CHEF KOCH

My trusted local service shop knows my car pretty well from a few services and they are decent people that know their stuff.

Last service he mention CVT fluid was looking a little dark/muddy (not super bad but on it's way)
He said he could do a fluid replace etc for $130 - $180 New Zealand Dollars that is (Maxima is a J31 over here, not A34) which is extremely good compared to my local Nissan Dealer who quoted $300.

Difference is they don't use NS-2 fluid but he guarenteed me it is quality CVT fluid and they do them often. Will show me before they use and everything.

Question is: spend the extra for proper NS-2 Nissan Dealer CVT maintenace or go to my usual and cheaper option?? Opinions?

It has done 176,000KMs (not miles) and is showing no sign of wear / no noises etc

CHEF KOCH

I also am half wondering if I just straight leave it as is until it shows a sign of needing to be done. If it ain't broke don't fix it right?
Lot of horror stories about CVTs being worse after being worked on.

MadMax07SL

Depends on how much longer you want to drive the car. Yeah, fluid swap sometimes exposes a problem, but bottom line the problem is there, it's just being exposed. If I recall the CVT fluid is rated at 60k miles, sooner if driving/fluid conditions require it. You're at almost 110k miles...You missed the first interval. If it was me, I'd have had it done around 55k, or the halfway point of your current mileage. Needless to say, you should be changing that fluid by now.

CHEF KOCH

Good point, problem is there even if you don't know it is.

Took a 3rd option and stopped by local Nissan Dealer - Purchased 4L proper NS-2 fluid for $100 and will change myself this weekend.
Cheapest option + actual proper Nissan fluid, win win

MadMax07SL

I've never done it myself, but I think you need a pan seal to go with, did the dealership parts department mention or provide that?