Nissan Problems

It looks as if Nissan Australia has not communicated nearly well enough with its dealers. We've also had an update from the Juke owner with a similar issue — numerous dealers are still quoting the outdated service details.

The dealer is telling you that there is no record of it being serviced by a Nissan dealer, which would seem to be correct given that you have had an independent mechanic do the servicing. I would agree that a timing chain shouldn't be worn and rattling at such low kilometres, but I doubt you'll get anywhere with Nissan on this. If you feel you need to follow through on this call Nissan's Customer Service Centre (phone: 1800 035 035).

Ask them, why, if it's normal that they want you to take it back every 1000km. That's not normal. It's clearly using oil and they are clearly checking it to see how much it is using. Quiz them about the reasons for the check, and what they plan to do about fixing the car.

Peter Fadeyev from Nissan Australia promises he will be calling you soon with details of the closest dealer with a silver patrol, although it will be up to you to get the best deal.

The car world has changed a lot since your Pulsar Q was a top-drawer choice and these days I would recommend the Mazda2, which gets The Tick and should be similar money but slightly easier to handle.

The oil leaks need to be fixed, but you are right about the belt. All Nissan engines after 2011 have timing chains, not a belt, so don't need to be changed. The only reason you might change the chain is if it is stretched, but that shouldn't be the case on yours with just 75,000km on the clock.

Take it back to where you bought it and see if they will help you with the repairs. It would be much easier if you bought it from a Nissan dealer, that way you could seek goodwill assistance. If you didn't it gets messy. You're not alone; the Murano does have diff problems. If you want to pursue Nissan you should contact the Nissan Customer Service Centre on 1800 035 035.

Worn injectors are a possibility. I would take it to a diesel mechanic and have it checked.

The batteries fitted to all cars today are borderline in capacity; the motoring clubs do a great business in selling batteries through their roadside assistance services. I would go to a reputable specialist battery retailer and buy a good brand of battery and not a generic brand.