Moderator: volvite
Oh, maybe I should (forgot to mention) the Check Engine Light has been on/off since 225k for Catalytic Converter. Everytime we go on a long road trip, it goes off for several weeks. Comes on/off again. We're always traveling in this thing so it has not been an issue. However, this last trip, it stayed on and now I'm thinking it's time to replace them. But I'm going to replace all the O2's first and see if it helps... lol ☺NISS05LE wrote:Hello everyone, I have not logged in here in a long time, sorry.
I'm a proud original owner of a fully loaded 2005 model, purchased off the trailer on Oct 2004 from first delivery to dealer. I have 260k miles on this baby. Still runs strong, towing a pop-up trailer, over 3500 lbs. to date. I'll list the high's and lows, overall it's been an amazing workhorse. LOF serviced every 6-7k mile intervals.
Upgrades:
Full Synthetic Oil Changes from day one. Mobil 1 (10w30)
Bilstein Strut/Shocks.
AirLift bags in rear coils.
Always replaced with good tires (General, Continental, Toyo, etc)
Always replaced front & rear rotors with new pads (Centric Premium)
Lows:
At 65k, had a stalling issue that was covered under extended warranty, took it to dealer 3 times for the same issue until it was resolved. After replacing the ECU & Throttle Body - issue was a faulty temp sensor.
At 195k, the rear DVD gave out, no longer playing video. I replaced it with a used one from LKQ - it also stopped playing at about 250k. I have not replaced it again.
Sometime in between, the rear glass hinges (right side) came loose, the pins bent so I have to push to side and close the rear glass door.
Also, the A/C temp stopped working between 65-75 degrees, It was either cold or hot, no in between setting. I didn't mind it, left it alone since. I've recharged the A/C once a year for maintenance.
At 230k, from one day to the next, the engine would start and shut off after 10-15 seconds. Kept trying and pulled a U1000 fault code, then it would not even crank. Towed it into my shop, diagnosed bad TCU (Transmission Control module) Dealer wanted over $1k for a replacement. I figured, with 230k on the original trans, I'd look into a used one since I was not sure if I'd keep it much longer. Found a used one off an Xterra for $1400 and installed it. Been running ever since.
At this time, I also replaced the original radiator, heater hose assembly, heater valve and flushed coolant fluid.
Highs
Low maintenance.
Dependable, other than the 65k mile issue, never left us stranded.
Can pull/tow amazingly well.
No chassis noise.
Still running strong.
Every year, we go somewhere out of state, I'm from Southern CA. It's been up North to Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, on multiple trips. I drove this vehicle to Colorado/Utah last year on a 2800 mile road trip. We've been fortunate to visit many state parks numerous times in the West, lots of memories.
I wish Nissan still made this on a frame body, I'd buy another but it's now getting older and worn looking. Time to upgrade size too since kids are getting bigger. We'll see how much longer it'll go for, we're keeping it till the end. Maybe do a VQ swap into an older Datsun later with this drivetrain, lol.
Thats always a worry eh, don't forget the commentary is always disproportionate in leaning towards problems.Clay350 wrote:Thats all good to hear. I was starting to think I bought the wrong vehicle.