Nissan Problems

Nissan can’t simply throw its hands up and say there’s nothing it can do about it, it has produced a defective product and it must correct it. Keep the pressure up on the dealer and company, consult a radio expert, and consider going to VCAT.

I would expect that they are responsible for any damage that occurs while they have it in their care, whether it's in the workshop or the car park. As long as it happened after you handed the keys over to them and before you took the keys back. Ask to talk to the dealer principal, and if you can't get anywhere with him, seek legal   advice and perhaps send them a solicitor's letter requesting they repay the cost of repairs. It's always a good idea to inspect the car with the service manager before you hand the keys over and check it again before you leave the dealership. That way you've got clear proof when something untoward happens.

No it's not normal for a modern diesel to blow a lot of smoke. It sounds like it's too rich, check the fuel pump.

I'd be inclined to take the advice of your mechanic, but if you are still concerned get the opinion of another mechanic. It should be easy, simply by listening to it, to determine where the noise is coming from, and from that whether it is a timing chain or not.

I have had the odd reports of timing chains breaking, but every time I have checked into the issue I have been told the main reason for the failure is either a lack if servicing or poor servicing. It would appear that Nissan engines are more sensitive than most to having fresh oil running through their galleries and regular oil changes should be carried out religiously to avoid a build up of sludge resulting in blocked oil passages.

It's only necessary on engines that have belts and the Navara engines have chains, so there's no requirement to replace them.

My suspicion is that it is a ploy to squeeze a few more bucks out of you, that's usually the case with these sorts of additional   service recommendations. If you doubt the dealer's advice ask for proof that the service is needed.

Nissan told us that the clutch in your car showed normal, even wear, but the issue of clutch wear is a tricky one. Clutches are not covered by the warranty, which is fair enough given that they do wear out, but I think owners are entitled to expect the clutch to last a reasonable time and distance before requiring replacement. Having worn out in 38,000 km of normal driving without any towing is unacceptable in my view, and something Nissan, and every other carmaker, should be addressing. In this case it's Nissan that is affected, but it happens with other makes and models. Perhaps, given the overwhelming popularity of automatic transmissions, and the diminishing demand for manuals, they simply don't care. Think about having a heavy-duty clutch installed, that way you should get a decent run out of it before you next need to replace the clutch.

It's important here to understand that it is not Nissan advising you have the injectors serviced, it's the dealer. I would be inclined to reject the advice, but if you are concerned about it have the dealer justify the recommendation. Ask to see the damaged parts, get a written report etc.