We got this vehicle last summer at 142k miles. Currently at 152K. It's had a few issues since we acquired it, nothing serious. Both rear calipers went out, wearing the pads to nil in very short order and damaging the rotors. We've replaced the rotors, calipers and pads in the back. Visually, the fronts look good, so we haven't touched them yet.
Other than that, it's been normal maintenance - replacing fluids and filters, replacing/rotating tires, etc. Oh, the vapor canister vent valve went bad too, keeping us from filling the tank. We replaced the valve and cleaned out the canister ourselves which fixed the problem.
We replaced the PCV valves too to try to slow down oil consumption, but I don't think it had much effect. It consumes about 1 qt of oil every 1900 miles. From what I've read, that's pretty normal (maybe due to the factory cylinder rings?). We've used Mobil 1 0W40 and Castrol 0W40 and on our next oil change, will use Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W30, due to catalytic converter concerns with the high Phosphorus and Zinc content of the Euro oils.
One thing we noticed in checking oil levels is that there's roughly 2 qts between the high and low marks on the dipstick, so a pretty roomy sump. Another thing we noticed is it actually seems to take about 6.5 qts to get it all the way to the High mark on the dipstick. The manual calls for 5.75 qts, but that only takes the oil level to about 70% to the high mark. We tried 6 qts and that only got it to about 80% to the high mark. So it looks like 6.5 qts to get to the high mark, 4.5 qts to the low mark (we measured what drained out on our last oil change when it was at the low mark).
Another issue I just remembered, the TPMS sensors don't work. They display asterisks on the OSD. That's something on our to-do list to figure out. Any suggestions?
We just replaced 5 qts of the ATF with Nissan Matic-S and noticed a huge difference in shift quality. You almost can't feel the shifts happening now. We'll continue doing this periodically to gradually get all the old ATF out. Replacing the differential fluid is next on our list (we bought Valvoline Full Synthetic 75W90).
We also replaced the power steering fluid with Valvoline Synthetic Dexron VI. It came out dirty and looks clean now with a light shining in the reservoir, but no difference in steering feel.
And finally, we replaced the brake fluid (which wasn't too dirty looking) with Supertech DOT3. It looks brand new in the reservoir now.
Other things on our to-do list:
-replace the spark plugs. They don't seem to be bad, but not knowing if/when they were last replaced, it would be nice to get them done. But it doesn't look like a fun job!
-the headliner is sagging in the front, partially covering the rear view mirror. We need to get that glued back up. We can push it up and rub it and it will stay for a couple of days.
-the alignment is a bit jacked. The steering wheel actually has to be turned slightly left a few degrees for the car to go in a straight line. It actually holds true when you set it up on a straightaway, not wandering in either direction, but visually the steering wheel is turned slightly left.
The gas mileage sucks on this car! LOL. Typically we get 12-15 MPG but we live in a small town with lots of short trips. On the highway, it gets around 22 MPG on cruise control. Drive it aggressively and it dips to 10-12 MPG.
Would appreciate any and all feedback on our newish purchase!
Other than that, it's been normal maintenance - replacing fluids and filters, replacing/rotating tires, etc. Oh, the vapor canister vent valve went bad too, keeping us from filling the tank. We replaced the valve and cleaned out the canister ourselves which fixed the problem.
We replaced the PCV valves too to try to slow down oil consumption, but I don't think it had much effect. It consumes about 1 qt of oil every 1900 miles. From what I've read, that's pretty normal (maybe due to the factory cylinder rings?). We've used Mobil 1 0W40 and Castrol 0W40 and on our next oil change, will use Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W30, due to catalytic converter concerns with the high Phosphorus and Zinc content of the Euro oils.
One thing we noticed in checking oil levels is that there's roughly 2 qts between the high and low marks on the dipstick, so a pretty roomy sump. Another thing we noticed is it actually seems to take about 6.5 qts to get it all the way to the High mark on the dipstick. The manual calls for 5.75 qts, but that only takes the oil level to about 70% to the high mark. We tried 6 qts and that only got it to about 80% to the high mark. So it looks like 6.5 qts to get to the high mark, 4.5 qts to the low mark (we measured what drained out on our last oil change when it was at the low mark).
Another issue I just remembered, the TPMS sensors don't work. They display asterisks on the OSD. That's something on our to-do list to figure out. Any suggestions?
We just replaced 5 qts of the ATF with Nissan Matic-S and noticed a huge difference in shift quality. You almost can't feel the shifts happening now. We'll continue doing this periodically to gradually get all the old ATF out. Replacing the differential fluid is next on our list (we bought Valvoline Full Synthetic 75W90).
We also replaced the power steering fluid with Valvoline Synthetic Dexron VI. It came out dirty and looks clean now with a light shining in the reservoir, but no difference in steering feel.
And finally, we replaced the brake fluid (which wasn't too dirty looking) with Supertech DOT3. It looks brand new in the reservoir now.
Other things on our to-do list:
-replace the spark plugs. They don't seem to be bad, but not knowing if/when they were last replaced, it would be nice to get them done. But it doesn't look like a fun job!
-the headliner is sagging in the front, partially covering the rear view mirror. We need to get that glued back up. We can push it up and rub it and it will stay for a couple of days.
-the alignment is a bit jacked. The steering wheel actually has to be turned slightly left a few degrees for the car to go in a straight line. It actually holds true when you set it up on a straightaway, not wandering in either direction, but visually the steering wheel is turned slightly left.
The gas mileage sucks on this car! LOL. Typically we get 12-15 MPG but we live in a small town with lots of short trips. On the highway, it gets around 22 MPG on cruise control. Drive it aggressively and it dips to 10-12 MPG.
Would appreciate any and all feedback on our newish purchase!