Faults:

When I bought the car, the air bag light was blinking, and there was a rattle coming from the rear.

Air bag was a simple reset. I found the directions online and it worked immediately... no more air bag light.

Rattle was rear shocks. I replaced them for $300 and the noise is gone. I know the car is 14 years old, but don't understand why the shocks were worn at 51,000 miles.

Radio volume knob works inconsistently. Common problem with these Bose stereos. I'll replace it someday... no big deal right now.

General Comments:

I got an amazing deal on this car! $3,500 with 51,000 miles on it. No dents, no accidents, no rust!

Replaced my bare bones 2000 Solara with this for the sunroof and 4-doors. The Solara (with same size 6 cylinder) was better on gas, handled a little better and rode a little nicer. I like the I30 because of the options (heated leather, temp control, etc.). It feels a little like a European car, which I like.

I feel like the I30 will be a bit less reliable, but I really enjoy driving the car.

Faults:

Rear struts, left axle shaft & left outer tie rod end at 165k miles.

Leaking a lot of oil from head gasket at 174k miles. Can anyone comment?

Have owned the car for less than a year, and with initial repairs at 165k right after purchase, I have almost as much in repairs as I paid for it.

Now with head gaskets leaking, should I sell it and move on, or is it worth fixing to drive for a couple more years?

Faults:

Exhaust has rusted through.

Airbag light blinking.

Occasional check engine for no reason.

Radiator support rusted through.

A/C Doesn't hold a charge.

General Comments:

I got this car from a friend for a fantastic $750. It needed the radiator support replaced, because it has rusted through, and the front engine mount was sagging.

After replacing the radiator support and throwing some new tires on, this car became my daily driver while I stored my summer toys from the snow. It's unbelievably comfortable, I love the seats. Handles like a ship, it's large, and fully loaded. I love it. I wasn't looking for sport or performance, I was looking for comfort, and it's exactly what this car delivers.

My airbag light flashed when I got the car, but doing the quick door procedure fixed it right up.

I'm in the process of throwing a new exhaust on the car ($120 shipped!) and it'll be good to go again. The I30 has 155k miles thus far, and it's good for another 150k no problem. It's running like a top, and I'll be driving it until it won't drive any more. After the exhaust, it's getting a polish and a wax before winter hits.