These motors can take a beating. I had a 97 maxima that had a leaking radiator. So i drove like this for two weeks till i had the mo eyes to replace it. At times it would knock. Ill let her cool off. Once i got where innedid to be then drive again. Mind you this is in the summer time. And yes even though I drove it like that i had to get back and forth to work and take the kids to very important appointments. Once i replaced the radiator she was all good. My dads max went a year without changing the oil on his car. My i30 sat in the garage for 4 years without an oil change. I drive my car anywhere and everywhere. One member here Colombianmaxx had a 4th gen with over 340k miles. Damn thing ran like a charm. So yea we make mistakes glad your car is ok. Lesson learned.

 

There's a guy on here with a 2001 Max (90% the same motor as in the 4th gen)....400K miles on his car AND still counting.

There's a another 3rd gen guy, of course thats with the VG motor, but with 700K miles.

If you take care of your Nissan, it will take care of you.