CVT Replacement under extended warranty

[soccerfan]

2009 Rogue with 110K on the clock.

My daughter bought this vehicle two years ago over my protests, and I relented
only when I realized that the warranty on the transmission was extended to 120K.

In my household we normally drive vehicles until they roll over on their backs
and stick their tires in the air, several past 200K and a Volvo in particular
that went 250K+. I found it strange that the fluid on this vehicle could only
be done (easily) by the dealer, and that it required a diagnostic to determine
if the fluid needed replacement.

Anyway, daughter drove this thing 25K per year for the last couple of years, and
was reasonably happy with it. No out of the ordinary maintenance requirements,
and outside of the power locks that came and went as they pleased, no issues.
On a short trip here in Texas, she left the vehicle and had her future MIL drive
it back to her. Apparently the transmission went into limp mode, and ended up at
the dealer, who replaced the transmission without squaking. the Dealer recommended
$800 of additional repairs, most of which I have done at a cost of materials only.
Brakes, filters, serpentine belt, etc. A CV boot is also leaking, and I'm finding
a pro to take care of that for us.

Now, she's considering selling the vehicle, now that she realizes that these transmissions
do have issues, and the next $4K replacement is on her dime. The replacement looks
like a crate factory transmission. Replaced too fast to have been rebuilt, and nice
shiny metal under the car. The warranty is 12 mo/ 12K miles. Not impressive.

I'm now sort of encouraging her to keep the vehicle. If the original went 100K, and surely
the replacement is a more robust piece of equipment, shouldn't it (in theory) also
be good for 100K? She is a very frugal person,about to get married, so I'm suggesting driving
it for a couple more years, then consider replacment before she gets anywhere near 100K
on this replacement transmission.

Anyone care to share their history with factory warranty replacements?

[TrevorK]

Barring any improvements or flaws it would be reasonable to conclude that the replacement transmission will last just as long as the original. It would seem illogical that additional flaws be introduced (as Nissan having such a long warranty is an attempt to show confidence in the CVT), therefore, the only reasonable conclusion is that, on average, the replacement CVT will last as long or longer than the original.

That said, you could always get one that beats the average and dies in 10K miles. Or exceeds the averages and goes 150-200K miles.

If it was my vehicle, I would have faith in it lasting the same as the original. And, if your daughter has these questions it would be reasonable to think any future buyer would too, so resale might not be as high as expected (because it sounds like money is tight).

[RogueRiver]

A couple of comments: I have a 03 Honda Civic Hybrid with their CVT transmission. The original quit at about 35K. Honda replaced it immediately, no questions asked. I feared it might only last another 35K, but it now has 113K on it and seems to be running like new (total is 148K). So your daughter might do as well. I have also read one Nissan dealer's mechanic's comments on the Rogue CVT where he says ALL fluids are very critical to long life for the Nissan CVT, especially the engine coolant. If you browse up Rogue transmission I think you'll find his comments which I thought insightful. I bought my 2014 Rogue after reading of the CVT problems people had and I'm hoping I can get the high mileage out of it by being careful about fluids and driving conservatively, which is my wont anyway. I think your advice is sound and if the transmission quits, I'll bet the $4K for a new one is cheaper than any other car she could buy at that time anyway (and it might not have to be that much after shopping around after market).

Good luck Dad & Daughter!