Nissan's CVT, would you buy it?

[BearZDefect]

I know there are enough stealers out there, I have had poor experiences with Nissan dealers as well as Honda and Toyota. It ranges from snobs, inexperienced techs hired for cheap, rip off attempts, etc.

But how about people who have had very good experiences with their dealers name them for others to know?

Name the great dealers and indicate their location. And if you have time, tell us why they are great with a bit more detail.

 

[CBDFrontier06]

I know this particular entry will benefit very few people, but if I were to list my favorite dealership on the planet, it would be Valley Motor Honda in Sheridan, Wyoming. EVERYONE in that service department knows those cars down to the last bolt, they're all above board, they do great work, and they're extremely friendly and courteous. They genuinely care about the cars and the people who own them. It's a 'family' type operation where anyone is welcome to visit their technician in the service bay...I was actually INVITED to watch as my tech did the valve adjustment on my 86 Civic Si. He explained what he was doing while he worked, explained his view on the advantages of SOHC vs. DOHC (I mentioned to him that I LOVED the new Integra) and was really nice and very professional. He actually seemed glad that I was standing there observing. Every trip there was a phenomenal service experience.

I have yet to experience this level of service since I left Wyoming...and I've owned 9 cars since my last of 2 Civics in 1992. I guess there really are some things you can only find in small towns. Valley Motor Honda has been an institution in Sheridan for many years and I'm glad I got to see why.

 

[vlado11]

The CVTs of the Altima/max absolutely amazed me especially in manual mode where there are 6 fixed ratios to choose from. They seemed to shift soo fast and soo smooth I couldn't beleive it. Shifts were much faster than my dads CLS55's AMG with 7-speed auto in sport manual mode (there is sport, comfort and economy mode)and I know I'm comparing apples and oranges here, but shifts were soo instant... I was shocked. And in manual mode I didn't feel any "slipping" of the transmission, unlike you feel it in auto (CVT or conventional) where the engine revs and the transmission is trying to catch up. It felt like a standard manual with no clutch lag or jerks in between shifts.

 

[BearZDefect]

Manual mode on a CVT is funny to me. There aren't any fixed gears per se, it is a simulation for those who want to shift. I imagine CVT could appropriately have a sport vs economy mode.

vlado, those 'shifts' were so smooth because it wasn't really shifting gears, it was just changing the CVT ratio in larger steps per your paddle input instead of the smooth gradual mode it usually uses.

I hope Nissan's CVTs turn out well in the long run.

 

[gizzsdad]

Hey Bearz - my son lives in Lexington. His experience w/Glenn Nissan has not been entirely positive.

My dealer is Hummel's in Des Moines, IA. Very attentive, always willing to help improve ownership experience. Will give me a loaner if needed. Has used Nissan's 'Good Will' program to pay for unexpected out of warranty fixes several times.

Mike

 

[Winston]

The CVT in the Maxima is different than most CVTs. It is called an "Extroid" CVT and does not have a chain. It is nearly impossible to describe in words, but it is quite ingenious. The power is actually transmitted through a "traction fluid" whose coef of friction skyrockets under pressure. The metal parts that trasfer power are finely polished and never contact each other, a few molecules of the traction fluid keeps them separated.

A fascinating piece of technology.

There is another company developing a transmission with similar technology, and it does not need a torque converter. They can actually get infinate gear ratios.

Oh and BTW. I have found automatic transmissions to be more reliable and longer lasting that manuals.

Here is a link:
http://www.histomobile.com/histomob/tech/2/90.htm

 

[ekpolk]

Winston:

Thanks for the interesting link. Learn something new every day. Yet another way to do a CVT (that’s basically three that I know of now). Gee, I wonder what’s going to happen when some unwitting garage guy dumps a bunch of good ole Dexron II into one of these. . .

 

[vlado11]

BearZDefect: I already said I was comparing apples and oranges so I do understand that shifting geers in an auto and changing geer ratios in a CVT doesn't work the same way.

Winston: The '07 Maxima/Altima sold in the US does NOT have this "Extroid" CVT, but a Steel Belt operated JATCO one. Go to your local Nissan and get a brochure you'll see.

 

[vlado11]

And I guess I shouldn't say "geer" ratios, but pulley? ratios

 

[BearZDefect]

vlado11, I didn't mean you sounded funny, just that it is funny that the auto makers put a manual mode shifter on a CVT.

gizzsdad, I have heard enough poor experiences about Glenn Nissan that I would never go there for service. I have purchased from their parts counter, however.

 

[unDummy]

http://www.jatco.co.jp/ENGLISH/PRODUCTS/cvt.html

Nissan is using the belt CVT in the Max/Mura/Alti. It is called the xtronic and is not the xtroid.

With the release of the Nissan Murano CVT in 2002, Nissan mentioned that they were committed to the CVT and that ALL vehicles will have it by the end of the decade. I guess they have 3 more years to adapt it to other vehicles.

Concerning the CVT, it is replace and not repair transmission. From what I understand, any Murano, that had issues or customer complaints, recieved a new transmission. Supposedly, Nissan and Jatco have constantly improved and updated this transmission. To stick it in the Altima and Maxima means they have faith in the transmission. Murano was a good heavy/powerful test platform for the CVT. CVT should serve the Max and Alti extremely well.

Concerning long term CVT life, change the fluid more frequently then recommended with the OEM CVT fluid until alternatives are developed.

Since CVT replacement out of warranty is very expensive, the aftermarket has been developing complete rebuild kits. That being said, it is just another automatic that can be serviced by any transmission shop, willing to invest in the service equipment and tech training, once enough are on the road. More vehicles with CVTs leads to more shops servicing CVTs, might actually lead to similar cost to service and repair, when compared to geared automatics.
http://www.altousa.com/np67.pdf
http://www.allomatic.com/pdf/Bull_pdf/2711.pdf

I also don't care to argue in the manual vs auto debate. Just look at the sales statistics. MT are a small niche market segment in some vehicles. Having to crash, emmissions, MPG,... test every powertrain combo is expensive. I would like to see a good 5-6 speed manual standard in every vehicle. But, the consumers don't think like I do. Automatics sell!

Concerning warranty issues, take it to another dealer. Sorry, but I've never had ANY warranty issue denied by ANY automaker. But, sometimes it took a trip to another dealer to repair correctly. This has NOTHING to do with the automaker. This has EVERTHING to do with YOUR dealer and the competence in that dealers shop, starting with YOUR explanation, the service writer, the tech, and the managers. Vent your anti-Nissan issues elsewhere. This is a CVT thread.

 

[Cutehumor]

Nissan CVT thread, who knew?

. I'm never done venting

I would check with your local nissan dealers service manager to see if he is willing to spill on the beans if they are doing alot of warranty repairs on this transmission. maybe you will get the truth out of him.

 

[Winston]

Oops! I am bummed that the extroid is not in the Maxima. From your link, it seems that they cannot fit it into a FWD vehicle. (yet)

 

[benjamming]

Quote:

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Concerning the CVT, it is replace and not repair transmission. From what I understand, any Murano, that had issues or customer complaints, recieved a new transmission.

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This isn't uncommon for a mfg to do is it? This is what Honda does with their transmission warranties as well. However, this in and of itself doesn't mean it's not a repairable transmission does it?

 

[unDummy]

No, its doesn't mean it isn't repairable. Did you no see the links to the rebuild kits? It means that Nissan would rather have Jatco or a contractor rebuild/update the unit as needed, and not trust the level of competence at the dealership. I think that we will be seeing more of this with more components from all the automakers.
Plus, if something fails under warranty, the failed component can be studied by the automaker and its supplier, and hopefully improved.

I'm hoping that the Xtroid will find its way into the truck/suv segment at Nissan.

 

[benjamming]

I meant repairable at the dealer.

 

[Merkava_4]

This is an interesting thread. I was just reading about the CVT Altima earlier today in Consumer Reports. CVT would take some getting use to; I'm so use to feeling that kick in the pants feel of an up-shift. I think if I was driving a CVT, I'd be constantly waiting for it shift; which is not going to happen. It would make for an interesting first time driving experience.

 

[Mokanic]

"Venting" isn't allowed. This is a CVT thread. If you vent please clean it up before you leave...

 

[CBDFrontier06]

Quote:

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This is an interesting thread. I was just reading about the CVT Altima earlier today in Consumer Reports. CVT would take some getting use to; I'm so use to feeling that kick in the pants feel of an up-shift. I think if I was driving a CVT, I'd be constantly waiting for it shift; which is not going to happen. It would make for an interesting first time driving experience.

---

I drove my first Murano in 2004 and even though I knew it was a CVT, the feeling that something was 'wrong' never left me. When you think about it, it seems like a smart idea to have a infinite number of ratios available at any time, but I kept looking at the tachometer with the uneasy feeling that the transmission was slipping. It would take some getting used to for me.

I thought since it wasn't limited to certain ratios around town, it would be pretty fast...but it wasn't. IMO, acceleration from a stoplight in a Murano would be more brisk with a traditional 5-speed auto. Completely different story on the highway. Acceleration between 60mph and 80mph was a neck snapper, but with no shift shock....just smooth, turbine-like thrust.

 

[zippy753]

unDummy, you make some interesting points and you seem to have some good information. I wonder if you, or anyone, knows how to find out if a specific CVT is repairable or not.

I had a 2002 Audi A4 CVT that came out of warranty recently. An independant mechanic told me to get rid of it because that CVT had a sealed, closed design and a replacement would cost $6000 for the part and $8000 for the complete job. My Audi dealer confirmed this to be true.

Now, when looking for another car, I will never consider a CVT again. However, so many cars are being built with this transmission. It would be OK if it were repairable for under $2000 - or even $3000 tops - but there is no way I would ever spend $8000 for that kind of repair on any car.

How can I find out if a specific model's CVT is repairable or not? If I knew that, I would be able to make better purchasing decisions.

Thank you.