Greetings,

I am interested in a '12 Max SV (no packages) and have some questions if you don't mind:
1. Does it come with a spare tire?
2. Timing belt or chain?
3. Typical annual maintenance?
4. Major maintenance items?
5. Upgrade base stereo (esp. HD radio addition)?
6. Anything to look out for (ie known problems)?
Thanks in advance

 

1. yes
2. VQ=timing CHAIN
3. depends on "typical"...check kbb
4. nothing on that new of a car...
5. yes on upgarde, no on HD radio iirc
6. CVT issues on older ones if fluid not changed often (not the 12 though), rocking driver's seat sometimes...not too often though

 

On item 3, unlike many other cars, the Maxima has no oil condition monitor so, unless you drive short trips or in cold weather or a lot of stop and go or tow, oil changes are at 7500 miles at which time you should rotate your tires. I use synthetic and go 7500 miles regardless.

item 4 change brake fluid at 30,000 miles and CVT oil change is at 60,000 miles. Engine coolant and spark plugs at 105,000 miles. other than that just change air filter and cabin filter at normal intervals.

This covers everything, there is nothing else

 

The dealership tells me every 4.5 k for oil

 

I get my oil changed and rotate my tires every 5,000 miles. Easy to remember. Just imo.

 

The dealer is more interested in making money off you just like the quick oil change places that say 3000 miles based on old engine oil characteristics. I do not drive in extreme conditions and my engine oil monitors in 2 other cars easily go to 7500 miles before they indicate the requirement for oil changes.

Todays oils which are grade SM are of much higher quality than a decade ago SG oil grade and their better additives are more resistant to oxidation, sludge build-up etc.

These engine oil monitors are really very good predictors of oil life. They monitor speed, temperature and load and do a good job of predicting oil breakdown.

You need to read the owner's manual and determine if you require a type 1 or 2 service and draw your own conclusions instead of taking a dealers final biased word for it.