Parts for these are plentiful and they are pretty reliable. The discoloration of the valvetrain is due to owner neglect. I own two VK56DEs and they both look brand new at 160k miles when I did a valve cover change. Buying any almost 20 yr old vehicle from the rust belt is going to require some type of maintenance.
yeah, given they carpet bombed styling norms as as hard as 'Hummer' did in a 2000's way that would somehow poison over a decade later... good riddance Infiniti. You were awesome in the 1990s; but god damn your latter self has been awful.
@rebeltvr6046 I don’t think he’s capping😏 I have a 2008 QX56. I brought it with 58K miles it now has 227K miles. I love it and its my everyday driver. My fuel needle did stop working it wasn’t the cluster it was the fuel sending unit. My exhaust rusted tho I’m now replacing it with Cajun B-Pipes and the JBA performance exhaust. My headers are fine I decided to do the whole swop. Hopefully I’ll get it put on this week or next. I do my best to stay on top of my routine maintenance. I do believe if you take care of your vehicle it’ll take care of you🙂 I also have a great mechanic so that helps A LOT. Oooo my over head rear console needs to be replaced the plastic is cracked and needs new pins but the tv and all the controls work great headphones do too. I found one on eBay but I sent it back because it was cracked the dealer wanted 2K-3K for that plastic Noooooo Sirrrrrr it was $500 on eBay.
Just turned 160,000 miles and very few issues. Air level suspension didn’t work when I bought it at 130k miles so I put in Firestone airbags and it tows our 6000 pound RV like a champ.
I own an 06 Armada...I don't know if neglect by owners of other Armadas/QX56s that make them unreliable but I have about 150k miles and driven her across this country through mountains and dessert heat and never failed on me. That being said, it wasn't perfect sailing. The most common problem I've seen are the cats failing at 80-100k. Mine failed just before the warranty ended, so Nissan took care of it. New ones work well, and it seems they've corrected the weak point that caused the failure. I've done the valve covers at 100k, and it is quite easy since there is more than enough room to work in the engine bay. Mine was way cleaner than the one in your video, which leads me to believe they've gone much longer between oil changes than 5k. Did plug and coils while covers were out, too. Did all fluids regularly, especially trans, Transfer case and both diffs at 40k intervals since I does haul the family all over the country. Never had electrical issues. Did have the annoying clicking and heater issue at 115k, but those were very straightforward and easy to fix ( it doesn't require mechanical expertise). As far as the engine, they're reliable so long as scheduled maintenance is done. I change my oil with 5-40 every 5k, and I'm always just under half to slightly over half short at the change interval. My 15 MDX is short a quart every 2k (even after the piston ring recall was done...guess it just eats oil, runs great otherwise) or my 06 Sequoia (definitely a favorite of mine) which also eats about a 3/4 to a quart at 4k change intervals but doesn't have nearly the power of the Armada or internal space. I kept the air suspension too since those parts are cheap and easy to replace as well (changed mine at 120k just in case because of how cheap the parts were). Maybe I'm lucky with my Armada (doubt it), but I think it's done well for me because I'm religious about maintenance intervals (that goes for my MDX and Sequoia as well). Again, other than the failed catalytic converters, she's been free of major issues. After seeing the QX56 wheel bearing in your video having issues, I plan on doing mine shortly as the parts are cheap and just good practice to replace before they go bad and cause issues while on long drives. Might even do front and rear main seals at 200k just in case. Come to think of it, even the AC is original and works great (also serviced every 3 years). Now, I hope I didn't just jinx myself, and she's now gonna give up the ghost and make my Sequoia the cross country hauler. Full disclosure, I've been working on cars since before I had a driver's license and have built race cars (mostly Toyota, Hondas and Anything you can put a Chevy LS in) from the ground up to include full custom engine, transmission and suspension builds, so I can, and most of the time do the work on my vehicles once warranty has expired since labor is usually the bulk of the cost. Parts are relatively cheap for these Japanese SUVs. And when Wizard says the cost of repair is 3-5k, maybe more, that is his labor and shop charges making the bulk as it should since most people won't have the expertise or time and tools to complete such repairs. That being said, the Armada and its uglier twin the QX56 should be reliable if you do the maintenance regularly. Oh, and I don't know how his QX56 got 12 hwy and 8 city, but my Armada averages 13-15 combined between fill ups. On our long family trips with luggage and 5 passengers, I average between 17-21is depending on how many mountains I have to traverse or if it is relatively flat. By no means is she a Prius, but no one buys SUVs this size and thinks I'm gonna get 30mpg. (Hmm, I did add a free-flowing air filter🤔). Sorry for the long post. If anyone reads this fully, I just thought I'd post my ownership experience of my Armada.
@Bruce Wayne that's funny my friend...and you may be right about the credit and nissan/infiniti owners issue. My buddy bought a 2011 GTR used when they weren't ridiculously expensive yet and I told him he couldn't afford it if it took two jobs to pay for the loan, but nonetheless, the pull of the GTR was stronger than his common sense. Now speaking of bad nissans/Infinitis, the newer Direct Injection V8s from 2011-16 were notorious for failing timing chain issues that unchecked/un-repaired pretty much left you with a paper weight once you were out of warranty coverage. Great motor with lots of power but a deadly Achilles heel in its timing chain. Made me completely steer clear of them when I was looking for another SUV back in 2012, hence the 2015 MDX.
2009 QX56 owner at 150k miles and going well. I got it new and I’d buy another. We took some awesome adventures with it. It drives like a car! I love it 🥰
We have a 2010 with about 75K miles. At about 40K, heating/AC system actuator in the dash went out. Dealer had it for a week between pulling dash off and then waiting for parts. I think the bill was just short of $1,500. Like the Car Wizard, my wife loved the styling so we had to find one in the fall of 2010 as Infiniti was changing the style for 2011. My wife still loves her QX56, so I don't see us getting rid of it anytime soon.
I must say I’m not impressed with that list at 150k mi. Also, when a vehicle manufacturer discontinues parts so soon, it really indicates to me they don’t expect the car will last-or really care if it does 🙄
@1983dmd: A law that requires auto OEMs to make spare parts available for a set period is an old 'chestnut' that's unfounded - there is no such US Federal law. The only driver to maintaining spare parts supply comes from the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, that was effected in 1975. The aforesid Act requires manufacturers to maintain parts for the term of the manufacturer’s warranty - where the 'clock starts ticking' when the last of a particular model leaves the assembly line. So as long as the OEM offers an X-year warranty covering certain systems (e.g. engine, transmission, HVAC, etc.) it must provide the parts necessary to fix those systems for X years. Notably, it's not all the parts that make up the entire vehicle.
Owned a g35x and 37x. Can confirm they are awesome cars. Was so close to getting a 6mt 37s but it sold before i could get to it! Had to sell my 37 8 months ago when i moved across the planet. Still miss er!
G35 was a blast. I have owned Q45, G35, and QX56. They key is buying used. They fall off a cliff faster than other luxury brands so you can get them cheap, even with low mileage. Then drive them until they have nothing more left to give. Whereas Lexus was all about the tech, Infiniti used to be all about high performance. Nowadays? Hard to say as I think they've lost their way.
It is hard to believe that I owned a 454 Chevy Suburban that got the same mileage as that QX56. And quite frankly, there is a ton of parts available for square body Chevies and more people enjoy the Chevy body styling.
Have learned alot from the Wizard. I always put on his videos when I take a nap, his calm voice puts me to sleep. I don't mean that as a insult, very knowledgeable guy.
So this is also a Nissan Armada I have a 2004 with shy of 300,000 miles. Brother changed out the exhaust manifolds and cats done before I bought it from him for !$3000. Just have leaks of the transmission and oil cooler lines I need to tackle and a rear wheel bearing. Sadly the manifolds are leaking again
my brother got a real good deal on one a while back. the previous owner's mechanic kept throwing suspension parts at it to fix a shake that wouldn't go away so he sold it. I took for a drive after my brother purchased it and a few minutes later I determined the front left tire was bad...
I brought my 2008 QX56 with 57,000 miles. I was hit (7/2024)and rolled 3 times and ended upside down on the highway. The person that hit me had no insurance my truck was totaled. My truck had 275,000 miles my fuel meter gauge stopped working, but it was the fuel sending unit I had it replaced. I order from Cajun Bpipes customs I had 2.5 resonated test pipes, JBA V-band Shorties and JBA 40-1405 catback system. My original cats were failing so I decided to do it.DAMNNNNNNNN I loved and now miss that truck.
Same. Their quality and reliability went down the tubes many years ago. Back in the 80s and 90s if you valued reliability, it was Nissan, Toyota and Mazda. Then Ford screwed up Mazda, Renault screwed up Nissan. I only buy Toyotas except for my commuter EV.
Agree. The only exceptions would be the early Xterra and D22 Frontier that they continued to make after they surrendered to France. They did take a little quality out, but usually they were still good. Anything designed under the watch of Carlos Ghosen though is garbage.
Normally I’m a GM guy. But it’s nearly impossible to find an affordable clean pre AFM suv with enough room to haul my special needs sons stroller. Based upon a friend’s suggestion we bought a 2012 Armada Platinum. Knock on balsa it has been relatively trouble free. We regularly tow a horse trailer with it and it is a champ. Air suspension still works great. I’m amazed by how easy it is to service. Only real problem we had is hitting a deer at 70 nearly totaled it as repair parts from Nissan are incredibly expensive. Luckily our body guy found a wreck and was able to ship the needed parts.
Thanks for making great videos. Because of you and your videos, I now have a Toyota Tundra. I looked at a Q56, now that you made me aware of the parts issues, I think I’ll look a different direction. Thanks to you and Hoovie, you have kept me from buying some bad vehicles. Thanks again and keep the videos coming.
Hoovie made all of my bad purchases for me. Everything I've ever been interested in, he purchased. And through Hoovie, I vicariously lived out ownership highs and lows.
Great review! Im actually looking at a 2019 QX80 limited. The QX80 actually has a .5 second better 0-60 time than a Ram 1500. You can kind of "mod" them like a Ram. Tune, exhaust ect.. Im hooked on your videos!
If an engine is spotless clean on the inside at 200k, then it will look the same at 400k or more, assuming that the same oil change routine is maintained; to put it the other way, if an engine is going to gunk up, it will do it before 100k, much less 400k..
These always reminded of a hippo. Particularly the plastic hippos on the Hungry Hungry Hippos game board from my youth. And across all genereations of the vehicle. The front is the snout, the hood and fenders are the head, and greenhouse is the body. Once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. I have sat in more recent QX56s at car shows over the years and it's really nice inside when its new, but I wouldn't ever own one.
I work at a school and it is my duty to welcome the car rider kids to school in the morning and there was a parent who had one of these the car sounded awful it sputtered and choked. The second week of school it broke down after dropping off the kid. Now the mom owns a new Kia Sorento and is very happy now and comes to school on time every day.
I have a 2008 Armada. Bought it last year wrecked with 276k miles and had it rebuilt. Currently has almost 290k miles and still runs and looks great. Has minor issues like leaking valve covers and airbag light that recently came on (probably the clock spring).
Bought my 2007 QX56 with the airbag light on.. It was the clock spring. 30 minutes and $20 at the local Pull-A-Part.. Pretty easy job with a tutorial video
My parents bought a used 2012 Armada platinum at 48k, now close to 200k miles! I don't ever remember them complaining bout mechanical issues other than the rear air shocks. I guess reliability is all up to owners and how they maintain it.
Great video as always but I had to share that just after you showed the valve train of the Toyota, a Hyundai ad inserted itself touting how much more you get with a Sonata over a Toyota Corolla. I about spewed my drink. 🤣
Yes they were. Those old Maximas were something else. I had a 86 Nissan 300zx, all in all it was very solid with the VG30E engine, same engine that made its way to the other Nissan products of the time.
I drive the exact truck profiled in your video. It is one of the BEST trucks I’ve ever owned. It has 195545 miles, and runs like new. The only repairs I have done is to replace the NOISY actuator doors, all eight of them. I’m the 2nd owner, and I have service records from the previous owner as well. This truck is the BOMB! I get 14.7 mpg highway, and 11 mpg city (A/C running). I plan on installing coil-overs in the rear, to assist the John Foose 22’s with the cornering capability. The interior looks damn-near brand new, and ALL options still work. I’m sorry to hear that your experience with this wonderful truck has been less than stellar, but my experience is WONDERFUL!!! I will have this truck until I stop wasting oxygen. Let me know how I can send you pictures or video proof of this wonderful truck, which I absolutely love!
I have a 2008 QX56. I brought it with 58K miles it now has 227K miles. I love it and its my everyday driver. My fuel needle did stop working it wasn’t the cluster it was the fuel sending unit. My exhaust rusted tho I’m now replacing it with Cajun B-Pipes and the JBA performance exhaust. My headers are fine I decided to do the whole swop. Hopefully I’ll get it put on this week or next. I do my best to stay on top of my routine maintenance. I do believe if you take care of your vehicle it’ll take care of you🙂 I also have a great mechanic so that helps A LOT. Oooo my over head rear console needs to be replaced the plastic is cracked and needs new pins but the tv and all the controls work great headphones do too. I found one on eBay but I sent it back because it was cracked the dealer wanted 2K-3K for that plastic Noooooo Sirrrrrr it was $500 on eBay.
Just rented an LE 4cyl after dropping off the Sequoia, and it had plenty of pep, and got 38.1 mpg. Took almost 5 tanks to get to The Wizard, less than 3; as I prepaid my fuel and dropped with a quarter of a tank.
As someone who has had both the Sequoia and currently owns both a 2009 QX56 and a 2014 QX56, this vehicle looks like it had quite a lot of owner negligence. My 09 Qx56 rides way smoother and more powerful than the Sequoia without having these issues described in the video. At 165k miles, I had minimal issues with it besides normal wear and tear. Living in Chicago winters all its life rust was an issue. at 100k I decided to replace all major suspension components with heavier-duty parts due to rust affecting the control arms. I also chose to replace my exhaust with Cajun long headers to avoid the header cracking issues that these vehicles are known for. Offroad she is a beast these vehicles taken care of can live 200k and further.
That engine in the Sequoia I'll bet is the 2UZ-FE. No surprise it looking so good and clean inside even with 400K plus miles. It's a Hallmark of that engine, which is quite possibly the best one Toyota ever built. You have Nissan at a significant disadvantage when you compare any of their engines to the 2UZ. Thanks for the great video.
LMFAO. in your dreams. VK eats that shit for breakfast. Zero maintenance required for engine except oil changes....which this one didn't get. Have fun with the belts and lack of power.
because i worked in a body shop because of the dust windows were up so our key policy was to have a hook on the wall in front of the stall or put the key by the wipers
That engine is real clean inside, but without maintenance records to prove otherwise from original owner, I would have to say that sometime in that vehicles life a valve job was performed.
@@andrewdonohue1853 if you change it when it starts to turn black the engine stays clean it's what my engine looks like only 80k miles though but 13 yrs old
@@robertmaybeth3434 Yes, that engine has had some really extended oil changes for the synthetic oil to stain it to that degree. I wouldn't be surprised if the chain tensioners started disintegrating from becoming to brittle and worn from the old spent synthetic oil..
Over 200k miles on my qx56! She has been very reliable and has driven across the country many times. The key is to keep up with maintanence! The only big issue i have had is having to replace the battery. The texas sun has destroyed my clear coat but thats expected out here.
I like the idea when you get a car into fix and you obviously leave the key or fob in the car you wind down a window because a lot of cars will lock them selves when you unlock it and don't get in
I hope a 2010+ second gen QX56/80 or 2017+ Nissan Armada shows up in your shop someday. They're based on the Nissan Patrol and built in Japan with US engines. This 1st gen example is based on the Titan pick-up and built in Mississippi. Curious if the 1st gen problems were fixed.
They aren't "based on the Nissan Patrol", they are Nissan Patrols with less off-road goodies. Why they brought over a vehicle that is 99% the same as the international version, but changed the name to match a vehicle with a tarnished reputation is beyond me.
My Mazda has the same master window switch issue. I replaced it once, but I was broke at the time so got a cheapy Chinese part off of eBay. Worked great for a few months, and now some windows work, and some windows don't. Have never replaced it again. Didn't plan on keeping the car so long, but had I known that new car prices would skyrocket, I would have replaced it again by now.
The lines to the rear AC corrode. Require the body of the frame to be repaired. The headlights develop moisture inside. They are no longer available, but they are over $1000 each for parts if they are. The acoustic distance sensor for the cruise goes bad, nearly $2000 for parts. The cruise control module could also go bad. On might, the chrome is flaking off the wheels. I think I might get a 2025 diesel Tahoe.
Found one near me at around 9k with a decent monthly payment plan honestly thinking of going with a higher mileage Toyota Sequoia instead considering all the issues listed
I had one. It was a beast, but the heater actuator went out at 70k. I bought a new one from EBay, and that did the trick. Now, I did have an exhaust manifold crack.
I used to drive 30-40 year old vehicles. I never had problems getting parts. I now drive a '13 Transit Connect van. Common enough that parts should not be a problem for a while.
2006 QX56 170K and counting with no major repairs. Spark plugs changed 3 times Differential, transmission and transfer case fluid chamged twice Front drive shaft bearings went some time ago. Removed and put it in 2WD. Slow leak from power steering hose coming off resevoir. Had a slight stutter in first gear from a stop. Fixed with new trasfer case fluid. The dash digital display does come and go. Recently replaced the front struts and sway bar end links. 3rd brake light out Only thing i dont like is the gas mileage.
My 2008 VW 2.0T w/140k miles on it looks even better than that Sequoia. As you said, it's all about the oil changes. It even has the original turbo despite being stage1 chipped most of its life. Of course, being a VW product, a lot of other maintenance items have kept be busy! Not Toyota quality all around, by any means.
I own the Sequoia, had an 03 Jetta 1.8t to 235k until accidentally and somehow downshifted from fifth to first at speed. My favorite FAVORITE car to date. Miles if smiles and 14 k in repairs over 235k
If you buy real Japanese QX56 2011 and up, 90% of this problems are not existing . And plastic panels inside are of different level of quality. Nissan built Infinitis at their American plant for pure profit only, cheapest materials and parts.
After 2007 they went from made in Japan parts to a lot made in Mexico. The only issue I’ve had is hvac blend door motor. Otherwise every seal bone dry.
I didnt know they had air suspension but that car is in great shape. For infiniti you know all seals and sensors need replacement every 100k miles . Once done you can expect another 100k on the engine
We must have been lucky on our '06, never had an issue. But it was totaled in '14 by someone pulling out in from of us. Had a '12 QX56 after that, the upper engine went bad and sold it for scrap. Now with a '19 Armada with Plat Reserve package basically gives all the options of the Infiniti.
Modern vehicles are not meant to be repaired or worked on they are drive them for 10 years or 100000miles (if you are lucky) then scrap them and buy new why is this not understood by motorists ?
As far as the clicking sound and no heat goes, I have a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and I had that issue and it was my blend door actuator and I replaced it and I haven’t had that issue since
It's just another highlight of how bad Nissan's quality has been for 20 years now. As a Dad of five kiddos I associate with other Dad's have the same kind of vehicle as mine (I have a Sequoia 5.7L V8 4x4), and once you get past 150,000 on Nissan products they begin to nickel and dime you badly.
I’ve owned about 12 Nissans in my life - everything built after the Ghosn era (error?) was absolute GARBAGE. I’d love to see you get a first-gen Murano in your shop! Those have a neat feature that causes the driver’s seat to randomly collapse - I have no idea how that issue wasn’t recalled as it’s so common!
@@AndrewM83 A day late and a dollar short. When my 2006 seat frame failed in 2010, I had to buy an entire lower seat frame - motors and all - for just under $1000! The repair kits were released shortly after I dumped that car after the HVAC blower relay failed and it was just in time for the CVT to start acting up (it was maintained), and it needed tires. Traded that POS in for a new Hyundai Elantra just to get out of the loan!
Didn't you know that Toyotas clean the oil and make it better than new? When you perform your first oil change on the Toyota after 200,000 miles, you can drink the replaced oil. It will have turned into fine wine ;-)
I had 2 qx56, a 2008 first gen and a 2011 second gen. First gen was ok but still have the 2011 with all packages, ie entertainment and delux touring and AWD. Love my 2011 qx, no issues with it at 98k miles. I had the decal done to update the timing line though I had zero problems with as I change oil every 4k miles.
the inside of the engine in my truck is just as clean as the Toyota I have a 2003 GMC Yukon Xl Denali with a 6.0l LQ4 with 289,000 miles on it still going strong.
I had a 2003 Sequoia and had constant little issues with it, the stability control was always throwing codes but it was reliable in getting us around, engine was a gem. We Test Drove a 2008 Infiniti Q56 to trade in the sequoia and the Q56 drove sooo much nicer than sequoia in driving dynamics, we didn’t end up buying it but I can see why many people did. We keep the Toyota till 200k. When water pump went on it we sold it and starting leasing wife’s car every three years.
Had to replace the cluster on wife's '06 QX56. It does have that "click-click..." though. We still have heat & air though. I hate to hear that Nissan is stopping supporting them. We're at 220k & I'd say it'll go twice that... IF we can still get parts. Great video!
I've been maintaining my wife's 2010 currently at 230k. Bought it at 25k in 2012. Every issue it's had was minor, common and easy to fix except the damn passenger side dash actuator. Managed to swap it thru the glove box but tore up my arm. Only left us stranded once, when the DTE gauge said 30 miles but the tank was empty. We fill it up at 1/4 tank from then on. Gave up on replacing the heater valve after the 2nd failure... just unplugged it and manually set it to open lol. If you can work on it yourself, it's extremely economical to own aside from the MPG.
@v12alpine Ditto! Particularly considering how much used cars cost nowadays. (We went & drove a 2019 QX80 recently... $24,000.00....we both said "no way" ..especially considering they offered $1000.00 for our 2096 QX56 as a trade in).. INSANE! Our story reads much like yours... we purchased ours in 2013..(forgot how many miles it had on it then)...seriously, runs like a sewing machine.. drove it on a 300 mile round trip last month on the turnpike..pushed it up to 90 mph... no issues... plus doesn't use any oil between 3k mile oil changes. Peace
I'm not shocked at all Wizard, my 09 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V has many common failure parts that are not being made for the past 5 years. The exhaust header/catalectic converter combo is no longer made by Nissan. It was $700.00 Canadian dollars for the Dorman part, which was not stocked in Canada or the USA, and had to be ordered from Dorman. Waited 2 months for manufacturing & delivery. The six speed shifter mechanism is no longer made either, and has NO aftermarket replacement. I have been hunting for 3 years for that part. Nissan has been in trouble financially for so long now, it's no wonder they are not making parts for their products anymore... they can't afford it. Keep up the great work and helpful videos Wizard!
I have this exact year and model of Infiniti QX56 and thoroughly enjoy it. You are correct in your some summation that those are common failure points. I have the problem with the heat inside the passenger compartment where in drive I get no heat but if I shift manually into fourth third or second gear then I get heat so I am assuming that it's not the cams under the dash but the part that's the electronic control out under the hood. I'm going to have to fix that to keep my wife happy.
I just ran into a parts availability issue on a 2019 BMW! Tension strut bushings were cracking and there were no tension struts (OE or OEM) available! They finally became available and I snapped two up. It's nuts that parts aren't available for a 3 year old vehicle
I always lower the window when working on the car. I am paranoid about accidentally locking the keys in, plus I can easily lean in an push a button or whatever without having to open the door...garage space is sometimes tight.
If I run into a lot of money I would definitely buy one of these. I've wanted one of these since it came out, but I wouldn't be able to afford the upkeep. My 2002 Nissan Maxima will do for now.
It’s mostly the cheap interior and suspension parts on these trucks that are the issue. The motor and tranny are rock solid if you perform regular maintenance. I do agree that the exhaust manifold problem is expensive. Headers with a tune are a good once and for all fix.
That 400k Yota being that clean is due to frequent oil changes not following the OCI. I have seen plenty of videos from AMD that were well maintained and was oil stained.
Meaning if you don’t fix just one bad sensor, the way the electrical system continuity is mapped, it will all go one by one, cause it’s all connected. Everything communicates to the commuter, when those things need an independent computer for each communication.
On theory is why the stopped production is they were released during release during the 2008 financial crisis and they did not sell because the target market was not buying.
Great for towing but an expensive vehicle to operate and maintain if you hope to get any longevity out of it. Sounds like a poor choice for a daily driver or commuter rig.
I had an '11 IPL coupe manual in Malbec Black. Not practical at all for the northeast U.S. but I miss it, too! I've owned some good looking vehicles but I think that may be my favorite to look at. Questions and compliments constantly.
every one of those style vehicles have worked on had the actuator problem and some of these are not in a very nice place to change and the customers had so no.
Car wizard, I don't understand why you are saying that the QX56 is discontinued. It became the QX-80. It is the same vehicle still based on the Nissian Armada.
Are parts from newer ones compatible? The current QX80 facelifts look like the same body style.. proportions, the doors and rear window the same. Makes me think theres gotta be some of the same parts being used. They use the 5.6 as well.
The location of the pcv valve will effect the color under the valve cover. I guess my 2010 armada must be a freak cause it gets 18 mpg on the highway and I honestly haven't checked on in town mileage since the wife started driving it.
I went a whole winter with my qx56 and with no heat when it was a 10 minute (maybe even less) fix. The box on the heater inlet hose, literally has 3 screws, there’s a piece on there that shifts forward. You just push it back in place, literally that’s it. If it’s too loose go to hobby lobby you can get a piece you’d use in like toy cars.. it’s like a little plastic piece (wish i could explain better).. anyway, apparently people replace this whole part over a simple fix all the time.
If it shares engine platform for audi it not a surprise. Not sure why they cant make as reliable as toyota, but over-engineering does have its over-complicated issues.
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Parts for these are plentiful and they are pretty reliable. The discoloration of the valvetrain is due to owner neglect. I own two VK56DEs and they both look brand new at 160k miles when I did a valve cover change. Buying any almost 20 yr old vehicle from the rust belt is going to require some type of maintenance.
My boss had one and the only thing costlier than the refuels was the maintenance.
yeah, given they carpet bombed styling norms as as hard as 'Hummer' did in a 2000's way that would somehow poison over a decade later... good riddance Infiniti. You were awesome in the 1990s; but god damn your latter self has been awful.
My friend at work has one (about 6 yr old) and he says it has given him no problems...though he could be capping
@rebeltvr6046 I don’t think he’s capping😏 I have a 2008 QX56. I brought it with 58K miles it now has 227K miles. I love it and its my everyday driver. My fuel needle did stop working it wasn’t the cluster it was the fuel sending unit. My exhaust rusted tho I’m now replacing it with Cajun B-Pipes and the JBA performance exhaust. My headers are fine I decided to do the whole swop. Hopefully I’ll get it put on this week or next. I do my best to stay on top of my routine maintenance. I do believe if you take care of your vehicle it’ll take care of you🙂 I also have a great mechanic so that helps A LOT. Oooo my over head rear console needs to be replaced the plastic is cracked and needs new pins but the tv and all the controls work great headphones do too. I found one on eBay but I sent it back because it was cracked the dealer wanted 2K-3K for that plastic Noooooo Sirrrrrr it was $500 on eBay.
Just turned 160,000 miles and very few issues.
Air level suspension didn’t work when I bought it at 130k miles so I put in Firestone airbags and it tows our 6000 pound RV like a champ.
I own an 06 Armada...I don't know if neglect by owners of other Armadas/QX56s that make them unreliable but I have about 150k miles and driven her across this country through mountains and dessert heat and never failed on me. That being said, it wasn't perfect sailing. The most common problem I've seen are the cats failing at 80-100k. Mine failed just before the warranty ended, so Nissan took care of it. New ones work well, and it seems they've corrected the weak point that caused the failure. I've done the valve covers at 100k, and it is quite easy since there is more than enough room to work in the engine bay. Mine was way cleaner than the one in your video, which leads me to believe they've gone much longer between oil changes than 5k. Did plug and coils while covers were out, too. Did all fluids regularly, especially trans, Transfer case and both diffs at 40k intervals since I does haul the family all over the country. Never had electrical issues. Did have the annoying clicking and heater issue at 115k, but those were very straightforward and easy to fix ( it doesn't require mechanical expertise). As far as the engine, they're reliable so long as scheduled maintenance is done. I change my oil with 5-40 every 5k, and I'm always just under half to slightly over half short at the change interval. My 15 MDX is short a quart every 2k (even after the piston ring recall was done...guess it just eats oil, runs great otherwise) or my 06 Sequoia (definitely a favorite of mine) which also eats about a 3/4 to a quart at 4k change intervals but doesn't have nearly the power of the Armada or internal space. I kept the air suspension too since those parts are cheap and easy to replace as well (changed mine at 120k just in case because of how cheap the parts were).
Maybe I'm lucky with my Armada (doubt it), but I think it's done well for me because I'm religious about maintenance intervals (that goes for my MDX and Sequoia as well). Again, other than the failed catalytic converters, she's been free of major issues. After seeing the QX56 wheel bearing in your video having issues, I plan on doing mine shortly as the parts are cheap and just good practice to replace before they go bad and cause issues while on long drives. Might even do front and rear main seals at 200k just in case. Come to think of it, even the AC is original and works great (also serviced every 3 years). Now, I hope I didn't just jinx myself, and she's now gonna give up the ghost and make my Sequoia the cross country hauler.
Full disclosure, I've been working on cars since before I had a driver's license and have built race cars (mostly Toyota, Hondas and Anything you can put a Chevy LS in) from the ground up to include full custom engine, transmission and suspension builds, so I can, and most of the time do the work on my vehicles once warranty has expired since labor is usually the bulk of the cost. Parts are relatively cheap for these Japanese SUVs. And when Wizard says the cost of repair is 3-5k, maybe more, that is his labor and shop charges making the bulk as it should since most people won't have the expertise or time and tools to complete such repairs. That being said, the Armada and its uglier twin the QX56 should be reliable if you do the maintenance regularly.
Oh, and I don't know how his QX56 got 12 hwy and 8 city, but my Armada averages 13-15 combined between fill ups. On our long family trips with luggage and 5 passengers, I average between 17-21is depending on how many mountains I have to traverse or if it is relatively flat. By no means is she a Prius, but no one buys SUVs this size and thinks I'm gonna get 30mpg. (Hmm, I did add a free-flowing air filter🤔).
Sorry for the long post. If anyone reads this fully, I just thought I'd post my ownership experience of my Armada.
98% of Nissan owners have terrible credit and don’t take care of their cars. You are the other 2%
@Bruce Wayne that's funny my friend...and you may be right about the credit and nissan/infiniti owners issue. My buddy bought a 2011 GTR used when they weren't ridiculously expensive yet and I told him he couldn't afford it if it took two jobs to pay for the loan, but nonetheless, the pull of the GTR was stronger than his common sense.
Now speaking of bad nissans/Infinitis, the newer Direct Injection V8s from 2011-16 were notorious for failing timing chain issues that unchecked/un-repaired pretty much left you with a paper weight once you were out of warranty coverage. Great motor with lots of power but a deadly Achilles heel in its timing chain. Made me completely steer clear of them when I was looking for another SUV back in 2012, hence the 2015 MDX.
Great post! I love my 08’ with 160k miles.
Yeah it's hard to take all the complaints seriously when all the ones on marketplace have 200k+ miles on them
@Experience Agreed. They're work horses so long as they're maintained. Goes for every major Japanese brand of vehicle in my opinion.
2009 QX56 owner at 150k miles and going well. I got it new and I’d buy another. We took some awesome adventures with it. It drives like a car! I love it 🥰
All these big suvs get like this when they age. Its still cheaper than owning a new one
Yep especially when new Is 100k
Older gm suvs do not have even half the issues these Japanese/european vehicles have.
We have a 2010 with about 75K miles. At about 40K, heating/AC system actuator in the dash went out. Dealer had it for a week between pulling dash off and then waiting for parts. I think the bill was just short of $1,500.
Like the Car Wizard, my wife loved the styling so we had to find one in the fall of 2010 as Infiniti was changing the style for 2011. My wife still loves her QX56, so I don't see us getting rid of it anytime soon.
actuator still works, just makes hella noise when switching, I'm not fixing it lol
I must say I’m not impressed with that list at 150k mi. Also, when a vehicle manufacturer discontinues parts so soon, it really indicates to me they don’t expect the car will last-or really care if it does 🙄
Nissan would rather cut corners that kill their car buyers than to make something worthwhile.
Nissan was notorious in this era for discontinuing parts availability. That’s why I stopped buying.
I thought there was a law that forced manufacturers to supply parts for a number of years after production ends ??
@1983dmd: A law that requires auto OEMs to make spare parts available for a set period is an old 'chestnut' that's unfounded - there is no such US Federal law. The only driver to maintaining spare parts supply comes from the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, that was effected in 1975. The aforesid Act requires manufacturers to maintain parts for the term of the manufacturer’s warranty - where the 'clock starts ticking' when the last of a particular model leaves the assembly line.
So as long as the OEM offers an X-year warranty covering certain systems (e.g. engine, transmission, HVAC, etc.) it must provide the parts necessary to fix those systems for X years. Notably, it's not all the parts that make up the entire vehicle.
Also indicates the manufacturer expects all of these to be in a junkyard soon.
I love Infiniti’s. I loved driving these things back in the day when I worked at my local Infiniti dealer. G37xs is one of my all time favourites.
Owned a g35x and 37x. Can confirm they are awesome cars. Was so close to getting a 6mt 37s but it sold before i could get to it! Had to sell my 37 8 months ago when i moved across the planet. Still miss er!
G35 was a blast. I have owned Q45, G35, and QX56. They key is buying used. They fall off a cliff faster than other luxury brands so you can get them cheap, even with low mileage. Then drive them until they have nothing more left to give. Whereas Lexus was all about the tech, Infiniti used to be all about high performance. Nowadays? Hard to say as I think they've lost their way.
It is hard to believe that I owned a 454 Chevy Suburban that got the same mileage as that QX56. And quite frankly, there is a ton of parts available for square body Chevies and more people enjoy the Chevy body styling.
OBS is classic now. Many dont like the interior door latches though haha
I have one, the mileage is much better then he claims.
No way. Chevy is Fug.
Have learned alot from the Wizard. I always put on his videos when I take a nap, his calm voice puts me to sleep. I don't mean that as a insult, very knowledgeable guy.
So this is also a Nissan Armada I have a 2004 with shy of 300,000 miles. Brother changed out the exhaust manifolds and cats done before I bought it from him for !$3000. Just have leaks of the transmission and oil cooler lines I need to tackle and a rear wheel bearing. Sadly the manifolds are leaking again
@18:15 - My Ford 500 has keypad on door pillar. Love this feature.
my brother got a real good deal on one a while back. the previous owner's mechanic kept throwing suspension parts at it to fix a shake that wouldn't go away so he sold it. I took for a drive after my brother purchased it and a few minutes later I determined the front left tire was bad...
I brought my 2008 QX56 with 57,000 miles. I was hit (7/2024)and rolled 3 times and ended upside down on the highway. The person that hit me had no insurance my truck was totaled. My truck had 275,000 miles my fuel meter gauge stopped working, but it was the fuel sending unit I had it replaced. I order from Cajun Bpipes customs I had 2.5 resonated test pipes, JBA V-band Shorties and JBA 40-1405 catback system. My original cats were failing so I decided to do it.DAMNNNNNNNN I loved and now miss that truck.
Don’t buy any Nissan built after Renault bought them.
Same. Their quality and reliability went down the tubes many years ago. Back in the 80s and 90s if you valued reliability, it was Nissan, Toyota and Mazda. Then Ford screwed up Mazda, Renault screwed up Nissan. I only buy Toyotas except for my commuter EV.
@@jnorthrop70 Now Mazda is no longer partnered with Ford. In fact, they started partnering with Toyota a while ago.
I disagree. The Xterra is a great value.
Agree. The only exceptions would be the early Xterra and D22 Frontier that they continued to make after they surrendered to France. They did take a little quality out, but usually they were still good. Anything designed under the watch of Carlos Ghosen though is garbage.
They cheaped out on everything after Renault! Cheap components that dont hold up. Its that simple.
Normally I’m a GM guy. But it’s nearly impossible to find an affordable clean pre AFM suv with enough room to haul my special needs sons stroller. Based upon a friend’s suggestion we bought a 2012 Armada Platinum. Knock on balsa it has been relatively trouble free. We regularly tow a horse trailer with it and it is a champ. Air suspension still works great. I’m amazed by how easy it is to service. Only real problem we had is hitting a deer at 70 nearly totaled it as repair parts from Nissan are incredibly expensive. Luckily our body guy found a wreck and was able to ship the needed parts.
Thanks for making great videos. Because of you and your videos, I now have a Toyota Tundra. I looked at a Q56, now that you made me aware of the parts issues, I think I’ll look a different direction. Thanks to you and Hoovie, you have kept me from buying some bad vehicles. Thanks again and keep the videos coming.
Hoovie made all of my bad purchases for me. Everything I've ever been interested in, he purchased. And through Hoovie, I vicariously lived out ownership highs and lows.
Look at the newer generation my friends 2013 QX56 and it’s been completely solid
@@nomebearhis Land Cruiser was a great purchase.
I just grabbed a Q56 for 10k 2013. 100k
My 4runner was at 200k. I'll drive this for 3 years and grab another Toyota. Nothing beats the 4.0 or 3.5.
Finally, I understand why my car window is down when I pick up my car from my independent car repair shop!
Wizard has the common sense of millions of smart mechanics in his soul!
Great review! Im actually looking at a 2019 QX80 limited. The QX80 actually has a .5 second better 0-60 time than a Ram 1500. You can kind of "mod" them like a Ram. Tune, exhaust ect.. Im hooked on your videos!
If an engine is spotless clean on the inside at 200k, then it will look the same at 400k or more, assuming that the same oil change routine is maintained; to put it the other way, if an engine is going to gunk up, it will do it before 100k, much less 400k..
These always reminded of a hippo. Particularly the plastic hippos on the Hungry Hungry Hippos game board from my youth. And across all genereations of the vehicle. The front is the snout, the hood and fenders are the head, and greenhouse is the body. Once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. I have sat in more recent QX56s at car shows over the years and it's really nice inside when its new, but I wouldn't ever own one.
The roof line is bizarre, dont care for the humpback
Ok.
Loving Mrs. Wizard's interior tours / reviews
I work at a school and it is my duty to welcome the car rider kids to school in the morning and there was a parent who had one of these the car sounded awful it sputtered and choked. The second week of school it broke down after dropping off the kid. Now the mom owns a new Kia Sorento and is very happy now and comes to school on time every day.
I have a 2008 Armada. Bought it last year wrecked with 276k miles and had it rebuilt. Currently has almost 290k miles and still runs and looks great. Has minor issues like leaking valve covers and airbag light that recently came on (probably the clock spring).
Bought my 2007 QX56 with the airbag light on.. It was the clock spring. 30 minutes and $20 at the local Pull-A-Part.. Pretty easy job with a tutorial video
I often wonder that V8 is one of the better engines Nissan produced correct.
@@jasonsmith7427 I’m may try to do it myself. I bought a new clock spring already. Good to know it’s not too difficult
@@charlesmlane32 It is. That and the VQ series engines are good too
@@Mr_Ayyye Correct me if I am wrong wasn't it the transmissions that caused most of the issues that droped Nissan's reliability
The information my brother was well worth the time viewing the video. Much love.
My parents bought a used 2012 Armada platinum at 48k, now close to 200k miles! I don't ever remember them complaining bout mechanical issues other than the rear air shocks. I guess reliability is all up to owners and how they maintain it.
Great video as always but I had to share that just after you showed the valve train of the Toyota, a Hyundai ad inserted itself touting how much more you get with a Sonata over a Toyota Corolla. I about spewed my drink. 🤣
Compact Flash and DVD. I love it. Don't want anything further than those two entertainment carriers in a car.
It's sad when you see a company dying like Nissan, I remember them in the 80s through the 90s Nissan where up to par with Toyota
Yes they were. Those old Maximas were something else. I had a 86 Nissan 300zx, all in all it was very solid with the VG30E engine, same engine that made its way to the other Nissan products of the time.
NIssan is not dying and they are now better than newer unreliable Toyotas
I drive the exact truck profiled in your video. It is one of the BEST trucks I’ve ever owned. It has 195545 miles, and runs like new. The only repairs I have done is to replace the NOISY actuator doors, all eight of them. I’m the 2nd owner, and I have service records from the previous owner as well. This truck is the BOMB! I get 14.7 mpg highway, and 11 mpg city (A/C running). I plan on installing coil-overs in the rear, to assist the John Foose 22’s with the cornering capability. The interior looks damn-near brand new, and ALL options still work. I’m sorry to hear that your experience with this wonderful truck has been less than stellar, but my experience is WONDERFUL!!! I will have this truck until I stop wasting oxygen.
Let me know how I can send you pictures or video proof of this wonderful truck, which I absolutely love!
I have a 2008 QX56. I brought it with 58K miles it now has 227K miles. I love it and its my everyday driver. My fuel needle did stop working it wasn’t the cluster it was the fuel sending unit. My exhaust rusted tho I’m now replacing it with Cajun B-Pipes and the JBA performance exhaust. My headers are fine I decided to do the whole swop. Hopefully I’ll get it put on this week or next. I do my best to stay on top of my routine maintenance. I do believe if you take care of your vehicle it’ll take care of you🙂 I also have a great mechanic so that helps A LOT. Oooo my over head rear console needs to be replaced the plastic is cracked and needs new pins but the tv and all the controls work great headphones do too. I found one on eBay but I sent it back because it was cracked the dealer wanted 2K-3K for that plastic Noooooo Sirrrrrr it was $500 on eBay.
@blackmanmoo4436
Same here I absolutely love my QX56 when the time comes I’m getting a QX80
Keep Riding 🫡
A lot of these problems showed up on my 2011 Altima. Next car: Camry.
Just rented an LE 4cyl after dropping off the Sequoia, and it had plenty of pep, and got 38.1 mpg. Took almost 5 tanks to get to The Wizard, less than 3; as I prepaid my fuel and dropped with a quarter of a tank.
The window switch hack is to get one from a mercury grand marquis of navigator or expedition
As someone who has had both the Sequoia and currently owns both a 2009 QX56 and a 2014 QX56, this vehicle looks like it had quite a lot of owner negligence. My 09 Qx56 rides way smoother and more powerful than the Sequoia without having these issues described in the video. At 165k miles, I had minimal issues with it besides normal wear and tear. Living in Chicago winters all its life rust was an issue. at 100k I decided to replace all major suspension components with heavier-duty parts due to rust affecting the control arms. I also chose to replace my exhaust with Cajun long headers to avoid the header cracking issues that these vehicles are known for. Offroad she is a beast these vehicles taken care of can live 200k and further.
That engine in the Sequoia I'll bet is the 2UZ-FE. No surprise it looking so good and clean inside even with 400K plus miles. It's a Hallmark of that engine, which is quite possibly the best one Toyota ever built. You have Nissan at a significant disadvantage when you compare any of their engines to the 2UZ. Thanks for the great video.
You are correct it is the 2UZ-FE pre vvti
You are on drugs. 5.6 is not a joke.
LMFAO. in your dreams. VK eats that shit for breakfast. Zero maintenance required for engine except oil changes....which this one didn't get. Have fun with the belts and lack of power.
because i worked in a body shop because of the dust windows were up so our key policy was to have a hook on the wall in front of the stall or put the key by the wipers
I am restoring an 11 Armada from the Frame up and there are lots of parts available maybe not OEM but these are WELL worth keeping on the road.
i’m curious about your project
That engine is real clean inside, but without maintenance records to prove otherwise from original owner, I would have to say that sometime in that vehicles life a valve job was performed.
Who says it's even the original engine. 400k is allot
@@andrewdonohue1853 if you change it when it starts to turn black the engine stays clean it's what my engine looks like only 80k miles though but 13 yrs old
@@awesomusmaximus3766 correct... Someone just took care of it.
With that amount of varnish in the valve train, I'm not so sure, depending on total mileage
@@robertmaybeth3434 Yes, that engine has had some really extended oil changes for the synthetic oil to stain it to that degree. I wouldn't be surprised if the chain tensioners started disintegrating from becoming to brittle and worn from the old spent synthetic oil..
I kinda like the back and forth on the Ferrari, it is quaint to hear husband and wife negotiate for what they want.
Over 200k miles on my qx56! She has been very reliable and has driven across the country many times.
The key is to keep up with maintanence! The only big issue i have had is having to replace the battery.
The texas sun has destroyed my clear coat but thats expected out here.
I like the idea when you get a car into fix and you obviously leave the key or fob in the car you wind down a window because a lot of cars will lock them selves when you unlock it and don't get in
I hope a 2010+ second gen QX56/80 or 2017+ Nissan Armada shows up in your shop someday. They're based on the Nissan Patrol and built in Japan with US engines. This 1st gen example is based on the Titan pick-up and built in Mississippi. Curious if the 1st gen problems were fixed.
They aren't "based on the Nissan Patrol", they are Nissan Patrols with less off-road goodies. Why they brought over a vehicle that is 99% the same as the international version, but changed the name to match a vehicle with a tarnished reputation is beyond me.
Would love to see wizard talk about the new gen armada
The second gen QX56/80 is just absolutely hideous imo...the armada variant is much more attractive as well as this previous gen.
The 2010 QX56 is on the Patrol platform according to research I've done. Am I missing something?
@@kebby8251 Correct. 2010 QX's onward and 2017 Armadas onward are Patrol based.
Haven't owned an Infiniti since my G20. That was a great car
My Mazda has the same master window switch issue. I replaced it once, but I was broke at the time so got a cheapy Chinese part off of eBay. Worked great for a few months, and now some windows work, and some windows don't. Have never replaced it again. Didn't plan on keeping the car so long, but had I known that new car prices would skyrocket, I would have replaced it again by now.
@smithjones1906
I need to replace that on my sons 2011 G37x Coupe AWD
Any suggestions on where I can locate that master switch.
The lines to the rear AC corrode. Require the body of the frame to be repaired. The headlights develop moisture inside. They are no longer available, but they are over $1000 each for parts if they are. The acoustic distance sensor for the cruise goes bad, nearly $2000 for parts. The cruise control module could also go bad. On might, the chrome is flaking off the wheels.
I think I might get a 2025 diesel Tahoe.
Found one near me at around 9k with a decent monthly payment plan honestly thinking of going with a higher mileage Toyota Sequoia instead considering all the issues listed
I need a new headlight and it’s 1499. I don’t understand the thousand dollars.
@@terrigwyn9963 Google, a dealer in Florida lists them for $800
I had one. It was a beast, but the heater actuator went out at 70k. I bought a new one from EBay, and that did the trick. Now, I did have an exhaust manifold crack.
I used to drive 30-40 year old vehicles. I never had problems getting parts. I now drive a '13 Transit Connect van. Common enough that parts should not be a problem for a while.
They just discontinued the Transit Connects stateside. Ugh. Hopefully you won’t have a need.
I'm sticking with toyota I have a 03 toyota sequoia 209,000 still looks great can't feel the engine running at the light smooth 💪🏾
And reliable, reliable, reliable. Great visibility, comfy seats, and nice pick up when needed.
The LFA is my dream car. Man they're so sexy and that v10.... better than music, and I'm a musician 😂
2006 QX56 170K and counting with no major repairs.
Spark plugs changed 3 times
Differential, transmission and transfer case fluid chamged twice
Front drive shaft bearings went some time ago. Removed and put it in 2WD.
Slow leak from power steering hose coming off resevoir.
Had a slight stutter in first gear from a stop. Fixed with new trasfer case fluid.
The dash digital display does come and go.
Recently replaced the front struts and sway bar end links.
3rd brake light out
Only thing i dont like is the gas mileage.
My 2008 VW 2.0T w/140k miles on it looks even better than that Sequoia. As you said, it's all about the oil changes. It even has the original turbo despite being stage1 chipped most of its life. Of course, being a VW product, a lot of other maintenance items have kept be busy! Not Toyota quality all around, by any means.
I own the Sequoia, had an 03 Jetta 1.8t to 235k until accidentally and somehow downshifted from fifth to first at speed. My favorite FAVORITE car to date. Miles if smiles and 14 k in repairs over 235k
Should have gotten a VW with an 07k or tdi........
If you buy real Japanese QX56 2011 and up, 90% of this problems are not existing . And plastic panels inside are of different level of quality. Nissan built Infinitis at their American plant for pure profit only, cheapest materials and parts.
Thats a pretty small list of Issues for the age of any Vehicle, especially most are just items that wear!
Nissan is notorious for cutting production of parts for older cars. It really is a middle finger to the used car buyer.
After 2007 they went from made in Japan parts to a lot made in Mexico. The only issue I’ve had is hvac blend door motor. Otherwise every seal bone dry.
I have a 2009 QX56, I took it with 137,000 miles, today it has 1,00,075 and something else, I have only had problems with the shock absorbers
I didnt know they had air suspension but that car is in great shape. For infiniti you know all seals and sensors need replacement every 100k miles . Once done you can expect another 100k on the engine
I approve of you buying a LFA wizard. Tell Ms wizard I approved such a purchase.
We must have been lucky on our '06, never had an issue. But it was totaled in '14 by someone pulling out in from of us. Had a '12 QX56 after that, the upper engine went bad and sold it for scrap. Now with a '19 Armada with Plat Reserve package basically gives all the options of the Infiniti.
Modern vehicles are not meant to be repaired or worked on they are drive them for 10 years or 100000miles (if you are lucky) then scrap them and buy new why is this not understood by motorists ?
As far as the clicking sound and no heat goes, I have a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and I had that issue and it was my blend door actuator and I replaced it and I haven’t had that issue since
Toyotas are pretty amazing! Only downfall is more plastic being used in the newer ones
It's just another highlight of how bad Nissan's quality has been for 20 years now. As a Dad of five kiddos I associate with other Dad's have the same kind of vehicle as mine (I have a Sequoia 5.7L V8 4x4), and once you get past 150,000 on Nissan products they begin to nickel and dime you badly.
I hated the front end at first but it's been growing on me. It's not as ugly now as time goes by.
I’ve owned about 12 Nissans in my life - everything built after the Ghosn era (error?) was absolute GARBAGE. I’d love to see you get a first-gen Murano in your shop! Those have a neat feature that causes the driver’s seat to randomly collapse - I have no idea how that issue wasn’t recalled as it’s so common!
Nissan made an updated bracket repair kit for the Left front seat frame
@@AndrewM83 A day late and a dollar short. When my 2006 seat frame failed in 2010, I had to buy an entire lower seat frame - motors and all - for just under $1000! The repair kits were released shortly after I dumped that car after the HVAC blower relay failed and it was just in time for the CVT to start acting up (it was maintained), and it needed tires. Traded that POS in for a new Hyundai Elantra just to get out of the loan!
@@bbishoppcm I understand. What you're describing were common fail points of the First generation Murano.
Not just Toyota quality. Who ever owns it has been keeping the oil changed
Didn't you know that Toyotas clean the oil and make it better than new? When you perform your first oil change on the Toyota after 200,000 miles, you can drink the replaced oil. It will have turned into fine wine ;-)
Yeah people over hype toyotas like crazy. They are good but they aren't THAT good.
@@timesup6302thank you
I had 2 qx56, a 2008 first gen and a 2011 second gen. First gen was ok but still have the 2011 with all packages, ie entertainment and delux touring and AWD. Love my 2011 qx, no issues with it at 98k miles. I had the decal done to update the timing line though I had zero problems with as I change oil every 4k miles.
the inside of the engine in my truck is just as clean as the Toyota I have a 2003 GMC Yukon Xl Denali with a 6.0l LQ4 with 289,000 miles on it still going strong.
I had a 2003 Sequoia and had constant little issues with it, the stability control was always throwing codes but it was reliable in getting us around, engine was a gem. We Test Drove a 2008 Infiniti Q56 to trade in the sequoia and the Q56 drove sooo much nicer than sequoia in driving dynamics, we didn’t end up buying it but I can see why many people did. We keep the Toyota till 200k. When water pump went on it we sold it and starting leasing wife’s car every three years.
Had to replace the cluster on wife's '06 QX56. It does have that "click-click..." though. We still have heat & air though. I hate to hear that Nissan is stopping supporting them. We're at 220k & I'd say it'll go twice that... IF we can still get parts. Great video!
I've been maintaining my wife's 2010 currently at 230k. Bought it at 25k in 2012. Every issue it's had was minor, common and easy to fix except the damn passenger side dash actuator. Managed to swap it thru the glove box but tore up my arm. Only left us stranded once, when the DTE gauge said 30 miles but the tank was empty. We fill it up at 1/4 tank from then on. Gave up on replacing the heater valve after the 2nd failure... just unplugged it and manually set it to open lol. If you can work on it yourself, it's extremely economical to own aside from the MPG.
@v12alpine Ditto! Particularly considering how much used cars cost nowadays. (We went & drove a 2019 QX80 recently... $24,000.00....we both said "no way"
..especially considering they offered $1000.00 for our 2096 QX56 as a trade in).. INSANE! Our story reads much like yours... we purchased ours in 2013..(forgot how many miles it had on it then)...seriously, runs like a sewing machine.. drove it on a 300 mile round trip last month on the turnpike..pushed it up to 90 mph... no issues... plus doesn't use any oil between 3k mile oil changes. Peace
Machanically is the same as nissan armada produced for (1st gen) 10 years, so parts should be avaliable. Yes, interior is a problem.
I'm not shocked at all Wizard, my 09 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V has many common failure parts that are not being made for the past 5 years. The exhaust header/catalectic converter combo is no longer made by Nissan. It was $700.00 Canadian dollars for the Dorman part, which was not stocked in Canada or the USA, and had to be ordered from Dorman. Waited 2 months for manufacturing & delivery. The six speed shifter mechanism is no longer made either, and has NO aftermarket replacement. I have been hunting for 3 years for that part. Nissan has been in trouble financially for so long now, it's no wonder they are not making parts for their products anymore... they can't afford it. Keep up the great work and helpful videos Wizard!
Damn i guess thats why i dont see sers in that gen. Though i do still see base model 1.8 S
Get the lc 500 that is a sweet ride
Hell no bro I’m not working I’m dead!!! 😂😂😂
Don't like to brag but followed you from the first episode learned so much especially with Dodge trucks thank you
I love the way it looks, but I don't have a lot of experience with Nissans.
I have this exact year and model of Infiniti QX56 and thoroughly enjoy it. You are correct in your some summation that those are common failure points. I have the problem with the heat inside the passenger compartment where in drive I get no heat but if I shift manually into fourth third or second gear then I get heat so I am assuming that it's not the cams under the dash but the part that's the electronic control out under the hood. I'm going to have to fix that to keep my wife happy.
Nissan has become the FIAT of Japan. Those 5.6 V8s in the QX56/Armada are powerful, but they also crack their exhaust manifolds repeatedly.
Please Google Carlos Ghosn.
I just ran into a parts availability issue on a 2019 BMW! Tension strut bushings were cracking and there were no tension struts (OE or OEM) available! They finally became available and I snapped two up. It's nuts that parts aren't available for a 3 year old vehicle
I always lower the window when working on the car. I am paranoid about accidentally locking the keys in, plus I can easily lean in an push a button or whatever without having to open the door...garage space is sometimes tight.
That's a really clear statement of Nissan and their confidence in their products.
If I run into a lot of money I would definitely buy one of these. I've wanted one of these since it came out, but I wouldn't be able to afford the upkeep. My 2002 Nissan Maxima will do for now.
Lol
It’s mostly the cheap interior and suspension parts on these trucks that are the issue. The motor and tranny are rock solid if you perform regular maintenance. I do agree that the exhaust manifold problem is expensive. Headers with a tune are a good once and for all fix.
My 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited is rated at 9300 lbs. For the towing and I moved my 36ft RV with no issues at 9600 lbs. at least!
That 400k Yota being that clean is due to frequent oil changes not following the OCI. I have seen plenty of videos from AMD that were well maintained and was oil stained.
I figured these would share 90% of their parts with the Armada but I may be wrong
Meaning if you don’t fix just one bad sensor, the way the electrical system continuity is mapped, it will all go one by one, cause it’s all connected. Everything communicates to the commuter, when those things need an independent computer for each communication.
I worked at a infiniti in the late 2000s. When some of those had electrical problems they could be real head cases. From what I remember.
On theory is why the stopped production is they were released during release during the 2008 financial crisis and they did not sell because the target market was not buying.
This makes me appreciate why I only buy Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Great for towing but an expensive vehicle to operate and maintain if you hope to get any longevity out of it. Sounds like a poor choice for a daily driver or commuter rig.
I had an 05 G35 coupe manual in that color lakeshore slate metallic , I sold it to my brother and he hit a deer . I miss it a lot
I had an '11 IPL coupe manual in Malbec Black. Not practical at all for the northeast U.S. but I miss it, too! I've owned some good looking vehicles but I think that may be my favorite to look at. Questions and compliments constantly.
I HAD A 350Z and a g35 and loved them both but yeah the fuel gauge and bad window regulators are are pain in the arse
Also, that dreaded Oil filter cooler gasket and the part was 5 dollars, but you have to drain the system of coolant and oil and its a mess to do !
Finally we know the reason for the Car Wizard's look- the Infiniti that made him pull his hair out!
every one of those style vehicles have worked on had the actuator problem and some of these are not in a very nice place to change and the customers had so no.
Car wizard, I don't understand why you are saying that the QX56 is discontinued. It became the QX-80. It is the same vehicle still based on the Nissian Armada.
Are parts from newer ones compatible? The current QX80 facelifts look like the same body style.. proportions, the doors and rear window the same. Makes me think theres gotta be some of the same parts being used. They use the 5.6 as well.
I have a 2015 Lexus GX460 and love it. But my dream SUV from this era would be a big Infiniti body over Toyota mechanicals. Ha! (I bet one exists.)
The engine is still 5.6L displacement but with direct injection instead of port injection.
Interesting on the towing aspect for sure. I want my wife’s next ride to be able to pull our trailer in a pinch.
2021 Sequoia Platinum 4WD pulls our Airstream like a champ
Also towed a 10k+ pound excavator on a tandem axle flatbed without breathing hard. Still got 11.5 MPG in the Ozark Mountains towing all this
The location of the pcv valve will effect the color under the valve cover. I guess my 2010 armada must be a freak cause it gets 18 mpg on the highway and I honestly haven't checked on in town mileage since the wife started driving it.
I went a whole winter with my qx56 and with no heat when it was a 10 minute (maybe even less) fix. The box on the heater inlet hose, literally has 3 screws, there’s a piece on there that shifts forward. You just push it back in place, literally that’s it. If it’s too loose go to hobby lobby you can get a piece you’d use in like toy cars.. it’s like a little plastic piece (wish i could explain better).. anyway, apparently people replace this whole part over a simple fix all the time.
If it shares engine platform for audi it not a surprise. Not sure why they cant make as reliable as toyota, but over-engineering does have its over-complicated issues.
It's because they're owned by Renault that's why.
@@CJColvin Yes the are owned by renault but there are model and year (not sure which ones) that did share it. I saw it in a motor trend review in YT.