The CAR WIZARD shares the top NISSAN Cars TO Buy & NOT to Buy!

Taking from his years of experience working on cars the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ shares the top Nissan Cars TO buy and NOT to buy!
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[@matthewstankovsky1896]

Next up on Hoovie's Garage: I bought the CHEAPEST Nissan Armada in the US

[@SeishukuS12]

I actually have a really cheap Armada, probably not the cheapest... But it's in decent shape, 2011 with 138k miles. Still original manifolds and cats as far as I know. Only issues I've had so far is the high side rear AC line needed patching (common issue, but that's pretty much with all cars with rear AC units), need to replace the windshield washer tank, and had to tighten up the radiator cap (another common issue). Mine has had very regular service done, very well treated, but it also towed a boat regularly too, so that may have kept the cats clean. They do get a bad rap from the exhaust manifold issues, but other than that, they aren't that bad. Just need one that's been "beat on" regularly, gotta keep the pipes cleared! Edit: Oh, it also had the transmission replaced at 70k miles, not sure of the reason on that... May have been wear due to towing, I know the transmissions aren't built for a ton of power. Hasn't had any issues since though.

[@samlung2724]

I forgot the armada existed. But then again. So did Nissan, seeing how the armada looked the same from 04 to like what? 2016? Lol. Along with alot of their cars.

[@Flies2FLL]

All you have to do is remove the cats and ignore the CEL.

[@mathewrose2951]

@@Flies2FLL we live in the Middle East and bought an Armada for $5000 with only 45k miles on it. Over here, they fix cats with a quick and dirty straightpipe. We also run 95 octane, too, so . . . horsepower is a bit higher.

[@Stannely1]

Haha 😂 Accurate!

[@bradyhuggins4274]

At the end of the categories you should do an “honorable mentions” segment with other cars that are good or bad but were not your top pick to put in the “buy” or “not to buy” spot.

[@grunkohlaktionar7474]

Brady Huggins yes definitely!

[@zankiohex]

Agree completely, any other car of the maker he'd like to give a quick "good" or "bad" should be added at the end

[@haydensimmons2960]

Looking for some validation? Haha

[@arthellstrobles1241]

Agree👍🏿👍🏿

[@Brycereigle2000]

I was left speechless at the story of your brother's friend's 280z. My condolences to the family may he rest in peace.

[@averyalexander2303]

Me too! Not criticizing his brother as we obviously don't know the whole story, but I can't imagine selling someone a car that is so rusted out that it's a safety hazard. If it was that bad, I personally wouldn't even be comfortable selling it with full disclosure as "parts only" since many people will continue to drive it or sell it to someone else without full disclosure and put lives at risk. Not worth it at all to me.

[@FrankBullitt390]

@@averyalexander2303 If it was that rotted it never would have passed a safety cert.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@FrankBullitt390 Not all states have safety inspections. Here in Tennessee there are no inspections and you could drive something like that. It doesn't look like there are inspections in Kansas either.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

​@@FrankBullitt390 we dont have that, I owned a car that the top of the gas tank was rusted out and it leaked gasoline if parked on a hill...fun times

[@duhjooner]

Note to self: If you find yourself in the ownership of an Armada, straight pipe it immediately

[@MrNightpwner]

A lot of states have emissions testing annually. They can't.

[@duhjooner]

@@MrNightpwner Move to a superior state then, I guess 🤷‍♂️

[@eljuancho2]

you can install an auto open pipe and remote open/close

[@vadimnesen8060]

@@eljuancho2so a switch that kills your engine?

[@DankSi]

Only trash states get away with that

[@firefoxmoz]

Don't buy anything with a CVT which is almost all Nissans now unfortunately

[@tangydiesel1886]

Toyota eCVT's are reliable, but yes, not one from Nissan.

[@hojnikb]

@@tangydiesel1886 toyotas ecvt has nothing in common with your usual cvts (which has no gears). Toyotas "cvts" actually uses planetary gearset, typically used in torque converter boxes.

[@jeffreysmall8902]

so de Subaru

[@kurtvonnegut8950]

what about Honda's CVT?

[@solidboogers]

@@kurtvonnegut8950 Honda uses the same company for their CVT as everyone not named Toyota

[@Rajonas007]

Rip friend guy.

[@benl4707]

he had fun when he went!

[@HipsterNgariman]

I'm not judging that poor guy but the struts broke in front of closed train tracks, car died right on them and he didn't have time to get out of the car and run for his life ? I mean that's really awful timing right there, at this point i call it destiny

[@kingjlinza]

Lapin I think the car went in front of the train when it was right there and he didn’t have time to get out and run

[@jordanbell4420]

@@HipsterNgariman Maybe the train tracks ran parallel to the road, and the car ended up going off the road onto the train tracks when the car collapsed and lost steering. Or maybe it was a railroad crossing, but the cars chassis bent when it hit the ground, preventing the doors from opening. Just my guesses.

[@danielc3321]

“Cha-ching! Dollar, dollar dollar... for me.... not for you...” Thanks for clearing that up! 😂

[@calebreeves3716]

There’s a Nissan Armada parked outside my apartment that hasn’t moved in 4 months...

[@onionman500blin8]

its still There?

[@rogersmith5292]

It's what is known as yard art.

[@damilolaakanni]

I'm surprised he didn't mention the Murano in the "not to buy" section, it's even worse than the Armada.

[@om3ga85]

Is it still there? 🤣

[@nola_r5077]

I absolutely love Pathfinders, owned a 95 and a 97. They were awesome and to this day I wish I still had one. Extremely reliable and super fun to drive. My 97 saved my life in a 4 car pile up and still drove flawlessly for 10 more months before the fuel pump gave out at almost 300k. I will always swear by them!

[@DR.P3RKY]

My buddy’s 06 Nissan maxima’s transmission went out at 129,000 miles, so what does he do? He spends 10k on a 2010 maxima with a CVT transmission with 126,000 miles. Worst mistake, sorry bud 😬

[@dabradguy]

he is one sick bastard.

[@MrPeacockman]

Some of the 2006 don't have the CVT... I have one- 2006 SL non CVT and its about to hit the 200K mark. Not sure if that was an late 05 model manufacture sold as an 06... but so far it has been a pretty decent car.

[@Trussme96]

Yikes

[@papanelly8935]

Kyle King I had an 06 trans didn’t at 216,000 but my engine keep stalling out spent about 1500 trying to figure it. Never stopped stalling out 🤬

[@slowbastardo9101]

Kyle King not the brightest guy and friend.... If a car brand failed me, I'm done with them. There are so many other makes that are better....

[@thedarkknight7924]

Glad the GTR is one to buy, I've had my 09 since 15 and it's still running strong with close to 72k on the clock. I plan to keep it for as long as I can.

[@Pube83]

Exssive65 How much is a gearbox for that bad boy? I'm guessing $10k+.

[@Flies2FLL]

Yes, that's a great car, you should stick with it. But it still looks like my vacuum cleaner~

[@dr.dylansgame5583]

hell yeah keep it up but if it were me i would have bought a 90's one since the attesa a ets which was a supped up version specifically in the r33 was so good at choosing when to put power to the front that you could slam on the gas in a tight hairpin and still clear it since the front end would just carry you as its not really 4wd and more just rwd 99 percent of the time until the front end is actually needed

[@hewasdeadwhenigotthere7109]

Yah I bet.. Lol

[@TheWutangclan1995]

The GTR is my dream car that I plan on owning one day. But I’ll admit, I’ll probably cry inside the car a few times realizing there will never be a manual transmission GTR.

[@Mrwafro1]

I've got a '99 Pathfinder and can confirm: it is a beast! It has lived a hard life of 220k miles of washboard dirt roads, snowy winters, and daily driving. The car is still going strong! I've done shocks, struts, coil springs, and ball joints, which is normal after 200k miles of rural driving, but the engine is strong, the interior has held up to constant abuse and outdoor parking, and ALL of the elevtric gizmos still work. Nissan Pathfinder : the poor man's Land Cruiser

[@jamesward9646]

I own a 2001 Xterra !! 250,000 miles and still gets me to work and back! 😁

[@jscott7432]

I have a 2001 xterra also 174k miles and running strong. She kicks ass offroad.

[@nakoma5]

In addition, any Nissan from the 90s is also solid built and reliable, even more so than the ones mentioned here.

[@amethystdeceiver6874]

Yeah, Nissan quality was quite solid in the 90s and never recovered from the quality dump Ghosn dropped on the company. And I also disagree on wizard's selection ov the B15 sentra based on personal experience owning an '00 1.8 sentra that ate its head gasket by 90k miles.

[@NolocoLawrence]

I had my 95 Altima from around 2002 until around 2014. Only reason why I got rid of it was because my ex had kids. I need something safer for them to drive in because there was no upkeep on that car. plus the police were pulling me over left and right just like they were when I first got the car. They were targeting me because it was so beat up 😂

[@thadd05]

@@NolocoLawrence lol sounds like my Altima it kept eating break light I kept replacements in the car

[@jasonboness3871]

I have a 93 Nissan D21 Regular Cab, I love it. Solid truck!

[@jamesmonteon2787]

Agree, i have a 91 Nissan Sentra se-r with a naturally aspirated sr20de. 175k miles orginal. Still runs like a dream, very fun and reliable car

[@gojoeyr]

This is the SCARED STRAIGHT EPISODE.

[@raudello3666]

Yup. Especially when he talks about the Nissan Armada

[@racerXsocal]

I love my 2000 xterra. Almost 300k, and can go almost anywhere a jeep can go. I've had it for about 5 years and it has been super reliable. That truck has earned a place as a member of my family.

[@andresgarcia3516]

My 98 pathfinder has 389,765 miles and still rolling just fine .

[@zachmena1700]

Thank you car wizard for always keeping it real and telling us what we really need to know

[@miketeeveedub5779]

I heard the Mercedes Transmission and Nissan Armada Converter had a lovely trip to the Bahamas!

[@giovannibez9509]

😂😂😂😂

[@aaronhumphrey2009]

While thier owners cried paying thier tab , and stayed home..😂 No Bahamas for you !

[@atx-cvpi_99]

They also had transmission problems due to strawberry milkshake.

[@md2k8]

Do not ever buy an Armada or QX56 large SUV. They are both identical.

[@md2k8]

The Car Wizard just bought a 2008 model of the QX56 recently.

[@klyneis]

Wizard: Do buy Nissas Sentra with 1.8L or 2.0L. [Shows picture of Sentra SE-R with 2.5L] Wizard: Do NOT buy Nissan Sentra with 2.5L [Shows picture of Base model Sentra with 1.8 or 2.0 engine]

[@1985toyotacamry]

Yeah I noticed that the grille makes a difference what is the SER and non SER

[@BoissonMedia]

Good, I am not the only one.

[@djvariant88]

I was goin to say the exact same thing.

[@visekual6248]

i don't know this generation but i found it strange that the sport version uses a 2.0 and the basic version a 2.5, now makes sense

[@SaturnTwinCam]

Yeah I like his channel but I'd take these buy/don't buy with a big grain of salt. Last one had a 4 cylinder Cadillac that didn't exist.

[@TheSHAMIRSULAIMAN]

As having a Nissan armada for 8 years now, i have never, never had issues with the cats, even at 322k kms.

[@tbr2109]

Is it actually a Titan-based Armada or is it a Patrol? Patrols never really had problems with the cats as far as I know.

[@JonFlyy]

Thank you for these videos time and time again. I'm sure you're busy at the shop but it's appreciated you still find the time to film. I own an 01 cr-v, zero issues and will be driving for a while but this helps me tell the Misses what cars to avoid.

[@romulas-cushmanproject3273]

Working with Nissan’s I can tell you if it has a CVT one word RUN!

[@Carlos.Rivera]

Why?

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Same thing with Mitsubishis. Stay away from Mitsubishis with the CVT. The only cars I would recommend with the CVT is Toyota, Honda, or Ford except for the 500, Montego, and Freestyle. If the CVT fails on the Ford 500/Montego/Freestyle, you will have to gamble on a used one because Ford nor transmission remanufactuers make the transmissions.

[@MainMite06]

let me complete your sentence: "RUN...to-the auto parts store to buy CVT fluid so I could drain that filthy old fluid with new fluid like an engine oil!"

[@dr.dylansgame5583]

@@MainMite06 even with a flush it still doenst fix the inherent problems that come with a cvt mainly it being belt driven as just like a dogbox it wasnt originally meant for cars it was meant for stuff like bulldozers the only good one is the e cvt from toyota since its not belt driven and is thus more like a dogbox cvt mix

[@MainMite06]

Dr.Dylan`s game I had 2 friends who owned modern CVT Nissans- one had a '12 Maxima at 200k miles, the other a '13 Sentra at 220k miles -The both were the original owners who never knew anything about Nissan CVT issues They never flushed, had the CVT replaced in the cars lifetime,& somehow are stilll running fine now. The jatco units arent completely defective in design, while it's believed belted-cvts do not belong in cars with 200+hp.. the true culprit of the mess is the weaksauce cvt fluid.. The the fluid that's used in the jatco cvts isnt relatable to conventional & durable ATF. It's more relatable to dot 3+4 brake fluid, That stuff with time & heat(most engines run 190F for normal operation) eventually captures moisture, starts breaking down, looses lubricity, causing metal-to-metal contact with the cvt belt to its pulleys & eventually cvt belt failure

[@larrycroft470]

Thank you so much Wizard. I own an 08 G35 Infiniti with the 3.5 engine and the plain Jane auto transmission. I have 290k on it with absolutely no engine or transmission problems. Your taking time to share your experience and wisdom is so much help.

[@MaliciousSRT]

The issue with the Nissan 3.5L is it gets worse gas mileage than most V8's. My charger 392 was better on gas than my maxima 3.5L

[@jasonablah7702]

You are the exception lol

[@larrycroft470]

@@jasonablah7702 No you are wrong. The VQ 35HR is one of the best engines produced world wide as noted by any and every legitimate analysis and rating services. I just did not run it into the ground like so many foolish (and usually immature) owners did. Those who took reasonable care of those engines 08 especially - are still being driven (in overwhelmingly large percentages) with high miles everyday. That is a simple fact that can be verified.

[@laujoyjoy]

Oil galley gasket failure is pretty common on the VQ35. A $2500 job from dealer. My 08 G35 with 160k mile was showing sign of this failure and I immediately got rid of it.

[@jasonablah7702]

@@larrycroft470 Good engine and I love those G35s/G37s but they start to get all sorts of problems at 100k.

[@anthonylee2566]

Great video, Wizard! My coworkers 2015 Nissan Sentra’s cvt died on her with only 50k miles. Second one Nissan gave her under warranty also died shortly after! It tells a lot about their quality control.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

These are my favorite car Wizard videos! Sometime in the next 14 months I'm going to have to buy a car for a teenager. I need something dirt cheap and reliable. These videos help me narrow it down.

[@Banner1986]

I love these videos wizard- they’re informative and awesome, please keep it up!

[@ONLYGREE]

One thing Scotty and The Wizard have in common. "BUY A TOYOTA"

[@edwardautrey3671]

The Hater they are exactly right about Toyota

[@myMotoring]

Every right minded person

[@jkjoshua567HD]

Scotty now recommends a Honda after his door handle keeps breaking on his Toyota Matrix. Also because Toyota plans on teaming with Mazda to produce a few cars in the future.

[@ClellBiggs]

I don't like Scotty but he's right about Toyota.

[@Snarl616]

Scotty and the Wizard are mechanics, so they'll always suggest the most sensible option to you, and because of that sometimes the opinions on some car brands are exaggerated. But if you don't want to throw money away, they are right. For example, it's very true that Mercs in the long distance become total money pits and that modern cars are really less reliable.

[@bdavali4342]

Sobering video on all facets, Wizard! Keep up the good work! Much appreciated!

[@Blue-moon12]

I love these segments. Thanks

[@Varlenus]

I'd love to have Nissan 300ZX from the 90s, in my opinion the most beautiful Nissan ever.

[@ricky-sanchez]

Interference engine. You never know when the belt could break. Rubber is rubber. Should have been a timing chain.

[@eat_a_dick_trudeau]

@@ricky-sanchez follow the timing belt intervals. 🤷‍♂️

[@ricky-sanchez]

@@eat_a_dick_trudeau What if you get a bad timing belt? What if a pulley or the water pump fail for any reason? Shit happens. Better engineering is key.

[@eat_a_dick_trudeau]

@@ricky-sanchez Timing chains can stretch, and, are not entirely fail safe on some cars either. I am living that experience right now with one of my cars.

[@aaronhumphrey2009]

Had one,was my daily driver for years. It blew a fuel pressure regulator at speed and burst into flames that melted half of the wiring harness.. I bought cheap it from the mechanic that fixed 95% of the damage. Never had any serious problems with it, good power, good Mpgs, great T-tops that didn't leak. But I had to park it in the winter- terrible in the snow. It was still strong when I sold it at 176,000 miles.

[@1985toyotacamry]

12:35 omg that's awful.

[@issuesexplained681]

Godless Toyota, I know right 😬

[@OffGridInvestor]

Wouldn't that weigh on your mind for years.....

[@nikolasbishop7955]

We have an “11 armada with a 5.6 and after eight years and 156 thousand miles we have never had a single issue. But had no idea about the cat issue. We’ve never had the issue in ours. The armada is a pretty good suv in my opinion.

[@f0rkyspo0n50]

Had a 2010 armada in our family for five years, drove it right up to 110000 miles from almost new with no real issues. Didnt even recharge the ac once, nor have any sort of cat issue. Sounded like a beast too

[@tygy7096]

Still have an 04 armada running good up to this day.

[@repairdroid77]

I have an 04' armada with 230 000+ miles on it. The issue with the cats being replaced is because nissan uses stamped sheet metal forms to create the exhaust manifolds instead of steel tubing. After many heat-cool cycles it always cracks between the last and second to last runners causing a huge leak that lets in air causing the computer to try to add extra fuel that causes the cats to be fried and to throw a fault. The fried cats can disintegrate and the exhaust pulses can suck the fragments into the open exhaust valves during the scavenging effect the engine has. Bye,bye engine. In California you absolutely cannot buy them from any source walk in or online (will not ship to California) . Dealer only because of a special C.A.R.B number that has to be on them to pass emissions in that state. $5,600 for two installed and of corse to have a warranty you are required to get all fuel trim and O2 sensors replaced at the same time. Ask me how I know. I firmly believe that nissan designed them purposely to fail in this manner and with the carb (California Air Resource Board) number requirement leads to a monopoly on this specific part replacement via dealership only. A class action lawsuit is in order in my opinion. Not only against nissan but the carb of California as well. A lemon law recall should be started with tubular steel headers installed as a fix instad of sheet metal formed garbage. By the way. In Arizona you can just get them from any auto parts store due to not having to have any special state required number on them. Roughly $250 each versus the $1,867 at nissan's stealership.

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

​@@repairdroid77thank you for this. Trying to get the wife out of a Santa Fe and Into something better. Currently looking at a 2010 Armada with 54k miles. If this is the only issue with them then that is great compared to what we just went through with the Santa "imma eat oil" Fe

[@quentina7563]

Sure, SOME of the Armadas/Titans are fine. But a lot have the $10,000+ engine cratering issue. If you are comfortable with that risk, you do you.

[@millionkilliati6140]

Thank you for doing these videos! I'm watching them back to back and making a list so when im ready to get my next hooptie🙏

[@votekyle3000]

Ha! My cheating ex had a 2.5 Sentra. It bankrupted her.

[@ramengod5768]

Rekd

[@pitbullpowers]

boss shit

[@philr.5146]

Car Wizard you forgot to mention the 3 Liter V6 that was present in Nissan Maximas and Infiniti i30 from the 90s up until 2001. BEST ENGINE/TRANSMISSION EVER!!!! I used to own an infiniti i30 amazing car SUPER RELIABLE...okay on fuel economy. No oil consumption or any transmission issues. Only problems i had was on the body and undercarriage due to rust because the previous owners never rustpoofed the car. The engine was replaced by NISSAN in 2002 onwards with the 3.5 you mentioned which was know to be trash really. Heavy oil consumption issues.

[@winslow9456]

Thank you Wizard! You stopped me from making a huge mistake. I was going to buy a 2012 Armada. I trust you and I truly enjoy your great content.

[@ismarmeskovic]

100% true for every single vehicle you mentioned,thanks for sharing the infos with the ordinary people!keep up the good worl wizz!

[@oceanzhu1002]

2006 and earlier 3.5 (VQ35DE) needs to be maintained very well to be reliable, or else they will also burn oil like the 2.5, and have timing chain issues. There are plenty forums and videos documenting this. But the 2007 and up updated vq35de were rock solid. Just ashamed that they are mostly attached to garbage CVT’s.

[@maxforever26]

Car Wizard. Much respect from Brooklyn, NY. Love your videos. Just a couple of notes. The 96 Maxima was bullet proof (except for the rust and oxygen sensor issues). Sold it at 280K miles. Also had a gold 2000 Pathfinder LE. Good truck except for the fact that the rust issues on those type of trucks were so severe there was a RECALL on them. Some part in the truck would rust away (may have been the strut mounts) and someone could loose control of the truck and crash. The rust was so bad I had to go to a mechanic to get the license plates off because the holes for the screws rusted and I could not get the screws them out.

[@bazouli50]

I owned a 2007 Armada and absolutely LOVED it. I hated to sell it but I couldn't drive it anymore (medical). It pains me to hear of those problems with the cat.

[@compactc9]

My boss passed his 04 Pathfinder down to his daughter and was looking at a new one. I found out they had CVT transmissions! So with a heavy dose of pushing on my part I pushed him to a Toyota Highlander. Told him that CVT was to be avoided at all costs!

[@SlanderMoralesRamos]

Nobody: Hoovie: WIIIIIIIEEZAAARRRDDD

[@kidwithanuke]

Abel Valdez Omg wow that was a great “Nobody:” meme!!!! Super funny bro!

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Ever since Reanult bought Nissan, their quality has gone to hell.

[@XanMan_05]

Nissan has always been a crap on wheels

[@hybridAbsol]

Well theres a good reason why the french guy is named Le Cost Killer

[@hybridAbsol]

@@XanMan_05 nothings wrong with the Datsun Zs

[@gabrielriley2388]

Tera Cadenzavna people don’t know what there talking about.

[@SkylineLofe]

@@XanMan_05 have you seen the cars that we never got? That was all Nissan. Plus, Datsun's are really good

[@DJimeku]

I absolutely love your channel. Thanks for posting such great content.

[@wescam2958]

A very big help to me. Thank you for posting your channel. Much appreciated.

[@NICKELGHANDI]

I have a 2004 Pathfinder LE Platinum (last one they made on the R50 platform) and I love it. Except for the gas mileage, it has been a dependable SUV. You failed to mention the strut tower recall which is a very important thing to note for anyone buying one.

[@jackfletcher5314]

Have the same car, love mine too

[@videomaniac108]

I bought a 2019 Nissan 370Z sport coupe 6M that I really love. The VQ37VHR engine is a real jewel, good power at a low weight. The car handles like a precision racing machine, especially since I upgraded the OEM sway bars.

[@07wrxtr1]

Swaybar upgrade completely transforms the Z. Still lovin mine!

[@zeeliz1]

love your content! dont stop what you are doing. stay healthy!

[@UnkleAL1962]

My favorite-est truck I ever had was a 1987 Nissan Hardbody with a 5 speed and 2.4 (I think, it was a while ago) Z engine. It was tough, could hold a lot of cargo, and drove like a sportscar. Miss those old little trucks.

[@gdawgutizzel420]

Wizard, you have to do one for pickup trucks! I think we would all love you to share your insights! You're the best

[@MelodyOo]

Ford People will say don't buy Chevy, Chevy People will say don't buy Fords, Dodge people will say don't buy any. Buy a Subaru Baja to piss off every Pickup Owner.

[@craigpeel5983]

@@MelodyOo I'm not particularly any make of truck guy but Chevy will always be last due to experience with hundreds of them at work. The Fords and dodge/ram at work have all been great but dang has Chevy seemed to drop the ball.

[@Constabruity]

Melody -Mellybyte- Or a Ridgeline and piss of everyone lmao.

[@AR-jx6wr]

That Imperial looks great.

[@kingjlinza]

A R in my opinion, Chrysler has made some very good looking vehicles over the years.

[@matthewcofield6251]

Wizard I actually really like how you lay the truth down thick and heavy. Genuine truth is a rarity around these parts. Big fan of the channel!

[@rockhunter8483]

Thank you so much for this information Mr Wizard!!!

[@michaelstrongbow2336]

I wish you did the pick-ups and the Titan. Love your videos Wizard, do Volvo please!

[@wrxrob]

I remember test driving a 2002 Altima V6 manual. The salesman kept trying to talk me into the 2.5. I bought a Subaru WRX instead.

[@yungbananaclip2822]

I have an 03 Altima with the v6, just an auto tho. The thing still pulls real nice, and even with the stock exhaust that vq sounds real nice!

[@paulzammataro7185]

​@@yungbananaclip2822 Please check your front floors for rust. 02 - 06 have issues.

[@revnto7k]

Agree with all of this pretty much. I have owned a 3.5 Maxima and a 3.5 Altima both with manual transmissions and they were both great cars. I also can agree the 2.0 Sentras with the legendary SR20 engine, are fantastic. I miss the old Nissan, when they used to be good.

[@seanmcmanus4243]

I gotta say, the 3.5L v6 is great. The one in my Quest has lasted years and years with minimal problems!

[@lilriggs]

The VK56 in the Armada/Titan is a great engine you can't rule out the vehicle for a bad cat design. The weight of the cat in the manifold cracks it and overtime the cats burn out. Rinse and repeat unless you replace the stock manifolds with headers.

[@lancairw867]

I had a Subaru Outback a few years ago and really liked it. I tow light stuff like dirt bikes and once I found out that all Subie autos were CVT I was not a returning customer.

[@pk_riza_lol183]

not all cvts are unreliable u know

[@kblinn68]

still drive my 2005 sentra daily with 203,000 miles & runs great.bought it new ,i love this car.

[@N64RumblePak]

You are making very important content. Thank you!

[@Hissmannen]

Do Volvo please ! I love these videos.

[@ashravenpb]

Id love to see Volvo as well. Almost bought an 06 S60-R after a test drive but ultimately decided to find something else

[@StoneMcKnuckle]

​@@ashravenpb Do buy: FR, anything except 3-series. Do not buy: FF, anything. Also stay away from the ones with the PRV engine in it.

[@reginaldbryant1919]

Great timing Wizard. My wife's 2017 Rogue is coming off lease and I will let her watch this to show she needs to just turn it in and get a Honda or Toyota product. Thanks.!!

[@MrLuvallcars]

Also consider Mazda, better looking. More fun to drive and very reliable.

[@aaronhumphrey2009]

@@MrLuvallcars my neighbor loves his 2015 Mazda CX-5 AWD. Calls it " the snowcat", no major issues at 67,000 mi . Gets good Mpgs,too.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Gene M The 2.4 is good. But it’s gone for 2020.

[@paulhoskins7852]

My coworker's 2014 (?) Nissan's transmission just went out at 70,000 miles (I assume it's a CVT). Not sure which model she has. For the customer lady with the Mercedes with the trashed transmission, not heeding the Wizard's advice is SHOCKINGLY FOOLISH. Wizard for the WIN!!!!

[@charlesroten937]

That happens often car wizard. Customer comes in complaining of an oil pressure problem they have a vQ35 very tough engine, no oil on the stick, but the vvt solenoid on bank 1 exhaust I believe is the last to get oil pressure so if you’re low on oil, check first!

[@TimmyHD]

I owned a 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S, it was very dependable and easy to work on. I drove it until 246,800 miles! I only got rid of it because I needed a bigger more comfortable car.

[@mahinahmed2316]

Did it have a CVT?

[@brycehall6919]

​@@mahinahmed2316no, sentras got the cvt's in 2006

[@westnylefx]

Car Wizard... Please do a Volvo edition!!!

[@cesarpenailillo6627]

I appreciate all your videos. Excellent content on the channel

[@Specmauto]

another great video from the car wizard. thank you.

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

Those old Pathfinders are always pretty good I've got a friend with 270k on his! Good vehicles.

[@CommandoPG]

Could we see a dedicated Honda buy/not to buy video please? Thanks for the quality videos!

[@saemushailstorm3135]

appreciate & love these 'this , NOT that'

[@md2k8]

On the last Car Wizard video this weekend, the Car Wizard just bought a 2008 Infiniti QX56, which is just the luxurious version of the Nissan Armada. He already explained to not buy any of these large SUV's, because it had the same problem with the catalytic converter. He should have bought a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban instead. Anyway, I like the all-new, 2022 Nissan Pathfinder crossover, because it now has the nine-speed automatic transmission, which replaced that CVT transmission. It still has the 3.5 L V6 engine with 284 horsepower anyway. I am hoping for more buy this, not that videos to come later in 2021. We still need one for Mitsubishi and for Mazda, as well.

[@md2k8]

The Car Wizard just sold his 2008 Infiniti QX56 two weeks ago.

[@ThePuffin77]

I have a Nissan Armada as well as my relative, and they have been completely problem free. I have yet to even come close to failing California smog in my 11 years of ownership, but I guess that is something to consider. It's a powerful and reliable powertrain in my experience, but the gas mileage is absolutely abysmal.

[@averyalexander2303]

My friend's brother has owned an 06 ish Armada since it was new and used it for cross country towing. Despite him being a terribly rough and ridiculously abusive driver and not being great about maintenance, it's still mostly intact almost 200K miles later. It's needed brakes (very frequently the way he drives), struts, bushings, etc, but nothing serious. His gets terrible gas mileage too, he rarely if ever gets double digit MPG out of it.

[@mythoughts9801]

These mechanics be generalizing... I will say however, Numbers don't lie so if they experience a higher number of a certain type of car come to the shop for the same problem more than they see a different type of car then I guess that model is more prone to a certain type of problem. To me though I think everyone's experience of a certain car is different. Plenty of ppl I know with Nissan CVTs have 200k miles or close to it. I know ppl who own Chryslers and BMWs with well past 100k miles and their car is doing just fine. All I know is no matter what brand you decide to go with just know that it's a man-made machine. Its of the world so its not gonna be eternal therfore I wouldn't put too much faith in any of them regardless.

[@nikolayignatiev375]

I have nissan titan 2014 very reliable truck. Many people complained about mpg,bad why no body complained about gmc Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado? I drove on hunting trip with quad in the box,and my friend drove 2017 Silverado V6.,empty. And gas up always on same time. And it was even if i put $80 to fill up, he to. And what truck is better mpg ?

[@SeawaySensFan]

Had an 08 QX56 and just bought a 2014 Armada I'm not worried... I think the front calipers had a design flaw that was corrected in 09 but other than that, bulletproof vehicle. @@averyalexander2303

[@vacairripatterson1504]

I have a 2008 LE Nissan armada with 154 thousand miles on it and I will ride it until the wheels fall off I had a tuneup valve cover gasket change and timing solar all good so far every vehicle has problems.

[@adamv242]

My favorite Nissan was my first car. I bought an '81 Datsun 810 Maxima during the summer (1990) before my senior year of high school. My friends and I loved that thing. Learned some basic mechanical skills with it too.

[@chrisd5758]

I have a nissan armada 2007 with 207k miles runs great never left me stranded just changed the tensioner since it was making a sound and just changed valve covers at 204k and those were the original valve covers. Still gets up and goes with no hesitation

[@chrisd5758]

Also on the cats dont need em JBA headers all the way

[@robp8218]

I've got a 2011 Nissan 370z here in the UK, love it! That 280z story though, wow, poor guy.

[@nonleftist]

I also have a 2011 and enjoy it. Just put snow shoes on it for the winter. Drive it year round.

[@johnneilson377]

I bought a 2012 Sentra new and the CVT went out at 169K; I put it back on the road for $1700 (with a salvage unit) but I know it's running on borrowed time. Other than that it's been a great car! The dealer offers a lifetime powertrain warranty but of course that requires strict adherence to the Nissan maintenance schedule.

[@kenbest7660]

I have a 2001 Nissan Maxima that I bought used with a goodly number of miles on it. A great car. Has held up well. And, very enjoyable to drive.

[@cayman9873]

wizard, that cayman behind you is such a beautiful car. could you please do a video on repairing it or an evaluation on what to be careful with when buying one ??? I really love the cayman and want to learn from you what is good and bad about them.. I would only want the manual trans... thanks

[@edgarclark6541]

Thanks for wizard, now im going to get rid my cvt Maxima ASAP

[@organiccold]

You shouldnt even buy one to start hehe

[@oceanzhu1002]

Go get an Accord or Camry v6 for the same kind of power as your maxima but lasts much longer 👍

[@alexklein455]

Smart

[@edgarclark6541]

@@oceanzhu1002 I will get a Lexus RX, cuz I will never geet any FWD car ever again

[@edgarclark6541]

@@organiccold I live in Australia, and I just got the cheapest VQ35 with reverse camera option few months ago, the ride is very good, until I seen the Nissan CVT is a nightmare.........

[@victorj.manzano4175]

Agree about the Armada. I had a 2005 with 45K in 2009 when I had to replace the engine due to plugged cats. I was lucky it still was under warranty, because the dealer charged almost $6K to Nissan for the repair.

[@randombro177]

Question: did it throw any codes or show any symptoms? I have one amd my plan was to replace the exhaust when it happens. But maybe I should just replace the exhaust early.

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

I think you really do help people. Keep it up!

[@chadernest4399]

Thanks for all of your advise 😎

[@choppedchamp8757]

2000 & 2001 Maxima had the 3.0 (VQ30) V6. The 3.5 (VQ35) was in the 02 & 03 models which was the last 2 years for the 5th generation Maxima.

[@mjotrainbrain]

Watch our for strut tower rust on those 96-04 Pathfinders too. The ones with the 3.3L VG engine are very reliable too, albeit a bit underpowered.

[@drcruelty]

This exactly. 3.3s pretty weak, but they last too. Body and interior far more durable than newer Nissans. But definitely check the strut towers before buying.

[@gabrielcornejo238]

Bought The Pathfinder 3.5 with Manual Transmission a month ago, I recommend it. Excellent vehicle to drive.

[@slamcrank]

been enjoying your channel, Mr. Wizard!

[@james2042]

When are we gonna get a "buy this not that" on pickups?

[@edman79]

Because no one is a annoying as pickup fan boys.

[@james2042]

@@edman79 He said he was gonna do it at some point and you will get fanboys on just about anything: phones, computers, trucks, sports cars, guns, drinks, hell even tools. If wizard lets fanboys control his channel then he might as well quit it now.

[@DankSi]

Truck people don't have internet

[@alexf4894]

Ironically the older Pathfinder and Maxima are better looking than some of the late models too. Sad story of the 280 incident.. 😶

[@az7378]

Yes they are. The newer Maximas look like penises, and the drive train on the newer Pathfinders is mounted transversely.

[@RoyBruce007]

My 2000 i30 still going . 266000. I Don't floor it often . Its fast! I keep a close eye on it thanks to bluedrive. Royal purple 5w30 Never had any tap in the radiator. Going to miss it when she goes. Thinking Lexus GS350 or ES350.

[@cwagner122]

Just bought a 2002 Maxima 3.5l 6 speed manual for $500 runs perfect after fixing the clogged cats love it so far glad to see it's wizard approved!

[@chrisc1623]

What about the 350z or the 370z best and affordable than the gtr for a sports car?

[@oceanzhu1002]

370z is better than 350z, 350z had timing chain issues from time to time. Try getting them both with manual the automatics on both cars, the 5 or 7 speed are ok but need to be maintained.

[@oceanzhu1002]

@@FlameOnTheBeat Ahh quite common for those to have synchros problems. Try your luck sometimes at a junkyard.

[@oceanzhu1002]

@@FlameOnTheBeat Good call! If you do find one they are probably abused anyways haha since no body drives their sportscars gently.

[@billbilliams692]

Flame Beats few synchro problems after 05’ try to get the updated CD009 vs the older 04’ and earlier transmissions.

[@seantaylor2683]

He did say the 3.5L V6's are good :P

[@mbs5328]

I love these "TO buy & NOT to buy" videos. Thanks for sharing such valuable information.

[@-rudy-]

Mr. Wizard! 🙋‍♂️ We test drove a nice used 2005 Altima with the 2.5L back in 2012. We drove it from a cold start. We got to a traffic light a half mile away and the engine started misfiring quite bad, nearly stalling on us. It cleared up after we pulled away from the light and we made it back OK, but later test drove an Acura TL on that visit that we ended up buying. My neighbor also runs a shop, and he mentioned that they "see a lot of those 2.5 Nissans come in" with problems. Dodged a bullet. It's a shame because it was such a nice looking car, and very clean. The Acura was older, but never gave us a single problem until we lost it in a flood two years later.

[@BullittHilts]

I had a 95 Maxima Sport with the 3.0 V6 and a 5 spd. That was a lot of fun and the Nissan V6’s at the time were butter smooth. I miss that car! Sadly, being a New England car, there was rust and when the O2 sensors went on it I traded it with my mechanic for work done on a different car. Some things I enjoyed beyond driving were the Bose stereo and when you’d put the turn signal on at night, the corresponding fog lamp would shine extra bright so you could see better around the corner as you turned.

[@josephd4974]

Alright, I agree with most of your picks. I was a 20 year Nissan Master Tech. However, the Armadas and Titans are rock solid vehicles other than the Cats which are not very expensive to fix. Also, you have to expect a Catalyst failure at 100k+ miles. Had 2 SES lights between two of mine for a loose gas cap and B1 catalyst in 260,000 miles between the 2 of them.

[@vacairripatterson1504]

I have an 2008 Nissan armada with 149 thousand miles on it I put some work into it and it runs well.

[@jonguyen4411]

Hi would you recommend a Pathfinder for converting to a small camping SUV ? I am thinking a Pathfinder project. Rent is skyrocketing in my area.

[@yashalanda]

Hey, what about 350z? I got one, manual. Small issus here and there, overall pleased.

[@mattevans4377]

I think some people don't consider a real sports car. Shame really.

[@jacobrose2097]

Matt Evans lol what other category would it be in if not sports car

[@TimeSplitter1701]

@@jacobrose2097 IDK. It is a sports car. It's not a touring car, and it was built with enthusiasts in mind.

[@killakam123321]

Its a good car bro. Vq35 are pretty reliable motors

[@mattevans4377]

@@jacobrose2097 Don't know. I'm not the idiot who thinks it isn't, it's just something I've been told by others.

[@uptownsamcv]

my 2002 maxima has a 6 speed and 3.5 and I love it. you forgot to mention the timing chain guides issue in the VQ35's built in the U.S. 04-08 maximas are known for it...

[@evelynwilson7586]

Wizard, Please do a segment on transmission service, when and how. Tks

[@jonmensie5271]

My favorite Nissan was a Datsun - 71 240Z. Wish I still had it.