My 2001 QX4 has 53K miles on it, warranty runs out at 60K.Does anyone recommend an extended warranty?? I'm leaning towards the fact that I have had no major problems at all with it, and would be better off paying for something that came up at the time instead of getting the warranty. The best deal I'm being offered for an extended warranty is around $2,000 for an additional 4 Years/40K-50K miles.
Also...I regularly take my QX4 to the dealership for oil changes but figured it was time to do it myself at least once. I'm somewhat handy so i am not afraid to try it, and have good directions.I just want to know if anyone seriously recommends a certain brand of synthetic oil, and what the best oil filter brand is, if there is such a thing as the best or better brand.
THANKS!
HELP: Extended Warranty & Oil Change products
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cbcrippler
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Mon Apr 12, 2004 11:21 am
Hi, here are my suggestions:1) Switch to Mobil 1 Oil. Have only heard good things. I suggest you go to Walmart Supercenter and have them do it. You can pick your oil and it's the cheapest place I know. It should be around $30, I got it done at the dealership and they charged me close to $50. Syn is expensive, but it's the blood of your car so might as well go for the good stuff.
2) Go to a mechanic you trust and have them flush out your transmition oil and refill it with Mobil 1 tranmission oil.
3) Don't get a warranty, I own a 1998 QX4 and just bought a 2001 QX4, these are very solid cars. 0 problems for either. Only costly repair I see in the future is the transmission, that's why I suggest protecting it. But that shouldn't be for a long time because Nissan makes one of the best transmissions (in my opinion) out there in terms of reliability.
4) Do all the recommended checkups at the dealership, it's costly, but they do know their stuff. Plus, if you decide to sell, you will have all the records of the checkups (they can print it out if you ask them).
5) Make sure you put in a fuel system cleaner at every oil change, I found this very beneficial (gaining a lost mile per gallon over the years, maybe a little more).
People might have other suggestions, so do what you think is best.
2) Go to a mechanic you trust and have them flush out your transmition oil and refill it with Mobil 1 tranmission oil.
3) Don't get a warranty, I own a 1998 QX4 and just bought a 2001 QX4, these are very solid cars. 0 problems for either. Only costly repair I see in the future is the transmission, that's why I suggest protecting it. But that shouldn't be for a long time because Nissan makes one of the best transmissions (in my opinion) out there in terms of reliability.
4) Do all the recommended checkups at the dealership, it's costly, but they do know their stuff. Plus, if you decide to sell, you will have all the records of the checkups (they can print it out if you ask them).
5) Make sure you put in a fuel system cleaner at every oil change, I found this very beneficial (gaining a lost mile per gallon over the years, maybe a little more).
People might have other suggestions, so do what you think is best.
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cbcrippler
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Mon Apr 12, 2004 11:21 am
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cbcrippler
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Mon Apr 12, 2004 11:21 am
thanks Chedman, NISTECH got back to me about the PCV valve question.
Since I am starting to learn how to do some of this stuff myself, I now find it really strange that I have never been asked what oil to put in the vehicle, synthetic, blend, or whatever. If I were to switch, which I think i will, should I switch to a blend for about a year before going to full synthetic?
Since I am starting to learn how to do some of this stuff myself, I now find it really strange that I have never been asked what oil to put in the vehicle, synthetic, blend, or whatever. If I were to switch, which I think i will, should I switch to a blend for about a year before going to full synthetic?
No, switch to Full Synthetic ASAP. Especially your motor oil.
Convential oil is larger than synthetic. If you have holes from wear, you might experience a MINOR oil leak when switching to synthetic. This would be rare for a car with only 53k miles, especially if you have kept your car in good shape (oil changes, etc...).
I just bought a 2001 QX4 (1 QX4 wasn't enough for me, I love these SUVs) with around 40k miles on it and switch it to Valvoline Synthetic (only because I got it free through some mail in rebate, I'm going to get Mobil 1 next).
I have driven from Chicago to Texas and back and no leaks whatsoever. People say after maybe 70k, don't switch. It all depends on the condition of your car. Either way I see it, if you get a "little" leakage, you're better off with synthetic because synthetic doesn't break down like convential. Technology is awesome and it is the best stuff you can put in your car (Mobil 1).
Protecting your engine is #1 besides saftey (that's why I buy SUV's, yeah I could have bought a Volvo....).
*people might have their own opinions, but the above information is the best of my knowledge.*
Convential oil is larger than synthetic. If you have holes from wear, you might experience a MINOR oil leak when switching to synthetic. This would be rare for a car with only 53k miles, especially if you have kept your car in good shape (oil changes, etc...).
I just bought a 2001 QX4 (1 QX4 wasn't enough for me, I love these SUVs) with around 40k miles on it and switch it to Valvoline Synthetic (only because I got it free through some mail in rebate, I'm going to get Mobil 1 next).
I have driven from Chicago to Texas and back and no leaks whatsoever. People say after maybe 70k, don't switch. It all depends on the condition of your car. Either way I see it, if you get a "little" leakage, you're better off with synthetic because synthetic doesn't break down like convential. Technology is awesome and it is the best stuff you can put in your car (Mobil 1).
Protecting your engine is #1 besides saftey (that's why I buy SUV's, yeah I could have bought a Volvo....).
*people might have their own opinions, but the above information is the best of my knowledge.*
No argument on the Mobil1 switch, it's the good stuff.
Mobil 1 is good stuff. It is more expensive, but there is no question if it works better. Changing the oil on a Path/QX4 is pretty easy to do if I remember correctly.
The only argument on the extended warranty I can bring up is, "What if?". Even if you only have to use it once will it pay itself off?
I have personally seen them come in very handy at times.
Also remember if you are buying your extened warranty through a dealer they can usually be negotiated down a little. Make sure you know who the warranty is through and check the fine print. Also there is a distinct difference between extended Bumper->bumper and powertrain warranties.
The only argument on the extended warranty I can bring up is, "What if?". Even if you only have to use it once will it pay itself off?
I have personally seen them come in very handy at times.
Also remember if you are buying your extened warranty through a dealer they can usually be negotiated down a little. Make sure you know who the warranty is through and check the fine print. Also there is a distinct difference between extended Bumper->bumper and powertrain warranties.