I purchased a 2004 Maxima SL at the end of July. I just realized that I have been driving in 3rd gear. The position for 3rd gear and Drive are the same with 3rd to the left and Drive to the right.

Does anyone know if I could have damaged anything? I feel like such an idiot and am embarrassed to ask the service department. Thanks for your advise.

 

ive done that before...you can peel out crazy style in 3rd !!

 

You caused no damage. You just did not get into over-drive.

 

Aside from getting poor mileage, i doubt you did any damage.

I stay at 3 whenever i'm in city traffic.

 

I keep mine in 3rd when I want that oomph on the freeway (and I'm driving slower than 100 mph). Then again, I have 5 gears. How fast have you been driving it? I don't know the SL gear ratios, but considering your 4th gear should run you to 140 mph, your 3rd gear most likely isn't close to redlining at reasonable speeds. So yeah, poor gas mileage, but unless you're driving it fast, you should be okay.