OBDII, the Cat system and big $$$$

[omgb]

My Cat system went out at 87K. of course, I had an extended warranty so I'm OK right? Nope, not covered. Never fear, I go online to look for parts. Lots of great prices. Looks like I can buy both cats and the exhaust collector assembly for under $900. But wait, these are not CA legal. OK, so I'll get CA legal parts. Oops, only the dealer sells those and he wants, gulp, over $1800 for all three parts plus $400 for installation. I bite the bullet and pay out over $2100 for the repair. In the mean time, I find two failed motor mounts, a cracked manifold and two leaking axle seals. All fortunately were covered by the warranty. All of this came to another $1900 all but $50 of which was part of the warranty. I think maybe it's time to buy another car. The salesman insisted he could get me into a new Murano and I insisted not a damn chance in he$$. The wife wanted a check ride in an 09 though so off we went. Less than a mile out, the check engine light comes on and I politely but firmly terminate the ride.

When my Murano is running well I love it. However, the reliability has been poor and the cost to repair pretty steep. I seriously doubt I'll ever buy another Nissan. My big fear is that the transmission will let go without warning before I hit 110K miles. That would be over the top costly.