Hello all, I have the opportunity to purchase a 2010 Maxima 3.5 SV w/ sports package from a 2nd owner, w/ less than 70k miles. In extremely nice condition. I can pick it up for $9K. That MAY be a little high but considering today’s used car market, I don’t think it’s too bad, especially considering the condition.

My question is, how fearful should I be of the CVT transmission? I plan on this being a commuter car that will see about 25k, mostly highway, miles a year moving forward. Also, and are there any other real issues to be weary of?

Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
rd24601

 

It is really hard to say. We have seen CVTs give up the ghost in 45K Miles and then again mine has over 455,000 miles. It is really more about how the car was cared for and driven. With this coming from a second owner...who knows! My father in-law was great at keeping his cars immaculate from a perspective of not a speck of dirt anywhere on the outside or in the passenger compartment, but he always neglected the part under the hood. If I would be considering buying one of his cars, it would be a quick pass.

I have found my 09 to be a very good companion. It still doesn't consume oil and the tail pipes are clean. The only thing is (and I am quite sure most modern cars have the same issue) is that you don't have a lot of room to work inside the engine compartment so tasks that would take me 30 mins on my old 67 chevy take two or three hours to fix on my Maxima. Granted, I like to work on my car, but there are some things I farm out like the AC compressor. And if you ever have to drop the front bumper, good luck getting it back on with those stupid plastic pieces that pull the bumper into the fender. I guess if you are great at standing on one leg, while juggling and brushing your teeth, it may be much simpler!

Just know you are buying someone else's car and the issues they had will become yours. I think I speak for most of us that you should get a trusted mechanic to scope it out before purchase so you can make an informed decision.

 

Thank you LtLeary for the insight. I realize any used car purchase is a gamble.

I do know the second owner to be meticulous about maintenance but the first, who put probably 50k of those 70k miles on the car, I’d have no clue. I’d certainly have the car looked at but is there any inspection for the CVT that might yield insight as to it’s condition?

I’ve just heard such horror stories about the Nissan CVT in particular that I’m just cautious. It may push me away from this car.

Thanks again!

 

It is only a horror story if you lived it!

First off, look at the color of the "transmission fluid" on the dipstick. If the previous owner took care, they would have done at least a drain and fill and replaced the filter. The fluid should be a translucent green. But, just because it isn't doesn't mean it spells disaster, maybe the previous owner didn't feel it necessary to replace the filter and drain and fill the cvt. The only good way (and nothing is sure-fired) is to drop the pan in the CVT and see if there are any "chunks" of belt and metal down there. If so, bad. Run away. Very small talcum powder like particles on the magnets is fine.

That, is all you can really tell without a full teardown. It doesn't mean the valve body is good, or that the belt won't let go tomorrow, but is a pretty good way to tell. I would probably give it a passing grade after a drive cycle, no codes, and clean pan.

 

I have 165k on my 2010, got it used in 2012 at 56k, tranny died at 66. I LOVE the car and used cvts are relatively pretty cheap. If mine ever goes out again I will just replace the cvt and keep it as long as I can. In todays market that price seems really good with that low of miles.

 

Thanks everyone so much. This advice is what I was looking for.

 

Drain and fill the CVT and replace filter.