2004 Nissan Platina

Introduction:

The 2004 Nissan Platina is a compact sedan that was discontinued in 2009. It was available with two engine options: a 1.6-liter inline-four and a 1.8-liter inline-four. Both engines were paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Platina received generally positive reviews for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and subpar interior quality.

Engine

1.6-liter Inline-Four

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, causing a loss of oil pressure and potential engine damage. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damaging the engine. Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

1.8-liter Inline-Four

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping: The transmission may slip between gears, causing a loss of power and acceleration. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
• Torque Converter Shudder: The torque converter may shudder or vibrate during acceleration. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Suspension

• Strut Mounts Deteriorate: The strut mounts can deteriorate over time, causing the suspension to become noisy and unstable. Solution: Replace the strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Sway Bar Links Wear Out: The sway bar links can wear out and become loose, causing clunking noises and affecting handling. Solution: Replace the sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The battery may drain prematurely, even when the vehicle is turned off. Solution: Check for parasitic electrical draws and replace any faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Headlight Switch Failure: The headlight switch may fail, causing the headlights to not work. Solution: Replace the headlight switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Door Handles Break: The exterior door handles can break, making it difficult to open the doors. Solution: Replace the door handles. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
• Tail Light Lenses Fade: The tail light lenses may fade over time, reducing their visibility. Solution: Replace the tail light lenses. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard may crack or warp over time, especially in hot climates. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Air Conditioning Blower Motor Failure: The air conditioning blower motor may fail, resulting in a lack of airflow from the vents. Solution: Replace the blower motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary:

The 2004 Nissan Platina has a range of potential issues, but most of them are minor to moderate in severity and cost to fix. The most significant problems are related to the valve cover gasket leak, timing chain tensioner failure, and slipped automatic transmission. Overall, the Platina is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of these potential issues when buying a used model.