I have an 03 Z with the typical grinding problem in 3rd gear. I noticed it a few weeks ago, as it only seemed to do when shifting out of 2nd at > 6000 rpms. Anyway, I took it to the dealership today and after their inspection they recommended I replace the tranny, clutch, and flywheel. The problem is my 5 yr warranty expired 2 months ago . My car only has 41,000 mi on it currently, and I feel like I am being slighted due to the overwhelming problem Nissan has had with the 03 transmissions. The service manager told me there was nothing he could do (Nissan wouldnt even pay for part of it) and that it would cost me 4k to get it fixed. I told him to put it back together and I would think about what I wanted to do. My current options include :

1) Legal - Would I have any sort of case with there being evidence for such an overwhelming number of bad transmissions in the 03's

2) Sweettalk - Any chance I could talk the fine folks at Nissan into helping me out when they already denied the dealership?

3) Extended warranty from 3rd party - Thought about this as a solution...no idea if I would get burned or not since there is now a record of me going to the dealership w/ problems.

4) Part out the piece of ****, get my cash, and buy Evo X.

 

The legal situation is a dead end. The warranty is what it is. There is an exception. Did you bring in the car for transmission problems before the warranty expired?

An extended warranty sounds like throwing good money after bad. What if the seller wants a complete mechanical inspection before selling you a warranty?

 

Do you do any maintenance work at the dealership? Nissan uses a computer program that basicaly looks at how much money you have spent with Nissan and then automaticaly denies it or ok's. If you have given nissan no business whats in it for them to help you out? Why do 4k wort of work for free to never see you again?

Best thing for you to do is get in touch with Warrenty Represenative in your area and speak to him. Obviously don't act like you know more then him and don't tell him that its a common problem it will not help you any. Kiss *** it may pay off.

Chances are slim but with 4k on the line its worth a try.

 

I didnt go to the dealership for any sort of maintenance (I do most myself), but I highly doubt that is why my transmission went bad. I can understand why they wouldnt want to warranty it, however, it is my opinion that since there is and has been as obvious problem with the 03's transmission Nissan should be more upstanding in regardings to fixing their problems. I have a new option now though..I am either going to let Jeremy at PF throw a new transmission in for me when I go FI, or me and a buddy (certified mechanic) are going to try and tackle it ourselves, either way it should work out.

 

i never said it went bad due to you not having it serviced at the dealer.
just be careful finding a new trans there is TOO much junk floating on ebay