I recently inherited a 2004 Nissan pickup with 18K miles. It was bought in 2006 with 16K miles and, since then, just used for 5 mile round trips to the dump.

Yesterday I replaced the original tires even though they had lots of tread. I was concerned about dry rot, and figured that the truck was going to need replacement tires within it's lifetime anyway, so why not do it now? It also got an oil change. I believe it didn't have one since maybe 2006 or 2007.

I'll plan on bringing it to a trusted mechanic, but in the meantime, what else should I be looking to check / replace that might go bad based on a calendar and not on miles driven?

Wipers, Coolant hoses, bulbs, battery and terminal ends.

Thermostat maybe. They are cheap, so I'd just replace it at the same time I replace the hoses.

The exhaust may be rotting from the inside out due to the short trips and the spark plugs may be fouled for the same reason.

Mark, to save a little money, consider purchasing retreaded tires. I'd also check the filters.

This is a good guide for regular maintenance every three months, six months and year.

Change the transmission fluid and screens, and have the rear deferential checked out.

Mark, i guess i could give you a litany of items that should be checked, which would possibly cost more than you are willing to spend... Do you DIY any vehicle work? I do my own wrenching, so i don't know the cost of most of what i am including in my list because do it myself.

Where was the vehicle stored when it was not being driven? If it was in a garage, then it will likely be in a better condition than if not... If you want to post some photos of the below items your not sure about.. Others you can check on your own without paying someone.

On the short list, suspension, rubber components (like Brian said check the coolant hoses, belts ect).. Bushings and ball joints, as well as brake lines and power steering lines, pay special attention to the connection to the power steering reservoir, this is a common failure point. It is possible that the rubber could be rotting due to lack of use.. (you can check the bushings/coolant hoses/belts yourself for dry rot)

I would also pull the valve cover to check for buildup, again due to lack of use/improper use.. in a 5 mile trip the oil in the sump will never get to a normal operating temperature, and can gum up the valve train. Also, you may need a new valve cover gasket as well, if the gasket is leaking, then you mechanic should check the valve train, since he has to take the valve cover off to replace the gasket... he should be looking for sludge/carbon buildup in the head.

Get a compression test done, this will verify your valve rings, as well as your drive train, if you have low compression numbers then something may be going on. this should cost about 100$


Personally, i would replace ALL fluids in the truck.. Everything, transmission, differential, coolant, brake, steering... I would also replace EVERY filter as well. fuel, and air filter should be the ones left as i'm sure you put a new oil filter in when you did the last oil change.

I would also pull the thermostat, and check for build up.. This will cost you a new gasket +labor... Or just put a new thermostat in.. It may be possible that the trucks coolant never got up to normal operating temperature either, depending on how quickly that truck heats up.

Run some injector cleaner though the system... Lucas is a good brand.



To give you a view on my perspective you can look at the below thread if you like.
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12099



I hope this helps Mark, if i think of anything else i will add it... Richard may have some input as well.

That reminds me. Ages past, whenever I had shifting problems with an automatic transmission, I would always take it to a repair shop and pay "out the nose" for a rebuild.

The past 10 years, or so, I just take it to a place like Jiffy Lube, or whatever, and have them change the transmission fluid. So far that's worked 100% for me. About $80-100. Much cheaper.

Dude, you've got the wrong mechanics if they just subbed out your tranny when the fluid was low.

As an aside, 2004 is not that old. If the body is sound, it's definitely worth investing some money in maintenance. I'd consider taking it on a road trip occasionally for 50-100 miles. Letting it sit and/or taking only short trips can cause internal problems like rust, corrosion and seizing up.

I concur with basic tune up advice like plugs, fluids, belts, hoses and filters. I think a thorough inspection of the other rubber parts would be money well spent. Replacement is probably not necessary unless there is an obvious problem. If the truck has been in NH all its life, check the undercarriage for rust.

You didn't mention the model of your 2004 Nissan but it never hurts to check the online recall lists for any used vehicle.

Fluid wasn't low.

When the fluid gets old and the detergents are gone, it can cause the valves to stick.

Mark, let me know if you want to sell that thing.

Thanks to all for the tips. JP, you weren't helpful at all. I just wanted to point that out!

I'm going to make a list of things to check or at least look out for. Some I'll do on my own and others I'll have my mechanic do.

Dakkon, I used to think nothing of replacing my own exhaust system or rebuilding my own carb, but that was many moons ago...and it feels longer ago than that. Now, to be frank, even if I developed the inclination, I would never have time to do it. I have long lists of things to do that are within my skills....and I'm not making any progress with them. Better at this point to just pay someone.

Tom- no sale! I've wanted a truck for a long time but could never justify it...the initial expense of $5K+ even for a beater, the parking issues, etc. Within the last year I've gained one parking spot via my neighbor giving me a bunch of heavy landscaping work for free and gained another by not having an employee park here. And now, getting the truck for no cost (well, those $800 worth of tires and the other stuff that needs to be done).... I'm keeping it and hopefully getting 12 more years out of that truck!

What? I couldn't hear you over this bow tie cheesecake that I'm eating.

Yeah, I know. Talking cheesecake. I'll self-medicate later.