Hi all here, good to know there are some local owners that I can ask Q's of if necessary.. and maybe able to help..
I've had a 2011 370 gt crossover 'four' since Feb 2017, bought it up in AKL from City motor group in Penrose. No hassles with the car or the process, though it was top dollar at that time since it only had 16,000kms, half leather, cruise, one down from the top model. It did have a few extras included that they didn't know about at the time, like remote engine start/key fob, as well as a second remote key fob, a front license plate left-right camera, for VERY closeup parking practices, and just the passenger side camera in the door mirror!!, it does have reverse cam but it lacked the 'all-round view' which would have been nice but not essential.
It was a 4.5 import but I have noticed that in certain types of daylight the rear passenger door looks slightly darker than the body. It has the 5 year paint but I wonder if the door was repainted and the metallic 'flic coat' was applied wrong direction or ??.. guessing.. ideas??
For those who haven't got their japanese menus sorted for the entertainment setup. I used the phone camera in google translate to take away the guesswork. There are a lot less options/settings than you will find in the US model infiniti EX. But yes there is a setting to stop the nav mentioning the schools, Bluetooth streaming and handsfree phone is possible with iphone8, Samsung S7 (and A3 i think it is), the USB is only for ipod or usb stick. It will charge the ipod when not in use. All media sources can be controlled (stop, start, pause, next, previous, etc) by the left hand steering wheel "ENTER" knob. The hands-free phone works perfectly, no-one has commented about quality or volume level. I use the little 'shelf' inside the armrest to hold a USB wireless charger for my Samsung S7, and the phone GPS still works. So if you are streaming you will get the google maps gps commands over the music.
I did investigate the options for replacing or translating the entertainment unit, the 2011 onwards require a replacement unit, not software change, and Australian ones are available but they do not include NZ maps.. bumma
The cruise control does regain the speed too dramatically in my opinion, often changing down two gears and max acceleration, which is rarely ever needed. I have found very little difference between the three following distance settings of the laser controlled cruise. Most of the time on the open road I will use the old 'normal' cruise control, keeping the laser for in town or motorway.
The "FOUR" part of the model name is not an off-road option or ability, it is only an extra safety control feature along with the stability control etc. The "snow" button just tries to make it harder for you to spin the wheels when taking off or accelerating on slippery roads, by reducing power response, it's not a 'magic 4WD' switch.
Q1.
There is no spare/space-saver tyre, just a small compressor and a bottle of goo, which I dont want to have to rely on, so if anyone here knows a place that has a used space-saver, please reply back...?
Q2.
For a while now I have noticed a light rattling noise coming from underneath drivers side, like grit/stones bouncing around in a tin can, I am suspecting something to do with the exhaust (corrosion inside causing small particles to break free) but the nissan service people didn't find anything external. I don't think they are too interested anyway. Ideas anyone????
Q3.
Has anyone done any comparisons on fuel.. even though 95 (RON) premium is preferred it seems to be fine on 91 (RON) but then I am not a racer type driver. Any thoughts here??
Q4.
The original Dunlop tyres are still on it, and i have noted they are very noisy on some surfaces, and perfect on other surfaces. Has anyone here done any comparisons.?? I will need to get a new set soon, the dunlops are probably gone hard by now.
FINALLY - Warning VQ engine
The biggest issue I have found out about since googling this car is the fact that the water pump is internal to the engine. So IF the water pump decided to shit itself or even leak a little amount, it will do it into the engine oil. Which ain't good news for the engine itself. So make sure that you keep a close and regular eye on the coolant level, much better to replace a water pump than replace an engine.
cheers to you all > doobre