My 2004 Nissan Presage failed its Warrant of Fitness!
In New Zealand cars are checked for road worthiness http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/.
The car was fine apart from the Left Front Suspension (Shock), it was found to be leaking... more like useless and of no functional use at all, but for holding the spring in place. The gas shock had deteriorated.
Taking my un-warranted car away from the testing centre and cursing ever buying an import, I started the mission of working out the best options for resolving the fault.
Here are the results. (note: in New Zealand and in NZ Dollars)
To get the car repaired by Nissan
Cost of Shock $540 plus GST (15%) as well as a wait of 10 days for it to be imported from Japan.
labour estimated to be 1 hour and a half at $90 per hour plus GST.
labour estimated to be 1 hour and a half at $90 per hour plus GST.
TOTAL from Nissan - $630 plus GST = $724.50
Well that simply wasn’t an option.
I asked why it was so costly, because the Nissan Presage TU31 Chassis was unique, so had a specific shock.
Well that simply wasn’t an option.
I asked why it was so costly, because the Nissan Presage TU31 Chassis was unique, so had a specific shock.
I called the Shock Shop, they told me the only option they had was to rebuild the shock, this would take approximately 3 days to do.
TOTAL from the Shock Shop - $556 including GST
Getting Better
Getting Better
I called around and got similar results…
Another look at this blog that I put together was the answer, the Nissan Presage is on the Nissan Teana chassis, the Nissan Teana is also sold as the Nissan Maxima, which is a far more popular car in New Zealand, a favourite for taxi drivers.
"Who makes a part that is specific to one car?!?!"
Basically the TU31 Chassis is the same as the J31 Chassis, so takes the same shocks.
I called around again, specifically wanting a price for a J31 Shock and Labour… looked as thou I was still looking at over $320 for the shock.
So I went to my local Super Cheap Auto store, they priced me a J31 Left Front Shock plus (overnight) shipping for just under $240 including GST!
Pit Stop Autos fitted the Shock for me in an hour for $87 including GST!
TOTAL Do it yourself investigation = $327 including GST
Nearly a $400 saving and faster service than what I got from Nissan Servicing.
Love the Internet!
Great blog. We have just purchased a 2004 Presage and are having major issues with the dealer over keys & remotes for the car. Does your key have a remote built into it or is it on a separate remote? If embedded in the key, does it access the sliding door? Debating how much hassle we want to go through with the dealer (replacement is $500)!!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Hi Wes,
ReplyDeleteYes the key is an issue with these cars, great idea with poor backup.
My key is a credit card shape remote key, that has a removable key inserted.
It has 4 remote buttons, the standard lock and unlock car, then a hatch unlock button (back window hatch) and the side door remote, which means you can open and close the side sliding door remotely (very cool!)
Now you don't need the remote to open and close the door, there is a button to the right of the drivers wheel that will also open and close the door electrically (un-lock the slide door option first).
$500 is a-lot for a key, however it is worth it, and I have not come across other options, and I have had a bit of a search.
Cheers,
Eric
Hi Eric,
ReplyDeleteWe have just imported a 2005 Presage from Japan and the flat key accessory you mention above was missing. So trying to get hold of that now. Very expensive. I also wondered if you knew about the GPS navigation system, ours has a dvd in Japanese which can clearly be changed but I have no idea where to find one for NZ, do you know? Also, do you know if it is possible to change the buttons on the main dash from Japanese to English? Thx heaps
Do you still have your Presage? I was wondering if they have a 12V outlet in the back somewhere? Even for the middle row of seats would be a good start, but what about in the boot area? thanks.
ReplyDeleteHir guys I hve lost my car keys for nissan pressage made in 2003 ....I dont evn knoe how I cn get it coz here in zimbabwe they charging $600 .....the details for the key are
ReplyDeletechasis number : TU31-007367
ENGINE NUMBER: QR25-117121A
BODY TYPE:S/wagon
fuel capacity:2500
Netmass:1710kg
Hir guys I hve lost my car keys for nissan pressage made in 2003 ....I dont evn knoe how I cn get it coz here in zimbabwe they charging $600 .....the details for the key are
ReplyDeletechasis number : TU31-007367
ENGINE NUMBER: QR25-117121A
BODY TYPE:S/wagon
fuel capacity:2500
Netmass:1710kg
Hi Guys, I have a 2007 Nissan Presage on the TU31 Chassis what vehicles would match this as even trying to find a nissan maxima shock her the sales guys tell me they only go up to 2003 on it. Is a 2003 Nissan maxima using the same shocks as the 2007 presage?
ReplyDeleteI am in Walvis Bay Namibia, thats just above South Africa.
Id love to know where the aux is located
ReplyDeleteId love to know where the aux is located
ReplyDeleteMy nissan presage 1997 is not starting. What is the cause of this? Parts is very difficult to find.
ReplyDelete