Nissan Problems

The fan only comes on when the temperature reaches a certain point under normal running, but always runs when the AC is turned on. It could be the thermostat sticking, but I would be getting a mechanic to pressure test the system first.

It's an aid to help starting in very cold conditions. You shouldn't normally need to use it.

We don't have any specific information that might be of use to you, but I would suggest you seek the advice of a differential service. I'm sure they would be able to tell you of any other failures they have seen, and probably give you an opinion on the failure of yours.

CVT failures are quite common in the Murano, so you're not on your own in that respect.

You should contact Nissan directly in writing setting out your reasons you think the company should help pay the costs of repairs on your car.

CVT failures in the Murano are quite common and Nissan should be doing more to support owners here who have put their faith in the company only to be let down. You are correct in saying that a component such as a transmission should not fail to the extent it needs replacing at such low kilometres.

If Nissan rejects your claim go to the consumer affairs people, or you could try taking them to VCAT.

You haven't given us the weight of the caravan you want to tow, which goes a long way to determining the best car for you. We'll err on the side of caution and go for cars with a towing capacity of at least 2500 kg that fall within your budget. It's always best to go for the latest model you can afford, which means around 2103 in your case. I'm guessing you're over the Pathfinder given your experience with the holed piston in your current car, but the Nissan is an option for you. So too are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Mitsubishi Pajero, although the Pajero's rear suspension is prone to sagging when heavily loaded and I would rule that out on that basis. If you can stretch your budget a little you could consider the Landrover Discovery 4, which does everything you want well, but is the most expensive of this bunch. For me the pick of the bunch for me is the Toyota Prado, for performance, economy, and reliability. The only issue for you could be that the Prado's towing rating is 2500 kg, the lowest of the cars we mention here.

You would like to think that it shouldn't happen, but the reality is that sometimes it does. As it's out of warranty it's up to you to try and negotiate a deal with Nissan to cover at least part of the cost of the repairs. Do that by going directly to Nissan's customer service (1800 035 035) and requesting them to help out. If that fails you could seek help from the Victorian Government's consumer affairs department.

The private price guide is $6000-$7500; the trade-in range is $4000-$5500; the dealer would offer around $4000. Yours, having such low kilometres, would be worth the top end of those price ranges.

I am reluctant to recommend any European car, particularly those from VW, because of the problems that have soured the ownership experience for so many people. Rather than those you name I would be looking at the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Suzuki Vitara.

There are lots of SUVs to choose from, it's a very crowded market, which works in the favour of the buyer. The Territory of the vintage you are considering is a decent car, the diesel is economical and it would tow up to 2700 kg. Also consider the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V.