[shannmac]

Hey Guys, just want to pick brains for a minute. My X just rolled over 200k and it's still champing it out, but starting to get a little rough. Other than the faulty radiator there have been no major parts replacement to date. I feel like it's at the point that some major parts are going to start failing and possibly leave me stranded or continually in the shop. A simple relay left me dead on the road last week.

I'm OK putting $3-4K into it at my local small shop in hopes to bring it back up to speed and get a few more decent years out of it. What would you advise switching out that seems to be a failer at this age? I'm thinking things like timing chain and water pump? Alternator? Do valves need work after a period of time? Or, should I just let the mechanic work over it as a major tune-up instead of picking out random parts I want replaced. Thanks for the time and input. -Shannon

 

[Undrstm8ed]

Hey Guys, just want to pick brains for a minute. My X just rolled over 200k and it's still champing it out, but starting to get a little rough. Other than the faulty radiator there have been no major parts replacement to date. I feel like it's at the point that some major parts are going to start failing and possibly leave me stranded or continually in the shop. A simple relay left me dead on the road last week.

I'm OK putting $3-4K into it at my local small shop in hopes to bring it back up to speed and get a few more decent years out of it. What would you advise switching out that seems to be a failer at this age? I'm thinking things like timing chain and water pump? Alternator? Do valves need work after a period of time? Or, should I just let the mechanic work over it as a major tune-up instead of picking out random parts I want replaced. Thanks for the time and input. -Shannon

My best advice.. grab the owners manual book set out of the glove box, dust it off and pull the hair off of it. Theres a specific little book about maintenance and upkeep on your vehicle. the good stuff starts on Pg 18 if my memory serves me well [Shameless plug to Nissan Training inserted here] You may or may not have done some of the things in there as needed or when needed but just for SHITS and GIGGLES.. read it. By the time you get the the 200k mark is where you and a mechanic you trust should mentally collaborate on whats needed/NOT needed in coincidence of the your trucks condition.

Some things are progressive losses, like suspension and some times throttle response as we tend to dull through it every day.. some things just become very apparent due to extreme failure, like your relay issue mentioned above.

Dont be afraid to ask or call out a mechanic working on your vehicle things you're unsure about or maybe dont understand. Have them explain WHY that part needs to be replaced, ASK for ALL old parts and make sure there yours. I one time had a guy try to take an X-GF for a ride and say they replaced some wheel bearings and I'll be damned if they didnt put on the counter a Chevy Wheel bearing and seal. I told the mgr that if I go home and pull that wheel bearing cap off, dig through the packing grease, and its not new!! we're gonna have some legal issues within 48 hrs that'll make his head spin...

But the point is to educate yourself or learn new things and expand your own knowledge so eventually, you dont have to take it to a shop, and you can throw $3-4k into upgrades or move that money elsewhere in your life to benefit you!