After driving my 2002 Nissan xTerra without air conditioning for two Florida summers with what appeared to be 'a recent major oil leak', I decided it was time for a new vehicle. Sadly, I discovered that Nissan no longer makes xTerras! After test driving similar vehicles where driver visibility did not even come close to what I was used to with my xTerra, I decided to get the oil leak fixed. I made an appointment with the nearest Nissan dealership; and, was told that the rear main seal was leaking - repair cost: $976.25. Without requesting, the Nissan dealership determined that the power steering pump was leaking - repair cost $573.48; and, the steering gear box was leaking - repair cost: $2282.19. Total repair cost: $3,831.92. This grand total did not include an air conditioning repair.
As Lady Luck would have it, I found a coupon for a 'free' air conditioning check; and, that's how I met Jonathon, owner of Certified Automotive and Performance in Punta Gorda, Florida. Before deciding to have Jonathon replace the A/C compressor kit, I felt that the major oil leak needed to be addressed; after all, I could survive without air conditioning; but, an oil leak? I don't think so!
Initially, Jonathon felt that Nissan's diagnosis of 'rear main seal leaking' as the cause of the severe oil leak was incorrect. Jonathon surmised that the cause of the oil leak was coming from the oil pan which he felt needed to be resealed. Before deciding which diagnosis was correct, I got an additional quote on the repair from another independent car repair place located in Punta Gorda on Tamiami Blvd who I had used in the past. This mechanic's diagnosis and price was comparable to Nissan's. I returned to Jonathon with this conflicting information. Again, Jonathon crawled under my xTerra and reassured me that it was indeed the oil pan that needed to be resealed. With this confirmation, I decided to have Jonathon, who use to work for Nissan, repair the oil leak AND replace the A/C compressor and A/C belt.
That was 9 months ago and I'm ecstatic to share that there is no evidence of an oil leak on my garage floor and I'm soooooooooo enjoying an air conditioned vehicle!! Nissan's diagnosis that the rear main seal was leaking was inaccurate. Neither the steering gear box nor the power steering pump were leaking and 9 months later were again checked by Jonathon who determined 'no problem'. Nissan not only misdiagnosed the oil leak issue but was going to charge 3.25 times more than Jonathon who also fixed the air conditioning problem!!!
On August 21, 2017, Jonathon changed my oil. Without being asked, Jonathon checked the power steering pump and the steering gear box and determined that neither were leaking as 'diagnosed 11 months earlier by Nissan! Additionally, Jonathon checked my transmission fluid and sighted the date of spark plugs replacement. Jonathon reported, "Everything looks good!" Can't help but say how Jonathon 'goes the extra mile' when he cleaned both headlights and removed the partially peeled adhesive film from the driver's and passenger's windows without me asking!!
My xTerra is at 171,893 miles and doing great! Plan on witnessing 250,000 plus miles with an honest and factory certified technician named Jonathon at Certified Automotive and Performance 270 Allen St. Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-999-7872. It' tremendous having such a knowledgeable technician who knows my xTerra's history and cares!
In deep appreciation,
Catherine S. read more
