variant. |
| Engine | 3.0-litre V6, around 190 hp | 3.0-litre V6, around 227 hp |
| Platform | A32 | A33 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
Most buyers' best bet is a second-gen with a more powerful engine and modern features, if it's in good condition. The first-gen is ideal for those prioritizing the lowest price.
Pros
- A robust and quiet V6 engine
- A spacious and comfortable sedan interior
- Simple, reliable manual transmission
- Decent equipment for a modest price
Cons
- Not officially sold in Lithuania, servicing and parts are more complicated
- No longer in production, its condition heavily depends on the previous owner
- Imported cars from the US have miles and different equipment
Frequently asked questions
Is the I30 the same as the Nissan Maxima?
Technically similar: The I30 is based on the Nissan Cefiro platform, which is sold as the Maxima in North America and some other markets.
What engine does the I30 have?
The 3.0-litre V6 (VQ30DE) produces around 190 hp in the first-gen and about 227 hp in the second.
Can the I30 be registered in Lithuania?
Usually yes, if the car meets the requirements. Before buying, check the documents, mileage (miles or kilometres) and how the car was imported.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
