Reliability of high mileage CVT

*JaTaN* · 10-17-2009, 01:32 AM

Looking to get rid of my 95 Max and upgrade to 5.5 or 6 gen (avoiding 2004 & probably 2005 due to auto tranny problems) and buying a manual is not an option since the rest of my family needs to be able to drive the car

Just looking for input on the CVT trans with high miles -- I found a loaded 07 Max with 103k miles so I figured I rather risk buying a high mileage 07 instead of a 2002/03/06. I read the Maxima threads complaining about the funny feel of the CVT which is fine with me, but I know the early Murano CVTs had problems so not sure if the 07 Max CVT is the same as the early Murano CVT or redesigned

Haven't driven out there to see the car yet, anything particular things to check on an 07?

ddelaud · 10-17-2009, 08:48 AM

ive yet to have any problems. granted mines an 08 with just under 17k. and i havent heard of anyone having trouble.

it is a funny transmission to get used to. because you literally dont ever feel it shift. once you get the hang of it and learn how much pressure to put on your gas pedal it will be perfect. also, it allows you to keep minimal pressure on the gas, thus increasing your gas mileage.

Ryaliu · 10-17-2009, 01:09 PM

I had my 07 for two years now and im at 24k with no problems so far. I wouldnt be surprised if it has tranny problems but thats what my extended warranty is for.

Max Impunity · 10-17-2009, 08:36 PM

I've got a 2007 with 42k miles. No problems yet. Went to have the trans fluid changed and the dealer said it looked brand new. The dealer turned down money... So I'm putting it off another year. 100k plus on a 2007, that's alot of miles. I like the ride, it doesn't take long to get used to. Driving my girls car feels weird, with the shifting.

chipmunkaj · 10-18-2009, 11:57 AM

I have 37xxx on mine and its fine. I've finally figured out that i can get to 50 mph rather quickly while staying below 2k rpm.

*JaTaN* · 10-18-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Impunity

100k plus on a 2007, that's alot of miles.

Yea, its a lot of miles (35k/yr) but they're mostly highway so less wear and tear than city driving. My only concern is that the CVT cant be rebuilt so if the CVT goes then I have to go to the stealership to have a new one put in

I guess I'll stick with looking for an 06

QwikKota · 11-08-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Impunity

I've got a 2007 with 42k miles. No problems yet. Went to have the trans fluid changed and the dealer said it looked brand new. The dealer turned down money... So I'm putting it off another year. 100k plus on a 2007, that's alot of miles. I like the ride, it doesn't take long to get used to. Driving my girls car feels weird, with the shifting.

Looked fine? Does the dealer have photometric eyes or something? You can get the fluid for less than $100 online and its real easy to change. Dealerships charge around $250. There is no filter to change just a mesh screen to clean but its probably fine until 100k, so no need to drop the tranny pan. It is supposed to be done every 30k but I went 45k by accident. Its cheap insurance, cars are expensive, so are tranny rebuilds. Mine "shifted" the same before and after and no issues so far.

07whitey · 11-09-2009, 09:30 AM

i hate the cvt trans it sucks! i brought my 07 to nissan last year three times for a ticking noise with steady throttle at low speeds (roughly 23-33mph) and they couldnt find the prob when i accelerate slowly it feels like im going over a rumble strip on the road when it feels like it shifting from 1st to 2nd.. and it overheats and does not let me downshift when i get on it usually that happens when im driving down the highway for more then an hour this trans sucks im going to nissan today with 74000 miles on my 07 and there takin for test drive cuz nissan extended the warranty to illsee what they got to say now..i don even think they can handle much power im going to push my luck cuz i tryed n02 and got a nitrous backfire so im gonna go rearmount turbo (sts turbos) and possiable a stage 2 heads on manifold from speedforce.. i do like my cvt trans atleast it sure is a **** load more responsive tho shi++y up top

TheSupe87 · 11-09-2009, 10:37 AM

I was going to start looking at 04s and 05s...reading about all these tranny problems, I might as well forget about it. Maybe I need to start looking at 03's.

Hamchan · 11-09-2009, 11:19 AM

Not sure about 07white, but i have NO issues wiht my CVT currently at 35K.
PLUS nissan has just extended the CVT warrenty to 125K i think. there is a thread about it. Farily recent one too

cpufreak3 · 11-09-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSupe87

I was going to start looking at 04s and 05s...reading about all these tranny problems, I might as well forget about it. Maybe I need to start looking at 03's.

Yeah, I'm not sure where you're reading about "all the tranny problems" for CVT?

There are very few complaints, if any, with PROBLEMS (some people don't like no shifting, but that has nothing to do with a problem).

As the above poster said, theres not much to worry about since Nissan extended the warranty.

STARR · 11-10-2009, 09:19 AM

Don't limit yourself because of a handful of people who have had trans problems, many here are happily driving 4/5 speed autos without a hiccup, just find a well maintained car and continue to take care of it.

The plus side of getting a 6.5 gen Maxima is the new 10 year 120k CVT warranty

EVESNAKE1 · 11-10-2009, 02:28 PM

I myself just picked up a 2004 Nissan Maxima SL. Has 85,000 miles and I picked her up for 10 grand OTD which isn't bad at all. The car drives beautifully, shifts smooth, no ticks or odd noises just seems great in and out. (keeping fingers crossed). I'm taking it in this weekend for a transmission flush and spark plug change. Anything else I should have my mechanic look at?

07whitey · 11-10-2009, 06:13 PM

hey don get me wrong i like the cvt i jus hate the fact that it was bad from the begining and nissan couldnt find the prob and you guys are rite there havent been many problems at all and the new warranty is sick but i hate how it messed up

Hamchan · 11-11-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVESNAKE1

I myself just picked up a 2004 Nissan Maxima SL. Has 85,000 miles and I picked her up for 10 grand OTD which isn't bad at all. The car drives beautifully, shifts smooth, no ticks or odd noises just seems great in and out. (keeping fingers crossed). I'm taking it in this weekend for a transmission flush and spark plug change. Anything else I should have my mechanic look at?

If i remember correctly they gave the 04 automatic tranny the nick name "auto tragic"

At least i heard that some where. Defintiely keep an eye out for the tranny. I am not saying you will have issues but i have seen many complaints from others. Good luck

PS. 10g's is a great price i believe.

STARR · 11-11-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamchan

If i remember correctly they gave the 04 automatic tranny the nick name "auto tragic"

At least i heard that some where. Defintiely keep an eye out for the tranny. I am not saying you will have issues but i have seen many complaints from others. Good luck

PS. 10g's is a great price i believe.

The autotragic thing came about with the 5th Gen, as well as Maxipad

PetitFrereMaxima · 11-11-2009, 05:49 PM

2007 with 103k miles? That is a lot of driving.

Hey, the CVT is great! I like it. Bought my 08 brand new and now at 38k, haven't had any concerns with my CVT. Just planning on changing the cvt fluid come early next year.

So, change your fluids and I believe the car should be reliable enough to give you another 100k miiles. Except, like everyone knows, some cars can suddenly disappoint you!