I'm not able to get a clear answer on this.

1. Is Ester oil change included or is it extra? (I'm not sure Ester is needed, some of the service depts I called said synthetic is fine, but then you read that the new VWEL engines work best with Ester)

2. According to the service manual, the only real difference between Premium/Elite is that Premium includes more frequent coolant changes and some more replacements like drive belt, but Elite 1 is enough for warranty. So Premium is not really needed, right?

3. Is the cost of all the services fully included in the Elite plan?

From what I can tell, if the service cost is included, then its makes sense to buy it, esp if Ester is included.

 

We've been beating this one to death on both the coupe and sedans forums lately, so definitely take a look around. Short answer and my understanding/opinion regarding your questions:

1. As far as I've been able to tell, the service contract comes with plain old dino oil, and you can pay extra at each service for Ester. One person claimed their dealer told them they'll get Ester, but that has been the exception (and unproven at that).

2. You only need to do service as outlined in your manual. Anything else is your dealer preying on people wanting to take "better care" or "spoil" their cars unnecessarily. The engineers clearly specify service needs in the manual.

3. No idea on that one, as I didn't buy a service plan.

Generally speaking, service plans are a bad idea, for all the reasons you'll find in related threads. You will find conflicting opinions, and the ultimate decision is up to you. Keep in mind that service plans are an item that dealers make huge profit on, and they push hard on them for that reason.

Here's one recent discussion thread: https://www.myg37.com/forums/g37-sed...ance-plan.html

Good luck.

 

the PREMIUM maintenance plans covers the cost of the ester oil for all VVEL engines. This is their recommendation and they stand behind their recommendation by including it in their cost of maintenance.

It's my understanding that the Elite 1-2 does not include Ester oil...

If you care about your cars and you plan on keeping it, you should be flushing the system. Chemicals break downs into their component acids or bases and eventually you're going to have leaks due to your hoses breaking down. I mean of course they're going to prefer you don't and have you come in for a major service, but you should really be flushing your coolant/brake lines every like 20-30k,

I mean it comes down to what you're willing to pay. the premium will have more major service intervals which I think Elite mirrors w/ the exception of more frequent filter replacements and wiper replacements. However, the VQ is a beater engine and things need to be replaced/flushed a little more often than most engines out there (IMHO) so I don't recommend elite 1. either way loop it into your monthly and you won't even notice it... I mean the cost of the 30k/60k maintenance is expensive if you don't do it yourself and it's almost free when you think about with the maintenance plan.

ester oil change: filter+washer +6qt of ester oil; is pretty much like 100 bucks. do that 4x a year for 5 years and you just spent 2k. I mean if you do the math and get it for a good price it's really a steal. esp if you plan on using the ester. ester can't be bought cheap like castrol Syntec or dino oil.

 

Loop it into your monthly? That's horrible financial advice. C'mon...you can't be serious. Do you work in the F&I office at a dealer or something??

And do you have ANY backup for the assertions about hoses breaking down due to not flushing fluids that don't call for flushes? I'd love to see one case of this anywhere on this forum.

 

I refused every addon the dealer pushed when buying, and am looking at prices on infinitiwarranty.com, which are a lot cheaper.

The service manual clearly says that Elite will cover everything needed for warranty, but they recommend Premium. I highly doubt its going to cause breakdowns.

If indeed Ester is included with Premium, then I think it might be worth it. My goal is to save money and not have to pay for things such as coolant, differential, drive belt, if indeed these things are needed as part of the service.

Quick math -

75k/60m Elite 1 = $1689
20 x regular oil change (~$50) = $1000. $700 to cover services

75k/60m Premium = $2389
20 x Ester oil change (~$100) = $2000. $400 to cover services

So on paper it'd seem the Premium is better value/money, but of course it costs more.

 

All I'm saying is if you plan on using the ester oil, if you do the math you'll probably break even by just the cost of goods which makes it worth it. if you're not planning to use the nissan ester then no don't by the service contract cause a 35$ oil change and a 60k is all you're planning on doing.

I mean the hoses themselves are going to breakedown to the age. brake fluid collects moisture over time. moisture brings down the bp of the brake fluid and over time can corrode the lines and damage the master cylinder/ brake valves and the motor pump. not to mention the moisture, w/ a low BP, can become a gas that can the line and the constant compression/expansion of the hose is going to deteriorate the hose over time. I mean just cause you haven't read it, doesn't mean it's not true.

coolant works in the same fashion. hoses aren't the major issues because those will wear over time (so yes I had an incomplete thought about them being directly related) but they will not serve their purpose long term due to the increase in moisture content over time, and the engine life will suffer as a result.


but like i said, if you're planning to use the ester, the cost of goods might = the cost of the plan so it's something to look into, I'm not saying I don't disagree with you that most dealership add-ons are a gouge, but be an informed buyer and know what you're paying for. people don't have to be ignorant. not every dealer is going to try to trick you into buying their menu items. but at the same time not every dealer is lexus trying to make you pay 3000 3gs for permaplate warranty.

 

I have the Elite 2 service contract and it covers Ester oil with each service at 7500 miles / 6 months. I take my car to Infiniti of Tustin.

 

that's what I was thinking, just couldn't remember what that notice said... so yeah all dealers are choosing whether or not to be using nissan ester then for All VVEL engines. that's a little sad....

 

This is from a local dealer (Beshoff in San Jose)

Beshoff Infiniti Service prices

"Beshoff includes genuine Nissan Ester oil in all Premium Schedule services. Schedule 1 service include Castrol synthetic blend oil (Ester oil $37 additional)"

I couldn't find any language in the extended service contract which says they have to use Ester. And some dealers say Ester isn't even needed. So it looks like its upto the dealer which frankly isn't good enough. If Infiniti thinks their engines need this, they should make alll dealers follow it.

I also wish the extended service plan included brake pads+rotors, like BMW does. That's expensive.

 

If they really thought the engines NEEDED it, they WOULD make all the dealers follow it. So take what you will from that, about whether the Ester oil is a necessity or not

 

that's the word use problem. It's "recommended"
I'm sure any dealer, if they saw that, would give me at least a thought, and say why not... If i remember correctly despite what we pay, the reimbursement is standard (whether for dino oil or synthetic or ester)


it's like the idiots running the health insurance: Obama says "cannot deny coverage to children for pre-existing health condition." The health insurance companies say, well can we deny them if they don't know how to explain the theory of relativity? how about when they can't multiple 32 and 17? what about the inability to recite the gettysburg address?

 

Elite maintenance plans (prepaid maintnance) includes Ester oil. The factory will reimburse the dealer for it. So you should definately make sure they use it.

 

Has there even been proof that Ester oil is "better" for our cars? I think it's just a gimmick, personally.

 

https://www.myg37.com/forums/general...-new-post.html

Consensus is Ester is better, other Ester products such as Redline may be even better, regular synthetic is not going to void any warranties.

 

We got the service plan for my 09 sedan but I'm sure which one. So I'll have to look into that later when I get home from work. But anyways at my 2nd oil change for my car I explained to the service rep. I was hearing a ticking noise from my engine. He said the ester oil would fix it blah blah blah and tried to get me to pay $90 just for the oil.

I asked if my service plan/warranty covered the oil he said no. Well I ended up calling Infiniti Consumer Affairs in the waiting area and a nice lady spoke to the service rep. and told him the ester oil is included for this oil change and ALL future changes in my plan free of charge.

But now I'm kind of thinking about switching to Redline or Motul ester systhetic oil. Soo blah lol.