I bought a brand new Navara nine months ago (Reg December 2004 direct from a UK Dealer), and recently noticed a couple of bits of rust:-
Three out of the four locking wheel nuts are rusting inside and one of the side step / running boards on the side of the vehicle is covered in what looks like white specles. However when you rub them with a cloth, some of the whiteness goes away but the outline remains. I have been informed by the independent garage that I use to valet the vehicle (this may sound OTT for a pickup but it is a commercial vehicle and has all our advertising / logos on it so we keep it clean) that is is the first stage of rust.
I took it back to the Dealer who was not hugely helpful. When I showed the locking wheel nuts - I got "they all do that" and when I showed the side step / running board, they could not provide an explanation but took a picture to send to Nissan UK. They did try to fob me off by telling me that it was an optional extra anyway (quite untrue - it was standard fit for the Navara but an optional extra for the basic pickup). I am now waiting for the result of the photo from Nissan UK.
I had originally thought about importing this vehicle but eventually went to a main dealer (and paid more) because I had heard that imports are prone to rust, so I am particularly disappointed with the outcome.
How do I proceed?
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It's under warranty. Claim for repairs in writing. With a copy to Nissan UK. And add words to the effect " disappointed I have to write to enforce my legal righst but your attitude leaves me no choice. If I get no satisfaction.. Trading Standards, Small Claims Court"
If I were Nissan UK, I'd descend on the dealer hard...
madf
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Is the side running board made from aluminium as it is on the Audi Allroad?
A friend has an Allroad and the running boards are covered with thousands of such white pimples. Being aluminium it is not strictly speaking rust (it is oxidisation) and is unlikely ever to become the problem it would be if ferrous material other than being a visual eyesore. Since seeing the problem on his Allroad, I have glanced at each one I've seen parked and noticed all were affected.
I guess it's all down to protection, or lack of, in the desire to look good in the showroom. Much elbow grease with a metal polish gets most of the spots off, but they soon return.
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I assume it has the McGuard type locking nuts? These tend to go rusty in the groove if they're tightened/loosened with a windy gun. The impact shocks knocks the plating off.
As written above, I think the 'pimples' are aluminium oxide and there's not much you can do about it - other than maybe a good coat of wax. You could lacquer it, but then the lacquer might peel off with use and look unsightly. There used to a specific 'aluminium polish' avaiable in a toothpaste tube - maybe try some of that?
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Not sure if this is the same product as Aprilia had in mind but listed under Mororcycle sub-section here www.holtsauto.com/products/index.html is Aluminium Polish.
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Thanks for the replies. Some further data:-
The wheel nuts to my knowledge have never been used (unless the dealer does something pre-delivery or during service (pickups often are serviced 6 months / 6,000 miles - so it has had its first service). But why would it effect three out of four.
I am not sure about the material of the running board. I am not sure if it is aluminium (I would have thought that might be a bit expensive in a Navara - you would expect it more in a vehicle of the quality of the Allroad). Again why only one side (drivers side?)- they have both experienced the same conditions?
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>>Again why only one side (driversside?)- they have both experienced the same conditions?
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But have they?
The opposite has happened on my friend's Allroad; the nearside running board is the more heavily pitted, I guess as a result of water and grime gathering more deeply at the road edge and then being flung up by driving through it.
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Good News - Nissan have just phoned me to confirm that they will replace the running board / side step and all four locking wheel nuts.
I am really pleased (did not expect it - they certainly managed my expectations down!!!)
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