Popular Mechanics Long Term Titan Report

wrenrj1 · 05-17-2005, 05:59 PM

I was reading the June, 2005 Popular Mechanics third report on their long term Titan.

I will quote, and attribute the quote to Ben Stewart, of Popular Mechanics.

-"What's the best way for a West Coast editor and his East Coast dat to reconnect? Road Trip! Cross country mano a mano in the Titan. Fast. Comfortable. Enough room in the big cab for each of us to have his own space. En Route, the front brake rotors began warping, but Santa Monica Nissan installed thicker rotors and new pads under warranty.[/B] Now the Titan is our West Coast workhorse-and frequent commuter."

Now, with all the problems we've experienced with the rotor issue, they make it sound like it was a minor problem and was resolved quickly (no multiple resurfacing or waiting for the new parts). I, as many of us are,am on a waiting list for the new rotors. Luckily I didn't have to get rotors resurfaced multiple times, but many have.

I'm just a bit put off by these comments. How bout Popular Mechanics do a
story on the rest of us waiting for the fix...I wonder how fast this dealership came up with the new rotors knowing that the PM long term test truck was in the bay...

37L1 · 05-17-2005, 06:15 PM

Irritating sure, but if that is the only problem they've experienced. . . . .I'd say it's doing pretty well.

wrenrj1 · 05-17-2005, 06:18 PM

Geez I hate it when someone calls me on the half empty debate!

Good point.

moore101 · 05-17-2005, 06:21 PM

Did they ever explain why on their first test one of the negatives was "requires premium fuel"?

wrenrj1 · 05-17-2005, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moore101

Did they ever explain why on their first test one of the negatives was "requires premium fuel"?

Funny you said that, I did send them an email regarding that, but never got a response, go figure...

p_bratton · 05-17-2005, 07:23 PM

So maybe we need to tell our dealers that we are from Popular Mechanics testing out the Titan for an article ...

Phil

keiffers · 05-17-2005, 07:38 PM

I seriously doubt they'll make it known that it's a "test" truck for a magazine. If they told them, it would skewer their test since you know the dealership would do everything PERFECT to make it look like everything is great from the ownership standpoint. I found today on my Titan that apparently my dealership was pretty sloppy when they did my last oil change. I don't normallly look under the hood, but when I did today, I found that apparently when they were putting in oil, there was a spillage issue, as there was splatter all over the left side (looking in towards the engine). I think they probably just figured it would burn the spillage away (I've had that thought before) and everything would be fine. Just need to get in there now with the spray wand at the car wash and clean it up, and learn to check under the hood from now on, as I thought it may have been some kind of leak somewhere, but I checked everything and it turned out ok

HudsonValleyTitan · 05-17-2005, 07:56 PM

I am sure, 100%, without a doubt, absolutely!.....you too would get the new brake fix........IF you too were from a very popular magazine testing one of their vehicles!

rcflier_97 · 05-18-2005, 04:37 AM

Moore101 and wrenrj1 - I did the same thing the day I read that issue (e-mailing about prem gas). I didn't get a reply either. But, at least the rest of the write ups have been preety good. I know we have a winner, but I wish that I got th enew brakes on the first time - I'm still waiting.

wrenrj1 · 05-18-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcflier_97

Moore101 and wrenrj1 - I did the same thing the day I read that issue (e-mailing about prem gas). I didn't get a reply either. But, at least the rest of the write ups have been preety good. I know we have a winner, but I wish that I got th enew brakes on the first time - I'm still waiting.

rcflier, I decided to wait for the new brakes after the dealer confirmed they were bad. They didn't have a problem with doing so (as opposed to resurfacing two times first), so I hope that I do get the new brakes my first time, however it's getting baaaaaaad.

I just think it's interesting that they pull in somewhere (and especially if their identy is unknown to the dealer) and the new rotors are available. I've been waiting almost three weeks for a set.

Thinking about it, don't you think that the dealership computer would reveal exactly who owns that truck, or if it's a Nissan test or fleet vehicle?

rcflier_97 · 05-19-2005, 04:50 AM

I'm still waiting for my "new" brakes. I keep hearing "Next month - next month". Had mine resurfaced a couple of weeks ago - a world of difference. Now the wheel does not want jar my fillings loose. I agree that the computer tagged that vehicle as a special one.

rarjar · 05-19-2005, 07:59 AM

I am still somewhat puzzled why some Titans have brake problems (as many have reported on this forum) and other Titans (such as mine.. knock on wood) have not, even after fairly high mileage (over 20,000 on mine).

I know there are many threads speculating why this happens.. I'm just not convinced that anyone really knows for sure, even Nissan (unless they are just keeping it to themselves). Maybe it has something to do with the manufacturing of the rotors, or maybe it's those (like mine) driven mostly highway miles that have fewer problems, or then again, maybe it's something as simple as making sure you always talk sweet to the "beast!"