[BenFrank76]

As most say, it's going to be about maintenance (including the previous owner). I purchased my 2006 SE 4x4 for 5500 with 150k miles on it in 2018. I now have 174k miles, have a good amount of fun upgrades and this rig has been really reliable.


Within a few weeks I encountered some issues (I had a dishonest seller and these items didnt show themselves initially, i couldn't see them, the light wasn't on, etc.) :
1. Clock spring failure (no driver air bag)
2. Brake failure (replaced all areas based on learnings in this forum and zero problems since)
2a. Replaced brake booster
2b. Replaced front hubs (speed sensors are built in)
2c. Full brake job all around.
3. Installed lower motor mount bolts (yes, they were missing LOL)
4. General tune up / clean throttle body, replaced plugs, changed oil/filter, changed air filter.
5. changed cabin filter.

Problems I've encountered and resolved since:
1. front CV boots torn
2. Power steering leaks (at reservoir)
3. inner and outer tie rod ends
4. climate control actuator issues.
5. starter relay failure
6. starter failure.
7. squeaky hood

Current problem I have
Oil leak (appears to be oil pan gasket which I'll tackle soon)

Wow that is a lot of issues.

I'll be the first to say it. Pre owned cars are only as good as the previous owner. If you find one you like, have it inspected.
These are great SUVs and are solid but can have issues. Exhaust header cracks which can cause failed emissions and be costly repairs. 4WD is solid but does not have locking diff like the Sequoia.
13-15 are the best years to get for the 1st Gen. As most of the previous issues were worked out. These do not offer the latest Bluetooth/Audio, so streaming music from your phone won't work. Need to do a stero upgrade and they have limited options.

We love ours and wouldn't trade it for many other vehicles out there. The newer generation comes with modern tech, maybe worth considering. Great value SUV with towing capabilities that will impress. Happy hunting. Took me a long time to find a well cared for one.

Exaust header cracks are interesting, just read extensively about those in this forum. You have to hope it happens within the 80k mile warranty mark or you're screwed. Hmm maybe I'll look at even lower mileage Armada's.

 

[Tanks]

Exaust header cracks are interesting, just read extensively about those in this forum. You have to hope it happens within the 80k mile warranty mark or you're screwed. Hmm maybe I'll look at even lower mileage Armada's.

Even If you find one with less than 80k miles, the vehicle year might also no longer be under warranty due to age. I got mine with roughly 80k miles if I recall. I've not had the issue because I'm in dry climate.

 

[BenFrank76]

Even If you find one with less than 80k miles, the vehicle year might also no longer be under warranty due to age. I got mine with roughly 80k miles if I recall. I've not had the issue because I'm in dry climate.

O that's very true. Whats the total cost these days to replace the Manifolds in the best way possible (so they don't crack again)? Also anyone know how much the Air Suspension as I've read that could go to may cost? Trying to estimate the max $ in repairs within the first 5 years of ownership. I'm coming from a Subaru Forester which I replaced the leaking headgasket twice in (once at 85k the other at 160k) for around $2000 each. Still would buy again as other than that is been perfect. So thinking maybe this is the same with the Armada.

 

[Tanks]

O that's very true. Whats the total cost these days to replace the Manifolds in the best way possible (so they don't crack again)? Also anyone know how much the Air Suspension as I've read that could go to may cost? Trying to estimate the max $ in repairs within the first 5 years of ownership. I'm coming from a Subaru Forester which I replaced the leaking headgasket twice in (once at 85k the other at 160k) for around $2000 each. Still would buy again as other than that is been perfect. So thinking maybe this is the same with the Armada.

The exhaust is not cheap, prices range but it's hard to say. From what I understand, it's a one time deal. Do it and enjoy the performance gains. Suspension, swap the airbags and go to Bilstein struts and never look back. Saves money time and is an improvement over airbags. A lot of info on this here.

 

[GotGrit]

At the end of the day, it's about how much you enjoy the vehicle, Doing the maintenance and repairing what needs to be repaired (even if you had to replace the engine, transmission, or transfer case) almost always is more cost effective than buying another used or new vehicle, especially if you've had it long enough to know "where it's been". This has been the most enjoyable vehicle I've owned. Now of course, this is the earlier 1st gen, so if it was to truly take a dump on me, I'd go out for the later years of the 1st gen, move all my suspension over to it, and donate what is left of this one. But something to mention - this was a little beat up, and I paid just over $5k for it. I feel GOOD taking it through the mud, the snow, and scratching the paint across trees . It has 173k miles on it and has proven to be more reliable than my mini cooper that only has 85k on it and the cost of ownership has been so much less.

The initial interest in this vehicle came from taking a ride in a co-worker's armada. I sat in the very back and this is the only 3rd row vehicle I've ever been in where an adult can feel comfortable in the far back. It has nearly the same amount of leg room as the middle and front rows do from seat to floor. I have 4 children ranging from 5 to 18 and they are all comfortable on trips (until I get to the windy roads, but that's a separate problem lol).

Anyhow, long story short - the previous post about 'the car is as good as its owner' is fact. I can tell you that the guy that sold me this car I had trust issues with, but for the price, I was willing to risk it... I paid the price, but even after basic repairs, was 7k and far less than the others out there in similar condition.

GET ONE!

 

[Mancini789]

Hello everyone,
I'm currently in the market for a used car, and I came across a 2013 Nissan Armada SL with a V-8 5.6L engine. The car is priced at $9,900, which is within my budget, but the title status is salvage, which is making me hesitate.
I was hoping to get some advice from the forum members on whether or not I should purchase a car with a salvage title. What are the risks involved? What are the benefits? Are there any specific things I should be looking out for when inspecting a car with a salvage title?
Additionally, I'm interested in any insights or opinions on the 2013 Nissan Armada and its engine. Are there any known issues or common problems with this model that I should be aware of?
Thank you in advance for any advice or insights you can provide.

 

[twinblown]

Have you checked the car fax?.... it may indicate what happened and to what area of the car which can make you decide how bad of an accidentit it had. 2013 is a good year and SL a plus. How many miles does it have?

 

[marctronixx]

Hello everyone,

i did a cursory search and found this -




NISSAN ARMADA 2013 - VIN: 5N1BA0ND5DN607873

to answer you other concerns ,

the nissan armada/qx are very reliable cars. lots of people here have had them over 200K miles. any used car is only as good as its previous owner(s). if you have a mechanic you trust, id let them smoke over the car. they can eyeball anything physical and run a code scanner to see if any dtc's are present. you can read up on any tsbs or recalls by the vin (stop at a local nissan dealer and have them look up the vin in their system to see what data /maintenance records they come up with).

 

[AllMatterArmada]

We're looking at used 21+ Armadas for my wife, likely an SL trim level. Are there any things we should look out for when viewing/test driving the Armada?

We're debating between an SL or Platinum trim. Most of the addition features of the Platinum (22s, cooled seats, video rear view mirror) don't seem worth the additional cost - at least for us. However, the Platinum is listed as having "Intelligent Back-Up Intervention". What makes this better than "Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention" and/or "Rear Automatic Braking" which appears to be standard on all models? Also is there any real world benefit to "Traffic Sign Recognition" other than if you've missed a road way sign? Does the traffic sign recognition change the speed of the adaptive cruise control?

Also happy to see a vibrant community for the Armada!

 

[ninfiniti]

Hi,
I'm shopping around for a used Armada/QX56. This will be a 3rd vehicle for just camping trips, hardware store trips and eventually to tow a bass boat and maybe a travel trailer. I'm looking for one under $10k and less than 150k miles. That seems to point me to the 2006-2012 model years in my area. For some reason I don't want to go older than 2006. Looking for everyone's advice on the following:
1. Is there any MY I should avoid because of a lot of issues?
2. Is there anything I should keep an eye out for while shopping? Common expensive problems? (Like pink transmission fluid)
3. Any threads you recommend that my search may have missed?
4. What year did they switch to 7 speed? Wikipedia doesn't have that kind of detail.
5. Any upgrades I should do once I buy? (like transmission cooler?)
6. Any big repairs that are usually needed around 150k and 15 years?

Thanks in advance.

 

[marctronixx]

2006 is a better year over the earlier models so good call.
1. 2006 is the minimum i would look at as well.
2. manifolds can crack on some years.
3. this site had a wealth of knowledge on everything armada and infiniti. this thread is a good start to find out opinions of others
4. Nissan 7 Speed Transmission- RE7R01A - AlphaTorq
5. search for that to see opinions
6. not really

use common sense and judgement when looking for a vehicle. the armada is a solid vehicle and perfect for what you are wanting to do with it. as you will see in this thread, any used car is only as good as its previous owner, so research the vin, go to a dealer and ask them about the history of the car, kick the tires and enjoy the process.

 

[primoV8]

Hi,
I'm shopping around for a used Armada/QX56. This will be a 3rd vehicle for just camping trips, hardware store trips and eventually to tow a bass boat and maybe a travel trailer. I'm looking for one under $10k and less than 150k miles. That seems to point me to the 2006-2012 model years in my area. For some reason I don't want to go older than 2006. Looking for everyone's advice on the following:
1. Is there any MY I should avoid because of a lot of issues?
2. Is there anything I should keep an eye out for while shopping? Common expensive problems? (Like pink transmission fluid)
3. Any threads you recommend that my search may have missed?
4. What year did they switch to 7 speed? Wikipedia doesn't have that kind of detail.
5. Any upgrades I should do once I buy? (like transmission cooler?)
6. Any big repairs that are usually needed around 150k and 15 years?

Thanks in advance.

1. The first gen trucks, especially 04-06 had the majority of the issues you've probably read or heard about the armada. Everything from the notorious brake booster, fuel pump, IPDM, cracked manifolds, rear air leveling suspension; all somewhat costly to repair especially if you're not a DIY'er. Throw in the HVAC actuators that aren't costly as a part but the labor to remove and install can be a backbreaker... literally.
Unless you can find a well maintained early first gen, maybe consider it but if not, target '10-'12 if within the budget.

2. Besides the other issues already mentioned, keep on eye out for signs of RUST. These trucks, especially in the Northeast or places where roads are salted during winter months can wreck havoc on the subframe and suspension components. It eventually makes it difficult to get a proper 4 wheel alignment done because all the camber hardware ends up seized. Another expensive fix if having to replace control arms & camber hardware due to the labor involved.

3. Just search on here and over at titantalk.com. Similar issues regarding the early first gens.

4. The 7-speed arrived with the 2011-current Z62 QX56/80 and the 2017-current Y62 Armada.

5. Upgrades all depends on what you want to do with the truck. A popular one is to swap out the cheap OE Tokyo front struts and install Bilsteins which improves the ride drastically. Some also eliminate the problematic rear air leveling suspension when it fails and upgrade the coils (Moog 81085) and install Bilsteins in the rear.

6. All depends on how the previous owner(s) maintained the truck. Look over anything and everything. Ask, test drive if possible and good luck!

 

[ninfiniti]

2006 is a better year over the earlier models so good call.
1. 2006 is the minimum i would look at as well.
2. manifolds can crack on some years.
3. this site had a wealth of knowledge on everything armada and infiniti. this thread is a good start to find out opinions of others
4. Nissan 7 Speed Transmission- RE7R01A - AlphaTorq
5. search for that to see opinions
6. not really

use common sense and judgement when looking for a vehicle. the armada is a solid vehicle and perfect for what you are wanting to do with it. as you will see in this thread, any used car is only as good as its previous owner, so research the vin, go to a dealer and ask them about the history of the car, kick the tires and enjoy the process.

Thanks for the advice.

1. The first gen trucks, especially 04-06 had the majority of the issues you've probably read or heard about the armada. Everything from the notorious brake booster, fuel pump, IPDM, cracked manifolds, rear air leveling suspension; all somewhat costly to repair especially if you're not a DIY'er. Throw in the HVAC actuators that aren't costly as a part but the labor to remove and install can be a backbreaker... literally.
Unless you can find a well maintained early first gen, maybe consider it but if not, target '10-'12 if within the budget.

2. Besides the other issues already mentioned, keep on eye out for signs of RUST. These trucks, especially in the Northeast or places where roads are salted during winter months can wreck havoc on the subframe and suspension components. It eventually makes it difficult to get a proper 4 wheel alignment done because all the camber hardware ends up seized. Another expensive fix if having to replace control arms & camber hardware due to the labor involved.

3. Just search on here and over at titantalk.com. Similar issues regarding the early first gens.

4. The 7-speed arrived with the 2011-current Z62 QX56/80 and the 2017-current Y62 Armada.

5. Upgrades all depends on what you want to do with the truck. A popular one is to swap out the cheap OE Tokyo front struts and install Bilsteins which improves the ride drastically. Some also eliminate the problematic rear air leveling suspension when it fails and upgrade the coils (Moog 81085) and install Bilsteins in the rear.

6. All depends on how the previous owner(s) maintained the truck. Look over anything and everything. Ask, test drive if possible and good luck!

Thanks for the advice.

 

[CBEllis]

We're looking at used 21+ Armadas for my wife, likely an SL trim level. Are there any things we should look out for when viewing/test driving the Armada?

We're debating between an SL or Platinum trim. Most of the addition features of the Platinum (22s, cooled seats, video rear view mirror) don't seem worth the additional cost - at least for us. However, the Platinum is listed as having "Intelligent Back-Up Intervention". What makes this better than "Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention" and/or "Rear Automatic Braking" which appears to be standard on all models? Also is there any real world benefit to "Traffic Sign Recognition" other than if you've missed a road way sign? Does the traffic sign recognition change the speed of the adaptive cruise control?

Also happy to see a vibrant community for the Armada!

Real benefits of the Platinum vs. SL is heated/cooled seats in front & rear. The motorized 3rd row is nice too vs. manual up & down - that's a plus. The sign recognition only helps with speed limit signs, if they aren't already programmed into the current nav version or CarPlay. This feature does not affect the actual speed of the car, that is determined by traffic in front of the vehicle, not the legally posted speed (but that would be pretty cool). That's nothing too beneficial. The SL has most creature comforts. If you're in a cold climate, the heated middle row is nice, I'm in TX so I don't miss it. You'll have all of the 360 cameras / backup / safety features on the SL. The Platinum leather is upgraded, it's just better. I like the SL leather just fine. For me, 22's are too big. 20's are perfectly fine and allow for alittle more sidewall on the tire. I'm not sure what the cost difference is but I know that the SL is one of the best values out there.

 

[TXHokie7]

Hey all,

I wanted to get your feedback. I'm looking at purchasing a 2015 Nissan Armada SV. It's the last year of the original body style. It has 63k miles on it. Was a one owner and the dealer received it as a trade-in. The dealer has installed new Michelin Defender LTX/MS tires, did an alignment, replaced the drive belt, engine oil and filter change, front brake pads replaced and rotors turned, brake fluid was flushed, and engine air filter replaced. I also haggled with them to do a transmission service on it(replace fluid and fliter) included at a price of $21k + TTL.

Is this a good deal? I just had my 4th kid and we've been car shopping for a while. Anything comparable from other brands(i.e. Sequoia, Yukon, Expedition, etc.) runs $30K for similar miles and year. It's clean and was pretty much dealer maintained by the previous owners. What are your thoughts? Appreciate any feedback.

 

[n8dogg]

63K on a 2015 sounds great, and the price sounds on par in this market. I too landed an Armada years ago because of how they priced against other comparable vehicles.

 

[TXHokie7]

63K on a 2015 sounds great, and the price sounds on par in this market. I too landed an Armada years ago because of how they priced against other comparable vehicles.

How has yours held up?

 

[n8dogg]

Great! It's a gas hog and therefore not my daily driver but it's still super plush, I love the power and we enjoy hauling all our family/friends and towing the travel trailer with it...it does everything! At your mileage I can't imagine there's much to be concerned about. Mine has never broke down or left me stranded but there are some typical things that these sometimes run into and mine did come from the salt belt that created some added frustration, such as the shock bolts and bushings were siezed up when I decided to ditch the air shocks and the a/c lines going to the rear had a couple of leaks that I repaired. I don't think your SV has the auto level rear end so that's one less thing for your to worry about. (but if your ever do need new shocks, go Bilstein). Exhaust manifolds are known to eventually crack, so I upgraded! There is an issue with the transmission cooler that's located in the radiator. There's plastic involved and once it cracks they cross contaminate! I haven't had that problem yet but I have a radiator replacement in mind for down the road.
I wish I had a bigger fuel tank for our long towing trips, but that's about all I'd wish for. I'm glad I don't have the newer generation as I seem to read about a lot of electrical gremlins like in the charging system for example.

 

[Cbmorris504]

Hello there. I recently discovered an 07 Armada that has been listed for sale for a bit over a month now and was recently lowered to 1600. The issue she says it has is it needs a new ecm and she says the dealer will charge 1400. I've seen used ones for as little as 100 with a warranty on eBay. My question is do you all think it could be a good buy? She says everything else works. What do y'all think?

 

[seymore4]

Keep in mind if you get a junkyard ECU you're going to have to either have the dealership reprogram it, or have us flash it with Uprev to bypass NATS (immobilizer) before the truck will run. Still significant savings vs buying a new one