Nissan troubles

[lutach]

Friend of mine has a Nissan Quest and it was having some issues. One of which happened in the Holland Tunnel going to NYC, the vehicle just shut down. It got started again. A few days later, we were going to his brother's house and the vehicle started fine, but a few seconds later it just died. He waited a little and it started fine. His Quest is also out of warranty, so he just took it to his mechanic and only had to pay $200. Funny thing about the problem is that the mechanic already knew exactly what it was. Nissan would've probably charged him a couple grand for the same job. Reason I say that is the fact he had a previous problem and that was how much Nissan was charging and his mechanic only charged him less then $200 to get that previous problem fixed.

[ClodMaxx]

i've had my 350z ('04) for about a year and a half now with no problems, but i have read on the z forum i belong to that there are quite a few problems with nissan corporate for warranty issues.

if it's an issue of safety, like yours, i'd definitely contact a lawyer. you might even be able to find a class action suit to become a part of.

[JThiessen]

Ok, so here's my take on it.

1) The issue is on an out of warranty vehicle. Nissan is not obligated to pay for anything that is not on a Saftey Recall. If you want coverage on items for an out of warranty vehicle, buy an extended warranty. Not meaning to be harsh here, but it is the consumers only protection.
2) Safety recalls are mandated by the NHTSA, not Nissan.
3) If at some point there are enough reports of this failure, and there is a recall on it, you can recoupe your costs on it at that time. Save your paperwork, even if you sell the vehicle.
4) This is an example of why picking a dealership is important, not just based on who gives me the lowest price, but also which one is going to go to bat for me.

Here's an example: Dodge Diesel trucks are known among enthusiasts to wear out the steering box assembly due to the weight of the motor, and a steering system that was designed for a gas motor. Dodge has a service bulletin out on it, and has for many years. The steering box on my 03 went out at 40K. Had it replaced, out of warranty, and I was going to pay full price (about 1400 or so). When I showed up to get it, the service manager told me I only owed for half the cost - he contacted Chrysler, and went to bat for me on the bill. I walked out happy with the dealership, and not so happy with Dodge. But I had learned a lesson. Unfortunately, this dealership was one of the ones that was closed last year, and the new one I've gone to is not near as good.

I feel for you, and know how frustrating this experience is. But left your emotions settle down before you decide to jettison the Nissan into the next county. Every time you buy a car, you loose money.