Nissan Problems

MY CHOICE would be the X-Trail, but there's not a lot to choose between the two. I would expect a dealer would offer you about $6000 on a trade-in for your Vectra assuming its in good sound condition. The kilometres are about average, so it seems like a car in the sort of condition you would expect for its age.

NISSAN specialist Jerry Newman says that, though Nissan doesn't include a transmission service in its service schedule, he would recommend having it done at about the mileage of your cars. The Maxima doesn't use synthetic transmission oil, so it's not a long-life oil, and oils do become contaminated with use over time.

I CAN'T give you a definitive answer, but I can tell you Nissan is so concerned about all the negative publicity it has received over the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that it has agreed to sit down with Carsguide and give us a rundown on the problem so we can, hopefully, give you the answer you want. Stay tuned.

BAD news, I'm afraid. It's almost certain that the engine being over-revved has caused the problem. That doesn't mean that you have revved it hard through the gears. It's more likely because of a missed gear when shifting down through them. It's possible that a lower gear than the one you intended to select has been selected and the engine has momentarily over-revved as a result. It doesn't take much to bend a valve.

THE Nissan letter we received was referring specifically to the engine failures, not to a lack of performance you refer to, though there may well be an issue with the performance of the ZD30 engine, as you suggest.

THE meeting didn't happen, but Nissan corporate affairs manager Jeff Fisher sent me a letter that may ease your mind. I quote: "We acknowledge that we have received the occasional call relating to ZD30 diesel engines and that each received prompt attention from our customer service representatives in conjunction with the Nissan dealer network. "In each identified instance, where we have seen some form of product defect, Nissan has worked to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the owner according to the terms of the Nissan new car warranty (three years, 100,000km). "In that context, Nissan also maintains a pro-active support to owners of vehicles during ownership periods beyond the standard factory warranty. "The circumstances surrounding product comments, (such as those made by your readers) in our experience, usually involve older vehicles (often second and third owners, out of warranty and often with high mileage and unknown usage patterns). "We encourage owners to maintain their vehicle in partnership with manufacturer's guidelines and its dealer network. "This is especially in the knowledge that advanced diesel engine technology can be vulnerable to failure should it be subject to misuse or neglect. "Alternatively, we are quite prepared to discuss technical and operational details directly with customers, owning either new or older Nissan products, before and during their period of ownership. "Our national Customer Service Centre number is 1800 035 035. "I hope this has illustrated how we deliver prompt and results-based outcomes with our customers in attending to specific product matters as they may arise.'' Unfortunately the letter doesn't indicate that the problem, which has been acknowledged in the letter as existing in older models, has been fixed. If you have any doubts, take up the offer to phone Nissan.

THE 3.0-litre turbodiesel is notorious for burning pistons. It usually happens to No.4 piston first, but you seem to have all at the same time. It is not acceptable and Nissan hasn't handled the problem well at all. The best thing to do is approach Nissan and ask for compensation. The most likely offer you will get is to cover the cost of parts to rebuild your engine, leaving you to pay for labour.

IT CERTAINLY sounds as though you have a problem. I got better consumption than that out of the V6 petrol (12 litres for 100km) the last time I drove a D40. Like you, I doubt the economy will improve as the dealer claims. Go back to him and have it thoroughly checked -- the filters, fuel pressure etc.

THERE were problems with the GU Patrol when it was first launched, but Nissan claims to have fixed them by using a new dipstick and an increased oil fill. Any that failed were fixed by Nissan, as you say, and there are still occasionally reports about problems. But the Patrol is now probably at an age and mileage when those that were going to fail have, and they have been rebuilt. For more information, contact the Nissan Customer Assistance people.

I'M GUESSING Nissan covered the cost of the parts and you paid the labour, which is the normal deal with most companies once the warranty expires. Most people accept the offer for the same reason you did -- it's the easiest thing to do.