Searching the valley for a decent Jap repair shop somewhat near my end of town, (AZ). Thinkin I found a really good one, Greg's Jap Auto Parts and Service, http://www.gregs.com/ . I have sluggish Maxima syndrome and they seemed very familiar with some of the things my Max is doing. So I set up the appointment for tomorrow, and before I hung up I asked about plugs because it wouldn't surprise me if the previous owner didn't use Premium, he replied shouldn't need plugs and those cars are designed to run on regular unleaded.

Any AZ people or Cali people deal with Greg's before? (have stores in both states)

Thought's on his comment? I'm still taking it there.

Thanks.

 

It is HIGHLY recommended that you put in premium gasoline as said in the manual. Are you going to listen to the manufacturer, or a dumb**** mechanic?

 

That's why I thought this was worth posting, I know it is always brought up. I run Premium regardless, even in my GMC truck. I just wondered if anyone else has ever heard this. And yes, the right mechanic I would trust over the manual, experience is worth way more to me. I have built small block V-8's many of times so I'm not braindead, just not familiar with these motors.

 

Yeah, I use premium and I even hear some light pinging at low RPMs once in a while... but I think I have a vacuum leak I need checked out. (that can make it burn lean & cause pinging AFAIK)

BTW, speaking of plugs, switching to cheaper NGK V-Power copper plugs may reduce pinging a tad, as Platinum plugs tend to run hotter and sometimes increase probability of pinging. Not sure how big of a diff it would be, but it's still something to consider for those who worry about pinging...

 

Not to bash you, but opinions even from experienced mechanics are not necessarily correct - there's no reason he would know vs. Nissan, because he didn't build the engine.

Regarding the light pinging, there was a thread about this a while back, and sure enough: in the manual it says that light pinging may be heard in certain situations, because the engine allows this to maximize mileage...

 

Not to bash you, but opinions even from experienced mechanics are not necessarily correct - there's no reason he would know vs. Nissan, because he didn't build the engine.

Regarding the light pinging, there was a thread about this a while back, and sure enough: in the manual it says that light pinging may be heard in certain situations, because the engine allows this to maximize mileage...

 

I agree, not saying Nissan is giving bad info or doesn't know what they are talking about, and mechanics can be as bad as salesmen. Just trying to find a good shop to get the Max to where it should and he threw me off when he said that.

 

I've never heard of that repair place...

 

Pinnacle Nissan or Greulichs

If you are not gonna do it yourself, then let the experts do it.

 

Pinnacle has a lot of loyal customers but also has a lot complaints on rip-off report/BBB, etc. Not that I use those to make my decision because there are a lot of those complaints that are posted by pain in the **** people that don't know what they are talking about. Greulichs is one of the places I called and are considering, but the guy I talked to turned me off to this particular store.

Y2KSESteve: I was waiting for your reply, who do you recommend for general service that is non-dealer.

 

Greg's is good. They were going to be a client of mine. They are a big chain out of Seattle.

Personally, I only let John (HitmanSE) do work on my car. He works at Gab's Automotive on 32nd St. and Greenway. He won't finish until the job is done right. He also owns a Maxima so he is familiar with them. Plus he is really meticulous and fairly inexpensive also.

 

Thanks asu174, good to have local guys for info, I would be at Gab's in a heartbeat just on that info but a little out of my way. Unless I hear something bad about Greg's that is enough to change my mind I'm gonna go check them out.

 

Yea, take it to John. He's my mechanic, does great work, and in a timely fashion.

 

John is well worth the drive. You will save enough $$ and the problem will get fixed the first time. Plus John is a very, very sexy man.

 

 

I'll wear my best halter top, if I'm ever in the area!

 

A friend of mine with a 4th gen GLE has always used 87 or 89 (we're in CA, top is 91) and never experienced any sort of knocking or pinging for 80k miles. Same friend isn't mechanically inclined and just bought the lower grade fuels because of cost. As soon as he started using 91 from my recommendation, an obvious increase in power was apparent (as should be). This is besides the point, anyone who's max is knocking or pinging simply because of the lower octane really has a problem because these engines are designed to be able to burn lower octane fuels in a slow enough manner as well.

A mechanic friend of mine who owns an MDX (also 91 recommended like all Acuras) only uses 89. His only tank of 91 was when he first bought it. No problems still...

I still use 91 though

 

Put Premium fuel in your car, why take a chance.

 

Ehhh... ... I cant belive you just said that omg dude your nuts
Thanks
As far as as the what grade fuel to use, I personally have used nothing but premium since day 1 in my car, but then again I pamper the hell out of my car (maintenance wise)
How many miles do you have on your car anyway? I cant LEGALLY say anything bad about other places so Ill just stick to my usuall statment of No comment about pinnacle and ect... Just watch out for chain business's thats all I will say.
If you choose for me to check it out, im fine with that and will do whatever I need to help you out, if you take it somewere else thats your call, I cant control what you do. Just let me know a good 5days in advanced were getting really busy.

 

As far as octane.... 02-03s have premium recomended. 00-01 I think premium is recomended. 4th Gen Regular is recomended.

If you're running a stock 4th Gen, you shouldn't run premium. There is no reason it should give you HP. Running Premium is pointless, a waste of money, and not good for the running of your car. It may not harm your engine. However, it can make the car run poorly.

Engines are designed for a particular fuel. Using a different kind should have no benefits. Lower octane can cause detonation. Higher octane has a higher burning temp and if you're engine isn't designed to use it, you're ****ing a bunch out the tailpipe.

 

HitmanSE: 2000 SE Auto 55k

Appreciate your professionalism in your reply.

Car unfortunately is at Greg's now only because of convienience of getting a ride and they seem somewhat decent.(?) I asked them just to change the oil and check it out, before our drive to San Diego on Sunday. If they find anything then I will and always get a second diagnosis. I too am very picky about how my autos run and are maintained, it drives the wife nuts. I will port anything interesting they say and then will probably be callin up HitmanSE.

Thanks fellas.

 

At least on my 2001 20th AE, the manual says premium gas. And no after-market additives.

I'm just glad I can get 93 octane here in GA.