Considering 2016 Rogue---but concerned with CVT?

[flames9]

Howdy all, hope everyone is off to a great 2016. Sold both our vehicles recently, a 2011 CRV and a 2012 Tucson. Enjoyed them both and had zero real issues with both, which was nice. Not going with a 2016 CRV as the 2015 model has had some Vibration issues and not sure the solution Honda has out out is a long-term solution. Am considering the 2016 Tucson as we really love its style and comfort. I have selected the Subaru outback 2.5i as my vehicle and will be purchasing that soon.

We test drove a lot of vehicles and were impressed on how they all seemed to improve since the last time we test drove vehicles--Nov 2010--especially the Rogue. We hated the Rogue then, found it to be very boring ride, rough, and after a few minute test drive, back to the dealer we went. So very surprised when we test drove it a few weeks back and wow, we really enjoyed it, and wife loved it...which is a good thing as it would be her vehicle.

Yes, I do have a question,lol I have heard on various forums that Nissan has and keeps having issues with their CVT....and yes I know all vehicles have issues, but how much of a concern is this on the 2016 model? Are their other issues to be concerned about? As mentioned my wife loves the Tucson, but I am concerned that 2016 is the first year of a major model change, new engine and the new dual clutch, and I prefer to stay away from buying that type of situation, let them work out the kinks. Any info on the 2016 Fully Loaded Rogue is greatly appreciated. ty

[Rogue One]

The "major model change" was 2014, not 2016.

This forum has a search function and using it you will find numerous posts related to the CVT in the 1st generation Rogue. I will say the 2nd gen CVT in the 2014-2016 models is a big improvement over the 1st gen and I had no qualms buying a 2015 Rogue, however read the posts and make your own decision. Maybe you can use your concern about the CVT to get the dealer to make a sweet deal on an extended warranty. They sound anxious to deal on the 2015 models. As far as blind spot warning goes, I like it in my Rogue, but it's not perfect. When changing lanes I check the blind spot indicator, and even if its off, I still do the standard check of the rear view and driver's side mirror. Welcome to the forum.

Rogue in cold weather

2015 Rogue engine RPM (vibration/resonance...)

CHATROOM: Towing

2014 Rogue CVT - how it differs from 1st gen Rogue CVT

Rogue 2015 - Potential Buyer - Power and Vibration

[lou from ny]

phjake,

I own the '09 and a '15 rogue. Never a problem with the 09, so far the 15 is just fine. Comparing the two I have to say while I like the older one, the new one is far nicer. Slightly larger, tech package, moon-roof, heated seats and mirrors all the goodies, the ride is smooth. When I stomp on the gas the cars do not slam you back into the seat like an old hot rod, the acceleration is smooth and steady. It does take some getting used to, but it's nice once you do. While it's not a race car, it can get out of it's way despite being a little 4 cylinder.

Any specific questions, feel free to ask. FWIW, my wife loves the cars too!

[followingnfront]

OP, its interesting that you say the 2010 Rogue was a boring ride when compared to the new one... My 2012 was much sportier feeling than the 2015... But the 2015 is much more comfy...

Either way, the cvt isnt an issue...

[phjake]

OP, its interesting that you say the 2010 Rogue was a boring ride when compared to the new one... My 2012 was much sportier feeling than the 2015... But the 2015 is much more comfy...

Either way, the cvt isnt an issue...

Totally agree the 2015 is much more comfy and upscale compared to it's competitors. No vehicle can be all things to all drivers, and Nissan has chosen comfort, and upscale interior, over "exciting" to drive and the Rogue's power is plenty sufficient for a family SUV. Their Premium package with a MSRP of $1590 was a fantastic bargain for what you got on our Rogue SV. Oh, and yes, the CVT is NOT an issue.

[lou from ny]

sorry all, I meant top reply to flames9. I also see a typo. I meant to originally say I had an 09 but I cleared that next sentence....how do I edit my posts?

[flames9]

I cant exactly recall the 2011 Rogue test ride.....I recall the interior (to us) being rather bland and we were not impressed with the "ride" Felt our 2011 EX-L drove the best of them all.....this time around the CRV was near the bottom.

We really enjoyed the Rogue...not expecting to race with it,lol so comfort and reliability is at the top of our lists. On various forums and on here, I see Nissan has had CVT issues....more so I think with the previous design.....so do you all feel Nissan has satisfactorily fixed the CVT issues? Just bought my Outback tonight, so my car is done with....just need 1 for the better half!! Think it is between the 2016 Tucson Limited AWD with Ultimate pkg, and the fully loaded Rogue AWD. Tucson handles very nice...love the ventilated seats,lol but its the 1st year of a major body/engine change.....When we get back to the DC area will have to test drive the Rogue and Tucson again. TY for the feedback

[followingnfront]

When I say sporty, I mean handling... The 1st gen Rogue handled notably sportier than the 2nd gen... I dont mean acceleration or power... But since you brought it up... The 2nd gen feels quicker, although just slightly and still slow... But upgrades with the CVT removed some of the parasitic loss so it feels more refined.

Again... The CVT is a non issue. My 2012 never had a problem... 3 years newer of a vehicle, and I expect it to be better than the 12 (in theory because again, the 12 never had a trans issue)

[flames9]

I guess the 2011 ride was a firmer ride.....which to me does not equal sportier,lol but blown away with the comfort/smoothness of the 2016....loved the panaromic roof..how the rear cargo area could be changed.....And it appears one can get a fully loaded 2016 for under $30,000 (before taxes) where the fully loaded Tucson is going to be around $32000

[followingnfront]

The ride was firmer, but the handling was sportier regardless. The steering was quicker to respond, and the dimenisons were different. I did a lot of things in the 2012 that people shouldnt and normally dont try to do in an suv/crossover... The 2015 is much more tame and lazy around corners. Its like the older, more mature, but slightly arthritic and borderline obese version of its younger self (the 1st gen).

Again, the 2nd gen is more comfy and refined... But my initial comment was about the fact that you said the 1st gen was more boring to drive.

[flames9]

None of the vehicles in this class are truly thrilling to drive,lol Then again, thats not what were looking for. But Yes, we found the 2011 very boring, but that is us and everyone's opinion differs

[followingnfront]

As far as choosing between the Rogue and the Hyundai, that is a tough one for me...

If you plan on keeping the car for a while, I'd say its a toss up... The reason I say that is because, my personal experience with Nissan of late is that after a couple years, the initial seemingly high/decent quality doesn't hold up as well as I'd like.

That's not to say it will break down on you, but it just doesn't seem to hold up as well in general areas as I'd like my cars to.

But on the flipside, I try to avoid 1st (and usually even second) model years of new generations of vehicles. They usually have bugs that need to be worked out that are usually worked out (depending on the manufacturer) in or after the second year.

So its either get the more engaging vehicle (Hyundai) and deal with any bugs that come up as they occur, or get the Nissan that probably won't have many bugs, but may start to feel old after a few years because your brakes may start to pulsate, or you may hear rattles, or your electric steering may clunk or click, or... or... or.....

I've got 8 months and 10k miles on my 2015, and my steering wheel has a slight clunk and my brake pedal slightly squeaks, and when I turn the car off, there is a rotating squeaking sound that slowly comes to a stop in the engine bay (I guess its a belt or fan or something).... Also, sometimes it doesn't recognize that the key is in the car so it doesn't start right away, and it doesn't unlock all the time with the key in my pocket. There are other annoyances too.

So yeah, you'll have to deal with a bunch of little quality irks that you most likely won't get from a Honda... Not sure about Hyundai.

I know I drove my 06 Honda Accord V6 like a race car for 70k miles and it held up pretty well to my abuse. In contrast I drive my 15 Rogue like a sedated grandma and while it is "holding up", there are things that aren't even wear items that annoy me about it because they shouldn't be making noise... Especially so early.

[followingnfront]

None of the vehicles in this class are truly thrilling to drive,lol Then again, thats not what were looking for. But Yes, we found the 2011 very boring, but that is us and everyone's opinion differs

You feel the 2015/2016 handles and steers more precise and sportier? I'd say test drive them back to back to check again...

I feel like I'm driving a Town Car when I drive the 2nd gen Rogue. It is extremely boring to drive.

Also, the CX5 is said to be very sporty and exciting to drive... The Forester is very sure footed, and the Escape is fun to drive as well, but I wouldn't go Ford....

I'd honestly say, check out a Forester... Because full time AWD, and a tried and true reliability and durability/dependability makes it a much better long term contender than a Rogue or Hyundai in my opinion.

If I could do it again, I'd go with the Forester.

[flames9]

Drove a forester, and she liked it, but was not love.....I bought the 2016 Subaru Outback for myself...pick up next week...I tried to get her to buy a Outback our a Forester, but no luck. Even the Crosstrek was nice and she liked the ride, but it had no power rear gate (she is 5ft, so a pain to jump up,lol) and no blind side detection....

The CX-5 was a nice driving car and maybe the peppiest of the bunch, but it did not have a Power-rear gate and a few other options were missing.....The interior finish just felt lacking to us

Drove the Rogue again today and she liked the ride and handling. We manage to find salesman that have no clue about the vehicle! This happened at the 1st Subaru dealer...his excuse was that he had only been selling Subaru's for 3 months.....today the Nissan salesman didnt give any excuses, he just did not know anything.....does it have blind side detection??? His reply--not going to say yes or no, will sit down with the manager and go over the car!! Odd reply,lol Nice guy though..stayed very quiet, which I like....but stayed quiet even when you asked him a question,lol Wife has some decisions to make, I think Tucson may still be in the lead.....

[followingnfront]

I like the Outback as well. Id get the V6 personally. Is that the one you got?

Btw I always know more about cars than salesman. I always correct them because it seems they never take the time to really get to know the vehicles.

[flames9]

No ,just the 2.5i...Wife gave me permission to get the 3.6....but in my old age and in DC traffic, not something I would really benefit from..lol gas MPG means more...and I can use the savings for something else''like hockey goaltender equipment,lol Of course that will not be how she sees things,lol

I am amazed--well disappointed they don't know more. We did run across some very knowledgeable ones..too bad they were not selling cars we liked. I feel no loyalty to a clueless sales person. For the most part will go with the best deal, but if offers are close, will deal with the guy/gal that truly helped us out.

[followingnfront]

IMO there is no room for "loyalty" when buying/leasing a car. My family got our last 8 or so cars from this one Nissan dealership and I feel like I got a little hosed on my 2015 Rogue.

Be cut throat, and get it as low as possible. If after that, you feel like you got a good deal and the salesperson really helped you out, give him $200 cash and be done with it. That's more than he will make on that one car if you get it below invoice anyway.

Just remember what I said though... Once the Rogue gets some miles on it, it will show... I baby the hell out of mine and park it in a garage. No reason for the key fobs to not be recognized by the car sometimes, and no reason for a steering clunk.

[followingnfront]

My dad's '13 Maxima has a steering clunk too and it is worse than mine... And he only has about 15k miles on it

[flames9]

What i try and do to a salesman that has worked well for us....give him the last chance to match the price I am happy with...

Thanks to forums, 1 can get an idea on what 1 can expect to pay....

[flames9]

Not that anyone cares,lol but we ended up going with a 2016 Subaru Forester, Touring trim for my wifes car! Sort of had everything we wanted and for some strange reason, have a lot of confidence in the Subaru brand. So in like a 2 week period have gone from never even sitting in a Subaru....to owning a 2016 Outback and a Forester. I wish everyone the best with their Rogues, as they are a sharp looking vehicle and handle beautifully.

[Rogue One]

2016 Subaru Forester with Lineartronic CVT. Subaru's CVT'S are made by Aisin Seiki, a subsidiary of Toyota.

[followingnfront]

Not that anyone cares,lol but we ended up going with a 2016 Subaru Forester, Touring trim for my wifes car! Sort of had everything we wanted and for some strange reason, have a lot of confidence in the Subaru brand. So in like a 2 week period have gone from never even sitting in a Subaru....to owning a 2016 Outback and a Forester. I wish everyone the best with their Rogues, as they are a sharp looking vehicle and handle beautifully.

Good for you and your wife. In my opinion it is a better decision than the Rogue.

And for the last time lol, the Rogue looks sharp but handles like a town car.

[flames9]

Nothing wrong with handling like a town car,lo ...we quite enjoyed the ride of the Rogue

[followingnfront]

Ride and handling are two different things. Smooth ride is good... Imprecise handling isn't.

You got a better vehicle anyway.